Asking for Help

"Second Master Ming Household has sent a letter." That evening, Kang Dabao summoned Yuan Jin and Jiang Qing together. The three brothers did not sit on the prayer mats, but instead sat cross-legged on Sect Leader Kang Da's soft bed.

Jiang Qing's expression had not yet improved, but after hearing Kang Dabao's words, he still became somewhat nervous. After Yuan Jin read the letter, he solemnly accepted it.

The Ming Household mentioned by Sect Leader Kang Da is the Lineage of the three's master's wife. After their master and mistress passed away, all three received care from their master's wife's father.

Jiang Qing, in particular, was intelligent, handsome, and quick-witted, and was the old man's favorite.

When he was young, Kang Dabao placed him alone in the Ming Household to train for two years, where he received his first swordsmanship instruction from the second master of the Ming Household.

If it weren't for Sect Leader Kang Da's repeated attempts to retrieve him, fearing he might not be able to get him back later, the Ming Household probably wouldn't have been willing to return him, and Jiang Qing would most likely have stayed with the Ming Household as their son-in-law.

Like He Household Ming Household, though never having produced Foundation Establishment True Cultivator, is still a Qi Refinement clan.

Compared to the Chongming Sect, the family was quite prosperous.

With as many as sixty or seventy Qi Refinement cultivators practicing at home, they could be considered a number one force in a wealthy county like Tanggu County.

Even notorious outlaws like the Fire Saber Stronghold wouldn't dare to encroach on the interests of these powerful clans; at most, they'd try to take advantage of smaller families like the Kuai Household.

When the old master of the Ming Household passed away a few years ago, the three Kang Dabao brothers went to pay their respects.

A few years later, when Chongming Sect's situation improved, Sect Leader Kang Da never forgot to visit and pay his respects on holidays and birthdays.

However, human relationships are fickle, and since the passing of the elder brother, the relationship between the two families has gradually become distant. This can be seen from the fact that no one from the Ming Household came to Kang Dabao's aid after he offended the Shi Household.

After Kang Dabao personally visited Second Master Ming and the Chongming Market opened, and no one from the Ming Household came to offer their congratulations, the relationship between the two families was effectively severed.

Even so, to be honest, compared to in-laws like the He Household and Kuai Household, the relationship between the Chongming Sect and the Ming Household was still much simpler.

Regardless, the Ming Household had done the Chongming Sect a favor. If anything serious happened to the Ming family, the three Sect Leader Kang Da, would not be able to ignore it, only out of respect for the Ming Household patriarch.

"I heard from Senior Brother Pei a few days ago when he came back from the market with some spiritual herbs that there were some rumors circulating in the taverns that the Tanggu County sent people to several households that had previously had good relations with the Huo Household and asked for quite a few things."

Yuan Jin began to speak, and Kang Dabao, who had carefully put away the letter, confirmed his suspicions upon hearing this.

"The letter from the Second Master of the Ming Household only contained some words of concern, but didn't say anything about what had happened." Kang Dabao felt that this matter was unusual.

Because of his poor aptitude, the second master of the Ming Household was never very close to him. Even when he went to the second master's house with He Dezong when he was a child, he would get fewer candies.

Logically speaking, if the Second Master of the Ming Household were to write a letter, it should be to Jiang Qing.

"I remember a few years ago, the Ming Household had a concubine, I think she was my master's cousin, and she married into the Huo Household branch, right?" Sect Leader Kang Da suddenly asked. Jiang Qing looked blank; he was still young and didn't know anything about these things.

Yuan Jin nodded. He was one of the more familiar faces among the three brothers and had some recollection of what Kang Dabao had mentioned.

After thinking for a while, Kang Dabao made up his mind. "Second, go to the warehouse and prepare some gifts for the worship ceremony. I need to go find Tie Xishan."

---- Tanggu County

"Brother Kang, don't stand on ceremony, quickly drink this cup to the brim." Inside the back office of Tanggu County Government, a scene of clinking cups and singing and dancing unfolded.

Tie Xishan sat on the chairman's chair, surrounded by women on both sides, indulging in unrestrained behavior. He also invited Kang Dabao to drink. The officials of Tanggu County at the table were also surrounded by beautiful women. What a decadent place!

Kang Dabao, sitting at the table, had a somewhat stiff smile on his face. This was the tenth banquet he had attended in the three days since he came to Tanggu County.

Sitting on the chairman's seat, laughing incessantly, Tie Xishan suddenly seemed unfamiliar to Kang Dabao. The ascetic cultivator who once commanded praise from all the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator on the arena seemed to have drowned in the spiritual wine and delicacies before him.

They hadn't discussed anything serious for three days, and Kang Dabao was starting to get impatient.

After the banquet, once all the officials had dispersed, Kang Dabao finally stopped Tie Xishan: "Brother, please wait."

Tie Xishan responded slurredly, but seeing that Kang Dabao wouldn't leave despite his several excuses, he finally gave him face. He then left the two still-complaining beauties behind and invited Kang Dabao into the quiet room.

After dismissing everyone around, Tie Xishan poured himself two bowls of piping hot tea and gulped them down. He finally sobered up a bit and, holding his teacup, said with a smile, "I roughly know why you've come, brother, but there's nothing I can do to help you with this."

He paused here, habitually glancing around before continuing, "The old man of the Huo Household has committed a heinous act, and the Huo Household's assets have already been divided up in half. If those Chang Ghost who followed him in committing evil deeds are not dealt with severely, what kind of society will we be?"

"Even if the Huo Household is guilty, my master's family is a well-known virtuous family in the vicinity, and they are loyal to the Immortal Dynasty. Brother Dao," Kang Dabao interjected at the right moment.

But Tie Xishan interrupted him, saying, "Brother, why pretend to be confused in front of me? Ever since the Ming Household became related to Huo Bing through marriage, how many benefits have they reaped? Do you really not know? In Tanggu County, which household doesn't have dozens of petitions piling up in the yamen? Where is this so-called virtuous family?"

"To be honest, Brother Dao, the Tanggu Ming Household has done my family a favor. I beg you to be lenient and let him go." From Tie Xishan's tone alone, Kang Dabao could easily tell that the Tie Household truly intended to eliminate the forces that had once been close to the Huo Household.

Although Sect Leader Kang Da now holds some influence, he is by no means capable of changing Tie Liuyun's mind.

The latter was currently in a state of great pride and satisfaction, and he couldn't tolerate Kang Dabao, a mere Qi Refining Qi Refinement, making a racket in his ear.

Sect Leader Kang Da simply gave up the idea of searching for Tie Liuyun, took out the Spirit Sealing from his clothes, and placed it in front of Tie Xishan.

"What are you doing, brother?" Tie Xishan quickly pushed the Spirit Stone back with a stern face. "We're friends, why would we need such trivial things?"

Seeing that he genuinely didn't want it, Kang Dabao couldn't help but ask, "Brother Dao is a close relative of Commander Tie. How could you possibly be unable to speak up for such a trivial matter in front of Commander Tie?"

"Brother, don't make things difficult for me. It's Uncle's decision, how can I, a junior, say anything?" Tie Xishan looked troubled. He had a good relationship with Kang Dabao, who was now considered one of the most trustworthy peers in the surrounding counties.

If it were truly a small favor that he could easily do for someone, he would naturally lend a hand.

However, the matter of giving the Ming Household a warning was indeed personally instructed by Tie Liuyun. As a subordinate and junior, how could Tie Xishan dare to utter a single word?

Tie Liuyun has now truly become a prominent figure in Cloud Horn Prefecture. As the prefectural government's position in Cloud Horn Prefecture becomes increasingly stable, Kuang Liuting focuses solely on cultivation, awaiting the Yixin to Core Formation, aside from major affairs.

As a result, the administration of Cloud Horn Prefecture was almost entirely divided among retainers from the capital like Fei Nanying and local tycoons like Tie Liuyun.

In particular, the framework of the Demon Correction Office in Cloud Horn Prefecture has been roughly established. Tie Liuyun was personally appointed by the Earl to take on the position of Commander-in-Chief, and he is now in charge of the Demon Correction Office.

From then on, under this title, the soldiers of the Demon Correction Office Division under the Commander Tie not only killed countless bandits and outlaws, but also wreaked havoc on the local forces in Cloud Horn Prefecture who were inclined towards the Two Instruments Sect.

According to Kang Dabao's knowledge, even before the Battle of Little Wu Mountain, there were already two or three Foundation Establishment factions that had been wiped out by Tie Liuyun, not to mention those that had been exploited.

After the Battle of Little Wu Mountain, the Two Instruments Sect had officially withdrawn its influence in Cloud Horn Prefecture, Demon Correction Office to act even more recklessly.

Let alone committing too many acts of annihilation and destruction, which might incite other forces to feel threatened if they perish.

Tie Liuyun was not one to keep his spoils to himself; he was extremely cunning. Before each operation, he would always bring along several forces that had grudges against the victim as a cover.

By playing one faction against another, he actually made his position as deputy commander more and more secure, and his fearsome reputation in Cloud Horn Prefecture grew stronger and stronger.

The Ming Household was unlucky, really. Before the arrival of the Marquis of Earl of Nan'a Kuang Liuting, their family was considered to be close to the Immortal Dynasty; otherwise, they wouldn't have sought a marriage alliance with the Huo Household.

After all, it's true that the Huo Household has Foundation Establishment, but among all the Foundation Establishment in Cloud Horn Prefecture, Huo Bing's strength is roughly at the bottom, and he doesn't have a particularly high status.

Such a loyal and righteous family is hard to find even in the entire Shannan Circuit, so it shouldn't be their turn to be purged.

However, Huo Bing was highly regarded when he first arrived in Kuang Liuting Cloud Horn Prefecture, and the Ming Household family and other forces that were close to him also benefited from it. As a result, the Ming Household became the target of Commander Tie's attention.

He's currently in a hurry to recruit talented individuals and strengthen his own power, so the more Spirit Stone and resources he has, the better.

In Tanggu County today, there are very few things that Commander Tie wants to do but cannot accomplish.

Just look at Tie Xishan, who became the county magistrate of Tanggu County; Tie Xishui served as the trusted clerk of the Earl of Earl of Nan'an in the state court; and Tie Liuyun himself, who held the crucial position of Vice Commander of the Demon Correction Office.

The Tie Household members are all considered to have a smooth official career in the entire state court, so the Ming Household is truly easy to defeat.

Leaving aside high-ranking officials like Commander Tie, even ordinary officials in various counties today are worth much more than before.

Now that the state government can truly back people up, the officials under its jurisdiction, both high and low, finally have real power.

It can be said that even a minor official can ruin a family, and a low-ranking official can wipe out an entire clan.

If the state court were to appoint someone from a powerful faction to be the county's chief official at this time, the county would not be viewed as a monstrous threat by everyone as it had been before.

Some families are even spending exorbitant sums to Xun Prefecture court to buy official positions. Those with connections are fortunate; those without, even with abundant Spirit Stone, have no idea where to send them!

If these powerful figures were to hear how Kang Dabao rose to power back then, they would be green with envy!

The reason why officials in the current Immortal Dynasty are so sought after is naturally because they can reap benefits from holding office.

As for just how nutritious it can be, just look at Tie Xishan and you'll know.

Since he came to Tanggu County to serve as the chief official, he has indulged in wine and women every day and neglected his cultivation. However, after purchasing several Breakthrough Pills, his cultivation level has advanced by leaps and bounds, reaching the Qi Refining Fifth Layer.

Regardless of whether these potent medicinal pills have any side effects or toxicity, if he can't afford them, he might still be stuck at the Third Layer of Qi Refinement in twenty years.

As for where the Spirit Stone used to buy the pills came from? Of course, they were obtained by extorting them from the county magistrate.

Now that Kang Dabao understands the crux of the matter, and Tie Xishan truly has no authority to make the decision, he no longer wants to delay the latter's good deed.

He immediately made up an excuse to leave, and after a hasty farewell, he rode his old donkey out the door and headed towards the Ming Lineage's Learning Forest Mountain.

After handing over the visiting card to the gatekeeper outside the formation, the current patriarch of the Ming Household, Second Master Ming, opened the main gate to welcome him. He was Kang Dabao's master's wife's direct uncle, making him a very close elder.

When Kang Dabao first learned that he was to be forced to marry a woman from the Fei Household, he did consider inviting her to sit in the seat of honor of an elder.

Seeing his elders personally welcoming him, Kang Dabao couldn't be impolite. He handed the gifts he had brought to the Ming Household servant beside him, dismounted from the donkey, and respectfully performed the bow.

"Brother Bao is here." Second Master Ming nodded with a smile. Several key members of the Ming Household stood beside him, making for a rather grand welcoming scene.

Different people require different approaches to dealing with things.

Upon entering the council hall, he rinsed his mouth with a sip of the spiritual tea brought by a pretty maid, letting her wipe away the few drops of tea from the corners of his mouth. Then he recounted what he had seen and heard in Tanggu County to everyone in the hall.

Kang Dabao then sat up straight and said seriously, "So that Second Master and all the elders and brothers know, I don't think County Magistrate Tie was lying. He only said that this matter is not something he can decide. It seems that we need to make other plans."

Looking at Second Master Ming Kang Dabao, who was speaking eloquently, Master Ming couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

This chubby boy, who used to be lazy and greedy, now has a rather cheerful and bright appearance. Then, a sigh escaped his lips, and a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face.

The family has suffered a tremendous change and suddenly encountered such great difficulties. Ming Household relatives and friends of the Ming family who have contacted them must not be Chongming Sect's family.

The fact that the Ming Household had been targeted by Tanggu County was already being talked about in Double Brightness Trade Market in the neighboring county, so it was hardly a secret in the vicinity.

After sending several letters, only a few bland letters returned, Ming Household naturally understood what the other party meant.

While this did allow both sides to save face, the underlying problems still needed to be addressed. Therefore Second Master Ming, as a last resort, wrote a letter to Kang Dabao.

Unexpectedly, Chongming Sect was actually too busy with his own affairs.

Moreover, Kang Dabao not only came, but also went to Tie Xishan Mountain, a place the Ming Household had repeatedly tried to visit but failed, and obtained important news.

This made the Second Master Ming, who had secretly instructed the Ming Household to sever ties with the Chongming Sect in previous years, feel somewhat ashamed.

The Second Master of the Ming Household has certainly seen what it means to forgive past grievances and to be magnanimous.

I was reminded of what my eldest brother used to say when he was alive a few years ago, "Double Brightness's three sons are all extraordinary: Yuan Household Chubi, Jiang Suizhen, and Kang Zhilan."

At the time, Second Master Ming thought his elder brother was just getting senile, but he never imagined that his brother's words would actually come true.

Furthermore, since Sect Leader Kang Da had previously sent Kuai En to return Ming Yue's ceremonial cap, their attitude towards Sect Leader Kang Da became even better.

This old man is not stupid. Although he is of a high generation, he is not old and his mind is still sharp.

He was considered the most satisfactory successor of the Ming Household patriarch. In his youth, he was not only praised by Foundation Establishment True Cultivator as having the potential to reach Foundation Establishment, but he also managed the entire Ming Household to become increasingly prosperous.

Not only did Master Kang Dabao receive his teachings when he was alive, but even He Dezong's father, who was very good at managing the household, was very Qi Ingestion with him.

Such a shrewd person would naturally understand the meaning behind Kang Dabao's words.

The person in Tanggu County who was preparing to take action against the Ming Household was of very high status, so high that even the current county magistrate Tie Xishan, was not qualified to mediate. Therefore, it is self-evident who this person was.

"Can Brother Bao speak to the Commander?" Second Master Ming asked, and all eyes turned to Kang Dabao, filled with hope.

Those who have never been fried in oil don't know what this tastes like.

"The crux of the matter is not how the younger generation should speak to Commander Tie, but how to satisfy Commander Tie."

Kang Dabao put down his teacup and spoke the prepared statement, "The Huo Household Tanggu already has some friction with Commander Tie, and we also bear the name of being related to the Huo Household by marriage. Forgive my bluntness, but in my opinion, even if Commander Tie goes further, the state court probably won't interfere."

Second Master Ming listened in silence. The principle was so simple that he naturally understood it. He also knew in his heart that this was the consequence of losing one's backer.

Tanggu County was less affected by the Pingman campaign and was not as devastated as Pingrong County, so no Foundation Establishment power would even look at it.

The food chain here, where big fish eat small fish, is already stable.

Lineage like the Ming Household, which are Rogue Cultivator Qi Refinement, may seem prosperous to outsiders, but in reality, without a powerful backer, even if Tie Liuyun doesn't intervene, they will eventually be devoured by other families.

However, the Ming Household was currently embroiled in trouble, and no Foundation Establishment power in the vicinity was willing to risk offending Commander Tie, a prominent figure, to accept the Ming Household's allegiance.

"Brother Bao says makes sense. I've prepared a gift list these past few days. Brother Bao you can speak with Commander Tie, then I'll take the liberty of having you pay him a visit."

The second master of the Ming Household looked ashamed, deeply regretting his decision to sever ties with the Chongming Sect back then.

"This junior will certainly do his best, but as for the outcome, that remains to be seen," Sect Leader Kang Da replied, sitting upright. He was not one to boast, and his cautious and meticulous manner earned him even higher regard from Second Master Ming.

The latter waved his hand to interrupt, saying generously, "Regardless of whether it succeeds or not, the Ming Household owes you a favor Brother Bao. Second Master also thanks you on behalf of my elder brother!"

"This junior wouldn't dare!" It wasn't until he heard Second Master Ming mention the deceased patriarch of the Ming Household that Kang Dabao stood up, and his expression finally changed somewhat.

"Good child, just go ahead. Although the Ming Household is small, it will not disappoint you." With these words from the second master of the Ming Household, the meeting was considered over for the day.

The maidservant led Sect Leader Kang Da to a guest room adorned with pearls and jade to rest.

After returning to his room, Sect Leader Kang Da still remembered the last words that Second Master Ming Household had said to make amends.

The latter is a discerning person. Knowing that Sect Leader Kang Da is a person who values gratitude, she wouldn't just try to win him over with this affection; she also knew to ask for some benefits in return.

Although it's true that every family head should have some shrewdness, Kang Dabao still felt somewhat disappointed after hearing this.

No wonder the second master of the Ming Household was able to make such a shortsighted move as severing ties with the Chongming Sect; his vision was far smaller than that of the patriarch of the Ming Household.

After all, the latter wouldn't do something like speaking warmly but only making empty promises, thus greatly displeasing those who wanted to help. If the old man were present, he would probably have handed over the prepared reward right from the start.

But the second master of the Ming Household

Kang Dabao felt that in the other party's eyes, he was like a ghostwriter, as if he had come specifically for the reward money.

A wave of bitterness welled up in my heart. I have to say, the Second Master of the Ming Household's actions were truly appreciated thanks to the Sect Leader Kang Da's heartfelt sentiments.

"Once this matter is settled, and I have repaid the old man's kindness over the years, we will have little contact afterward."

Kang Dabao thought to himself sullenly, then remembered that he was to visit Tie Liuyun again in a few days. His brows furrowed. "I'm willing but unable. That's all I can do. Without reaching the Foundation Establishment, I'm just an ant!"

(I'll owe you the extra chapter for now)

Thanks to Edith and Dadianzi for their Extended Net Moon.

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