Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

Zhou Qingfeng smiled, his demeanor impeccable, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Zhou Qingfeng of Sword Tower City greets City Lord Li."

“Nephew, there’s no need for such formalities. Just call me Uncle Li.” Li Jiguang took two quick steps, reached out and took Zhou Qingfeng’s arm, his attitude friendly and warm.

Zhou Qingfeng changed his address accordingly, smiling slightly: "Uncle Li."

Li Jiguang patted Zhou Qingfeng's arm and said admiringly, "Uncle has long heard of your reputation. You are number one on the Heavenly Ranking, and you have defeated the geniuses of 4,600 cities to win the final championship. You are the new generation of unparalleled genius of the first family after the Three Absolutes. Seeing you today is better than hearing about you. You are indeed a man of outstanding talent and a dragon among men."

"Uncle Li, you flatter me. I am but a humble student, and I am fortunate to have been ranked first on the Heavenly Ranking. I dare not claim to be a peerless genius." Zhou Qingfeng smiled calmly and composedly. He was not fooled by Li Jiguang's flattery and became arrogant. Such arrogance is a path to death.

The reason why geniuses are called geniuses, rather than strongmen, is simply because they possess the potential to become strongmen. It is not that geniuses are necessarily strongmen. A genius who has not grown up will always remain a genius. A genius who dares to be arrogant, show off everywhere, and does not know how to respect the strongmen is already halfway to his doom.

However, this is indeed something Zhou Qingfeng can be very proud of, and it is the only honor he has won on the world stage so far through his own efforts.

Even after losing all the glory and aura bestowed upon him by the First Family, Zhou Qingfeng remained the number one on the Heavenly Ranking, renowned throughout the evil world.

Li Jiguang smiled and said, "Nephew, you must be tired from your journey and haven't had a meal yet. I've specially prepared a feast to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey. Let's eat and chat."

Zhou Qingfeng bowed slightly: "Uncle, you have been so kind to invite me. I will gladly accept your invitation."

The two moved to the dining hall, where a table was laden with delicious dishes. The food was different from that of Jianta. Qiantang City was built along the Guanjiang River, so there was an abundance of fresh river products. In order to entertain Zhou Qingfeng, Li Jiguang specially had dishes with distinctive Guanjiang characteristics prepared to show his respect and courtesy to Qiantang City.

These dishes each have their own names, and they are all made from ingredients killed by river monsters. They are all of the most malevolent quality.

The appetizers include honey-glazed yellow catfish and Ganoderma lucidum crystal jelly, while the soup is Longjing shrimp and jade liquid soup.

The main courses are even more luxurious, including Golden Velvet Crab, Dragon Pearl Clam, Leopard Eye Blue Frog Leg, Serrated Blue Crab, and Eight Demons Crossing the Sea Platter.

Local snacks include snail jelly and yellow sand clam cloud rolls.

Desserts include peach jam sandwich cookies and dragon beard candy.

The drinks also include Sheng Sha wine.

Each dish can increase one's qi and blood and mana, and some dishes can even increase lifespan. This is very beneficial for cultivators in the Food Demon Realm. After finishing this meal, one can increase their mana by 100 to 300 coins. The effect is very significant, but this banquet can cost two to three million mana coins.

Such extravagance is something that even the lowest-level cultivators wouldn't dare to dream of or even hear of. Even if some individuals were to accidentally witness it, they would feel a sense of despair and helplessness deep in their hearts, because for them, even if they worked themselves to the bone, without eating or drinking, and struggled for sixty years, they would only be able to afford the cost of this one banquet.

As the lord of Qiantang City, Li Jiguang naturally wouldn't be stingy about such a small amount of money. He could have easily acquired higher-grade ingredients. The key issue was that even if he did acquire them, they wouldn't be of any use to Zhou Qingfeng, who was only at the Devouring Fiend Realm. Even if he killed a god to feed him, Zhou Qingfeng wouldn't be able to digest or absorb it. Instead, ingredients of the Fiend Realm would be more beneficial.

Li Jiguang asked with a smile, "Nephew, are you satisfied?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng raised his wine glass and respectfully said, "My nephew's unannounced visit has caused Uncle a lot of trouble, but Uncle has been so hospitable. I am truly grateful and can only offer you this toast."

Li Jiguang watched Zhou Qingfeng look up and drink the wine in his cup in one gulp. He said with a smile, "Nephew, you have come from afar. As your uncle, I should do my part as a host. Don't talk about spending money. How is the First City Lord's health now? Is he still in good health? When you return to Sword Tower, please give him my regards."

After Zhou Qingfeng sat down, he replied, "My mother is in good health. Thank you for your concern, Uncle Li. I will definitely convey your greetings."

Li Jiguang nodded with a smile and said casually, "Nephew, you saved my city of Qiantang from danger today. The entire city of Qiantang owes you such a great favor. I don't know how to thank you, so I have prepared one hundred million coins as a token of my gratitude."

After saying this, Li Jiguang took out a storage bag from his pocket, grabbed Zhou Qingfeng's hand, and tried to put it in his hand, but Zhou Qingfeng refused in every way, refusing to accept any reward. This was because what Zhou Qingfeng wanted was not just money. One hundred million was a lot of money, but Zhou Qingfeng was not short of money and would not be so easily satisfied.

In any case, Zhou Qingfeng kept his father's teachings in mind: favors that can be repaid with money are worthless.

"Uncle, it's really vulgar for us to talk about money."

"I helped my uncle simply because I admired his loyalty, integrity, and trustworthiness. I never thought about getting anything in return."

“You must take this money back. If you don’t, then you are disrespecting your nephew.”

Zhou Qingfeng grasped Li Jiguang's hand with a sincere and respectful expression, praising him and speaking of loyalty and trustworthiness. He was trying to put Li Jiguang on a pedestal so that he wouldn't betray the Li family and ruin their reputation.

Li Jiguang was well aware of the stakes involved. If he couldn't repay this favor today, he might have to pay an even greater price in the future.

Try not to repay the favor, and Zhou Qingfeng will turn around and say that the Li family of Qiantang is unethical and dishonest.

With just one sentence, the reputation of the Li family, accumulated over four hundred years, was severely damaged. The loss is far more than money; it represents the loss of the family's future. From now on, when people mention the Li family of Qiantang, the first impression that comes to mind is that they have lost their word. This is a huge stain on their reputation.

Once a family loses its credibility, its downfall is inevitable.

As the saying goes, the more vicious the world, the more rules are followed in doing things and the more loyalty, filial piety, righteousness, and trustworthiness are valued in people. Even if you don't have them, you have to pretend you do, or you're doomed. Conversely, the more peaceful the world, the less rules are followed in doing things and the less loyalty, filial piety, righteousness, and trustworthiness are valued in people, because the price to pay is negligible, or even nonexistent.

The atmosphere between the two sides appeared incredibly harmonious, but each harbored their own ulterior motives and calculations.

The martial arts world has never been about fighting and killing.

The world of martial arts is a place of human relationships and social customs.

Seeing that he couldn't repay the favor with money, Li Jiguang had no choice but to grit his teeth and spend a fortune. He smiled and took out a treasure, saying, "Nephew, we appreciate each other's kindness, and talking about money is indeed vulgar. But the Li family of Qiantang is not an ungrateful family. I promised to repay you handsomely, and I will." This magical artifact is called the Nine-Story Demon-Subduing Pagoda, a replica of an ancient divine artifact. I obtained it by chance and have always treasured it with me. Its value is immeasurable because there is only one of its kind in the world.

"This item is a magical artifact with growth potential, which you can use until you reach the Appetite Realm. This tower has three wonderful uses. When fighting an enemy, no matter whether the enemy is a god, immortal, demon, Buddha, human, or ghost, you only need to call out to the enemy. As long as the enemy responds, he will be taken into the nine-story demon-subduing tower and his flesh and essence will be worn away day and night."

"If the enemy doesn't respond, that's fine too. Just unleash the nine-story Demon-Slaying Tower to suppress them and they'll be crushed to death."

"The most important and wonderful use is that the enemies captured in the nine-story demon-slaying tower will eventually be refined into nourishing pills. These nourishing pills contain the purest essence, blood and flesh of the enemies. Eating them will greatly improve one's health and strength. For you, my nephew, this is a rare and precious treasure that no amount of money can buy."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng gazed at the dark golden nine-story pagoda in Li Jiguang's palm, his heart filled with excitement. Growth-type magic artifacts are rare items. Although this was merely a replica of an ancient divine artifact, it was still a unique replica. Once missed, it would be gone forever, and there would be no chance to obtain it again.

"Oh dear, since Uncle is so kind to thank me, it would be ungrateful of me to refuse." Zhou Qingfeng feigned shame, reaching out to grasp the nine-story demon-slaying pagoda. He noticed that Li Jiguang hadn't let go, clearly feeling quite distressed. However, Zhou Qingfeng still shamelessly said, "Thank you for the treasure, Uncle. I accept it."

Li Jiguang's lips twitched, and he reluctantly let go, but on the surface he had to pretend to be very happy, secretly cursing that this kid was not easy to fool.

Zhou Qingfeng could have politely declined, forcing Li Jiguang to produce even better treasures. He didn't believe that the Li family of Qiantang City only had this much wealth; they must have even more powerful and precious treasures, perhaps even ancient artifacts. But if it really came to that, the great favor would turn into a great enmity, so he decided to accept the situation while he was ahead.

Is it over after repaying the favor? No, because Li Jiguang owes him two favors: one is to warn him in advance and prevent Qiantang City from being destroyed, and the other is to risk his life to help him bring the Guanjiang Dragon King to the designated waters, so that the Guanjiang Dragon King can be successfully strangled.

Having already used one favor, Zhou Qingfeng didn't intend to use another. Instead, he changed the subject and brought up the proposal for peaceful trade: "Uncle, I see that Qiantang City is close to the Guanjiang River and produces so many fresh river goods every year. Is there a market for them?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiguang's spirits lifted. He was such a clever man; he never listened to half of what people said, but rather to the unsaid half. However, he was still somewhat unsure: "Does my nephew mean he wants to do fresh goods trade with my Qiantang City?"

Zhou Qingfeng narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "Uncle is indeed wise and powerful. I admire you. I intend to sign a peaceful trade alliance with Qiantang City. In the future, goods from your Qiantang City can enter my Sword Tower, and goods produced by my Sword Tower can also be sold in your Qiantang City. We can exchange goods and resources. What do you think?"

Li Jiguang asked, "Of course I am willing to sign a peace and trade alliance, but can you represent the Lord of Sword Tower City?"

The peace and trade alliance is of great significance to Qiantang City.

Without this peaceful trade alliance, trade routes to the other's main city would be blocked. They could attack or destroy you at will. Once you enter the fiefdom of the other city lord, even if you are investigated and confiscated by the local government or robbed by bandits, you can only accept the loss and have no protection. Trade cannot take off.

If this continues, our economic strength will fall far behind. Falling behind in economic strength means being inferior to others in every aspect. Others have money and resources to cultivate a large number of talents and armies, while we have no money and resources, our talents are dwindling, and our military equipment is lax. In the end, all the city lords are focused on making money. If they don't have money, they will be waiting to be beaten.

However, once a peaceful trade alliance is signed with Sword Tower, all the goods of Qiantang City can be transported to Sword Tower by water and air, allowing them to make a fortune from the city's abundant river and fresh produce. But signing a peaceful trade alliance with Sword Tower is not easy, because there are many city lords who want to trade with Sword Tower.

It is well known that the people of Jianta are wealthy, and it is even jokingly said that they have their own currency. This is because there are too many wealthy people in Jianta, resulting in a very large floating population. Every year, countless people from other places flock to Jianta to make money, creating a huge consumer market. Anyone who can trade with Jianta is essentially riding the fast track of economic development.

There are more than twenty city lords along the river from the source of the Guanjiang River to its mouth. Why should they trade with Qiantang City?

He had tried before, personally going to Sword Tower to sign a peace and trade alliance with the First Lady, but the conditions he received were quite harsh. He had to pay 100 billion French dollars as a trade deposit and hand over military passage rights. In the future, Sword Tower's army could directly enter Qiantang territory without permission.

The conditions were so harsh that Li Jiguang could not accept them and was forced to abandon the peace and trade alliance with Jianta. It wasn't that 100 billion was too harsh; even if it were more than 100 billion, Li Jiguang would have been willing to scrape together the money by selling everything he owned. The opening of trade routes would create hundreds of millions of dollars in wealth every year, benefiting Qiantang City for thousands of years. The key was the military passage rights. Giving them away was too dangerous. Jianta's army could then march to the outskirts of Qiantang City legitimately and without any obstacles. Anyone would be afraid of that.

Zhou Qingfeng's mention of the peace and trade alliance made Li Jiguang's heart pound with excitement. However, he still doubted whether Zhou Qingfeng was qualified to sign such an important peace and trade alliance on behalf of the First City Lord. After all, Zhou Qingfeng was only the Fourth Young Master of the Sword Tower and not the real person in charge.

Zhou Qingfeng smiled slightly: "Uncle Li, I naturally cannot sign a peace trade agreement with you on behalf of my mother, but let's not get stuck on this. As long as you are willing to sell your goods to Sword Tower, you can sign a peace trade agreement with me."

“I am a vassal baron of the Sword Tower. I have my own fiefdom. I am the lord of Yong'an City. Uncle Li, as long as you sign a peace trade alliance with me, all the goods from your Qiantang City can legitimately enter my fiefdom and be sold there.”

A glint flashed in Li Jiguang's eyes: "Nephew, you mean..."

Zhou Qingfeng picked up his wine glass, took a sip, slowly ate a bite of food, and said unhurriedly, "That's right, I will take over all the fresh river and lake products sold in Qiantang City from now on. I will eat as much as there is, pay upon delivery, and buy it all in one go. As for how I sell the goods and at what price, you don't need to worry about it. In short, you will receive your full payment, and I guarantee that all your money will be paid in full. I guarantee this with the reputation of my Zhou family and myself."

Li Jiguang was tempted. Although it involved a middleman, it still opened up a trade channel, a path to wealth that could bring in a fortune every day. He wasn't stupid, so how could he not be willing? However, he wasn't familiar with Zhou Qingfeng and doubted whether Zhou Qingfeng had the financial resources: "Nephew, do you know that the fresh river goods produced in my Qiantang City every year are worth billions of coins? Do you have the ability to consume them all?"

Zhou Qingfeng finally revealed his true colors, smiling as he said, "Uncle Li, I have some wealth, and I can easily come up with several billion in cash. However, I can't possibly carry that much money with me, so I can't prove my financial strength to you. I am very sincere, and it just depends on whether you are willing to be my friend."