I Can See Your Combat Power

Although martial artists who reach the Mortal Realm are supposed to be unaffected by cold or heat, Xiang Loulan’s use of a folding fan in the deep autumn seemed excessively refined, making him look more like an indulgent scholar than a warrior.

Regardless, it is inappropriate to offend a friendly person. Moreover, Xiang Loulan shot to fame after a battle on Bifang Mountain, becoming the third-ranked strongman in the first round. Any nobleman would want to befriend such a figure, let alone reject him.

Both Cui Haoran and Li Xuanba hit off well with Xiang Loulan after a few exchanges. Even Xiao Ziyu developed a bit of fondness for this knowledgeable and elegant Xiang Family prince.

Feeling the atmosphere shift, Xiang Loulan finally spoke to Tang Luo about his intentions, “In truth, I’ve come here to propose an exchange with Young Master Tang.”

“Oh? What kind of exchange?”

“I wish to borrow some jade coins from you.”

The harmony that had just been established abruptly changed. The three members from Longxi subtly distanced themselves from Xiang Loulan, making their stance clear.

They were open to making friends, but the jade coins were vital to securing a suitable ranking in the Longzhou Youth Martial Arts Competition. They wouldn’t compromise their family’s honor for anything.

Conversely, Tang Luo appeared unruffled and inquired, “How do you propose to borrow?”

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“If Young Master Tang is willing to lend me a hundred jade coins, I will repay one hundred and fifty before the end of the second round. If you lend me two hundred, I will repay three hundred and twenty. The more you lend, the more I’ll return.” Xiang Loulan gently fanned himself, then turned to the other three young masters: “The same applies to the three of you. If you lend me jade coins for operations, I’ll repay the same interest rate. What do you think?”

“My uncle once said: ‘Men see only profit, not peril, just as fish see only bait, not the hook.'” Xiao Ziyu said coldly with folded arms, “A two-fold return sounds too good to be true. You don’t even know what the second round holds, where do you get such confidence?”

Xiao Zheng was a well-known gambler in Xiling, a renowned businessman in Longzhou. His business acumen would surely be valuable. As merchants, the Chaochang Family had to deal with these people with the same wisdom Xiao Zheng offered.

“Who would have thought that Young Master Xiao isn’t only proficient in martial arts but also has a knack for business. This is excellent news.” Xiang Loulan smiled, his fan still waving, “Although I, unfortunately, am unaware of the specific tasks in the second round, it’s my belief that if the Martial Saint Mountain placed such great emphasis on martial prowess, it would hardly set up a second round. The attendant who gave the jade coins themselves confirmed that the jade coins earned in the first round will be counted for ranking in the second. In essence, how to generate more jade coins will be the challenge of the second round. These jade coins from the first round are our capital for the second round. Dear princes, don’t you think that sounds like business?”

The three Longxi members were suddenly enlightened, and they marveled at Xiang Loulan’s ability to infer so much from such vague information. Yet, what did that have to do with borrowing jade coins? We all will be doing business, starting from the same line. They still had plenty of jade coins, why should they give it to Xiang Loulan to manage?

“Dear princes, in terms of a martial contest, I would undoubtedly lose to Young Master Xiao, let alone Young Master Tang. When it comes to the business secrets of multiplying money, I, Xiang Loulan, taught by the Yun Clan, am second to none. This doesn’t dishonor the generous teaching of my wife.” Xiang Loulan chuckled, “The business methods of the Yun Clan from Chaochang, aren’t they convincing enough for you?”

The Yun Clan from Chaochang!? Although this name has faded, but the legends of those merchants will never be forgotten. The three people from Longxi were quite tempted.

Recognizing their wavering hearts, Xiang Loulan softly and persuasively quipped, “There’s a saying in the business world, ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’. Currently, you possess the greatest initial wealth for the second round. Why not lend some to me? You’ll at least be able to secure some profits while not affecting your own operations in the second round. How does that sound?”

The way of martial artists emphasizes knowing oneself and his enemy. If today’s second round was about martial arts strength, no one would dare risk their jade coins with another person. However, when it comes to business, most of the nobles have no experience at all.

Everyone has the same amount of time. Most people can only reach today’s level by concentrating solely on martial arts from a young age. Anything outside of martial arts is handled by their families. Li Xuanba was just like this; he didn’t think he could make jade coins generate more jade coins. As long as he didn’t lose, it would be good enough. Hearing about the Yun Clan of Chaochang, he quickly asked, “Then… if I lend you fifty coins, how much will you return?”

“Hmm… the interest rate for less than one hundred jade coins is typically thirty percent. However, since I’ve taken a liking to Prince Li, let’s count it as fifty percent interest.” Xiang Loulan pondered for a moment, looked at Li Xuanba a few times as if making a certain decision, and said seriously, “Consider it as a way of making friends. All of you, use the same interest rate.”

“Really?” Li Xuanba was even more tempted. He turned to Tang Luo and said, “Captain, why don’t we… invest a little in Brother Xiang?”

Not only him, but even Cui Haoran and Xiao Ziyu looked at Tang Luo with glowing eyes, obviously moved by Xiao Ziyu’s words.

With a mixture of amusement and exasperation, Tang Luo glanced at the three Longxi members and asked Xiang Loulan, “Prince Xiang, how many jade coins have you collected now?”

“Thanks to the trust of the gentlemen, I currently have over two thousand jade coins in hand,” Xiang Loulan said modestly, fanning himself lightly.

“Over two thousand coins.” Tang Luo nodded, glanced at the names of the Xiang Family’s nobles displayed on the bamboo slips hanging at the hut’s entrance, and said lightly, “Combining the coins from all five Xiang members makes it more than three thousand coins. That’s quite impressive.”

“You’re too kind, Young Master Tang. This is all thanks to the trust of the various noble families. I…”

“Their trust was in the Yun Clan from Chaochang, not the Xiang Clan. But now, the Yun Clan is gone.”

Tang Luo interrupted Xiang Loulan’s self-deprecation, saying indifferently, “There is also a saying in business. ‘Cheat when you can, trick when you must.'”

“A competition in the Human Race sacred land to test business sense? Does Brother Xiang take Martial Saint Mountain for a fool, or us? Even if we assume that the second round is a pass to adjust the final rankings, the last place is nine hundred and eighty jade coins behind mine. Considering the interest rate you offered, how is he going to break even with me?”

Ignoring Xiang Loulan’s darkening face, Tang Luo swept his gaze over the three Longxi members who were just tempted and said indifferently, “Going back one more step, the interest you offer is quite reasonable. But if you don’t repay in the end, what can we do?”

“How dare he, Captain, you are…” Li Xuanba, who wasn’t one to mince his words, began to speak but choked when he remembered something.

“Remembered now, right? In the bamboo forest, private fights are forbidden.” Tang Luo pointed to the few messengers standing in front of the hut and lightly said, “The final spot to tally the jade coins is also here.”

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