Chapter 145: Insider Story

Wang Changsheng suddenly thought of something and asked doubtfully, "Brother, Third Brother, what I don't understand is why the Bai Ling Sect would want to control Second Sister? Our Wang clan is just a small family; what could we possibly do? Furthermore, if Second Sister is controlled, how could she still send us a message? I'm afraid this letter was written by Second Sister under the Bai Ling Sect's instruction. What could the Bai Ling Sect be after? Could your analysis be wrong? Perhaps Second Sister isn't controlled by the Bai Ling Sect, but by someone else entirely?"

"I can't come up with a logical reason for this either. Perhaps Second Sister is controlled by another force, but the handwriting is definitely hers; there's no mistake about that. As for imitation, it's unlikely anyone would bother imitating Second Sister's handwriting. There's no point. We haven't had close ties with the Great Song Four Sects, and we only have three Foundation Establishment cultivators in our clan. What could they possibly want from us?"

Wang Changxing's eyes shifted as he speculated, "Brother, Ninth Brother, do you think Second Sister might be controlled by the Lin family? Are they deliberately trying to sow discord between us and the Great Song Four Sects, so they can frame us and use the Purple Cloud Sect to eliminate us?"

"That's unlikely! Even if Second Sister were controlled by the Lin family, she wouldn't write us such a letter. Besides, White Dragon Valley is far from Ning Province; how would the Lin family know Second Sister is in White Dragon Valley? Only a handful of people in our clan know she's there, and they wouldn't betray the family. Although we've been very discreet, the other party still managed to find us. The Lin family doesn't have that capability, nor would they bother doing this. We have no direct conflict of interest with the Lin family. I still lean towards the Bai Ling Sect."

Wang Changfeng shook his head. "Forget it, let's not dwell on this. What's meant to be will be; if it's trouble, we can't escape it. Regardless, it's always right to start accumulating strength now. Ninth Brother, you came to White Dragon Valley to attend the auction, didn't you? The auction is still more than half a month away. I've met a few fellow cultivators, and in a few days, they're holding a small exchange meeting. Would you like to participate?"

Large-scale auctions attract a great number of cultivators. It's customary for some cultivators to organize smaller exchange meetings before the main auction, to expand their network.

Wealth, companions, techniques, and land are crucial for cultivation. "Companions" not only refers to dual cultivation partners but also friends, relatives, and respected elders from one's sect.

Wang Changsheng readily agreed. The three brothers then ate and chatted.

Wang Changxing inquired about Wang Qingze's recent situation. Wang Changsheng had anticipated this question and had already learned Wang Qingze's recent status, answering truthfully.

Wang Qingze was already at the third level of Qi Refining and diligent in his cultivation.

After more than an hour, Wang Changxing got up to take his leave. Wang Changsheng stayed at Wang Changfeng's residence.

In a certain secret room, three men and one woman were discussing something. Judging by the powerful aura emanating from them, they were clearly Core Formation cultivators.

"Fellow Daoist Li, why isn't Fellow Daoist Guang here for such an important meeting?"

A scholar in a green robe with a square face frowned.

A kindly-looking elderly man in golden robes smiled slightly and explained, "Fellow Daoist Guang sent word back that he has reached a critical juncture in his cultivation recently and is on the verge of a breakthrough, so he won't easily show himself. We'll proceed as previously agreed; he won't interfere with the specific details."

"On the verge of a breakthrough? Fellow Daoist Guang is truly fortunate." A buxom young woman in a purple dress looked somewhat envious. She smiled faintly and said, "Never mind whether he comes or not. Anyway, what he wants are Ning Province and Yun Province. These two provinces aren't large, don't offer much in terms of resources, and aren't heavily populated. He probably doesn't care if we can conquer the Song Kingdom."

A shrewd-looking middle-aged man scoffed, smiling, "The Bai Ling Sect is the weakest of our Wei Kingdom's Five Sects. Fatty Guang knows his limits. The Great Song has nine provinces; although he claimed two, Ning Province and Yun Province have fewer resources and less population. Otherwise, we wouldn't have let him have them."

"Let's talk about it after we've conquered the Song Kingdom. It's too early to say anything now."

"Heh heh, this matter was instructed by the Taiyi Immortal Sect. The Taiyi Immortal Sect is one of the Seven Great Sects of the Eastern Barrens. With them backing us, what do we have to fear? Besides, our Wei Kingdom's Five Sects are subordinate to the Taiyi Immortal Sect. Can we really refuse the Taiyi Immortal Sect's orders? I certainly wouldn't dare."

As the scholar in the green robe finished speaking, a hint of fear appeared in his eyes.

"That's true. However, we've lowered our disciple recruitment standards and expanded our forces over the years; the Song Kingdom's Four Sects couldn't possibly be unaware. To conquer the Song Kingdom, we might have to pay a hefty price. I'm just worried that the Song Kingdom's Four Sects won't submit and will fight us to the bitter end. Even if we manage to take the Song Kingdom, it wouldn't be good if the losses were too great."

"Heh heh, Fellow Daoist Sun, you worry too much. As long as the Core Formation cultivators of the Song Kingdom's Four Sects come to this auction, at least one Core Formation cultivator will be missing from their side. If they don't know what's good for them then, don't blame us for being impolite. If the Taiyi Immortal Sect hadn't instructed us to minimize casualties among Core Formation cultivators, why would we have been planning for years? We would have invaded the Song Kingdom long ago."

"It's also to guard against the demon race. Core Formation cultivators are the main force against them. Regardless, we are all human, so disputes should be kept in check. Let's not talk about that anymore. Let's discuss how to make the Core Formation cultivators of the Song Kingdom willingly fall into our trap."

The four discussed for over an hour before dispersing.

Over the next few days, Wang Changfeng took Wang Changsheng around White Dragon Valley, introducing him to fellow cultivators.

Wang Changfeng went by the name Li Changfeng externally and was the head manager of Qingyun Tower. Wang Changxing went by Li Changxing externally and was the second manager of Qingyun Tower.

During these three years, Wang Changfeng had met many fellow cultivators and was quite experienced in dealing with people.

Three days later, Wang Changsheng and Wang Changfeng appeared on the third floor of Qingyun Tower.

The exchange meeting was being held at Qingyun Tower.

Foundation Establishment cultivators arrived one after another on the third floor, numbering over a dozen.

"Fellow Daoist Li, is everyone here? If so, let's start as soon as possible!"

A middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and large eyes urged.

The middle-aged man's surname was Zhao, and his given name was Ji. True to his name, he was an impatient person, always rushing through everything, even meals, as if he had something important to do.

Wang Changfeng smiled faintly and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhao, please wait a moment. Fellow Daoist Fang hasn't arrived yet. Once he's here, we can begin."

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Fang is here."

Hearing this, everyone looked towards the staircase entrance. A refined-looking scholar in white robes walked up, accompanied by a young woman in a purple dress.

"Wang Ruyan! Why is she here?"

Wang Changsheng was surprised to see the young woman in the purple dress.

He had seen Wang Ruyan at the exchange meeting during the last Jade Field Dharma Assembly, and now he was seeing her again at an exchange meeting in White Dragon Valley. Wasn't this too much of a coincidence?

Wang Changfeng's face showed a sincere smile as he said, "Fellow Daoist Fang, you've finally arrived. And this fairy maiden is...?"

"This junior is Wang Ruyan. Greetings, fellow Daoists."

Wang Ruyan introduced herself. When her gaze fell upon Wang Changsheng, she smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Wang, you're here too! What a coincidence!"