Mu Lan Pavilion, behind the Lingze Defense Line, had by now grown into the largest merchant guild in Eastern Ridge, with branches stationed in nearly a hundred major cities. In the cities around Spirit Command City, where Mu Lan Pavilion had first risen, it held a near monopoly over trade. Even in Treasure-Gathering City, which Mu Bai had once envied so greatly, Mu Lan Pavilion now occupied more than half the commercial buildings and storefronts.
Ximu City, meanwhile, was primarily managed by Chen Qi and had unquestionably become the largest city in northern Eastern Ridge. As the war between the Human and Beast Races remained deadlocked and humans continued migrating north, Ximu City had become the brightest star among Eastern Ridge's cities.
The immigrants led by Qian Feng back then had successfully built a new city in northern Ximu City, allowing migrants from all over to settle there peacefully and share equally with the original residents in the benefits of Ximu City's development.
In accordance with Mu Bai's earlier promise, Ximu City's City Lord's Manor had formed a twenty-one-member Decision-Making Council to decide all major affairs of the city. Mu Bai's vision of governance shared by all Ximu City's people had become a reality. Amid the Beast Tide invasion, when everyone feared for their own safety, Ximu City had become the most flourishing and prosperous place in Eastern Ridge.
Ye Wan remained stationed at Mu Lan Pavilion's headquarters, assisted by Hu Fu and Yan Yan. Its upper-level strength rivaled that of any large sect, making Mu Lan Pavilion a power second only to Eastern Ridge's few super sects.
As people said, war was a contest of swords and money.
To those great figures, commerce was merely a lowly pursuit in the Origin Realm, earning nothing more than a few Soul