World of Cultivation - Volume 06 - All Hail Our King

by Fang Xiang

  "After that, the Grey Family quickly grew in power under the leadership of Cang Ling Xue. Three years later, the Grey Family became one of the five biggest factions in Nu Flat Jie. Under her initiative, the five strongest families of Nu Flat formed the Nu Flat Merchant Association. The chair was Cang Ling Xue. That year, she was fifteen."

  Everone gaped as they heard this.

  "The Nu Flat Merchant Association developed quickly and in the following years, their business expanded to more than thirty of the surrounding jie. Oh, I forgot to tell everyone, Cang Ling Xue is seventeen this year."

  "So there are really geniuses in the world!" Nan Yue couldn't help but sigh in astonishment.

  The orange haired yao crowded over and said shamelessly, "Is Sister Nan talking about me?"

  A Wen coldly said, "Idiot!"

  Nan Yue's eyebrow twitched. These two were starting again! She brought out her killing move. "Shut up! Don't forget what Boss said before you left."

  The orange haired yao shrunk his head back, and said, "Good brothers are loyal, I am peerlessly loyal!"

  A Wen was silent.

  A look flashed through Tao Wei's eyes. She looked at Boss. Boss' eyes were closed.

  "Please continue," Nan Yue said.

  "Cang Ling Xue is skilled in management. Under her reins, the Cang Family is not just organized, it has quickly grown. Her talent and skill also aroused the attention of many factions. The Nu Flat Merchant Association has some power, but compared to the larger factions, it isn't worth a mention. I heard that even the Council of Elders is interested in her."

  Tao Wei's eyes moved. "Do you know what is the best way to recruit a young female?"

  Nan Yue said coolly, "Force a marriage!"

  Tao Wei laughed lightly. "Miss Nan Yue is really smart. There are many ways of dealing with Cang Ling Xue. Cang Ling Xue does not have much to bargain with. The most effective method is a marriage proposal. Cang Ling Xue is beautiful, she is rich, and skilled in management. It will be greatly profitable if one could marry this kind of woman! Up until now, Cang Ling Xue has received over ten marriage proposals. None of these factions are ones that she, or the Nu Flat Merchant Association can afford to offend."

  "These people should be killed!" A Wen who hated being forced to do anything said in fury.

  The orange haired yao said righteously, "Only a genius can save a beautiful maiden … …"

  Nan Yue ignored the two of them. "What does she have to do with us."

  Youqin Lie who had been resting with his eyes closed suddenly opened his eyes. "This is one of the targets from the higher ups. Do not ask me the reason. You only need to know that she is your target and I will help you complete the mission."

  "What do we have to do?" Ming Jue Zi asked. Of the group, he had the most ideas.

  "I lean towards kidnapping her." Youqin Lie shrugged and seemed cunning like a fox. "However, this is your mission. You will decide how to carry out your mission. The higher-ups want to recruit a talent that is skilled at internal management. Of course, if you accidentally damage her, we have other targets."

  Such a cold and emotionless person. Nan Yue's dislike increased. However, Ming Jue Zi answered before she did, "You mean that after completing this, we have other targets to reach?"

  "Yes." Youqin Lie said coolly, "The preliminary list to investigate was one hundred and three people. After investigation and selection based on the higher up's criteria, there are sixteen in left."

  "Sixteen people!"

  Nan Yue and the others gaped. This number surprised their imagination.

  "These sixteen are all talented, each of them is not from strong faction and are easy to get to." Youqin Lie looked at the group and jerked the corners of his mouth. "You should thank me, I helped you finish a ;large part of the work. There are eight that are already taken care of through terror, kidnapping and bribery, and another one we just got from [Snapped Red Silk]."

  "You mean we have seven left?" Ming Jue Zi immediately caught the point.

  "Yes," Youqin Lie said expressionlessly, "I suggest you first go after Cang Ling Xue. In the ranking from the higher-ups, she has the highest score. While the final result will only be known after they fight it out, I favor her. Also, the level of this mission is [Bird]. I believe that you know what this means."

  Nan Yue and the others were shocked.

  Translator Ramblings: Despite the same name, Cang Ling Xue is of no relationship to Ze.

  Chapter 767: Bronze Hoop Remnant

  [Bird] was the highest level of mission for Mo Cloud Sea.

  Zuo Mo had set up Mo Cloud Sea's mission structure using the Lil' Ones rankings. From highest to lowest, it was [Bird], [Pagoda], [Butterfly], [Fire] and [Worm]. [Bird] level missions were the highest priority and most important missions of Mo Cloud Sea. It meant that this mission was a crucial mission that would determine life and death for Mo Cloud Sea.

  [Bird] level missions were not easily announced but once they were, every person of Mo Cloud Sea had a duty and responsibility to serve for the [Bird] level mission. For any [Bird] level mission, if it was necessary, all the power of Mo Cloud Sea could be mobilized to complete it and they were obligated to do so.

  There were not many that knew of this compulsory rule. Normal citizens would almost never encounter missions above [Fire] level. But Nan Yue and the others had followed Zuo Mo for many years and knew about the inner workings. So when Youqin Lie stated the mission ranking, they could not keep their composure.

  "What do we need to do?" Nan Yue asked gravely. Her expression was stern and focused. Everyone else, even the orange haired yao, put away their cheer and became focused.

  The temperature of the conference room suddenly dipped, the atmosphere becoming heavy and solemn.

  Tao Wei and the others felt slightly uneasy. They felt surprised at this suddenly transformation, but more of what they felt was shock. They were experienced, and they could see the great importance that Nan Yue and the others placed on this mission. It came from their hearts. The level of the mission changed their attitude. A scene like this would only appear if the other had strict organization and they strongly identified with the organization.

  This was a strict, regulated, and united organization.

  They could not see the organization behind Boss but this was the tip of the iceberg and made them feel great awe and terror.

  Youqin Lie seemed to not feel the suddenly murderous atmosphere. He was still expressionless. "This is a problem you will need to consider. From my position, using tactics like kidnapping and such is the most convenient. But considering that they will become your co-workers in the future, I suggest using gentler tactics."

  "For example?" Nan Yue found that she could not treat this lord of the darkness using a normal view. The other was not as strong as them, but in terms of viciousness, and cunning, all of them added up were not a match for him.

  "No matter how strong a seventeen year old female is, she is still seventeen." Youqin Lie glanced at Nan Yue. "There is a common saying. You give her what she needs."

  Ming Jue Zi had a thoughtful expression.

  Nan Yue was even more direct. "What does she need?"

  While she had never seen Youqin Lie, and the aura of darkness on the other made her uncomfortable. But since the higher-ups had given the [Bird] level mission to him, it showed that this youth of the underground was trustworthy. Youqin Lie had clearly been investigating and working on this for a long time, and he definitely knew more than they did as well as being more experienced. In this kind of situation, it was more reliable to listen to the suggestions of a professional.

  A look flashed across Youqin Lie's expressionless face but then it disappeared. He turned to Chai Shan Qing, "Speak."

  Chai Shan Qing was not surprised. He elegantly nodded at each person. His voice was clear as though it contained a power that would make people unconsciously trust him. "First, we will analyze Cang Ling Xue's personality. She was able to save the Grey Family from a d
angerous situation, and created the Nu Flat Business Association. Other than her outstanding abilities, she has unique personality traits. She is determined to the point of stubbornness, decisive, and filled with confidence and a strong sense of responsibility."

  Everyone felt this was reasonable and nodded.

  Chai Shan Qing smiled elegantly. At this time, he was like a wise and educated teacher without any aura of darkness.

  "She is extremely confident. This kind of confidence has helped her overcome many obstacles. Due to this, even though she seems surrounded on all sides, her stubbornness and confidence keep her believing that she can find a way out. This will make her try all kinds of methods to resolve the danger present. Even though all the factions are pressuring her, she will not surrender immediately. She will struggle for a time."

  "But let us first analyze her situation. We will find that the probability that she can break free of the situation is low. The enemies can obtain both the person and wealth, who would let her go? Those greedy people would not do so. According to our investigation, the ones behind those acting now are mighty. So mighty that even Ming Yue Ye is wary."

  "Ming Yue Ye is Cang Ling Xue's best person to side with, but Ming Yue Ye is busy consolidating her power and obtaining the support of other elders. She would only interfere with the plans of other elders in one situation, when the benefits surpasses her losses. But it is clear that the current seventeen year old Cang Ling Xue and the Nu Flat Merchant Association do not possess such high value."

  Nan Yue and the others unconsciously stopped breathing. They listened, entranced. In a few words, the complex situation became clear.

  "Consequently, in my predictions, the possibility that Cang Ling Xue can break free is very low. What determines this is her other trait, her strong sense of responsibility. It is not good to act against Cang Ling Xue openly, but there are many ways to deal with the Grey Family and the Nu Flat Merchant Association. For the future of the Grey Family, I think the probability that Cang Ling Xue will make a compromise is high. Of course, I have to admit that Cang Ling Xue may be able to get out due to her great talents. Therefore, we need to work in the shadows to stop any chance that she can get out."

  "Why?" Nan Yue frowned. She innately did not like these machinations in the shadows.

  Chai Shan Qing smiled as though he was not discussing a conspiracy but a theoretical problem. "No matter how hardy, how determined she is, do not forget her age. A hopeless situation, the feeling of defeat and hopelessness created by failure of her struggles, that is enough to take her to her most fragile state. She will struggle in a darkness where she cannot see any hope. At this time, we only need to give her one thread of hope and we can recruit her. This is our only chance."

  Nan Yue and the others shuddered, their bodies cold.

  Cang Ze couldn't help saying, "Why don't we find her now? If we offer her enough, we may be able to persuade her."

  Chai Shan Qing laughed lightly, "We will never be able to offer as much as the others. Once we appear, Cang Lin Xue will not give up on the chance to use us to strengthen her bargaining position. She will then sell us off to the highest bidder and together they will become enemy. Then they will use all kinds of schemes to push us out of the game. We can only hide in the darkness, but they can work in the light. This means that what we can give cannot be more than what they can. Do not ever underestimate the cunning and greed of these families. They are blood-suckers. What they are most skilled in is using their background and power to push others out of business."

  He then smiled coldly and said, "Cang Ling Xue is still waiting for a better offer yet she does not understand these people well enough. They will not give her a chance. They are a like a pack of wolves, cunning and cooperative. They can compromise among themselves, but they cannot accept prey bargaining with them. This is an advantage that their power gives them. They have used this advantage for thousands of years. They are familiar with everything that can be used, and are used to using it to get the most benefits."

  Everyone was silent.

  Youqin Lie's cool voice interrupted their thoughts. "He is an expert in this field. If you are willing to listen to his opinion, he will become your helper."

  A long time later, Nan Yue spoke, "Many thanks, Mister Chai!"

  Chai Shan Qing elegantly bowed, "It is my honor to work for you."

  ———

  Zuo Mo examined this guy who had been stripped until he only had one piece of cloth left and was locked up by numerous jinzhi. The people around him looked predatorily at this tender-looking person with unfriendliness. Someone had managed to get onto the ship without being detected, and this happened in front of Daren. All of them felt ashamed and were not in good moods.

  The captive was short and the disguise on his face had been cleaned off to show an ordinary face. But there were many faint scripts carved on his body that seemed like the mo matrices that Mo Cloud Sea carved.

  It was the first time Zuo Mo had seen similar things in other places. After inspecting them, Zuo Mo found that what was inscribed on the person were not mo matrices but a kind of unique seal script.

  This kind of seal script already had some of the traits of shen glyphs. It was these seal scripts that were close shen glyphs which allowed his presence to be hidden to such an astounding degree that none of the numerous experts present detected him. The effects of these seal scripts broadened Zuo Mo's view.

  After making a copy of all the seal scripts on this guy's body, Zuo Mo's attention moved onto another item.

  A half section of a bronze hoop.

  Zuo Mo knew with a glance that this bronze hoop was the remnant of an ancient shen device. The simple and almost crude patterns on the bronze hoop were the signature of that era. Also, there was a very faint yet unique shen power vibration from the bronze hoop.

  This was probably what Thunder Sound Temple had been searching for. Zuo Mo played with it before handing it off to the others.

  This thing probably wasn't simple as it appeared, being the remnant of a shen device and to cause Thunder Sound Temple to make such a great fuss over it. He motioned to the guard next to him. The guard kicked the unconscious captive.

  The captive slowly woke up. When he opened his eyes, he looked dazedly at the unfamiliar faces. When his gaze encountered A Gui, he shook and immediately woke up. Some terrifying memories flashed through his mind, and his body unconsciously shook.

  At this time, he heard someone speak.

  "Speak, who are you?"

  Translator Ramblings: The sneaker's identity reveal is delayed. Cliffhanger that lasts more than one chapter. Lil' Cliffy's evolving.

  Chapter 768: A Fatal Temptation

  The captive's mind was stunned but he quickly realized his situation. The people around him had unfriendly expressions and the murderous presences they gave off caused his heart to instinctively tremble. Relating them to the terrifying experts he had fought against before his unconsciousness, he knew that he had been caught this time.

  "I am Lao De Guang."

  Zuo Mo and the others exchanged a look. No one heard of this name before.

  "Don't use this kind of name to fool people. How can someone with your skills be unknown?" Zuo Mo looked sardonically at Lao De Guang.

  Lao De Guang knew that there was no chance today, and briskly confessed, "Other people call me the Shadowless Ghost Hand."

  "Shadowless Ghost Hand!" The eyes of the steward next to Zuo Mo widened, his expression changing as he shouted. He saw Zuo Mo turn around and hurriedly explained, "The Shadowless Ghost Hand is a famous thief around the Nine Great Dhyana Sect territories. They say that he has never failed. The Nine Great Dhyana Sects has a great bounty but no one was able to catch him. We captured a big fish this time!"

  Lao De Guang listened to the narration of the steward and a proud expression rose.

  Zuo Mo saw the expression on his face and smiled. "Oh? I didn't see it, you are a famous character!"

  Lao De Guang's
expression stilled. Thinking about his captive situation, the pride on his face immediately disappeared.

  "What is this?" Zuo Mo picked up the bronze hoop remnant that had been returned to him and waved it. "Do not try to fool us. The Thunder Sound Temple seems to be searching for this. If we give this thing and you to them, other than the bounty, we might get even more benefits from Thunder Sound Temple."

  Lao De Guang's expression tensed. He thought about how his fate would be worse than death if he was handed to Thunder Sound Temple. The other's unfriendly gaze was vicious and experienced. He quickly stopped his other plans, and obediently answered, "Yes, Thunder Sound Temple is searching for this. This is a token for an ancient ruin."

  "A token for an ancient ruin?" Zuo Mo narrowed his eyes. Everyone familiar with him knew that this expression was when he was interested.

  Since he had confessed, Lao De Guang decided to do it to the end. "Yes! An ancient ruin was found in the Nine Great Dhyana Sects but the ruin is shrouded in a strange power field. It is impossible to enter without the token. There are thirteen tokens in total, all of them remnants of shen devices. Not long after the ruins were discovered, divination masters identified the time that the ruin will open, it is in one month."

  "Thirteen tokens? How come there are so many tokens?" Zuo Mo smiled ambiguously at Lao De Guang.

  For some unknown reason, Zuo Mo's smile caused Lao De Guang's bones to shiver. He forced himself to remain calm. "I do not know. These shen device remnants were found around the ruin, thirteen total. The Nine Great Dhyana Sects each have one, and the remaining four are in the hands of unknown people."

  "A token for an ancient ruin is enough to make the Thunder Sound Temple so desperate? I don't believe it." Zuo Mo shook his head.

  Lao De Guang immediately panicked. "Some of the information on the ancient ruin has been uncovered. It has other things but there is a treasure that no one is able to refuse. That is why the Thunder Sound Temple is so desperate."

  "What treasure?" Zuo Mo smiled enchantingly.