The cold wind was piercing, and just as Liu Zixuan was about to set off with a group of beautiful women, snowflakes started to fall from the sky.

Ying Qingning extended her slender jade-like hand out the window, feeling the chill of the snowflakes on her fingers, and laughed, "I’m so used to the spring rain, feeling the snowflakes now gives me a different sensation."

"I guess only a girl like you, raised in the south, would feel that way." Bai Jingjing said as she started the car and slowly headed onto the highway.

"What are you muttering with your phone?"

At that moment, Liu Ruyan nudged Liu Zixuan, who was sitting next to her, and asked.

Liu Zixuan was behaving a bit strangely today to the ladies. He would usually insist on driving for such a long journey, yet he didn’t drive at all and had been fiddling with his phone, sending texts and staring off into the distance.

"He must have annoyed Meiying last night and is now texting to appease her." Sanjie An laughed, "Lovebirds are always like this."

Liu Zixuan waved his hand, "I’m not in the mood for romance now. Before returning to Ghost Wood City, I have to make arrangements, so you don’t end up with no place to stay."

"What about the apartment we rented earlier?" Liu Ruyan asked.

Liu Zixuan grinned, not hiding the truth from the ladies, as they would find out about Xiumei Group’s affairs once they returned to Ghost Wood City. He then shared the news he got from Bei Meiyin yesterday.

The faces of the ladies changed upon hearing the news.

Liu Ruyan frowned and said, "So, you also suspect that the current managers of Xiumei Group have been bribed by the other side?"

"It’s highly possible."

Liu Zixuan nodded, "When Yiyi hurried home, despite careful selection, there was no long-term observation involved. Picking the wrong person is understandable."

"I think you should be more cautious about this."

Sanjie An spoke, "Currently, the managers of Xiumei Group are surely the highest decision-makers. Since you and Jiang Yiyi плюс Ruyan have been away from the company for a long time, they have certainly gained control of people’s hearts. Accusing them of wrongdoing without evidence might lead Xiumei Group into jeopardy."

"An姐 is right. This situation must be handled delicately." Liu Ruyan placed Liu Zixuan’s large hand on her leg and said softly, "Don’t worry about money. We have enough for the festivities when we return."

Liu Zixuan grinned, "When did I, Liu Zixuan, ever need to rely on women for sustenance?"

"Such male ego. Isn’t our money your money too?" Liu Ruyan pouted in exasperation.

Liu Zixuan smiled slightly, "Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. It’s just a small misstep. This is much easier than dealing with Sakura Sect’s Kongshan Group."

Comparatively, for Liu Zixuan, the issue with Xiumei Group is not just about money; it’s also about control.

That phrase from Elder Qiu of Celestial Secret Pavilion is very true; nowadays, whether in the real world or the Martial Realm, money is indispensable.

With the Martial Arts Tournament approaching, various family forces, sects, and those martial artists without backgrounds have pushed Liu Zixuan into the spotlight. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

If Liu Zixuan wants to remain undefeated at this critical time, besides having absolute strength, he needs to have substantial assets.

In martial arts tournaments, one relies on combat strength.

But battles after the tournaments require money.

If it indeed comes to that point where Liu Zixuan leads a group of martial artists without backgrounds against those major sects and clans, he must have significant assets as a backup. Otherwise, chaos would erupt in the rear because of lack of funds even before the fight starts.

Actually, no evidence is needed. Xiumei Group is Liu Zixuan’s largest economic source.

This not only Liu Zixuan’s acquaintances know, but also large families and groups like Willow Association understand. Those martial artists without backgrounds might try to win Liu Zixuan over through flattery.

However, these big families with massive forces disdain such methods; they prefer using threats.

Cutting off Liu Zixuan’s financial source is like cutting off his retreat route. If not handled properly, his only option would be to cooperate with them.

Therefore, Liu Zixuan is convinced that the troubles with Xiumei Group are linked to the Eight Great Powers and Four Great Clans.

Upon returning, Liu Zixuan must not only eliminate those who have been bribed but also take full control over Xiumei Group and maximize its benefits.

Every situation has its pros and cons.

The trouble at Xiumei Group reminded Liu Zixuan of the necessity of acquiring more money.

It’s known that the reason the Eight Great Powers and Four Great Clans have stood strong in Star Sea for so long is not just the powerful martial artists in their families but also because their commercial chain has reached the peak.

Money isn’t everything, but without money, things are impossible.

"Looks like the road ahead is closed." Bai Jingjing slowed the car and pointed ahead.

Liu Zixuan looked ahead, indeed there were several traffic police using barricades to block the road, signaling cars to drive on the side lane.

"Exit the highway and pull over. I’ll drive." Liu Zixuan said.

"Alright!"

Bai Jingjing used the turn signal to veer onto the side road and pull over.

Liu Zixuan took the driver’s seat, "Ruyan, I’ve just talked to Zhu Yi. He was busy earlier; now call him and tell him we’ll arrive at Ghost Wood City in half an hour and ask him to meet us at the agreed location."

"Okay." Liu Ruyan took Liu Zixuan’s phone and dialed.

They were close to the Ghost Wood City area now. Liu Zixuan was familiar with the roads here and pressed the gas as they sped towards their destination.

After about twenty minutes, the car moved from the side road onto the main road of Ghost Wood City’s downtown.

Liu Ruyan frowned and asked, "I remember this road doesn’t lead to Xiumei Headquarters, right?"

Liu Zixuan smiled mysteriously, "I never said we were going directly to headquarters."

"Then where are we going?" Bai Jingjing in the passenger seat asked.

"Find a place to settle first. Xiumei Group is tied to Ghost Wood City’s economic lifeline; a sudden visit might backfire. I’ve arranged to meet Zhu first to discuss the situation, and only after we understand it should we proceed further." Liu Zixuan laughed.

"Is it to your previous apartment?" Ying Qingning, who visited once while receiving treatment, asked.

Liu Zixuan shook his head and laughed, "It’s Treasure Hall!"