Li Yunqing's Speculation
To build up his power, he had to recruit all kinds of talent: alchemists, artifact refiners, Beast Tamers, Talisman Masters, Formation Masters, Winemakers—in short, he needed to gather every kind of talent. Once their interests were bound to Shi Yue's, they wouldn't be able to leave him.
"Taking them on as subordinates? That's not a bad idea. I never would've guessed you had such big ambitions, or that you'd made plans like this," Xiaoyaozi said softly.
Shi Yue chuckled. "I have no choice. There are too few people around me I can rely on. Without using some special means, I can't gather talent. I told you I wanted to establish a merchant alliance. This is only the first step: first, I'll lay the foundations by gathering talent and capable subordinates. Then, using that as a base, I'll expand my territory and slowly build my own power. One day, I'll establish a merchant alliance that's every bit as powerful as the Four Great Immortal Clans."
By the end, a trace of pride showed on Shi Yue's face.
He wasn't just talking. The Palm Heaven Space could grow rare spirit herbs and High-Grade Spirit Herbs, and he could use them as bargaining chips to gather all kinds of talent and form a massive interest group.
How many cultivators could resist the temptation of advancing to a higher realm? Shi Yue, at least, couldn't.
"All right, do as you please. I'm going to refine bean soldiers."
Back in the rear courtyard, Shi Yue entered the Training Room in the Palm Heaven Space.
He flicked his sleeve, and a large batch of Artifact Refining Material appeared on the ground. Among them was a gleaming golden wooden box with a Talisman affixed to it.
Shi Yue opened the box. Inside were eleven