During these days, not much happened to the Su Family. However, the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce had an unexpected guest.
The visitor was cloaked in black, and his face was hidden. He announced his intention to meet the manager of the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce. After some consideration, Shen Wansan decided to receive him.
"What business brings you here? We've already replenished your tea twice."
Shen Wansan observed the exposed arm and the man's casual tea-drinking posture. He deduced that this person was from either a noble family or the palace. This reminded him of someone.
"Does the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce maintain its reputation?" The man didn't speak directly; instead, he asked a question.
"Didn't you already have an answer in your heart? Third Prince." Shen Wansan directly pointed out his identity. The man across from him froze for a moment, then removed his hat and mask.
"I wish to engage in a trade with the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce."
Jiang Ze wasn't surprised that the other had deduced his identity. However, he found it somewhat unexpected that Shen Wansan was straightforward. Nonetheless, it wasn't a big deal.
"Tell me more." Shen Wansan had his own speculations. But what did the Third Prince desire most? It was clear that Shen Wansan could deduce this.
"I want the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce's assistance in securing that position for me." Jiang Ze's eyes flickered with ambition.
"What can the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce gain from helping you?" Shen Wansan didn't beat around the bush. A merchant sought profit, and he was no exception.
"As long as the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce helps me secure that position, I can bring the Hexi Prefecture under the umbrella of the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce." Jiang Ze gritted his teeth and made a commitment.
"It seems the Third Prince hasn't fully grasped his situation. When you figure that out, come back." Shen Wansan sneered and left directly.
Jiang Ze was left standing there, his face twisted with hatred. However, there was nothing he could do. From his perspective, he had already made significant concessions. But once land concessions were made, his position might become unstable.
As for Shen Wansan, in his opinion, the Royal Family was insignificant in front of the Su Family. Why would they need to concede? If the family wanted, they could easily establish a compliant puppet. Yet, this incident revealed many issues.
The Su Family
Upon returning, Shen Wansan immediately sought out Su Zeduan. He explained the matter concerning the Third Prince and also raised his own concerns.
The Kyushu Chamber of Commerce was fundamentally a business association, unsuited for participating in conflicts. It was best to remain neutral; covert actions should be carried out by covert individuals. The Kyushu Chamber of Commerce was not suitable for that.
Su Zeduan also understood this principle. As he pondered over what to do, a spiritual crane flew before him. Su Zeduan naturally recognized whose crane this was and quickly opened it.
"The Qianqiu Sect, that's not a bad choice." After reading the contents of the message on the crane, Su Zeduan also approved.
Su Zeduan had some knowledge about the Qianqiu Sect, a reclusive sect within the Falling Cloud Mountain Range. Some of the family members worshiped the Qianqiu Sect, but he didn't know much about the sect. He heard that an Ancestor at the Profound Origin Realm was in charge. However, Su Zeduan didn't care much about the Profound Origin Realm.
Immediately, he contacted two senior family members. These two family members were both at the Peak of the True Martial Realm, and although there were traces of medicinal consumption, it couldn't be denied that they were still Peak True Martial Realm experts. However, there weren't many such experts in the Su Family, but it was enough.
He intended to invite these two senior family members to the Qianqiu Sect, either to meet the Sect Master or the Ancestor, for a "discussion." Before departing, he also retrieved a piece of talisman paper from the treasure vault.
The two family members were senior to Su Zeduan by quite a bit, even a generation above Su Xun. Both were elderly, one with a long beard named Su Zide and the other with a short beard named Su Ziqiang.
They had been stuck at this realm for several years; breaking through to the Profound Origin Realm wasn't easy.
Heading towards the Qianqiu Sect's residence, even though they were experts at the Peak True Martial Realm, it still took them quite a bit of time. After all, the Falling Cloud Mountain Range wasn't an ordinary place.
The Qianqiu Sect was situated in a valley on the outskirts of the Falling Cloud Mountain Range. Were it not for the clear instructions from the two youngsters at the Offering Pavilion, they might not have found it.
It was likely that a large array covered the area above this valley, concealing the entire Qianqiu Sect within. When their spiritual awareness brushed against it, they could sense only a faint anomaly. If one didn't deliberately search, they would hardly notice anything.
The two didn't attack the array but followed proper etiquette. Su Zide spread his voice through his spiritual energy, transmitting it into the Qianqiu Sect. His Peak True Martial Realm strength was evident in his voice.
"Su Family pays a visit to the Qianqiu Sect. We hope that the Sect Master will grant us an audience."
"Su Family pays a visit to the Qianqiu Sect. We hope that the Sect Master will grant us an audience."
…
After Su Zide finished speaking, he waited in place.
Moments later, a middle-aged man walked out from the formation, accompanied by seven or eight elders.
Upon seeing them, it was clear that the Sect Master of the Qianqiu Sect was an expert on par with them. The remaining elders were at the mid stage of the True Martial Realm at the weakest, and among them, one was only a step away from reaching the peak.
"Respects to both Daoists. What brings you here?"
The Sect Master of the Qianqiu Sect deliberately lowered his stance. The Su Family? He had no memory of this family whatsoever. Mainly, the Qianqiu Sect had been hidden for far too long, remaining relatively isolated from the outside world. However, being able to easily produce two experts at the Peak True Martial Realm indicated that they weren't a small force.
"The Sect Master of the Qianqiu Sect is too courteous."
The two also responded, knowing that one shouldn't provoke someone who was polite to them. If others were courteous, they wouldn't attack them with hostility.
"I wonder if we could discuss matters inside?" Su Zide spoke.
"This…" The Sect Master of the Qianqiu Sect hesitated, but he still invited them into the sect. After all, with their Ancestor sitting there, they probably couldn't stir up much trouble.
The two sat down, drinking tea without saying a word. They could comfortably enjoy their tea, but the Qianqiu Sect members seemed a bit restless.
"I am the Qianqiu Sect's Great Elder. I'm not sure why the two of you have come." Seeing the meaningful glance from his Sect Master, the Great Elder could only step forward and ask.
Su Zide cast a glance at the elderly man; he was the one who was about to reach the peak before.
"Our patriarch has sent us to invite the Sect Master or the Qianqiu Ancestor to our Su Family for a discussion regarding the matter of submitting to the Su Family."
Su Zide didn't look at the elderly man, instead focusing his gaze on the Sect Master of the Qianqiu Sect.
"Are you taking the Qianqiu Sect for granted?" The Sect Master of the Qianqiu Sect clenched his teacup, restraining his anger.
"Our patriarch stated that the Su Family won't interfere with the management of the Qianqiu Sect. We only need the Qianqiu Sect to assist the Su Family when needed. In exchange, the Su Family can offer a certain level of support to the Qianqiu Sect." The two remained calm, speaking these words plainly.