Sorting Out the Opening Plot Issues

After distributing the Spirit Herbs, Du Bùsǐ dismissed the remaining disciples but called the Deputy Sect Master Jin Peng and the Heavenly Soul Princess Weina alone to his room.

"Old Jin, Weina, I have another matter that needs your handling." Du Bùsǐ closed the door, his expression solemn as he produced the Lake Bottom Fishing proposal written in Ye Linyuan's own hand.

He detailed the plan for a hotpot restaurant in partnership with the Heavenly Soul Royal Family—aimed at resolving the Body Sect's financial woes while deepening ties between both sides—recounting it thoroughly to the two of them.

Jin Peng listened, then slapped his thigh hard, his old face flushing with excitement. "Brilliant!"

"How does the Young Sect Master's mind work? This Buffet Model is absolutely genius!"

"It saves on labor, gives guests maximum freedom, and with the unique flavor of hotpot, how could it not be a hit?!"

Weina took the proposal, her fair fingers trembling slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on the paper's clear, logical, and forward-thinking commercial wisdom.

As a member of the royal family, Weina's vision, insight, and experience far surpassed that of ordinary Body Sect disciples.

If this business plan had come from the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect, reputed as the continent's best merchants, she might not have been too surprised.

But that it came from a six-year-old boy who had just awakened his martial soul—that was truly shocking!

She looked at Du Bùsǐ, her usually gentle and calm eyes now churning with waves. "Sect Master, the Young Sect Master... is he really only six?"

Seeing her stunned expression, Du Bùsǐ felt an inexplicable pride rise within him. Stroking his beard, he smiled. "Genuine, no substitute!"

"That boy Linyuan is a natural prodigy; he can't be judged by common standards."

"Weina, as the Heavenly Soul Princess, you'll handle the liaison with the royal family."

"Jin Peng, assist her from the side. Get the first Lake Bottom Fishing up and running in Sky Dou City as soon as possible!"

"Yes, Sect Master!" the two replied in unison.

Weina was about to take her leave when she suddenly remembered something and paused. "Sect Master, since it's a partnership, should the fifty-one percent shares representing our Body Sect be registered under your name or Old Jin's?"

Du Bùsǐ waved his hand without hesitation, cutting her off decisively. "Neither."

As Jin Peng and Weina stared in bewilderment, he said firmly, "This Lake Bottom Fishing concept was entirely conceived and created by Linyuan alone."

"This Seat and Jin Peng merely ran errands and implemented it."

"This foundation, including all future profits, will be registered under Linyuan's name!"

"This is his contribution to the sect—no one can take it away!"

Du Bùsǐ's eyes flickered with unwavering resolve.

He had his reasons for this.

First, he refused to steal credit from his beloved disciple.

Second, he wanted to use this matter to further establish Ye Linyuan's unmatched authority and status within the sect.

He wanted everyone to remember that this Young Sect Master was not only supremely talented but also possessed the grand vision and strategy to generate income for the sect and lead them toward prosperity!

Weina's heart trembled.

Clearly, she sensed from Du Bùsǐ's words just how highly he valued Ye Linyuan.

Weina bowed slightly, speaking earnestly. "Weina understands. I will not fail the Sect Master and Young Sect Master's trust."

Leaving the Body Sect, Weina wasted no time and immediately returned to the Heaven Dou Empire's Imperial Palace.

In the Imperial Study, she presented the Lake Bottom Fishing proposal and Ye Linyuan's full cooperation plan to her father.

The current Heavenly Soul Emperor.

After reading the proposal, the Heavenly Soul Emperor was silent for a long time.

Finally, he slowly set down the paper and let out a long sigh.

He spoke with heartfelt admiration. "Your Young Sect Master is truly a dragon among men!"

"Though still young, with the vision, scope, and boldness displayed in this business plan, even if he were an ordinary person without any soul power, he would surely become a titan of commerce in the future!"

He looked at Weina. "Weina, Imperial We entrusts this matter entirely to you."

"The royal family's personnel and venues are at your disposal."

"Work closely with the Body Sect to turn this Lake Bottom Fishing into a new calling card for our Heaven Dou Empire!"

"Yes, Father!"

With that, Weina turned to leave and begin her work.

But just as she was about to step out the door, the Heavenly Soul Emperor called her back.

"Weina."

"Hm? Father, is there anything else?" Weina asked, puzzled.

The Heavenly Soul Emperor gazed at his favorite daughter, a meaningful smile spreading across his face. "Just now, when you spoke of that Young Sect Master, the light in your eyes was completely different from before."

"Could it be that you..."

Weina froze, and a blush instantly crept across her gentle, oval face.

She stomped her foot instinctively. "Father, what are you saying!"

"I haven't even met that Young Sect Master, so how could I... how could I..."

"Daughter is merely curious, and admires his wisdom!"

Seeing Weina's rare display of girlishness, the Heavenly Soul Emperor's smile only widened.

He shook his head gently, his voice softening as well: "Weina, you said before that you had no romantic feelings toward Long Aotian."

"But I feel you are far more interested in that Young Sect Master named Ye Linyuan than you ever were in Long Aotian."

"The Young Sect Master of the Body Sect has now changed from Long Aotian to Ye Linyuan. According to our original plan, you should shift your target as well."

"But what Your Father wants to tell you is this: if Ye Linyuan is truly someone you like and admire, then you should be even more proactive in pursuing him."

"To meet someone you like who also aligns with our royal family's interests is your fortune, and Your Father is genuinely happy for you."

"This is what I want to say to you, as a father."

Weina looked at the Heavenly Soul Emperor, her gaze turning tender once more.

She nodded gently: "I understand. Thank you, Father."

"Mm. Go on."

With the full support of the Heavenly Soul Emperor, Weina immediately displayed the efficiency and decisiveness befitting the empire's legitimate princess.

She personally secured a prime three-story restaurant in the busiest central district of Sky Dou City.

She then transferred the imperial household's finest chefs and management staff, training them, renovating the premises, and stocking supplies in a tight schedule according to the requirements in Ye Linyuan's proposal.

Once everything was ready, Lake Bottom Hotpot City made its official debut in the Heaven Dou Empire's capital, Sky Dou City, in an unprecedented fashion.

On opening day.

The novel self-service dining model, the rich variety of broth options, the unique numbing and spicy flavors, and the mysterious recipe said to have been passed down from some hidden sect—instantly set the entire Sky Dou City ablaze!

Without needing much promotion, the soul-shaking experience of eating there, along with the lively atmosphere of sitting together and fishing ingredients out of the bubbling red broth, quickly won over the taste buds of everyone from commoners to nobles and wealthy merchants.

Every day, a long line formed in front of the restaurant, seats were always full, and reservations had to be made days in advance.

And as the craze took off in Sky Dou City, Lake Bottom Hotpot City's fame spread like wings, carried by merchants traveling north and south, rapidly reaching other cities in the Heaven Dou Empire, and even empires like Dou Ling and Star Luo.

Seizing the momentum, Weina immediately began preparing for a second and third branch, expanding at a breathtaking pace.

The revenue from the fifty-one percent stake registered under Ye Linyuan's personal name snowballed into a massive fortune that made every faction green with envy.

The Body Sect's long-standing financial difficulties were thus resolved overnight.

And the Young Sect Master Ye Linyuan, who had single-handedly created this miracle—though unknown to most ordinary people—

his name had already been quietly etched into the hearts of the few high-ranking members of the Body Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire who knew the truth, becoming synonymous with mystery and legend.