CHAPTER 314: CHAPTER 176: KILLING AND ARSON BRING FORTUNE

This evening’s banquet had over a hundred attendees, with the entire fourth floor of the hotel reserved by the Linjiang Commerce Association.

The scene was lively, filled with toasts and exchanges; everyone present was influential and educated. It was rare to see billionaires gathering like this, yet here they were in abundance.

Moreover, when they faced Ye Qingzhou, even if they weren’t bowing down, they were all eager to please, and every so often someone would come over to toast: "Mr. Ye, I drink this for you, you do as you please."

Subsequently, they would exchange a few pleasantries and introduce themselves briefly before handing over a business card, the whole process was very smooth.

Ye Qingzhou didn’t like drinking; in his past life, he was a swordsmanship expert, and drinking made it hard to hold his sword steady.

This habit naturally carried over to this life as well.

When faced with others’ toasts, he would also pick up his glass, take a polite sip, and then put it down. No one insensitive enough dared to make an issue out of it; instead, each was all smiles, feeling honored and boasting.

The so-called drinking culture is essentially a kind of obedience test from the superior to the subordinate.

As long as you are stronger than the others, this set of rules doesn’t apply to you; otherwise, it’s asking for trouble.

Soon, Wan Shengjun brought Wan Jinglong in front of Ye Qingzhou.

Zheng Zhiguang quickly made introductions for Ye Qingzhou: "Mr. Ye, this is President Wan of Junsheng Group, he is extraordinary, the first among our Linjiang Commerce Association to step out of Xiang Province and break into the national market, his business is vast."

Upon hearing it was a wealthy person, Ye Qingzhou perked up: "President Wan, nice to meet you."

"Mr. Ye, you’re too kind. Although I’ve made a little money, it’s nothing compared to your youthful accomplishments. I’ll be counting on your guidance in the future."

Wan Shengjun lowered his stance significantly. He was indeed wealthy, but in this era of intensified geopolitical conflicts and increasingly turbulent world situation, doing business was becoming more challenging.

Thus, no matter how much money there is, one must have force as a backing, otherwise, they’d be seen as a juicy prey.

Subsequently, Wan Jinglong, who was clearly five or six years older than Ye Qingzhou, had to pay respects as a junior, regretting in his heart all those high school years wasted on playing instead of diligently learning martial arts.

"Mr. Ye, this is a meeting gift, a small token of respect, please kindly accept it."

Wan Shengjun took a gift box from his bodyguard and presented it to Ye Qingzhou with both hands.

"What is this?"

Ye Qingzhou opened it to find inside three pieces of refined metal, the material was extremely peculiar, exhibiting a half-transparent state like glass.

Those around gasped collectively, exclaiming.

"Celestial Steel!"

"President Wan is truly generous!"

"I heard Celestial Steel is an upper grade treasure, costing three hundred thousand per gram. These three pieces must weigh about four pounds together, right? Doesn’t that make it worth six hundred million?"

"Hiss~"

Many people were breathing rapidly, knowing that even within the Linjiang Commerce Association, not everyone was worth over a hundred million, let alone having six hundred million in cash.

The box of Celestial Steel before them, weighing approximately two thousand grams, already surpassed most members’ personal assets within the association.

Ye Qingzhou also recognized the Celestial Steel in the box, after all, Dongji Kingdom’s martial artists need to attend culture classes as well, not just mindless fighters who only know how to brawl.

"President Wan, as the saying goes, there’s no reward without effort. Your gift is too precious."

"Mr. Ye, there’s an old saying, ’the treasure sword is gifted to a hero.’ This Celestial Steel in my hands is no more than wasted treasure, only a martial artist like you can truly bring out its value."

Clearly, Wan Shengjun had done his homework before coming, knowing that Ye Qingzhou was now not only a martial artist with great prospects but also a skilled swordsmith.

Therefore, he didn’t directly buy a famous sword as a meeting gift, but specifically used connections to acquire three pieces of Celestial Steel.

Over the years, Wan Shengjun, who successfully expanded his real estate business, had learned early on this principle: when asking for favors, gifts must not be stingy but must be sufficient and whole!

Now, he lavishly spent six hundred million to secure Ye Qingzhou in one step!

Ye Qingzhou, being straightforward himself, smiled at Wan Shengjun and said: "A gift in expectation of something in return, President Wan, what is your wish?"

If it’s acceptable, Ye Qingzhou wouldn’t mind accepting Wan Shengjun’s "purchase."

After all, such materials as Celestial Steel are indeed extremely rare, more valuable than Divine Gold.

On hearing this, Wan Shengjun was overjoyed: "I hope Mr. Ye can take my son as a disciple. He has been interested in martial arts since childhood but unfortunately hasn’t been able to find a renowned teacher..."

Listening to Wan Shengjun’s words, Ye Qingzhou casually observed Wan Jinglong, immediately seeing through Wan Shengjun’s pretense.

His so-called interest in martial arts was just an excuse.

If he truly liked martial arts, how could he reach twenty-four or twenty-five without even stepping into the professional level?

One must know that the Wan Family is a wealthy clan and couldn’t possibly lack martial resources.

In essence, it was because he couldn’t endure the hardships of martial arts training, a fake fondness at most, like Duke Ye’s love for dragons.

Thinking for a moment, Ye Qingzhou said to Wan Shengjun: "Being a true disciple is out of the question; my skills he cannot handle. But I can take him as a named disciple, would you consider that?"

Wan Jinglong clearly couldn’t be Ye Qingzhou’s true disciple, since he was utterly incapable, and Ye Qingzhou wouldn’t bear the embarrassment.

However, being a named disciple posed no issue; it was akin to Wan Shengjun paying Ye Qingzhou to act as Wan Jinglong’s shield. If anyone dared cross Wan Jinglong, they’d have to think twice.