At Fortune Resthaven, Joe Di busied himself setting up various lethal trapping arrays.
Though Zhong Ao was formidable in battle, he couldn't withstand overwhelming numbers. Not only were many people coveting the Starlight Tea he carried, but even Nate Shee seemed to have set her sights on him.
"You're setting up a mere seventh-tier Deathtrap Immortal Array. You might as well not bother," Zhong Ao remarked with a hint of exasperation as he watched Joe Di arrange the formation.
Joe Di's original plan was to set up a seventh-tier Deathtrap Immortal Array outside, then layer an eighth-tier array within. It wasn't that he couldn't construct a ninth-tier Deathtrap Immortal Array; the real issue was that it required too much time, and his adversaries certainly wouldn't grant him that luxury.
Zhong Ao's words suddenly reminded him—if he couldn't set up a ninth-tier Deathtrap Immortal Array, Zhong Ao certainly could. In fact, Zhong Ao might even be able to create something more advanced. Why exhaust himself when he had a 'free laborer' at hand?
Joe Di tossed a ring to Zhong Ao. "Old Zhong, I'll set up a seventh-tier Deathtrap Immortal Array outside. Inside, help me set up the highest-tier array you can manage. If nothing else, at least try for an eighth-tier formation."
Zhong Ao didn't mind in the slightest. For him, setting up a ninth-tier Deathtrap Immortal Array was child's play—even if the materials were subpar.
...
At the Great Cauldron City Lord's Mansion, ten Immortal Emperors were seated, among them three from the Magic Garment Immortal Continent. Star Demon Palace's Palace Lord Jie Wanleng, Unending Immortal Sect's Sect Master Xi Ling Yuanyi, and Cloudsky Dao's Dao Master Yue Wuliang were present. Also attending were the Guildmaster Fang Feilou of the Glaze Chamber of Commerce from Aurora Immortal Continent, Crescent Chamber of Commerce's Guildmaster Bai Ye, an Immortal Emperor at the fifth level, and the wandering cultivator Peng He, also at the fifth level.
In addition, there was Fu Jue, Guildmaster of the Cauldron Apothecary Tower, an Immortal Emperor of the third level; Meng Xixi, Tower Master of Evermoon Tower, at the fifth level; and Shen Zishun, Vice Guildmaster of the Grand Cauldron Apothecary Guild, at the fourth level. The weakest among them was Mi Ji, the City Lord of Great Cauldron City, an Immortal Emperor at the first level.
As for Cheng Xingren, Guildmaster of the Great Star Apothecary Tower; Huang Yetian, Sect Master of Thousand Maple Immortal Sect; Vice City Lord Jie Guangmao; and Law Enforcement Hall Master Dui Pingchuan—these Immortal Venerables could only sit at the back.
It was evident just how many powerful figures wanted to take Joe Di away this time.
Even Fang Feilou, who had witnessed Joe Di's strength firsthand, was secretly wondering whether he should join forces with the others to eliminate Joe Di.
If Yannette Hui left, and a few more Immortal Emperors joined their ranks, the balance of power between Joe Di and their side might well shift. Of course, it was only a possibility.
"Fellow Daoists, I've just received word—Yannette Hui left Great Cauldron City not long ago. It seems our suspicions were correct; Joe Di didn't leave with her. I think it's time we made our move," Mi Ji said, rising to his feet and cupping his fists.
Though he was the City Lord, among the Immortal Emperors present, his cultivation was the lowest. If Joe Di hadn't forcibly torn apart the protective array of Great Cauldron City, Mi Ji would have preferred not to take the lead.
As the City Lord of Great Cauldron City, if Joe Di could tear open even the city's protective array and he still didn't step forward, then he might as well relinquish his title. No matter how smooth and accommodating he was, there had to be some edge to his character.
Jie Wanleng spoke calmly, "Before we proceed, I hope everyone is prepared to negotiate. Let's not descend into chaos when the time comes."
Xi Ling Yuanyi snorted coldly, "This man killed my son Ryan Xiling—I will kill him without question. As for the things he stole from my son, I will reclaim them myself."
Yue Wuliang chuckled, "Brother Yuanyi, Joe Di's life is yours to take. However, he robbed me of my Time Crystal and swindled a great deal of Free Points in Great Cauldron City. I can't let those matters slide so easily."
"I only want the Trueglass Water," Peng He said simply.
"Everyone, allow me to say a few words," Bai Ye, Guildmaster of Crescent Chamber of Commerce, said calmly. "Joe Di has committed countless heinous crimes—not only did he harm Sect Master Xiling's second son, he also killed our elder Jude Yue. He may possess the method to refine Starlight Tea, so everyone should get a share. As for the rest of his possessions, anything that can be divided will be split evenly. For anything that can't, compensation will be arranged for the others."
Jie Wanleng stood up. "Alright, it's settled then."
Everyone rose to their feet. Xi Ling Yuanyi glared at Shen Zishun, who remained seated, and asked coldly, "Vice Guildmaster Shen, what do you mean by this?"
Shen Zishun replied calmly, "Joe Di is, after all, a member of our guild. Right now, I don't know why he acted against Young Master Ryan, nor do I know why he killed Jude Yue. So I hope that, before we execute him, he is given a chance to speak."
"So Vice Guildmaster Shen doesn't intend to go with us?" Xi Ling Yuanyi's tone grew even colder.
Shen Zishun said coolly, "Our guild does not shield any member, but we will not act against one of our own without understanding the situation. Though the Grand Cauldron Apothecary Guild is only a branch among the Four Immortal Continents, we do not fear threats from others."
Shen Zishun understood perfectly what these people wanted. Joe Di's ability to refine Starlight Tea and reach the Immortal King realm in such a short time meant he held a great secret. They were simply out to seize his treasures. Unfortunately, while the guild was unwilling to participate, it also lacked the strength to stand up for Joe Di. Not joining the siege was the most they could do.
"Very well, let's go," Xi Ling Yuanyi snorted. He decided to deal with the Grand Cauldron Apothecary Guild after destroying Joe Di.
After hesitating for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Fang Feilou finally made up his mind. He cupped his fists and said, "Originally, I should join you all, but unlike the rest of you, my Glaze Chamber of Commerce actually owes Joe Di a debt. So, I will not be joining the attack this time."
He saw clearly that, although there were many people here, none were truly united. Some, like Shen Zishun, had already left before the action began. Peng He only wanted the Trueglass Water, while Fu Jue and Meng Xixi were simply after the Starlight Tea.
If Joe Di were just an ordinary ant, it wouldn't matter. But is he? Not only has he grasped spatial laws, the Old Zhong at his side is hardly someone who can be easily besieged.
In other words, even if they managed to take down Old Zhong, it would be a pyrrhic victory with heavy casualties. With Joe Di's escape techniques, he'd have a ninety percent chance of getting away.
If Joe Di escaped, based on Fang Feilou's understanding of him, there would only be one outcome—trouble.
"No wonder Guildmaster Fang's business keeps growing," Bai Ye said with a touch of sarcasm before turning to leave.
......
After the others had left, Shen Zishun cupped his fists to Fang Feilou. "Thank you, Guildmaster Fang."
All these people were going to attack Joe Di, the apothecary, but Fang Feilou chose to abstain, earning the gratitude of the Grand Cauldron Apothecary Guild.
Fang Feilou hurriedly cupped his fists in return. "Vice Guildmaster Shen, you're too kind. It's a pity the Guildmaster isn't here; if he were, I doubt anyone would dare act like this."
Whether or not Joe Di would be taken down, it was always wise to be on friendly terms with the Vice Guildmaster of the Apothecary Guild.
"If you don't mind, Fellow Daoist Fang, you're welcome to visit our guild," Shen Zishun invited.
Fang Feilou had already intended to use the guild to further his relationship with Joe Di, so he readily agreed.
......
"Vice City Lord Jie, it seems your Resthaven has a new name," Bai Ye said with a chuckle as they stood outside the former Fortune Resthaven.
Everyone present saw Joe Di destroy the old sign for Fortune Resthaven. Now, four bold characters shimmered above the array: Peace Inn.
In Joe Di's memory, there was a movie called 'Peace Hotel.' Anyone with nowhere else to go could seek refuge there. Once inside, all grudges and vendettas were set aside—no arrests, no fighting.
He remembered how, when he first arrived in Great Cauldron City and offended the city's powers, he had nowhere to go.
If there were a Peace Inn, even if he couldn't escape, he could use his billions of Free Points to keep living there.
But Great Cauldron City didn't have such an inn. Since it didn't exist, he would open one himself. In the future, cultivators like him would at least have a place to stay.
Jie Guangmao remained calm—whether it was called Peace Inn or Peace Resthaven, this place would eventually be his again.
"I was right—he really is a seventh-tier Array King," Mi Ji exclaimed.
No wonder Joe Di could slice through the Great Cauldron City's protective array. First, the array wasn't fully activated; second, Joe Di was an Array King to begin with.
Yue Wuliang snorted, "He might not just be a seventh-tier Array King. To set up a seventh-tier array in such a short time, he must be at least an eighth-tier Array Sovereign—or he has one at his side. If I'm not mistaken, there's a higher-level Deathtrap Immortal Array hidden within that seventh-tier protective array."
Just as Xi Ling Yuanyi was about to force his way in, the protective array suddenly opened wide, revealing a broad passage leading directly to the Peace Inn's main hall. Outside, everyone could see Joe Di sitting in the grand hall, calmly waiting with a teacup in hand.
......