He Lian Duo Cai, with just a First Grade Prominent Family background, might not seem significant in the Sacred Dynasty of Tianrui, which houses thirty-one Immortal Clans.
Yet from a young age, He Lian Duo Cai showed unmatched talent in business. Under his diligent management, the initially mediocre First Grade Prominent Family gradually rose in strength.
Prince Wen Yu, with the aim of recruiting talents, included him in his staff officer team. Although normally he had little presence in the team, this time, unexpectedly, he achieved merit.
With a demeanor of valuing talent, Prince Wen Yu said warmly, "Duo Cai, as long as you can compel Wang Shouzhe to cooperate with me obediently this time, you will become my first-grade staff officer. When I one day inherit the Sacred Image, I might even elevate your He Lian family to an Immortal Clan."
He Lian Duo Cai was overjoyed and repeatedly thanked Prince Wen Yu.
"Observing the Jiangâs counterattack methods lately, it seems weak and as disorganized as a headless fly, not a threat," he confidently analyzed. "But Iâve heard that Wang Shouzhe comes from a prominent family. Though he might be a fop and incapable, he possesses an extraordinary status with an inevitable high ambition."
"In the short term, it might be challenging to make him bow and admit his faults. It requires prolonged suppression, and our losses will inevitably be significant during this time."
"No matter." Prince Wen Yu said calmly, "Sacrificing some immediate interest to gain long-term benefits is a trade I am well aware of. Besides, I have not asked Wang Shouzhe to bow and admit mistakes, such childish conduct is merely childâs play."
"When Wang Shouzhe and Jiangâs family are overwhelmed and unable to continue, I will personally visit and extend a courteous invitation to Wang Shouzhe to join the grand undertaking."
Immediately, the staff officers praised Prince Wen Yu, "Your Highness truly has a broad mind and a great vision, we are in admiration."
"By the way, Your Highness, Iâve recently heard some unpleasant rumors." Pei Changâan recalled another matter, looking somewhat serious, "Itâs said that Immortal Monarch Haoran is visiting the Old Ancestors of various Immortal Clans, complaining tearfully about Your Highness bullying the Jiangâs family."
Prince Wen Yu slightly frowned, "Is that old guy really so shameless?"
"Your Highness, you did call him an old guy." Pei Changâan said helplessly, "As the saying goes, the older one gets the thicker the skin, and the Jiangâs had already reached a dead end. They barely managed to survive by relying on Wang Shouzhe, and now, faced with yet another adversity, itâs natural theyâd fight like trapped beasts. Itâs understandable heâs defaming you everywhere."
"Defaming?" Prince Wen Yu narrowed his eyes slightly, chuckling coldly, "Just legitimate commercial competition, where do I even have any flaws for him to defame?"
"Uh... he goes around saying that you bullied the Jiangâs and oppressed Young Master Shouzhe all because of Jiang Mu Xian." A peculiar expression appeared on Pei Changâanâs face, "The rumor goes that you hinted to the Jiangâs that you wanted Jiang Mu Xian as a concubine. Consequently, Jiang Mu Xian was forced to become Wang Shouzheâs maid. Thus, out of love turned hate, you came to hate the Jiangâs and Wang Shouzhe, leading to this suppression of grain prices and bullying of the Jiangâs."
Then, Pei Changâan vividly recounted Immortal Monarch Haoranâs complaints to his elders.
The contents of these complaints initially seemed absurd, but upon careful consideration, they surprisingly held some logical connection, making the story seem coherent. Most importantly, Immortal Monarch Haoranâs firm and utterly confident demeanor made people wonder if he was speaking the truth.
After all, how could Immortal Monarch Haoran, an Immortal Monarch, be so confident without any solid evidence?
Even for someone like Prince Wen Yu, who is known for his excellent composure, his expression grew darker and darker until he could only spit out one phrase: "That old dog Haoran, utterly shameless."
"Your Highness, do you truly intend to take Jiang Mu Xian as a concubine? If so, we could plan it out carefully~" Several confidant staff officers began scrutinizing Prince Wen Yuâs expression, probing with their questions.
With Jiang Mu Xianâs status and bloodline talent, she is eligible enough to be an Imperial Consort in the Immortal King Mansion. It wouldnât be unusual for Your Highness to wish to take her as a concubine, though it does seem a bit excessive and overbearing!
"Get out!" Prince Wen Yu raged, "I was initially planning to ease up a bit, so the Jiangâs wouldnât be so miserable. Duo Cai, continue the suppression, do not give the Jiangâs any chance to breathe."
"As you command, Your Highness." He Lian Duo Cai quickly obeyed.
...
At the same time.
Northern part of the Tianrui Holy City.
In a vast immortal mansion located near the central area, acting as the Eastern Sea Immortal Kingâs residence in the Sacred City.
As one of the Immortal Kings who guards the Sacred Dynastyâs eastern line, the Eastern Sea Immortal King naturally resides in a major state of the dynastyâs east, with the Immortal King Mansion located there.
However, due to its profound heritage, the Eastern Sea Immortal King Mansion inevitably has its mansion within the Sacred City.
This includes at least five immortal mansions in the Sacred City, along with numerous estates, medicinal gardens, and spirit beast farms around the city.
Many of the Immortal King Mansionâs relatives also reside in the Sacred City.
This mansion in the northern part of the Sacred City currently belongs to "Little Immortal King Qingyang", Lu Qiu Qingyang, who is from the Eastern Sea Immortal King Mansion.
Liking to train troops, after moving into this mansion, Lu Qiu Qingyang had it remodeled several times according to her needs. The original martial arts arena of the mansion was expanded and expanded until it resembled a small military camp.
Deep within the mansion.
In the martial training ground, clad in armor, Lu Qiu Qingyang finished her morning exercise, accompanied by a middle-aged female general, and walked to the edge of the field to rest, meanwhile keeping an eye on the recruitsâ training.
"Aunt Sun, the new female soldiers recruited this time have decent qualities. With good training, we should be able to cultivate many talents." Lu Qiu Qingyang casually chatted with the middle-aged female general beside her.
This Aunt Sun is named Sun Yumin, belonging to a lineage of the head of household for the Eastern Sea Immortal King Mansion. When Lu Qiu Qingyang was just five or six, Aunt Sun was appointed by her side to ensure her safety.
Over the years, although officially in a master-servant relationship, their private relationship has grown close, almost like family.
Thus, Lu Qiu Qingyang spoke to her with ease.
"Yes~ Youâve dedicated yourself to training for years, and now the Qingyang Battalion is finally on track. If the Immortal King knew, he would surely be proud of you." Aunt Sun smiled with the pride of shared glory, then she changed the topic, "Your Highness, the door guard just brought a message, saying that Autumn Yun and the others have arrived."
Upon hearing this, Lu Qiu Qingyangâs face lit up with joy: "Thatâs great! Quickly! Bring them here!"
Since last time at Cuiwei Residence when Wang Shouzhe dared to underestimate her, a fire burned in her heart, determined to redeem herself and showcase her strength to that fellow.
Her Qingyang Battalion is no mere showpiece!
Thus, upon returning home, she immediately informed her family via Secret Technique, summoning her most capable female generals and assembling the elite from her various battalions.
Now that some time had passed, they had finally arrived!
Under Lu Qiu Qingyangâs anticipation, not long after, a few travel-worn female generals were brought before her.
Forgoing dresses, they wore tidy, form-fitting armor, presenting a gallant and dashing air.
Their cultivation base ranged from the Divine Power Territory or mid-stage levels, slightly lower than Lu Qiu Qingyang. Their forms were as straight as javelins; despite days on the road with little rest, they remained spirited and full of vigor.
Besides all that, they bore faint traces of blood Qi and evil Qi on them. Clearly, they were battle-hardened veterans.
These were Lu Qiu Qingyangâs confidants, intended to be groomed into Transcendent Void Realm Battalion Leaders in the future.
Each brought the elites of their respective battalions, all female generals at the mid-late stage of the Purple Abode Realm, destined to become proficient in the mid-late stage of the Divine Power Territory.
Upon seeing Lu Qiu Qingyang, they displayed a hint of joy, collectively saluting with fists joined: "Greetings, Legion Leader!"
"Good, good, great that youâre here!"
With them here, Lu Qiu Qingyang felt a surge of heroic spirit, her eyes gleaming brightly.
Let that Wang fellow look down on her, dismiss her Qingyang Battalion; this time, sheâd turn the tables and show him her strength!
"Someone, send my invitation to Wang Shouzhe." With a gleam of pride in her eyes, Lu Qiu Qingyang ordered, "Didnât he want to âinspectâ my Qingyang Battalion? This time, let him inspect all he wants."
...