Dual Cultivation God Returns Chapter 1077: Let them try

Zhao Xieren was seated opposite the Right Guardian from the Crow King’s Nest, who lounged on a sofa as if he were in his own abode, a stark contrast to Zhao Xieren's composed posture.

After a full minute of patient waiting for the Right Guardian to initiate their discourse, Zhao Xieren finally broke the silence, "I understand you wished to see me about something? I don’t have much time."

"~Heh~!" the Right Guardian loudly snorted, clearly amused. "Look at you, keeping your head so high when speaking to someone you should be fearing."

A shift occurred in Zhao Xieren’s gaze. "You would do well to not overstep with your rudeness. I entertained your request to meet based on your title, but I am quite occupied today. You might have heard we have an important event upcoming."

The four individuals flanking the Right Guardian made a subtle move as if to act, but the former lazily raised a hand, halting them. He then shifted from his relaxed posture to lean forward, fixing his gaze intently on Zhao Xieren.

They maintained eye contact in a tense silence for about half a minute before the Right Guardian suddenly scowled. "Heh... hehahahaha, not a pushover – I like it!"

Zhao Xieren, however, did not share in the amusement, his expression remaining frosty.

The Right Guardian’s laughter ceased just as abruptly. "I’m afraid, however, that sometimes, for individuals like you who dwell in the light, especially when facing someone like me who lives in the shadows, it is more advantageous to be a pushover."

"You are welcome to test the extent of those shadows you inhabit, but I have a feeling they won't reach me," Zhao Xieren stated, his eyes unwavering at the thinly veiled threat.

The Right Guardian’s eyes and the very air around him turned menacing as he subtly released some of his cultivation base pressure. "Bold words, but I'm afraid ill-advised. Are you certain you wish to be so unyielding when you represent a client? Your words and attitude could lead to very unfortunate consequences for this Trading Company, and I doubt they would appreciate that."

"Oh dear, it’s such a misfortune that you harbor so many irrational fears..." Zhao Xieren’s tone adopted a dramatic flair before returning to complete flatness. "Perhaps I could recommend some soul-nourishing or mind-nourishing incense sticks that my client sells to help alleviate that. Is that all you wished to consult me about today?"

Veins began to bulge on the Right Guardian’s temples as he clenched his jaw tightly. Abandoning any pretense of sophisticated speech, he adopted a more thuggish tone. "Alright, smart guy, answer this: Do you believe this Trading Company will survive if you truly turn the Crow King’s Nest against you? We haven't acted against you yet, not because we couldn't, but simply because you weren't significant enough."

"I presume we have gained some significance then, seeing as you are here? Or is the second-highest ranking individual in the Crow King’s Nest hierarchy regularly dispatched for menial errands?" Zhao Xieren refused to yield, continuing to probe the purpose of the visit rather than engage in reciprocal threats or posturing.

Sparks seemed to fly as the qi pressure emanating from both individuals clashed between them. The people standing behind each of them braced themselves, subtly pushed back. Zhao Xieren also experienced a slight recoil, as both men deliberately restrained themselves from initiating an outright confrontation.

Despite appearing visibly rattled, the Right Guardian surprisingly managed to regain his composure. "Look, we can handle this the easy way or the hard way. Let's not make this more difficult than it needs to be. I simply require a bit of cooperation from you."

Zhao Xieren remained silent, recognizing that further provocation would be unproductive, having already achieved his objective of agitating the Right Guardian.

It was quite evident that the extended preamble thus far was not merely a whim or a random display of power by the Right Guardian, but rather a clumsy maneuver to compel Zhao Xieren into acknowledging a coercive element in their conversation—an imbalance of power—thereby forcing him to concede defeat and promise cooperation before any actual matter was discussed.

Zhao Xieren, conversely, intended to bypass this charade and move directly to the crux of why the Right Guardian had appeared. The latter's final words clearly conveyed his mounting frustration and willingness to abandon this particular strategy.

The Right Guardian found his final gambit to force Zhao Xieren into immediate surrender had also failed. His anger intensified, yet, as Zhao Xieren had anticipated, he eventually relented, gritting his teeth to force out his demands. "I require two things. Firstly, you must keep my presence here a secret. Secondly, once your auction concludes and the sellers arrive to claim their earnings, I need you to identify the owner of a particular item for me. Simple enough, correct?"

He then raised a finger, signaling Zhao Xieren to hold on. "Ah-ah-ah~... I haven't finished... Before you mention client confidentiality and privilege, consider who is making this request. Having the Crow King's Nest as an ally is highly beneficial, but making an enemy of us is exceptionally perilous. Besides, it's hardly a difficult or significant task; you merely need to point and look away. No one will ever know."

"No," Zhao Xieren simply stated, shaking his head. "Non-negotiable. Full stop. This meeting is concluded."

He rose to his feet, causing the Right Guardian to clench his fists.

The latter then bellowed at Zhao Xieren's retreating back, also standing up and pointing. "Consider the repercussions! It's a minor, painless request that costs you nothing to fulfill, and in return, you gain a powerful, indebted friend! Refuse, however, and you face immense suffering, all over such a trivial matter to you!"

This did not deter Zhao Xieren, who continued towards the exit, the sliding doors already parting before him.

"It's not just us, but the Jewel of the Universe Pavilion as well!" the Right Guardian roared, finally halting Zhao Xieren, who half-turned. Seeing this reaction, the former pressed on, speaking rapidly. "You've been around; you know who they are. You do not wish to provoke them. Offend us, and you'll face considerable trouble, certainly. But cross them, and in the Seven Heavens, you have absolutely no chance of survival. Not a sliver of hope exists. Not a single brick of this Trading Company will remain standing, and not one soul will be left alive."

Zhao Xieren paused, his expression unreadable. He then simply uttered, "Let them try," before turning and continuing his departure.

"You're insane!!! You will regret this!!!" the Right Guardian's voice echoed from behind him. "I guarantee it! You will regret it!"