Cloud Horn Changes Hands

Six months later, in Xuanwei City

When Sect Leader Kang Da came here this time, he was much less apprehensive than before. He had received the imperial edict from Kuang Liuting, and as always, he traveled light and simply. Apart from his two sons and Duan Anle, he did not even bring a personal concubine, which can be described as extremely simple.

The reason for coming here is to prepare for taking over the entire territory of Cloud Horn Prefecture. After all, this was the former fiefdom of the Duke of Qin. Even though it was a remote border region, its significance was not simple. That is why Kang Dabao was specially invited to pay his respects.

Zhu Tong, the chief clerk of the Duke's mansion, arrived at the city gate early to greet him. The two rows of clerks standing at the city gate were all obedient, showing no trace of their usual domineering and arrogant demeanor.

Both are Golden Core, both have no origins, and both are lackeys of the Immortal Dynasty, yet there is a difference in their levels.

Zhu Tong was classified as a low-ranking official and was granted the Earl of Xiang County, but this was merely a nominal title with only a fief and no right to establish his own residence. Compared to the Marquis of Martial Peace, the Sect Leader Kang Da, the difference in their status was obvious.

However, the disciples and former officials of the Left Gui Nianzhi's lineage have always only been willing to compete in the imperial court, so Zhu Tong did not care much about this matter.

Moreover, it was just a remote military prefecture, not something he should envy. What Zhu Tong valued most now was how to use his position as a close associate of the Crown Prince, Kuang Liuting, to plan things for the Left Chancellor.

Although Zhu Tong Core Formation in one go, it was only through years of accumulated Merit Points, the acquisition of rare spiritual objects, and the use of some clever tricks that he was able to accomplish it.

Because of the low quality of the pills, Zhu Tong found it difficult to even cultivate a slightly higher-grade Cultivation Method, and in the future, he had almost no hope of becoming True Person.

To be honest, if we disregard the precious treasures that his mentor, a disciple of the Chancellor Gui, had bestowed upon him on him several times, Zhu Tong's fighting skills might not even be comparable to those of Wufeng and Xie Yi.

This is the drawback of forcing growth, and Zhu Tong was well aware of it. Her gaze towards Sect Leader Kang Da also concealed a hint of envy.

However, the latter could not feel any sympathy for this disciple of the Chancellor Gui. Back then, a large portion of the shops that Chongming Sect in Xuanwei City, as well as the large sums of benefits he offered, had ended up in the pockets of this close associate of the Cloud Horn Prefecture.

Given Kang Dabao's typically stingy nature towards outsiders, he would naturally remember everything clearly. And Zhu Tong, being as intelligent as she was, would certainly not be completely unaware of the actions of those close to him.

However, when the two met this time, they were very amicable, and neither showed the slightest displeasure on their faces.

This is to be expected; they have all cultivated for so many years and become highly accomplished cultivators, how could they lack even this much composure?

Therefore, even though Sect Leader Kang Da felt that if they fought in a fair fight, he could easily take Zhu Tong's life in just a few rounds, he still greeted her warmly when he saw her again.

He even referred to him as "former magistrate," completely concealing his private dislike and hatred for his former superior.

Zhu Tong was also very experienced. Afterwards, he even smiled and walked side by side with Sect Leader Kang Da. When he pointed to the increasingly prosperous city in front of them and spoke, his tone was still very gentle:

"This city originally had eleven large wards and twenty small wards, totaling three hundred streets and countless shops. Among them were twelve branches of Nascent Soul sects such as the Lu Craftsman Sect and the Dragon and Tiger Sect. In the past, they rarely opened more than a few times in a sixty-year period. It was only after the completion of the government office in recent years that they were able to do business more often."

Before Your Excellency's arrival, the city had fewer than three thousand cultivators, most of whom Rogue Cultivator and penniless; now, however, it boasts fifteen thousand people, including many from humble backgrounds, possessing a wide range of cultivation skills and producing a constant stream of talented individuals. Even ordinary Golden Core sects would find it difficult to have such a large city."

Sect Leader Kang Da nodded in agreement, confirming that Zhu Tong's words were not an exaggeration. In the past, when the Niu and Yue families coexisted, Xuanwei City and Han City could be compared.

However, ever since Kuang Liuting took over Cloud Horn Prefecture, the gap between these two cultivation cities has visibly widened.

Since Kuang Liuting was granted the title of Duke and became the heir apparent, the difference between these two places has become incomprehensible. Xuanwei City currently only has 15,000 cultivators, which is because the city can only house 15,000 people.

In fact, this cultivation city, which inherited the legacy of the Dingnan Niu Household, did not have outstanding Spirit Vein to begin with, and had not even reached the Third Tier. Even with 15,000 people cultivating here, the Spiritual Qi within was already stretched thin.

This forced prominent families like the Fei Household to seek out other Spirit Vein and place disciples elsewhere to ensure their descendants' cultivation was not hindered.

As the chief clerk of the Duke's mansion, Zhu Tong was one of the more important officials under Kuang Liuting. He wouldn't bring up such matters with Sect Leader Kang Da without reason. He coughed lightly, his tone becoming slightly more solemn, before speaking calmly:

"Many colleagues in the Duke's mansion advised the Duke to move the entire city to Phoenix Cry Prefecture," Zhu Tong said, glancing furtively at the Sect Leader Kang Da's expression. He saw no change in expression, but was not surprised. He continued, "However, the Duke rejected this proposal, asking the officials of the mansion to postpone the discussion."

"Your Excellency's kindness is immeasurable; I have no way to repay it."

Zhu Tong nodded upon hearing this, thinking to herself that Kang Dabao was indeed as obedient as before, which made things easier, but he also didn't dare to do anything against Kuang Liuting's wishes.

When they arrived at the gate of the Duke of Qin, Sect Leader Kang Da discovered that the guards on duty had been replaced by the Fei Household Ying Mountain Army under Shu Zhengde, which was quite intriguing.

After ascending the jade steps, Sect Leader Kang Da easily saw Kuang Liuting sitting alone on the golden throne.

The two had not seen each other for some time, but Kang Dabao seemed to be able to sense that the sharpness in this Duke of Qin had become much fainter, and he was much more reserved, which was quite different from when the latter first came to Cloud Horn Prefecture.

The once slender Daoist priest now exuded an air of nobility, and even his voice carried a touch of warmth. "Marquis of Martial Peace busy with countless affairs of state, and I have troubled you to take time out of your busy schedule to come here for a meeting. It must be hard for you."

Sect Leader Kang Da had served Kuang Liuting diligently for many years, but he had never heard such words of consideration before. Therefore, after Kuang Liuting spoke, the former was suddenly taken aback before saying, "I dare not claim to have 'worked hard' in front of you, Lord."

"Registrar Zhu, please take your three young friends away. I will entertain the Marquis of Martial Peace." Kuang Liuting gently raised his hand, dismissing Zhu Tong from the doorway, and then ordered the latter to take Kang Dabao's three juniors out of the palace.

"Marquis of Martial Peace, please have a seat. The Green Jade Pavilion in Liangxi Circuit has just served some fresh tea. Let's have a taste together."

Unable to refuse Kuang Liuting Kang Dabao no choice but to let a pretty maidservant brew the spirit tea. Before even taking a sip, he exclaimed, "Golden millet tea, dragon's brain tea, truly worthy of the Duke's generous gift! Truly exceptional!"

Duke of Qin nodded for a moment, then smiled and said, "If Marquis of Martial Peace really likes it, then take the person and the tea back with him."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Sect Leader Kang Da saw the pretty maid serving tea's smile suddenly freeze, but then quickly fade, leaving her with a pitiful, submissive expression.

Regardless of whether Kuang Liuting was trying to win people's hearts, Kang Dabao was unwilling to accept this generous gift, so he simply smiled and said apologetically:

"This humble official comes from a poor background, and only after currying favor with a few flattering words did I dare to speak before the Duke. Such a precious item is best enjoyed once tasted; to actually take it back would be like a cow chewing on a peony—utterly pointless."

Upon hearing the words "of humble origins," Kuang Liuting laughed, but then added, "It's just a peony. Whether you admire it or eat it, it's all a refined pursuit. What's the difference between high and low?"

He turned his head and instructed the pretty maid beside him, "Go and divide half of the new tea offered by the Green Jade Pavilion, and give it to Marquis of Martial Peace to take back later."

After the latter left as if granted a pardon, the Duke of Qin dismissed all the maids, servants, and other attendants before turning back to carefully examine Sect Leader Kang Da for a while. "I truly never expected that Marquis of Martial Peace would have such good fortune."

The latter bowed again, and then the prepared speech rolled out from his throat. "It is all thanks to your patronage and guidance, sir, that I have achieved this."

"Ha, Marquis of Martial Peace, hold on. If you continue with this pretentious act before me, it's pointless."

After gesturing to stop Kang Dabao from speaking, Kuang Liuting continued, "You are different from people like Zhu Tong. They have been trained by those powerful families to be obedient, which makes them reliable and easy to use, but they cannot match your innate pride and your cunning hidden strength."

"What you mean, Your Excellency." Sect Leader Kang Da instinctively wanted to argue, but stopped halfway through his sentence.

Then the Duke of Qin laughed again, "Why bother making up stories to fool me? You're only sixty years old, yet you've already achieved a mid-grade elixir. You're skilled in everything, and killing your peers in battle is as easy as pie. It would be strange if someone like you were still as obedient and easy to order around as you were back then. If you heard that, would you believe it?"

Since Kuang Liuting had spoken so frankly, the fear on Kang Dabao's face gradually faded. The latter was in no hurry to explain, but simply replied in a calm voice, "Your Excellency has discerning eyes; I am ashamed to admit my inferiority."

Duke of Qin shook his head again and sighed, "Even though I've lost much of my edge over the years, I'm not so oblivious as to not notice this slight difference. Your pride grew along with your newly formed Golden Core, and it's quite striking."

He paused abruptly at this point, then changed to a more amiable tone and said, "You have talent, so you should naturally be proud. This principle applies everywhere. I'm not afraid of arrogant subordinates; I'm only afraid of mediocre subordinates who will only ruin my situation."

Kang Dabao remained silent and did not utter a word.

Kuang Liuting's enthusiasm for conversation didn't seem to wane at all. Instead, he scrutinized Sect Leader Kang Da from head to toe for a while longer. "Truly impressive. You are much stronger now than I was before I achieved the Golden Core stage."

Kang Dabao's heart sank upon hearing this. For the first time ever, he felt a surge of resentment and dissatisfaction towards this member of the royal family. He thought to himself, "Is he only much stronger than you before Core Formation?!"

Before he could ponder for long, Kuang Liuting's question reached his ears again, "I didn't intervene in the matter at the Three Immortals Cave last time, so what was your opinion?"

At this moment, there was no time for Sect Leader Kang Da to remain silent. Although his response came suddenly, it was not long before he answered.

"In my humble opinion, the truth of this matter is self-evident and need not be elaborated upon. However, Your Excellency's status is not what it used to be, and your words and actions may carry too much weight. After all, this involves the True Person's disciples, and you must have your own difficulties and cannot easily express your opinion."

Kuang Liuting's eyes showed a hint of surprise. "Ha, these superficial excuses, you just as convincingly make them up as those of the high-ranking officials in the Duke's mansion."

When the Duke of Qin spoke of this, the sadness in his eyes was almost impossible to conceal. He then sighed softly before speaking to Kang Dabao again:

That old bird from your Yue Household came to make a scene before, demanding that everyone in my Office of the Duke of Qin quickly withdraw from his son-in-law's fiefdom and stop using his son-in-law's supplies. It really made the dukes and nobles look quite embarrassed. But it doesn't matter, it feels wronged and wants to throw a tantrum, let it make a scene.

However, what it said was true. The Office of the Duke of Qin will be moving to Phoenix Cry Prefecture this season. At that time, the entire territory of Cloud Horn Prefecture will be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Marquis of Martial Peace's Residence. You should make sure to hand over the reins properly with Zhu Tong and avoid causing any unrest.

"Yes," Kang Dabao replied, suddenly perking up when he heard Kuang Liuting, who was usually decisive and didn't procrastinate, finally get to the heart of the matter. He then became attentive and listened attentively.

Kuang Liuting stood up from the golden throne. "At that time, apart from the Duke's entourage and officials, the Duke's mansion will not take away any of the remaining cultivators in Cloud Horn Prefecture. The two cultivation cities, Xuanwei City and Han City, will also be handed over to the Marquis of Martial Peace's Residence for proper management; they will not be involved in any mountain-moving activities. However, the Duke's mansion cannot decide whether the cultivators within stay or leave. If they wish to stay, Marquis of Martial Peace, you will need to put in some effort yourself."

As Kang Dabao was overjoyed, he also understood the meaning behind Kuang Liuting's words about the departure and stay of those cultivators.

Although Cloud Horn Prefecture is now far more prosperous than before, in the end, most people came here for the Office of the Duke of Qin, and they will inevitably migrate there as well.

It is foreseeable that Cloud Horn Prefecture will become visibly desolate in the future, and there will likely be many loose ends that will require Sect Leader Kang Da and his disciples to clean up.

"This humble official will remember your teachings, sir."

"Hmm, I'm not worried about your abilities." Kuang Liuting didn't hesitate to say some flattering words today, then proceeded to warn, "The funds for establishing your own government have already been received from the court, and most of them should be allocated within a quarter. From then on, Cloud Horn Prefecture will be your fiefdom, belonging solely to your family. You must take care of the lives of millions and not act rashly."

As the words were about to come out, Kuang Liuting recalled the prosperous and peaceful scenes he had witnessed in Ping and Jin counties, and realized that his words were indeed burning his tongue.

So Kuang Liuting put away the admonition and waved his hand, saying, "Go now. From now on, as a noble relative of the Immortal Dynasty and an important minister of the realm, you must not forget to be dutiful and loyal to the country."

Having finally heard these words, Kang Dabao had no intention of lingering any longer. He immediately bowed deeply and was about to leave the hall when the Duke of Qin called out to him, "Marquis of Martial Peace, please wait a moment."

"My lord?"

"If I were to say that I have not yet lost my ambition to cleanse the world and bring order to the universe, would Marquis of Martial Peace believe me or not?"

"I believe it."

"Then I'll take that as a sign you believe me. Go on your way."