Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8463 8463: Hope (1)

The notion of poisoning a poison-wielding cultivator left Feng Zhongxin on the verge of losing his mind. Those who specialized in poisons had an intimate knowledge of every toxin out there. How on earth could anyone succeed in poisoning such an expert? Deep down, Feng Zhongxin had zero faith in this ridiculous plan, yet he held his tongue. He understood perfectly that he wasn't the strongest member of the group, nor did he carry the most weight in decisions. With the entire team dead set on taking down Zou Xiao, any resistance from him would pit him against everyone, sealing a grim fate.

In truth, Feng Zhongxin harbored a quiet fear toward his companions. He'd noticed their transformation ages ago. This wasn't about vengeance anymore; it was all for that coveted treasure. Several had descended into near-madness over it, and Wen Liren stood out among them. Normally, he handled matters with cool composure, and his formidable power had effortlessly elevated him to leadership. But mention the treasure, and his demeanor flipped instantly. Just look at his latest suggestion—proposing to poison a poison master. It screamed that his rational mind had all but vanished in that moment.

Alone in his chamber, Feng Zhongxin let out a heavy sigh. He recognized he couldn't just walk away from the group, for any attempt to break free would invite swift death. They tolerated no deserters who held their dark secrets. His sole option now lay in confronting Zou Xiao.

Thoughts of Zou Xiao left Feng Zhongxin at a loss for words. Truth be told, he took genuine joy in Zou Xiao's feat of slaying the Ghostwind Bandits' heir. That very act had sparked a favorable view of him in Feng Zhongxin's heart. Spending two days alongside Zou Xiao only reinforced the sense that he was a decent fellow. Yet, trapped in the present mess, Feng Zhongxin found himself compelled to turn against him.

With another sigh escaping him, he noted the gradual lightening of the sky outside. Feng Zhongxin steadied his nerves and readied himself to step out in search of Zhao Hai. They still clutched a hefty stash of blood jade flowers that needed weighing and selling fast. A dip in prices would mean taking a hit on their earnings.

Come morning, Zhao Hai emerged from his quarters. Right away, he spotted Feng Zhongxin approaching. A warm smile lit up Feng Zhongxin's face as he greeted, "Brother Zou, you're awake. Let's head to the market and offload the blood jade. If we drag our feet and the blood jade flower prices tumble, we'll be out a fortune." Zhao Hai gave a nod without a word and trailed Feng Zhongxin toward the marketplace.

The market buzzed with few early risers, allowing Zhao Hai and Feng Zhongxin's blood jade flowers to fly off the shelves in no time. Supplies of blood jade flowers appeared scarce on the stalls, ensuring a swift and hassle-free sale. Each pocketed dozens of crystal stones—a tidy profit indeed. Normally, blood jade flowers didn't yield such generous returns.

Once Zhao Hai and Feng Zhongxin exited the market, Zhao Hai promptly ushered Feng Zhongxin back to his room. It marked Feng Zhongxin's inaugural visit inside Zhao Hai's space. He couldn't fathom Zhao Hai's intentions, but it struck him as positive. At minimum, it signaled a tightening bond between them.

Inside the room, Zhao Hai produced four interspatial bags and passed them over to Feng Zhongxin. In a solemn tone, he declared, "Big Brother Feng, these belonged to those eight thugs from yesterday. We'll split them evenly—you claim these four. Truth is, their haul isn't impressive. Oh, and I left everything untouched within, except I pulled out all their blood jade flowers, which ended up in our earlier sale batch. Plus, I've checked their cultivation technique jade slips. You'll find those in my interspatial bag here—give them a once-over." With that, Zhao Hai retrieved several jade slips and offered them to Feng Zhongxin.

Feng Zhongxin eyed the items in his grasp, then lifted his gaze to Zhao Hai. He hadn't anticipated such generosity. Earlier that day, while hawking blood jade flowers, he'd noticed their stock exceeded the previous haul—likely spoils from the fallen foes. Yet, he never dreamed Zhao Hai would share the interspatial bags. In yesterday's clash, Feng Zhongxin had contributed nothing; Zhao Hai handled the poisoning solo. It wouldn't have been unfair if Zhao Hai kept it all, but handing over half like this showed real consideration, stirring deep gratitude in him.

Still, Feng Zhongxin pushed the interspatial bags and jade slips back toward Zhao Hai, insisting, "Brother Zou, I can't accept these. I contributed zilch to yesterday's fight—how could I freeload off your gains? Nah, keep them yourself. I pass." He extended the items once more.

Zhao Hai raised a hand to halt him. "Big Brother Feng, what gives? We both ventured out yesterday to strike. Whatever we claimed belongs to us jointly, split down the middle. Had I not subdued the lot, wouldn't you have jumped in regardless? This is rightfully yours—grab it and check for anything useful. Swap out the rest for crystal stones right away. Like us, they're rogue cultivators, so expect no top-tier goodies."

Feng Zhongxin took the items after Zhao Hai's persuasion. He nodded and replied, "Fine, I'll accept them. Whatever's inside benefits us either way. Alright, I'll sort this out and poke around for available missions. I'll swing by tomorrow."

"Sounds good," Zhao Hai affirmed with a nod, his voice steady. "I'll be here in the room, Big Brother Feng." He then escorted Feng Zhongxin to the door and retreated inside. Truthfully, those spoils meant little to him. The rogue cultivators offered nothing noteworthy enough to pique his interest, so parting with them for Feng Zhongxin posed no issue. What truly mattered was how Feng Zhongxin reacted upon receiving them. Zhao Hai knew the man's initial approach hid ulterior motives, yet he opted to offer a shot at redemption—to test if he'd abandon those schemes.

Feng Zhongxin departed Zhao Hai's lodging and headed back to his own inn. He ducked into his room first and unpacked the interspatial bags. A mental probe revealed crystals, a handful of dharma artifacts, assorted cultivation techniques, and sundry odds and ends—all staples for lone cultivators. These contents confirmed Zhao Hai hadn't rifled through them.

Feng Zhongxin stowed the interspatial bags away and exhaled deeply. A haze clouded his eyes. Guilt gnawed at him stronger than ever, for Zhao Hai treated him with unwavering kindness. He desperately wished to spare Zhao Hai, but circumstances forced his hand. This inner turmoil left Feng Zhongxin deeply troubled.

Feng Zhongxin perched motionless on the bed, replaying his encounters with Zhao Hai from start to finish. The memories flickered through his thoughts like fleeting shadows. Moments later, a spark ignited in Feng Zhongxin's eyes. An idea struck him—one that could potentially sway Boss Wen and the rest from pursuing Zhao Hai.

Excitement surged through Feng Zhongxin at the realization. He sprang to his feet and paced the chamber deliberately, mulling over his revelation. The deeper he delved, the more convincing it felt. Should it hold water, a real turnaround loomed possible.

Yet, Feng Zhongxin's brow creased soon after. He grasped all too well the burning obsession Boss Wen and the others harbored for the treasure. It consumed them utterly. Sharing his insight would likely fall on deaf ears—they'd refuse to relent on targeting Zhao Hai. Even so, this represented his final gambit, the lone path he saw to aid Zhao Hai.

Feng Zhongxin pondered briefly, then flung the door wide and strode out. He made straight for Wen Liren's quarters and rapped softly on the entrance. In a low voice, he announced, "Brother Wen, I've got something to discuss." Feng Zhongxin and his allies still trembled at Wen Liren's presence. Beyond his raw might, Wen Liren schemed with ruthless precision. Crossing him instilled terror in any soul.

"That's Zhongxin," came Wen Liren's voice from within. "Enter." Feng Zhongxin acknowledged and swung the door open to step inside. Wen Liren occupied the sitting area, his activities inscrutable. Feng Zhongxin offered a quick bow and repeated, "Brother Wen, I've got news for you."

Wen Liren grinned and gestured. "Take a seat and spill it. How often must I remind you? We're brothers here—no need for formalities. So, what's on your mind?" His features radiated a soft, welcoming warmth, like a gentle zephyr. Newcomers often mistook him for a benevolent, approachable soul. But Feng Zhongxin knew better: beneath that affable facade lurked a heart of ice. Wen Liren crushed foes without mercy, willing even to drag them down in mutual ruin.

Such fanaticism explained why Feng Zhongxin and the others dreaded him. Despite the courteous words, Feng Zhongxin dared not slack. He agreed and settled in, then addressed Wen Liren. "Wen Bro, one thing baffles me—it's regarding Zou Xiao."

Wen Liren's brows knit faintly, though a smile soon returned. "Out with it. What've you uncovered? What's off about this Zou Xiao?" His gaze fixed on Feng Zhongxin, expectant. But upon catching that look, Feng Zhongxin's pulse raced. Wen Liren's smile persisted, yet it evoked a frog pinned under a serpent's icy stare—chilling him to the core, every nerve prickling.

Steeling himself, Feng Zhongxin pressed on. "Big Brother Wen, it doesn't add up. If Zhao Hai truly held knowledge of the Ghostwind Bandits' treasure, why linger here finishing missions with me instead of hunting it down? If he pinpointed its spot, why not bolt via the teleportation array from Blood Lake Island right after offing the Ghostwind Bandits? Why stick around? You don't suppose the Ghostwind Bandits' treasure hides right here, do you?"