novelapdf Chapter 84: Reaction
Chapter 84: Reaction
With resentment in his eyes, Lü Yang raised his hand and took out a blood-red jade talisman from his bosom, then crushed it violently.
A beam of blood-red light shot into the sky, transforming into a massive crimson vortex, from the depths of which emanated a chilling aura.
"Trying to run away?"
Xuan Qing's expression changed, and the sword light transformed into a giant purple-gold dragon, crashing towards the blood-red vortex.
But Lü Yang was faster, leaping into the vortex.
"Biyang Sect, I will remember this grudge! And that junior who destroyed my great formation, when I return one day, I will make you wish you were dead!"
Lu Yang's roar came from the vortex, and then the blood-red vortex rapidly contracted, disappearing without a trace before the purple-gold dragon arrived.
The Xuanqing sword light missed its target, blasting a huge crater tens of feet deep into the ground, filled with smoke.
He sheathed his sword, his face ashen.
"He got away."
Xuanming stepped forward, frowning, and asked, "Senior brother, what kind of technique is that blood-red vortex?"
"The Blood Escape Technique uses blood essence as a conduit to instantly escape to a place tens of thousands of miles away. This is a life-saving technique of the demonic path, and using it once will reduce one's lifespan by at least thirty years."
Xuan Qing said in a deep voice, "Lu Yang is going all out this time."
Xuan Xin clutched her chest, blood still trickling from the corner of her mouth, and said hoarsely:
"This person is vindictive and will surely become a major threat in the future if he escapes this time."
Xuan Qing remained silent for a moment, then shook his head:
"The great formation has been broken, and his plan to sacrifice ten thousand spirits has completely failed. Now that he has been seriously injured, he will not be able to cause any trouble in the short term."
"The most urgent task is to eliminate the remaining remnants of the First Saint Sect within the territory of Xu Kingdom and to appease the people."
With the matter of Xu Kingdom settled, everyone returned to Biyang Sect.
Li Wu did not stay at Biyang Sect for long. After recovering from his injuries, he returned to Youyang County.
…………
Xiazhu County, in Fang City.
Zhao Qianyuan has already set up a shop and started selling goods.
During this period, he would send a batch of spirit stones to Hundred Flowers Valley and Jingming Sect each month.
But they didn't mention the cooperation at all.
It seemed that Baihua Valley and Jingming Sect had also agreed to allow Zhao Qianyuan to open this shop in the market.
"However, this one small shop is not enough," Zhao Qianyuan murmured to himself.
It's just a small shop, nothing more than a small-scale operation.
His real goal was to open up a complete trade route from Guang'an County to Xiazhu County, so that goods from Sanlukou Market could enter this prosperous area without any hindrance.
"Fellow Daoist Zhao."
A clear voice came from outside the store.
Zhao Qianyuan turned around and saw a young cultivator in a blue robe standing with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face, and an elegant demeanor.
"I am Liu Rufeng, an inner disciple of the Jingming Sect. I have come here on my master's orders to discuss some matters with President Zhao."
Zhao Qianyuan's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained expressionless as he cupped his hands and said:
"Fellow Daoist Liu, you are too kind. Please come inside and we will have tea."
The two sat down, and Liu Rufeng didn't beat around the bush, saying directly:
"Fellow Daoist Zhao has been in Xiazhu County for over a month, and his shop is doing very well. The sect leader is very impressed."
He paused, then changed the subject:
"However, the sect leader asked me to pass on a message: Fellow Daoist Zhao, dragging this out is not a long-term solution."
Zhao Qianyuan paused slightly in his tea-serving hand, and smiled:
"Fellow Daoist Liu, you are mistaken. I am not delaying, but rather carefully investigating the market conditions in Xiazhu County. After all, matters concerning the Chamber of Commerce cannot be taken lightly."
Clearly, Zhao Qianyuan's words were not about the same thing Liu Rufeng wanted to discuss.
Upon hearing this, Liu Rufeng looked at him with a half-smile and said:
"President Zhao's words are impeccable; I admire them."
"I won't waste any more words with Fellow Daoist Zhao."
"The profit margin is 15%, and the price of the spiritual items is 7% lower than the market price. In addition, if Fellow Daoist Zhao is willing to provide the Jingming Sect with information about the Hundred Flowers Valley, the profit margin can be reduced to 10%."
Clearly, this is a new requirement from the Jingming Sect.
"this……"
Zhao Qianyuan put down his teacup and said with a wry smile:
"This is putting me in a difficult position."
Liu Rufeng said calmly:
"President Zhao, there's no need to rush to answer. The sect leader said you can take your time to consider it."
He picked up his teacup and leisurely began to sip his tea.
Zhao Qianyuan's mind raced.
Jingmingzong offered these conditions because he was certain that Jingmingzong would not easily give up the Xiazhu County market.
Providing information about Hundred Flowers Valley was intended to make him completely side with the Jingming Sect.
If we don't agree, Jingming Sect might not break off relations, but there will definitely be many obstacles in the future.
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the shop.
A clear, crisp female voice rang out:
"Is Chairman Zhao here? My Valley Master requests your presence."
Zhao Qianyuan and Liu Rufeng both looked up at the door.
A young girl in a pink dress stood at the door, holding a jade box in her hands, and looked at the two of them with a smile.
When Liu Rufeng saw the girl, his expression darkened slightly, but he quickly recovered.
Zhao Qianyuan sighed inwardly and got up to go out to greet them.
He truly hadn't expected that Jingming Sect and Hundred Flowers Valley would both come knocking on his door at the same time.
Zhao Qianyuan invited both parties into the shop and seated them on either side.
The girl in the pink dress is named Qingluo, and she is Hua Qianyu's disciple.
She placed the jade box on the table, opened the lid, and a rich, spiritual fragrance wafted out.
"This is a spiritual ginseng cultivated in my valley. He specially ordered me to deliver it to express my gratitude to Fellow Daoist Zhao for his sincerity these past few days."
Qingluo glanced at Liu Rufeng with a smile, and then said:
"The Valley Master also said that if Fellow Daoist Zhao has time, he might as well go to the valley to admire the flowers, as the winter plum blossoms in the valley are in full bloom."
Liu Rufeng's expression remained unchanged; he simply said:
"Fellow Daoist Zhao, my master is still waiting for your reply."
The people on both sides were looking at him at the same time, and the atmosphere became tense for a moment.
Zhao Qianyuan remained silent for a moment, pondering in his heart:
"The Jingming Sect and the Hundred Flowers Valley used to ignore me, but now they've both come knocking on my door."
"Could something have happened? If so, I have even less reason to worry."
Thinking of this, he stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Qingluo, and then cupped his hands towards Liu Rufeng, saying:
"I appreciate your kindness."
"However, I am currently preoccupied with important matters and will be returning to Youyang County soon. How about this, please convey to your sect leader and valley master that I, Zhao, will personally pay a visit on a chosen day to discuss the details of our cooperation?
Qingluo and Liu Rufeng exchanged a glance and remained silent for a moment.
"In that case, I will return to report."
Qingluo was the first to stand up, leaving the jade box behind, and turned to leave.
Liu Rufeng also stood up, glanced at Zhao Qianyuan, and cupped his hands in greeting:
"The Jingming Sect is always ready for fellow Daoists to visit."
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Zhao Qianyuan seemed lost in thought, pondering to himself:
"How did the Jingming Sect and Hundred Flowers Valley suddenly change so drastically?"
In the remaining days, Zhao Qianyuan spent spirit stones to inquire about the recent events concerning the Jingming Sect and the Hundred Flowers Valley from various sources.
But they found nothing, only three days later.
A letter from the Sanlukou market was delivered to him.
"A letter from Brother Zhang."
Seeing the seal on the letter, Zhao Qianyuan raised an eyebrow, then opened it and his expression changed drastically. He said in a deep voice:
"I see... I see!"
"I never expected that Brother Li would become a guest elder of the Biyang Sect!"
Zhao Qianyuan read the letter three times to confirm that every word was true.
Li Wu, a guest elder of the Biyang Sect.
The combination of these three words carried a weight he could hardly believe.
He muttered to himself, his fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the letter, and said in a deep voice:
"No wonder the Jingming Sect and the Hundred Flowers Valley came to us at the same time."
What kind of existence is the Biyang Sect?
The number one sect in Danfeng Continent, with a Core Formation Realm expert in charge, commands the entire region, and all sects, large and small, within the continent defer to its authority.
Such a colossal entity would actually accept a Foundation Establishment cultivator as a guest elder.
Zhao Qianyuan took a deep breath to suppress the shock surging in his heart.
The letter didn't specify the exact reason, but for Biyang Sect to make an exception, Brother Li must have done something earth-shattering.
"Brother Li, oh Brother Li, you really are..."
He shook his head, but a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.
Zhao Qianyuan carefully put the letter away, then paced back and forth in the shop, his mind racing.
The change in attitude of Jingming Sect and Hundred Flowers Valley is now clear. They are not interested in the profits of the Chamber of Commerce, but want to use the Chamber of Commerce as a connection to get in touch with Li Wu, and then use Li Wu to get in touch with Biyang Sect.
Who wouldn't want to curry favor with the number one sect in Danfeng Continent?
"No wonder Liu Rufeng offered such conditions, such as providing intelligence and siding with the Jingming Sect; it was all a test."
Zhao Qianyuan sneered, "Their real purpose is to have me act as an intermediary to introduce Brother Li."
As for Hundred Flowers Valley, Qingluo offered the spirit ginseng with an extremely humble attitude, clearly also for the same reason.
"That's a clever plan."
These two families had previously ignored him, but now they were vying to curry favor with him. He knew what was going on with their snobbish behavior.
However, business is business.
The Chamber of Commerce needs the support of the local forces to establish itself in Xiazhu County.
The fact that Jingming Sect and Baihua Valley offered themselves up to us changed the situation from asking for favors to cooperating with them, which significantly altered our bargaining power.
"This matter is not urgent."
Zhao Qianyuan had already made up his mind.
He wrote a reply, detailing the situation on his end to Steward Zhang, and specifically mentioning the change in attitude of Jingming Sect and Hundred Flowers Valley, elaborating on it at length.
After sealing the letter and setting up a barrier, Zhao Qianyuan summoned a cousin and ordered him to deliver the letter to Zhang Zai at the Sanlukou market.
…………
With He Yu's deliberate encouragement, the news that Li Wucheng had become a guest elder of the Biyang Sect quickly spread to everyone.
The Zhao family and the Dayan Sect were undoubtedly the most surprised.
The Zhao family was surprised but also somewhat relieved, since the Zhao family and Li Wu had always had a good relationship and the two families had a very close relationship.
The situation with the Dayanmen sect is completely different; it's more about anxiety.
Back then, Jiang Changqiu, the leader of the Dayan Sect, went to Dongsheng Continent hoping to recognize his ancestors and return to his clan, and to gain the support of the Tianji Pavilion.
The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion is very powerful, even surpassing the Azure Sun Sect by half.
However, not only was Tianji Pavilion far away in Dongsheng Continent, but Jiang Changqiu also did not truly acknowledge his ancestors.
Inside the hall.
Jiang Changqiu slowly placed the letter on the table, his knuckles turning slightly white.
His trip to Tianji Pavilion was a humiliation he never wanted to recall.
He, the head of a prestigious sect, traveled thousands of miles to acknowledge his ancestors, yet he couldn't even step into the inner sect of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.
He was greeted by a mere outer sect steward, whose arrogant attitude and dismissive words were utterly disrespectful.
"Dayan Sect? Never heard of it."
"The Pavilion Master is very busy and has no time to see you."
"As for the matter of recognizing your ancestors, you can go back and wait."
This wait lasted for three months.
For three months, he stayed at an inn at the foot of Tianjige Mountain, sending out visiting cards every day, only to have them rejected each time.
They spent a lot of spirit stones, but didn't even get a clear answer.
Finally, it was the outer sect steward who relayed a message:
"The Pavilion Master said that although the Dayan Sect has some connection with the Tianji Pavilion, there is no need for them to acknowledge each other as ancestors. Let's go back now."
"If Sect Leader Jiang is willing, he can pay tribute every year, and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion will naturally take care of him."
Paying tribute.
That sounds nice, but it doesn't.
Jiang Changqiu almost overturned the table, but he managed to hold back in the end.
The power of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion is undeniable; he cannot afford to offend it.
He returned to Youyang County full of resentment and never mentioned the matter again.
now……
"Li Wucheng became a guest elder of the Biyang Sect."
Jiang Changqiu muttered to himself, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
There wasn't really any real animosity between the Dayan Sect and Li Wu.
The problem is that the Dayan Sect did not establish a deep friendship with Li Wu like the Zhao family did.
A disciple strode in from outside the hall.
The disciple, with a solemn expression, cupped his hands and said:
"Sect Leader, news has come from the Biyang Sect that Li Wu single-handedly broke the Chusheng Sect's Myriad Spirits Blood Sacrifice Array during the battle of Xu Kingdom, saving the lives of three Core Formation Realm elders of the Biyang Sect."
Jiang Changqiu suddenly stood up, his pupils shrinking sharply.
"What did you say?"
"It is said that Sect Leader Xuanqing personally spoke up, saying that Li Wu is the benefactor of Biyang Sect, and the position of Guest Elder is well-deserved."
Jiang Changqiu slowly sat back in his chair and remained silent for a long time.
They broke the Ten Thousand Spirits Blood Sacrifice Array of the First Saint Sect.
They saved three elders at the Core Formation stage.
Any one of these things is something Jiang Changqiu would never dare to dream of.
Li Wu, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, actually did it.
"Sect Leader, what should we do?"
"Our relationship with Li Wu isn't bad, but we're not particularly close either. Now that his status has risen so much, should we...?"
Jiang Changqiu raised his hand to interrupt him, and said in a deep voice:
"Let me think about it."
He is nearing the end of his life. After his death, the Great Yan Sect will only have one Foundation Establishment stage cultivator left.
Their strength in Youyang County will inevitably decline significantly.
Furthermore, his Dayan Sect occupies the most spiritual mountains, spiritual lands, and cultivation resources in Youyang County. If he dies...
It's likely that it will be divided up by other forces.
Therefore, Jiang Changqiu had to devise a way out for the Dayan Sect before he died.
Jiang Changqiu pondered for a long time, then said in a deep voice:
"I'm going to Qingshimen to see Li Wu."
Jiang Changqiu did not go directly to Qingshimen. Instead, he first had a generous gift prepared and personally wrote a respectful letter, which he then sent ahead by a messenger.
Li Wu is no longer the same person he used to be, and he can no longer treat him with the same casual attitude he used to.
…………
Qing Shimen.
Li Wu had fully recovered from his injuries and was currently drinking tea in the hall, listening to He Yu report on recent affairs within the sect.
"Sect Leader, there is one more thing."
He Yu took out a letter and said in a deep voice:
"The head of the Dayan Sect, Jiang Changqiu, wrote a letter saying that he would come to visit in three days."
Li Wu took the letter, opened it, and read it through, his expression calm.
After a moment's thought, Li Wu put down the letter and said calmly:
"His lifespan is coming to an end; he is looking for a way out for the Dayan Sect."
"Should we see him?"
"Of course I'll see him."
Li Wu nodded. Since they had come in person, he couldn't refuse them entry.
…………
Three days later.
Jiang Changqiu arrived as scheduled, accompanied only by two of his personal disciples. The procession was small, but his demeanor was very humble.
Li Wu personally greeted them at the mountain gate, as was customary.
"Sect Leader Jiang has come from afar; I am sorry for not welcoming you properly."
"Sect Leader Li, you're too kind."
Jiang Changqiu smiled warmly and cupped his hands in greeting:
I apologize for this intrusion.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two entered the hall and took their seats as host and guest.
After several rounds of tea, Jiang Changqiu, without beating around the bush, sighed and said:
"Sect Leader Li, I have come here today because I have a favor to ask of you."
Li Wu paused slightly in the hand holding the teacup, and said:
"Please speak, Sect Leader Jiang."
Jiang Changqiu was silent for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts, before speaking in a deep voice:
"My lifespan is nearing its end, and I'm sure Sect Leader Li is aware of this."
"After my death, the Great Evolution Sect will only have one Foundation Establishment stage cultivator left to oversee it, and its strength will be far less than before."
"Although the Dayan Sect is not particularly wealthy, it has several sacred mountains and lands. At that time..."
He shook his head and didn't say anything more.
Li Wu didn't reply, but just looked at him quietly.
Jiang Changqiu took a deep breath and said:
"I wish to form an alliance with the Dayan Sect and the Qingshi Sect to help each other."
"alliance?"
Li Wu put down his teacup, looked intently at Jiang Changqiu, and said with a half-smile:
"Sect Leader Jiang, the word 'alliance' sounds nice, but with the current strength of Qing Shi Sect, it seems we don't need an alliance."
These words were spoken bluntly, but Jiang Changqiu's expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected it.
He stood up, bowed deeply to Li Wu, and said:
"Sect Leader Li, I won't hide it from you. Although it's called an alliance, in reality, the Dayan Sect wants to rely on the Qingshi Sect."
"I only ask that Sect Leader Li lend a helping hand when the Dayan Sect is in dire straits."
After he finished speaking, he remained motionless, still in the bowing posture.
Li Wu looked at him, his thoughts racing, pondering in his heart:
"After all, the Dayan Sect has been deeply rooted in Youyang County for many years, and its foundation cannot be caught up with in a short time. Many of its techniques are also useful."
"Sect Leader Jiang, you flatter me."
Li Wu stood up, helped Jiang Changqiu up, and said:
"Qingshimen and Dayanmen are both located in Youyang County and are neighbors. It is only right that they watch over and help each other."
"The matter of an alliance can be discussed."
Jiang Changqiu was secretly delighted, but remained outwardly calm, and said:
"Sect Leader Li is very understanding and righteous; I am deeply grateful."
The two sat down again and began to discuss the specifics of the alliance.
Li Wu proposed that the Dayan Sect should pay a certain amount of spirit stones and spirit materials to the Qingshi Sect every year as "alliance fees".
Qingshimen promised to lend a helping hand if Dayanmen encountered external enemies.
This is essentially a dependency relationship, just given a nicer name.
Jiang Changqiu had no objection to this, after all, Qingshishan was now very powerful.
The Dayan Sect might be able to use this relationship to seek further development.
With the alliance settled and Jiang Changqiu's wish fulfilled, he sat for a while longer before getting up to take his leave.
Li Wu personally escorted Jiang Changqiu to the mountain gate and watched him leave.
He Yu watched as Jiang Changqiu, nominally the number one cultivator in Youyang County, left, and she couldn't help but say:
"Sect Leader, is the Great Evolution Sect about to completely side with us?"
"Um."
Li Wu stood with his hands behind his back and chuckled lightly:
"Jiang Changqiu is a smart man. He knows that after his death, the Dayan Sect will not have the strength to protect what it has. Rather than being divided up by other forces, it is better to take the initiative to attach itself to one side."
To be honest, Li Wuxin really admired the other party.
After all, Jiang Changqiu had been the number one cultivator in Youyang County for a hundred years, yet he was willing to swallow his pride for the sake of his sect and plead for a future.
Such ambition is truly extraordinary.
"By the way, how's the matter of Zhao Qianyuan and Zhang Zai opening a chamber of commerce in Xiazhu County?" Li Wu suddenly asked.
He Yu nodded and said:
"Zhao Qianyuan did send a letter."
She took a letter from her sleeve and handed it over.
Li Wu took it and unfolded it for a closer look.
Zhao Qianyuan's handwriting was neat and clear, and he wrote down the situation of Xiazhu County in detail.
The change in attitude of Jingming Sect and Hundred Flowers Valley, their simultaneous visits, the conditions offered by Liu Rufeng, and the ginseng delivered by Qingluo...
At the end of the letter, Zhao Qianyuan wrote:
"Brother Li's status is different now. The Jingming Sect and the Drunken Old Man of Baihua Valley are not interested in the wine, but in Brother Li. I dare not act on my own initiative, so I hereby report this and ask for your instructions."
After reading it, Li Wu's lips curled up slightly.
Zhao Qianyuan is a shrewd and reliable man who knows when to make a decision. He is a businessman with many years of experience.
"Sect Leader, what did Zhao Qianyuan say in his letter?" He Yu asked curiously.
Li Wu handed her the letter and said:
"Jingming Sect and Baihua Valley want to get in touch with me through the Chamber of Commerce, and then connect with Biyang Sect."