Chapter 538: The Peddler's Unique Technique

Zhang Gunli genuinely hadn't expected Feng Chongli's arrival. His plan for the day was to claim Shen Rongqing, the most talented woman in Puluo Prefecture, and enjoy a night with her. However, Shen Rongqing risked her life to stage a compelling performance for him.

This performance was indeed well-executed. Before his arrival, Zhang Gunli had received and believed the news of Ma Wu's death. Consequently, he came to collect the debt without any precautions.

Yet, being unprepared didn't mean he would be at a disadvantage. Having collected debts for years, Zhang Gunli had encountered countless unforeseen circumstances. Though surprised, he wasn't unduly concerned.

Looking at Feng Chongli, Zhang Gunli smiled faintly. "Zhang Gunli, Feng Chongli," he began, "our names both contain the character 'li' [profit/benefit]. While our Daoist sects differ, our methods are quite similar."

Zhang Gunli paused for a moment, his tone growing more serious. "Brother Feng," he continued, "what's going on? We're both businessmen; isn't this just about a small sum of money? Is it truly worth causing such a scene with me?"

He Jiaqing shook his head. "That's hardly a small amount of money," he said. "When Brother Feng told me the figure, I felt quite put out for him."

Zhang Gunli extended his right hand and pointed at He Jiaqing. "Kid," he stated, "this isn't your place to speak, and you won't get another chance to speak in the future."

With that, Zhang Gunli turned his gaze back to Feng Chongli. "When you first borrowed the money," he continued, "we clearly established the rules regarding interest. If you thought my rate was too high, you simply shouldn't have borrowed from me. I didn't force you to take my money, did I?

"Now you claim you can't repay it. This matter isn't beyond negotiation. If you just say a few polite words to me, your brother, am I going to drive you to your death?"

He Jiaqing let out a short laugh. "Zhang Gunli," he retorted, "have the people you've driven to their deaths over the years been few?"

"He Jiaqing, I just told you this is not your place!" Zhang Gunli pulled a promissory note from his pocket. He had numerous such notes, ranging from new agreements made today to ancient debts over a hundred years old. Yet, with a mere touch, Zhang Gunli knew precisely which note belonged to whom.

"Brother Feng, this promissory note is yours. I've placed it here. If you kill He Jiaqing right now, I'll immediately tear up this note, and we'll be even from now on.

"Otherwise, I'll collect the debt from you immediately. If you can't pay, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

As his words fell, wisps of smoke rose from the promissory note.

Feng Chongli's limbs felt heavy, rendering him immobile.

It was the Loan Cultivation Technique: Debt Mountain Crushing. Feng Chongli felt as though a mountain peak pressed down on him, restricting his every movement.

Feng Chongli attempted to use a Business Cultivation Technique to counter the Debt Mountain Crushing, but Zhang Gunli perceived his intent.

Zhang Gunli casually scratched the promissory note, and Feng Chongli found himself unable to employ any technique.

The Loan Cultivation Technique: Bone Scrape and Tendon Rip.

"Brother Feng," Zhang Gunli taunted, "you owe me money, and you still dare to fight me? Do you think your bones and tendons are tough enough? If I scrape two more layers, I can end your life. Do you believe me?

"My offer stands: just kill He Jiaqing, and this debt will be completely expunged. Otherwise..."

*Clang!*

*Crash!*

He Jiaqing pulled a lever, and the second-floor floorboards of the mansion split open.

An entire floor's worth of silver coins cascaded onto the first floor like a waterfall. Had Shen Rongqing not reacted swiftly, she could have been severely injured.

He Jiaqing looked at Zhang Gunli. "Brother Feng's debt to you has been settled," he declared.

Zhang Gunli was taken aback. He hadn't expected He Jiaqing to be so thoroughly prepared. Even if He Jiaqing had presented a check, Zhang Gunli could have simply dismissed it as fake.

However, with actual silver coins laid out before him, Zhang Gunli couldn't openly claim they weren't real.

Their authenticity was beyond doubt; both Feng Chongli and Zhang Gunli could assess the quality of the silver coins. Yet, Zhang Gunli couldn't accept the payment, as doing so would mean losing his leverage over Feng Chongli.

"Old Feng," Zhang Gunli warned, "I must remind you, this is merely robbing Peter to pay Paul. Settling my debt is futile. You still owe He Jiaqing money, and you'll have to repay that as well. This young man's methods are even more insidious than mine!

"Just kill He Jiaqing, and you won't owe me a thing. I'll tear up the promissory note immediately. That's the truly fundamental solution!"

He Jiaqing laughed. "You'll just tear it up?" he challenged. "What if you go back on your word later? Who would Brother Feng turn to for justice then?"

Zhang Gunli's face darkened. "He Jiaqing," he began, "I've told you twice now, this isn't your place to—"

He Jiaqing interrupted, "Now it's *you* who has no right to speak. Empty words are meaningless; whatever you say is rubbish. I've put real silver right here!"

These words were directed at Feng Chongli. The two had previously agreed to team up against Zhang Gunli, but anything could happen before a confrontation. If Feng Chongli wavered, He Jiaqing wouldn't even have a chance to escape.

Now that He Jiaqing had settled the debt for Feng Chongli, he watched to see how Feng Chongli would react.

Zhang Gunli still clutched the promissory note. "Old Feng," he said, "it's not that I won't take your money, but I haven't counted this sum yet. Until I've verified it, I can't give you this promissory note."

Zhang Gunli planned to delay, but Feng Chongli wasn't falling for it.

"When it comes to counting money, we're both experts. This sum is absolutely sufficient. The transaction is complete; we owe each other nothing. Brother Zhang, if you try to extort me again, you'll be in the wrong."

The promissory note in Zhang Gunli's hand suddenly burst into flames. Feng Chongli's "Payment Clear, No Debt" technique had activated; whether Zhang Gunli agreed or not, the money was considered paid.

Without the promissory note, Zhang Gunli lost his leverage over Feng Chongli. However, he still believed he could control the situation.

A significant portion of Loan Cultivation techniques relied on promissory notes. Yet, many people, once their debts were settled and notes retrieved, would immediately turn hostile and seek revenge.

Even without the document, Zhang Gunli had other means. He calmly continued to address Feng Chongli. "Brother Feng," he stated, "the money has been repaid, and the promissory note destroyed. It seems this matter no longer concerns you."

He had hit on the crux of the matter.

He couldn't be faulted for his cunning, as his words were logically sound. Feng Chongli had settled his debt, meaning he wasn't obligated to fight for He Jiaqing and could leave at any moment. Indeed, someone of Zhang Gunli's character would undoubtedly act in such a way.

However, Feng Chongli was not like him. "I conduct legitimate business," he declared, "not like loan sharks such as yourself. I prioritize integrity in my dealings. Old Zhang, just lend me your head for a moment, so I can repay my debt of gratitude to Young Master He!"

Feng Chongli flicked the abacus beads. Amidst the rattling, Zhang Gunli's flesh began to burst, layer by layer.

The Business Cultivation Technique: Full Calculation.

Feng Chongli's calculations dictated Zhang Gunli's beating; the faster the former, the harder the latter.

Witnessing his body becoming a bloody mess, Zhang Gunli remained unperturbed. Dozens of silver coins flew from his side, hurtling towards Feng Chongli.

This was a Loan Cultivation Technique called Money Offering, where the Loan Cultivator actively gives money for others to spend.

This technique was extremely malicious. Even if someone guarded against Loan Cultivators and refused to borrow anything, the cultivator could still use this move to forcibly lend money.

These silver coins currently belonged to Zhang Gunli. If they struck Feng Chongli, they would immediately burrow into his flesh. Even if they were "loaned" into Feng Chongli's body this way, without a promissory note, their binding power over him would be somewhat weaker.

However, at this level of combat, any constraint could be fatal. Feng Chongli immediately ceased his Full Calculation technique and swiftly dodged the silver coins Zhang Gunli launched.

These dozens of silver coins inflicted numerous injuries on Feng Chongli, but fortunately, he was agile enough to prevent any from embedding in his flesh.

Zhang Gunli also sustained injuries, but upon tapping the two walnuts in his palm together, his wounds swiftly healed, leaving him completely restored.

Feng Chongli looked at the walnuts in Zhang Gunli's hand. Zhang Gunli twirled them twice. "With this magic treasure," he declared, "you cannot harm me in the slightest."

He had seen Zhang Gunli rub these two walnuts daily, never knowing their purpose. He hadn't expected them to be so potent.

Snatching the magic treasure from him would be difficult, yet without doing so, Zhang Gunli remained impervious. As Feng Chongli pondered a countermeasure, he suddenly heard He Jiaqing say, "Brother Feng, don't fall for it. Those two walnuts aren't magic treasures; they're the keys to his storeroom.

"His wounds heal because he replaces his flesh. He has a considerable amount of flesh stored in his storeroom. Brother Feng, keep striking him. Let's see how long he can sustain this."

Feng Chongli flicked his abacus beads, and the Full Calculation technique once more assailed Zhang Gunli.

This technique appeared simple but was exceedingly difficult to defend against, being one of the Business Cultivation's deadliest moves.

Zhang Gunli parried the technique, simultaneously glancing at He Jiaqing. He was surprised by how much this young man knew about him.

The pair of walnuts were indeed the keys to his storeroom. Zhang Gunli could borrow flesh and blood, and naturally needed to repay it, so he kept a supply in his storeroom.

However, this supply of flesh and blood couldn't endure the continuous drain of the technique. Zhang Gunli kicked, and the piled silver coins in the room surged into the air.

The Money Offering technique couldn't control such a vast quantity of external objects. Feng Chongli found this odd, muttering to himself, "Is this a Strength Cultivation technique?"

Zhang Gunli laughed. "Good eye," he replied. "I can borrow cultivation from a hundred different schools, so naturally, I employ a hundred different methods. Brother Feng, observe closely: if even one silver coin strikes you, I can end your life!"

Dodging these silver coins wasn't difficult; Feng Chongli's concern lay with Zhang Gunli's subsequent moves.

He Jiaqing interjected, "Brother Feng, don't overthink it. He's not targeting you; he intends to use these silver coins to kill me."

Zhang Gunli nodded. "You talk too much and cause too much trouble," he affirmed. "You truly deserve to die."

As he spoke, the silver coins flew towards He Jiaqing, but before a single one could touch him, they all fell to the ground.

Zhang Gunli was stunned, but He Jiaqing simply chuckled. "You don't use techniques from a hundred schools," He Jiaqing clarified, "you're using a Strength Cultivation magic treasure. The Loan Cultivation Dao Sect has a rule: external objects can be shared, but cultivation cannot be moved.

"Everything you've accumulated—gold, silver, magic treasures, flesh, organs, bones—these are all external objects. If you desire them, keep them; you bear your own profits and losses.

"However, anything related to cultivation, including techniques and combat power, you can only lend out, never use yourself. That's an ironclad rule of your Dao Sect, isn't it?"

Feng Chongli continued to engage Zhang Gunli while listening to He Jiaqing explain Zhang Gunli's combat style.

This proved greatly beneficial to Feng Chongli. Mid-battle, he had already devised numerous strategies to counter Zhang Gunli.

Zhang Gunli forced Feng Chongli back, then looked at He Jiaqing. "Young man," he asked, "just how much effort did you expend to seek revenge on me?"

He Jiaqing laughed. "Taking your life," he replied, "is worth any amount of effort."

Zhang Gunli squeezed his walnuts, and a man and a woman descended from above, flanking He Jiaqing.

He Jiaqing stood his ground, not retaliating. He watched as the man and woman approached; instead of attacking him, they began fighting each other.

The man still attempted to attack He Jiaqing, but the woman struck the man instead.

He Jiaqing chuckled. "Old Zhang," he said, "these are a pair of Craft Cultivation puppets, aren't they? You lack Craft Cultivation techniques, so they can only act on their own. But I possess Craft Cultivation techniques, so now these puppets are mine."

As his words fell, the male puppet ceased its actions and stood obediently beside He Jiaqing.

These puppets were made by Chu Shaoqiang. Recently, Chu Shaoqiang had fallen on hard times and was in desperate need of money. Having borrowed funds he couldn't repay, he could only use these puppets as collateral.

Without Craft Cultivation techniques to control them, these puppets could only operate independently, effectively functioning as wooden automatons.

At most, they could unleash twenty percent of their combat power.

Zhang Gunli had intended to use these puppets to restrain He Jiaqing, but unexpectedly, He Jiaqing didn't even lift a hand and simply took control of the two wooden automatons.

Did Thief Cultivators possess such ability? Even if they could steal techniques, they wouldn't be able to use them so proficiently.

Zhang Gunli was highly surprised but dared not lose focus; he still had to continue his struggle with Feng Chongli.

As the two walnuts collided, smoke billowed from Zhang Gunli's body, water mist rose, fire flickered, dust swirled, and faint chants resonated around him.

This was Zhang Gunli's most ferocious combat method.

So many people used magic treasures as collateral for debts that his storeroom was full of them.

He could use all these magic treasures, but no one could predict which one he would deploy.

Feng Chongli felt a wave of panic. He Haisheng, standing at the doorway, and Shen Rongqing, huddled in the corner, both felt as if they would die at Zhang Gunli's hands in the next instant.

This wasn't due to their cowardice; they had been afflicted by a Loan Cultivation technique, "Imposing Intimidation."

In the debt collection trade, practitioners resorted to every possible measure, with intimidation being their most common tactic.

Zhang Gunli needed to do nothing more than assume a murderous stance, and everyone present would be overcome with fear.

When the moment was ripe, Zhang Gunli prepared to strike.

Feng Chongli covered his eyes with both hands, then parted them, his gaze fixed intently on Zhang Gunli.

Zhang Gunli twirled the walnut in his hand, and a matchbox flew into the air. A matchstick leaped from it, ignited against the box's side, and transformed into fierce flames that lunged at Feng Chongli.

Feng Chongli was already prepared. A spittoon flew from his backpack, carrying a jar of old phlegm.

It first extinguished the match, then the remaining thick phlegm encased the box, taking control of the matchbox as well.

Zhang Gunli was startled. Why was Feng Chongli prepared?

Had he guessed based on experience?

The walnuts collided again, and a pipe sprayed a large amount of smoke towards Feng Chongli.

Feng Chongli was still prepared; he flicked a sandalwood fan from his sleeve.

The fan waved independently, generating powerful winds that dispersed the smoke, rendering the pipe useless.

Two consecutive preemptive counters confirmed this wasn't mere guesswork.

Zhang Gunli hadn't revealed his intentions to anyone, nor did he have a fixed sequence or habit for using his magic treasures.

The only plausible explanation was that Feng Chongli had discerned his intentions and made an accurate prediction.

The crucial question remained: how was this prediction made?

To claim he wasn't nervous would be false, yet Zhang Gunli still managed to react calmly. He possessed magic treasures, and he knew Feng Chongli had quite a few himself. Business Cultivators traveled extensively, so it was difficult to say whose foundation was stronger.

However, he knew Feng Chongli was currently in a difficult position, having sold off his better magic treasures. If it came down to a true test of their reserves, Zhang Gunli wasn't afraid.

*Clack! Clack!*

The walnuts collided twice, and Zhang Gunli's form vanished.

This was a stealth magic treasure. No one knew what methods Zhang Gunli would employ or when he would strike. Feng Chongli, however, dismantled the abacus in his hand, flung it with force, and the beads flew out, striking Zhang Gunli above his head.

The abacus beads embedded in his flesh, then promptly exploded.

Covered in wounds, Zhang Gunli leaped to the window.

Concerned about Feng Chongli's pursuit, he widened the distance between them.

This was the first time he felt fear toward Feng Chongli. Feng Chongli's consistent ability to predict his intentions reminded him of a very rare technique.

"Did you use 'Honest Dealing with All'?"

Feng Chongli nodded. "It's a businessman's duty," he replied.

Zhang Gunli remained unconvinced. "That's the Peddler's unique technique," he stated.

Feng Chongli did not respond.

Zhang Gunli asked again, "Are you a direct disciple of the Peddler?"

Feng Chongli still offered no reply.

Zhang Gunli no longer wished to fight. He realized he might have underestimated Feng Chongli.

He Jiaqing's deep knowledge of Zhang Gunli already caused him concern. Now, encountering a direct disciple of the Peddler, Zhang Gunli knew he couldn't gain an advantage by continuing to fight. If the Peddler were summoned, his life would be in grave danger.

Rubbing his walnuts, Zhang Gunli intended to summon a magic treasure to cover his escape.

*Click-clack!*

The sound was wrong.

"These aren't my walnuts!"

Zhang Gunli looked down at the two walnuts in his hand, greatly astonished. Who had swapped his walnuts? He Jiaqing?

He was a Thief Cultivator, and his handiwork was indeed impressive. But he had been standing right in front of Zhang Gunli, who hadn't seen him move. How could he have swapped the walnuts?

If he possessed such skill, he wouldn't have been cornered by Green Blossom with nowhere to escape.

He had to reclaim the walnuts; they were vital to his reserves.

Zhang Gunli's form flickered, appearing before He Jiaqing, and one hand plunged into He Jiaqing's chest.

The Loan Cultivation Technique: Bone Knocking Marrow Sucking!

This single strike could drain He Jiaqing's bone marrow, dry up his blood, and even absorb his soul.

He Jiaqing cried out, "Save me!"

Zhang Gunli was momentarily taken aback. Was that all?

Was He Jiaqing capable of so little?

Seeing Zhang Gunli charge, He Jiaqing not only failed to dodge but, after being struck by the technique, showed no reaction at all?

Was this truly He Jiaqing?

Feng Chongli did not move to save He Jiaqing. He was greatly depleted and dared not clash directly with Zhang Gunli again.

He Jiaqing didn't call out to him for help. Instead, he shouted loudly, "Master, save me!"

"Master?"

Who was his master?

Zhang Gunli struck hard. He extracted no bone marrow or blood, only a clump of soul.

This wasn't He Jiaqing; it was a ghost!

No, not a single ghost. This was a ghost servant cobbled together from several lingering souls!

Because this ghost servant bore such a striking resemblance to He Jiaqing, and appeared simultaneously with He Haisheng who was guarding the door, Zhang Gunli genuinely mistook him for He Jiaqing.

Who was the master of this ghost servant?

Who could possess such skill?

Could it be that he had arrived...

Zhang Gunli once again became invisible. He intended to leave the mansion, this time without the slightest hesitation.

Just as he was about to pass through the wall, a figure approached from the opposite direction, greeting him with a smile. "Old Zhang, where are you off to?" the voice asked. "All your old friends are here; won't you say hello before you leave?"

It was Gui Jianchou, the Smiling Ghost King!

Only then did Zhang Gunli realize the origin of the spirit he had just seized.

This was Gui Jianchou's ghost servant, disguised as He Jiaqing. To mimic him so perfectly, it must have been a Performance Cultivator!

The ability to control puppets implied the involvement of a Craft Cultivator too.

The previous Strength Cultivation technique was also nullified, likely by a Strength Cultivator among them. Three high-level spirits merged into one ghost servant—it seemed only Gui Jianchou could achieve such a feat.

A wave of spectral energy swept in, preventing Zhang Gunli's escape, and Gui Jianchou shattered his stealth technique!

Zhang Gunli frowned. "Ah Gui," he said, "our accounts were settled long ago."

"The accounts are settled, but I remember the grudge!" Gui Jianchou's smile didn't falter. "Your interest calculations almost drove me to ruin!"

Zhang Gunli gritted his teeth. "Ever since I entered the Dao Sect, this has been my method of calculation," he retorted. "I never forced any of you to borrow from me.

"And you all acknowledged the debt back then. Why do you suddenly seek revenge today?"

Gui Jianchou chuckled. "Old Zhang," he said, "you know perfectly well that someone was bound to seek revenge on you. With your conduct, you were destined to die by this very trade, sooner or later."

"I haven't died all these years," Zhang Gunli countered, "so why today of all days?"

Gui Jianchou nodded. "It's neither too late nor too early," he affirmed. "Indeed, today is the day you pay with your life. Take my advice: just accept your fate!"

"Accept my fate? You're not worthy!" Zhang Gunli wasn't boasting. To have built his enterprise to this point, he possessed genuine skill. Gui Jianchou, Ye Jianhuang, Qiao Wuzui — all of them had borrowed from him, and he wasn't afraid of them coming one by one.

Even with Gui Jianchou and Feng Chongli arriving together today, Zhang Gunli remained confident in his ability to escape.

*Slice!*

Zhang Gunli felt a chill down his spine, as a cut opened on his back.

Mu Yuejuan stood behind him, holding a brush whose tip was still dripping blood.

Zhang Gunli glanced back at Mu Yuejuan. "Miss Mu," he said, "we don't have so much animosity between us, do we? When I conducted business with you, my interest rates weren't excessive, were they?"

Mu Yuejuan replied with an innocent expression, "Oh, Brother Zhang, so many people are attacking you. Why are you singling me out?"

The way she said it...

Gui Jianchou chuckled. "Old Zhang," he said, "saying something like that makes me look down on you. Mu Yuejuan genuinely holds no grudge against you, but there's profit to be made here.

"It's all about give and take, profit coming and going. You, Zhang Gunli, still don't grasp the principle here. You are destined to die in this very place.

"So wouldn't Miss Mu come and seize an opportunity?"

"Everyone wants to take advantage?" Zhang Gunli scanned the assembled figures.

Mu Yuejuan said with a wistful expression, "After you die, I'll paint you a picture titled 'A Broken Drum Beaten by Thousands.' Then, please don't hold a grudge against me."

"Yes, 'A Broken Drum Beaten by Thousands'," Zhang Gunli chuckled. "You bunch of wretches, why exactly have you all come together?"

"Don't be so eager to ask that," Gui Jianchou said. "You might find out in a few days." With a wave of his hand, a host of ghost servants swarmed Zhang Gunli.

Zhang Gunli battled the ghost servants with his magic treasures, while Mu Yuejuan painted nine spirit snakes that tightly coiled around him.

Zhang Gunli tried to use a Water Cultivation magic treasure to wash away the painted spirit snakes, but the magic treasure was gone.

He attempted to use a Sound Cultivation magic treasure to repel the ghost servants, but that magic treasure was also gone.