Chapter 694: Ambush to Capture People

Stepping out of Yuan Fu, Xu Xiaoshou felt refreshed and invigorated.

Having resolved the century-old issue of supplying dan medicine to Duojin Shanghang in one fell swoop, this lazy fellow found it even more satisfying than earning 300,000 passive values.

When he returned to his room, a steady knocking echoed at the door.

Xu Xiaoshou opened it, and Xiao Wanfeng's face lit up with delight at the sight of him.

“Xu Shao, you're awake. Care for some tea?”

He held out a tea tray, looking every bit the dutiful employee.

Seeing Xiao Wanfeng's dark circles, Xu Xiaoshou suddenly realized this guy was still just an ordinary mortal. Had he really stayed up all night guarding the place as ordered?

“You've worked hard. How long have you been waiting?”

“Not long at all, just got here,” Xiao Wanfeng grinned widely. “Xiao Xin Ge asked me to check with you—when can we replace that bed and room?”

From that, Xu Xiaoshou knew Xiao Wanfeng must have been waiting there all morning.

But since no one answered the knocks, Xin Gugu must have figured out he was holed up in Yuan Fu and hadn't let anyone force their way in.

“Let's get it changed now!”

Xu Xiaoshou opened the door wide and added, “Just have Xin Gugu handle it. You've earned a break—go rest. I'll give you a raise later.”

Xiao Wanfeng didn't really care about raises; he just wanted to stay safe.

But with the door now open, the state of the room inside startled him.

“Al-alright.”

Amid the commotion, Xiao Wanfeng didn't dare ask questions and quickly scurried off with the teapot to find his Xiao Xin Ge and sort things out.

By midday, everyone else had long since gotten up, making Xu Xiaoshou the last one.

Logistics were being taken care of, and life was starting to fall into a routine.

Xu Xiaoshou wandered around Tian Shang Di Yi Lou and saw that the destroyed cultivation rooms had all been repaired.

Clearly, Xin Gugu had a deep affection for this place.

“What should I do next?”

Thinking about how busy Xin Gugu was and how Xiao Wanfeng had pulled an all-nighter, Xu Xiaoshou realized Tian Shang Di Yi Lou was seriously short-staffed.

This sparked an idea in him to set up a stall again.

As soon as he stepped outside,

to his surprise, despite the city lord's mansion warning yesterday, people had still formed several seemingly disorganized lines outside today.

“He's out.”

“Xu Shao is out!”

“Hurry, hurry—don't form lines, but stand in the order you arrived. No cutting in, or it'll disrupt everything, and those city lord's mansion folks will cause trouble that even Xu Shao can't handle.”

“That's right, Xu Shao—what's on the agenda today?”

“I see Tian Shang Di Yi Lou still needs someone to wipe the windows and signboard. That signboard is precious—it needs constant cleaning to keep the dust away.”

“Oh, look at you, so cultured?”

Xu Xiaoshou watched the lively crowd and chuckled.

Though Fang Zhan had forbidden street stalls yesterday, maybe switching things up a bit would be fine.

“Everyone.”

Xu Xiaoshou called out to the jostling crowd at the entrance.

“Everyone, I'm not setting up a stall today, but Tian Shang Di Yi Lou does need help—specifically, a gatekeeper.”

“This position requires someone who can work through the night, so we're not hiring mortals. Same rules as before: from Houtian level and up, up to but not including Bansheng, can apply.”

“The minimum pay is 10,000 lingjing per month, with no upper limit—it's all based on your performance.”

“Of course, if a Bansheng wants to join as a gatekeeper, we'd welcome it at Tian Shang Di Yi Lou!”

Even those who had lined up yesterday couldn't help but laugh at this today.

A Bansheng as a gatekeeper? What a joke!

But in this world, for the sake of livelihood, there are always people who'll stretch the truth or call a deer a horse.

“Xu Shao's got the right idea—a Bansheng guarding the gate would be an honor for Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.”

“Pick me, pick me! I'm Xiantian—I can work nights, and I'm wind attribute. I'd secure Tian Shang Di Yi Lou's gate so tight not even a mosquito could get in, and I could clean the signboard without lifting a finger.”

“I'm Xu Tianjiao, a Zongshi! And more importantly, I share your surname Xu—I'm happy to be the gatekeeper here!”

“Xu Shao, look at me! I'm Houtian. I can handle kids during the day, don't need sleep at night, and my wife can watch them—just perfect for the job.”

The scene turned chaotic in an instant.

In just that short time...

“Gained expectation, passive value +3642.”

“Gained scrutiny, passive value +4221.”

Passive values jumped up by nearly 10,000 again.

Xu Xiaoshou thought to himself that this recruiting business—er, selecting people—was a real gem. No need for fights; just standing here brought in benefits galore.

But before he could ramp up the excitement, a group of white-robed figures approached from nearby.

Fang Zhan's face was dark as he led the city lord's mansion guards right up to Xu Xiaoshou.

“Xu Shao, I've been waiting for you all morning.”

Xu Xiaoshou's expression soured. “Are you that idle?”

Fang Zhan sneered, “It's not that I'm idle—it's your influence that's too strong, forcing me to step in again.”

Xu Xiaoshou sighed.

He knew exactly why Fang Zhan was here—to block his money-making ways. He pointed to the empty space in front of him. “I'm not running a stall today.”

Fang Zhan shook his head. “You're not running a stall, but you're still disrupting Wangcheng's order. Yesterday, I said no stalls and no other activities that affect the city's order—especially not now.”

“Did you say that?” Xu Xiaoshou asked.

“I did.”

“But I didn't hear it!” Xu Xiaoshou shrugged.

“It's not about whether you heard it or not.”

Fang Zhan was clearly prepared for a verbal showdown. “I reminded you yesterday, Xu Shao. You're a smart one—give me some face and don't disturb Wangcheng's order.”

“The ones disrupting order are them, not me.” Xu Xiaoshou gestured to the crowd.

Even though they were taking the blame, the people remained fired up.

“That's right, we're the ones disrupting Wangcheng's order—what's it got to do with Xu Shao?”

“He's done nothing wrong!”

“If anyone's to blame, it's us—this is all our own doing. As the saying goes, the law doesn't...”

Before the murmurs could finish, Fang Zhan whipped around, his voice turning icy.

“You all want to die?”

The scene fell silent, not a sound to be heard.

Yes, Fang Zhan had to give face to Xu Shao, but for these common folk, the Great Commander's aura was on full display.

A Wangzuo who held life and death in his hands—wasn't someone these Wangcheng civilians could stand against.

Xu Xiaoshou realized recruiting was going to be tough with Fang Zhan shutting it down.

This guy was dead set on stopping him, even spending the whole morning staking out the place.

Was he really that bored, or did he see Xu Xiaoshou as Wangcheng's top troublemaker?

“How about this?”

Xu Xiaoshou thought for a moment and suggested, “I'll give you face—no activities, nothing. Just let them stand here, and I'll join them for the afternoon. At dusk, I'll pick one to bring inside, and we'll all go our separate ways. Deal?”

Fang Zhan paused, then shook his head. “Wangcheng's land is precious, Xu Shao. You only own Tian Shang Di Yi Lou—Chaosheng Guangchang isn't yours. You can't occupy public resources.”

Xu Xiaoshou was furious.

Staring at the vast plaza, he laid down the gauntlet.

“Fine!”

“Then name a price—what's Chaosheng Guangchang worth? I'll buy it!”

The crowd erupted in shock.

“Buy—buy Chaosheng Guangchang just for an activity?”

“What a move from Xu Shao! What a Xu Desai!”

“Damn, I knew I picked the right side—if I get into Tian Shang Di Yi Lou, I'll be set for life!”

Xu Xiaoshou's bold stroke left Fang Zhan stunned.

It took Fang Zhan a while to recover, stammering, “Chao-Chaosheng Guangchang isn't for sale.”

A white-robed guard nudged Fang Zhan's side, jolting him back to his senses.

“If Xu Shao can take all these people into your Tian Shang Di Yi Lou for your activities, I won't say a word. But if you keep this up in Chaosheng Guangchang, we'll have to enforce the law.”

Hold activities inside Tian Shang Di Yi Lou?

Xu Xiaoshou narrowed his eyes—that wouldn't work.

Aside from the arrays and secrets in there, they had a Seven Sword Immortal, Mei Si Ren, residing—best not to let outsiders intrude.

But without going inside, how could he continue recruiting in Chaosheng Guangchang?

Xu Xiaoshou pondered, then had a flash of inspiration. “Fang Da Tongling, what kind of enforcement are we talking? If I can handle it, can I recruit while you enforce?”

Fang Zhan: ???

This remark left not just the enforcement team baffled but the onlookers as well.

Good grief!

What kind of obsession was this?

To recruit people, he'd even suggest doing it while being enforced against—this...

For a moment, everyone was in awe of Xu Shao.

“Gained admiration, passive value +4212.”

“Gained conviction, passive value +2488.”

Fang Zhan was defeated.

He'd seen Xu Shao's stubbornness yesterday, but not to this extent—just for recruiting?

What was in it for him? Tian Shang Di Yi Lou didn't need the money.

Throw enough lingjing at it, and you could hire Wangzuo or even Dao Slayers for guards.

Why go out of his way to clash with Fang Zhan?

Fang Zhan figured Xu Shao must be doing it on purpose.

This guy was just trying to get under his skin.

But why, when there was no grudge?

Fang Zhan was confused.

Xu Shao's thoughts were too unpredictable—no one could figure him out.

Just then, Xin Gugu stepped out of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou and handed over a communication bead. “Xu Shao, a message from Liu Lu.”

“Oh?”

Xu Xiaoshou raised an eyebrow.

He hadn't kept the communication bead on him, leaving it with Xin Gugu in case he missed anything while in Yuan Fu.

Liu Lu messaging now meant last night's task had panned out.

“Good.”

Thinking of that, Xu Xiaoshou held the bead and turned to the crowd. “Alright, folks, let's call it a day. I'll give Fang Tongling face—no activities, no recruiting today.”

“Aw!”

The audience booed, glaring at Fang Zhan with pent-up frustration, but in the end, they had no choice but to disperse.

Fang Zhan, now the target of all this ire, felt his face turn green.

It was over just like that?

He'd been all set for a standoff, even talking about recruiting under enforcement, but one message bead changed everything?

And now, shoving the blame onto him? It was Xu Desai who broke the rules first, so why was he the one taking the heat for maintaining order?

“Xu De—”

Fang Zhan, ever the hothead, started to snap, but his subordinate quickly pulled him back. “You can't say that name.”

“Uh,”

Fang Zhan was left fuming, the words stuck in his throat like a misfired cannon. He stormed off in a huff, refusing to engage.

But as Xu Xiaoshou turned back, he called out, “Fang Da Tongling, what did you want? Can I go ahead with the activities now?”

Fang Zhan froze mid-step, about to retort, but his subordinate held him firm.

“Fang Lao Da, remember the Bansheng's warning!”

Fang Zhan clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it.

“Outrageous.”

He muttered under his breath, forcing a smile as he turned. “As long as I'm around, Xu Shao, your Tian Shang Di Yi Lou won't be causing any trouble.”

Xu Xiaoshou's eyes lit up, catching the implication.

Xin Gugu saw that look and knew he'd misunderstood.

“Don't act rashly—he's from the city lord's mansion, just enforcing the law. Kill one, and another will take his place.”

With a “pfft,” Fang Zhan nearly choked on his anger.

Xin Gugu's voice was low, but as a Wangzuo, how could Fang Zhan not hear?

Xu Xiaoshou shot Xin Gugu a glare. “What are you thinking all day? Am I that kind of person?”

Xin Gugu rolled his eyes.

If you're not, who is?

“Let's go, let's go—ignore him. He's just blocking my cash flow, what a pain!” Xu Xiaoshou gave Fang Zhan a final once-over, as if memorizing him, then walked away.

Xin Gugu followed, about to enter the building, but remembered the city lord's mansion guards still lurking outside.

These guys were a real nuisance, always killing the vibe. Xin Gugu couldn't help but glance back. “Watch yourselves—the next few days, you might want to skip sleeping.”

“Are you threatening me?” Fang Zhan nearly lunged forward, but his quick subordinate blocked him.

“Damn it, what bad luck!”

Once Xu Shao and the others were inside, Fang Zhan grew uneasy. “Do you think he's serious?”

The white-robed guards all shook their heads, worry in their eyes.

“Surely not?”

“We're just doing our jobs. Though Xu Shao's tough, he's always dealt with his own kind before—one soft spot. This outsider doesn't know the rules and is acting bold, but he wouldn't go too far, right?”

“Pity the kid—why's he so straightforward? He has money to buy Chaosheng Guangchang but not to...”

“Shut it!”

Fang Zhan's head throbbed at the chatter. He waved them off. “Back to base!”

“What about sleeping tonight?” someone asked.

“Forget sleeping!”

Fang Zhan shot a glare over his shoulder, growing more irritated by the second.

He hadn't cared much about extra perks before, but this Xu fellow had really gotten to him.

“No sleeping for the next few days—watch him like a hawk. Anything off, take him down immediately.”

“In Dongtian Wangcheng, even a dragon must coil up, and a tiger must lie low!”