The steward with white-streaked hair, known as "Old Hua," was an "old sea merchant." He usually handled matters with fairness and held some reputation.
When conflicts arose between various "merchant guilds," they would seek him out for mediation.
Now that "Old Hua" had stepped forward, everyone quieted down, eager to hear how he would resolve this issue.
"Old Hua" slowly walked to the front. He glanced at "Old Liu the Sixth" and sighed deeply.
"Alas, Old Liu, you've sailed a few times. You know the dangers involved. We've been robbed now, and we must hand over all our goods, or we will all die!"
"Old Liu the Sixth" looked at "Old Hua," a flicker of hesitation and struggle flashing in his eyes. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said word by word.
"No, I won't hand them over! The goods I carry are all the capital of the Liu family, the money that sustains our family's existence. Without this money, our Liu family will be ruined!"
"Old Liu the Sixth" was the patriarch of a "small immortal cultivation family."
"Small immortal cultivation families" had it tough!
They lacked spirit stones, lacked heavenly materials and earthly treasures!
And cultivation was the most "money-burning" endeavor, requiring countless spirit stones and heavenly materials and earthly treasures.
For the future development of his family, "Old Liu the Sixth" began to "sail the seas" along with others.
The first two trips went smoothly, earning them a little money.
This time, "Old Liu the Sixth" hardened his heart and gritted his teeth. He sold everything the family could spare, even mortgaging their house deeds and land deeds to borrow a large sum of spirit stones.
Now, the two "storage bags" at "Old Liu the Sixth's" waist represented all the hope of their "Liu family."
If all these goods were robbed, the "Liu family" would be finished!
No!
Absolutely not!
"Old Liu the Sixth" gritted his teeth and refused "Old Hua."
"Old Hua" met a "closed door" and looked somewhat displeased.
However, for the sake of the bigger picture, he patiently continued to persuade "Old Liu the Sixth."
"Old Liu, you must consider the overall situation! Don't let your personal whim harm everyone..."
"Old Hua" lectured "Old Liu the Sixth," analyzing the pros and cons from every angle. He was almost talking himself hoarse.
But "Old Liu the Sixth" remained unyielding.
Refuse!
Refuse to hand over all the goods!
"Old Hua's" persuasion failed, and he became angry, shouting.
"Liu the Sixth, don't be so selfish! Are you really going to let us all die because of you?"
As he spoke, "Old Hua" signaled the scarred-faced steward with his eyes.
Alright, now it's your turn.
Since "Old Liu the Sixth" couldn't be reasoned with, they would take it by force!
The scarred-faced steward let out a sinister laugh and nodded.
Understood.
He raised his head, his gaze fixed on "Old Liu the Sixth" like a hungry wolf.
"You, what do you want? You, don't come closer!"
"Old Liu the Sixth" sensed the danger and retreated backward, while the scarred-faced steward advanced step by step.
"Bad guy, I'll fight you!"
Seeing that "Old Liu the Sixth" and his companions were cornered with nowhere to retreat, a "half-grown child" beside him suddenly roared and charged towards the scarred-faced steward, wielding a "small knife magical artifact."
The "small knife magical artifact" in the child's hand was merely a "first-grade magical artifact," only slightly better than an ordinary kitchen knife, and the improvement was limited.
With this child's "Qi Refining Stage Two" cultivation, combined with the "small knife magical artifact," he posed no threat whatsoever to the "Golden Core Early Stage" scarred-faced steward.
This child was merely acting on impulse to protect the family head and the family.
The scarred-faced steward casually waved his hand, easily pushing the "half-grown child" away without harming him or himself.
However, a cold glint flashed in the scarred-faced steward's eyes, filled with killing intent.
He sneered, "Little brat, you're courting death!"
With that, he ferociously struck down with a palm.
The violent true essence surged like a raging flood, powerful and immense!
"Golden Core cultivation" unleashed at full power!
This was a killing blow!
If the "half-grown child" was hit, the violent true essence would shatter his flesh and bones, turning him into a pool of blood and leaving no trace of his remains.
"No, Xiao Sanzi!"
"Old Liu the Sixth" let out a desperate scream.
However, it was all too late.
Just as the "half-grown child" was about to be splattered with blood...
At the critical moment, a sudden change occurred.
Swish!
A streak of sword light shot out.
Fast, fast, fast, at the extreme limit of speed!
Puff!
A soft sound.
The true essence projected by the scarred-faced steward was instantly extinguished by the sword qi.
The sharp sword qi, carrying boundless sharpness, surged back.
The sword qi shattered the true essence the scarred-faced steward had unleashed, and its momentum did not cease, continuing its fierce advance towards the scarred-faced steward.
Kill, kill, kill!
What sharp, what piercing sword momentum!
The scarred-faced steward was so terrified he almost lost his soul.
Like a frightened young girl, he shrieked and retreated frantically.
However, the sword qi was too fast.
It arrived in an instant!
Puff!
Another soft sound.
Blood splattered!
Ahhhh...
Accompanied by the scarred-faced steward's earth-shattering, ghost-wailing screams.
Everyone looked on in shock and horror. They saw that the scarred-faced steward's palm had been pierced.
A large bloody hole had almost completely crippled the scarred-faced steward's right palm.
Crimson blood gushed from the wound, a gruesome sight!
The scarred-faced steward was no longer as arrogant and violent as before. He writhed on the ground like a "drowned dog," tears and snot streaming down his face from the intense pain, utterly pathetic!
Did it hurt that much?
A trace of "contempt" arose in everyone's hearts.
The scarred-faced steward was, after all, a "Golden Core cultivator." Even with his palm pierced, he shouldn't be this pathetic!
However, "Old Hua" on the opposite side saw a clue.
That sword qi was no ordinary thing!
The sword qi had not only pierced the scarred-faced steward's palm, but the "sharp sword intent" contained within had also invaded the scarred-faced steward's body, wreaking havoc on his meridians, causing him unbearable agony!
What a powerful strike!
Terrifying!
"Old Hua's" old face turned extremely grim. He looked at a group of people not far away.
It was these fellows who had struck and severely injured the scarred-faced steward.
"Dragon Rider Merchant Guild!"
"Old Hua" said in a deep voice.
"Why did you injure Liu Hao? You'd best give a reasonable explanation!"
Faced with "Old Hua's" questioning, the members of the "Dragon Rider Merchant Guild" all appeared indifferent, completely unconcerned.
What old dog is barking randomly?
Their attitude further enraged "Old Hua."
"Old Hua's" voice grew colder, and he said sternly.
"Dragon Rider Merchant Guild, I admit you are wealthy and powerful, but since we are sailing together, we must be reasonable..."
"Reasonable?"
From the "Dragon Rider Merchant Guild," a round-faced, chubby little fellow with an innocent smile walked out.
The little胖子 smiled at "Old Hua" and said.
"Alright, since you say we should be reasonable, let's be reasonable then!"