Chapter 573
But then again... the other party was indeed quite wealthy.
What they could offer to the Chongxuan Sect and these smaller sects, the Jiushan Sect simply couldn't match.
Ultimately, the existence of the Chongxuan Sect would lead to a de facto division within the Baixian Alliance.
As long as the Chongxuan Sect existed, the Baixian Alliance could hardly be considered unified, which would undermine the authority of Zheng Fa and the Jiushan Sect.
This kind of damage might be intangible and formless, yet it could cause some people to waver, adding considerable resistance to the policies Zheng Fa wanted to implement.
But how could they be so sure that the Chongxuan Sect could survive under Zheng Fa's leadership?
Was it based on something shrouded in the mists of the mountains?
...
A few days later, Zheng Fa took advantage of his purchasing duties to descend from the Fire God Mountain. Finding the area deserted, he activated the Rainbow Light and returned to the Jiushan Realm in no time.
"It's not just a matter of authority," he said in the Tiangong Palace. After sharing his observations, Senior Sister Zhang frowned and replied, "I recently realized that the location of the Chongxuan Sect is, in fact, one of the lifelines of our Baixian Alliance."
"Huh?"
Senior Sister Zhang waved her hand and tossed out a map, which depicted the terrain of the Baixian Alliance:
"The Baixian Alliance is bordered by the sea to the east, while the other three sides, particularly the northwest, are adjacent to the Haori Mountain."
"The only passage is to the south, which borders the territory of the Taishang Sect."
"Now, the Chongxuan Sect is blocking this crucial passage."
At this, Zheng Fa truly furrowed his brows.
This issue was indeed more significant than the loss of authority.
Currently, the Haori Mountain was openly hostile to the Baixian Alliance, and although they were bound by a pact, Dao Guo could not take action.
However, it was unlikely they would have any desire to do business with the Baixian Alliance.
In the past, when the Haori Mountain refrained from interference, the loose cultivators and smaller sects below still had the freedom to trade with the Baixian Alliance, which was manageable.
The problem now was that the Haori Mountain's control over the regional cultivators was becoming increasingly strict, and those people would likely hesitate to engage with the Baixian Alliance in the future.
Thus, the land trade routes would inevitably have to rely on the Taishang Sect to the south.
"Our Baixian Alliance's territory is small; while we can produce some spiritual materials, it pales in comparison to the Haori Mountain."
"Especially considering your method of training disciples, which is quite costly."
"Right now... our Jiushan Sect's spiritual materials are already in deficit."
Senior Sister Zhang's tone carried a hint of helplessness.
This issue had been lingering for quite some time.
To experiment with the Shenyuan Grand Pill, they had consumed a significant amount of resources.
Coupled with various industrial research projects, the Jiushan Sect's accounts were indeed in a dire state.
Moreover, even without this problem, the Haori Mountain had abundant resources while the Jiushan Sect had scarce ones; over time, the gap would only widen.
Now, he truly understood why the Haori Mountain was so generous towards the Chongxuan Sect:
The Chongxuan Sect was indeed of great use to the Haori Mountain... economically and in terms of spiritual materials, they could even blockade the Baixian Alliance.
In the hall, Xie Qingxue and Han Laozu exchanged glances, both frowning.
Though the Tianhe Sect was strong, they were still out of reach, and besides, the Tianhe Sect likely had its own set of troubles...
After leaving the Tiangong Palace, Han Laozu and Yan Wushuang followed Xie Qingxue into the guest courtyard.
"The Haori Mountain is really investing heavily," Yan Wushuang said indignantly.
Xie Qingxue, however, had some understanding of the Haori Mountain: "If it weren't for the constraints of the pact, the Haori Mountain would probably want to fight the Baixian Alliance to the death."
There was something she didn't say out loud—
This pact had indeed saved Zheng Fa's life.
Yan Wushuang was unaware of Zheng Fa's true strength, but she was.
Yet Han Laozu, stroking his beard, surprisingly wore a look of delight: "This isn't entirely bad for us."
"Huh?"
"If we want to establish ourselves in the Jiushan Realm, we need to have some leverage."
Han Laozu spoke softly.
Xie Qingxue glanced at him but remained silent. She hadn't told Yan Wushuang about the potential troubles facing her master, but Han Laozu was aware.
Thus, Han Laozu's implication was that they were already living under someone else's roof.
"The Chongxuan Sect controls the trade routes and is the best at refining tools within the Baixian Alliance. If they're not around, our assistance to Zheng Fa would be greatly enhanced."
Yan Wushuang paused, then suddenly slapped her forehead: "The Wushuang Society?"
"Exactly!" Han Laozu chuckled, "I preside over the Wushuang Society, and I've established some channels. Due to the Haori Mountain's tyranny, some may be cut off... but it will still serve as a supplement for the Jiushan Realm, perhaps even the only one."
"In the future, the Jiushan Sect will likely have to rely on the Wushuang Society for many spiritual materials."
Xie Qingxue nodded slowly, understanding that Han Laozu meant the Wushuang Society could smuggle and provide the Baixian Alliance with some much-needed spiritual materials.
She then heard Han Laozu continue, "The fact that the Chongxuan Sect isn't joining the Refiner's Guild is also an obstacle for Zheng Fa."
"But our Tianhe Sect may not be as good at refining as the Haori Mountain, but we definitely have more accumulated experience than the Chongxuan Sect!"
Xie Qingxue understood Han Laozu's point; while their Tianhe Sect was the strongest in swordsmanship, they were still one of the five sects and couldn't be underestimated in terms of refining.
Moreover, the crafting of their innate spiritual treasures was still their unique secret technique.
When it came to ordinary refining techniques, they might not compare to the Haori Mountain.
But compared to the Jiushan Sect...
Well, that was indeed a bit unfair.
Upon hearing this, Yan Wushuang also smiled: "So, can we lend Zheng Fa a hand?"
Han Laozu nodded with a smile, and Yan Wushuang excitedly chatted a bit more before happily retreating to cultivate.
Watching her leave, Xie Qingxue turned her gaze to Han Laozu, her expression revealing no emotion.
Han Laozu understood that she had seen through his thoughts and said softly, "Zheng Fa... is a person who values gratitude and righteousness."
"…"
Xie Qingxue looked up at the Tiangong Palace, a hint of guilt in her eyes.
She understood Han Laozu's meaning; her master... was likely facing a major crisis, and the Tianhe Sect might also be in trouble.
Whether it was the smuggling by the Wushuang Society or the refining techniques, Han Laozu was seeking something useful for the Jiushan Sect...
Ultimately, it was about... leveraging gratitude for future favors.
If the Tianhe Sect didn't face any issues, that would be fine, but if they did, he would be hoping for Zheng Fa to come to their rescue.
Only Yan Wushuang remained oblivious.
"Han Laozu, don't you usually enjoy criticizing the Tianhe Sect?"
Han Laozu was taken aback for a moment before suddenly laughing:
"I've heard too many secrets, and I've realized something long ago..."
"Huh?"
"Many people's words and hearts are at odds." Han Laozu paused, "I’m no different; it’s all nonsense."
Xie Qingxue said nothing.
Because... she was the same.
...
The next day, Han Laozu and the others were invited to participate in an experiment—the trial of the Shenshao Mining Ship.
This was already the second time for this endeavor.
Last time, Zheng Fa suddenly thought that Xiao Yuying had gone silent and might be in danger. Life and death were at stake, so he rushed to the Chongxuan Sect with Senior Sister Zhang.
As a result, the experiment fell through.
Now that Xiao Yuying was safe, the experiment was back on the agenda.
This time, in addition to Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang, there were three members from the Tianhe Sect, along with Xiao Yuying.
A group of people landed at the previous mining site, gazing at the Shenshao Mining Ship.
Especially Han Laozu, who was visiting the Jiushan Realm for the first time in a while; the Shenshao Mining Ship appeared quite unfamiliar to him.
In fact, it left him feeling somewhat perplexed.
Madam Xuanhua stood before everyone and declared, "Let’s begin!"
The bow of the Shenshao Mining Ship emitted a bright light, scanning the peaks below.
"This is a spiritual energy scanner," Madam Xuanhua explained to the crowd, "along with the disciples with洞虚灵眼 (Dongxu Lingyan, a type of spiritual eye), they work together to explore the mines."
Zheng Fa and the others had no questions.
But Han Laozu craned his neck, squinting at the Shenshao Mining Ship with curiosity.
"Exploring the mines?"
"Yes."
Madam Xuanhua elaborated, "We've tested it, and this Shenshao Mining Ship is more sensitive to underground minerals than an average Golden Core cultivator, even comparable to a slightly weaker Nascent Soul."
For a moment, Han Laozu didn't know what to say, but his expression showed some skepticism.
However, seeing Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang remain silent, he held his tongue.
"Drilling!"
At Madam Xuanhua's command, the Shenshao Mining Ship slowly descended, hovering in the low air. The two doors at the bottom of the ship opened gradually, revealing a drill bit.
"Previously, we had a rough understanding of the distribution of underground ores."
"This drill bit is also equipped with a spiritual energy scanner, which will provide more specific data as it delves deeper."
Watching the drill bit burrowing into the depths, Han Laozu's doubts began to dissipate—ordinary Golden Core cultivators couldn't penetrate that deep with their spiritual sense.
What Madam Xuanhua claimed about the Shenshao Mining Ship being superior to an average Golden Core in mining exploration didn't seem like mere exaggeration.
But the experiment with the Shenshao Mining Ship was far from over.
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