CHAPTER 270: CHAPTER 265: PLUNDER

Li Fan is well aware of the value of the Sword Scripture he offered; although it isn’t the top-tier Sword Scripture, it’s enough to trade for Resurrection Jade Dew.

He could see that Song Boling was quite tempted as well; otherwise, he wouldn’t try to deceive him, wanting to see the next part of the Sword Scripture.

But to acquire the Rain of Resurrection, Li Fan continued to negotiate, adding two more Magical Treasures to test whether Song Boling truly had it. He didn’t want to miss out.

However, Song Boling did not hesitate and still intended to leave, confirming that Song Boling simply couldn’t produce the Rain of Resurrection.

Upon hearing Li Fan’s words, all eyes instantly fell on Song Boling.

Song Boling paused for a moment, then turned around to look at Li Fan, saying, "In this trading event, all trades are based on willingness. I decide to trade or leave as I wish. You must be cautious with your words here on West Emperor Island."

"Trades are entirely voluntary, but because of the information you provided, many of us have taken out our treasures, and even allowed you to view part of the Sword Scripture. Even if you disagree with the trade, shouldn’t you also let us see the Rain of Resurrection?" Li Fan fixed his gaze on Song Boling and said.

"That’s right. You released the information, and just now, you saw the treasures we offered. Even if you don’t trade, you should at least let us verify the goods, right?" An elder who wanted to exchange for the Rain of Resurrection said.

Li Fan’s words were most likely true. They were being toyed with.

It’s not just being toyed with... If the other party doesn’t have the Rain of Resurrection but deliberately releases the information and comes to the trading event to learn about their details, what would be the purpose?

If Song Boling could not produce the Rain of Resurrection, it meant he harbors malicious intentions.

"This young man makes a valid point, Young Master Song. At least let us take a look." Realizing they might be plotted against, those who took out Magical Treasures spoke up one after another.

"What, do you esteemed seniors intend to force a transaction?" Song Boling said with a smile, "The Resurrection Jade Dew is precious. Naturally, I cannot casually take it out to avoid someone snatching it."

"Of course, if you esteemed seniors do not believe it, there’s nothing I can do..."

Saying this, Song Boling glanced at Li Fan and then continued to turn away.

All eyes were fixed on him, and several people squinted, yet none dared to make a move.

Song Boling’s background is extraordinary. Even knowing they’ve been plotted against, they can only silently suffer the loss.

"Buzz..." One could see a figure flickering; it was the person who had previously brought out a Magical Treasure, quickly leaving this place. Knowing they were plotted against, they naturally had to leave the area of trouble.

Li Fan stared at Song Boling’s retreating figure. Song Boling did not have the Resurrection Jade Dew, so there was no risk. However, their exposed Magical Treasures were being coveted.

Sure enough, just as heard before, this West Emperor Island is very chaotic.

Many people gradually left, but quite a few remained seated. Li Fan felt several gazes fall upon him; most of these were people who hadn’t taken out treasures at the trading event, or rather hadn’t participated at all.

"Brother Yang, this matter is my fault." Beside him, Sun Zhao said in a low voice. It was he who had provided Li Fan with the information, but now they were plotted against and faced considerable trouble.

"It’s unrelated to Sun." Li Fan responded, acknowledging that Sun Zhao had good intentions in helping to gather information, but as for being plotted against, that was beyond expectation.

"Let’s go." Li Fan stood up, and the group headed out.

"Be careful..." A figure walked beside them; it was Luo Qingyan.

"Thank you for the warning, Senior." Li Fan replied.

People steadily departed, and after Li Fan exited the trading event, he headed back, with Luo Qingyan not far behind. As for the purpose, Li Fan couldn’t know.

Additionally, there were quite a few others present.

"Let’s go." Sun Zhao said, and the group sped up their pace.

"Someone’s following us." On the way, Sun Zhao addressed Li Fan, telling him that ever since they stepped out from the trading event, there’s been someone accompanying them.

And, it wasn’t just a few people.

Just beside them in the direction, Tong Liang was openly following.

"Why is Mr. Tong following me?" Li Fan turned to ask.

"Young brother, you are mistaken. We are neighbors, just traveling the same road." Tong Liang said with a smile, "Young brother exposed treasures at the trading event, which might attract attention. Perhaps I, an old man, could lend some assistance."

"Then I thank you, Senior." Li Fan replied. Participating in the trading event not only failed to obtain the Resurrection Jade Dew but also attracted unwanted attention.

However, he kept a mental note of this issue.

Li Fan and his group soon returned to the courtyard where they resided.

"Is there something else, Senior?" Li Fan asked, seeing Tong Liang follow along.

"Brother Yang, at the transaction meeting, you exposed the Sword Scripture, fearing it’s troublesome. Since we are neighbors and friends, I am willing to lend you a hand. How about I safeguard the Sword Scripture and magical treasures for you?" Tong Liang said with a smile to Li Fan, "Of course, I am also willing to make a private transaction with you."

"Senior, you’ve misunderstood. My purpose for attending the meeting was to acquire Rain of Resurrection. Therefore, I claimed to possess the Sword Scripture and magical treasures, when in fact, I have only obtained half of an incomplete Sword Scripture. As for magical treasures, those are mere fabrications intended to test Song Boling."

"Brother, your words are somewhat insincere. Could it be that you do not trust me?" Tong Liang continued to smile brightly.

"Indeed, I don’t trust you," Li Fan nodded, his frankness surprising Tong Liang for a moment before he burst into laughter.

"Old Demon Tong, do you not know your own nature, yet expect others to trust you?" Luo Qingyan, standing on the roof eaves, looked over and said.

"That’s right, this time she’s correct. Old Demon Tong, we’ve been neighbors for a long time, so there’s no need to go overboard," Meng Hong chimed in.

"I mean well, yet you misunderstand. Do you perhaps have your own motives?" Tong Liang looked at them, then turned his gaze elsewhere. "Isn’t it time for the others to come out?"

As his words fell, figures began to emerge from various locations.

"Brother, I’m quite interested in that Sword Scripture. How about a transaction between us?" A man dressed in black stood atop an ancient tree on the outskirts, arms crossed before him, eyes fixed on Li Fan.

"This old man also wishes to make a deal with you," said an emaciated old figure who appeared to Li Fan’s side.

Meanwhile, behind Li Fan, a pale-faced man stood silently, without uttering a word, akin to a ghost.

The three individuals appearing consecutively were all cultivators in the Condensed Core Realm.

At the transaction meeting, these three were unusually low-key, barely speaking and refraining from trading in treasures.

"See that, Brother? The old man’s intentions are good. Would you not reconsider?" Tong Liang said with a half-smile, looking at Li Fan.

Including him, there were four Condensed Core cultivators.

Moreover, might there be others in hiding?

That Song Boling, seemingly interested in the Sword Scripture too, orchestrated the transaction meeting and was unlikely to proceed without follow-up actions. It’s uncertain whether those emerging are affiliated with him.

"Aren’t you all somewhat notable figures? Just to bully a junior like this, isn’t it a bit..." Luo Qingyan said, directing her words toward the others.

"Luo Qingyan, are you intending to enjoy it all to yourself?" Tong Liang laughed.

Does this West Emperor Island, do you not know what place this is?

"If blame is to be had, blame unruly youth for participating in the transaction meeting so brazenly," Tong Liang said, stepping forward. As he extended his right hand, his wide sleeve billowed without wind.

"Refuse a toast only to drink punishment, then I shall feed all you to the old man,"

As Tong Liang’s words fell, countless rays of golden light unexpectedly emanated from his sleeve—those golden lights revealed themselves to be densely packed insects, swiftly rushing toward Li Fan and his group.

"So, it was you, this old thing," Huang Xiong suddenly realized. Now he understood why demon worms appeared that day—it was this old thing playing tricks.

Sun Zhao took a step forward, and the large sword on his back had been unsheathed. With a raise of his blade toward the insect swarms, instantly, Sword Gangs blossomed, slashing at the attacking demon worms.

When these demon worms were met with the blade’s light, they dispersed, seemingly climbing through the blade light, lunging toward Sun Zhao as if they were lightning.

Sun Zhao’s Sword Gang shielded him, and the golden insects dived towards him as if they were razor-sharp flying blades impacting the protective Sword Gang, while numerous demon worms bypassed him and leaped toward Li Fan’s party.

Tong Liang’s smile grew radiant, regarding Li Fan and his party as if he were looking at a group of skeletons.

"It has begun."

The black-clad man standing on the tree moved his intent, and immediately, flying swords hovered in front of him, connected by flashes of thunder light.

Although not a Sword Cultivator, lacking a Sword Seed, he was a Thunder Attribute Qi Cultivator with an affinity for Sword Dao, thus practiced swordplay, aspiring for the arts of sword cultivators eliminating enemies via flying swords.

"Go..." The black-clad man uttered, and instantly, the thunderously shimmering flying swords shot forth, resembling flashes of lightning.

"Why so hasty," whispered the old man on another grove, seeing his two companions act, yet himself unable to hold back; powerful Wood Element mana surged through him.

"Buzz..."

Suddenly, his arms seemed to transform into ancient tree vines, sprawling and extending outward rapidly, yet his target was not Li Fan, but Lu Yuan next to him.

Given that there was something unusual about the relationship between this woman and Li Fan and with those targeting Li Fan, he decided to capture her first.

"I’m afraid this isn’t looking good."

Meng Hong appeared beside Luo Qingyan, looking toward the battlefield but refrained from intervening. After all, they were merely neighbors.