As everyone knows, nicknames—unless self-given—are always a mixed bag, and one's own nickname is no exception.
If given by fans, it's usually fine. After all, given their adoration, fans would never assign something embarrassing. But if bestowed by enemies? That's another story.
At this thought, Wu Tong grew uneasy. He had no intention of parading around with a cringe-inducing moniker. He had a reputation to uphold, after all.
Anxious, he hurriedly asked, "Xingtong, what exactly is my nickname?"
"If I recall correctly, Mr. Wu Tong, your nickname is [Wuchang]."
[Wuchang]?
Not bad. "Malevolent ghosts claim souls; Wuchang claims lives." Given the carnage he'd left in his wake, the title fit.
But something felt off—the voice didn't sound like Feng Xingtong's. Wu Tong glanced down and saw the boy staring wide-eyed behind him. Following his gaze, Wu Tong turned.
A disheveled middle-aged man with unkempt white hair stood there, exuding an air of nonchalance. A cigarette dangled from his lips as he sauntered forward. Two others flanked him: a man and a woman.
The woman wore the brown uniform of Nadoutong Express, a baseball cap perched atop her head. Though her attire was sloppy, her curvaceous figure was unmistakable, even under the loose fabric.
The man beside her, clad in a crisp suit and glasses, looked every bit the corporate executive.
This…
Wasn't this the Xu brothers—Xu San and Xu Si—and Sister Bao'er from Nadoutong?
Wu Tong's eyes flickered as he pieced together their identities.
"Hello, Mr. Wu Tong. Pleasure to meet you," Xu Si greeted with a grin, his eyes twinkling as if conveying some unspoken message. "I'm Xu Si, head of Nadoutong's North China branch. We're here on official business." He gestured to his companions. "This is my brother, Xu San, and our colleague, Feng Bao'er."
"Fourth Brother, why'd you steal my thunder?" Feng Xingtong finally snapped out of his daze, offering a wry smile.
"Scram, kid. Grown-ups are talking," Xu Si retorted dismissively. While he showed Wu Tong deference—having learned of his background from higher-ups—he had no patience for Feng Xingtong. The boy's organization, Tianxia Hui, fell under Xu Si's jurisdiction, after all.
"Alright. Brother Tong, I'll catch up with you later," Feng Xingtong said tactfully, waving as he took his leave.
Once the boy was out of earshot, Wu Tong fixed his gaze on Xu Si. "What's this about?"
Xu Si chuckled. "Straight to the point, huh? We've spoken with the Old Heavenly Master and learned about your… unique circumstances. Rumor has it you've got quite the inventory of treasures. We're here to negotiate a trade on behalf of the government." He reached for a folder Xu San handed him.
Wu Tong waved him off. "Skip the formalities. If you've talked to the Old Heavenly Master, you already know why I'm here."
Xu Si smirked internally. Just as the intel suggested—Wu Tong hated unnecessary hassle. Straightforward was good; it saved time.
"Of course," Xu Si replied smoothly. "You're here to recruit teachers, correct?"
Wu Tong nodded. "Exactly. Prepare a group of instructors for me—covering all disciplines and professions. I'll also be taking Xiao Zizai, Chen Duo, Ma Xianhong, and a few others."
"In exchange, you can pick any ten technologies from my collection, plus five Resurrection Coins and the Divine Ring Master cultivation system. Given the impending spiritual revival, these resources should help you maintain order during the upheaval."
Bold and efficient. I like it, Xu Si thought.
But Xu San frowned. "Teachers make sense, but why Xiao Zizai and Chen Duo? They're… problematic."
Wu Tong smiled faintly. "I have a soft spot for talent. Where your world fails them, I'll succeed. With me, they'll thrive—not meet some grim fate."
Ah, so that's it, Xu Si mused. The pieces fell into place.
(End of Chapter)