Huh? Isn't this an adventure kingdom building game?!

Chapter 1298: Chapter 980: Fortune Turns Like a Wheel (Part 2)

He immediately took the calming pill, feeling quite relieved!

However, given his responsibility as City Lord to maintain order, Gongxi Yanchang hurriedly stepped forward to greet the seniors, and briefly informed Alliance Leader Du of the close ties between the Commerce Association and the Alliance, tactfully conveying his helplessness.

"Indeed, the commerce associations of each city fall under the jurisdiction of the Alliance. The purpose is to enable unified management and pricing, not to let them use their power to oppress, even the City Lord!" Du Li could not reveal the more important purpose—to prevent collusion between the Commerce Association and the City Lord, circumventing the Alliance to make the City Lord an all-powerful local emperor.

Who could have imagined that this move, meant to guard against the City Lord, instead allowed the Commerce Association President to exploit loopholes, wielding numerous forms of blackmail, turning the entire city into his personal domain!

"The most significant economic source of Carefree City is the hunting of demon beasts and acquiring demon cores. The most valuable demon core transactions are under the Commerce Association’s jurisdiction. I wish to balance, but I am powerless." Gongxi Yanchang finally explained, sighing, "Please scrutinize this matter, and I trouble you to preside over the verdict today."

While he was speaking, Zhong Yinghui clamored for the City Lord to release him personally, realizing that Gongxi Yanchang wasn’t giving him a glance, he finally sensed that something was amiss.

"Brother! Brother, you’re finally here, quick, have them untie me! This little scoundrel stole my prey and humiliated me, brother, stand up for me!" He turned his face to see his elder brother arrived with many subordinates, finally clinging to a lifeline, crying out in ghostly wail.

Yet, in the next second, Zhong Yinggui, who was still fuming, retreated deferentially upon seeing Du Li.

He remembered the rumor before when Carefree City was besieged by fierce beasts. The Vice Alliance Leader personally came to recruit the recently reclusive Gongxi Jin as a disciple but was refused. The aloof cultivator standing there seemed to be Vice Alliance Leader Du!

As Zhong Yinggui hesitated, not daring to speak, Yan Xuan, who came for the spectacle, found himself unable to squeeze in amid the crowd, having transformed into a giant tortoise.

He could only sense Hu Zhile and Yun Mo’s presence but couldn’t see them. His temper flaring, he suddenly released the peak of Tribulation Crossing Realm aura, "Everyone, make way!"

I’m here to eat the melon on the spot! Where’s the melon?

The sudden change frightened the layers upon layers of onlooking demon cultivators, thinking a fierce beast had infiltrated the city, they dispersed in panic, quickly making a large open space.

"Miss Hu, Yun Mo, what on earth happened?" He swaggered to the forefront with Gongxi Jin, using his paw to nudge the wailing Zhong Yinghui, disgruntled, "You rascal, you’re too noisy, nagging."

He didn’t even use much force, but a paw swipe sent a shiver of pain down his opponent, silencing him entirely; finally, peace.

Zhong Yinggui was so scared he almost knelt. Though unsure if the man was the Vice Alliance Leader, he knew the giant tortoise was indeed a great demon beast at the Tribulation Crossing Realm, coincidentally standing with Gongxi Jin!

Gongxi Jin was not one to be trifled with, surely here to back his father.

"Brother! They all bullied me!" Zhong Yinghui composed himself a bit, never having suffered so much in his life, cried out loudly.

However, the brother he deemed his lifeline only stepped forward for another slap, "Shut up! Didn’t I tell you to stay home and cultivate properly instead of causing trouble!"

Zhong Yinggui thought to himself, brother, are you stupid? Can’t you see the current situation, no longer a problem that waving the Alliance’s banner can fix painlessly?

Soothe it into a minor issue and quickly leave while you can!

He thought about retrieving his younger brother, planning to keep a low profile for a while; should they really provoke the Vice Alliance Leader into thoroughly investigating the Commerce Association, it would be a major hassle!

"Lord City Lord, seniors, it’s my poor discipline that has amused you all." Zhong Yinggui clasped his fists, taking responsibility first, "Although my younger brother can take human form, he’s still young and ignorant. If he offended anyone, I apologize on his behalf.

Given he hasn’t caused much trouble, please spare him this time. I promise to sincerely apologize with ample gift, take him back, and discipline him well, ensuring he never bothers you all again."

Initially smacked by Hu Zhile, part of his face had swollen;

Now struck by his own brother, the other half swelled too.

Zhong Yinghui with a pig-headed face, spoke unclearly, "Brother, why, you hit me too..."

"Chairman Zhong is good at adapting to the situation, saying the appropriate things." Gongxi Jin cast a cold glance at him, "It was originally Zhong Yinghui having a conflict with my Sister Hu. Sister Hu hasn’t even explained what happened, and you’re in such a rush to apologize. Isn’t Chairman Zhong perfectly aware of your brother’s arrogance on normal days? Hence, admitting and apologizing without inquiry."

Yan Xuan nodded, "Alliance Leader Du and the City Lord are present, Miss Hu, let everyone hear how this scoundrel provoked you."

Realizing the Tribulation Crossing Realm great demon beast wasn’t attacking the city but also here to watch the fun, the demon cultivators were finally reassured after the brief commotion, all eyes fixated on the beautiful woman.

"Words alone hold no weight, I have evidence here, take a look and you’ll understand." Hu Zhile smiled softly and waved her hand as the scene from the Memory Stone played out on site.

The vast, clear "screen" unfolded, allowing every demon cultivator present as if to experience being there themselves, clearly understanding the context.

Hu Zhile and Yun Mo following traces, luring out an amphibious fish demon and easily battling it; then Zhong Yinghui’s party appeared to seize the prey, arrogantly ridiculing, ’thanking’ them for leading the way; the whole process clear as day.

Infuriating all who watched.