Chapter 25: The Hidden Power Emerges, Adversity Besets Once More

Clutching the "operating funds" I had scavenged from those scoundrels, I couldn't help but sigh. Fighting is truly the fastest way to make money, though it does take a toll on one's stamina.

However, the thought that the mysterious merchant was actually linked to a massive trade guild made my money-loving DNA twitch with excitement! A guild that large must be absolutely overflowing with wealth!

For the past few days, those fellows have been buzzing around like flies, disturbing my peace. One moment they were sabotaging our business, the next they were inciting shops to refuse our patronage—do they really think we are soft persimmons to be easily squeezed? They fail to realize that I am a woman who crawled out of an imperial palace that devours people without spitting out the bones; these little tricks are nothing more than child's play!

Life may be a bit lean, but we are not pushovers.

"Brother Yunsheng, let me take you to meet these 'big shots'!" I patted He Yunsheng on the shoulder. The boy had been gloomy ever since he was ambushed, and he needed some entertainment.

The guild's headquarters was decorated with opulent, golden splendor, but alas, it was a case of gold and jade on the outside, while rot festered within. The leader of the guild was a fat, pig-eared man; one look at him and you could tell he was a greedy, insatiable wretch.

He squinted at us, his tone arrogant: "If you know what's good for you, hand over the treasure and get out of here, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?" I raised an eyebrow, looking at him with amusement. Threatening me? That’s like lighting a lamp in a latrine—he's courting death!

"Hmph! You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!" He slammed his palm on the table, and a swarm of thugs immediately poured into the room, each looking more vicious than the last.

Brother Yunsheng instinctively stepped in front of me, his small face taut, looking as if he were facing a formidable enemy.

I felt a warmth in my heart; the boy really has a sense of responsibility.

"Don't be afraid, Brother Yunsheng, watch your sister perform!" I gave him a reassuring look, then turned to the thugs, a cold smirk curling at the corners of my lips. "Come on then, let me teach you lot how to behave!"

After a "friendly" exchange, I brushed the dust off my hands, looked at the thugs scattered across the floor, and nodded with satisfaction.

The guild leader was deathly pale, trembling as he pointed a finger at me: "You... you..."

"What about me? Don't be nervous, the best part is yet to come." I walked up to him, leaned in, and whispered in his ear, "It seems I've found some interesting things in your study..." I had fished a thick ledger out of his study, filled with transaction records so dense they made my head spin.

Sigh, doing business these days really isn't easy; one has to keep such detailed accounts! Wait, these numbers... Why do they look a bit strange?

I squinted and examined them closely, and suddenly it dawned on me! Good heavens, this guild is a major tax evader!

I immediately slammed the ledger onto the table, pointed at the figures, and righteously denounced their crimes. The guild leader's face turned darker than the bottom of a pot; he probably never dreamed I would find this particular book. The people around us began to whisper and point fingers at the guild.

In an instant, the guild leader's arrogance evaporated. He offered a fawning smile, claiming it was all a misunderstanding and suggesting we collaborate to develop the treasure I had discovered. I sneered inwardly—this old fox changes his tune quickly indeed!

Brother Yunsheng frowned, pondering for a moment before saying he would think about it.

The atmosphere was heavy on the way back. I felt that things weren't so simple; this guild surely wouldn't let it go so easily. Sure enough, halfway there, a group of men in black suddenly lunged from the woods, surrounding us completely. It seems this "cooperation" was merely a stalling tactic!

"Brother Yunsheng, protect yourself!" I shouted, drawing the dagger hidden in my sleeve. Although I am no martial arts master, I had learned a few self-defense techniques in the palace, and dealing with a few lackeys was more than enough.

Brother Yunsheng also drew his sword, moving with agility among the men in black. Though he was young, his swordsmanship was sharp and fierce; every swing repelled an enemy. I stood by, observing the movements of our foes, using my keen perception to spot their weaknesses and directing Brother Yunsheng so he could strike more effectively.

After a fierce battle, we finally broke through the siege and escaped the encirclement. However, I knew this was only a temporary victory; the trade guild would certainly not let us go easily.

Returning home, I immediately bolted the door, walked to the wall, and reached out...