511 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension
Chapter 511: Wei Tang's Thoughts Turn off the lights for eye protection Font: Large Medium Small [Previous Chapter] [Table of Contents] [Next Chapter] As the jade box was opened, four droplets of gray, teardrop-shaped metal the size of fingernails were revealed. The two people present immediately felt a discomfort permeate their bodies. The aura emitted by this metal seemed to nullify the spiritual power of any cultivator who came near, making it resistant to ordinary probing methods. Its presence was overwhelmingly oppressive. Nangong Yanran closed the lid of the jade box and handed it to Mo Jianxin in front of her, smiling, "What do you think? Do these four 'Tears of Spirit Severance' catch your eye?" Mo Jianxin, with his hair and beard white, appeared more haggard than ever. Yet, his eyes shone with a childlike eagerness, sparkling with the excitement of someone receiving a beloved toy. "How could I not be pleased with this rare, fifth-tier material that defies valuation in the market? I only worry about handling it!" Despite his words suggesting fear, he quickly tucked the jade box into his robe, showing no intention of ever letting it go. Seeing this, Nangong Yanran smiled knowingly, "These were retrieved by Chu Shen Cang from a secret cache at Green Lake." She recounted the events that transpired there. "He survived alone and was too embarrassed to face the old master directly, so he sent this through the Chu family as a gesture of apology." Mo Jianxin sighed, "The old folk from back then, they're nearly all gone." But as he spoke, his demeanor suddenly revitalized, as if new-found energy and determination surged forth. "With the cold springs, materials, and preparation methods all top-notch, once I forge my treasured sword, I can leave something behind in this lifetime." Having resided for years on Frost Island, constantly refining his sword embryo by the cold springs, Mo Jianxin's enthusiasm only grew after receiving the Tears of Spirit Severance and other necessary items from Nangong Yanran. Eagerly, he bade farewell and hurried back to continue his work by the springs. "Alas, one crafts swords, the other elixirs. Over the years, who knows how much they’ve cost the sect? And there was also Gu Tan, whose accounts over the outer sea are still murky," Nangong Yanran muttered to herself, voicing her frustrations after diligently managing matters on Frost Island. "You've worked hard, Sect Master." Liu Feng, who was nearby, immediately chimed in with flattery. "Enough of that. Since things are settled here, come with me." The Yushou Gate's Ironwind Archipelago operated a transport business on Frost Island. Nangong Yanran led Liu Feng aboard their family's third-tier ship. After several days of travel, they arrived at a destination. Liu Feng saw a vast ocean studded with rust-red islands, rising abruptly from the sea. Long-winged seagulls matching the island's hues soared playfully amidst them. Despite the vibrant scene, there was no sign of human habitation. As they drew nearer, it became apparent that the islands' rocks were entirely iron, their rust-red exteriors a result of seawater corrosion. "The islands abound in first-tier 'Wind-Grind Iron', second-tier 'Ironwind Gulls', as well as rich soil, rock salt, and various marine products..." With these words from Nangong Yanran, the island’s stark desolation was laid bare. The ship descended onto an equally red-brown large island, carrying fewer than a hundred passengers, who were subjected to the brusque inspections of Yushou Gate cultivators, as if they were guarding against thieves. "No doubt about it being a supreme power, they clearly have no intention of trading with outsiders!" Watching his future workplace, Liu Feng lamented internally, though his eyes continuously strayed toward the female cultivators of Yushou Gate. Unlike their male counterparts wearing traditional patterned garments, these women wore tight-fitting clothes made from the hides of various sea beasts. Baring everything but critical areas, their exposed arms and legs accentuated their agile, wild-like physiques—each resembling a beautiful mermaid in spirit. "Hurry up." Nangong Yanran, however, was irritated. The male cultivators wore even less, their bold gazes intrigued by her completely cloaked figure. Forced to suppress her temper, she hurried toward a pre-arranged shop location. The bustling heart of the island comprised six streets, with the Chu Qin shop tucked into one corner, barely noticeable. "This is your main task." After formally acquiring the rental of the shop and organizing the goods brought along, Nangong Yanran handed Liu Feng a list. It was a procurement list. Besides regularly purchasing specialties from the Ironwind Archipelago, there was an order for one thousand and eighty intermediate second-tier flying swords. Liu Feng, using his expertise, estimated this to be a substantial deal, worth at least fifty thousand third-tier artifacts. “These intermediate second-tier ‘Reverse Five-Element Ironwind Swords’ seem underwhelming except for their ability to counter elemental forces. Do we need so many? Or is there a market?” Business matters required clarity. Nangong Yanran was about to leave; failing in this task could mean nowhere else for Liu Feng to go. "These swords are meant for our Uncle Teacher Qi Zhuang, who resides long-term at the outer sea. You should correspond with her and, following her specifications, commission the swords from local Yushou Gate smiths, while also negotiating the price not to exceed this amount.” Nangong Yanran extended three fingers. "Thirty thousand? Impossible! A thousand and eighty intermediate second-tier swords, I..." Liu Feng protested loudly, but Nangong Yanran couldn’t be bothered. "Remember, you're atoning for your past wrongs!” After thoroughly instructing him on communication, transactions, and local customs, she left Liu Feng alone at the store, hurrying to catch the next departing ship. Troubled by sect affairs, she rushed back to Qidong City, finally relaxing once aboard her own craft. "Sect Master Uncle, can you visit the Wei family near Mian River on your way back? It falls under Chu Qin's jurisdiction now. As for the marriage of Zhan Jianfeng, as long as you personally show up, I doubt they'll insist on that unreasonable arrangement of him marrying into their family." Seeing her in good spirits, an accompanying Qi refining steward knelt and earnestly pleaded. "Very well, I'll pay a visit." Nangong Yanran had heard of Zhan Jianfeng’s exploits, knowing the steward was a member of the Bai family, a clan close to the Zhan family. As they held a special place in the old master’s heart, it was an easy decision to make, easily gaining favors. Lu Yunzi swiftly reorganized the powers in the northern Bai Mountain overnight, causing Wei’s allegiance to Lianshui Gate to evaporate. Meanwhile, Jiang and the Spirit Wood Alliance clearly stated they wouldn’t provide haven. With no alternative but to merge with Chu Qin, the Wei family was left with no choice. By the time Nangong Yanran arrived, the Wei patriarch, a nervous wreck, readily agreed to the marriage without further discussion on Zhan Jianfeng marrying into their family. After resolving the issue smoothly, Nangong Yanran felt unsettled, reflecting on her past entanglement with Jiang Yan. The situation with Zhan Jianfeng and Wei Tang mirrored hers so closely. The only difference was her powerful Nangong family and Wei Tang's weak Wei family, which led to contrasting fates. "Am I lacking empathy?" she pondered quietly as she left the Wei family. “Wait!” Suddenly, a clear female voice called from behind. It was Wei Tang, secretly chasing after her. "I don't agree!" she shouted. "I don't want to marry Zhan Jianfeng! Why must you force me, Sect Master Nangong?" "Weren't you the one who told Zhan Jianfeng you agreed to the marriage, claiming it was family opposition?" Nangong Yanran asked, puzzled. "Who wants to marry him?!" Wei Tang pouted. "I said that only to avoid his temper and prevent a fight." Her youthful face took on an unexpected firmness as she knelt, tears streaming. "Yes, there is a marriage agreement, but Zhan Jianfeng is still a Qi refining cultivator at thirty, and he’s even missed his chance for Foundation Establishment. Marrying him now is unreasonable and disregards my feelings!" "I’ve cultivated since childhood, oblivious to worldly matters or family interests. All I know is that I don’t like him and don’t want to marry him. This is the first time I've ever knelt to a peer, pleading with you, Sect Master, woman to woman, for pity and understanding!" Seeing Wei Tang's pitiful, teary-eyed resemblance to her younger self, Nangong Yanran felt a surge of sympathy. Closing her eyes in contemplation, she finally resolved, stepping forward to lift the girl up, “What are you saying?” she smiled. “Chu Qin is not the kind of sect that bullies or oppresses. If you don’t wish to marry, then consider the agreement void. There’s no need for this.” Wei Tang was astonished by the quick resolution, breaking into a smile with gratitude. Nangong Yanran warmly clasped her hand, advising, “Zhan Jianfeng has been doted on since childhood, so his temper can be trying. Though I’m helping you now, there’s no guarantee he won't trouble your family later. Is there someone else you fancy? Having this marriage called off, perhaps you should secure another quickly.” “My family gate is seldom traversed by me, how would I meet anyone?” Wei Tang shook her head, then blushed, a shy maiden's coyness creeping up. “But…” “But what?” Nangong Yanran prompted with a knowing smile. “I’ve heard of a distinguished member of your sect, Senior Qin Changfeng, who walks among the stars like a bright moon. I…” She gazed shyly at her hem, her voice shy and soft, “I’ve read the depictions of him by the Hundred Sage Scholar, and I very much admire him... I wonder... whether he is yet betrothed?” The moment the words left her lips, Nangong Yanran released her hand. When Wei Tang looked up, Nangong Yanran's silhouette was rapidly disappearing. The next day, a Foundation Establishment cultivator named Yu Zicheng from Chu Qin's ceremonial office arrived, demanding to discuss the marriage timing between Zhan Jianfeng and Wei Tang with the Wei family head. "Your Sect Master Nangong clearly promised me yesterday to annul the marriage agreement. Why now go back on her word?" Wei Tang, agitated, rushed forward to confront. "It was indeed Sect Master Nangong who sent me here. How could she agree to annul the marriage? Don't fabricate stories!" Yu Zicheng retorted sternly. Wei Tang was naturally incredulous, and the meeting ended on a sour note. On the third day, a silver-backed river ray slowly approached the Wei family’s mountain gate via the Mian River, carrying banners adorned with the words 'Chu Qin Alliance', 'Northern Lie Mountain', and 'Bear'. Several ferocious Foundation Establishment and Qi refining cultivators disembarked and attempted to intrude through the mountain gate, but were blocked by the protective array. They stood noisily outside, arrogantly proclaiming, "A bear from my Clan Bear wandered here along the river, and some say it's being hidden by your cultivators. Open the gate! Let us search!" "Absurd!" The Wei family head fumed, yelling through the protective barrier, "Where is your Northern Lie Mountain, and where are we located? What kind of bear could possibly swim upstream such a long way?! And as for a low-tier spiritual beast, the Wei family has no interest whatsoever, who would covet your bear?!" The Bear Clan refused to believe a word, insisting that the bear was within and demanding entry for a search. Although the Wei family lacked significant power, allowing entry for such a search would be a public humiliation—one they could not afford. Hence, the family head ordered the full activation of the protective array to keep the troublemakers at bay. The Bear Clan neither left nor attacked; they merely loitered at the gate, turning away visitors and business, purely to provoke irritation. On the fourth day, a man claiming to be a descendant of a Jindan cultivator from the former Artifact Talisman Alliance, Lu Shi Luo, and a Qi refining cultivator after Lu Xuanqing from Chu Qin, submitted a letter of visitation. He asserted that the mountain gate was originally Lu family's property and demanded its immediate return from the Wei family. On the fifth day, Yu Zicheng visited again. (To be continued...)