Chapter 236: A Challenge
“No wonder outsiders say Sister Mo Feng has the spirit of a man. Seeing her today, I confirm it’s true. Well, as her elder sister, I’ll get straight to the point.”
Meng Yun praised with a smile, her gaze sweeping over the members of the Xiyi Gate before returning to Mo Feng’s face. “Actually, the First Rank Hall came to Wuhu this time to use their facilities.”
The group’s expressions turned serious.
Mo Feng frowned and said, “Just say it plainly.”
“Fox Cave.”
Meng Yun stared at Mo Feng’s changing expression with complex emotions, her smile unchanged. “Recently, the Xiyi Gate has obtained many resources in Fox Cave and grown rapidly. As her elder sister, I’ve long wanted to come and see for myself. After all, resources as advantageous as Fox Cave are extremely rare, and many gangs have long coveted them… But back then, the Xiyi Gate had some issues with the Luoyu Gate, and since Sister Mo Feng and I are known as the ‘Two Phoenixes of the List,’ I didn’t want to be seen as taking advantage of them. So I suppressed that thought… Now that the Xiyi Gate is growing stronger, it’s truly commendable!”
“Too kind.”
Although Mo Feng remained composed, she wasn’t foolish. She sensed the deeper meaning in Meng Yun’s words, so her reply was quite calm.
Yet this didn’t stop Meng Yun’s plan to take control of Fox Cave:
“Though Fox Cave is a resource shared by all players in the martial world, it’s well-known that the Xiyi Gate has control over it. This time, I brought my people here to experience Fox Cave’s charm. I also don’t want any misunderstandings with the Xiyi Gate, which is why I invited you here to explain personally. I hope Sister Mo Feng can understand our difficulties as women.”
Although Meng Yun’s true intention was to enter Fox Cave and take away the resources currently held by the Xiyi Gate, her words sounded reasonable. It seemed the Xiyi Gate owed her a favor, and she seemed to be considering their interests at every turn, making refusal seem unjust.
Frowning, Mo Feng spoke up, “Sister, you’re overthinking it. Fox Cave isn’t originally…”
“Wait!”
A loud voice suddenly interrupted Mo Feng from the side.
Both women frowned and turned to see Lin Xiao, the vice leader of the Xiyi Gate.
The latter stepped out of the group with a serious gaze and steady steps, staring at Meng Yun who was looking over, a hint of mockery on his lips. “I do agree with what Hall Master Yun just said, but I also have a question I’d like to ask—something I can’t hold back!” After all, being in his thirties and having rich experience, he didn’t want the inexperienced Mo Feng to fall into the trap set by Meng Yun.
“So it’s Lin Xiao, the vice hall master known as the ‘Man of Loyalty.’ Go ahead and speak.”
Although Meng Yun said this, her gaze shifted to Mo Feng, carrying a faint smile.
Mo Feng’s face turned angry, but she didn’t lash out.
Because Lin Xiao indeed had a reputation and popularity in the gang that rivaled hers, handling many matters on his own. But since this was a conversation between the leaders of two major gangs, it made her somewhat uncomfortable for Lin Xiao to interject at this moment.
“Good.”
Lin Xiao laughed loudly and rudely: “We’ve already understood Hall Master Meng Yun’s point. First-Class Hall is interested in Fox Cave and wants a share from us. But since Hall Master Meng Yun has come in person to explain, does that mean you intend to share the resources of Fox Cave equally? Does that also mean we can go to Rhino Forest and Luo River Plain and take half of First-Class Hall’s resources?”
“Vice Hall Master Lin is indeed eloquent. But how can those resources be clearly divided? No one knows exactly how much each person gets, so equal sharing is of course impossible…”
“So Hall Master Meng Yun means that once we enter Fox Cave, it’s each person for themselves?” At this, Lin Xiao laughed loudly. “Haha, that makes it even more interesting. Competition for resources will inevitably lead to conflicts. Besides, there’s only one Death Wolf Woman every time Fox Cave is refreshed, and the Yao Hua couple are unique. It seems Hall Master Meng Yun has come to issue a challenge to our Heroic Gate!” As he spoke, Lin Xiao’s voice grew firm, his expression grave, and even the members of the Heroic Gate around them realized what was at stake, their gazes toward Meng Yun turning more hostile.
“…”
Facing Lin Xiao’s aggressive gaze, Meng Yun remained silent for a while before sighing. “This isn’t my intention, but with the emergence of a divine artifact, it’s inevitable to become tempted. Not only me—many gangs and martial artists have gathered in Wuhu. Even Lingxiao Palace has sent people. Sister Mo Feng, in the world of martial arts, one can’t help but be influenced by circumstances. I think you can understand.”
“If that’s the case, why bother coming here?”
“Lin Xiao!”
As soon as Lin Xiao finished speaking, Mo Feng called out his name! Liu Mei glared at him, her displeasure evident, unable to tolerate the vice leader’s constant interruptions any longer.
Hmph. Realizing he had gone too far, Lin Xiao snorted coldly and turned away, showing no intention of continuing the conversation.
“Pardon me, Hallmaster Yun! That’s just how Vice Leader Lin is. Ever since the incident with Hong Chen, he’s been in charge of Fox Cave and doesn’t want anyone to disturb him.”
“I understand.”
Meng Yun nodded with a smile. “This time, it was really me as her sister who was presumptuous. I will definitely come to apologize in person later.”
“Exaggerated! I understand what you mean, Hallmaster Yun. But as for Fox Cave, our Xiyi Gate will definitely not give it up! So, tomorrow, whether it’s the fate of the Death Wolf Woman or the Yao Hua couple, let’s see who’s really strong. Mo Feng, I take my leave!” With that, he stood up resolutely, bowed, and left as quickly as the wind, not even bothering to greet Lin Xiao or Hong Chen.
Lin Xiao and Hong Chen exchanged complex looks at Meng Yun. The former said, “Lin Xiao will be in Fox Cave, waiting eagerly for Hallmaster Yun’s visit!” before leading his men away…
After the group left, Meng Yun set down her cup and glanced at two men in plain clothes at a table in the corner. With a slight smile, she left gracefully.
In a unnoticed corner, the two men only took their eyes off her after she left, revealing knowing smiles on their faces:
“The Hallmaster was right. Allowing a woman to take charge temporarily, especially one who’s capable but lacks experience and skill, will create fatal cracks in even the strongest gang. That Lin Xiao is probably the one who can truly sustain Xiyi Gate!” The speaker wasn’t an outsider but Situ Luoyu, the leader of a faction under the First Rank Hall.
The young man sitting across from Situ Luoyu was hidden behind his seat and curtain, with a golden centipede tattooed on his chest. He wore an arrogant and cold expression:
“That can indeed be exploited. Besides, with the Hallmaster issuing a challenge to Xiyi Gate in person, even the calmest person won’t remain composed. Add in subtle provocation, and Xiyi Gate will surely be in chaos upon returning. Once either Lin Xiao or Mo Feng is dealt with, Xiyi Gate is nothing but a ragtag bunch…”
Just then, a homing pigeon appeared suddenly between the two of them.
“What’s this…”
The young man with the golden centipede tattoo scanned the note and turned pale. With a bang, he angrily slammed the table, gritting his teeth: “Damn it! That little brat! Daring to come to the headquarters and provoke me!!”