No Consensus

"Greetings, County Magistrate." Deng Baichuan had been in Double Brightness Trade Market for quite some time and had recently been promoted to Market Commandant, but this was the first time he had ever stepped foot on the door of the Chongming Sect, such a small and insignificant household.

Logically, he should have visited Kang Dabao as soon as he returned.

After all, he was always well-informed and already knew that Sect Leader Kang Da would be in charge of both Pingrong County and Double Brightness Trade Market.

However, Deng Baichuan still retained some of the pride of a son of the capital region, and before Kang Dabao's appointment was finalized, he was still somewhat embarrassed to seek out this peasant.

However, on this day, Deng Baichuan had an important matter to discuss with Sect Leader Kang Da, so he had no choice but to pay him a visit.

"Commander Deng, you're too kind," said Sect Leader Kang Da, his movements still a little awkward as he accepted the gift. After a few brief pleasantries, he led Deng Baichuan into the main hall.

Incense was lit in the censer, and the guests and hosts took their seats.

Kang Dabao gently knocked on the wooden table in front of him. Mo'er walked briskly out from behind the hall and served tea as instructed.

The girl has grown into a beautiful young woman, and even Deng Baichuan, a man who has seen it all, couldn't help but take a second look.

Seeing this, Sect Leader Kang Da suddenly became somewhat worried. He pondered that since this girl had no Dao Path, he should discuss with his fellow disciples again to see which of the younger disciples would best match her with.

As for the servants inside, it would be better to let Kang Dahou choose a few well-behaved ordinary girls from Chongming City.

"Senior Fire Dragon perished on the battlefield, and the Earl, in his mercy, promoted two of his blood relatives to work in the state court. As for the new Foundation Establishment in Double Brightness Trade Market, they will most likely be chosen from among the newly allied Foundation Establishment forces."

After thinking for a long time, Deng Baichuan finally chose this matter as the starting point for the conversation.

The Fire Dragon Daoist is dead. Even if the state court finds his body, they can clearly verify that he died in the mouth of a spirit beast at the Foundation Establishment of the True Spirit Gate Sect. Sect Leader Kang Da has no ill intentions and is not afraid of incurring the wrath and revenge of the Fire Dragon Daoist's descendants.

Of course, if he could find a suitable opportunity, Kang Dabao would be happy to slaughter all the descendants of the Fire Dragon Daoist.

He listened to Deng Baichuan's speculation about the new Foundation Establishment in Double Brightness Trade Market and quite agreed with him. Relying on the prestige of the state court's great victory, Deng Baichuan was not worried about suppressing these local tyrants.

The Two Instruments Sect is indeed fulfilling its promise to Kuang Liuting and is gradually reducing its influence on all aspects of Cloud Horn Prefecture.

Against this backdrop, the state government's control over various forces in Cloud Horn Prefecture has been increasing day by day.

Many forces that were once loyal to Cao Cao but whose hearts were with the Han dynasty, had no choice but to change sides if they lacked the courage and opportunity to relocate to other provinces.

In this battle at Little Wu Mountain, several county officials perished. After the state court provided compensation, it did not follow the usual practice of selecting successors from among these county officials' humble backgrounds. Instead, it directly appointed many Foundation Establishment who had previously been unable to command them to True Cultivator the positions.

I've heard that even those Qi Refinement magistrates who are still alive and at the Qi Refining stage will be dismissed by the state government in the near future.

Kang Dabao felt that the news was probably true, but since his appointment was personally made by Kuang Liuting, it was unlikely that he would receive the same position.

Rumors circulate that, according to the Earl of Earl of Nan'an, the goal is to replace all officials of the Cloud Horn Prefecture with Foundation Establishment True Cultivator within half a century.

This is quite a difficult task. Kuang Liuting clearly did not place all his hopes on incorporating the various local forces in Cloud Horn Prefecture with their own agendas.

Originally, the core supporters of Kuang Liuting, such as the Ying Prefecture Fei Household and the Anshan Gun Household, had already been working on relocating some of their collateral branches and minor branches to this area.

After the state government won the Battle of Little Wu Mountain, the pace of response from various families in the capital region to Kuang Liuting's policy of relocating people to strengthen the borders accelerated.

Even if some of them are so stingy that they can't even part with their own collateral branches or minor clans, they certainly wouldn't hesitate to support some of their insignificant minor clans or factions.

The news that Kuang Liuting, with only Foundation Establishment level, captured True-Grade Golden Core cultivator has already spread throughout the capital region.

Hongyi Sect's Xie Yi of the upper body naturally became a joke among everyone, but Kuang Liuting held a much higher place in everyone's hearts.

Simply winning by surpassing someone of a higher level is nothing in the eyes of these advanced cultivators.

Great Wei Immortal Dynasty is rich beyond measure. Many so-called "geniuses" in the eyes of ordinary people are nothing more than a common sight in the eyes of these great figures.

Although it is difficult to achieve the feat of surpassing Foundation Establishment Qi Refinement Refining, and surpassing False Core Foundation Establishment, people who can accomplish such feats always emerge every now and then.

But someone like Kuang Liuting is exceptionally talented; such a person might not appear even once every sixty or two decades.

Therefore, for simple matters like relocating people to Cloud Horn Prefecture to strengthen the border, some prominent families that were closer to the Immortal Dynasty were willing to give Kuang Liuting some face and do it.

Thus, in just the past three months, as many as eleven households with names and surnames have moved from the capital region to Cloud Horn Prefecture.

Fortunately, the state government recently cleaned up the strongholds of the Two Instruments Sect Cloud Horn Prefecture, so there is no need to worry about not having Spirit Vein for them to use as rewards.

Among the leaders of these eleven forces, there was even a fake Pill Master, more than ten Foundation Establishment cultivators, and even more Qi Refining cultivators.

These are just the advance teams; almost no cultivation force would be willing to abandon their mortal roots, and this migration process is quite lengthy.

However, the number of mortals protected by the Foundation Establishment forces ranges from hundreds of thousands to millions, and no single entity has the ability to relocate them all.

Putting aside the cost, the long journey from the capital to Cloud Horn Prefecture alone would be difficult even for cultivators at the early or middle stages of Qi Refinement, let alone for those mortals with weak bodies.

If any force wanted to relocate a million mortals at once, unless they asked top-tier Golden Core cultivators or even Nascent Soul True Person to take action, seven or eight out of ten of these people would die on the way.

Even Kuang Liuting couldn't invite such a person, let alone ordinary small forces.

Therefore, these newly relocated forces in Cloud Horn Prefecture could only choose the more common transportation methods such as cultivator escorts, flying beasts, and spirit boats to relocate the direct descendants of their cultivators.

As for the other mortals, they would mostly migrate here in batches under the guidance of the cultivators who stayed behind.

However, according to the state court, this matter cannot be accomplished for the time being, as simply communicating and coordinating with the local strongmen along the way is already a troublesome matter. Many of the powerful forces in the prefectures along this route do not have a harmonious relationship with the Immortal Dynasty, making it difficult to obtain their assistance.

Although the matter of relocating mortals still requires careful consideration, it is an undeniable fact that with the arrival of these eleven powerful families from the capital region, the state's foundation in Cloud Horn Prefecture has become much more solid.

As a result, the positions of county officials, which were once scorned by even Qi Refining Powder, seem to have become quite valuable again.

Sect Leader Kang Da wasn't particularly happy. The Chongming Sect had countless things to do, not to mention he also had to plan for his own Foundation Establishment.

Therefore, Kang Dabao really had no intention of focusing his energy on Pingrong County anymore; he was only thinking that if he could help Luo Heng stick his head back on, he could save his life.

If Deng Baichuan knew what Sect Leader Kang Da was troubled about, he would surely chuckle.

The heads of these small households often have this problem: all matters, big and small, rest on one person's shoulders, inevitably causing them to neglect their own spiritual practice.

Kang Dabao's elder brother, He Dezong, is a typical example.

Outsiders all say how prosperous the Hong County He Household, but ever since He Dezong took over the family business from his father, Kang Dabao, the eldest brother of the He Household who was known as "promising to reach the Foundation Establishment," has made very slow progress in his cultivation.

In these small places, there aren't many capable leaders who can manage both things; it's common to find one thing neglected and the other futile.

However, Sect Leader Kang Da would not confide his worries to Deng Baichuan, an outsider. The two then reminisced about recent events, both major and minor. As they talked, Deng Baichuan brought up the matter of selecting a spirit mine with Kang Dabao.

This is actually an important matter, as Pingrong County is a place that Sect Leader Kang Da has measured with his own iron feet.

As to where the spirit mines are, and whether they are valuable or cheap, rich or poor, Kang Dabao, while not claiming to have an uncanny understanding, could at least give a rough estimate, which was no exaggeration.

Speaking of which, Pingrong County truly deserves the word "barren," not only because its Spirit Vein are chaotic, but also because its spiritual mines are pitifully scarce.

Like the Fellow Cultivators Association, relying on the might of the Lord Shan, they only managed to occupy a First-Tier Middle-Grade cold iron Spirit Vein under Fish Mountain Lake, which already made them the most enviable local forces in Pingrong County.

The reason for emphasizing local power is that Pingrong County still has a good mineral vein.

In the past, there were no tigers in the mountains of Pingrong County. Huo Bing, a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator and the local governor, seized a First-Tier Supreme-Grade Huangshi amber vein.

For a time, several small Lineage near the mine were conscripted into working as slave laborers.

Logically speaking, now that Huo Bing has sided with the Two Instruments Sect, it would be only natural for Kang Dabao to reclaim the Huangshi amber mine that the Huo Household had forcibly seized.

However, after Deng Baichuan came to Pingrong County and took charge of the entire Double Brightness Trade Market, because Huo Bing, the old Foundation Establishment Acting Sima Gun behind him, the mine fell into Deng Baichuan's hands.

This put Sect Leader Kang Da in a rather difficult position.

"My master also knows that it is the Earl's golden words. He has already spoken to the county magistrate, and all the mines in Pingrong County are available for you to choose from. However, the Criminal Bureau Assistant Meng was fined 100,000 in salary by the Earl. He is a man who travels all over the world and does not have that many Spirit Stones on hand at the moment, so he borrowed some more from my master."

As fate would have it, the Huangshi amber vein that the magistrate had his eye on had already been sold off by an old friend of my master before the magistrate's reward was even issued.

Deng Baichuan said with a slightly embarrassed expression, and after hearing this, Sect Leader Kang Da was at a loss for words.

Regardless of whether Acting Sima Gun truly gave up the mine, or whether he simply had Deng Baichuan fabricate this excuse because he was unwilling to relinquish the Huangshi amber mine to him, Kang Dabao did not want to fall out with Acting Sima Gun over this mine.

The latter was, after all, a trusted confidant of the Earl of Nan'an, who had taken good care of him and could be considered a respected and kind elder. There was no reason for him to turn against the man for this unexpected windfall.

"In that case, does Acting Commandant Deng know what Military Commandant Gun wants me to do?"

"Haha, my master often said that Magistrate Kang is a humble and modest man, and he has the virtue of treating others with humility. Indeed, it is true." Deng Baichuan praised him first, and then continued, "Since Magistrate Kang is willing to humbly offer this Huangshi amber mine, then my master would certainly not do such a treacherous thing as profiting from relatives."

At this point, Deng Baichuan glanced discreetly at the expression of Sect Leader Kang Da, paused, took a sip of spiritual tea, and then said, "The county magistrate should also know that the Huo Household's assets in Tanggu County are the Huo Household's most valuable asset."

Within Tanggu County lies a First-Tier Supreme-Grade emerald green stone vein. Its grade is extremely high, comparable to ordinary Second-Tier Lower-Grade spirit ore, and far surpasses this Huangshi amber vein. My master's intention is to return this vein to Magistrate Kang."

"Tanggu County?" Upon hearing Deng Baichuan 'Kang Dabao arrangements, countless thoughts flashed through Kang Dabao's mind in an instant.

"Captain, may I ask if I may inquire further? Did the old acquaintance of Military Commandant Gun grant the Huangshi Amber mine to any of his old friends?" Sect Leader Kang Da asked casually.

"Ha, since you're such a smart man, why ask such questions?" Deng Baichuan's face showed no change as he shook his head and continued, "Just know that your family won't lose money on this deal."

"Then I'll take this emerald stone vein; consider it a tribute to the two Sima."

"Your Excellency, you're mistaken, aren't you? Do you think the two Sima are the kind of people who would seize by trickery or force?" Deng Baichuan glared at him, his tone turning cold.

"Yes, I misspoke." Kang Dabao remained silent for a moment before nodding again.

"In that case, I shall take my leave. The deed for the spirit mine will be delivered to Your Excellency by a special envoy within ten days. Also, Your Excellency's shop in the market has been closed for some time. Such a prime location shouldn't be kept closed indefinitely, Your Excellency."

Before Deng Baichuan got up to leave, he didn't forget to add a comment to Kang Dabao.

"Understood. We'll set off once the goods are ready." Kang Dabao's face was expressionless, but he knew what Deng Baichuan meant, and he nodded as usual.

"Ha, that's exactly right! I'll definitely bring my relatives and friends to support you and have a good time together." Deng Baichuan gave a perfunctory bow, and before the Sect Leader Kang Da could react, he turned and left the Chongming Sect without looking back.

"Tanggu County, Tie Household, what's the point of all this?" Kang Dabao muttered to himself.

He hadn't expected that so soon after a group of people died, the bigwigs in the state court would be so eager to start the fine traditions of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, truly a rare moment of peace.

Feeling somewhat annoyed, Sect Leader Kang Da returned to his courtyard, only to find Jiang Qing sitting at the chess table waiting for him.

"Feeling better?" Kang Dabao's first words were still filled with concern, but Jiang Qing's face showed a hint of helplessness. "Much better, Senior Brother, you might be able to put it another way."

"Then why did you come here? Did you want to be scolded?" Sect Leader Kang Da sat down next to Jiang Qing, his words filled with annoyance, but his eyes secretly glanced at the latter's injury again.

"Haha, I've come to thank my senior brother!" As soon as Jiang Qing finished speaking, Kang Dabao's face showed a look of doubt. "You rascal, you've been eating my food, wearing my clothes, and using my things since you were little. What don't you owe me for? How can you possibly thank me for everything? What are you thanking me for today?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, I understand, I understand. Once Junior Brother has established his foundation and core, I will thank Senior Brother all at once."

Jiang Qing was not annoyed and still had a smile on his face. He first took out a bottle of crystal clear spiritual liquid and showed it to the Sect Leader Kang Da before explaining, "This is the Limb Restoration and Spirit Renewal Decoction that my sister-in-law had her personal maid send to my junior brother. It has the effect of strengthening the body's foundation, nourishing the vital energy, and strengthening muscles and bones."

My junior brother asked Senior Brother Ye to take a look, and he said that this small bottle alone costs no less than eight thousand Spirit Stone. It's extremely rare, and even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would have a hard time buying it. My sister-in-law is so generous, how could my junior brother not come to thank Senior Brother?"

"She brought it, go thank her yourself, why are you thanking me?" Kang Dabao was slightly surprised by these words, but still put on an impatient expression.

Jiang Qing continued, "That girl relayed my sister-in-law's message: although this item is far less effective than the Azure Firmament Spirit Root, it can still slightly repair my junior brother's foundation. It's especially beneficial for Foundation Establishment. Even some nobles from the imperial capital..."

Halfway through the conversation, Kang Dabao suddenly felt a surge of worries and anxieties, and abruptly interrupted, "Little Sanzi, what if I said... we wouldn't be able to Foundation Establishment?"

After these words, the sect leader's courtyard fell silent instantly.

Not long after, it was broken again by a powerful and resounding voice, firm and deafening!

"No!"

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Thanks to Wu Fan Tian Tian, Cang Lan Yang Tian, Book Friend 2022050161926348, Book Friend 20170514104015635, Shan Mao. Hui, Bai Si, Yue Xia Jing Ting Song Feng Han, Jun Cai Fei Yang, Ye Du Shi Shu, Book Friend 20231120980--bA, Book Friend 20220323175551116, Book Friend 20190728233927000, Book Friend 20200108225413321, Lao Qi Gei Ge Chong, Book Friend 2024020949--Dc, Book Friend 2 0220506080133097, Fallen Leaves with the Wind, Starry Sky, Book Friend 20181201080837789, Book Friend 20180401095516287, Book Friend 20221209153253732, Hu Weihu Huanghuang, yg9773, Wuhuang Leige, Tomb Keeper, Enemies Are Easy to Talk To, Book Friend 2019062708112356, Tiger Breaks the World, Book Friend 20190412114955269, Book Friend 20240330311 -- Monthly Tickets from several brothers (Bb)

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