Song Xiantu and the others were overwhelmed with emotion and quickly invited everyone inside to rest. They also hung a "Closed" sign on the shop door ahead of time.
"Elder, your visit this time does mean the clan plans to reopen the trade route with Luoxia City?" Song Xiantu asked excitedly.
Song Luhuai nodded.
"Exactly. The clan's situation has improved somewhat in recent years, but so have our expenses. It's time to open up new sources of income."
"These young ones were carefully selected by the clan. Some will rotate back home soon. After all these years... I'm sure everyone misses home."
The mention of "home" stirred deep emotions among the store staff. Song Xiantu felt a sting behind his eyes and muttered with a sigh:
"Indeed... It's been twenty years. I can hardly remember what Cangmang Peak looks like anymore."
Looking at his full head of white hair, everyone present felt a wave of sorrow. After all, how many twenty years does a Qi Refining cultivator get in one lifetime?
Sensing the shift in mood, Song Luhuai quickly changed the subject:
"This is the clan's current Young Patriarch. Aside from overseeing operations here, he's also representing our family at the Grand City Lord's birthday celebration."
Everyone, especially Song Xiantu, was startled by this revelation. They immediately bowed respectfully.
"To think we've met the Young Patriarch himself please forgive our earlier disrespect!"
Seeing this, Song Changsheng quickly stepped aside to dodge their bow and smiled warmly as he helped Song Xiantu up.
"Elder, you humble me. You've served the clan tirelessly and alone all these years. If anything, it's I who should be bowing to you."
His sincerity brought a smile to the elder's wrinkled face.
"I wouldn't dare," Song Xiantu replied modestly.
After a round of formalities, Song Xiantu suddenly slapped his forehead and turned to the group.
"Look at my memory! I got so caught up chatting that I forgot to prepare rooms. Young Patriarch, Elder, please follow me to the rear courtyard."
As he led them through the store, Song Luhuai suddenly spoke in a serious tone:
"Luoxia City prohibits unauthorized movement at night. Everyone must stay in their rooms after dark. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" the group replied immediately, though some had puzzled looks on their faces.
Seeing this, Song Xiantu explained:
"It's an old rule set by one of the city lords, over a thousand years ago. Everyone's been following it ever since."
"Why such a strict rule, Elder?" a younger clansman asked curiously.
Song Xiantu furrowed his brows and shook his head.
"No one knows for sure."
No one knows? The young man who asked looked visibly frustrated.
Song Luhuai added helpfully:
"I've heard some say it's because the city has a very diverse population. The curfew helps prevent bad actors from stirring up trouble at night. Anyone caught wandering without approval is banished from Luoxia City permanently."
"I see... I was hoping to explore a bit since it's my first time here," the youth mumbled.
"There'll be plenty of time in the morning. When in someone else's domain, follow their rules," Song Luhuai reminded sternly.
The young man shut up immediately. Though the Fourth Elder was usually kind, he had boundaries.
As they chatted, Song Xiantu led them into the rear courtyard of the shop. It featured a three-story wooden lodge, much like an inn, with plenty of private rooms.
"The rooms with open doors are unoccupied. You've all had a long journey please rest. I'll have food and hot water sent up shortly."
"Much appreciated, Elder."
Though they had traveled by flying boat, the journey had still been taxing for Qi Refining cultivators. Gratefully, they dispersed to rest and recover.
Once the others had gone, Song Xiantu turned to Song Changsheng and Song Luhuai.
"Young Patriarch, Elder, your rooms are this way. Our conditions here are humble I hope you'll forgive the simplicity."
Song Changsheng shook his head.
"No need to apologize, Elder. We're cultivators a roof over our heads is more than enough."
Song Xiantu was momentarily surprised.
Such words from someone so young?
"Well said," Song Luhuai agreed with a nod.
"Hardship builds character. Cultivators should be ready to eat wind and sleep in the wild."
"Then please, allow me to show you to your quarters."
"Wait a moment." Song Luhuai raised a hand.
"Has Elder Sun retired for the night? The Grand Elder asked me to send his regards."
"Elder Sun usually reads well past midnight. He should still be awake."
"But he dislikes being interrupted while reading, so I didn't notify him of your arrival. I can go call him now"
"No, no. Let's not disturb Elder Sun's reading. We can pay our respects tomorrow," Song Luhuai quickly interrupted.
"Understood." Song Xiantu gave a short nod and resumed leading the way.
As they walked, Song Changsheng asked in a low voice:
"Twelfth Uncle, who exactly is this Elder Sun, to command such respect from you?"
Stroking his beard, Song Luhuai answered with genuine admiration:
"Elder Sun... is a true eccentric genius."
After Song Luhuai's detailed explanation, Song Changsheng finally understood just what kind of figure this "Elder Sun" really was.
As it turned out, the man's full name was Sun Chuanming, and he held the position of Chief Consecrator within the clan.
This was no ordinary title Chief Consecrator of the Song Clan was not a position given lightly. Though many consecrators the clan had once recruited had come and gone over the years, his standing had remained rock-solid, never once shaken. His authority was on par with that of the clan elders.
And yet…
In terms of cultivation, he was merely at the peak of the Qi Refining stage hardly exceptional within the clan.
In terms of talent, the clan had once offered him the chance to form his Foundation, but he had failed, barely escaping with his life.
As for seniority, he had only been with the clan for three or four decades, not long compared to other consecrators.
And yet this man, lacking in cultivation, talent, and tenure, had held the top position among all consecrators since the very beginning, his status entirely unchallenged.
The reason?
He was an exceptionally rare type of expert a Treasure Appraiser.
Appraisal was one of the Hundred Arts, and, as the name suggested, a true appraiser could discern the authenticity and nature of magical treasures. But few could truly grasp its essence.
Sun Chuanming, however, possessed the real skills. His famed "Fiery Eyes" had, over the years, helped the Song Clan identify countless treasures and just as many counterfeits.
It could be said that his contributions rivaled, or even exceeded, those of any Foundation Establishment cultivator, which was why Song Luhuai held him in such high esteem and offered him genuine respect.
Song Changsheng, for his part, had no impression of the man. That was no surprise. Sun Chuanming, like Song Xiantu and the others, had lived in the modest general store for nearly twenty years. Two decades ago, Song Changsheng hadn't even been tested for his spiritual roots, so it was only natural that he knew nothing about him.
But after the introduction, Changsheng found himself genuinely intrigued by this elusive Chief Consecrator and began to look forward to meeting him the next day.
The accommodations arranged by Song Xiantu were the best they had to offer spacious, elegantly furnished, and even protected by a formation that blocked spiritual sense, ensuring privacy from prying eyes.
Truth be told, it was far better than the residence Song Changsheng had back on Cangmang Peak.
Within moments of settling in, hot water and a meal were delivered. Though the spread wasn't luxurious, every dish was infused with spiritual energy the kind of meal even he couldn't indulge in often. The care and respect shown by Song Xiantu were evident.
After a satisfying dinner, Song Changsheng sat cross-legged on the cushioned couch and entered meditation. His cultivation had been progressing rapidly, and he needed to strike while the iron was hot.
The night passed uneventfully.
After finishing the breakfast that had been sent to his room the next morning, Song Changsheng stepped into the courtyard just in time to see Song Luhuai chatting with a lean, elderly man.
Something stirred in Changsheng's heart.
"Could that be… Elder Sun?"
He focused his gaze.
The old man wore a plain grey robe, with a simple crown atop his head. His figure was upright, his bearing extraordinary.
Changsheng's stare wasn't subtle, and the man quickly noticed. Their eyes met and in that instant, Changsheng felt a jolt run through his entire body, as though he'd been seen through completely.
Under that penetrating gaze, nothing seemed able to hide.
"Changsheng, you're here. This is the Elder Sun I told you about last night," Song Luhuai called out cheerfully, unaware of the subtle tension between the two.
"Junior Song Changsheng greets Elder Sun," he said respectfully, suppressing his inner shock.
"So it is the Young Patriarch himself. A dragon among men with extraordinary talent," Sun Chuanming replied as he stroked his beard, his words layered with meaning.
Changsheng's heart trembled.
Did he… see something?
Before he could speak further, Elder Sun said casually:
"The Elder and Young Patriarch surely have many tasks ahead. No need for pleasantries now we'll talk again once your affairs are settled."
Without waiting for a response, he turned to Song Luhuai.
"We'll chat again once the clan's duties are done," Luhuai agreed without suspicion.
After Sun Chuanming left, Changsheng finally spoke.
"Elder Sun's eyes truly are… like burning torches. Remarkable."
"Indeed. The essence of an Appraiser lies entirely in their eyes," Song Luhuai said with admiration.
"With Elder Sun's skill, his gaze is naturally no ordinary thing. It's just a shame he still hasn't found anyone worthy to pass his legacy on. If that knowledge dies with him, it would be a great loss for our clan."
He sighed slightly, then called for Changsheng to follow him they needed to meet up with the Wang and Li clans at the designated spot.
Song Luhuai probably didn't realize that his casual remark had already been etched deeply into Changsheng's heart…
The agreed meeting place for the three clans was a private room in a tavern located in the southeast part of the city. Here, they were scheduled to meet with one of the officials in charge of Luoxia City's external trade affairs.
Since they were the ones requesting a favor, Song Changsheng and his group arrived well ahead of time. After waiting for about half an hour, a rotund, middle-aged man finally arrived.
Song Changsheng couldn't quite gauge the man's cultivation level, but based on a rough estimate, he figured it was likely late Foundation Establishment or higher. The man's aura was well-concealed, and his face beamed with a warm, welcoming smile. As soon as he entered, he offered his apologies:
"My apologies for keeping you waiting. I'm Qian Mou, and I must thank you all for your patience."
Song Luhuai replied cheerfully,
"We only just arrived ourselves. No need to worry, Steward Qian."
Once everyone had taken their seats, Song Luhuai discreetly sent a voice transmission to Song Changsheng:
"His name is Qian Duoyu. He's a registered disciple of Luoxia City's Second City Lord and is in charge of external trade. Whether or not our clan can reopen trade with Luoxia City rests entirely in his hands."
Changsheng immediately understood:
So this guy's the big boss of finances no wonder we showed up so early.
Qian Duoyu, still smiling pleasantly, said:
"Fellow Daoist Song, it's been years since we last met. What brings you to me today? Is there anything I can help with?"
Despite his high cultivation and elevated status, Qian Duoyu spoke with no trace of arrogance, making his presence feel like a spring breeze.
Song Luhuai replied with a courteous smile:
"To be honest, I've come with Fellow Daoists Wang and Li today to humbly request the opportunity to establish a long-term trade relationship with Luoxia City."
Qian Duoyu chuckled and feigned surprise:
"Come now, Fellow Daoist Song. That wording baffles me a bit. The trade relationship between us has already lasted over a hundred years. Why talk about 'establishing' it again?
"If you've brought goods this time, we'll follow the usual arrangement we'll take everything as before."
Song Luhuai was overjoyed to hear this that was as good as a yes. He quickly cupped his hands and said:
"Many thanks, Steward Qian."
As he spoke, Song Changsheng noticed him discreetly handing over a storage pouch from beneath the table. He couldn't see what was inside, but judging by the increasingly radiant smile on Qian Duoyu's face, it was something valuable.
"So it's all just part of the game. Even cultivators aren't immune to worldly customs," Song Changsheng thought to himself, a bit amused.
"Some things hold no matter what world you're in."
With the Song Clan's matter settled, Wang Lizhou and Li Tianyou exchanged glances, then immediately stepped forward.
"Steward Qian," Wang said politely, "might there be a chance for the Wang and Li clans to also open a trade channel with your esteemed city?"
Qian Duoyu responded with a broad, amicable smile:
"The Wang and Li clans are both well-known families in Lingzhou certainly qualified to do business with us. However…"
He suddenly changed his tone:
"What can your two clans offer?"
Wang Lizhou stood up promptly:
"I'm aware that the three City Lords require a large amount of Five Elemental Essence to refine their magical treasures. Our clan can provide a steady annual supply.
"Furthermore, the Wang Clan cultivates a vast quantity of spirit rice. We're capable of supplying Luoxia City with a significant amount each year."
Not to be outdone, Li Tianyou added:
"The Li Clan may lack other specialties, but spiritual herbs are something we have in abundance. We can also supply your city with large annual quantities."
Since the two families had come with the Song Clan for this very purpose, they had naturally done their homework.
Though Luoxia City was large, it lacked suitable land for cultivating spiritual rice and herbs, which were essential, high-consumption staples and constantly in short supply.
With just a few sentences, they had hit Qian Duoyu right where it counted…
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