The three people who died in the city were members of the Great River Gang, a faction with considerable influence in the city, boasting a large number of personnel and even two external strength experts among them. Such strength places them just below the Red Fish Chamber of Commerce and the City Lord's Mansion.
It was clear that during the Wolf Hunting Operation, the members of the Great River Gang were the robbers, not honestly entering the forest to hunt wild wolves. Their subsequent statements to the outside world also fully demonstrated that they had indeed seized quite a few spoils, likely offending at least two or three other factions in the process.
"The blood of our brothers will not be shed in vain! If we find out who made the move, the Great River Gang will seek revenge at all costs!"
These words were filled with malice and arrogance, even carrying a hint of madness that disregarded the City Lord's Mansion. It seemed they had gained considerable benefits from the spoils they seized, and the number of external strength cultivators in the Great River Gang had undoubtedly increased.
Conflicts among factions like this were not uncommon in the city.
"Great Rock City is indeed different; with so many factions, it's much more chaotic than Obsidian City," Li Qing couldn't help but chuckle after learning about these matters.
After saying this, the blacksmith shop that Li Qing operated became lively again. He turned to see that it was the group of ruffians from the Sand Crocodile Gang.
These people were holding animal traps, and each of them wore a gloomy expression, clearly indicating that they were not here for a friendly visit.
"Master Li, we are here to return some goods. You don't need to refund everything, just give us back a hundred money crystals."
The leader of the ruffians stepped forward and slapped down ten muddy animal traps beside Li Qing.
This time, the Sand Crocodile Gang returned empty-handed from the Wolf Hunting Operation, which Li Qing had heard about.
What a good calculation!
Li Qing, reclining in his armchair, couldn't help but want to laugh. He picked up a trap from the bag beside him and opened it casually, saying, "What's wrong? Is the trap not working? I see no problem with it."
As he spoke, Li Qing demonstrated by opening the animal trap, which was intact, with several sharp edges still keen.
"There really is no problem; we just don't want them anymore. Refund us a hundred money crystals, and you'll still make a profit of at least fifty money crystals."
"That's already quite generous; don't say we aren't giving you face."
The ruffians from the Sand Crocodile Gang spoke haughtily, with some even thinking that leaving Li Qing fifty money crystals was too much, and that ten would suffice.
Hearing this, a dangerous arc formed at the corner of Li Qing's mouth.
Heh, do they really think of him as someone running an online store, with a seven-day no-reason return policy?
Although Li Qing didn't place much importance on money crystals, as they were essentially just a pile of scrap in other places, he still felt a bit displeased. When did the Sand Crocodile Gang dare to ride on his head?
"Sorry, but I don't have a return policy. If the quality is lacking, I can help you forge new ones."
After saying this, Li Qing returned the animal traps and tossed them back at the feet of these ruffians.
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the Sand Crocodile Gang members darkened immediately.
"Master Li, don't push it!"
Li Qing didn't even glance at them. He said, "Face is something you earn yourself; it's not given by others."
"Hmph, I didn't expect you to have such guts, Master Li, to disregard our Sand Crocodile Gang's goodwill!"
As he spoke, several of them had already placed their hands on their waists, seemingly intending to draw their blades to intimidate Li Qing.
However, Li Qing had handled more blades in his lifetime than they had ever seen, so how could he be intimidated by such a show of force?
"I advise you not to draw your blades. Just take your things and leave; otherwise, you won't be able to bear the consequences!" Li Qing remained reclining in his chair, his tone utterly calm, without a hint of threat.
To the members of the Sand Crocodile Gang, this harsh statement held no weight at all.
Swish!
The leader gritted his teeth and drew his long knife, preparing to press it against Li Qing's neck. However, in the next moment, the long knife vanished from his hand, having landed in Li Qing's grasp in less than a blink of an eye.
Li Qing had already sat up straight, examining the inferior long knife he had just seized.
The ruffians quickly realized they had kicked an iron plate. The owner of this blacksmith shop was definitely not a soft character to be bullied, no wonder he had such confidence.
"You wait for me!"
"Gulp! Just wait, I'll have our gang leader come talk to you!"
Instantly extinguishing their thoughts of seeking trouble, the ruffians began to show signs of retreat, not wanting to continue clashing with Li Qing.
Now, saying these words was merely a forced attempt to save face.
However, Li Qing had no intention of letting them leave so easily. Just as the ruffians turned to leave, he coldly said, "Did I let you go?"
These words sounded in everyone's ears like a chilling wind, freezing them to their core.
"W-what do you want? We won't return the money!"
"Master Li, think carefully; we are members of the Sand Crocodile Gang, and our gang leader is an external strength expert!"
Li Qing stood up, a cold smile on his face as he said, "I told you, face is something you earn, not something given by others."
"I told you not to draw your blades, but you refused to listen."
As he spoke, Li Qing's arm burst forth with strength, forcibly breaking the long knife in his hand.
Clang!
The blade snapped with an extremely crisp sound.
The few people present were so frightened that their legs turned to jelly.
"Grandpa Li, you have a magnanimous heart; let us go this once!"
Smack!
After saying this, the group of ruffians all knelt down, showing no trace of backbone.
Seeing them kneel so quickly made Li Qing laugh. He said, "You four, slap each other; whoever slaps the hardest can leave."
"This..."
"Mm?"
Seeing that there were still some doubts, a fierce glint flashed in Li Qing's eyes, scaring the hesitant one into immediately slapping the person next to him.
Soon, the blacksmith shop was filled with the chaotic and crisp sound of slaps.
Smack! Smack! Smack!
Just as this group of people had red and swollen cheeks and weak, sore arms, Miao Qi, who had gone out to gather information for Li Qing, entered.
Miao Qi looked astonished at the four kneeling in front of Li Qing's blacksmith shop but didn't ask too much. He immediately approached Li Qing's side.
Seeing Miao Qi enter, Li Qing said, "Alright, all of you get out of here."
As soon as he spoke, the group of ruffians fled from Li Qing's blacksmith shop in a panic, leaving behind all thoughts of animal traps.
"Brother Li, the City Lord Qin is preparing to host a birthday banquet, inviting all the prominent faction leaders in the city to attend."
(End of Chapter)