Chapter 4980 — Wei Zhao Has Returned
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 3
Wei Shenjin, too, had rushed over upon hearing the news, but he likewise wore a helpless look. Detestable as Diao Huanshan was, the man had not actually done anything to harm Tiandan Pavilion in any substantive way—he was merely planted at the entrance, bellowing at the top of his lungs in promotion of his own Mingyao Sect. Under such circumstances, there was really nothing to be done about him.
Tianchan and her two companions could only glare in frustration, swallowing the bitter pill of their anger even if it choked them. And truth be told, in terms of strength and foundation, Tiandan Pavilion was indeed no match for Mingyao Sect—they were utterly without recourse.
Tianchan and Xueli exchanged a glance and shook their heads in helplessness. Now that their greatest patron in Middle Island had departed, they had no way out even if grievances gnawed at them; they could only let Diao Huanshan, that posturing clown, caper about as he pleased.
"Diao Huanshan, leave a man a shred of dignity. Don't you think you have gone too far?" Wei Shenjin could bear it no longer. He stepped forward and cut off Diao Huanshan's endless prattling with a cold shout.
"Too far? How have I gone too far? I, Diao, have stolen nothing and robbed nothing—I merely stand here and speak a few words of fair judgment. How is that too far?" Diao Huanshan cast Wei Shenjin a cold, sidelong glance and pressed on with ill intent: "I recall that Tiandan Pavilion has been open for a mere two years, no? When did it grow such airs that others may not even speak a few words at its door?"
"You call this fair judgment? Diao Huanshan, what is that face of yours made of? To engage in such brazen, malicious competition, to poach Tiandan Pavilion's customers in such a despicable manner, and still declare yourself fair and square without blushing or skipping a beat?" Wei Shenjin suppressed his fury and snorted.
"Fair judgment it is. If you wish to talk of malicious competition, then by all means, sir—point out to me which of my words just now was not the plain truth, which one was deliberately slandering Tiandan Pavilion. If there is such a one, single it out for me, and I shall apologize on the spot!" Diao Huanshan said, secure in his impunity.
"You..." Wei Shenjin was instantly struck dumb. He was not, after all, a creature who had spent his life wrangling in the world of business like Diao Huanshan, and he could not match the man's glib, slippery tongue. Besides, Diao Huanshan's words just now had indeed left no hold by which to seize him—he had simply been promoting his own Mingyao Sect, and it was hard to pick any fault at all.
In truth, Wei Shenjin knew well that reasoning with such a contemptible clown with words alone was useless. The best solution was to overwhelm him by sheer force, just as on the day Tiandan Pavilion opened, when Tianxingdao had sent the fellow flying with a casual slap of his palm—had the man dared to squeak a single word then?
Unfortunately, Wei Shenjin was not Tianxingdao. He was, in the end, merely a disciple of the Snow Sword Sect, and whether he was stronger or weaker than Diao Huanshan was anyone's guess. Were they truly to fight, who would send whom flying was hardly certain.
Seeing Wei Shenjin choked into silence, Diao Huanshan cast a smug glance at Tianchan and Xueli and said with lofty contempt: "Boy, you few small fry think you can contend with me? Don't you feel a bit too green? Hmph—you are no good with words, and even less good with fists. If you have the ability, go fetch Tianxingdao and have him come deal with me!"
At these words, an uproar swept the crowd. Tianxingdao was a household legend in Middle Island, and few dared to name him outright in public. This Deputy Steward Diao of Mingyao Sect was truly a character!