Seeing Gedianxiang’s arrival, Xuan Yanwu was in a very bad mood. Both women were exceptionally beautiful, with Xuan Yanwu striving to maintain an image of purity, while Gedianxiang did not bother to pretend at all. Among the territories, they represented two extremes.
Now that Gedianxiang had somehow come to know the situation and had arrived, the interests of Shisong County would have to be shared with her family clan.
After a mutual gaze that sent everyone else away, Xuan Yanwu finally asked, "What do you want to do?"
"What do I want to do? You know it yourself. We are trapped in the Blessed Lands and Caves and cannot leave, which is detrimental to us both."
The two women fell silent again. Outsiders believed the Blessed Lands and Caves to be marvelous places, but only they knew their situation well — it was like a cage trapping everyone inside. People devoted to the cultivation of the true way could not leave due to insufficient cultivation level. Even for ones like them, escaping required the aid of a Magic Artifact.
Xuan Yanwu said, "No need to beat around the bush, speak your mind."
Gedianxiang smiled and replied, "The situation in Shisong County has shown us a possibility — that one can cultivate even in The Mortal World. You agree, don’t you?" Fresh chapters posted on novèlfire.net
"That’s the ancient way of cultivation, also known as Qi Refining Practitioner," Xuan Yanwu remarked.
"Regardless of the name, this represents a path. If we can find a way through it or master such methods, we could leave the Blessed Lands and Caves."
Xuan Yanwu said, "The problem is we still haven’t obtained the Qi Refining Practitioner’s Cultivation Technique and have no idea if such a method can be practiced in the secular world."
"I’m telling you, this is an opportunity. No matter the circumstances, we have to try at least once. If it works, a vast number of cultivators will walk among the common folk, and the whole Earth will change, don’t you think?"
Xuan Yanwu looked at her again, realizing that from now on, they should discuss cooperation.
"We’ll give you a share of two layers."
After a period of disagreement, they concluded the negotiation with an equal share of fifty percent each.
"Fine, what do we do now?" Although Xuan Yanwu was somewhat dissatisfied, she had to accept the distribution, as the Ge Family was not an ordinary clan and her Xuan Family could not overpower them.
Gedianxiang said, "What about that Dimanxi? How is your investigation going? He is the key; I believe he might have received the inheritance."
Xuan Yanwu gave her a disdainful look and said, "You don’t need to tell me that. We have been looking for him, but unfortunately, we haven’t found him. Could he have some means of hiding himself somewhere?"
"The ancient Qi Refining Practitioners were very strong and had many methods unknown to us. The situation you described is possible, but one thing is certain: he hasn’t boarded a plane or taken any other transportation. Therefore, he is most likely still in Ximu City; if that’s the case, we need to expand the scope of our investigation."
Gedianxiang had clearly thought this through and spoke out her conclusions.
Xuan Yanwu nodded slightly and said, "I’ve been thinking the same."
As she said this, she turned to Gedianxiang, "Tell me about the development of Shisong County."
Both of them were actually vying for Shisong County.
Gedianxiang said, "Shisong County has ancient cultivators’ caves and even Formations, which indicates there are secrets unknown to others in this place. Perhaps there are passages."
"Passages?" Xuan Yanwu’s eyes widened.
"Hmph, stop pretending. Do you think we’re all fools? If there weren’t such possibilities, you wouldn’t care about this place. Don’t assume I’m fooled just because you mentioned a Qi Refining Practitioner’s cultivation content." Gedianxiang’s contempt was apparent.
When Xuan Yanwu saw that her intentions had been seen through, she looked back at the other and said, "It is merely speculation."
"Whether it’s a speculation or not, the county definitely has its peculiarities. Hence, a joint development is crucial. This county is too important; our two families must join forces to keep other powers at bay."
Xuan Yanwu nodded slightly this time. Agreeing to the Ge Family’s involvement was also a calculated move; the Xuan Family might not be able to withstand the arrival of others on its own.
Gedianxiang said, "Now that various forces are involved, we must drive them out. Additionally, we need to replace the leadership team in Shisong County with our own people."
"That’s not difficult; after all, it’s just a small county. The main issue now is with those who’ve already secured parcels of land."
"Since our families are cooperating, let’s work together to resolve this."
The two sat there, disputing over the conditions in Shisong County, contending for each plot of land, and finally delineated their families’ spheres of influence.
In their view, as long as they could unravel the secrets here, the growth of their families would be fast-tracked. As for funding issues, neither family lacked resources.