The sword sound was long and smooth and if one did not pay close attention, it might have been overlooked, as if it could reach above the Nine Heavens, beyond the heavy skies.
The wooden sword carved by the young Murong Longtu two hundred years ago was slightly raised, only to settle back down. The courtyard gate opened, and Murong Qiushui stepped in lightly, her gaze filled with confusion, "Strange..."
"Why did I clearly feel the sound of a sword just now?"
She seemed to have noticed something, her eyes fixed on the wooden sword.
"Is this... Grandfather?"
Murong Qiushui felt the Divine Charm of the sword flowing, as if awakening. She slowly reached out, grasped the wooden sword, then exerted force, her palm shaking violently, throwing her off balance.
Her Primordial Spirit Power could not lift this sword.
Murong Qiushui thought of the challenge by Sword Madman Murong Longtu and was lost in contemplation.
She reached out her hand, gently caressed the blade, and said, "Do you wish to accompany him for his final battle?"
The wooden sword did not respond.
Murong Qiushui rose to leave, and upon her return, she brought with her the Murong Family zither. Her palms gently touched the strings, the music clear and tranquil, slowly filling the air, "I’ll help you..."
The Murong Family’s Jiangnan Misty Rain Divine Skill unfolded slowly.
With the melody of the zither supporting the Sword Intent.
Li Guanyi and Murong Longtu, along with Shaking Light, moved at an unhurried pace in the Martial World, as days passed by. The Gongsun Family finally arrived in Jiangnan, and Yan Daiqing, amidst the hectic schedule, appeared exhausted.
Yuan Zhi looked at him with concern and said, "This, although the Lord has again trapped..."
"I mean, he has brought over some people."
"But this batch of aristocratic families is different; they own assets!"
"Establishing Piaomiao Pavilion in Jiangnan could still be profitable."
Yan Daiqing remarked, "They are relocating to Jiangnan."
"You and I are not Mr. Wen He; we can only levy taxes at most."
"How so, can we raid their homes?"
Yan Daiqing sneered, "Li Guanyi, you brute!"
"Don’t let me see you!"
He washed his face, cursing.
Though exhausted, his reception of the Gongsun Family still maintained the etiquette and demeanor expected of a Chen Country scholar. When talking about Li Guanyi’s promise, Gongsun Wuyue smiled slightly and put forth her request, saying, "We require a piece of land."
Yan Daiqing replied with a smile, "That is only proper."
Gongsun Wuyue continued, "Additionally, Guan Yi said that internal politics will support Piaomiao Pavilion’s reconstruction and the Gongsun Family’s establishment, investing manpower to create and test new Mechanical Techniques, with ample scope for experimentation."
"He also promised to establish organizations similar to the Academy."
"To select those with talent and genius, offer subsidies, and then learn Gongshu Ban’s Mechanism Skill."
Yuan Zhi panicked, looking at Yan Daiqing.
Xiao Zhi rose decisively.
With a series of thuds, he backed away from the gentleman sitting there, his smile growing more congenial.
Yan Daiqing took a deep breath, his hand on his forehead, and took another deep breath, his voice calm and peaceful, "...Okay."
Assets were most important.
The cultivation of subsequent talents was also crucial.
As long as Piaomiao Pavilion stands firm, it’s highly likely to become a core industry throughout Jiangnan. Familiar with internal politics and logistics, Yan Daiqing knew that establishing such a core industry targeted at the Martial Artists demographic would generate a stable flow of subsequent profits.
Martial Artists coming to Jiangnan would need to eat, live, consume.
With a single Piaomiao Pavilion, one could drive the entire Martial industry of Jiangnan.
These Martial Artists were wealthy!
High-level Martial Artists were generally affluent.
Excluding high-level Martial Artists like Li Guanyi.
It was also essential to cultivate a group of Mechanical Masters for the Qilin Army, which was extremely important for enhancing its combat capabilities and cost-effective from any perspective.
After all, without Piaomiao Pavilion standing firm, Jiangnan wouldn’t receive any taxes anyway. It’s better to help establish Piaomiao Pavilion first, then facilitate internal politics and laws. With this idea, Yan Daiqing negotiated with Gongsun Wuyue on affairs concerning the Gongsun Family entering Jiangnan.
They discussed for a full hour.
Gongsun Wuyue thought for a moment and added, "I heard there are scholars from the Mo School here, hoping to exchange knowledge on Mechanical Techniques. Perhaps the Academy of Mechanism Skill could be divided into two schools; one the Mo School defensive mechanisms and the other our Gongshu Family mechanisms."
"Naturally, it shall be so."
"However, we previously mentioned what we in Jiangnan can offer you. As the Gongsun Family enters Jiangnan, what promises can you provide? Of course, we are naturally willing to follow the Lord’s orders and assist the Gongsun Family in all aspects, passing down the Gongshu Ban Mechanism Skill."
"But, surely, there’s more than just one-sided investment, right?"
Yan Daiqing smiled and counter-questioned, flanked by Yuan Zhi and Xiao Zhi.
Yan Daiqing took it upon himself, directly saying:
"The Lord is a magnanimous man, while we, as strategists, must be more calculative."
"Please don’t take offense, Gongsun Family Head."
His tone was so amiable, jovial and convivial.
But only Yuan Zhi and Xiao Zhi knew the depth of Yan Daiqing’s resentment.
Li Guanyi was ceaselessly attracting people, schools, and families to Jiangnan—Jiangnan that had just quelled the chaos of war, needing to encourage agriculture, delve into Mechanical Techniques, lighten taxes, and care for the orphans, widows, and the destitute, which meant minimal revenue against overwhelming expenses.
Yan Daiqing, his resentment reaching the skies.
Gongsun Wuyue responded composedly, "Of course."
"The Gongsun Family understands what you need..."
She looked at these young strategists.
Full of spirit, with a calm brow, austere and piercing. Their dispositions and characters differed, but each was an exceptionally outstanding young talent. They might not have crossed paths ordinarily, but for a common cause, they gathered around one man.