679: Chapter 678: Undercurrents Surge 679: Chapter 678: Undercurrents Surge The sword cultivator’s delay directly overturned the cognition of all the cultivators present.
There was silence so deep you could hear a pin drop.
Under undeniable strength.
After a long time, Xiang Anshi’s somewhat hoarse voice rose, “Is there any Daoist who wishes to give it a try?”
His mood was very complicated now, he had originally been concerned about the lack of outstanding individuals, but now he had found it seemed as though things had already gone beyond his control?
This person was definitely not a Constellation True Inheritor, so who in the world was he?
If the cultivation world of the Continent was in such a state, then he would probably have to change his way of thinking.
Hidden dragons and crouching tigers?
Or perhaps an outlier?
After calling out three times, no one else answered, nor could they.
“In that case, I hereby declare that the Yingtai Trading Route will be led by the Silver Sword Trading Company, followed by the other five…”
The result of the merchant paths was somewhat unexpected, but what people cared more about was the appearance of the last cultivator; the Silver Sword Trading Company was mediocre in commercial operations, and its financial power was not strong, but its background made all forces harboring ulterior motives tremble with fear.
The chief of the Demon Sect in the Southwest was not to be trifled with.
The key question was, what was the background of Zong Qian, the upstart sword cultivator?
The celebration continued, but undercurrents swirled, many flocked to the vicinity of the Silver Sword Trading Company’s cultivators, trying to cozy up and probe the roots, forming the largest circle at the venue.
…The group of female cultivators didn’t have their turn to show affection, but there were strange talks, especially between the two sisters after being blatantly ignored by Guan Ruyu, they fully demonstrated the fickle nature of women.
Just a moment ago, they had been praising the Daoist like an immortal, but now they had turned a blind eye to him.
Love turned into hatred out of jealousy, the man they fancied did not reciprocate but had eyes for another woman, that was naturally unsatisfying for them; but Guan Ruyu was strong, and he had won the competition, adding to their frustration.
When Zong Qian appeared, all their frustrations seemed to melt away, and what followed was a rhythmic belittling of Guan Ruyu, something at which they were quite adept.
“That’s why I said, all that glitters is not gold, with men you shouldn’t judge by the cover, it’s the capability that counts!” The elder sister started speaking indirectly.
“Yes indeed, look at that sword cultivator, with his firm lines, iron-blooded tenderness, showing compassion for the world, he released that great whale’s mooring rope, allowing it to return to freedom, such a man must be…
definitely very gentle.” The younger sister chimed in at the right moment.
Bai Qingqian, unable to listen anymore, unusually spoke up, “Well, that’s not firm lines, that’s stiff muscles, okay?
And I didn’t see any iron-blooded tenderness.
If you’re going to rescue, rescue completely, he just removed a rope, in the end, it will still be controlled by people, and he even pocketed the rope afterward…”
The elder sister responded with a cold laugh, “Yo, you’ve just been helped out big time by your ‘Bai’ company, and now you’re starting to defend him?
We didn’t say anything, there’s no need for you to get all worked up.”
The conflict came suddenly, surprising those around, and the reason was rather low-grade—nothing more than a matter of courtship between men and women.
Was it appropriate in such a grand festive setting?
But Guan Ruyu was quite graceful and did not return harsh words with harsh words to the sisters.
In the eyes of these high disciples of the Daoist Sect, it just wasn’t worth it.
He just signaled with his eyes that Bai Qingqian need not say more, it wasn’t worth the bother.
Bai Qingqian also realized she had spoken too much and lost her composure, so she closed her mouth and let her sisters continue to chatter away as if venting.
The hatred between women is so bizarre and comes as rapidly as a sudden downpour; the sisters thought they had a guaranteed success in their seductive game but someone else had picked their peaches.
With such frustration bottled up, they felt they must express it; confined as they were within their own walls and not traveling outside, they knew far too little about this Bai Fairy, and thus had no reservations.
Xiangfei Bamboo could not stand by any longer, pulled her away, and while walking, asked, “Qingqian, what’s wrong with you?
You’re not yourself today; could it be that Daoist Guan’s actions have truly caught your eye?”
Bai Qingqian chuckled, “What nonsense are you talking about, Bamboo?
Do you think I am so superficial, to be swayed just because someone shows off their powers?
If that were the case, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have lasted these many years.”
After thinking it over, she decided not to keep her good sister in the dark, particularly since it involved her as well, “It’s not for the sake of that Daoist Guan that I speak; I just can’t stand to see those two flirtatious women getting all flustered.
That Zong Qian, he really can’t stand flirtatious women, and who knows, he might just take advantage of the situation!
He’s capable of that!”
Xiangfei Bamboo’s eyes widened, “Qingqian, you know that Zong Qian?”
The uncontrollable smile on Bai Qingqian’s face softened as she spoke in a low voice: “Of course, I would recognize him even if he were ashes.
Day by day, he’s out there playing the fool, attracting a swarm of admirers… well, actually, you know him too.”
It was then that Xiangfei Bamboo finally understood and said with joy, “So it’s him, Senior Brother Hou.
Are you jealous, Qingqian?
I was wondering why such a powerful figure suddenly appeared in the Quanzhen of the Shan Sect; it turns out it’s just the same old trick in a new guise.
Senior Brother Hou is quite something too, coming here and not even stopping by to see us, taking the trouble to stand up for others without taking care of his own business…”
The smile on Bai Qingqian’s face was genuine, a sense of relaxation permeating her whole being.
With that guy around, there was nothing to worry about,
He is a Sword Cultivator from the Shan Sect; it’s not appropriate for him to directly intervene for the sake of the Bai’s profits.
And the truth is, the Bai family doesn’t really need this trading route right now; it’s not a big deal if we don’t have it, and becoming one of the five major houses won’t have much impact.
But if Bai’s company became the leading trader, that’s not what we should be pursuing.
That’s why he took action to help the Silver Sword Trading Company secure the qualification.
His main goal wasn’t anything else, just to keep Bai’s company down.”
Xiangfei Bamboo suddenly saw the light; engrossed in her cultivation, she had little understanding and even less interest in the convoluted ways of the outside world,
“I see, so it’s a tacit understanding between you two.
I was wondering why it was such a coincidence.
Poor Daoist Guan is about to cause trouble; if he’s smart, he’ll get out quick.
I’m afraid if he waits too long, he’ll end up feeding the fishes and turtles.”
Bai Qingqian scoffed, “Not necessarily.
It all depends on whether he harbors any ill will next.
Your Senior Brother Hou is not unreasonable…”
Xiangfei Bamboo grimaced; this woman lost all reason when it came to her partner.
How could it not be serious?
Was Senior Brother Hou on Bamboo Island someone who reasoned things out?
His actions there were merciless; not even sparing the wrong and certainly not sparing the right.
Was that a reasonable person?
“So, we’re not acknowledging each other for the time being?
Senior Brother probably has other plans with his new face.”
Bai Qingqian simply nodded, “That’s exactly what we should do.
Let’s not make a move, and wait for him to come find us.
Meanwhile, we can sort out your whereabouts too.”
As a game, the play of the sea whales came to an end, which was also a highlight of the centuries-old Sea God Festival.
It was entertaining and profitable, but most importantly, it opened up the sea route of the Yingtai, leading to endless possibilities in the future.
It won’t always be a monopoly of six houses; with time, there will be expansions, Changes are inevitable, and opportunities are numerous—it all depends on whether you can seize them.