Chapter 268 - 264: Heading to the Golden Scale Imperial City
Chapter 268: Chapter 264: Heading to the Golden Scale Imperial City
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled Ye Xing from his thoughts.
He looked up to see Liu Liqun arriving at Immortal Spring Manor. Ye Xing immediately kicked off the ground, leaping from the Lake Heart Pavilion, soaring across the lake, and landing back on the courtyard path.
"This subordinate greets the City Lord!" Liu Liqun said with a deep bow, his gaze filled with awe. He had personally witnessed the young man’s meteoric rise from the Seventh Realm to the Ninth Realm. Just last month, Ye Xing had easily defeated both him and Grey Eagle Cang Hong. After several weeks of consolidation, Ye Xing’s Cultivation felt even more frightening.
After the great battle that led to the death of Grand General Ouyang Xu, Liu Liqun and Grey Eagle Cang Hong, who had been imprisoned in White Cloud City, were both subdued by Ye Xing and integrated into the city’s forces. Consequently, the Liu and Cang Families also relocated to White Cloud City. The city’s power expanded, prompting a complete reorganization that established the positions of three Elders, four Guardians, and numerous Hall Masters, Squad Leaders, and Stewards.
The three Elders were Gao Zhisong, wielder of the Seven-Snake Centipede Whip; Grey Eagle Cang Hong; and Liu Liqun—all three were masters from the Wind and Cloud List. The Four Great Guardians were Ma Feng, Niu Dequan, Hong Hai, and Xue Yong. Together, the three Elders and Four Great Guardians managed White Cloud City, while various Hall Masters and Squad Leaders were sent across the country to establish local Chapters and squads. In the future, as their influence grew, they could even establish footholds in neighboring countries.
"Mm," Ye Xing nodded. "You came to see me. Is there something to report?"
"This morning, the Patriarchs of the Xie, Wu, and Zheng Families from Red Sun Main City came to White Cloud City. They wish to request an audience with you, City Lord," Liu Liqun said with a bow.
"The Xie, Wu, and Zheng Families?" Ye Xing asked, perplexed. "I’ve had no dealings with them. Why would they be looking for me?"
"It’s good news. The Xie, Wu, and Zheng Families have all come to propose marriages. They wish to marry their direct-line daughters to you, City Lord, to forge an alliance with White Cloud City," Liu Liqun said with a smile.
"Er..." Ye Xing paused, then shook his head. "I already have a woman I love. Forget about any marriage proposals."
"Haha, don’t be so quick to refuse, City Lord. There is only one position for a wife, and since you already have someone in your heart, then of course it’s not for them. However, it’s common for a man to have several wives and concubines, and you are so young and accomplished. From what I gathered from the three Patriarchs, their daughters don’t necessarily have to be your primary wife; making them your concubines would likely be acceptable to them. The Xie, Wu, and Zheng are all prominent families in Chiyang City. An alliance with them would bring many benefits to White Cloud City. You, City Lord, could gain both wealth and beautiful women," Liu Liqun said with a laugh. "The prestige of White Cloud City grows by the day. In the future, even more great families will want to form marriage alliances with us to establish a connection."
"Nonsense! White Cloud City relies on its own strength. That is our foundation. What need have we for marriage alliances?" Ye Xing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "What a ridiculous idea. Send them all away!"
"But..." Liu Liqun smiled wryly. "An alliance with these three families has more advantages than disadvantages for White Cloud City. The young women from these families are all extraordinary beauties and could bear you a Young City Lord sooner rather than later. Please, City Lord, reconsider!"
"My mind is made up. The matter is closed," Ye Xing said coolly.
’The Xie, Zheng, and Wu Families are all major powers in Red Sun Province. Though not Innate Families, they have Ninth Realm masters and are considered highly influential within Red Sun Main City. Of course I know what those three Patriarchs are plotting. White Cloud City’s power is growing rapidly, its might shaking Red Sun Province. They want to latch onto us, and if they could form a marriage alliance, their gains would be immense.’
’Of course, an alliance wouldn’t be without its benefits for White Cloud City; it might even enhance our prestige. But in my opinion, this kind of alliance isn’t reliable at all. When White Cloud City is strong, these families flock to us. But if White Cloud City ever weakens, it would be a completely different story.’
’Even setting aside my personal feelings, I couldn’t care less. The power of the three families might seem significant in Red Sun Province, but to me, they’re nothing. I could crush them with a flick of my finger. Besides,’ Ye Xing’s thoughts softened, ’my heart is full of longing for Mengxue. I just want to see her again. I have absolutely no interest in other women.’
Liu Liqun could only shake his head and smile wryly at Ye Xing’s decision. All of White Cloud City revolved around its City Lord. Ye Xing had absolute authority; once he made a decision, not even the combined influence of the three Elders and Four Great Guardians could change it. Seeing that his persuasion was futile, Liu Liqun had no choice but to drop the matter.
"By the way, has there been any reaction from the Southern Tang Country?" Ye Xing’s gaze sharpened as he asked in a low voice.
"No reaction to speak of. State General Zhou Yong is gathering the deserters and rebuilding the Red Sun Army, but they pose no real threat to us. Those soldiers were scared witless during the last battle. Even if the Red Sun Army is reformed, they’ll likely still be terrified of White Cloud City," Liu Liqun said. "As for the Imperial City, there has been no movement. The Tang and Chu Countries are still at war, so I expect the Emperor of Southern Tang doesn’t want to stir up more trouble."
"Mm, peaceful coexistence is for the best. But if they dare to provoke us, I won’t hesitate to teach them a lesson," Ye Xing said coldly.
With White Cloud City’s current strength, even an army of several hundred thousand from the Southern Tang Court would find it difficult to conquer. And if Ye Xing were to go on the offensive, the entire Red Sun Province would be in peril. Moreover, with each passing day, White Cloud City’s defenses were growing stronger and more complete.
"City Lord, the city’s important affairs are mostly settled. Elder Gao and Elder Canghong are both in Secluded Cultivation. Thanks to the Celestial Tier Treasure Manual you granted us, this subordinate has also felt his Cultivation improve greatly. I too wish to enter seclusion and make a push for the Innate Realm!" Liu Liqun said, his eyes filled with hope.
"Mm, the three of you all possess Inner Power Cultivation at the Peak of the Ninth Realm. If even one of you breaks through, it will be a massive boost to White Cloud City’s prestige." Ye Xing nodded. "Go, then. Enter your seclusion. Guardian Ma and the others can handle the city’s affairs for a while."
"Thank you, City Lord!" Liu Liqun said joyfully, then bowed and departed.
A light breeze swept by, sending a few leaves spiraling past Ye Xing’s eyes before they drifted away. His gaze instinctively turned toward the Golden Scale Imperial City. ’A Million Gold Coins are just a decoration if they aren’t used,’ he thought. ’White Cloud City still lacks an Innate Realm expert to preside over it. Now that things have settled down here, it’s time to make a trip to the Golden Scale Imperial City.’
The Golden Scale Imperial City was the capital of the Southern Tang Country. The headquarters of major powers like the Beast Taming Pavilion, the Phoenix Cloud Inn, and the Jincai Money Shop were all located there. If one wanted to purchase an Innate Realm Demon Beast, the only place in the entire Southern Tang Country to do so was the main branch of the Beast Taming Pavilion in the Golden Scale Imperial City.
An Innate Realm combatant was crucial for any power. Having an Innate Realm Martial Artist or Demon Beast in residence elevated a power to the status of an Innate Family or an Innate Sect, placing its prestige in a completely different league. Although White Cloud City now had four masters at the Peak of the Ninth Realm, the chasm between the Ninth Realm and the Innate Realm was immense and not easily crossed. Therefore, purchasing an Innate Realm Demon Beast was the most direct solution. It would also stop other powers from constantly coveting that Million Gold Coins.
The next morning, Ye Xing left White Cloud City. Carrying his Treasure Sword and a pack on his back, he set off on the road to the Golden Scale Imperial City.