Solving the Funding Issue

Under Gu Zhao's explanation, Daoist Yansong understood his current situation.

"This is a new world brimming with spiritual energy."

"This world still has a system of prefectures and counties similar to ancient imperial centralization, but the court's power is currently in decline."

"There are monsters and ghosts here, as well as human mages. It's a world of the extraordinary."

"All the cultivation methods our Taoists practice... cultivating spirit and refining qi, internal regulation of dragon and tiger, drawing talismans and chanting incantations, forming hand seals and treading the Big Dipper, can all be used here?"

"If the evil monsters and ghosts have malevolent souls, we just need to slay demons and subdue devils to eliminate evil and accumulate merit, absorb malevolent qi to advance our cultivation, and even condense new Thunder Seeds to help other fellow Daoists?"

"Then what's there to discuss?" Daoist Yansong immediately started rolling up his sleeves, "Let's roll up our sleeves and work hard!"

Gu Zhao was dumbfounded, "Why are you even more radical than me?"

Daoist Yansong flicked his sleeve, "This world is overrun by monsters and ghosts, the court is in decline, and the people suffer. This is precisely the opportunity for us to expand our territory and spread the glory of the Three Pure Ones and the majesty of the Jade Emperor throughout the world!"

Gu Zhao was speechless, "You've really watched too many dramatic short dramas..."

"But what you said makes sense." His tone shifted, and Gu Zhao put on a serious expression, "As disciples of the Three Pure Ones, it is our bounden duty to spread the faith of the Daoist school!"

The large and small fox looked at each other and smiled, everything unspoken.

Next, Gu Zhao and Daoist Yansong discussed their backgrounds and titles for traveling in this world.

First, their background: they came from a hidden sect. Although Gu Zhao was young, he was the newly appointed young Sect Leader, holding a position of great respect.

As for titles, Gu Zhao would call Daoist Yansong "Martial Uncle," and Daoist Yansong would call Gu Zhao "Sect Leader," taking care of both status and seniority.

"I'll take you to the village to get acquainted first. I'll need your help with something later," Gu Zhao said as he led Daoist Yansong towards the village.

"What is it?"

"I want to build a lumber mill in the village." Gu Zhao pointed around, "This is Small-leaf Sandalwood, which is rarely seen on Earth. It will fetch a high price if transported back. Once we make money, we can support our development here."

Daoist Yansong's eyes lit up, "Since that's the case, why not build a Taoist temple here as our base? Otherwise, we can't keep crossing through the forest every time, and it would be bad if someone saw us."

"Using Small-leaf Sandalwood?"

"We'll use Small-leaf Sandalwood for the lumber, but the main structure will naturally be reinforced concrete!" Daoist Yansong chuckled, "This is in the mountains; it would be a shame if it were burned down by a forest fire."

Gu Zhao raised an eyebrow and smiled, "It's clear you're not used to your current identity. If a forest fire breaks out, you can use the rain-summoning spell!"

Daoist Yansong: "..."

"I come from the Quanzhen Sect. I cultivate three flowers and five qi, and harmonize dragon and tiger yin and yang. I haven't learned these spellcraft and incantations!" Daoist Yansong said speechlessly, "Historically, those who performed rituals to pray for rain and clear skies were basically Taoists of the Zhengyi school."

Gu Zhao blinked. He hadn't considered this, but it didn't matter, "With mana in hand, learning these should be a piece of cake, right?"

"I'll give it a try," Daoist Yansong nodded. "Taoists of the Quanzhen Sect rely on their own inner elixir true qi to slay demons and subdue devils when traveling the world. They don't have the diverse methods of the Zhengyi school. Now, in this other world filled with monsters and ghosts, I indeed need to learn more."

Speaking of which, Daoist Yansong became somewhat proud, "But now all Taoist schools are one family. Back then, I regulated the dragon and tiger internally and harmonized water and fire. I also learned some ancient Daoist secret techniques passed down from Qingcheng Mountain."

"What is it?" Gu Zhao asked.

Daoist Yansong sensed for a moment and shook his head, "My mana is not strong enough now, so I don't know if I can use it. After some time, when I'm ready, we can try it together."

Then, the two chatted and laughed as they arrived at the mountain village and met Elder He, He Xiuniang, and Bai Ke.

Even though Gu Zhao had told him, Daoist Yansong was still amazed to see a talking white fox.

However, he had to maintain his persona. Daoist Yansong did not show any surprise, merely stating that he had learned of the Sect Leader's disappearance and had tracked him all the way until he found him.

Only then did Bai Ke "realize" that Gu Zhao was the Sect Leader of a school. However, considering that Gu Zhao's mana seemed not profound, yet he knew so many powerful spells and talismans, she did not doubt the truth of Daoist Yansong's words at all.

Elder He was even more relieved. Fortunately, this old man arrived a bit late. Xiuniang was already Gu Zhao's maid. Otherwise, he would have been truly worried that this old man would cause trouble.

But it didn't matter now. Great figures like them kept their word.

Xiuniang, on the other hand, was very happy. With someone from Gu Zhao's sect arriving, and this elder being so old, he must be very powerful, ensuring Gu Zhao's safety.

"Hehe, no wonder!" Seeing Xiuniang's gaze, the seasoned Daoist Yansong instantly understood and chuckled, "So you like the nurturing type."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Gu Zhao sternly rebuked.

Daoist Yansong looked at Gu Zhao, "Do you like them all, actually?"

Gu Zhao fell silent, the sound deafening.

Daoist Yansong: →_→

Daoist Yansong returned to Qingcheng Mountain, informed the Taishang Laojun Pavilion, and then crossed over to the other world, residing in the mountain village.

The matter of the Taoist temple was not urgent for now. The lumber mill could be arranged first. Daoist Yansong discussed with Elder He about clearing a piece of land in the forest behind the village and asking the villagers to cut down Small-leaf Sandalwood in the mountains. After rough processing, it would be sent to the lumber mill, settled by weight.

Elder He, as the oldest and most respected person in the village, patted his chest and agreed.

Thus, in the following days, the lumber mill was built with great momentum.

Gu Zhao also bid farewell to his maternal grandparents and returned to Yangcheng. He exchanged a batch of silver using Daoist Yansong's savings and his own pocket money, sent it back to the other world, and melted it into silver ingots.

As for the subsequent funding sources...

"Dad?"

"Ah?"

"Follow me."

"What are you... what's going on?" Gu Qi was stunned. "So much Small-leaf Sandalwood? Where did you get it?"

"Imported from overseas," Gu Zhao said earnestly.

"And the customs declaration documents?" Gu Qi turned back.

"That's where I need your help," Gu Zhao said sincerely. "I can give you a fifty percent discount."

Gu Qi: ???

Gu Qi and Li Man were just ordinary people, and the other world was dangerous after all.

So Gu Zhao didn't tell them the whole truth. He just pulled Daoist Yansong out and used him as a shield. With Daoist Yansong's vouching, Gu Qi finally believed that Gu Zhao hadn't met a swindler, but rather a religious colleague of Daoist Yansong's overseas.

Thus, Gu Qi quickly established an import and export trading company. Customs declarations and taxes were handled through official channels, and the final payment was made to the account provided by Daoist Yansong.

A win-win!

With this, the funding issue was also resolved.