Chapter 746: Marketplace Location Determined

Tan Taijin was also a direct descendant of the Purple Mansion. As the Si family was short on members, and to dilute any traces of usurping the sect leadership, Tan Taijin managed the sect's affairs after Si Yuanli went into seclusion. While it appeared he was chosen for his competence, he was, in fact, a member of the Si family.

Li Xizhi invited him to take a seat. Tan Taijin took the tea, drank it, savored it for a moment, and then smiled. "Excellent tea," he said.

Now that Li Xizhi was the elder brother of a Purple Mansion True Lord, he was qualified to sit and drink tea with Tan Taijin. Although Si Tongyi's cultivation was not high, he was already the most outstanding among the younger generation of the Si family and was also originally qualified to sit down and drink tea with them. However, he was always humble and respectfully stood aside, observing the decorum of a junior.

Li Xizhi exchanged a few pleasantries with him and asked, "My Lord, may I ask why you have graced my Pavilion of Heavenly Inquiry with your presence? Do you have any instructions?"

Tan Taijin repeatedly said he wouldn't dare, shaking his head several times, and replied, "I wouldn't presume to give instructions, but I do have a couple of matters to trouble the Pavilion Master with."

He set down his teacup and said solemnly, "The Si family has a young prodigy who has just begun Qi cultivation. His talent is exceptionally high, and his comprehension of magical arts far surpasses his peers. Tongyi has observed him closely and fears that teaching him ourselves might spoil this raw talent. So, we hoped he could become a disciple under the Pavilion Master... Xizhi, if you don't mind, please consider meeting him."

As soon as Tan Taijin finished speaking, Si Tongyi, who was standing nearby, immediately took out a wooden box, presented it with both hands, and said, "The Pavilion Master's magical arts are truly divine; our family wouldn't dare to presume to seek a complete lineage. This 'Five-Colored Deep-Broad Sword Art of the Radiant Dao Lineage' is an ancient fourth-grade magical art that a True Lord of our family acquired in the north many years ago. No one has been able to master it for a hundred years; only the Pavilion Master is worthy of it."

Si Tongyi's remark, "The Pavilion Master's magical arts are truly divine; our family wouldn't dare to presume to seek a complete lineage," truly startled Li Wuxiao, who was standing by, almost causing him to miss the rest of the conversation. He couldn't help but inwardly sigh, "Damn these direct descendants of the Si family... having a Purple Mansion True Lord certainly makes things easier."

Li Xizhi, however, felt a slight oddness in his heart. "They've actually come to seek discipleship under me," he thought.

It must be said that this 'Five-Colored Deep-Broad Sword Art' was truly tempting. It wasn't a sword technique but a magical art, merely related to sword cultivation. The Li family also possessed a "Sixty-Cycle Soul-Refining Halberd Art," which was even more purely a magical art in comparison.

Li Xizhi had been searching for such magical arts for a long time. It was known that his "Rainbow Cleaving Cloud Bridge" could directly enhance one's mastery of magical arts. Moreover, his talent in the way of the sword was also considerable. If this magical art fell into his hands, it would yield vastly different results.

However tempting it was, Li Xizhi showed little desire on his face. Accepting this disciple would undoubtedly strengthen his connection with the Si family. And since he was unaware of his brother's stance, he couldn't immediately agree, so he replied, "Tongyi, you are too kind. But the matter of accepting a disciple hinges on the karmic bond between master and disciple. We must not inadvertently hinder the talent of your noble family! It's not something that can be settled with a simple nod; we need to choose an auspicious day, observe him, and test him..."

Upon hearing this, Tan Taijin nodded, understanding that Li Xizhi needed to consult with Li Ximing first, and then asked, "What is the Pavilion Master's arrangement?"

Li Xizhi replied, "First, send the child over. We'll see if there's an immediate connection. I'll bring two Daoist scriptures to test him, just to see if the karmic bond is truly present."

Both knew full well what "karmic bond" implied. After a brief discussion, they dropped the topic, and Tan Taijin said, "After the demise of Elder Chang Xi, the Xuanyue territory descended into chaos. Shanji Commandery is surrounded by enemies, and there has been a significant increase in demonic cultivators. We've heard that the Xuanyue successor has gone into the wilderness, leaving that riverside area unprotected. Demonic cultivators from the East Sea can now infiltrate it."

"With the chaos in Shanji Commandery, demonic cultivators and monsters might pass through our Qingchi territory. We are considering strengthening our defenses and may send a contingent of people there. Xizhi, if you have any disciples who need experience, they can accompany them on this journey."

Li Xizhi casually agreed. Tan Taijin had finished his business. After they shared another drink, both men seemed ready to depart. Li Xizhi, deep in thought, suddenly asked, "May I inquire about the name, age, cultivation method, and lineage of your noble family's child?"

"Oh, I completely forgot about that!" Si Tongyi said earnestly, "The child belongs to the 'Xun' generation and is named Hui. He is only eighteen years old and cultivates the 'Empty Resonance Dispersion' technique. He possesses an immortal foundation well-suited for practicing magical arts, and once he reaches the Foundation Establishment stage, his magical arts will advance even further."

Li Xizhi nodded thoughtfully. Only then did he dismiss Li Wuxiao to escort the guests out. Although the old snake's lineage was humble, his current status was not low. Being at the late Foundation Establishment stage, everyone showed him some deference. Si Tongyi also greeted him with a smile.

After leaving the Pavilion of Heavenly Inquiry, Tan Taijin sighed. "Tongyi, Li Xizhi didn't seem too enthusiastic. We'll still have to wait for True Lord Zhaojing's reply."

Si Tongyi nodded silently, his expression complex. The situation was no longer one where he and Li Xizhi could address each other as brothers. He replied, "Years ago, when Yuan Tuan went to Moon-Gazing Lake, I had just begun my cultivation. I heard the entire Li family came out to welcome him, and Li Xizhi was an unknown then. At that time, Yuan Tuan... he would greet even me with a smile."

"Now that Zhaojing has achieved his current status, even the youngest generation of the Li family—someone like Li Jiangqian—treats me politely. It's truly unpredictable..."

Tan Taijin merely shook his head and said, "Such is the way of the world. Forget Yuan Tuan; how magnificent was the Yuan clan back then? The prestigious Yan Yang Dao Lineage, what has it become now? Now, Yuan Chengzhao has to live at our mercy. Does it matter if he feels wronged? What good would that do?"

The two stopped speaking and left on the wind. Tan Taijin lamented, "Our family's True Lord also had some ideas regarding that area in Shanji Commandery, but unfortunately, Chang Xi died too soon, catching many True Lords unprepared. Instead, True Lord Ye Gui reaped the benefits. As it stands, that territory will likely be completely divided among the nearby families."

Moon-Gazing Lake.

The small hall on the isle was brightly decorated, with many plum trees planted. However, it was not the season, so a few solitary branches stretched out in the courtyard, and many cultivators moved about in the vicinity.

A cultivator in a crimson robe strode down from the main hall. He had tiger-like whiskers and a swallow-like jaw, a robust physique, and particularly captivating eyes. Simply standing there, he exuded a presence that commanded attention.

Ding Weizeng's injuries were almost fully healed. He was a person specifically mentioned by the True Lord and had received a "Profound Verity Heart Sutra Pill." This pill possessed the ability to absolve karma, which harmonized perfectly with Ding Weizeng's Immortal Foundation, the "Sun Tiger's Yin-Piercing Karmic Absolution," complementing each other and maximizing their effectiveness. Therefore, most of the people around him still bore some injuries. Even Li Cheng, whose combat strength remained intact during the battle, still needed to recuperate. Ding Weizeng, who had sustained some of the most severe injuries, had already emerged from the mountains early, his strength restored to seventy or eighty percent.

Now in the hall, a servant reported, "Reporting to my Lord, Wang Quwan of the Funan Wang clan is here to visit."

Ding Weizeng showed no surprise. He sat in the main seat and said, "Invite him in."

A moment later, the man with his hair tied back and a sword on his back entered the hall and bowed respectfully. "This junior, Wang Quwan of the Funan Wang clan, greets my Lord."

Cultivators from the Jiangbei lineage, newly assimilated into the Li family, naturally formed groups for mutual support. The Funan lineage had more members, most of whom had been taught by Qu Bushi, and they all identified themselves as being from Funan. Another group consisted of Midong cultivators, primarily generals and members of Midong aristocratic families who had been conscripted into the dense forest. They were led by Miaoshui, were few in number, and their cultivation levels were not high. Miaoshui had a good relationship with Qu Bushi, so these individuals often gathered around the Funan cultivators under the guise of being from Jiangbei, though they were still seen as somewhat inferior.

Wang Quwan's Wang clan was a Jiangbei Wang clan, and strictly speaking, they were Midong cultivators. Fortunately, they had moved to Funan years ago. Wang Quwan was exceptionally astute; he had only emerged from Zhijing Mountain a few months prior. He immediately began to call himself a member of the Funan Wang clan, first paying respects to Qu Bushi, and then coming to see Ding Weizeng second.

Ding Weizeng was fiercely loyal and never paid attention to factions. However, his current position naturally made him the tacitly acknowledged leader of both Jiangbei factions. Thus, Wang Quwan's visit did not surprise Ding Weizeng.

Wang Quwan had come out of politeness and understanding, but Ding Weizeng had long wished to meet him. For no other reason than that the first person Ding Weizeng swore his dying loyalty to was Li Ximing. Wang Quwan had gained Li Ximing's favor and there was even a subtle hint that the Suiduan Pill was reserved for him. Ding Weizeng naturally felt a great increase in goodwill towards him and simply asked, "Quwan, there's no need to be so polite. Have your resources and cultivation residence been settled?"

Wang Quwan quickly explained. Ding Weizeng listened to each point, realizing that these were top-tier treatments within the clan. He nodded silently. This further confirmed that the other party was deeply favored. He asked, "Has Elder Qu clarified the clan's affairs for you? Do you understand everything?"

At present, the decline of the old Lijing clan lineage was hard to conceal. The once flourishing Huayu Sect, with An Siwei's capture, suddenly quieted down. The Milin and Nanzhang factions were gradually growing stronger. The newly arrived Jiangbei lineage was somewhat awkward, and it was easy to offend people if one wasn't careful.

Even if Qu Bushi hadn't told Wang Quwan these things, Wang Quwan would have gotten a general idea by inquiring for a couple of days himself. Still, hearing it confirmed would make him understand more clearly. He simply said, "Reporting to my Lord, I understand everything."

Ding Weizeng nodded, still reminding him, "Although the old ministers of Lijing are not prominent now, you should still respect them. As for the matters between the Fei family and the Funan cultivators, you need not involve yourself. Just focus on your cultivation."

Wang Quwan knew what he was referring to. The Fei family from the North Shore had a significant blood feud with Funan over the past decade. Many Funan cultivators were originally from small North Shore families who had defected to the Floating Cloud Cave. Although they now served a common master, the blood feuds still lingered, leading to considerable conflict. However, his Wang clan originally came from Midong and had not been involved in these matters, so they were entirely clear of any conflict. After Ding Weizeng finished his instructions, Wang Quwan replied, "The Eldest Young Master and the Patriarch have instructed me not to leave the isle until I reach the Foundation Establishment stage."

As soon as he said this, Ding Weizeng immediately realized, "Wang Quwan is crucial to the morale of Funan's people, and they are afraid he might be harmed by those from the North!"

Li Jiangqian was indeed afraid that Wang Quwan would be harmed by the Immortal Dao; after all, for the matter of Xiaoshi Mountain, only Wang Quwan could be used at present. If he were harmed, they wouldn't know when the next opportunity would arise. Both misunderstood the meaning, yet both found their interpretations reasonable.

The two chatted for a while, and Ding Weizeng nodded repeatedly as he listened. From the interior of the isle to its shore, Wang Quwan had already arranged everything, more meticulously than Ding Weizeng himself would have imagined.

Enjoying the conversation, Ding Weizeng couldn't help but stand up. Disregarding the other's polite refusal, he escorted Wang Quwan out, smiling. "With a Patriarch like you, the Funan Wang clan has truly received immense fortune!"

"I am merely fortunate to be valued by the True Lord!" Wang Quwan humbly replied.

As the two reached outside the hall, they suddenly saw a young man in dark red pleated robes waiting at the steps. Ding Weizeng paused slightly, then bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Young Master!"

Li Jiangqian smiled and stepped forward to greet them, nodding politely to Wang Quwan. Wang Quwan, understanding the situation, discreetly withdrew. Ding Weizeng quickly invited Li Jiangqian inside, but the young man didn't state his purpose. Instead, he smiled. "Lord Ding, what do you think of Wang Quwan?"

Ding Weizeng's expression immediately turned serious, and he said in a deep voice, "This man is likely no ordinary person."

"Oh?" Li Jiangqian pressed him further, and Ding Weizeng continued, "Although this man is not young, his cultivation is stable and profound, and his magical power is pure. He dresses simply, carries himself with steady poise, his magic sword's binding cord is worn out, and his palms are calloused from forming hand seals. The aspiration of a pure and lofty spirit is evident in his brows, and even when bowing, he does not diminish his dignified bearing. If he acts decisively, knows when to advance and retreat, and seizes an opportunity, he will undoubtedly stand out among all cultivators."

Li Jiangqian pondered for a moment and asked, "You think highly of him, my Lord."

He feigned surprise, but a judgment had already formed in his mind. "Opportunity? The Dao lineage of Xiaoshi Mountain is a solid opportunity. Could it be that destiny is truly at play? It would be wise to win him over with resources, treasures, and even female kin from the clan..." But no sooner had Li Jiangqian finished his thought than he was startled, musing to himself, "But how do I know if this thought of winning him over... isn't itself a stroke of good fortune brought about by his destiny? Is it destiny toying with people, or people fulfilling destiny?"

He thought for a brief moment, yet deeply etched Wang Quwan into his memory. A smile appeared on his face as he spoke, "I came here this time because I have a matter to trouble my Lord with."

"Please give your instructions, Young Master!" Ding Weizeng quickly nodded, seeing Li Jiangqian say solemnly, "I originally received orders from the True Lord to construct a pavilion, a jade courtyard, and a market. Now the jade courtyard is complete, the pavilion is nearing completion, but only the market has not yet been started."

"The True Lord returned once at midnight, and I specifically went to Zhijing to ask him. The elder chose a location between Milin Mountain and the East Shore, a spot from the former Milin Commandery, at the convergence of five ley lines, to establish the market there."

"However, this location lacks a Foundation Establishment cultivator to oversee it. I consulted with the elders, and currently, only you, my Lord, are available. Why don't you go there to oversee it, allocate manpower, and get this market built?"

Ding Weizeng immediately nodded and replied, "I obey the True Lord's esteemed command!"

Li Jiangqian took out several jade slips from his sleeve, along with a token, and handed them to him, explaining, "That area has deficiencies in its ley lines. Over the years, much has been repaired with the passage of time, but there are still a few omissions that need to be mended. My Lord, take my token and go there, and have the Xuanyue disciples carry out the repairs."

Deficient ley lines are actually quite rare, and there are very few records in magical arts texts detailing repair methods. Most often, people simply wait for time to slowly heal them. Fortunately, the Xuanyue disciples are now with the Li family, and they are most skilled at such matters. Ding Weizeng found this strange and was slightly puzzled. Li Jiangqian simply replied, "That place used to be the Yu family's market. The Yu family had good foresight; that spot on the entire East Shore was the most suitable for establishing a market. During the conflicts among various families back then, the market was destroyed, the True Jade Formation shattered, and the ley lines were damaged as well, leading to today's troubles."

He displayed a calm smile and instructed, "I will arrange all the necessary personnel for you, my Lord, and the invited formation masters will also arrive according to schedule. However, once you are on the East Shore, all cultivators around these five peaks will naturally be under your command. Feel free to seek out my brother and explain to him that it is the True Lord's command, and with my token, he will not refuse."

Ding Weizeng respectfully said, "Your subordinate obeys!"