Chapter 182 - 141: Return to the Buffer Zone
Chapter 182: Chapter 141: Return to the Buffer Zone
After all, plenty of people in the great Imperial Dynasties had silver, but very few had Cultivation Techniques. These things were strictly controlled.
For every major clan, they were akin to family heirlooms.
Many clans, even when they fell into decline, would rather let their Cultivation Techniques be lost to time than bring them out.
If this Academy Palace was built, its influence would be profound, not just for the Northern Barbarians, but for the entire world.
"Since it will be ready by next spring, we should start admissions in the next few days. It’ll take time for students from faraway lands to travel here. There are merchant caravans from every dynasty in the Imperial City. Have our people go with them and spread the word: anyone who purchases one of our houses in South City will be allowed to learn two Third-Grade Cultivation Skills.
Furthermore, outstanding disciples will later have access to Fourth-Grade and even Fifth-Grade Cultivation Skills.
And every year, a selection of students will be chosen to practice a Sixth-Grade Cultivation Skill," Lu Yuan said, his voice calm.
But Cai Chong’s face was filled with shock as he listened.
"Your Highness, what will the prices for these houses be?"
"The small courtyards will be five million taels each. The large ones will be fifty million taels. Tuition is one hundred thousand taels per person. As for the Cultivation Techniques, the price will double for each grade you advance," Lu Yuan said calmly, taking a sip of tea.
"My... My Lord, isn’t that price a bit too high?" the steward stammered.
If this really succeeded, they could make hundreds of millions of taels from the small courtyards alone. What did that even mean? They would be far wealthier than the imperial court.
It would be enough to elevate the Northern Barbarians’ wealth to a whole new level.
"These houses were never meant for ordinary people. The goal is to gather all the wealthiest people in the world here. Even these courtyards might not be enough. Later, we can slowly acquire more land and expand the Academy Palace.
The aim is to transform all of South City into an academy city."
Lu Yuan’s ambitions were vast.
If they truly opened access to Fourth and Fifth-Grade Cultivation Skills later, it wouldn’t just be the merchants who were interested. Even the decorated nobles from the various Imperial Dynasties would likely be unable to sit still.
’Now *that* would be interesting.’
The steward at his side bowed. "As you command!"
Listening to Lu Yuan’s words, his own heart surged with excitement.
If they really pulled this off, the Prince’s Mansion would possess wealth to rival a nation.
Lu Yuan continued, "In the coming days, you must ensure the news is spread thoroughly."
"Yes, Your Highness," Cai Chong quickly replied.
TAP! TAP!
But at that moment, the sound of footsteps came from outside the study.
Then, Wei Yong’s voice followed. "Your Highness, this subordinate has something to report."
"Come in," Lu Yuan said, looking up.
Then, Wei Yong was seen walking in, looking as if he wanted to speak but was hesitating.
Lu Yuan glanced at Cai Chong. "You may leave for now. I’m leaving the matter of South City to you."
The latter bowed and withdrew.
Then, Lu Yuan said to Wei Yong, "What happened? Speak."
"There’s trouble in the buffer zone. Several of Dayong’s Princes are acting like madmen, constantly seizing territory there. I’ve heard that the Eldest Prince, the Third Prince, and the Seventh Prince have even gone personally to preside over the situation from Sai City.
It looks like they’re determined to swallow the entire buffer zone. There have even been sightings of Gathering Pill experts," Wei Yong said, looking anxious.
Lu Yuan’s brow twitched, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
’There’s likely only one reason for Dayong to act like this: they’re probably preparing to move against the Northern Barbarians. If they gain covert control of the buffer zone, they can use it as a springboard to continuously pour troops into our territory.’
"Didn’t the Northern Barbarians back a few factions as well? What’s their situation now?"
"Not good at all. They’ve suffered a major blow. The imperial court seems to be short on silver, so the support being sent to the buffer zone has dwindled. They can’t possibly resist the expansion of the factions backed by Dayong," Wei Yong said softly.
Right now, not even Xiao Hua knew of Lu Yuan’s connection to the Celestial King Stronghold; she only thought they had a good relationship.
’If I told her, Xiao Hua would definitely do everything she could to help. But I know a little about the Northern Barbarians’ situation.’
’They simply can’t support the expenses of an army of several hundred thousand.’
’Sending men would make it even more likely for a war to break out between the Northern Barbarians and Dayong prematurely. That’s a risk I can’t take.’
So, this was something he had to solve himself.
Therefore, after a moment of contemplation, he said, "I understand. I’ll set out for the Celestial King Stronghold first thing tomorrow morning. Didn’t you transfer a hundred men here from the Stronghold? Have them go with me. I won’t be taking any of the Prince’s Mansion’s Personal Guards."
After speaking, Lu Yuan took out a brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone, and began to write furiously.
A moment later, he had finished a letter. He sealed it and handed it to Wei Yong. "Have someone deliver this to the Crown Princess first thing tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Wei Yong nodded quickly.
The letter’s general message was that Lu Yuan needed to make a trip to the buffer zone to bring his mother over.
It told Xiao Hua not to worry and also served as a request for a leave of absence from the Xiao Clan.
Then, he waved his hand, dismissing Wei Yong.
Lu Yuan let out a long, slow breath.
’It’s been a while since I left Dayong. I wonder how Xiao Hongling and Zhou He are doing. I’d really like to see them, if possible.’
By now, a clear plan had already formed in his mind. ’If Dayong really intends to use the buffer zone... then I can make good use of the Celestial King Stronghold.’
He then returned to the rear courtyard to rest.
The night passed without incident. The next morning, Lu Yuan led Wei Yong and the others out of the mansion.
These hundred-plus men had practiced the Cultivation Technique Lu Yuan had given them, and with a steady supply of various resources, they had all now reached the Tendon Refining realm.
They wore armor of black scales, which looked similar to the armor of the Celestial King Stronghold, but its quality was incomparably better.
They all knew Lu Yuan’s identity now.
They understood that this famous General of the Northern Patrol from Dayong was actually their own Village Chief, and they knew that he was now Prince Qin of the Northern Barbarians.
Every single one of them was thrilled.
This was especially true after they were transferred to the Northern Barbarians’ Imperial City.
They now considered themselves Lu Yuan’s trusted confidants.
And their strength was indeed impressive, no worse than that of an ordinary Dayong Imperial Guard.
As they set out, they all wore Bronze Masks. Wei Yong had given specific orders: no one was to reveal the Prince’s identity, on pain of death without mercy.
After the incident of Lu Yuan coming out of seclusion, although many people knew he had a good relationship with the Celestial King Stronghold, they did not know that Lu Yuan was its Village Chief.
After all, at that time, he was merely the General of the Northern Patrol, and in the eyes of others, his own cultivation was only at the Innate realm.
It was simply impossible for someone like that to make such a large stronghold submit to him.
One had to remember that the Celestial King Stronghold had Void Manipulation experts. Moreover, based on the power the mysterious Village Chief had displayed, some speculated he had even reached the Gathering Pill realm.
Lu Yuan wanted to take advantage of this very point.
He planned to use it to make some moves in the future, so for now, this identity had to remain a secret.
「Meanwhile, in a newly built, magnificent mansion in Yellow Sand City.」
The Seventh Prince was seated in the main hall.
His gaze was fixed below, a look of displeasure on his face.
Standing there was none other than the envoy who had been stationed at the Celestial King Stronghold.
A layer of sweat beaded on the envoy’s forehead. His face was pale, and he appeared extremely cautious.
After a moment, the Seventh Prince spoke in a low voice. "Speak. What price will it take to make the Celestial King Stronghold submit? You’ve been there for so long. If you can’t even figure out their bottom line, what use are you to me?"
The envoy said fearfully, "Your... Your Highness, their Great Village Chief left recently and hasn’t returned. Also, the Village Chief has a very good relationship with Lu Yuan. Although I couldn’t determine the extent of it, the fact that he dared to confront our Imperial Guard with so many men that day says it all. I believe the chances of recruiting them are slim..."
"Silence! So what if he has a good relationship with Lu Yuan? That only proves our offer isn’t good enough to move the Celestial King Stronghold. You will make another trip for me. Stay there this winter and wait for their Village Chief to return.
Tell him that as long as he’s willing to support me, he can name any condition he wants. From now on, I will provide all the resources for the Celestial King Stronghold.
And in two years, I’ll get him the title of City Marquis."
Then, he glanced at the envoy again and continued, "There’s one more thing. He must unify the buffer zone. If he actually accomplishes that, the price will go up. I will do my best to help him."
Currently, several of the Princes wanted to gain control of the buffer zone and turn it into a springboard for Dayong’s invasion of the Northern Barbarians.
As long as this was accomplished, the position of Crown Prince would be within their grasp.
That was why the Seventh Prince was so anxious, even coming to Sai City to oversee matters personally.
"Yes, yes, Your Highness. This subordinate will definitely convey your words on this trip. I will ensure the Celestial King Stronghold submits this time," the envoy said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Only then did the Seventh Prince nod in satisfaction and wave his hand. "Alright, you’re dismissed. Leave the pass tomorrow. I’ll be waiting for your good news."