Winning Them Over

As dawn broke, after shaking himself clean, Sect Leader Kang Da finally got off Huo Ying, lingeringly grabbing a handful of her plump, beautiful flesh before leaving.

The latter had a very fulfilling and tiring night, and is still sound asleep.

It's strange, really. Kang Dabao, a bachelor for two lifetimes, should have been content to have such a beautiful woman serving him.

But as he slept with her more often, and Huo Ying always acted as if she were at his mercy, Kang Dabao lost interest in her.

Even if the young widow's food is delicious, eating the same flavor every day will eventually get boring.

Now, when Sect Leader Kang Da sometimes whips this beautiful woman, he occasionally thinks of Fei Shuhe's icy little face.

I wonder when I'll be able to strip her naked too, and then "gently caress, slowly twist, and tease" her again, to see if that noble lady will still maintain her dignified and elegant demeanor in bed.

Putting aside the filthy thoughts in Kang Dabao's mind at this moment, every fifth of the month is the time when the heads of Double Brightness Trade Market gather to discuss matters.

Upon arriving at the council hall, Sect Leader Kang Da was the first to arrive, as usual, followed by Deng Baichuan and Feng En.

Fire Dragon Daoist thought that he had put on the airs that Foundation Establishment senior should put on and had deliberately missed the appointed time, so he should be the last to arrive. However, Xu Yingshi did not arrive until a quarter of an hour after he arrived at the council hall.

The old man was furious, but dared not retaliate, silently fuming, "Damn it, since coming to this run-down market, there's never been a moment that goes smoothly."

"Ahem, now that Senior Fire Dragon and fellow Daoists are here, Chief Planner Deng, what important matters need to be discussed lately? Speak up." Sect Leader Kang Da, seeing Fire Dragon Daoist's displeased expression, secretly rejoiced. "Old man, just wait and see. I'll have my chance to deal with you."

"The minor chores have all been completed, and the auspicious opening date has been set for the first day of next month. Chief Accountant Feng has already submitted the report to the Sima Office, and it should be approved soon. There is only one matter that still requires the attention of the two market officers. My master wrote again the other day, inquiring once more about the recruitment of personnel for the Thief-Catching Office. I suppose this matter should be settled before the market opens."

Deng Baichuan read aloud at length, his gaze shifting back and forth between Kang and Xu.

"Yes, I have already found fifty skilled men, and they will be ready to be assembled soon. At that time, I would like to ask the strategist to invite Sima to come and inspect them." Xu Yingshi raised his head and gave Kang Dabao look.

The latter listened to Xu Yingshi's words with skepticism, but to be honest, he was more skeptical than credible.

If quality isn't the priority and the goal is simply to fill the Thief-Catching Office, then ordinary rogue Rogue Cultivator would be plentiful. If I had my two disciples, Han Yundao and Pei Que, take a flying boat around, they could easily catch seven or eight a day.

The proportion of Rogue Cultivator who are willing to fight and kill, and who are skilled in using magical Law Artifact and Daoist arts, is actually much smaller than people think, and they are not so easy to find.

Most Rogue Cultivator are not only sparse in combat, but also lack courage. Otherwise, those mountain hermits who gather herbs and hunt beasts wouldn't have such a high status among Rogue Cultivator.

When Xie Fu attacked and destroyed the Caishi Wang Household, he insisted that each family in Pingrong County send their own people, which is the same reason.

In this world, there are plenty of rogue Rogue Cultivator with mediocre fighting skills; they are easy to find but not worth much. If a team consists of people like that, then it is truly more of a rabble than a mob, utterly useless.

If even a minor county magistrate Xie Fu couldn't tolerate his subordinates' perfunctory work, would Xu Yingshi really dare to fool the Acting Sima Gun?

Seeing Deng Baichuan nod and smile after hearing Xu Yingshi's words, and then fix his gaze on him, Sect Leader Kang Da thought for a moment before saying, "I have also searched for fifty people, all of them are good swords, and should be able to catch Sima's eye. However, there is one place I would like to ask Senior Fire Dragon to accompany me. Only after seeing Foundation Establishment True Cultivator will these rough country bumpkins feel at ease."

Deng Baichuan remained noncommittal after hearing Kang Dabao's words, while the Fire Dragon Daoist was quite tempted.

Having been ignored by these juniors for so long, the old man was growing increasingly impatient. Being able to go and show off his power in front of other Qi Refining Qi Refinement would be a good thing, at least a small thing!

Just then, Xu Yingshi chimed in with a sidelong glance, "Senior Fire Dragon is a pillar of our Double Brightness Trade Market. How can we act rashly? If something goes wrong in the market while he's away, who will take responsibility?"

At this point, Xu Yingshi became even more boastful. "The city magistrate should know that the state government hasn't even had the resources to eradicate the Three Incense Cult Sect yet. If they come again, our Double Brightness Trade Market might have to be renamed again."

Kang Dabao was suddenly stung by Xu Yingshi, and his brows furrowed. It turned out that people from big cities could speak with such barbs and sarcasm.

The Fire Dragon Daoist also looked unwell; he genuinely wanted to go out for a walk to clear his head, and his expression turned sinister as he looked at Xu Yingshi.

"What the lieutenant said makes sense. May I ask the city commandant, is it absolutely necessary for Senior Fire Dragon to take action? If so, I can also report to my master and ask for his permission." Deng Baichuan thought for a moment before speaking.

Seeing that Deng Baichuan had also spoken up for Xu Yingshi, Sect Leader Kang Da had no choice but to give up the opportunity to have Fire Dragon Daoist do his work for free. He replied in a deep voice, "It was a sure thing to succeed. I just thought that if Senior Fire Dragon were to accompany us, it would be foolproof."

However, Acting Commandant Xu said makes sense. Senior Fire Dragon involves the safety of the market, so it's indeed not advisable to act rashly. In that case, I will go myself. I will definitely have the troops in good order by the first day of next month, and I will not fail the two Sima's entrustment."

"Very well, you two city constables are indeed loyal and patriotic pillars of the state. I will report to my master and share the good news with him." Deng Baichuan smiled again and bowed to Kang and Xu once more.

With all matters discussed, the disgruntled Fire Dragon Daoist finally found an opportunity to put on airs as a senior, and was the first to walk out of the council hall.

Xu Yingshi glanced at Sect Leader Kang Da with a smug look before turning away. This fake lieutenant didn't seem to be in a hurry to Foundation Establishment lately; he had two newly promoted Mandarin Duck Hall in his official residence, and they were currently having a passionate affair.

To be honest, neither of the two market officers in Double Brightness Trade Market seemed to care much about state affairs.

However, Kang Dabao was better than Xu Yingshi, that pampered playboy. As soon as he returned to the city magistrate's mansion, he did not take off his clothes and crawl back into Huo Ying's bed. Instead, he called over his three junior brothers and told them about what had happened that day.

Kang Dabao originally planned to take Jiang Qing with him to deal with the Zheng Xibei matter after Jiang Qing came out of seclusion. He figured that once the Seven Luminaries Heart-Slaying Sword was drawn, Kang Dabao didn't believe that many Rogue Cultivators would still recognize their Senior Brother Zheng.

Unexpectedly, Xu Yingshi's progress was much faster than Sect Leader Kang Da had anticipated, and it was too late.

However, Kang Dabao's plan to abduct the Fire Dragon Daoist to do unpaid work failed, so he decided to take Pei Yi and Yuan Jin with him.

Ye Zhengwen has been on good terms with Feng En lately. He and a few disciples, along with the newly arrived Xiu An, are staying peacefully in the market, waiting for Ye Zhengwen's return.

After Sect Leader Kang Da explained his plan, his three junior brothers felt there were no major problems. Pei Yi then said, "If that's the case, Junior Brother would also like to bring Chu Huer along. He's quite respected among our master's nominal disciples and can be of help."

"If he's willing to help, that would be great." Kang Dabao nodded in agreement, and the matter was settled.

Pei Yi and Yuan Jin went down to prepare, but Ye Zhengwen stayed behind. He took out a snow-white jade tablet the size of an infant's finger and said in a deep voice, "I've looked at all the junk that Junior Brother Yuan brought back to show me. Most of them are useless, but this jade tablet is extraordinary."

Sect Leader Kang Da's spiritual appraisal skills were far inferior to Ye Zhengwen's. He took the jade tablet in his hand and examined it, but could only see that the jade was soft and smooth and had a faint spiritual essence. He could not see much else.

Ye Zhengwen noticed Kang Dabao's puzzled expression and explained, "This pattern is somewhat similar to that of the Mountain Barbarians. It looks like jade, but it's actually a spirit crystal smelted from several Second Tier- or even Third Tier spirit ores. I can't tell exactly which spirit ores it is, but this pattern is of a very high level. It must be an item that only the Mountain Barbarians royal family could use. I just don't know what it's for."

Since even Ye Zhengwen couldn't discern the origin of this jade tablet, Sect Leader Kang Da decided to put it away for the time being.

Anyway, this jade tablet is made of very good material. If I still can't figure it out after two or three years, I'll see if I can make up a story and sell it to a foolish gentleman at an auction.

Just as Kang Dabao finished speaking with Ye Zhengwen, Pei Yi brought Chu Huer to see Sect Leader Kang Da. The former said, "Sect Leader, the Chu brothers have something to say to you."

Kang Dabao also wanted to hear what Chu Huer had to say. Despite how straightforward and generous he was described by Pei Yi, Chu Huer, as a Rogue Cultivator with less-than-ideal aptitude, was no simple character to have cultivated to the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining Foundation Establishment before the age of seventy.

Even the Sect Leader Kang Da was cautious when facing Deacon Huo, who was lying naked on the bed; how much more so would he be wary of Chu Huer, who had just arrived?

Don't take them for granted; they might come at you with an axe one day and you won't even know how to dodge.

"Chu Huer understands why Zheng Xibei wants to unite the Shandu Ridge and is willing to help Sect Leader Kang. However, there is one thing he needs to ask Sect Leader Kang first before he can serve him."

Seeing that Chu Huer was so open and honest even when negotiating, it was hard to feel any ill will towards him.

Kang Dabao sat upright in the auspicious cloud chair, nodding with interest. "Fellow Daoist Chu, please tell me."

"So that Sect Leader Kang may know that the spiritual land of Ji County Shandu Ridge is barren. Before Master Li came, the path of immortality was not flourishing. At first, there were only a few minor cultivators who were not even proficient in the Mnemonic for circulating qi, who banded together together."

It was only after Master Li came here that he selflessly preached the Way for more than ten years, which gathered us rootless Rogue Cultivator together to seek the Way in difficult circumstances. His kindness is like giving us a second life, and we are deeply grateful.

Although we are crude, uncultured, and lack talent, and thus were not truly accepted into Master Li's tutelage, we are fellow disciples in essence, though not in name. Chu Huer, though not talented, would not do such things as internal strife among fellow disciples.

The reason I've spoken so much with Sect Leader Kang is because I'd like to ask him: among the fellow practitioners of Shandu Ridge Sect Leader Kang, if there are those who have suddenly awakened to the truth, will their lives be spared? And if there are those who are grateful and righteous, will they be able to become disciples of Double Brightness?

As soon as Chu Huer uttered those last words, even Pei Yi's head throbbed with pain. Looking at Sect Leader Kang Da, his face was ashen as he stared intently at Chu Huer, saying nothing.

---- Ji County Shandu Ridge

The thatched hut where Martial Uncle Li preached back then has been set up with arrays by array masters invited by the rogue Rogue Cultivator, and the three large characters "Chongming Sect" on the newly made plaque still exude the fragrance of ink.

Zheng Xibei stood beside the plaque, examining it carefully, a hint of secret delight in his heart. "I never imagined that the position of sect leader would come so easily."

In all honesty, when Zheng Xibei learned that Pei Yi had returned to gather his fellow disciples, he genuinely wanted to recommend Pei Yi as the sect leader. However, he also harbored the intention of seizing power after the sect was established.

Who knew that Pei Yi would actually expose his own shortcomings, causing his comrades in Shandu Ridge to share a common hatred for the enemy? No wonder he took advantage of the situation.

He was living a carefree life as a river bandit in Ji County, but in his moment of madness during rape and plunder, he unintentionally brought disaster upon the relatives of the Spirit Sword Mountain Manor's master.

Zheng Xibei had originally intended to ask his fellow disciples for help, but unexpectedly, he ended up taking the position of sect leader by a twist of fate.

Spirit Sword Mountain Manor may have a prestigious reputation, but in the end, it's just a small force with only about ten people. Once the Ji County Chongming Sect is established, it will be Spirit Sword Mountain Manor that's afraid.

Zheng Xibei originally didn't want to come up with the name "Chongming Sect," since he only wanted to be the sect leader and didn't want to cause trouble.

He also knew of the reputation of the Pingrong County Chongming Sect, the Sect Leader Kang Da, and had heard that he was a vindictive and womanizing character.

He sounds like a petty and ruthless man, and given that he's the son-in-law of the Fei Household, the Pingrong County, and the market magistrate, he doesn't seem like someone to be trifled with.

However, as soon as Zheng Xibei proposed changing the name, all the Rogue Cultivator below objected, each arguing vehemently, claiming things like, "We cannot betray Master Li's legacy; changing it would be forgetting our roots."

Seeing the crowd's excitement, the newly appointed sect leader Zheng, fearing he would lose his position, had no choice but to comply.

Fortunately, there are many sects with the same name in the world. Just the Five Tigers Broken Saber Sect near Shandu Ridge alone has countless other sects with the same name.

So Zheng Xibei could only console himself that Kang Dabao wouldn't be so domineering as to come knocking on his door just because of a name. Even if he did come, judging from the strength and numbers on his side, he wasn't necessarily afraid of the other party.

Time passed day by day, and Zheng Xibei finally ushered in the day when he officially ascended to the position of sect leader.

On the 11th day of the fifth month of the 427th year of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty (1758), auspicious deities were present, and all matters were without taboo.

On this day, Zheng Xibei, dressed in a Daoist robe with the yin-yang symbol and wearing a scholar's hat, sat on a high chair with cloud patterns, smiling broadly and looking very pleased with himself.

Seeing his former, somewhat unruly, fellow disciples standing below the stage, and the emcee in a bright red formal suit reciting the harmonious and rhythmic sacrificial text, Zheng Xibei couldn't have been more smug.

He was squinting at the sky, imagining how he would lead his disciples to conquer all directions, eventually achieving Foundation Establishment and being worshipped by thousands of cultivators.

Suddenly, Zheng Xibei heard the chanting stop in his ear. He turned his head and saw a fat man wearing a golden Daoist robe and a red lotus crown walking towards his sect leader ceremony.

Although the gold-threaded Daoist robe he wore was not of high grade, it was exquisitely crafted and exuded a faint Dao Rhyme, clearly indicating that it was an item with a clear lineage.

The lotus-shaped red crown atop his head was even more remarkable, shimmering with precious light, making the large, stout man appear solemn, dignified, and extremely noble. In contrast, Zheng Xibei felt a pang of shame whenever he thought about the Daoist robes and headdress he had recently acquired.

Behind the burly man followed Pei Yi, Pei Yi face was solemn. In his hand was a black ironwood spirit tablet with gold characters on a dark background. The words "Respected Master Li Gong, whose given name is Duanxu" on it made most of the Rogue Cultivator present turn red.

"Master Li!"

"Disciple Sun Xiaoer greets Master Li!"

"Hey Zheng, what are you still doing sitting there in that lousy seat? Why aren't you coming to pay your respects to Master Li?!"

After being yelled at, Zheng Xibei finally came to his senses. He knew exactly where he came from to become the sect leader. Although he was unwilling, he could only bow deeply to the memorial tablet in front of Pei Yi with a sullen face.

Zheng Xibei was able to be elected as the sect leader after Pei Yi and Chu Huer left, which shows that he had his own supporters.

After Zheng Xibei finished bowing, a triangular-eyed cultivator jumped out anxiously and said urgently, "You surnamed Pei, since last time, we, the fellow Shandu Ridge, have severed ties with you. Why are you here today, bringing Master Li's memorial tablet to disrupt our Chongming Sect's leadership ceremony?!"

Before the triangular-eyed cultivator could finish speaking, a short, stocky man behind the fat man pounced on him, grabbed the triangular-eyed cultivator by the neck, and choked him so that his spiritual energy was locked up, rendering him unable to move or even speak.

The atmosphere instantly became heavy. Zheng Xibei was one of the few people in the room who clearly saw the person who made the move. Although he could see it clearly, he was more shocked than the others who could not.

"This short, stocky man's cultivation is lacking, but his profound skill is truly terrifying!" Zheng Xibei's eyes revealed a deep sense of apprehension. To be honest, he was afraid he couldn't defeat him with ordinary means, and it would be a bit risky to resort to force.

"Kang Dabao, the seventh-generation leader of the Chongming Sect, humbly requests your presence and best wishes."

The leader of the assembled cultivators was a dignified man with a refined and cheerful demeanor. His manner alone made him pale in comparison to Zheng Xibei, the water ghost dressed as a Confucian scholar.

"The Foundation Establishment sect from which Master Li comes is truly different; it's something we can't compare to with our makeshift team," someone suddenly thought.

"Sect Leader Kang, we disciples all know about the grudges between you and Master Li back then. When Master Li was humiliated by your master, he came to Shandu Ridge Ji County to sever the grudges with the Pingrong County Chongming Sect."

If you've come here today to congratulate the newly established Ji County Chongming Sect, then please release my junior brother and have a drink. But if you've come to cause trouble, then we, the disciples of Master Li, may not be afraid of you!

Seeing that there were only a few people on the other side, yet they had silenced his twenty or thirty men, Zheng Xibei had no choice but to step forward and speak in a cold voice.

Zheng Xibei's words stirred a sense of unity among the Rogue Cultivator present, and their gazes toward Sect Leader Kang Da became much more rigid.

"Fellow Daoist Zheng, let me ask you, could you perhaps change the name of your Ji County Chongming Sect?" Kang Dabao's tone was indifferent, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

"No! It must be called Chongming Sect!"

"Yes, this is Master Li's last wish; it cannot be changed!"

"Change your mother, you wretched woman!"

Before Zheng Xibei could even speak, the Rogue Cultivator present were all enraged, which suited Zheng Xibei's wishes perfectly. They immediately retorted, "Sect Leader Kang, this cannot be changed!"

"Then may I ask, Fellow Daoist Zheng, what gives you the right to call yourself a disciple of Martial Uncle Li?" Kang Dabao's tone remained unchanged, but Zheng Xibei detected a hint of aggressiveness in it.

"I studied Daoism under Master Li for many years, so I can naturally be called Master Li's disciple," Zheng Xibei replied in a deep voice.

"I also studied under Martial Uncle Li for nearly ten years. Do I not deserve to be called Martial Uncle Li's disciple?"

"This"

Have you ever paid homage to the patriarchs of the Chongming Sect School?

"."

Do you know who Martial Uncle Li's master is?

"."

"Have you ever received precepts, instructions, or teachings from your master Martial Uncle Li?"

"Enough! Master Li has severed all ties with the Pingrong County Chongming Sect, so he won't say such things to us!" Zheng Xibei shouted angrily.

Sect Leader Kang Da, as always, spoke in a calm tone, "So, Fellow Daoist Zheng is saying that since leaving the sect, Martial Uncle Li has stopped considering himself a disciple of Double Brightness and has thus betrayed his master and ancestors?!"

"Thump!" A person immediately knelt down in the arena, but it wasn't just any of the Rogue Cultivator; it was Pei Yi, who hugged the memorial tablet of his Martial Uncle Li and cried out, "Sect Leader, you mustn't say such things! Zheng Xibei!! You rebellious wretch! You received my master's selfless teachings, and today you want to prevent him from entering the sect's ancestral hall, turning him into a disloyal and unfilial person who betrays his master and ancestors?!"

Pei Yi's words immediately caused an uproar among the audience.

The phrase "betraying one's master and destroying one's ancestors" still carries some weight for ordinary cultivators. Even the most vicious and wicked people who control ghosts and refine zombies don't really want to recite it.

"You bastard surnamed Zheng, you might as well quit being the sect leader."

"You slandered Master Li, Zheng Xibei! Your crimes are unforgivable!"

"You, surnamed Kang, watch your mouth. If you dare insult my master again, I'll unleash my flying sword upon you."

"This..." Zheng Xibei was momentarily speechless, but still retorted, "You surnamed Kang, this position of Double Brightness Sect Leader should rightfully belong to Master Li. You obtained it illegitimately, so what right do you have to swagger around here!"

"This is the Sect Leader's Seal, personally held by successive Sect Leaders; this is the Sect Leader's Cloud Book, bearing the Dao Seal and signature of successive Sect Leaders; this is the Golden Silk Earring Robe, worn only by successive Sect Leaders; this is the handwritten inscription by the elders of the sect when I succeeded as Sect Leader, including the name of Martial Uncle Li. May I ask you, fellow Daoists, my ascension to the position is aboveboard and legitimate, so how can there be any talk of impropriety?"

At this moment, Sect Leader Kang Da spoke righteously and with a voice as loud as a bell, leaving the Rogue Cultivator of Zheng Xibei speechless.

Just as Zheng Xibei was about to argue, he heard Sect Leader Kang Da speak again, "Our Chongming Sect established because of the merits bestowed upon our Patriarch Zhang for pacifying the barbarians. We have a place in the Golden Register of the Immortal Dynasty's sects, and we are not those wild foxes with no lineage. If you fellow Daoists wish to change your name today, then so be it; I, Kang, will turn my back and leave without further ado. But if you still insist on stealing our sect name based on your connection with Martial Uncle Li, then my two fellow disciples and I will have to experience your wondrous immortal techniques here!"

These words, spoken with compassion, reason, and evidence, brought even greater silence to the monks of Shandu Ridge.

"Damn, how come this fat man is so eloquent?" a Rogue Cultivator whispered among himself.

Even Chu Huer, who was standing behind Sect Leader Kang Da, was somewhat surprised. He had thought that the master was going to suppress Zheng Xibei with overwhelming force, then deal with the coerced followers, and subdue the fellow practitioners of Shandu Ridge by force.

Unexpectedly, with just a grand and imposing presence and a few words, he silenced the other side.

Chu Huer knew, of course, that this was also due to the factor of strength. If Sect Leader Kang Da were still a mere peddler at the Qi Refinement Fourth Layer like he had been a few years ago, daring to speak so confidently here, his old buddies would surely have devoured him alive.

Similarly, if there were a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator present on their side, no matter how strong Kang Dabao's reasoning was, it wouldn't be as powerful as Foundation Establishment's fist, and all his words would be useless.

Zheng Xibei heard the discussions rising, but none of the cultivators present showed any intention of making a move. He knew things were going badly and was about to try to salvage the situation when Chu Huer spoke up.

"Brothers, listen to me. Sect Leader Kang has granted you special favor today, considering that we fellow practitioners of Shandu Ridge are still grateful for Master Li's teachings. If you wish to remain under Master Li's tutelage in the future, you can first join the Double Brightness Trade Market Thief-Catching Office to serve the sect, with the same treatment as the sect's external disciples. After you have rendered meritorious service the next day, you can pay homage to the patriarch and formally become Master Li's disciples."

If you are unwilling, then we can part amicably, but you must never again refer to yourself as a disciple of Master Li, let alone as a disciple of Double Brightness.

"How domineering!"

"Why should I?!"

"I am Master Li's disciple, and no one can change that!"

The cultivators at Shandu Ridge immediately erupted in commotion. Before Zheng Xibei could even feel smug, he heard Chu Huer announce loudly, "The annual salary for the Early Qi Refining Stage is seven Spirit Stones, Middle Qi Refinement, it's thirteen. No exceptions, and not all will be given. Please consider carefully!"

Upon hearing this, before the other cultivators could react, Zheng Xibei immediately changed, realizing in his heart. "The situation is hopeless!"

(The second paragraph of this chapter has been reviewed and revised, so it reads a little strangely. Please forgive me. The words in parentheses will not be charged, so please don't worry.)

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