Chapter 421

Chapter 421: Transaction

Zhou Changqing had been stuck at the half-step Foundation Establishment stage for quite some time. Now, seizing the opportunity presented by his confinement, it was a chance for him to settle down and focus entirely on cultivation.

Moreover, he deeply understood that this incident was actually a perfect opportunity for the Heavenly Alliance to demonstrate its strength amongst the disciples.

A few years ago, Zhou Luo had gathered these specific children of his within the Qinyuan Sect together.

The goal was naturally to plan how to expand their influence.

Under these circumstances, after a unanimous decision, they proposed the concept of the Heavenly Alliance.

In essence, it aimed to establish a force within the sect that was independent of the major factions.

The members of this force would naturally be composed of all the sect’s disciples aside from the direct disciples.

At that time, according to Zhou Luo’s vision, within the sect, aside from the direct disciples, other disciples held relatively low positions. Even if they later became elders of the sect the power they wielded was limited.

Yet these disciples formed a vital part of the sect’s strength. Under such circumstances, if their potential couldn’t be utilized, it would just go to waste.

If these disciples could be organized, and then later gradually became elders of the sect, infiltrating various non-crucial positions within the sect, they might be able to play a significant role.

The initial purpose of the Heavenly Alliance was simple: protect sect disciples and prevent them from being oppressed by direct disciples.

It could be said that Zhou Changqing had been upholding this principle before.

He was also the figurehead promoted by the Heavenly Alliance.

Correct. According to Zhou Luo’s words, for the Heavenly Alliance to make its mark, someone had to stand openly in front of all the disciples.

This incident could be considered Zhou Changqing’s first step in raising his visibility.

In fact, after this event occurred, word had already spread widely amongst the sect disciples.

Those other disciples, especially the outer disciples, all admired Zhou Changqing’s righteous and helpful behavior.

Everything was progressing along the path Zhou Luo had originally charted for the Heavenly Alliance.

Now, they were just waiting for Zhou Changqing to reach the Foundation Establishment stage and leave confinement.

Then, once he rallied the call, it was likely many more would be willing to join the Heavenly Alliance.

It must be said that Zhou Luo was exceptionally far-sighted.

He understood profoundly that the sect’s factions were immutable; due to the existence of bloodlines, even if his children possessed exceptional talent, they would eventually just be absorbed into other factions.

Therefore, he took an alternative path, choosing to establish this organizational force while they were still disciples.

This way, even if the Qinyuan Sect became aware of it, they would at most see it as disciples banding together for mutual support—a small, insignificant matter not worth their attention.

Once that spark started a prairie fire, when the time came and they tried to stop it, it would be impossible.

Furthermore, in the future, when his own children entered the sect, they would have a place of refuge there.

Over time, the Heavenly Alliance would slowly develop into a distinct force, becoming a new faction.

Only then could Zhou Luo’s influence within the Qinyuan Domain reach its maximum expansion.

"Alright, do your best." Zhou Chang Le gave a few brief instructions and then left.

Half a month later.

Zhou Luo returned to Qinyuan City with Ye Qian.

Gazing at the massive city, Ye Qian displayed no particular emotion.

Hailing from the Biquan True Sect, she had seen countless extraordinary and imposing sights. Arriving here now felt distinctly like moving from a large metropolis to a small town, so it held absolutely no surprise for her.

"I’ll first take you to see my properties," Zhou Luo offered proactively.

Since he intended for her to stay, he needed to showcase his foundation and strength.

He then led Ye Qian to the commercial district of the Tian Xia Pavilion.

Concealing their auras, they remained unnoticed.

Looking at the bustling area, Ye Qian questioned with surprise, "All of this is yours?"

"More precisely, it’s a collaboration between me and the Tian Xia Restaurant," Zhou Luo clarified.

"You have a collaboration with the Tian Xia Restaurant?" A hint of surprise flashed in Ye Qian’s eyes.

The prestige of the Tian Xia Restaurant far surpassed that of the Biquan True Sect, given its royal background.

What astonished Ye Qian was how Zhou Luo, someone like him, could be partners with such an establishment. Wasn’t this a sort of tacit recognition from the Tian Xia Restaurant itself?

Zhou Luo then called for Wang Lang.

Seeing the stunning beauty beside Zhou Luo, Wang Lang was momentarily stunned, then tactfully lowered his head, not daring to look again.

From Wang Lang’s report, Zhou Luo learned that after he left, Fang Li had indeed tried again to undermine his people. Fortunately, Wang Lang was prepared, and possessing a unique talent in business management, he had utilized Long Yunshuang’s influence to counter all his tactics.

Repeatedly thwarted, Fang Li had ultimately been forced to concede, allowing Wang Lang to retain partial control over the district.

Ye Qian listened quietly nearby, her conviction strengthening that Zhou Luo’s claims were true.

Being able to possess such substantial assets within the core of a major central city – Zhou Luo’s foundation had not disappointed her. Her initially resistant heart softened considerably.

After a brief exchange, Zhou Luo brought her back to Zhou Fu.

While the spiritual energy at the core of the Immortal City couldn’t compare to the Biquan True Sect, it was still significantly better than the outside world.

Soon after their return, Ye Qian quietly went alone to the training room and began her Closed-Door Training.

Zhou Luo was in no rush. After giving a few instructions to the household, he left Zhou Fu.

Shortly after, he appeared at the Assassin Tower’s outpost.

This time, he didn’t bother with any passphrase. He walked directly into the compound.

Inside, the middle-aged man who had previously met with him sat waiting, perfectly composed.

"Pill Master Zhou, thank you for this time."

Zhou Luo frowned. A faint light flashed on his right hand as a letter materialized. He gently sent it floating onto the table beside the man. It was Wang Yu Wei’s reply.

Originally, he hadn’t wanted further entanglement. Still, considering the help the Assassin Tower had given him at the Biquan True Sect, he had ultimately agreed to deliver the letter.

The middle-aged man didn’t glance at the letter. He merely kept his pleasant smile and produced a storage ring. "This is additional compensation."

Zhou Luo didn’t refuse. He took the storage ring and stated firmly, "This matter ends here."

The middle-aged man nodded. "Rest assured, Pill Master Zhou, the Assassin Tower will never proactively seek you out again."

"Though, I must say, your efficiency is remarkably impressive, Pill Master Zhou."

"The targets on that list… although the man himself is gone now, every one of them has been taken care of."

Before leaving, Zhou Luo had handed the list to the Lin Family. Those names belonged to all who had tried to pay the Assassin Tower to kill him, and the Lin Family had since eliminated every single one.

This clearly demonstrated the Lin Family’s growing dominance within the Qinyuan Domain.

Zhou Luo offered no reply. He simply turned and left.

He had refused the Assassin Tower’s previous offer of assistance precisely to send a message: the Lin Family was not weak. Let them think twice about the consequences if they ever contemplated targeting him again.