Chapter 1130: Market Site Designation (II)

A moment later, a man with his hair bound and a sword strapped to his back entered the hall and bowed respectfully. "This junior, Wang Quwan of the Floating South Wang Family, greets my lord."

The cultivators from the Jiangbei branch, having recently joined the Li Family, had naturally banded together for protection. The Floating South faction had the largest numbers; most of them trained under Qu Buzhi, and they proudly regarded themselves as disciples of the Floating South lineage.

Another faction consisted of cultivators from the Hidden East. They consisted mainly of surrendered generals and the old families pressed into service within Milin. They were led by Miaoshui. Their numbers were few, and their cultivation modest. Since Miaoshui was on friendly terms with Qu Buzhi, these cultivators also gathered under the Jiangbei banner to associate with the Floating South cultivators, though they were still considered somewhat inferior.

Wang Quwan's Wang Family hailed originally from Jiangbei but, strictly speaking, belonged to the Hidden East lineage. Fortunately, they had relocated to Floating South years ago. Ever astute, Wang Quwan had left Zhijing Mountain a few months earlier and immediately began introducing himself as a member of the Floating South Wang Family. He first paid respects to Qu Buzhi and then came to meet Ding Weizeng on his second visit.

Though loyal and upright, Ding Weizeng had never shown much interest in factional matters. Yet, given his current position, he had naturally become the de facto leader recognized by both Jiangbei factions. Thus, Wang Quwan's visit came as no surprise to him.

Wang Quwan came with tact and purpose, and Ding Weizeng had long wanted to see him.

The reason was simple. Ding Weizeng's absolute loyalty lay with Li Ximing, and Wang Quwan had already earned Li Ximing's favor. Rumor even had it that he might be promised an Essence Gathering Pill.

Naturally, Ding Weizeng had a high regard for him, and he asked, "Quwan, there's no need for formality. Have your supplies and cultivation quarters been arranged?"

Wang Quwan hurried to reply. After listening, Ding Weizeng realized that the arrangements were of the highest standard within the family. He nodded silently, further convinced of the young man's favored status, and asked, "Did Senior Qu explain the family's affairs to you clearly? Are you familiar with everything?"

The decline of the old Lijing branch was now unmistakable. The once-prosperous Huayu faction had collapsed overnight following An Siwei's capture. Meanwhile, the Milin and Nanzhang factions were growing in power, leaving the foreign Jiangbei group in an awkward position; one misstep could easily offend the wrong people.

Even if Qu Buzhi had not explained all this to Wang Quwan, a few days of careful inquiry would have given him a fair idea. Nonetheless, it was always better to confirm, so he replied, "My lord, I understand everything clearly."

Ding Weizeng nodded but still offered a word of caution, "The old retainers of Lijing may no longer be prominent, but they still deserve respect. As for the disputes between the Fei Family and the Floating South cultivators, it's best that you stay clear of them. Focus on your cultivation."

Wang Quwan understood exactly what he was referring to. Over the past decade, the Fei Family of the northern shore had accumulated deep blood feuds with the Floating South faction. Many Floating South cultivators had originally been from small northern families that defected to the Floating Cloud Cave. Though both sides now served under the same banner, the old grudges and resentments could not be easily washed away.

However, the Wang Family had come from the Hidden East and had never been involved in those conflicts, leaving their name untainted.

Wang Quwan replied, "The oldest young master and the family head both instructed me not to leave the island before reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm."

The moment he heard this, Ding Weizeng immediately understood,

Wang Quwan carries the hopes of the Floating South faction. They fear he might be targeted by the northern faction!

In truth, Li Jiangqian did worry that Wang Quwan might be harmed by the cultivators of Capital Immortal Dao. The matter of Mount Xiaoshi could only proceed with Wang Quwan's involvement. If anything happened to him, it might be a long time before another suitable candidate appeared. Though both men had misunderstood the other's reasoning, they each had a perfectly reasonable explanation.

They conversed for some time. Ding Weizeng listened and nodded repeatedly, realizing that Wang Quwan had already arranged everything from the island's interior to its shoreline. His preparations were more meticulous than Ding Weizeng himself could have managed.

As their talk grew more congenial, Ding Weizeng rose despite Wang Quwan's polite refusals and personally escorted him out, saying with a smile, "With a family head like you, the Floating South Wang Family is truly blessed beyond measure!"

"It is only thanks to the Daoist Master's favor," replied Wang Quwan.

As they stepped outside the hall, they saw a young man in a dark crimson robe waiting at the foot of the steps.

Ding Weizeng paused briefly, then bowed respectfully as he said, "My respects, young master."

Li Jiangqian smiled as he approached, giving Wang Quwan a courteous nod. Understanding his place, Wang Quwan excused himself and withdrew. Ding Weizeng quickly invited Li Jiangqian inside, but the youth did not state his purpose right away.

Instead, he said with a light smile, "Lord Ding, what do you think of Wang Quwan?"

Ding Weizeng's expression turned solemn as he replied in a steady tone, "This man is unlikely to remain a small fish in a shallow pond."

"Oh?"

Li Jiangqian prompted further, and Ding Weizeng continued, "Though not young, his cultivation is steady and refined and his mana pure. He dresses plainly and carries himself with composure. The cord on his dharma sword is frayed, and calluses have formed on his palms from constant seal practice. His brow bears the air of clear wind and bright moon, and he's upright and untainted. Even when bowing, he maintains dignity without arrogance. If he acts decisively, knowing when to advance or retreat. He will surely rise above his peers if given a proper opportunity."

Li Jiangqian pondered for a moment and asked, "You seem to think highly of him, Lord Ding."

Though his tone held mild surprise, his thoughts were already forming,

Opportunity? The Dao Lineage of Mount Xiaoshi is a fated chance, unshakable as iron. Could fate truly be moving in his favor? Perhaps I should reward him with resources, treasures, and favor from the family's ladies...

Yet as that thought arose, a sudden chill struck him, and he wondered,

How can I be sure that this impulse to favor him isn't itself born from his fate's fortune? Is it fate manipulating men, or men shaping fate?

The reflection lasted only an instant, yet Wang Quwan's name was etched deeply in his heart. A faint smile crossed his lips as he spoke, "I came here today because there is a matter that requires your assistance."

"Please give your orders, young master!"

Ding Weizeng immediately nodded and looked at Li Jiangqian, who had assumed a serious expression. Li Jiangqian said, "I received orders from the Daoist Master some time ago to construct a tower, a jade court, and a market district. The jade court has been completed, and the tower is nearly finished. Only the market remains without a proper overseer.

"The Daoist Master returned briefly at midnight. I went to Zhijing Mountain to consult with him, and he personally chose the location which is between Milin Mountain and the eastern shore, on the old grounds of the former Milin Prefecture. It lies at the convergence of five earth veins, making it an ideal place to establish a market.

"That area, however, lacks a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator to oversee it. I've consulted the elders, and only you are available at present. It would be best if you went to take charge, manage the manpower, and see the market's construction completed."

Ding Weizeng nodded without hesitation and replied, "I shall carry out the Daoist Master's command!"

Li Jiangqian withdrew several jade slips from his sleeve, along with a command token, and handed them to him while explaining, "The earth veins in that region have some defects. Time has healed many of them, but a few points still need repair. Take this command token and have the cultivators of Profound Peak Gate handle the restoration."

Defects in earth veins were rare, and few Daoist records contained methods for repairing them. Most of the time, they simply waited for nature to mend them over time. Fortunately, the Profound Peak Gate cultivators now served under the Li Family, and they were experts in such matters.

Still, Ding Weizeng found it curious, his brow furrowing slightly, until Li Jiangqian continued, "That location once belonged to the Yu Family's market. They had good foresight; the spot is the most suitable site along the entire eastern shore. But during the great family conflicts of the past, the market was destroyed, the Jade True formation shattered, and the earth veins beneath were damaged, leading to the troubles we face today."

A calm smile appeared on his face as he instructed, "I'll ensure you have enough manpower. The formation masters I've hired will also arrive on schedule. Once you reach the eastern shore, all the cultivators around the five mountain peaks will fall under your command. Simply find my younger brother and tell him it is the Daoist Master's order. Show him this command token, and he will not object."

Ding Weizeng bowed deeply and said respectfully, "Your subordinate obeys!"