Chapter 704 - 96: Clash of Titans

Jinhua Commerce Association Main Hall.

"President, this matter is of great importance and must be considered carefully."

"Hmph, a mere Tributor dares to represent the Nine Tripods Commerce Association? Young Master Wu was merely socializing with fellow Daoists and showed no hostile behavior towards Alchemist Guo. Why does he have the right to criticize? He even slapped Young Master Wu in public, showing no regard for our Jinhua Commerce Association."

"If it were just a slap to Wu, it wouldn’t be a big issue. However, he killed our Commerce Association’s Tributor, which affects our Jinhua Commerce Association’s dignity. This cannot just end here."

"Everyone, don’t forget he is backed by the Nine Tripods Commerce Association!"

"President, has the Fierce Tiger Commerce Association shown any indication?"

...

President Wu Yishan closed his eyes in deep thought, mentally rehearsing all possible developments of this matter.

Ultimately, he could only shake his head silently, finding no solution!

"I shouldn’t have maintained my status then!" He realized that only by promptly heading to Linchun Immortal City upon learning of the matter could he minimize its impact.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t expected a mere Tributor would dare to oppose his Jinhua Commerce Association like this.

"Is it his own intention or the will of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association?"

"What kind of heart nature does the new Patriarch Tong truly have? Is she defensive or proactive?"

"How will the Si Shui Commerce Association fan the flames?"

Rubbing his brow, Wu Yishan slowly stood up, a fierce expression flashing across his face, as he had already made his decision.

"Everyone, follow me to meet this Chang’an True Man."

Seeing Wu Yishan’s expression, those below understood his attitude.

The radical faction, led by Wu Chengzhi, instantly felt bold, magical power surging, ready to take action at any time.

Similarly, several conservative elders quickly stepped forward: "President, think wisely!"

"If we act against Chang’an True Man, we are certain to become enemies with the Nine Tripods Commerce Association."

"That Chang’an True Man is merely standing up for his fellow disciple; there might still be room for negotiation, no need to flare up."

Wu Yishan raised his hand slowly, not waiting for them to finish.

"Hehe, what room for negotiation is there?

The situation has come to this: either we fear the Nine Tripods Commerce Association and bow down.

If we do so, the Fierce Tiger Commerce Association will certainly look down on us, essentially cutting off our chance to follow them.

Otherwise, we can only follow the Fierce Tiger Commerce Association’s lead and hold our ground.

Since the moment the Fierce Tiger Commerce Association competed for the position of Alliance Leader, we’ve had no room for negotiation."

"President is wise!" The radical faction eagerly bowed, glancing sideways at the conservative elders.

"But, the Nine Tripods Commerce Association also has a chance to succeed the Alliance Leader!"

"After two years of self-seclusion, is there any hope left? Even its once loyal followers have already shifted allegiance.

Moreover, the new Patriarch Tong, being a mere woman, lacks an Ascendant to oversee the Tong Family; fearing they just want to protect themselves."

...

"Enough, my mind is made up; no further discussion on this matter." Wu Yishan decisively made his decision.

"What everyone needs to consider now is who will face the battle!"

The Business Alliance, with a history spanning thousands of years, has detailed rules regarding disputes between its internal Eighteen Merchants Association.

If conflicts arise between Commerce Associations, it provides a clear way to resolve them.

The simplest method is to drill through the array!

The Commerce Association presenting demands sends one person to attack the battle formation organized by the other Commerce Association.

If the battle formation is penetrated, the defending side must agree to the opposing side’s demands, bound by the Business Alliance’s covenant, without disobedience.

If defeated, no further dissatisfaction can be expressed on the matter.

Of course, this is the last resort—also a battle of life and death.

Before this, they usually seek Elder Council mediation within the Business Alliance, only resorting to this aggressive approach if mediation fails.

"Drill through the array? President, shouldn’t we first ascertain Chang’an True Man’s intention?" One person was shocked.

Once drilling through the array commences, they are bound to become mortal enemies.

"He rides alone straight into our Jinhua Commerce Association headquarters, his intention couldn’t be clearer.

Does he think our Jinhua Commerce Association is the same as before, fearing the Nine Tripods Commerce Association and compromising to them?

Hmph, I would rather put him on the spot, and see if he dares to remain so rigid.

If he yields, ha, the Nine Tripods Commerce Association’s dignity will be utterly erased, and even if he returns there, he won’t fare well.

If he truly dares to drill through the array... ha, this would be our best pledge of allegiance to the Fierce Tiger Commerce Association." Wu Yishan had already considered all possibilities thoroughly; there’s no decision without sacrifice, only trade-offs.

"Turning the tables on him? President is wise!"

Immediately, Wu Yishan led the Jinhua Commerce Association’s leadership and tributors to ascend with the wind.

Soon, a powerful force arrived above Immortal City, directly confronting Li Ji’an and his three associates.

"You audacious scoundrel, distorting facts, killing our Commerce Association’s Tributor, abusing our Commerce Association’s Young Master, and yet dare to come to our Commerce Association to demand justice—what are your real intentions?"

Wu Yishan stormed with rage before even coming close, letting out a loud roar.

Simultaneously, the powerful magical energy of all the tributors behind him erupted, making a formidable sensation!

In an instant, the spectators within the Immortal City were even more shocked.

"President Wu is furious!"

"The Jinhua Commerce Association is unafraid of this Nine Tripods Commerce Association’s Tributor?"

"How is this possible? Since when does Jinhua Commerce Association have the courage to disregard the Nine Tripods Commerce Association?"

"Could it be that the Nine Tripods Commerce Association has truly lost its former prestige?"

Observing the internal conflict of the Business Alliance, the loose cultivators felt pleased and irresponsibly speculated on various possibilities.

Meanwhile, the spies of other Commerce Associations present showed varied expressions, hastily reporting the situation back to their respective Commerce Associations.

"Wu Yishan is indeed bold!" Within the Taian Commerce Association, the senior members had gathered, almost remotely synchronizing their attention on this matter.

Gu Tianfeng pointed at the water screen, his face showing a disdainful smile.

Being the loyal lackeys of the Fierce Tiger Commerce Association, he naturally held no intention of wooing them.