39 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

In the evening, Zhan Yuan indeed returned with a visiting cultivator, marking him as the first guest to visit the newly established sect gate of the Chuqin Sect. The main hall, known as the Baoyuan Hall, was used for the first time. Qi Xiu personally welcomed the guest with Zhang Shishi accompanying him to host the visiting rogue cultivator from Baishan. "The preparations were a bit rushed, so please forgive any shortcomings, Brother Yu," Qi Xiu said with some embarrassment as he showed the visitor to the seat reserved for guests. Though the hall was built, its exterior details were yet unfinished, and the furniture was unpolished, revealing the raw, pale color of the wood. "No need to be modest. Your sect has transformed the Black River Peak into something notable in such a brief time. Among us roaming rogue cultivators of Baishan, it's quite renowned. I had long intended to visit, but lacked the means. Today, thankfully, I've had the privilege of meeting Sect Master Qi in person. Truly, it's a fortune of lifetimes," the cultivator responded courteously as he took the tea offered by Gu Ji. Qi Xiu chuckled, recognizing the overdone flattery. He responded with humble pleasantries, delaying the discussion of serious business. They picked light topics for conversation while Qi Xiu keenly observed and assessed the guest. The cultivator's name was Yu Denuo. He had a towering frame draped in a slightly faded raven-blue robe, with white hair and beard, a slightly hunched back, and a face that wore an air of sorrow. Initially, Qi Xiu thought he was about seventy, only to learn he was fifty-five and already at the eighth level of Qi Refinement—a genuine late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator. Yu Denuo was originally a disciple of a small sect in Baishan, but after the sect's destruction over a decade ago and his refusal to join the enemy faction, he chose a life as a rogue cultivator, making a living by trading cultivation materials between Baishan, Qin Nan, and Southern Chu. Unfortunately, his hardships didn’t end there; ten years ago, his goods were robbed. Although he escaped with his life, he ended up deep in debt and spent the next decade weary and aged twenty years beyond his time. Despite his experiences, Yu Denuo's timid and honest demeanor revealed nothing of a seasoned solitary trader. His introduction to the Chuqin Sect was marked by awe at the powerful formations and impressive halls, making him visibly more reserved. Nonetheless, his cultivation level commanded respect, and as someone who's seen a bit of the world, he gradually relaxed. With Qi Xiu, he engaged in lively discussions about the landscapes and dynamics of Baishan. Baishan refers to a region south of the Chuqin Sect's deathly marshland, named after a towering white mountain reputed to be rich in spiritual energy, inhabited by a secretive order of cultivators and possibly even Nascent Soul masters. However, these true Baishan cultivators never interact with outsiders, shrouded in mystery. Commonly, "Baishan cultivators" refers to those like Yu Denuo, residing in the surrounding minor sects and rogue cultivators. Beyond the deathly marsh, opposite Baishan, lies an alliance of a dozen small clans and sects called the Instrument and Talisman Alliance, known for crafting talismans and artifacts. Maintained by continuous production and trade, they established a city, Qifu City, on the southern bank of the Black River. Yu Denuo and others like him shuttle artifacts and talismans produced by this alliance and the unique products of the Qi Yun, Southern Chu, and Beastmaster Sects. This enterprise is grueling due to the perilous ground of the deathly marsh, where any misstep means certain death. Late-stage Qi Refinement, with a quality flying sword, barely suffices to traverse it. Additionally, Yu Denuo wasn't cut out for this trade, and though he made each journey, his profits were marginal. The trade route has grown crowded, with increased competition leading to incidents of betrayal and robbery. Having suffered before, Yu Denuo is more cautious and presently sticks to the relatively safer but secluded route from Jiusan Market to Qifu City. Despite the Chu Youmin family’s poor conduct, often bullying Baishan rogues like him, he has held his patience. This month, constantly bumping into Zhan Yuan busy with sect construction near Jiusan Market, they became acquainted, paving the way for his visit to Black River Peak. Having gathered enough information, Qi Xiu brought up his desire to purchase two Wind Array Spirit Boats. Yu Denuo promptly fetched the items, offering them at a thirty percent discount compared to Jiusan Market. Without hesitation, Qi Xiu made the purchase, acquiring several other affordable necessities, leaving both parties pleased. After their deal, Yu Denuo declined Qi Xiu’s invitation to stay, took his leave, and departed. Once Yu Denuo left, Qi Xiu, Zhang Shishi, and Zhan Yuan gathered to discuss the insights the visitor had provided. Zhan Yuan suggested, "Sect Master, Senior Brother Zhang, do you think we can trust Friend Yu? If so, we could maintain connections with him as an alternative method of acquiring goods." Zhang Shishi added, "I believe so. Friend Yu seems a decent sort, and with his considerable cultivation level, he could also be a good friend to occasionally spar with." Qi Xiu, however, was deep in thought, his mind swimming through the names of cities, markets, and sects like Qi Nan City, Bingzhan Market, Jiusan Market, Southern Chu City, Qifu City, Qifu Alliance, Beastmaster Sect, Southern Chu Sect, and Qi Yun Sect. An idea seemed to form, yet remained elusive. Frustrated, Qi Xiu abandoned his mental puzzle, returning his focus to his disciples, who were waiting for his response. Realizing this, he awkwardly said, "Forgive my distraction. Friend Yu seems trustworthy. Keep him in mind, but be cautious of his timid nature. We should warn him to watch out for coercion from others, which could harm us. Make sure to remind him that Chuqin Sect only recognizes him, and not to bring unauthorized individuals." "Understood," both capable disciples responded in unison. Three days later, two Beastmaster Sect cultivators arrived, piloting a Tier 2 spirit beast, the Silver-backed Flying Ray. As it loomed overhead, it cast a massive shadow upon Black River Peak. The beast, though vast, was flat in form, allowing Qi Xiu, Zhang Shishi, and Zhan Yuan to easily leap onto its silver back without extra ladders, where they were astonished to find palatial buildings, creating the illusion of a flying palace, leaving them utterly dumbfounded. "Let's get a move on! Using this beast for your tasks, Steward Zhao is taking quite a risk!" the Beastmaster cultivator seated on the beast’s oval head barked impatiently at their country bumpkin-like manners, though disdainful, he hurried them along. The three shook off their stupor, apologizing in embarrassment, and rushed inside, where another Beastmaster cultivator, friendlier than the first, awaited them. Upon inquiry, they learned he was a relative of Zhao Liande. He meticulously explained the essential procedures and tips for seeding and building enclosures to the trio from Chuqin Sect. (To be continued)