Chapter 421: Shady Old Man
Following Wu Kuishan’s words, the concourse was enveloped in silence once more.
This time it seemed, MCMAU had an unwavering determination to start a fight for profit.
None of them were fools. Since the beginning when Fang Ping landed the two major companies in trouble, everyone was already clear of his intentions.
Almost anyone who had cultivated up to this level was in higher positions. None of them were idiots.
Could the two CEOs not tell?
They saw through him a long time ago!
However, even if Fang Ping’s words had landed Zheng Minghong into a slightly embarra.s.sing situation, he still refused to give in. He did not want things to become worse.
He had lost some imperishable substance himself and got ragged on by Rank-5 Fang Ping. Those were insignificant matters.
Everyone on the scene had the ability to treat others with forbearance except for a few ill-tempered ones who might not be able to tolerate it.
After a moment of silence, Wu Chuan asked, “Can’t I stay too?”
He was the guardian of the south!
One of the four great guardians!
Even though he was not considered too experienced, he was still a Rank-9 powerhouse. Plus, with his ident.i.ty as a guardian, he was definitely one of the higher-ups of mankind.
Wu Kuishan took a look at him for a moment, smiling suddenly. “That’s fine if the guardian is willing to stay. Anyone here who wants to stay can do so. Of course, it may not be a good thing to know too much sometimes.”
These were quick-witted people. As soon as Wu Kuishan said those words, many stood up and walked out straight away without further ado.
Knowing too much was not necessarily a good thing.
Wu Kuishan’s so-called “If they don’t give it to us, we’ll rob it”. As a Rank-8 martial artist and the vice-chancellor of a university, where did he find the confidence to say this?
Although the two major companies’ CEOs were only Rank-8 powerhouses, that did not mean that the two major companies had only this bit of underlying potential.
As the crowd dispersed, finally there were only 8 remaining people in the concourse.
The two major companies’ CEOs, Wu Chuan, Wu Kuishan, Fang Ping, Old Man Li, w.a.n.g Jinyang… and the final person was Chen Yaoting.
Seeing that Chen Yaoting stayed, Wu Kuishan was seemingly surprised, yet said nothing about it.
If Chen Yaoting insisted on staying here, he would not chase him away either.
As for w.a.n.g Jinyang, if he wanted to stay, then that was up to him. Although w.a.n.g Jinyang’s ability was average and no one stood up for him, in reality, he could be considered Nanjiang’s representative.
Everyone had left. Wu Kuishan released his Mentality suddenly, laying out a layer of Mentality barrier around the concourse immediately.
Zheng Minghong raised his eyebrows slightly, saying in a deep-throated voice, “Wu Kuishan, what do you want to say!”
Wu Kuishan had taken a seat now. There was still a faint smile on his face. Ignoring Zheng Minghong, he motioned Fang Ping to sit beside him.
When Fang Ping had taken a seat, Wu Kuishan chuckled lightly. “You are too young. Sometimes, we need to plan well before taking any actions. You can’t rush things. Actually, this matter can be solved after careful planning. Just wait for a bit more.
“Once we have a hold on the evidence of Zhao Yu’s collusion with the evil sect and catch him red-handed, we can bring Zhao Yu to the Commerce Department straightaway instead of negotiating with these two companies.
“Do you know what I mean?
“There’s also no need to spark controversy or make this known to all. To quell this incident, many things can be discussed slowly.
“We’re only selling some shares. How big of a deal is it?
“The value of these shares that MCMAU owns is only about seventy to eighty billion. For the two major companies, this is petty money.”
Fang Ping nodded quickly and added, “I can’t help thinking that this wastes too much time…”
“Delaying a bit of time is nothing. We need to be tolerant when we’re supposed to.”
“Wu Kuishan, this is not MCMAU! If you want to teach your student, do it when you return to MCMAU!”
Zheng Minghong frowned, looking discontented.
Wu Kuishan chuckled. He nodded and said, “Fine. I’ll stop it then. Let’s do this, Zheng Minghong and Sun Leqing, buy back MCMAU’s shares and some of the pill company’s shares that Fang Ping holds. No cash. Just supply us with 200 billion worth of pill and weapon… at cost price.”
“…”
There was a deafening silence on the scene!
What a joke!
Fang Ping looked stupefied as well. White-haired Wu was freaking awesome!
This was what he meant by robbing?
This was indeed robbing. If the two major companies were to sell pills and weapons at a 200 billion cost price, that value would be over a trillion!
This was much more awesome than robbing!
However, the key takeaway was, did you only need to pay lip service?
Of course, Fang Ping knew that Wu Kuishan definitely had the confidence for this. The question was where did he get such confidence. Fang Ping figured that by getting 80 billion worth of cost price resources for that bit of MCMAU shares, they would have already profited. Needless to say, 200 billion was insanely exorbitant.
Zheng Minghong sneered, “Wu Kuishan, are you still asleep? Or are you bored to death?”
The weapon company CEO Sun Leqing chuckled lightly as well. “Vice-chancellor Wu, don’t you think this is a bit too much?”
As he said that, Sun Leqing negotiated, “Let’s do this. It has now come to this point whereby MCMAU is destined to part ways with us. Since our principles aren’t the same, we won’t stop you either. 20 billion for the shares buyback.
“If you don’t want cash, we can supply you with resources worth 50 billion in market price.
“Vice-chancellor Wu, this is already an exception. You should know that it is already our limit to be able to offer this price.”
At this moment, everyone else was gone. Sun Leqing behaved differently from how he was earlier. Actually, negotiation was only possible with fewer people around. Fang Ping had gathered so many people earlier. Pus.h.i.+ng both of them to the edge in front of so many people had made it worse instead.
Even if the two major companies wanted to compromise, they would never do it in front of others.
Wu Kuishan smiled, saying, “There’s no rush. Let me finish. 200 billion isn’t much. Perhaps after you finish hearing me out, you will think that 200 billion is too little.”
Zheng Minghong was slightly restless now. He groaned. “Fine. I’d like to hear what you have to say!”
Fang Ping looked curious too. He waited silently without a word.
What would Wu Kuishan say?
Wy Kuishan, on the contrary, looked breezy. He said mildly, “Species Conservation Plan… perhaps we can call it so. I don’t know if that’s how you phrase it. Is this enough?”
When Wu Kuishan mentioned the three words, the two CEOs instantly looked like they had seen a ghost!
Not only them, the look on Wu Chuan’s face changed drastically too. He shouted suddenly, “Wu Kuishan, where did you hear about this?”
“As expected, all of you know this.”
Wu Kuishan’s voice rang out faintly. He relished it and said, “I speculated about it. Do you believe me?”
The look on all three of their faces was beyond ghastly.
Beside them, Chen Yaoting and Old Man Li had also put on a cold and stern look. They were silent as the grave.
Fang Ping and w.a.n.g Jinyang were rather puzzled, yet they seemed to have sensed that something was wrong.
Wu Kuishan was still smiling, relis.h.i.+ng the moment. He brushed away the nonexistent dust on his thighs and smiled, “200 billion and not more. Don’t push us to the edge. We’re only trying to take back what is ours!
“Also, MCMAU is not a beggar!
“If both of you can’t make a decision, then find someone who can.”
Zheng Minghong’s expression was beyond cold. He said sternly, “Wu Kuishan, you must bear the consequences of your words!”
Bang!
With a sudden smack, the tea table beside Wu Kuishan was crushed into pieces instantly!
At this moment, the look on Wu Kuishan’s face was equally cold. A bone-piercing chill made the entire concourse cold and insidious.
“Of course I will be responsible! Even if I die, I will only die in the Catacombs and not die escaping!”
Wu Kuishan’s voice was powerful and resonant. Then, he was suddenly seething with anger, saying eerily, “We’re sacrificial victims. Though, even if we’re to sacrifice, we’ll never do it for you!”
“We’re fighting for humans who are abandoned—fighting for ourselves!
“The evil sect is eliminated but not wiped out. Do those Rank-9 paragons even care about the evil sect?
“In the last few years, do you really think that I am not aware of anything at all?
“Don’t push me to the edge. Really. Don’t even try!
“Even honest people can become infuriated!
“Why exactly are we fighting dauntlessly at the frontline?
“Tell me, who are we fighting for exactly? All for the so-called elites?
“Who do they think they are!”
Wu Kuishan was blazing with anger. In the concourse, a storm was raging on. Fang Ping and w.a.n.g Jinyang took a few steps back involuntarily.
“How many instructors and students in martial arts universities have died! How many Military Department soldiers have lost their lives and are buried in the Catacombs!
“Today, we can’t even satisfy our own cultivation, and yet we still need to observe the look on your faces. Who do you think you are!
“All for a bunch of elites who have never entered the Catacombs before?
“How absurd!
“Don’t treat everyone as fools or idiots when it comes to certain things! Many people know this but they did not say it, did not want to say it, and are unwilling to say it. But I, Wu Kuishan, am not afraid!
“Fang Ping may not be brave enough or incapable of doing certain things, but that doesn’t mean that I, Wu Kuishan, won’t do it!
“Gentlemen, this 200 billion is exchanged with the martial arts universities’ instructors and students’ fresh blood! But, if you’re bold enough to say no, don’t blame me, Wu Kuishan, for ignoring the so-called general interest!”
At this moment, Wu Kuishan was beyond powerful and overbearing!
Zheng Minghong and the rest’s expressions were also extremely ghastly.
Beside them, Chen Yaoting said in a m.u.f.fled voice, “Just as I expected. That’s fine. SCMAU will not get ripped off anymore. Gentlemen, share some of the technical skills with us. In the future, SCMAU will produce and market our own products.”
“NMAU as well!” Although w.a.n.g Jinyang did not know much about the inside story, at this moment, nothing could hinder him from fighting for NMAU’s benefits.
“b.a.s.t.a.r.d!”
Zheng Minghong cursed madly. The next second after the words left his lips, a golden glow lit up heaven and earth. Soundlessly and motionlessly, a double iron fist smacked his head.
Click…
A faint and gentle sound was heard. Zheng Minghong’s head caved in straight away. His flesh disappeared instantly without a trace, turning into a skull completely.
“Vice-chancellor Wu!”
Wu Chuan let out a sudden roar. Beside him, Sun Leqing was already in great terror, intending to make an escape immediately.
However, Wu Kuishan laughed as he pulled his hands back. He said mildly, “Disaster comes from careless talk. You, Zheng Minghong, dare yell at me, Wu Kuishan? Send your grandfather to me. What sort of plaything are you!”
At this moment, ruptured sounds were heard coming from the skull suddenly. On the gold and dazzling skull, cracks were visible.
A split second later, the flesh grew back. After a moment, Zheng Minghong’s appearance recovered, though his complexion was pale.
With his attention focused on Wu Kuishan, Zheng Minghong let out a bitter smile, saying, “Wu Kuishan, it seems like I’ve underestimated you. The outside world says that you, Wu Kuishan, have difficulty in achieving Rank-9. In my opinion, it doesn’t look like it.”
He did not get caught up by the matter earlier whereby his golden bones were cracked after getting smacked by Wu Kuishan. He was no match for him. He had also infuriated Wu Kuishan when he said “b.a.s.t.a.r.d” earlier. At this moment, it was useless to talk about these things anymore.
Wu Kuishan would never kill him, nor would he dare.
Besides, Wu Chuan was here. Wu Kuishan would not be able to kill him either.
However, a stumble may prevent a fall. Wu Kuishan had injured him with one smack. There was no way to reason with this. Not unless they really wanted to fight to the death.
Wu Kuishan pulled his hands back. Sun Leqing who was about to escape had also halted in his tracks. His expression was unreadable.
Wu Chuan had only berated him but did not stop him. Right now, he said no more.
Wu Kuishan smiled, saying softly, “Sure, Rank-9 is difficult to achieve, but even if I didn’t achieve Rank-9, people like you are nothing in my, Wu Kuishan’s eyes!
“Gentlemen, I’ve said what I need to say.
“Send 200 billion worth of pills and weapons to MCMAU later. In the future, MCMAU will no longer supply any raw materials to the two major companies.
“Don’t worry, I’m only taking back what’s MCMAU’s. As for other people, I’m not interested in them.
“If you are not satisfied, you can send your guys to me, Wu Kuishan.
“But, if you’re sending a typical Rank-9, then you can forget it. Send a Rank-9 paragon. I, Wu Kuishan, would love to see how heartless and cold-blooded our human Rank-9 paragon is!”
The CEOs did not respond. Wu Chuan said coldly, “Vice-chancellor Wu, this matter has not been concluded yet. That will only be the ultimate plan!”
“Heheh.”
Wu Kuishan scoffed. He said with relish, “Maybe. Of course, when the time comes, maybe I’ll agree with this plan. But… will all my martial arts university students turn into sacrificial victims? Some of them will be taken away.”
Wu Chuan took a deep breath, saying in a deep voice, “I’ve already said that this has not been concluded yet! When the time comes, it will definitely be nothing like you imagined it to be. “Rank-9 paragons did not always have the final say too. If that’s the case, I, Wu Chuan, will be the first person to disagree!”
“What use is there for you to disagree?” Wu Kuishan said scornfully.
Wu Chuan said coldly, “Do you think that only you, Wu Kuishan, are fearless in this world? I, Wu Chuan, am bold too! Besides, the majority doesn’t agree to it, Commander Li included!”
“Commander Li…”
Wu Kuishan burst out laughing. “Right. Let’s wait and see then.”
Having said that, Wu Kuishan twisted his neck to look at Fang Ping. He chuckled. “Kid, learn up. What’s the use of talking so much nonsense with them! Rob them directly. If they don’t give it to you, then bash them up!
“Once you’ve bashed these weaklings up to the point that they are willing to submit, you will get it naturally.”
Zheng Minghong did not utter a word. Sun Leqing looked helpless, sighing, “Vice-chancellor, you should understand that we’re not doing certain things for our own benefits.”
“I understand. Of course I understand.”
Wu Kuishan smiled faintly, “Despite being unwilling, I am able to understand. But, even though I understand, I can’t sit and watch MCMAU’s instructors and students turned into sacrificial victims!
“Hence, I’m not asking for anything more than that. I’m only taking back what belongs to MCMAU.”
Zheng Minghong’s tone was cold and detached. “Your only concern is MCMAU. Wu Kuishan, don’t you think that you’re very selfish?”
“Selfish?”
Wu Kuishan said mildly, “I’m selfish, but so what? We’re all humans. Are martial arts university instructors and students not part of mankind anymore?
“Martial arts universities have never avoided war, right?
“With resources and enhanced ability, we, the martial arts university instructors and students will naturally fight until the end, until the last person collapses!”
“I, Wu Kuishan, will only die in the Catacombs. I will never die in the vast universe!”
Wu Kuishan’s voice was loudened unexpectedly. “When I die, I will only die standing!”
Zheng Minghong spoke no more; Sun Leqing remained silent as well.
Wu Chuan said softly, “Our generation will not fall on our knees.”
Wu Kuishan darted him a look. He smiled faintly and said, “We’ll see as we go. I’ll take my leave now.”
After saying those words, Wu Kuishan strode out straightaway.
Fang Ping went after him quickly. w.a.n.g Jinyang was also unhesitating as he quickly followed them and left.
Chen Yaoting stood up and walked out too. He wore an unchanging expression, looking indifferent.
…
When they were gone, Zheng Minghong erupted unexpectedly. He roared, “Am I, Zheng Minghong, a person who kneels and pleads for my life? Am I doing everything for my own benefit?
“Wu Kuishan has a strong sense of righteousness. He wants to become a hero. Am I a coward then?
“Tian Mu called me a spy and he, Wu Kuishan, attacked me straight away. Who do they think they are?
“If they are so capable, go and get their answers from the Rank-9 paragons. Are they coming after me because I’m an easy opponent?
“Motherf*cker. I quit! Anyone who loves doing this can take it!
“This trivial matter has nothing to do with me from the start. They’ve pushed it too far!”
Sun Leqing darted him a glance. After a long time, he said helplessly, “Why didn’t you say it earlier?”
Zheng Minghong was infuriated. “I’m no match for him. What was I supposed to say?”
Wu Chuan took a quick look at him, saying weakly, “Don’t tell me this. I’m not in charge of this. Also, what’s going on with Zhao Yu, really?”
Zheng Minghong roared in rage, “How am I supposed to know! There are so many employees in the pill company. Do you really f*cking think that I have the time to keep an eye on each and every one of them?”
Wu Chuan’s expression changed. He growled, “Try saying that again!”
Zheng Minghong clammed up immediately. Then, he flew into a rage out of humiliation. Without saying another word, he soared into the sky and vanished in no time.
Wu Chuan ma.s.saged his temple. Sun Leqing saw what happened and said bitterly, “Guardian, I’ll be leaving now as well. Regarding MCMAU… how bold are they to demand such an exorbitant amount? Wu Kuishan will never let us go, will he?”
Wu Chuan humphed, “Mind your own people! If Fang Ping did not start this subject, Wu Kuishan’s anger would not boil over too. I warn you. People like us can die in a battle between the Catacombs martial artists but never in the hands of our own!
“If another person from the two major companies shows up next time, I’ll kill all of you straightaway!”
With an innocent look, Sun Leqing said, “But there are so many people… Forget it. There’s no use talking about this. We can only strengthen our preventive measures. Oh right, is Wu Kuishan about to achieve Rank-9?”
Wu Chuan shook his head, saying, “He’s a Peak Rank-8 now. This shady guy broke through without telling anyone.
“I warn you. Don’t provoke him… He may be the one who intruded Sky Gate City 3 years ago.”
“What!”
Sun Leqing was rather astonished. Then, he thought of something all of a sudden. He frowned and asked, “So he… he has a Rank-9 Divine Weapon?”
Wu Chuan nodded his head gently, saying in a low voice, “3 years ago, a portion of the Sky Gate Tree’s trunk was chopped off. If that’s him, then he will most certainly have a Rank-9 Divine Weapon. That’s why I’m telling you to stop provoking this shady guy. Let Zheng Minghong admit defeat willingly. If he’s really out to look for a fight, don’t blame us for not helping him if he dies getting bashed up.”
“This… this…”
Sun Leqing felt like he was about to collapse. His days are getting harder and harder to get by now.
The old one was sinister while the young one was cunning. If Wu Kuishan that shady old man was really hiding a Rank-9 Divine Weapon, even a typical Rank-9 would not be his match.
Sun Leqing rubbed his forehead, blew out a mouthful of air, and said, “I understand. Both old and young can really put up with it. They’re really heartless too.”
To be able to put up with it was to say that Wu Kuishan had not exposed his ability all this while.
The claim that he was heartless was because when the old vice-chancellor died in battle that time, Wu Kuishan did not lend a hand.
If he really had a Rank-9 Divine Weapon, his ability would be extremely powerful. If he launched an attack, he could even save the old man’s life.
Wu Chuan muttered, “I’m afraid he’s trying to achieve Rank-9 so he can kill the Sky Gate City lord.”
Sun Leqing’s pupils contracted. He understood now. “No wonder…”
If this was the reason, then he could understand.
This time, however, Wu Kuishan had exposed a lot of secrets…
Whilst thinking about it, Wu Chuan laughed suddenly. “Curry favor with Fang Ping. It’s hard to tell… when he’ll achieve Rank-9. But Fang Ping… do you know what I’m saying?”
Sun Leqing understood the second time. He laughed bitterly. “I understand now. It’s no wonder this old fellow allows Fang Ping to torment him and later disclose the whole inside story. Motherf*cker. The shady one is indeed sinister. Fang Ping that little b.a.s.t.a.r.d may be moved to tears right now. He’ll have to throw his life in for him when he gets back.”
“That’s hard to say.”
Wu Chuan broke into laughter. “Fang Ping isn’t easy to deal with either…”
Suddenly, Wu Chuan slapped his thighs and frowned. “I forgot to ask about other things…”
Too many things were happening earlier. He had forgotten to ask Fang Ping about his golden bones. There was also the matter about w.a.n.g Jinyang. Right now, these guys had disappeared without a trace.
“Go home. There’s no need to report about…my speculations about these things.”
Sun Leqing nodded, saying, “I know. If that old fellow finds out that I told on him, who knows what he’ll be thinking. If he tricks me to death, how am I supposed to avenge myself?”
Wu Chuan burst out laughing once more. ‘It’s good that you understand.’
Wu Kuishan could take over the position as MCMAU’s vice-chancellor was because the old vice-chancellor felt rea.s.sured handing MCMAU over to him before he left. It was not solely because of his Rank-8 ability.
The old vice-chancellor had no interest in playing mind games, though it did not mean that he knew nothing about these.
If he could fight a life-and-death battle at ease, then naturally, he had the confidence to do so.
With Wu Kuishan around, MCMAU would not collapse.
As for Fang Ping who was now pushed into the spotlight… Before this kid achieved Rank-8, there was no need to talk nonsense about MCMAU taking the surname Fang or whatnot.
At Rank-8, this kid might not even be as sinister as Wu Kuishan.