Chapter 876: Undercurrents

Although Wu Long made it sound as if he was just using meditation as an excuse, it was actually truly beneficial for her.

After all, Lian Zhiqiu was in equal parts a Symbol Arts Master and a Dual Cultivator, her cultivation mixed and inter-connected. So the best method for her to open her minds for meditation on Symbol Arts was also through Dual Cultivation, as there was a certain period after they cultivated, where her comprehension of Symbol Arts rose tremendously.

Thus, after they cleaned themselves, she sat in a lotus pose in his room, with open doors to the balcony they were on a bit before, meditating on the Natural Formation that existed within the gorge.

While Wu Long, with a smile of a well-fed cat, no doubt because he was happy that he was able to help Zhiqiu, went to join his ladies.

—

The Helian Family’s territory was a bit further from the gorge, so they eventually turned to move away from it, following Helian Muyang’s directions.

They eventually could see vast plains cleared of woods, which were completely filled with crop fields of feed for the Beasts of Burden, and then eventually pastures where the beasts were roaming.

There was a lone large hill in the very center of these territories, and from the base of the hill to the very top stood a sprawling mansion, complete with living quarters of all workers of the Beast of Burden Farms.

The ship floated down, several large wooden beams coming out of its sides, and landing as there was obviously no sky port here.

A middle-aged looking couple came out of the mansion a bit before the ship fully landed, presumably having been notified of the ship’s arrival beforehand.

Their faces were fist of dignified nobles, greeting unexpected but esteemed guests, but as soon as they saw the face of their son, who now stood on his two feet, and was seemingly energetic, both became emotional, as the Helian Family Head held back his wife who impulsively almost rushed forward.

Helian Muyang didn’t wait though, flying out of the ship to greet his parents, who didn’t wait for him to give them his bow like a traditional noble family would, and hurried to hug him.

Wu Long smiled looking at that scene.

The greetings went fairly quickly, as the couple did not dare to make guests who arrived on a ship bearing the mark of the Wei Dynasty’s Rulers to have to talk outside, swiftly inviting them inside after quick introductions.

What followed was a lengthy discussion, with an explanation of the events that led to Helian Muyang’s arrival in this manner, and with – other than Meifang – none of the people who departed with him.

Wei Yuanjie who was not really a part of this conversation, was given a tour of the territories, as after looking at all of the territories from the ship he suddenly became interested in how the Beasts of Burden were raised and kept. Rather, he was easily fascinated with just about anything he saw.

After the long conversation…

“Daoist Wu, I cannot express our gratitude enough. This debt is one our Helian Family will remember and will do everything possible to repay”, the Head of the Helian Family deeply lowered his head, as did his wife and son.

“Please raise your heads. I have already told you, that I have received more than enough from Young Master Helian, and even more”, Wu Long spoke calmly, “But if it will please you, I accept your gratitude”

This was followed by a long series of gratitude to Wu Long interchanged with cursing the backstabbing man who betrayed the trust of the family, and then returning to thanking Wu Long.

Of course, the two parents could not help but lament the loss of the precious Extreme Yang Physique for their son, as any parents who loved their children would want them to have everything. But it was just that, a sentiment of parents, they understood where that choice of their son came from, and respected it, having more pride in him for it.

There was also no resentment toward Wu Long, as without him, let alone having an Extreme Yang Physique, the young man would not have his life. Not to mention that it was Wu Long and Gong Liwei who cured him, saving his life twofold.

As soon as Wu Long said that he had business on the continent, the family extended their hospitality, best guest rooms of the mansion immediately ordered to be prepared for them.

Wu Long could see that not everyone in the Helian Family was so happy to see their Young Master return healthy. So he didn’t bring up the topic of Beasts of Burden right away, and decided to first understand the situation within the family.

About when the talks finished, Old Yen, Nie Guanting and Kwon Qianhong covertly arrived at the Helian Family territory.

“Welcome to the Deep Gorge Continent, Boss”, Old Yen removed his bamboo hat and wooden mask, as did the other two.

“Haha, let’s skip the formalities as usual. What do you have for me?”

“Yes, as I reported to you in the Emerald Falls City…”

Old Yen went into a long explanation.

The two academies seemed to have formed around the same time by two disciples of one Symbol Arts Master, who had differing views on how an academy should be run.

They also occupied two opposite sides of the gorge, in a place where the natural formation within the gorge was seemingly reaching its culmination.

“They are also constantly competing for the central spots on the Twin Dragon Bridges”, Old Yen added, and then seeing the silent question in Wu Long’s eyes, hurried to explain, “There are actually two narrower spots of the gorge located to the sides of the ‘Eye’ of the gorge as they call it, basically to the sides of both academies. And in those places, were built two great bridges going over the gorge, on which the Students, Instructors, and Elders of the Academy could meditate on the Natural Formation”

“The closer to the center, the more contested is the spot because it is closer to the center of the Natural Formation”, Wu Long nodded.

“Yes, they have been holding competitions every 10 years to determine the number of spots at the central platforms of the two bridges”, Old Yen confirmed.

The rivalry between the two academies, thus, ran deep into their combined history, and there was little surprise that there was great animosity by the time of this generation, both among the upper echelons of the academies, and the students as well.

However, Old Yen seemed to notice some irregularities as one of the sides began subtly taking the upper hand about a 1000 years ago.

It could be, of course, a result of natural rivalry, as it was always possible for one side to just gain momentum and then use that chance to start pressing their advantage, suppressing the other. But to Old Yen, the way this happened seemed a bit off, as he suspected an invisible hand moving in the background.

And upon arriving here, Old Yen confirmed that there were vague and circumstantial, signs of a hidden intent behind the change in the status of the rivalry.

The timing also coincided with the Thousand Treasures Hall unexpectedly pushing out its long-time rival trading company, the Golden Pagoda out of the Wei Dynasty region, which made Old Yen suspicious in the first place.

“Is the reason the Thousand Treasures Hall gained the upper hand in the retractable armor blueprints?”, Wu Long asked.

“I cannot be certain, as you know that information is not heavily publicized, and I was only able to look into it after Kai Huoshi gave us that crucial piece. But it seems that there has been indeed a steady increase in the market share of goods that rely on Forging Dao to be produced for the Thousand Treasures Hall over the past few thousand years”, Old Yen spoke carefully, to not mistakenly overstate anything due to personal hunch or bias.

“And the Divine Forge Hall of the Boundless Profound World?”, Wu Long raised his eyebrow.

“Unfortunately, since the Headquarters of the Thousand Treasure Hall, and all the rival trading companies are in the Great Fang Dynasty, it is hard to tell. But so far, it seems that there was no official dealings between the Thousand Treasures Hall and the Divine Forge Hall’s Great Fang Dynasty Branch, or any other Great Dynasty’s Branch”, Old Yen shook his head, as there were limitations on how well he could research things in the Great Fang Dynasty from the Wei Dynasty’s territory.

“What about the Jade Empress?”

“She appeared on the scene about 500 years ago at most. There indeed seems to be a connection between her and the Thousand Treasures Hall, but it is basically impossible to verify at this point. Not to mention, despite the relatively short history, her Illustrious Jade Pavilion has a vast and prominent reputation spanning many Great Dynasties, far wider than the influence of the Thousand Treasures Hall, so even if there is a connection, it should be on equal terms”, Old Yen reported.

“Good work”, Wu Long nodded, filling the three with pride, as it was their combined work on which Old Yen was reporting, “Anything on the Helian Family?”

“Yes, the brother of the current Family Head, an Elder of the Family, seems to have a reputation of acting as the Family Head within the Shallow Gorge City ever since the Family Head became preoccupied with his sick son, not immediately of course, it gradually became more apparent in the recent years”, Old Yen nodded, “His own son, also seems to claim to be the only Young Master of the Helian Clan’s Main Family”

Although they had to travel quite far, the Helian Family’s territory was still considered to be part of the Shallow Gorge City, and despite their business viewed as bottom of the ladder, held considerable influence in the City due to their wealth and vast land. Not to mention, they had good relationships with the shipping companies of the Wei Dynasty’s Star Region.

What Wu Long’s group were currently visiting were the Family Territories, the base of the Helian Clan, but they also had a building for dealing with customers and a mansion in the city itself.

“That Elder usually resides in the city mansion, and oversees the business operations on that side, while the Family Head is ruling over the territory and ensures everything runs smoothly here”, Old Yen added, “Oh, by the way you might’ve seen him, he was among the nobles who came up to the sky port with the City Lord… though I am sure that as soon as he learned where the ship landed, he hurried back to the Family Territory, so he might be arriving here soon”

“Mm, good work on that as well, you can go back into the city to continue research on the two academies, while I deal with the Helian Family matters here”, Wu Long nodded, as the three made a fist and hand salute and wearing their bamboo hats, turned to leave the room.

Hehe, I think you start to see that there’s a bigger picture behind all the current arcs, leading to the one which will come a bit later ^^

But for now, let’s settle the local small things here ^^

Thank you for reading and your incredible support, everyone!!! ^^