As the Temple of the Water God was completed, the trade routes mastered by Qian Nishang did not immediately find peace. Instead, more bandits appeared, and even demonic apparitions were sighted along the way. In the past, Mingxin Xuan would undoubtedly have dispatched more guards to protect the merchant convoys and ensure their goods reached the prefectural city. However, this time, interference from the Zhuang family had restricted most of Mingxin Xuan’s forces.
Despite this, Qian Nishang did not appear anxious, nor did she make any visits or attempts at communication. She remained composed and unhurried, showing no signs of urgency or panic. Within a day or two, a large number of martial artists had joined Qian family's merchant convoys. Even more martial cultivators began appearing along these trade routes, clearing out bandits and demonic apparitions.
“When some people realize that this limited strength is insufficient to deal with us,” Ji Yuan said softly, sitting by the pond in the courtyard, “that’s when they will reveal their true colors.”
Elder Hong Tian nodded, a hint of understanding in his eyes, as he gazed at the junior beside him. While he was adept at managing sect affairs and matters outside the sect, intricate schemes and arrangements like this were somewhat beyond his capabilities.
“Bandits and robbers are easy to deal with, but these demonic apparitions are quite troublesome,” Elder Hong Tian reminded him after some thought. Relying solely on the Shanhe Gang and a group of martial cultivators, dealing with the constantly evolving methods of these demonic entities would likely prove difficult.
“That’s why I’ve asked Senior Brother Lin to take Xue Yang and the others on a trip.” Ji Yuan casually tossed some bait into the pond, and spirit fish immediately rushed to snatch it. The ornamental fish in this pond were spirit fish worth hundreds of taels of silver each.
“We should certainly do our part in slaying demons and vanquishing evil,” Zhao Yuansong said suddenly from the side, his expression somewhat glum. Behind him, Song Changsheng and Qian Dahai wore similar looks.
In truth, it was less about slaying demons and more about repaying a debt. Not only had Ji Yuan saved their lives, but they had also been consuming top-grade elixirs from him during this time. A quick calculation revealed that they had consumed at least two to three thousand taels of silver worth of elixirs of various effects over just a few months. Furthermore, to prepare them for potential dangers, Ji Yuan had also given them several artifacts of decent quality, explicitly stating they were gifts. Thus, the favors they had received were even greater.
Zhao Yuansong was relatively at ease. He and Ji Yuan were close friends, having faced life and death together many times, and he felt that acknowledging the favor was sufficient without excessive outward displays. However, Song Changsheng and Qian Dahai had no prior relationship with Ji Yuan. To have received so many benefits for no reason, they would experience significant inner turmoil if they couldn't do something in return. They were also aware that Ji Yuan was engaged in something significant, even enlisting the sect’s prodigies and two elders. Therefore, they wished to contribute to this endeavor, if only to express their gratitude, even if it couldn't fully repay his kindness.
“If you go with them, what will I do when I need people?” Ji Yuan retorted with an eye-roll, his tone laced with exasperation. Despite his esteemed position in the Qian family and his excellent relationship with Qian Nishang, he lacked his own people here, making certain tasks inconvenient. Mo Yiyan and the others had already been dispatched to spread the word about the Tianyi Water God Temple.
Upon hearing this, although Zhao Yuansong knew Ji Yuan was joking, his eye twitched slightly. After a pause, Ji Yuan suddenly stood up and walked towards Chen Rong, who was standing respectfully nearby.
“Are you ready?” he asked with a serious expression.
Chen Rong couldn't help but let out a wry smile at his question, as if he had any choice. Ever since he was captured during the attack years ago, a restriction had been placed upon his soul, making his life and death entirely out of his control. With a mere thought from the person before him, he would instantly be annihilated, with no chance even of reincarnation. Although Chen Rong knew that even if he refused, Ji Yuan, with his disposition, would not activate the restriction to simply obliterate him, it would certainly displease Ji Yuan, and he would have no good prospects afterward.
“I’m ready, don’t worry,” he replied earnestly, nodding his head. Despite having lost his freedom, Chen Rong still held onto a sliver of hope. If he were still within the Shenxuan Sect, competing with numerous inner disciples, his achievements in this life would likely be limited. However, being by the side of the person before him offered a different prospect. He had observed many things over the years. Perhaps with the soul restriction, coupled with his attitude and his willingness to act, he might gain a certain level of trust from this person. His future achievements might even surpass what he could have attained in the Shenxuan Sect. Although the latter was a powerful sect with unimaginable resources, it also required intense competition among its vast number of disciples. The former, however, was different; the circle of individuals around him was not yet large, presenting a prime opportunity to establish himself and earn recognition. Of course, this was only because it was Ji Yuan; he wouldn’t have harbored such thoughts if it were someone else.
“Good. Spend these few days adjusting your state. You may be needed to go out at any time.” Ji Yuan nodded slightly, offering no guarantees. However, he had already formed an idea: if Chen Rong performed well this time, he would cultivate him properly in the future. Just as Chen Rong had said years ago, having a powerful shadow constantly by one’s side would make many tasks much more convenient.
He then turned to look at a young man with a somewhat unnatural expression standing nearby. “I remember your name is… Ren Feihong, right?” Ji Yuan, of course, remembered his name; he merely spoke this way to create an atmosphere. As expected, upon hearing him speak, the young man’s gaze became noticeably evasive. This person had originally been a member of the Liuhuo Pirates and had been tracking Ji Yuan and his companions in secret before being discovered and captured. Due to his talent in spatial manipulation, his voluntary confession of information about the Liuhuo Pirates, and most importantly, his active assistance when Xue Yang and the others were in danger, Ji Yuan had rescued his captive parents while attacking the Liuhuo Pirates and kept them by his side throughout their journey.
“What are your thoughts now?” Ji Yuan asked with a smile after observing him for a moment. “Do you wish to leave with your parents, or…” Ji Yuan deliberately paused, observing the young man’s expression.
“I wish to follow you, sir!” Ren Feihong replied without hesitation. Over the past few days, he had clearly understood that the young Daoist before him seemed to hold a very noble status. Those who came and went to meet him were either cultivators of the third realm or important figures from the prefectural governor's office. Furthermore, from what he overheard people call him, he appeared to be an elder of a major sect. Rather than being a reclusive cultivator or serving some minor faction as an outer member, it was infinitely better to serve such a powerful figure, both for his future prospects and his current treatment.
“I do not keep idle people under me. Since you have made your decision, you must prove your worth,” Ji Yuan said with a slight nod, uttering the words he had already prepared in his mind.