The "Er Sha" didn't know the identity of these two youngsters or why they possessed so many drafts, but since the promissory notes were in their hands, the matter became much simpler.

There were two ways to acquire those notes: first, to trick them out through conversation, a method that was time-consuming and highly difficult. Second, to simply snatch them—a method that was fast-acting but required impeccable execution.

As these leaders exchanged knowing glances, Zhong Shenxiu had already perceived their intentions. A playful smile touched his lips as he said lightly, "Shouldn't you be giving me the money now?"

"Young man, because your funds are substantial, they are currently being mobilized. Please wait a little longer," one of them hastily replied. This was clearly a stalling tactic, meant to buy time for them to devise the most foolproof strategy!

However, the moment they faced Zhong Shenxiu, it was decided that all their strategies would be rendered useless!

Whether playing coy or resorting to force, they were no match for Zhong Shenxiu, the grandmaster himself. In the end, they would only humiliate themselves!

"My time is limited; do not waste it!" Zhong Shenxiu still favored his catchphrase.

"Yes, yes, we will handle it immediately!" The man said outwardly, but in his mind, he was wondering how they would deal with the two of them.

After exchanging covert signals, the other leaders finally reached a decision. Another one stepped forward to address Zhong Shenxiu, "Gentlemen, if you don't mind, please accompany us for a moment!"

With so many people around, they intended to lead Zhong Shenxiu and Robin to a secluded area where the situation would be entirely under their control.

"I mind very much!" Zhong Shenxiu stated calmly, showing no intention of rising.

Uh!

Everyone else was completely taken aback by Zhong Shenxiu's response and froze.

"That... we just need to process the transfer for you,"

"Can't that be done here?" Zhong Shenxiu interrupted his narrative.

"Because the amount is quite large, it requires several stages of coordination. Furthermore, some specific documentation needs to be filled out. We hope for your cooperation!" The man's eyes darted around as he concocted a plausible story.

Zhong Shenxiu reluctantly agreed, though a glint flashed in his eyes.

After winding through countless turns, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin were ushered by the group of leaders into a magnificent mansion in the backyard. This area was strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel, and many confidential documents were stored there!

The party entered a spacious conference room, the door was securely locked, and subordinates were ordered to stand guard outside. The leaders finally allowed themselves a relieved smile.

Once here, they were essentially cut off from the outside world; even if something happened, outsiders wouldn't know. Moreover, with the power of their "Stasi Family," they feared no intrusion. If public opinion became too heated, they could always find a few scapegoats!

Smiles of genuine triumph appeared on the faces of these leaders.

If Zhong Shenxiu had insisted on handling the transaction outside, perhaps bringing more people, they might have had a headache. But now, in their own territory, they could do whatever they pleased!

However, Zhong Shenxiu's smile was even broader than theirs—a smile that was clearly laced with mockery, though these leaders didn't realize it!

"Can I have the money now?" Although he asked this, Zhong Shenxiu showed no sign of urgency. He was actually hoping they would try some trickery; that would provide some excitement.

"Young man, could you let us examine the promissory note?" A sinister glint flickered in one leader's eyes. He intended to seize the note preemptively without direct conflict, then feign ignorance, leaving them with no recourse!

"Here!" Zhong Shenxiu boldly slapped the note onto the table, the glint in his eyes even more peculiar than the other's!

The leader's eyes brightened, surprised by Zhong Shenxiu's cooperation. Indeed, he was just a child, easily tricked!

However, just as his claws reached out for the note, a cold light flashed—a short sword plunged straight into the table directly in front of his hand. Had it moved even one centimeter closer, one of his fingers would have been severed!

This sudden change shocked the leader, causing him to instinctively recoil. Following the trajectory of the short sword upwards, he met Robin's icy gaze!

Those eyes were unnerving; staring at them sent a chill down the spine.

After a brief silence, the leader finally snapped back to reality and roared, "What are you doing?"

After all, his hand had nearly been maimed. How could he not be furious? Moreover, this was their territory; they wouldn't tolerate two children causing a ruckus! Their initial courtesy was merely a prelude to force!

"Look only, don't touch!" Robin said coldly.

The leaders were stunned, never expecting this little girl, who looked so cute, to possess such cunning.

Simultaneously, they were deeply curious about what the short sword was made of, as it had sliced through the table so cleanly—so deeply that the hilt rested on the surface. That table was crafted from Tianyan Wood, comparable in hardness to stone, and creating such a piece must have consumed immense labor and time. Yet, the short sword pierced it effortlessly!

They were unaware that the short sword Robin wielded, named Mo Yu, had been forged by Zhong Shenxiu using "Phosphor King Stone." Let alone a table made of Tianyan Wood, even actual rock would yield the same result!

At this moment, Robin drew her Mo Yu sword, sweeping her cold gaze across the room. That last action was just a minor warning; anyone who dared provoke her further would face a far harsher outcome!

"If you don't let us see the note, how can we verify its authenticity!?" one of the leaders insisted.

"The note is here; shouldn't you be showing me the money as well!" Zhong Shenxiu stated plainly again, adopting an expression of immediate exchange.

"If you don't allow us to confirm the note, we cannot issue the bounty payment to you."

"What if you tear up my note?" Zhong Shenxiu watched him leisurely.

Uh!

The man hadn't anticipated Zhong Shenxiu's strong defensiveness; he had indeed entertained that very thought but couldn't reveal it. So, he quickly added, "Please rest assured, we would never do such a thing! Our 'Stasi Family' upholds absolute credit!"

"Don't give me that rhetoric. This isn't my first time collecting a bounty. I advise you not to force me to take action myself; hurry up and bring out the money obediently, or the price will certainly increase," Zhong Shenxiu sneered coldly.

His words stunned the leaders. Was this something a child should be saying?

It seemed soft tactics wouldn't work; they would have to use force!

"We suspect you are using a forged note to commit fraud. Now, please cooperate," saying this, two men started walking forward.

"Is it finally time to begin?" Zhong Shenxiu murmured to himself, as if he had been eagerly awaiting this moment.

Before the two men reached him, Zhong Shenxiu had already retrieved the note from the table and calmly observed them.

The two were clearly startled, surprised by how fast Zhong Shenxiu moved. It was too late to stop him; they could only watch as Zhong Shenxiu tucked the promissory note into his Magic Ring.

"Kid, you are risking severe punishment for forging documents. Hand over that note immediately if you don't want to suffer!" As they spoke, the two men closed the distance to Zhong Shenxiu.

"It seems you don't intend to pay after all?" Zhong Shenxiu looked up at the two men, sighed lightly, and then remarked, "It seems I'll have to go and collect it myself!"

The people present only half-understood the implication of Zhong Shenxiu's sigh, but now was not the time to dwell on his words. The priority was to secure the note!

"Kid, we see you are young and naive. As long as you hand over that fake note, we definitely won't make things difficult for you."

"Ha!" Zhong Shenxiu couldn't help but laugh again. "Make things difficult? Are you speaking to me?"

Without waiting for a reply, Zhong Shenxiu turned to Robin beside him. "Robin, let's go!"

Saying that, he actually stood up and started walking toward the exit. He wasn't truly leaving, just putting on a show; he knew these people wouldn't let him go!

As expected, several figures stepped forward to block their path, issuing cold snorts. "Leaving isn't that easy. You won't take a single step out of here until you hand over that fake note."

The "Stasi Family" was reputed for its integrity externally, but behind closed doors, they had committed countless unsavory acts. For a great family like theirs, murder and robbery were commonplace, simply executed discreetly so outsiders knew nothing.

For the "Stasi Family" to become the leader of the Five Great Families, their methods were undoubtedly extraordinary. Moreover, the family was not only immensely wealthy but also possessed unparalleled strength—a fact evident from the existence of the former Austin!

"Heh heh, in a moment, you will be begging me to leave." Facing their furious stares, Zhong Shenxiu merely smiled, a wide, unsettling grin!

Everyone was left confused, unsure if this child was truly out of his mind or genuinely fearless, wondering why he could still laugh like this.

Under the perplexed gazes of the crowd, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin returned to their seats, the excitement in their eyes growing more pronounced!

Robin was now practically itching for action, knowing that scenes like this usually heralded her moment to strike! She just hoped the men before them weren't too fragile, praying they wouldn't just drop dead instantly—that wouldn't be fun!

"Since you insist on keeping us here, let's discuss the real business!" After uttering these words, Zhong Shenxiu's expression suddenly turned serious.

The nightmare of the "Stasi Family" was about to begin... To know what happens next, please log in to read the next chapter, support the author, and support!

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