NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: The Feng Family's Secret Strength
Glorious Harmony Street, Jade Forest Street, Windflower Street.
These three streets are where the Feng family's business is primarily concentrated.
The Feng family members had just arrived, ready to start business, only to notice many unfamiliar shops had popped up on the streets. At first, they didn't pay much attention, but soon after, they realized something unusual was happening.
These new shops were selling similar items to theirs.
The only difference? The prices. The new shops were selling their goods at prices about 20% lower than the Feng family's stores.
The items sold at Feng family's shops weren't of the highest grade, mostly catering to regular cultivators. For such customers, saving money was crucial. With prices 20% lower, the new shops quickly attracted large numbers of customers, including many loyal to the Feng family.
"Manager, I've found out the details."
Inside one of the Feng family's shops, a middle-aged man with a grim expression and murderous intent in his eyes spoke up: "Tell me, who dares go against our Feng family?"
The reporting subordinate hesitated, his face full of unease but also fear: "All of these shops have the backing of the four great families."
The manager's expression changed drastically: "Are you certain all four families are involved?"
"I'm sure of it. Nearly sixty new shops have opened, with the majority belonging to the Wang family. Even the He family, the smallest participant, has opened seven stores."
Hearing the report, the manager's face darkened further.
The four families were joining forces to target the Feng family—this intention was becoming painfully clear.
Feng Zhuang stood up, instructing: "Do not cause trouble for them."
After giving the order, he left the shop, heading straight for the Feng family residence. This was a serious matter and needed to be reported immediately.
Feng Family Council Hall.
Nearly thirty people sat in the room, all of whom held real power within the Feng family. Apart from the elders, many collateral family members were also present.
Feng Qingtian spoke gravely: "I'll get straight to the point. Feng Zhuang has reported that the four great families have teamed up to open shops, competing directly with ours by selling the same goods at nearly 20% lower prices."
What!
Many people in the room were shocked. This news held immense implications.
First, if the four great families were working together, did that mean they had already made their alliances clear?
"Feng He frowned deeply: "Our shops are the backbone of our family's income. The four families' actions aim to cut off our arms."
Without the income from the shops, the Feng family wouldn't be able to support the thousands of members in their household.
Even though Feng Yuan had given them 30 billion spirit stones, it wasn't a long-term solution. After all, their family wouldn't only exist for a few decades.
The hall remained silent, with everyone looking serious and deep in thought. There was no idle chatter. They knew this meeting was about finding a solution, not discussing the problem.
Suddenly, a strong-built middle-aged man, Feng Zhuang from the collateral family, stood up.
"There's another issue I need to report to the family head."
Feng Qingtian looked up: "Speak."
Feng Zhuang's face was filled with concern: "This morning, I received news, but I haven't had the chance to report it yet."
"Several levels mercenary groups that previously cooperated with us have terminated their contracts. They no longer wish to supply resources to our family. When I inquired, they said the Wang family had bribed and threatened them, offering high prices to stop them from working with us."
Feng Qingtian's eyes flashed with murderous intent.
The Wang family had gone too far!
But now, it wasn't just the Wang family—it was all four great families.
In the city, many families sold resources, with a small portion being harvested by the family itself and most coming from partnerships with mercenary groups.
Without these partnerships, their shops would be unable to function.
Feng Yu spoke with concern: "Our foundation in this city is shallow, and our shops already operate on thin profit margins. If we cut prices by 20%, not only will we fail to make a profit, but we will start losing money. The Feng family is already in a difficult situation. What should we do now?"
Many in the Feng family wore anxious expressions, though Feng Qingtian and the senior members remained composed.
While the loss of profits was significant, they still had the 30 billion spirit stones, which could sustain them for quite some time. The key was finding a long-term solution during this period.
Feng Yunqian, after thinking carefully, finally spoke: "We cannot win a price war. The four families have more resources than us. Instead of lowering prices, we should reduce our focus on the shops and divert manpower to other ventures."
"For example, we could form our own mercenary group to find resources directly, or venture into the Haoyue Forest to hunt demonic beasts."
Though this was far from ideal, it was one of the few options left for the Feng family.
"Greetings, young clan master!"
A respectful voice suddenly sounded from outside the hall.
Moments later, Feng Yuan entered the hall.
Feng Yunqian smiled and said, "Come, sit beside me, Yuan'er."
Seeing this, many in the room were astonished. For Feng Yunqian, to invite Feng Yuan to sit beside him carried significant meaning.
Of course, given Feng Yuan's newfound strength, he was more than qualified to join the family's leadership.
Without hesitation, Feng Yuan sat down next to Feng Yunqian and looked around the room.
"There's no need to overcomplicate things," Feng Yuan said confidently. "If the four families want to play these little games, let them. We don't need to concern ourselves with their petty tactics."
"The purpose of running the shops is to keep the family functioning. But our Feng family is not lacking in resources."
Everyone in the room was momentarily stunned.
Several people discreetly shook their heads. The young clan master, though talented, didn't seem to understand the current situation. The family was nearly drained of resources.
Few people knew about the 30 billion spirit stones Feng Yuan had given the family, as only the core members of the direct line were aware. If too many people knew, word might spread, and powerful figures might come to covet their wealth.
Seeing that his son wasn't foolish,Feng Qingtian asked cautiously, "Feng Yuan, do you have a solution in mind?"
Feng Yuan smiled and handed Feng Qingtian a space ring, speaking through a sound transmission:
"Father, inside this ring are 500,000 Essence Gathering Pills and 130,000 Vitality Restore Pills."
"These are gifts from my master. Don't worry. They'll be more than enough to keep the family running smoothly."
What!
Feng Qingtian stood up abruptly, his eyes wide with shock.
500,000 Essence Gathering Pills and 130,000 Vitality Restore Pills?
Are you serious?
Even the entire stock of Essence Gathering Pills in Myriad Demons City would only total 100,000 to 200,000, and Vitality Restore Pills were even rarer, with just 10,000 being a good supply.
Feng Yunqian and the other elders also wore stunned expressions. This was all too familiar. When Feng Yuan had presented the 30 billion spirit stones, Feng Qingtian had reacted similarly.
Could it be...
Feng Qingtian took the space ring with trembling hands and used his spiritual sense to check its contents. What he saw was a mountain of porcelain bottles, each containing five round pills.
It was real!.