"The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild? What business does your esteemed guild have with this humble Daoist?"
The woman smiled radiantly, revealing two small dimples that made her appear utterly charming. "How did you know I represent the guild, Fellow Daoist? Perhaps I'm simply interested in you personally."
"Immortal Maiden, you jest. This humble cultivator is but a crude novice. How could I possibly earn your favor? Please state your true purpose."
The woman in green seemed amused by Wei Zhong's reply. "Fellow Daoist Chu, did you develop the Azure Vine Intoxication spirit wine?"
Wei Zhong nodded. "Indeed, but I recently sold the wine recipe to Shen Yuqi, the Seventh True Disciple of the Azurewood Sect. If your guild wishes to pursue this business, you should negotiate with True Disciple Shen."
Wei Zhong understood that the Chamber of Commerce's interest in him stemmed solely from business. Knowing his own limitations, he maintained a clear perspective.
"Our guild will handle negotiations with True Disciple Shen separately. My purpose is to speak with you, Fellow Daoist Chu. To be frank, the Chamber of Commerce is deeply impressed by your brewing talent, especially your creation of the Azure Vine Intoxication, a spirit wine that enhances cultivators' physical bodies. If you can refine the Azure Vine Intoxication to the Second-Tier, our guild would be delighted to collaborate with you."
"Whether it's a profit-sharing arrangement or an outright purchase, the price is negotiable."
Wei Zhong swirled his wine, seemingly swayed by the woman's proposal. After a moment of contemplation, he feigned resignation and said, "Unfortunately, I lack the confidence to advance this spirit wine. I fear I would disappoint your Chamber of Commerce."
Rong Ju covered her mouth with a light smile. "Fellow Daoist, there's no need for self-deprecation. Creating a spirit wine like Azure Vine Intoxication is already a remarkable achievement. The years ahead are long; why not continue your research at your own pace?
The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild plans to establish a permanent branch within the Azurewood Sect's territory soon. If you make any breakthroughs, feel free to visit us. Mention my name, and I will personally welcome you."
Wei Zhong's expression turned to surprise. "The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild intends to remain here long-term?"
"Precisely. While negotiations with the Azurewood Sect are still ongoing, the agreement should be finalized shortly. You've stumbled upon a significant piece of news ahead of time."
Hiss!
Wei Zhong's mind reeled. A major Chamber of Commerce was setting up shop within the territory of the Azurewood Sect, a Core Formation-level power. Their backing must be extraordinary—at the very least, a Nascent Soul-level entity.
A Nascent Soul power backing a Chamber of Commerce—this was a direct challenge to the Azurewood Sect's very foundation.
For years, the Azurewood Sect had monopolized the cultivation resources of the Wild Plains Prefecture. Qi Refining cultivators might not have felt the pinch, but Foundation Establishment cultivators found it increasingly stifling.
Even Wei Zhong had been forced to consider expanding his operations to Han Bamboo City. One could only imagine the plight of other Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivators.
"Excellent!" Wei Zhong practically wanted to give the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild a standing ovation.
"Will your esteemed guild also sell Second-Tier Inheritance Artifacts?"
"Naturally. In due time, we will offer techniques in alchemy, formations, artifact crafting, and even brewing inheritances, should Fellow Daoist be interested. As long as you have spirit stones, there's nothing you can't acquire from our guild."
Hearing this, Wei Zhong's face flushed with excitement, and the wine cup in his hand trembled involuntarily.
Noticing his agitation, Rong Ju inquired, "Fellow Daoist, you don't seem to be thriving under the Azurewood Sect's rule?"
Wei Zhong hastily shook his head. "Not at all! This Daoist achieved Foundation Establishment precisely thanks to the resources the Azurewood Sect extracts from the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range..."
After a brief exchange, Rong Ju, having secured Wei Zhong's commitment, departed with a satisfied smile.
Wei Zhong's face still radiated excitement, but his heart remained remarkably calm.
It's truly a case of shallow waters teeming with turtles. After all these years of the Azurewood Sect's dominance, why would a Nascent Soul power suddenly interfere?
Could it be that Shen Qin, the Core Formation cultivator, was right? Does the Azurewood Sect possess a Treasured Artifact that drew them here?
Wei Zhong couldn't help but think of the Second-Tier Inheritance he had obtained in the Clear River Secret Realm. Could they be after Senior Bai He's legacy?
Th-this...
Wei Zhong forced himself to remain calm. The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, a Nascent Soul power, was only one major cultivation realm away from Spirit Transformation. After years of trading, they must possess their own Spirit Transformation inheritance.
Perhaps they learned something about Senior Bai He's exploits and came searching for him. Or maybe they're simply eyeing the Azurewood Sect's profits from the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range and trying to seize this market. Or perhaps it's both.
He drained his cup of spirit wine, left two spirit stones on the table, and rose to leave.
Whatever the reason, it wasn't something Wei Zhong should concern himself with right now. With his current strength, he was better off avoiding entanglement in the power struggles of such major factions.
His sole focus should be to cultivate diligently until he reached Core Formation, Nascent Soul, and ultimately Spirit Transformation. He absolutely couldn't risk jeopardizing that for anything.
Several days later, the Core Formation Ceremony for Yao Zheng Sheng, the Azurewood Sect's foremost True Inheritance Disciple, officially commenced.
Cultivators from various factions gathered before the Azurewood Sect's mountain gate, each presenting congratulatory gifts. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators like Wei Zhong contributed what they could to show their goodwill.
"Welcoming our sect's foremost True Inheritance Disciple, Yao Zheng Sheng..."
As the Azurewood Sect's grand gates swung open, billowing clouds of spiritual energy erupted forth. A black dragon, formed entirely of condensed spiritual energy, emerged, carrying Yao Zheng Sheng before the assembled cultivators. All present marveled at his exceptional bearing—handsome, refined, and every inch the distinguished young man.
Wei Zhong alone sighed inwardly as he gazed upon the black water dragon.
Isn't that the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual I cultivate?
Recalling the dilapidated inheritance grounds within the Clear River Secret Realm, Wei Zhong wasn't surprised that the Azurewood Sect possessed a fragment of the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual.
Having occupied the Secret Realm for years, the sect had systematically plundered its resources. If not for the damage to Senior Bai He's protective formations, they likely would have seized the entire inheritance within the Grotto-Heaven.
As it stood, they had probably only acquired a fragment—likely covering the Core Formation or Nascent Soul stages.
And the crucial Dao of Time? They certainly hadn't obtained that.
Wei Zhong had previously attempted to record the Dao of Time on a jade slip, but failed, suggesting that such vessels couldn't contain the technique.
Only that nameless black stone could preserve it.
This further convinced Wei Zhong that the Azurewood Sect had no chance of acquiring the Dao Technique.
Could the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild be here for this very technique?
Wei Zhong's thoughts raced.
"From this day forth, Yao Zheng Sheng is elevated to the position of Young Sect Leader, holding equal status to the Hall Masters of the Three Halls... and will form a Daoist partnership with Nie Yuechan, the sect leader's daughter and third True Inheritance disciple..."
The booming announcement from the Source Sea overhead snapped Wei Zhong back to reality.
As Yao Zheng Sheng clasped the wrist of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, the congratulating cultivators below understood: this was the Azurewood Sect Leader's chosen successor.
"Not only did they bestow the Young Sect Leader position upon him, but they're also giving him their own daughter! Sect Leader Nie..."
"Don't speak nonsense if you don't understand. Young Sect Leader Yao and the sect leader's daughter, Yuechan, grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Their mutual affection has long been known. They're practically a divine couple!"
The surrounding cultivators buzzed with gossip, but Wei Zhong remained indifferent.
Ultimately, Wei Zhong had only attended this Core Formation Ceremony out of deference to the Azurewood Sect's prestige, hoping to avoid future retaliation.
After the ceremony, he planned to return to his island to focus on cultivation, striving to reach Core Formation as soon as possible.
Right, and I also need to visit the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild. A Second-Tier Inheritance Artifact is exactly what I desperately need.