Chapter 76: Is It Not?

The sun climbed higher into the sky, casting long, golden beams of light through the carved lattice windows of the main reception hall. The aroma of freshly baked bread and rich, fermented fruit wine lingered heavily in the air as the conversation between Lu Feng and Lin Laifu stretched on, shifting from the shadowy killings in the city to the personal conflicts brewing beneath the surface.

"Speaking of prominent figures," Lu Feng said, taking a slow sip from his crystal cup as his mismatched eyes fixed on the merchant, "what of Ma Guiren? During our encounter at your pavilion yesterday, the man seemed far from willing to swallow his pride. Even after Senior Su Rong stepped in to handle the situation, I get the distinct impression he has not let go of his grudge."

Lin Laifu let out a low, rueful sigh, shaking his head as he set his own cup down. "Your instincts are sharp, Young Master Lu. Ma Guiren is precisely the kind of man who nursing a grudge for years if necessary. He is petty, ruthless, and patient enough to wait until he spots a moment of weakness before striking in the dark. In normal circumstances, I would advise you to watch your back every second you spend in Crimson Vale City."

The plump merchant paused, offering a small, reassuring smile. "However, since Big Sister Su Rong personally intervened and issued a stern warning, the situation is different. Ma Guiren may be arrogant, but he is not a fool. He knows the sheer power and authority the Su Clan commands within the city. To blatantly disregard Big Sister Su Rong’s warning would be committing financial and physical suicide. For now, he will most likely swallow his bile and keep his distance."

Lu Feng gave a subtle nod, accepting Lin Laifu’s assessment. While he had no intention of dropping his guard around a viper like Ma Guiren, knowing the merchant was constrained by Su Rong’s authority gave him one less immediate headache to worry about.

Lin Laifu then steered the conversation back toward the mysterious wave of targeted assassinations, his voice dropping once again into a hushed, anxious tone. He went on to detail the strange movements he had noticed among the guards in the Upper District and how certain prominent trade routes were suddenly being monitored by unknown scouts.

As the merchant spoke, Lu Feng observed him closely. Watching the nervous twitching of Lin Laifu’s fingers and the way his eyes repeatedly darted toward the courtyard gates, a sudden realization dawned on Lu Feng. Lin Laifu wasn’t just speculating out of general concern for the city’s political stability—the plump merchant genuinely believed that he himself was on that secret hit list.

He was terrified that whatever shadowy group was systematically eliminating the city’s key figures would soon come knocking on the doors of his own trade pavilion. Yet, out of pride or a desire not to inflate his own importance in front of a powerful cultivator like Lu Feng, Lin Laifu refused to voice his personal fear directly.

After nearly an hour of detailed discussion, Lin Laifu wiped his brow with a silk handkerchief and offered an apologetic smile.

"Ah, look at the time," Lin Laifu said, carefully pushing himself up from the wooden chair with a grunt. "I must apologize, Young Master Lu, but I must take my leave. I have an important trade agreement finalizing at the central merchant hall before noon, and I cannot afford to be late."

"I understand," Lu Feng replied smoothly, standing up to escort his guest. "Business must come first."

Lin Laifu poured one last round of crimson wine into their crystal cups. Holding his glass high, he offered a warm, respectful toast. "To your new home, Young Master Lu, and to a long, prosperous friendship between us!"

"To our friendship, Master Lin," Lu Feng replied, clinking his cup against the merchant’s. Both men downed the fiery, sweet liquid in a single gulp before walking out into the bright morning sunlight of the courtyard.

Lin Laifu boarded his grand, luxurious carriage while his two tall guards jumped onto the rear platform. The driver called out to the horses, and the heavy iron-rimmed wheels began to turn, rolling smoothly toward the wide wooden gates that Han Lin held open.

As the carriage reached the threshold of the estate, Lu Feng suddenly took a few quick steps forward and called out into the courtyard.

"Master Lin! Hold on a moment!"

The carriage ground to a halt, and Lin Laifu quickly poked his round face out of the silk-curtained window, looking back with a curious expression. "Is something wrong, Young Master Lu?"

Lu Feng walked up to the side of the carriage, stopping right beside the window. He looked directly into the plump merchant’s anxious eyes, his voice dropping into a low, firm, and unshakeable tone.

"Master Lin, we have shared wine and done good business together," Lu Feng said calmly. "If you ever find yourself facing a situation you cannot handle, or if you ever feel that danger is drawing near your doorstep... do not hesitate to reach out to me. My doors are always open to you."

The moment those words left Lu Feng’s mouth, a subtle yet profound shift occurred in Lin Laifu’s body language. The tight, rigid tension holding his shoulders high suddenly dissolved.

The pale, anxious look on his round face softened, replaced by a deep wave of visible relief. Though it was a faint shift, it was abundantly clear that Lu Feng’s quiet offer of protection had lifted a massive, suffocating weight off the wealthy merchant’s chest.

A genuine, heartfelt smile spread across Lin Laifu’s face, and he bowed his head deeply from inside the carriage window. "Your words bring immense comfort to my heart, Young Master Lu. I shall remember your kindness! Please, take care!"

With a snap of the driver’s reins, the carriage rolled through the gates and vanished down the cobblestone avenue of the Upper Eastern District.

Lu Feng stood at the gates for a moment, watching the street before turning back toward the main building. Walking into the central reception hall, his eyes immediately fell upon Ye Chenxue.

The usually cold, distant ice beauty was sitting comfortably in her chair near the tea table, happily munching on a large piece of the golden, steaming hot bread Lin Laifu had brought. She had already devoured half of the loaf, her lips lightly coated in glistening butter.

As Lu Feng walked in, her movements froze mid-bite. She looked up, her clear eyes meeting his two colored gaze, and blinked thrice in rapid succession.

"What?" Ye Chenxue asked, her voice perfectly flat as she chewed, completely unbothered. "I am hungry, and this is food meant for eating, is it not?"