Translator: CinderTL
The middle-aged dwarf nodded in satisfaction. "Well done," he praised.
Old Master Chang beamed. "It's our honor to alleviate the clan head's burdens."
He subtly produced a storage pouch from his sleeve and handed it over. "Please accept this token of our appreciation for your tireless efforts on this journey."
"Hmm, thoughtful of you," the dwarf replied.
He opened the pouch and glanced inside. It contained a small pile of spirit stones—roughly a few thousand, he estimated. This pleased him even more, and a genuine smile finally appeared on his face.
"You've done well this time. This will be noted as a merit. I'll inform the clan head, and next year, the Chang Family's tribute may be appropriately reduced."
Old Master Chang was overjoyed, bowing repeatedly. "Thank you, Brother Wang!"
The so-called "tribute" was essentially protection money.
Within the Wang Family's sphere of influence lay over a dozen major and minor clans. Each year, they were required to pay a substantial fee to maintain their existence in the region.
Take the Chang Family as an example. Their territory lacked mineral resources, so they relied on cultivating Spirit Herbs, Spiritual Plants, and other Spiritual Objects, which they traded in Thousand Autumns City, the Wang Family's stronghold.
Fortunately, the Chang Family also had a Second Madam renowned for crafting various spiritual incense, providing a significant source of income.
However, twenty percent of their income had to be paid to the Wang Family for protection.
This was crucial. The Chang Family was relatively weak; without the Wang Family's patronage, they would have been swallowed up by other clans long ago.
It was precisely because of the rules established by the Wang Family that a semblance of stability was maintained here.
As for leaving the Chaotic Cloud Mountains...
Old Master Chang shook his head and sighed inwardly. That was utterly unrealistic. Given the Chang Family's reputation, they would likely be annihilated by Righteous Path cultivators before they even got far.
The middle-aged dwarf waved his hand lightly. Behind him, four attendants stepped forward and cast a spell. Suddenly, over a hundred young women stood up straight and lined up to walk out the door.
Row after row of bare bodies passed before Chang Fangmu's eyes. His gaze fixed intently on them, and he unconsciously swallowed hard. If only all these women were mine...
Though lustful, he knew his limits. These women belonged to the Wang Family; he couldn't touch them.
The middle-aged dwarf suddenly turned his head. "The Qian Kingdom recently sent people to the Chaotic Cloud Mountains. Are you aware of this?"
Old Master Chang's heart skipped a beat. He pointed at the hundred young women and hesitated. "Could it be because of them?"
While their recent abduction of civilians was a transgression, it hardly warranted the Qian Kingdom sending assassins into the Chaotic Cloud Mountains.
The middle-aged dwarf shook his head. "I don't think so. I heard the Hundred Saints Secret Realm opened recently, and someone obtained a treasure inside. They fled into the Chaotic Cloud Mountains with it and haven't been found yet. The Qian Kingdom must be here for that."
Old Master Chang nodded, momentarily forgetting about Xu Sanyan and focusing on his question. "Who did the Imperial Family of Qian Kingdom send?"
"Princess Zheyun is leading the expedition. And it's not just the Qian Kingdom—the five great sects of the central region have likely sent their own forces as well. The mountains have been restless lately. If you encounter outsiders, be extremely cautious. It's best to avoid provoking them if possible."
Due to the Chaotic Cloud Mountains' notorious reputation, anyone daring to enter considered themselves formidable and not easily provoked.
The middle-aged dwarf, well aware of the Chang Family's depraved nature, wouldn't have hesitated to describe them as a clan of perverts and degenerates.
Old Master Chang nodded. "Rest assured, Brother Wang."
The middle-aged dwarf curled his lip. The Chang Family is the last group I'd trust. While other clans weren't exactly virtuous, none indulged in such depraved practices as the Changs.
Having said his piece, he said his farewell and led his human chain out of the village.
Old Master Chang followed behind, watching them vanish into the darkness.
"Father, how are they going to take so many people back?" Chang Linmu asked curiously.
They can't possibly walk all the way back, can they?
Old Master Chang shook his head. "I don't know. They probably have small flying boats. It's not something we need to worry about."
He turned to his sons and instructed, "Did you all hear what was said earlier? The mountains have been restless lately. Don't go out causing trouble, understand?"
"Father, don't worry. As long as there are women around, I could stay indoors for a year," Chang Fangmu said with a grin, then added, "Men too, of course."
Chang Linmu ignored his unreliable younger brother, frowning slightly. "Father, if that's the case, Lin Fan likely came here for that very reason."
He assumed Xu Sanyan was a treasure hunter, never suspecting the treasure was hidden within Xu himself.
Old Master Chang pondered aloud, "Regardless, this matter is far beyond the Chang Family's reach. If even the five great sects of the central region covet this treasure, its value must be extraordinary."
The old master understood their family's weakness all too well. The Chang Family was too fragile to withstand such a maelstrom; any involvement would lead to their utter destruction.
"Understood, Father. We know our limits," Chang Linmu nodded.
"Send word to your Second Uncle and Third Aunt. Tell them to return as soon as possible. The mountains are unstable now; they shouldn't be wandering around out there."
"Yes, Father."
The next day, when the sun was high in the sky, Xu Sanyan finally opened his eyes. The soul crystal in his hand had crumbled into dust, its soul power completely absorbed.
"Ha..."
Xu Sanyan exhaled a stream of stale air, feeling a wave of lightness wash over his divine soul.
Having used two soul crystals in succession, he sensed his divine soul had grown noticeably heavier.
When he first arrived in the ghost city, his divine soul weighed just over two and a half pounds. After multiple enhancements, he now estimated it to be around seven or eight pounds.
As his divine soul strengthened, the power of the Lu Clan's Spirit Refining Force gradually increased as well.
At that moment, a knock came from outside the door. "Young Master Lin, are you awake?"
Xu Sanyan opened the door to find an unfamiliar young maid standing there, her expression reserved. "Young Master Lin," she said, "the master requests your presence."
"What does my uncle want?" Xu Sanyan asked.
"This servant does not know."
"Lead the way, then."
The pair proceeded to the main hall, where Old Master Chang was waiting.
"Greetings, Uncle," Xu Sanyan said, bowing respectfully.
"Heh heh, virtuous nephew, no need for such formality. Please, take a seat," Old Master Chang said, his face radiating warmth.
"Uncle, did you have something to discuss with me?" Xu Sanyan asked.
Old Master Chang nodded, his gaze lingering on the spherical object that never left Xu Sanyan's hand. "Indeed. Have you decided where you'll be heading?"
Xu Sanyan smiled. "I was just about to inform you, Uncle. I plan to depart for Thousand Autumns City tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality these past few days."
Old Master Chang breathed a sigh of relief. His purpose in summoning Xu Sanyan today was precisely to urge him to leave quickly. Now that the young man had already made his decision, things would be much easier.
According to the Wang Family representative yesterday, the Chaotic Cloud Mountains were currently in a turbulent period. Sheltering individuals with unclear backgrounds could easily invite disaster. The Chang Family Village, being vulnerable, couldn't withstand any major disturbances. As the family's leader, Old Master Chang had to consider every possible risk.
"Virtuous nephew, why not stay a while longer?" Old Master Chang asked, feigning politeness even though he desperately wanted Xu Sanyan to leave immediately.
(End of the Chapter)
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