Zhang Gunli was indeed taken by surprise when Feng Chongli made an appearance. His initial plan for the day was to secure the top maiden of Puluo State and spend a night with Shen Rongqing. However, Shen Rongqing had surprisingly put on a dramatic display, risking their life to disrupt his plans.
The performance was quite convincing. Prior to Zhang Gunli's arrival, he had received intelligence regarding Ma Wu's demise, which indeed made him less guarded when he came to collect the debt.
Despite being unprepared, the situation didn't necessarily mean he would face a disadvantage. Having been a debt collector for numerous years, Zhang Gunli had navigated countless unforeseen circumstances. Though surprised, he wasn't excessively concerned.
Observing Feng Chongli, Zhang Gunli offered a slight smile. "Zhang Gunli, Feng Chongli, our names share the character 'Li'. Though our Paths within the Dao are distinct, our methods of operation bear a resemblance."
At this juncture, Zhang Gunli paused, his tone deepening slightly. "Brother Feng, what is the meaning of this? We are both men of commerce. It is merely a matter of a small sum of money; is it truly worth escalating into such a confrontation with me?"
He Jiaqing interjected, shaking his head. "That is far from a small sum. When Big Brother Feng disclosed the amount, I found it exceptionally burdensome for him."
Zhang Gunli extended his right hand, pointing directly at He Jiaqing. "Boy, this is not a place for you to interject. You shall not have another opportunity to speak in the future either."
Having delivered his warning, Zhang Gunli refocused his attention on Feng Chongli. "When you acquired the loan, the terms regarding interest were explicitly stated. If you found my compensation too steep, you were under no obligation to borrow from me. I did not coerce you into borrowing, did I?
Now, you claim inability to repay, yet there remains room for discussion. A few conciliatory words directed towards me, and you imagine I would truly push you to ruin?"
He Jiaqing let out a laugh. "Zhang Gunli, have you not driven enough individuals to their demise throughout these years?"
"He Jiaqing, I have explicitly informed you, this is no place for your commentary!" Zhang Gunli retrieved a debt ledger from his person. Among his collection of debt records, spanning from recent transactions to centuries-old obligations, a mere pinch of his fingers allowed him to identify the rightful owner of each note.
"Brother Feng, this particular debt ledger belongs to you. I shall place it here. Should you choose to eliminate He Jiaqing at this moment, I will instantly rend this document, thereby nullifying our mutual obligations."
"Conversely, I shall proceed with the debt collection. If you are incapable of repayment, do not hold me accountable for my lack of leniency!"
As his words concluded, faint smoke began to emanate from the debt ledger.
Feng Chongli experienced a leaden sensation in his limbs, rendering him immobile for the moment.
Utilizing the Credit Cultivation Technique, specifically the Debt Mountain Pressing Skill, Feng Chongli felt as though an immense mountain had been placed upon him, severely impeding his every movement.
Feng Chongli sought to employ the Business Cultivation Technique to counteract the Debt Mountain Pressing Skill, but Zhang Gunli anticipated his intention.
With a casual gesture, Zhang Gunli made a swift stroke upon the debt ledger, instantly neutralizing Feng Chongli's ability to utilize any techniques.
The Credit Cultivation Technique, followed by the Bone Scraping and Sinew Pulling Technique.
"Brother Feng, you incurred a debt to me, and yet you intend to make a move against me? Do you presume your bones possess sufficient fortitude? An additional few scrapes, and I could easily extinguish your life; do you believe me?
As I stated, if you simply dispatch He Jiaqing, this entire affair will be considered settled. Otherwise..."
Clang!
Crash!
He Jiaqing artfully triggered a hidden mechanism, causing the floorboards on the second level of the estate to slide open laterally.
An entire tier's worth of silver yuan cascaded like a liquid torrent onto the first floor. Had Shen Rongqing not reacted with incredible swiftness, he could have sustained grievous injuries.
He Jiaqing turned his gaze towards Zhang Gunli. "The sum that Big Brother Feng owed you has now been settled."
Zhang Gunli stood utterly dumbfounded, completely unprepared for He Jiaqing's meticulous planning. Even if a promissory note had been presented, Zhang Gunli could have easily dismissed it as counterfeit.
However, with the silver yuan deposited directly before him, visual evidence made denial impossible for Zhang Gunli.
The authenticity was not in question; both Feng Chongli and Zhang Gunli possessed the discernment to assess the quality of the silver yuan. The predicament for Zhang Gunli was that he could not refuse the payment without forfeiting his leverage over Feng Chongli.
Zhang Gunli declared, "Old Feng, allow me to caution you. You are merely robbing Peter to pay Paul. Settling my debt offers no true advantage, as you still owe He Jiaqing. Furthermore, this young man is demonstrably more ruthless than myself!
If you were to eliminate He Jiaqing now, you would be absolved of my debt, and I would simply annul the ledger – that is the true solution addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause!"
He Jiaqing chuckled. "You claim you will destroy it, and it simply vanishes? What if you renege on your word? Where would Big Brother Feng seek recourse?"
Zhang Gunli's countenance darkened. "He Jiaqing, I have already apprised you on two separate occasions; this is not a forum for your pronouncements..."
He Jiaqing declared, "It's not your turn to speak now. Empty words hold little weight, but I've presented actual gold and silver right here!"
This statement was directed at Feng Chongli. The two had previously reached an agreement to combine forces against Zhang Gunli, but with the battle yet to commence, anything was possible. Should Feng Chongli have a change of heart, He Jiaqing would find himself without any means of escape.
Having now settled the debt on behalf of Feng Chongli, He Jiaqing observed Feng Chongli's impending reaction.
Zhang Gunli still clutched the debt note, stating, "Brother Feng, it's not that I refuse your payment. I have yet to tally the sum, and until I do, I cannot surrender the note."
Zhang Gunli was attempting to stall, but Feng Chongli refused to be deterred.
"When it comes to finances, we are both proficient. The amount is undoubtedly correct. Goods and money have been exchanged, and we are square. Elder Brother Zhang, should you persist in attempting to extort me, then you are in the wrong."
The debt note held by Zhang Gunli suddenly burst into flames. Feng Chongli's 'Goods and Money Settled' ability had taken effect. Regardless of Zhang Gunli's consent, the debt was considered cleared.
By losing the debt note, Zhang Gunli had effectively relinquished his leverage over Feng Chongli, yet he still felt confident in his ability to manage the situation.
A significant portion of Credit Cultivation Techniques hinged on debt notes, but once debts were settled and notes were reclaimed, those seeking retribution were numerous.
Even without the debt note, Zhang Gunli possessed alternative methods. He calmly resumed his negotiation with Feng Chongli, saying, "Brother Feng, you have now settled the payment, and the debt note is destroyed. It appears this entire affair no longer concerns you."