The Journey of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 945 - 519: Sudden Turn of Events (Part 2)

She finally managed to steal some time for herself to handle her own affairs.

Far away in Pian State, Ning Yu, following her intentions, established a merchant guild named "Ningyuan Hall" based on the Pian State Bank. Its main products are Spiritual Tea, Ningxiang Dew, and a strange fragrance "Love Rejuvenation", diluted more than ten times by her. Additionally, the guild opened a bank, elixir medicine store, fabric and silk shop, and a restaurant. Ning Yu has a natural talent in business strategy, and within just over a year, he expanded the merchant team led by Deng Hao from two to twelve, covering more than twenty states, also setting up branches in seven states.

On this continent, most merchant guilds are backed by strong immortal and demon forces; otherwise, their development would be difficult. Thus, from the outset of Ningyuan Hall’s establishment, they sent invitations in the name of the Hidden Stream to various sects around. This event caught the attention of many interested parties in the Southern Continent, as the Hidden Stream, being an ancient demon sect at the westernmost edge of the continent, has always been reclusive despite its strength. The unique nature of the Ba Snake Mountain Range also restricts the Hidden Stream Demons from long-term outings, so how could they come to the central part of the Southern Continent to establish a merchant guild?

However, each invitation was sealed with the great seals of the two sect leaders of the Hidden Stream. Ning Xiaoxian and Changtian had anticipated this, so before Changtian went into seclusion, he had already selected over two hundred individuals from the Hidden Stream Demons, led by two elders, to serve as stewards, thus avoiding any trouble.

Nevertheless, this event caused quite a stir within the Hidden Stream, akin to a thunderous clap on flat ground. So many people being sent out certainly meant they wouldn’t return shortly, and what about the onset of the Power of Ba Snake on them? At this moment, Langya and He Sect Leader stepped forward, claiming to have discovered a way that allows safe temporary departure from the Ba Snake Mountain Range for up to two years. However, those nominated to leave must follow the sect’s arrangements, and so forth... Once this was announced, enthusiasm naturally surged, as most demons were already extremely bored within the Hidden Stream, spending days catching fleas and fighting. The opportunity to roam the central part of the continent was so enticing that they were willing to sacrifice anything for it. Consequently, the enthusiasm of the demon crowd was greatly stirred, and even the business at the Dark Martial Arena thrived unexpectedly during those days.

What she regretted the most was not being able to personally attend the founding of Ningyuan Hall, having to rely on Ning Yu to relay messages describing the scene of the day. It’s said that even a strong dragon cannot suppress a local tyrant. Though the Hidden Stream’s reputation is formidable, in the central part of the Southern Continent, it merely discouraged nearby sects from causing trouble to Ningyuan Hall. Most sects displayed lukewarm reactions upon receiving the invitation, only sending emissaries while heavyweight figures within their sects mostly did not attend. Fortunately, both the Chaoyun Sect and Fengtian Prefecture did send major figures from their sects and even came bearing gifts.

Upon hearing this, Ning Xiaoxian merely chuckled, as these sects’ responses were within her expectations. She initially wanted to establish the merchant guild in the west, closer to the Hidden Stream, but considering the bustling places were better suited for commerce, she settled on Pian State. Anyway, there’s ample time ahead, so let’s see how it unfolds.

To her surprise, even the Mirror Sea Prince’s Mansion, which had no prior interaction with her, sent a generous gift. With these powerful factions providing support, the inauguration of Ningyuan Hall appeared quite grand. Its location in Pian State is just over two thousand miles from Jinghai Port, a frequent passageway for commerce. Forming good relations with the local tyrants made Ning Yu very pleased, but Ning Xiaoxian realized it was certainly instigated by that little ghost. Moreover, she noted that the gift was sent under the name of the Mirror Sea Prince’s Mansion rather than personally from Huangfuming, indicating his great influence over his father. Considering the Mirror Sea Prince’s rumored astuteness, the implications were worth pondering.

The third major event was the official conflict between the Chaoyun Sect and Guangcheng Palace, with the two major human sects even engaging in warfare, resulting in casualties on both sides. This signaled the end of the centuries-long honeymoon period between the two immortal sects.

Upon hearing the news, Ning Xiaoxian immediately understood two things: First, Hu Huo’er had handed over the Jade Scroll left by Nangong Zhen to Chaoyun Sect Leader Bai Qing. With their several hundred years of deep friendship, he naturally would carry out the dying wish of an old friend.

The second thing was that Guangcheng Palace had indeed been infiltrated by Yin Jiuyou and was essentially under his control; otherwise, Bai Qing holding the Guangcheng Palace Master’s Iron Order, akin to the Guangcheng Palace Leader’s presence, would not be ignored by Guangcheng Palace members. Evidently, Yin Jiuyou had maneuvered considerably within Guangcheng Palace over the past two years.

At this point, she sighed with relief; previously, Yin Jiuyou had been busy vying for power within Guangcheng Palace, leaving her, a small fry, alone. She once feared that once the demon was done with Guangcheng Palace, it would turn its sights on her. Now, it seemed, the Chaoyun Sect would attract most of the hostility, allowing her some peaceful time.

That morning, before the sun had even risen, Ning Xiaoxian received an unexpected visitor.

"My surname is Yan. Please help relay the message to Lord Ning of the Foreign Affairs Hall," the visitor said to the guards stationed by the Hidden Sect in the Ba Snake Forest.

The guard’s only response was: "Convey without delay."

From the outskirts of the Ba Snake Forest to the heart of the Hidden Stream, the journey was long, but after receiving the message, Ning Xiaoxian promptly headed there, meeting halfway.

"Mr. Yan!" she greeted with a slight smile. The person before her had left a profound impression on her back when she was still a mortal. To garner Changtian’s attention, he must be extraordinary. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)