Reporting the Disaster

The Yanlu Merchant Association.

Xu Shaonian steadily made his way to the stone steps at the entrance. He twisted his neck slightly, and a series of crackling bone sounds rang out. It was a normal reaction for someone who spent long periods bent over his work.

"What a fatigue."

Xu Shaonian gazed at the people coming and going along the main street and muttered a complaint to himself.

The Yanlu Merchant Association was no longer like it had been half a month ago, with only a few stray cats and dogs. It was now a vigorous, bustling force with more than a hundred capable subordinates.

"Good morning, Second Master."

"Good morning, Second Master."

In that short span of time, several men in gray robes passed by Xu Shaonian, respectfully wishing him good morning.

The association master rarely handled affairs, leaving them to Second Master Xu Shaonian. Thus, this once-down-and-out disciple of Qingqiu Dao possessed prestige within the Yanlu Merchant Association that even Jiang Yan could not match.

Moreover, most of the men working for the association had been selected by Xu Shaonian from among the disaster victims who had originally lived in dire straits. He had given them a job that let them survive and allowed them, through their own efforts alone, to live like human beings. Their gratitude toward Xu Shaonian truly defied description, so they could only devote themselves to their work.

Xu Shaonian nodded slightly, a smile at the corners of his lips as he responded.

At that moment, he felt the fatigue in his body gradually dissipating, while more and more strength surged from within him.

"At least all this effort has been worthwhile."

By sensing through Qingqiu Dao's core cultivation method, Xu Shaonian knew clearly that he had accumulated enough merit during this period.

His