230: Zhang bullies others by relying on his power.

"Mr. Mu?"

At a time like this, even a fool would know something was wrong, let alone an elite of the Destiny Chamber of Commerce.

Duan Li did not panic; instead, he calmly retreated while quietly sending a transmission to his most familiar friend from the Zero Merchant Guild to ask about the situation.

"Brother Duan, does your Destiny Chamber of Commerce not read the Chronicles Monthly?"

"The Monthly?"

Duan Li was stunned. He quickly pulled out his smart assistant and tapped it a few times, seeing a striking headline:

"Mysterious Genius Emerges; Two Tower Masters from the Time Traveler Association's Virtual Tower and Tower of All Things Appear to Take Him as a Disciple."

Below the headline was a passage: "It is reported that the genius does not come from any known top-tier forces and was brought back by the Association's famous deadbeat, Junior Scholar Brie Dawn..."

This grand scene, combined with those reminders and the aura of the Time Traveler Association in this world, suddenly connected in his mind.

"So that's it. I guessed correctly before—this kid was indeed favored by a powerful expert to be a disciple... but I didn't expect it to be experts of this level..."

Duan Li smiled bitterly in his heart.

A Tower Master of the Time Traveler Association... he had only ever heard the names of such high-level figures in publications.

The gap between the entire Destiny Chamber of Commerce and such figures was larger than that between a speck of plankton and the vast blue sky.

"But I shouldn't have offended him too much... perhaps there's still room for remedy."

He carefully recalled his previous words.

On the other side, more than a dozen representatives of various forces, waiting to curry favor with Zhang Huaiyuan, had already quietly surrounded the people from the Destiny Chamber of Commerce and the Xuanjian Sect.

"Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, an outstanding Scholar like you should not be disturbed by these trivial matters. If you don't mind, we can handle these fellows for you, how about it?"

The commander of the Silver Splendor Empire's Holy Knights had a trace of regret in his eyes.

He had been waiting for a while.

Unfortunately, that fellow was too cautious and hadn't made a move. Otherwise, appearing at the critical moment would have been more effective.

"Then I shall trouble you all."

Zhang Huaiyuan pondered for a moment and returned the gesture.

Saving credits was always a good thing. As for the favor, he would just give them priority when he developed something good in the future.

"It's no trouble at all. It is our honor to serve a future Great Scholar."

The Demon Tamer from Demon Cloud Mountain smiled politely.

Combined with his hideous and terrifying appearance, it looked exceptionally strange.

"Wait, my Lords, Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, please wait a moment."

Seeing that the crowd was about to act, Duan Li didn't have time to think and quickly shouted out:

"You've misunderstood! We are not enemies. I was sent by the Guild to investigate the case of the Xuanjian Sect's illegal occupation of a registered universe!"

"What!"

As soon as these words were spoken, both Zhang Huaiyuan and the Xuan Jian Sect Elder were stunned.

Investigating the Xuanjian Sect's illegal occupation of a registered universe?

How did these words even fit together!

"Lord Duan Li!"

The Xuan Jian Sect Elder screamed in disbelief, "What are you saying? This is—"

"Shut up!"

Duan Li waved his hand, and a blast of energy shattered the Xuan Jian Sect Elder's head.

With a righteous expression, he said:

"It has now been verified by the Destiny Chamber of Commerce that the Xuanjian Sect took advantage of the original owner's absence to steal World No. 00736 through despicable means and conducted appalling, cruel research."

"My Destiny Chamber of Commerce detests such underhanded behavior. Men, seize these thieves from the Xuanjian Sect and await further orders!"

As he spoke, he stepped forward with a fawning expression and took out a contract, saying:

"Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, I was blind and failed to confirm your identity just now. I have offended you. This is the ownership contract for World No. 00736. It is now returned to its rightful owner. Please accept it."

A brilliant smile was forced onto his face, but his pupils trembled slightly, clearly filled with tension.

"Heh... you are a clever man."

Zhang Huaiyuan looked at the groveling manager of the Destiny Chamber of Commerce, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.

"Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan."

Seeing that the other party did not immediately show murderous intent, Duan Li's hanging heart eased slightly, and he struck while the iron was hot:

"During your absence, these thieves from the Xuanjian Sect caused unimaginable losses to your private territory. According to the law, I propose that the Xuanjian Sect provide tenfold compensation."

He patted his chest and said with a face full of sincerity:

"Your time is precious. If you don't mind, I am willing to handle it for you and demand the ransom from the Xuanjian Sect on your behalf."

"Hmm?"

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but look at this manager again. He realized he had still underestimated the man.

He truly deserved to be a high-level executive of a large merchant guild; his ability to lie through his teeth had reached a level of perfection.

"Cough... Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, we are also willing to help."

"That's right. I just took a quick look and found that several precious ruins in this world have been destroyed. Their value is immeasurable; the entire Xuanjian Sect couldn't afford to pay for them even if they were sold!"

"Indeed. I propose that the entire Xuanjian Great World be incorporated under Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan's name."

"Agreed. I will report this to the Fifth Prince immediately and have him submit an application to the Myriad Worlds Union."

"My Destiny Chamber of Commerce is willing to attend as a witness."

"The Master of our Demon Cloud Mountain is a director of the Union. He just notified me that he is willing to act as the guarantor."

"..."

"Very well, then it's settled. Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, what do you think?"

Seeing the favor slipping away, the representatives of other forces spoke up one after another to express their stance.

To them, the Xuanjian Sect was just an ordinary third-tier cultivation force. If it could be traded for a bit of goodwill from a future top-tier Scholar, it was an absolute bargain.

"Then... then I shall trouble you all."

Zhang Huaiyuan spoke, feeling a bit dazed for a moment.

How did things suddenly turn into the Xuanjian Sect compensating him with their entire world?

But it was fine... this way, his future worries were completely eliminated.

He looked at the captured disciples of the Xuanjian Sect, who were filled with terror.

They were just as helpless as the civilians those lower-world trial takers had wantonly slaughtered back then.

Unfortunately, the roles and statuses were now reversed.

"I have actually become one of those who bullies others with power."

Zhang Huaiyuan shook his head self-deprecatingly.

The sense of urgency in his heart did not diminish but instead increased.

After experiencing this scene, he understood a truth even more clearly.

Whoever has the biggest fist and the deepest background is the one who is right.

Black can be turned into white.

To always remain high above, one must keep climbing without stopping for a moment.

"I should settle these mundane matters as quickly as possible and return to the Time Book House to report."

After making up his mind, Zhang Huaiyuan thanked everyone once more and then turned to break through the barrier of the Sea of Time.

He put his stored integrated devices back onto his wrists and fingers and flew inside without hesitation...