Expanding Trade Routes

Golden Crow Grassland, Golden Crow City.

In a secluded manor, Wu Xiao sat in a Cyan Stone Pavilion, while Bi Xin reported to him.

"All of our tribesmen who were sent out have been killed. This is not normal. It seems that the Human Race is deliberately targeting us."

Bi Xin said.

In recent years, the Barbarian Race have sent many Nascent Soul Cultivator to search for the Heaven-Piercing Spirit Treasure, and it is normal that many Nascent Soul Cultivator have been lost. However, in recent years, it is not normal that every single Nascent Soul Cultivator sent out by the Barbarian Race has died.

"Do you know why? Why are you suddenly targeting us?"

Wu Xiao asked, puzzled.

"I heard that a large number of Ghost Creature suddenly rushed out of the Ten Thousand Ghost Mound in the Western Desert Cultivation World, harming innocent people and killing many cultivators. The Dry Earth Ruler comes from the Ten Thousand Ghost Mound in the Western Desert. I guess that's why the Human Race started targeting us. After the great battle, we lost thirty Nascent Soul Cultivator."

Bi Xin frowned and said.

After the great war, the Barbarian Race have been recuperating, and the number of Nascent Soul Cultivator they have increased by less than thirty.

"Let's not send any more clansmen to search for the Heaven-Piercing Spirit Treasure for now. Let's hold off! We need to strengthen our defenses; they might turn against us again."

"It Wu Xiao instructed.

"Yes, Great Elder."

Bi Xin agreed.

······

Gan Kingdom, Ten Thousand Swords Marketplace.

As the Ten Thousand Swords Assembly approached, a large number of high-level cultivators flocked to the Ten Thousand Swords Marketplace Ten Thousand Swords Marketplace, boosting its prosperity.

A white light appeared on the distant horizon, then stopped in a flash, revealing a White Flying Boat more than ten feet long, on which Shen Long, Master Ice Silkworm, and True Monarch Xuanyang stood.

True Monarch Xuanyang did not receive Invitation, but he still wanted to participate in the Ten Thousand Swords Assembly, so he took the initiative to invite Shen Long and Master Ice Silkworm to accompany him to the Spirit Control Sect.

"We've finally arrived at Ten Thousand Swords Marketplace."

True Monarch Xuanyang said with a smile.

"Someone's coming."

Shen Long turned his head and looked into the distance.

Both Master Ice Silkworm and True Monarch Xuanyang looked towards the northwest, but did not see any other cultivators.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, are you perhaps sensing something incorrectly?"

True Monarch Xuanyang asked in confusion.

"There's no mistake, someone I know is among them."

Shen Long said.

After a while, a yellow Escape Light appeared on the distant horizon, then stopped with a flash, revealing a flying boat shimmering with yellow light. Zhou Hualei and four other Nascent Soul Cultivator stood on it.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, Fellow Daoist Ye, what a coincidence!"

Shen Long greeted him.

A look of surprise flashed in True Monarch Xuanyang's eyes. It seemed that Shen Long's Divine Sense was exceptionally powerful, far surpassing that of Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator.

"What a coincidence! Fellow Daoist Shen, who are these two fellow Daoists?"

Zhou Hualei's gaze fell on True Monarch Xuanyang and Master Ice Silkworm.

"This is my master Master Ice Silkworm, and this is Fellow Daoist Han from the Mystic Yang Sect."

Shen Long began to introduce himself.

Master Ice Silkworm and True Monarch Xuanyang quickly introduced themselves, and Zhou Hualei and the other four also introduced themselves, thus becoming acquainted.

As soon as they entered the Marketplace, a tall, thin man in a golden robe strode over, bowed to Shen Long and Master Ice Silkworm, and said, "Disciple Sun Hao greets Uncle-Master Shen and Martial Uncle Lin. Accommodation has been arranged; please follow me."

The Spirit Control Sect is now well-equipped and has opened several shops in Ten Thousand Swords Marketplace. They have also rented a manor specifically for their Spirit Control Sect to rest.

"Lead the way!"

Shen Long gave the order.

Sun Hao nodded and led the way. Zhou Hualei and the other six split up and went their separate ways.

A quarter of an hour later, Shen Long and his two companions appeared at the entrance of a sprawling manor, with the three golden characters "Spirit Control Garden) written on the plaque above.

Qian Dafu strode out, bowed, and said, "Senior Uncle Lin, Uncle-Master Shen, you've finally arrived. Senior Uncle Han is already here."

He was in charge of managing the Spirit Control Sect's shops in Ten Thousand Swords Marketplace, which was a Qian Dafu honor. Qian Dafu was now the deputy Hall Master of the Economic and Trade Hall, nominally the deputy Hall Master, but with the same treatment as the Hall Master, since he was Shen Long's man.

Shen Long and Master Ice Silkworm followed Qian Dafu inside. After passing through three arched courtyards, they met True Man Red Flood Dragon.

The True Man Red Flood Dragon sat in a Cyan Stone Pavilion, brewing tea.

"Senior Brother Han, how come you're back from the Southern Border Cultivation World so quickly?"

Shen Long said with a smile.

"I just returned from the Southern Border Cultivation World. This is half a bottle of fourth-tier Flood Dragon Essence Blood I obtained. Please have Junior Brother Shen refine it into Blood Flood Dragon Pill. I also have some alchemy materials that I collected, including two fourth-tier Spirit-Tracking Beast Demon Core."

True Man Red Flood Dragon took out a Red Storage Bag and handed it to Shen Long.

Shen Long agreed and accepted the Red Storage Bag.

They sat down and chatted with True Man Red Flood Dragon over tea.

"Junior Brother Shen, your deeds have already spread throughout the Southern Border Cultivation World. You're a big celebrity now."

"The True Man Red Flood Dragon said in an envious tone."

"It's already spread to the Southern Border? What's so interesting about this?"

Shen Long asked, puzzled.

"Many cultivators in the Western Desert Cultivation World have been killed by Ghost Creature. You have killed the Mysterious Yin Ghost Mother, and you can't hide it from her now."

"True Man Red Flood Dragon said with a smile."

"Yes! I heard about this when I North Sea Cultivation World. Even Zhou Hualei and Shen Tianhong couldn't kill the Mysterious Yin Ghost Mother when they joined forces. I never expected that the Mysterious Yin Ghost Mother would die at your hands."

By the end, Master Ice Silkworm's face was filled with pride.

The more successful a disciple is, the happier the master is.

"Many cultivators privately refer to our Spirit Control Sect as the sixth largest power in the East Hua Cultivation World. Back in the day, before our Grandmaster ascended to immortality, our Spirit Control Sect was indeed one of the top powers in the East Hua Cultivation World."

The True Man Red Flood Dragon's face showed anticipation.

The Spirit Control Sect once had its glory days, but it has now declined.

In Shen Long, he saw the hope for the rise of the Spirit Control Sect.

"These words don't need to be taken seriously. Throughout history, how many great cultivators have appeared in the East Hua Cultivation World?"

Shen Long didn't take it seriously. He suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, Senior Brother Han, you've been in the Marketplace for a while now. Have the Nascent Soul Cultivator from the Mystic Spirit Gate arrived yet?"

"I arrived a few days ago and met the sect leader of the Mystic Spirit Gate at a party. He even mentioned you to me!"

True Man Red Flood Dragon spoke truthfully.

"Great! Senior Brother Han, contact the sect leader of Mystic Spirit Gate immediately. I need to speak with him on behalf of the Spirit Control Sect."

Shen Long said.

With the Tyrant Blade Villa and Purple Firmament Gate now merged into the Spirit Control Sect, the Spirit Control Sect's strength has greatly increased, naturally requiring them to resolve the minor conflicts between the Mystic Spirit Gate and the two factions.

"No problem, I'll contact him right away."

The True Man Red Flood Dragon agreed, took out a Red Communication Disk that shimmered with spiritual light, entered a spell, and made a series of gestures.

"He said he'll come to talk to you in person, Junior Nephew Qian. Go wait outside and bring Fellow Daoist Wei in later."

"That's what the True Man Red Flood Dragon said."

Qian Dafu responded and turned to leave.

"By the way, Junior Brother Shen, why do you want to see Fellow Daoist Wei?"

"True Man Red Flood Dragon asked curiously."

Shen Long briefly explained what had happened, True Man Red Flood Dragon suddenly understood, saying, "So that's how it is. That's good, it strengthens the power of our Spirit Control Sect. However, it will take some time for the disciples of both sects to develop a sense of belonging."

"The one thing our Spirit Control Sect has plenty of right now is time; we can afford to wait."

Master Ice Silkworm said with a smile.

After chatting for a short while, Qian Dafu led in a portly old man in a green robe.

"My name is Wei Liang. I greet Fellow Daoist Shen, Fellow Daoist Han, and Fellow Daoist Lin."

The old man in the green robe clasped his hands in a fist salute and spoke in a gentle voice.

"You must be Fellow Daoist Wei. I've long admired your name. Please have a seat."

Shen Long said enthusiastically.

Master Ice Silkworm picked up the teapot and poured a pot of steaming Spirit Tea for Wei Liang, saying warmly, "Fellow Daoist Wei, please try the Spirit Tea I brought back from the North Sea Cultivation World."

Wei Liang was completely bewildered. This was the first time he had met Shen Long and Master Ice Silkworm, so why were they being so enthusiastic?

"Fellow Daoist Shen, I heard from Fellow Daoist Han Spirit Control Sect and wish to discuss something with me. May I ask what it is?"

Wei Liang asked, his expression somewhat uneasy.

Given Shen Long's current status and strength, the fact that he was representing the Spirit Control Sect to negotiate with Wei Liang immediately made Wei Liang realize that this matter was of utmost importance.

"Here's the thing: the Tyrant Blade Villa and the Purple Firmament Gate have some misunderstandings with your descendant's dao companion."

Shen Long briefly explained what had happened.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, you summoned me here just to discuss this matter?"

Wei Liang said in disbelief, he thought it was something serious, but it turned out to be just a conflict between Core Formation Cultivator.

"Yes! It's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Wei would be willing to give me that face?"

Shen Long said seriously.

"This is compensation from the Tyrant Blade Villa and Purple Firmament Gate, to buy medicine for Young Friend Lin to heal his injuries."

Master Ice Silkworm took out a Golden Storage Bag and handed it to Wei Liang.

Regardless of the circumstances, the fact that the Young Sect Master of Mystic Spirit Gate's dao companion was injured and that some resources were given as compensation is a great show of respect to the Mystic Spirit Gate.

"It's nothing, Fellow Daoist Shen, you're too kind. I'll give the order right away. It's normal for young people to have disagreements. Take your things back!"

Wei Liang smiled and politely declined the compensation.

The Spirit Control Sect is willing to offer compensation shows great sincerity.

"Fellow Daoist Wei, in this matter, it's true that Young Friend Lu and the others were in the wrong, and compensation is due. Do you think it's too little?"

"Master Ice Silkworm asked."

"No, that's not it. To be honest, I'd like to ask Fellow Daoist Shen to help me refine a batch of pills. I'll leave the compensation for now."

Wei Liang explained his purpose.

Shen Long suddenly realized and said with a smile, "I wonder what kind of pill Fellow Daoist Wei wants to refine?"

"Golden Soul Pill, but I only have one set of materials."

Wei Liang said, taking out a yellow Storage Bag and handing it to Shen Long.

"It's a small matter, leave it to me. By the way, Fellow Daoist Wei, I've heard that your Mystic Spirit Gate cultivates quite a few spirit medicine. Our Spirit Control Sect Mystic Spirit Gate like to purchase some from you. What do you think?"

Shen Long asked.

With over 20,000 new disciples, the Spirit Control Sect's strength increased, but so did its burden. Taking advantage of the Ten Thousand Swords Assembly, Shen Long planned to help the Spirit Control Sect open up trade routes and do business with other forces, exchanging goods and resources. This would increase the Spirit Control Sect's income, forge more allies, and expand its sphere of influence.

"It's nothing. I've heard that your sect is quite famous for its Spirit Insect Spirit Beast, and I'd like to purchase some from you."

Wei Liang's tone was warm.

He wasn't interested in the Spirit Beast Spirit Insect of the Spirit Control Sect; he simply wanted to take this opportunity to get closer to Shen Long. The Mystic Spirit Gate and the Spirit Control Sect had business dealings, and if Wei Liang needed to find a fourth-level Alchemist to help him refine pills in the future, he could go to the Spirit Control Sect to find Shen Long.

"Okay, it's settled then."

Shen Long raised his teacup and clinked it with Wei Liang's.