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

Poisoning a cultivator who specializes in poison? Feng Zhongxin felt as if he were losing his mind. Those who practiced poison in cultivation were deeply versed in toxins. How could anyone hope to poison such a person? Feng Zhongxin had zero faith in this approach, yet he kept his mouth shut. He understood clearly that he wasn't the strongest in their group, nor did he hold the greatest influence. With the whole team set on targeting Zou Xiao, standing against them would only lead to his downfall.

In truth, Feng Zhongxin harbored some fear toward these 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 stood out among them. Normally, he handled matters with cool composure, and his formidable power made him the natural head of the crew. But mention the treasure, and he flipped instantly. Just look at his suggestion this time: poisoning a poison expert? It showed how little reason remained when he spoke those words.

Feng Zhongxin sat alone in his chamber, letting out a heavy sigh. He realized he couldn't abandon the group, for trying to break away would get him slain on the spot. They wouldn't tolerate anyone aware of their hidden plans escaping. His sole option right now was to confront Zou Xiao.

Thoughts of Zou Xiao left Feng Zhongxin at a loss for words. Truth be told, he was thrilled when Zou Xiao took down the heir of the Ghostwind bandits. That event sparked his positive view of Zou Xiao. Spending two days alongside him only reinforced the sense that Zou Xiao was decent. Yet in their current mess, Feng Zhongxin had no alternative but to turn against him.

With another sigh, he noted the dawn light creeping in outside. Feng Zhongxin steadied his nerves and stepped out to locate Zhao Hai. They still clutched plenty of blood jade flowers that needed weighing and selling fast. A price dip would mean losses for them.

Zhao Hai emerged from his quarters at daybreak. Right away, he spotted Feng Zhongxin heading his way. Feng Zhongxin flashed a quick smile. "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, costing us coin." Zhao Hai gave a nod without a word and trailed Feng Zhongxin to the bazaar.

The market held few crowds early on, so Zhao Hai and Feng Zhongxin's blood jade flowers moved swiftly. Supplies of blood jade flowers appeared scarce, letting them sell fast and without hitches. Each pocketed dozens of crystal stones—a solid haul. Normally, blood jade flowers didn't yield such profits.

Once Zhao Hai and Feng Zhongxin exited the market, Zhao Hai pulled Feng Zhongxin straight to his room. It marked Feng Zhongxin's initial visit there. He couldn't guess Zhao Hai's intent, but it seemed positive. At minimum, Zhao Hai inviting him in suggested their bond was strengthening.

Inside, Zhao Hai produced four interspatial bags and passed them to Feng Zhongxin. In a low tone, he declared, "Brother Feng, these belong to those eight fellows from yesterday. We'll split them even. These four are yours. Truth is, they didn't carry much. Oh, and I left everything untouched inside, but I pulled out all their blood jade flowers—those went into what we sold earlier. Plus, I've checked their cultivation technique jade slips. The ones in my interspatial bags are yours to review." With that, Zhao Hai drew out several jade slips and offered them to Feng Zhongxin.

Feng Zhongxin stared at the items in his grasp, then lifted his gaze to Zhao Hai. He hadn't anticipated Zhao Hai sharing these. While peddling blood jade flowers that day, he'd noticed they had more than from yesterday. He suspected it came from those foes, yet never dreamed Zhao Hai would hand over the interspatial bags. In the prior clash, Feng Zhongxin contributed nothing—it was Zhao Hai's poison that ended it. Zhao Hai could've kept it all rightfully, but splitting the bags halfway showed real generosity, stirring emotion in him.

Still, Feng Zhongxin pushed the interspatial bags and jade slips back to Zhao Hai. "Brother Zou, I can't accept these. I contributed zilch in yesterday's fight. How could I claim your spoils without effort? Nah, keep them yourself. I pass." He extended the goods toward Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai extended a hand to stop him. "Brother Feng, why think like that? We both ventured out yesterday for the takedown. Whatever we gained splits fair between us. Had I not handled those foes, wouldn't you have stepped in eventually? This is your rightful share—grab it and check for useful bits. Anything useless, swap for crystal stones right away. Like us, they're rogue cultivators, so expect no top-tier stuff."

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

"Sure," Zhao Hai nodded deeply. "I'll be in the room waiting for you, Brother Feng." Then he escorted Feng Zhongxin out and retreated inside. He truly disregarded those spoils. The rogue cultivators lacked anything noteworthy to draw his interest, so handing them to Feng Zhongxin meant little. What mattered was Feng Zhongxin's reaction post-receipt. Zhao Hai knew Feng Zhongxin's initial approach hid ill intent, yet he opted to offer a shot at redemption, testing if he'd drop the scheme.

Feng Zhongxin departed Zhao Hai's spot and headed back to his inn. He ducked into his room first and unpacked the interspatial bags. A mental probe revealed crystals, a handful of dharma artifacts, several cultivation techniques, and assorted odds and ends. All screamed typical lone cultivator gear. This confirmed Zhao Hai hadn't rifled through the bags.

Feng Zhongxin stowed the interspatial bags and exhaled deeply. His gaze grew vacant. Guilt swelled stronger, for Zhao Hai treated him exceptionally well. He truly wished to spare Zhao Hai, yet duty forced his hand. This tore at Feng Zhongxin's heart.

Feng Zhongxin perched motionless on the bed, replaying his encounters with Zhao Hai. Memories flickered one by one through his thoughts. Moments later, his eyes sparked alive. A sudden idea hit him—one that could convince Boss Wen and the rest to abandon their plot against Zhao Hai.

Excitement surged through Feng Zhongxin at the notion. He rose and paced the chamber deliberately, mulling the revelation. The deeper he delved, the more plausible it rang. If true, it offered a real shot at reversal.

Yet Feng Zhongxin soon creased his brow. He grasped how fiercely Boss Wen and the others craved the treasure—it had twisted into their fixation. Sharing his insight would likely fall on deaf ears; they'd refuse and press on with targeting Zhao Hai. Still, this stood as his final gambit, the lone path he saw 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 softly. In a grave voice, he announced, "Brother Wen, I've got something to discuss." Feng Zhongxin and the others still dreaded Wen Liren deeply. Beyond his raw might, Wen Liren schemed with precision and cunning. Crossing him instilled terror in all.

"That's Zhongxin," came Wen Liren's voice. "Enter." Feng Zhongxin acknowledged and shoved the door open to step in. Wen Liren lounged in the parlor, his actions inscrutable. Feng Zhongxin bowed promptly and repeated, "Brother Wen, I've got something to share."

Wen Liren grinned warmly. "Take a seat and speak. How often must I say it? We're brothers here—no need for formalities. So, what's on your mind?" His face beamed with affable charm, like a gentle breeze, fooling newcomers into seeing him as warm and approachable. But Feng Zhongxin knew better: beneath that soft facade lurked a icy core. Wen Liren would raze any foe without mercy, even at mutual ruin.

Such madness explained why Feng Zhongxin and crew feared him. Despite the courteous words, Feng Zhongxin dared not slack. He agreed and settled in, then told Wen Liren, "Brother Wen, one thing baffles me—it's regarding Zou Xiao."

Wen Liren's brows twitched faintly, but his smile returned swiftly. "What's up? Discover something? What's off about this Zou Xiao?" He eyed Feng Zhongxin expectantly, urging him on. Yet that look sent a chill through Feng Zhongxin. Though Wen Liren smiled, it felt like a toad pinned by a serpent's icy stare, numbing him from head to toe.

Steeling himself, Feng Zhongxin pressed on. "Brother Wen, it puzzles me. If Zhao Hai truly learned of the Ghostwind bandits' treasure, why linger here finishing tasks with me instead of hunting it? If he knew the spot, why not bolt via the teleportation array from Blood Lake Island right after crushing the Ghostwind bandits? Why stick around? You don't suppose the Ghostwind bandits' treasure hides here, do you?"