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

Poisoning a poison-using cultivator? Feng Zhongxin thought he was losing his mind. Those who practiced poison in cultivation were experts at handling toxins. How could anyone possibly poison such a person? Feng Zhongxin had zero faith in this plan working, yet he kept his mouth shut. He understood perfectly that he wasn't the strongest in the group, nor did he hold the greatest influence. With the entire team set on targeting Zou Xiao, opposing them would only bring him trouble and a grim fate.

Truth be told, Feng Zhongxin harbored some fear toward his companions. He'd noticed their transformation ages ago. This wasn't about vengeance anymore; it was all for the treasure. A few had nearly lost their sanity over it, and Wen Liren topped that list. Normally, he stayed composed in handling matters, and his formidable power made him the natural leader. But mention the treasure, and he flipped instantly. Just look at his latest suggestion—claiming to poison a poison cultivator. It showed how little reason remained when he spoke those words.

Feng Zhongxin sat alone in his chamber, letting out a heavy sigh. He was fully aware he couldn't abandon the group, for any attempt to resist would lead to his swift death. They wouldn't tolerate anyone aware of their hidden motives slipping away. His sole option right now was to confront Zou Xiao.

Thoughts of Zou Xiao left Feng Zhongxin at a loss for words. Honestly, he was thrilled that Zou Xiao had slain the Ghostwind Bandits' heir. That event had sparked his positive view of Zou Xiao. Spending two days alongside him only reinforced that Zou Xiao seemed like a decent fellow. Yet, in their present circumstances, Feng Zhongxin had no alternative but to turn against him.

With another sigh, he glanced out at the gradually lightening sky. Feng Zhongxin steadied his nerves and stepped out to locate Zhao Hai. They still possessed plenty of blood jade flowers that needed weighing and selling fast. A drop in price would mean losses for them.

Zhao Hai emerged from his quarters come morning. Right away, he spotted Feng Zhongxin approaching. Feng Zhongxin flashed him a quick grin. "Brother Zou, you're awake. Let's head to the market and offload the blood jade. If we delay, the blood jade flower prices might fall, and we'll take a hit." Zhao Hai gave a nod without a word and trailed Feng Zhongxin to the marketplace.

The market held few crowds early on, so Zhao Hai and Feng Zhongxin's blood jade flowers moved rapidly. Supplies of blood jade flowers appeared scarce, allowing a swift and easy sale. Each pocketed dozens of crystal stones—a solid gain. Normally, blood jade flowers didn't yield such profits.

Once Zhao Hai and Feng Zhongxin exited the market, Zhao Hai promptly invited Feng Zhongxin back to his room. It marked Feng Zhongxin's initial visit there. He couldn't guess Zhao Hai's intent, but it felt positive. At minimum, it signaled a tightening bond between them.

Inside the room, Zhao Hai produced four interspatial bags and passed them to Feng Zhongxin. In a grave tone, he declared, "Big Brother Feng, these belong to those eight fellows from yesterday. We'll split them evenly. These four are yours. Truth is, they didn't carry much of value. Oh, and I left everything untouched inside, though I did extract all their blood jade flowers—those ended up in what we sold earlier. Plus, I've checked their cultivation technique jade slips. They're in my interspatial bags now. Have a glance." With that, Zhao Hai pulled out several jade slips and offered them to Feng Zhongxin.

Feng Zhongxin examined the items in his grasp, then lifted his gaze to Zhao Hai. He hadn't anticipated receiving these from Zhao Hai. While peddling blood jade flowers that day, he'd noted they had more than the previous haul. He suspected it came from those foes, yet never dreamed Zhao Hai would share the interspatial bags. In yesterday's clash, Feng Zhongxin had contributed nothing; Zhao Hai handled the poisoning alone. It wouldn't have been unfair if Zhao Hai kept it all, but handing over half like this showed real generosity, which stirred Feng Zhongxin deeply.

Still, Feng Zhongxin pushed the interspatial bags and jade slips back to Zhao Hai, stating, "Brother Zou, I can't accept these. I didn't lift a finger in yesterday's fight. How could I claim your spoils without earning them? No thanks, you hold onto them." He extended the items toward Zhao Hai once more.

Zhao Hai extended a hand to stop him. "Big Brother Feng, what are you saying? We both ventured out yesterday to act. Whatever we claimed should split fair between us. Had I not subdued them all, wouldn't you have stepped in eventually? This is your rightful share—take it and check for anything useful. If not, swap it out right away for crystal stones. Like us, those were rogue cultivators, so expect no top-tier goods."

Feng Zhongxin took the items after Zhao Hai's insistence. He nodded and replied, "Fine, I'll accept them. Whatever's in there benefits us regardless. Alright, I'll sort these out and inquire about available missions. I'll check back with you tomorrow."

"Sounds good," Zhao Hai nodded, his voice steady. "I'll be waiting for you here in the room tomorrow." He then escorted Feng Zhongxin out and retreated inside. Those spoils truly held no appeal for him. The rogue cultivators lacked anything noteworthy enough to catch his eye, so gifting them to Feng Zhongxin meant little. What mattered was Feng Zhongxin's reaction upon receiving them. Zhao Hai knew Feng Zhongxin's initial approach hid ulterior motives, yet he opted to offer a chance, testing if those schemes would fade away.

Feng Zhongxin departed Zhao Hai's lodging and headed to his own inn. He first slipped into his room and retrieved the interspatial bags. Probing them with his spiritual sense, he discovered crystals, a handful of dharma artifacts, several cultivation techniques, and assorted odds and ends. These were typical possessions for lone cultivators. It confirmed Zhao Hai hadn't meddled with the contents.

Feng Zhongxin stowed the interspatial bags and breathed out deeply. His gaze grew distant. Guilt weighed heavier on him now, for Zhao Hai treated him exceptionally well. He truly wished to avoid harming Zhao Hai, but circumstances forced his hand. This conflict tormented Feng Zhongxin greatly.

Feng Zhongxin remained seated on the bed in silence, replaying his encounters with Zhao Hai. The memories flickered through his thoughts bit by bit. Moments later, a spark ignited in Feng Zhongxin's eyes. An idea struck him—one that could potentially convince Boss Wen and the rest to abandon their plot against Zhao Hai.

Excitement surged through Feng Zhongxin at the realization. He rose and paced the room deliberately, mulling over his revelation. The deeper he delved, the more plausible it seemed. If true, it offered a real shot at reversing their course.

Yet, Feng Zhongxin soon creased his brow. He recognized the depths of Boss Wen and the others' craving for the treasure—it had twisted into an unbreakable fixation. Sharing his insight would likely fall on deaf ears; they wouldn't relent on targeting Zhao Hai. Still, this represented his final opportunity, the lone path he envisioned to aid Zhao Hai.

Feng Zhongxin pondered briefly, then flung the door wide and strode out. Outside, he made for Wen Liren's room and rapped lightly on it. In a low voice, he announced, "Brother Wen, I've got something to discuss."

Feng Zhongxin and the group still held deep wariness toward Wen Liren. Beyond his immense strength, Wen Liren schemed with ruthless precision. Crossing him instilled terror in anyone.

"That's Zhongxin," came Wen Liren's voice. "Enter." Feng Zhongxin acknowledged and swung the door open to step inside. Wen Liren occupied the sitting area, his activities unclear. Feng Zhongxin bowed promptly to Wen Liren and repeated, "Brother Wen, I've got something to share."

Wen Liren offered a warm smile. "Take a seat and speak. How often must I remind you? We're brothers here—no need for formalities. So, what's on your mind?" His expression radiated gentle amiability, like a soothing breeze. First-timers might peg him as kind and approachable. But Feng Zhongxin knew better: beneath that mild facade lurked a heart of ice. Wen Liren would stop at nothing to crush his enemies, even if it meant mutual destruction.

Such fanaticism explained why Feng Zhongxin and the others dreaded him. Despite the courteous words, Feng Zhongxin dared not slack. He agreed and settled down, then addressed Wen Liren, "Wen Bro, there's something puzzling me about Zou Xiao."

Wen Liren's brows knitted faintly, though he soon resumed his smile. "What's the issue? Discover something? What's off about this Zou Xiao?" Wen Liren eyed Feng Zhongxin expectantly, urging him onward. But at that look, Feng Zhongxin's pulse quickened. Though the smile persisted, it evoked a frog pinned by a serpent's icy stare—chilling him to the core.

Nevertheless, Feng Zhongxin gathered his resolve and pressed on, "Big Brother Wen, it baffles me. If Zhao Hai truly learned of the Ghostwind Bandits' treasure, why linger here finishing missions with me instead of seeking it? If he knew its spot, why not bolt via the teleportation array from Blood Lake Island right after handling the Ghostwind Bandits? Why stick around? Unless the Ghostwind Bandits' treasure hides right here?"