Chapter 68

Confused, Liuyu pulled out the note from beneath the box and finally understood the purpose of these pills.

The Xuan Yang Pill strengthens the vital energy of the body, replenishes kidney energy, aids in bone marrow production, and opens the ears and the two Yin channels.

This Xuan Yang Condensed Water Pill is a tonic used to drive away cold and strengthen the body. Due to the expensive materials used, a single box is worth a hundred gold.

But Liuyu had heard that the high price of this pill was mainly due to some other purposes.

“Who says it’s useless?”

Not even noticing the sharp gaze from Mo Lin, Liuyu smiled and said, “I’ll accept it.”

Mo Lin knew why the elders of the Yinshan family had sent this.

It was simply because during their last conversation, Liuyu had jokingly mentioned that she was on the verge of breaking through the seventh level because of dual cultivation. Although the elders had felt embarrassed, they might have actually taken it seriously.

As long as it helps their young lady’s cultivation, what is a little face-saving worth?

Send! Anything can be sent!

But Mo Lin did not understand why Liuyu would accept it.

His deep, pond-like eyes fixed on her.

Liuyu didn’t avert her gaze. These pills weren’t only for men to strengthen their bodies, could she not take them too?

In fact, it would be best if she took a lot, and let Mo Lin experience the taste of begging on the bed.

On the opposite side, Nangong Yao awkwardly scratched his nose.

These elderly clan members, at their age, still concerned themselves with the younger generation’s bedchamber matters, really… disrespecting their elders.

Skipping over the awkward topic, Nangong Yao spoke again.

“I’ve delivered the items, so let’s get back to business. The attack in Longdui City today was most likely the work of the Shentu family. It’s clear that the child from the Zhongli family has a deep hatred for you. Have you thought about how to deal with it?”

“Who says I need to deal with her?”

Liuyu blinked innocently.

“Outside Longdui City, I joined forces with the Shentu family to drive away the Yinshan family’s troops, stopping their forces from invading the Demon Ghost Great Wall. I thought we were allies, but to think they would play such underhanded tricks. It’s truly disappointing.”

The Ji Mo family had emerged too forcefully.

No noble family had ever risen by seizing two cities at once, especially two cities taken from the Jiufang and Zhongli families.

If the main forces of these two families weren’t focused on dealing with the Yinshan family right now, the Ji Mo family’s rise would likely be drawing even more attention.

For this reason, Liuyu would not make enemies of anyone else.

Moreover, Liuyu believed that aside from Zhongli Lingzhao, no one would genuinely want to be her enemy.

Nangong Yao seemed to grasp something and thoughtfully said, “So you want to ally with the Shentu family?”

“Exactly.”

Liuyu played with the tassel on her mustard bag, speaking slowly.

“The Zhongli family isn’t solely decided by Zhongli Lingzhao. If I were the decision-maker of the Zhongli family, as long as I’m healthy, facing a rising force like the Ji Mo family, who has no other support, rather than suppressing them, it would be better to bring them under my control.”

Noble families are monsters built on piled-up interests.

Zhongli Lingzhao might act impulsively, but the Zhongli family as a whole would not.

Nangong Yao quietly observed his niece, whom he had not seen in years.

His sharp intuition told him something had changed with her, but she had only been married to Jiuyou for a few months, and her relationship with this Demon Ghost Lord seemed unchanged.

“No wonder your mother had me transferred here from Zhongzhou. It looks like she really wants to focus on you.”

Hearing Nangong Yao’s remark, Liuyu asked, “What happened in Yujing? Is it serious?”

“Can’t say if it’s serious or not.”

Nangong Yao, responsible for matters in the royal territory, only had a general understanding of Yujing in the Immortal Capital.

“But recently, the Jiufang and Zhongli families have become increasingly aggressive in their attacks on the Yinshan family. What was once subtle is now almost in the open—just look at the recent matter with the Qi Lian Division’s sect talismans, they’re almost at the point of tearing off the mask.”

Mo Lin glanced sideways and asked, “Qi Lian Division sect talismans, what’s that?”

It was understandable that he didn’t know about this, and Liuyu explained.

“It’s a pass used in trade. The Qi Lian Division controls all magic tools, and any large magic tool shop must have a sect talisman issued by the Qi Lian Division to sell magic tools. For various reasons, although the Qi Lian Division is controlled by the Zhongli family, and the weapon forges are controlled by the Shentu family, most of the large weapon shops in Dazhao are under the Yinshan family’s control.”

Mo Lin knew about this “various reasons.”

When Nangong Jing and Yinshan Ze built the colorless city to shelter all the demon ghosts, other noble families sensed the potential benefits and, to help the Yinshan family expand the city’s scale, gave their own city’s road passes, allowing Yinshan people to come and go, capturing demon ghosts.

But Nangong Jing didn’t stop at just that. Using these road passes, she opened up a transport route, and the Yinshan family set up marketplaces all over Dazhao.

The complexity of this was beyond outsiders’ understanding.

But to this day, no other noble family had been able to replicate the Yinshan family’s trade routes or match the scale of their markets.

Mo Lin also knew—

The world believed the Yinshan family’s rise was based on the demon ghosts of Colorless City, but in reality, it was these irreplaceable trade routes and markets that formed their true foundation.

As for the profits made from the colorless city, Nangong Yao and Yin Shanze almost never used them for their own benefit.

He lowered his gaze and took a sip of tea.

Nangong Yao said, “Magical tools are the biggest business in the entire Great Chao. From the noble families and imperial family to the common folk, farming and daily life can no longer do without these magical tools. In the past, the profits from this business were divided evenly between the Yinshan family and the Zhongli family, with the Shentu family taking a smaller share. But now, the Zhongli family seems to want to swallow up the entire 40% profit, so they’ve started to recall the symbols for the Qi Refining Department and prohibited the Yinshan family from selling magical tools. They’ve also forced the Yinshan family to sell their wares at a lower price.”

Liuyu’s fingers lightly twirled the tassels. Though she didn’t show it on her face, in her heart, she couldn’t help but sigh.

As expected, everything had moved ahead of schedule.

Jiu Fang Qian had sealed the position of General in advance, gaining land and power, strengthening his forces.

The Zhongli family had also extended its reach into the Yinshan family’s markets decades earlier than expected.

“They really know how to calculate,” Liuyu sneered.

“Building markets and trade routes, I don’t know how much effort our family has put into it, and we’ve even sacrificed many people. Now, with their alliance with the Jiu Fang family, they have the courage to pluck the fruit from our hands—how do you plan to punish them, mother?”

She vaguely remembered that before her parents passed away, their family still held onto the market and hadn’t been defeated by these two families.

“Why punish them?”

Nangong Yao unscrewed the wine jug and took a sip, looking at Liuyu with a slightly surprised expression. He smiled and said, “Isn’t this your plan? Since you want the Yinshan family to shed their skin like a cicada, why not take this opportunity to let the Jimo family eat up the Yinshan family’s markets? This way, you can also completely integrate into the Jiu Fang and Zhongli families’ camps.”

Liuyu froze for a moment.

This was indeed her plan, but a plan is one thing; when it comes to actually taking on such a heavy responsibility, even Liuyu hesitated.

The Jimo family was her sole responsibility, and no matter the outcome, she would bear the losses or gains.

But the market was the foundation of the Yinshan family, not something she could use as practice. Liuyu couldn’t afford to lose, and the Yinshan family definitely couldn’t afford to lose.

“Is this your mother’s idea?”

“Of course.”

Otherwise, how could he have made this decision? The Yinshan family and the Nangong family both followed his sister’s orders.

Nangong Yao tightened the lid of the jug.

“To help you complete this plan, your mother even deliberately released a traitor from the Xiandu Yujing. If all goes according to plan, that traitor will take the Yinshan family’s markets in the East Ji Yang Valley, join forces with the Shentu family, and serve the Zhongli family.”

That evening, Liuyu met the traitor Nangong Yao had mentioned.

The Jimo family hosted a banquet that night. Guests only needed to present their invitations to enter. Aside from the noble families who had attended the previous banquet by Luo Shui, other families who received the news and could reach Longdu City within the day came rushing in. The place was bustling with guests, and everyone was in high spirits.

Luckily, Xianli Shen had previously made the Longdu City extravagant, with large halls and courtyards that could accommodate any banquet.

“Shentu family head,” Liuyu proactively stepped forward and gave her respects to Shentu Xiang.

“Tonight, there are too many guests, and since we’ve just taken over this residence, the reception may not be perfect. Please forgive us for any shortcomings,” she said politely.

Shentu Xiang’s gaze was deep as he observed this young junior. He said, “Just the ‘Complete Book of Immortal Farming’ itself is already worth the trip. I’m sure the other guests think the same, so there’s no question of being negligent.”

He had been standing here for some time, watching this young Jimo lady direct her subordinates to carry a stack of books and circulate them at the banquet.

When she approached, their conversation consisted of things like “If you give me some manpower, I’ll return some grain next year.”

The other party, drawn in by the books she held, spoke in a much more agreeable tone, no longer able to refuse.

After going through a few rounds like this, she had already negotiated several deals.

Behind her, Xiangli Hualian looked at her with admiration, clearly in awe of her ability.

“Is that so?” Liuyu tilted her head and smiled lightly. “I noticed that Shentu family head doesn’t seem too enthusiastic.”

Shentu Xiang’s calm face showed a faint smile, and he replied casually, “The ‘Complete Book of Immortal Farming’ is certainly a profound text, but the secret arts are there, and even our own family’s inheritance is incomplete. How much more would a layman like us need to cultivate the real experts in this field? It requires a strong family foundation and even luck. The Shentu family is not as talented as others, so we’ll just focus on doing our part without being greedy.”

The Shentu family had a broader vision than a typical small family and could immediately see the key issue.

Back when she was at the Lingyong Academy, Mr. Ji Yu had taught Liuyu the same thing:

“Heaven distributes talent without choosing bloodlines. The inept will remain mediocre, even after perusing the ancestral texts of the great families. Those with talent, no matter how humble their background, can still achieve extraordinary feats.”

Thus, Liuyu wasn’t afraid to make the majority of the Xiangli family’s texts public.

Liuyu blinked. “I share the same sentiment as you, Shentu family head.”

“Is that so?” Shentu Xiang’s intense gaze fell on her. “I think Miss Jimo is a young talent with unmatched brilliance. It seems like you don’t just want to maintain your family’s heritage; you seem determined to achieve something monumental.”

Liuyu stood next to him and gazed at the bustling street of the hundred plays.

“Currently, with the Jiu Fang family, Zhongli family, and Yinshan family all locked in a constant struggle, it’s difficult enough for a small family like the Jimo family to survive, let alone accomplish something earth-shattering.”

Her words hit the mark with Shentu Xiang.

The Shentu family controlled six cities, and while they had many strong individuals, they still had to serve the Zhongli family. What about the Jimo family, a rising small family?

The young Jimo Gui seemed to be the same age as his daughter, shouldering the responsibility of his family’s survival. It was not an easy task.

As people age, they tend to soften, and Liuyu knew this all too well.

She didn’t continue with her sob story but pointed to the middle-aged man she had just spoken to.

“This man’s name card is from the Yin family. I saw you speaking with him earlier. Could it be that you have some connection with the Yinshan family’s servants?”

Shentu Xiang glanced at her and said:

“You’re talking about Yin Zishi? He does indeed have the surname Yin, but he can no longer be considered a retainer of the Yinshan clan.”

Liuyu showed a perfectly timed expression of confusion.

Shentu Xiang hesitated for a moment, seemingly debating whether or not to tell Liuyu.

However, since Yin Zishi had appeared at the Ji Mo family, who had just had a conflict with the Yinshan clan, his position was already obvious, and there was nothing to hide.

“I’ve heard that the current leader of the Yinshan clan, Madam Nangong Jing, is also the Prime Minister of the Great Chao. Over the years, she seems to have stopped relying on the Yinshan clan’s relatives, instead promoting outsiders they brought up from the Immortal Dao Academy.”

Shentu Xiang spoke slowly:

“Many of the relatives are dissatisfied, but they’ve been enduring because of Nangong Jing’s authority. However, over time, someone will eventually snap. This Yin Zishi was originally in charge of the Yinshan clan’s marketplace in the Dongji Yang Valley, but after hearing rumors that Nangong Jing might send someone to replace him, he got angry and switched allegiance to the Zhongli clan.”

“Now he’s here at the banquet, bringing his niece with him, hoping to form a marriage alliance with us, the Shentu clan. With orders from the Zhongli clan, it seems our Shentu family’s nephews and nieces can be selected by her.”

Liuyu finally began to piece things together.

So that’s what happened.

Nangong Jing’s promoted people hadn’t yet fully established themselves, while the relatives and retainers who were dismissed still had power and could make a comeback.

In her past life, the Jiufang family and the Zhongli family probably used countless Yin Zishis to exploit weaknesses and gradually disband the Yinshan clan.

Liuyu was still somewhat puzzled.

Her mother was always cautious and steady. If someone found a loophole, it must have been because they acted too hastily.

Why didn’t they take their time?

“—This must be Miss Jimo,” Yin Zishi, a man in his forties with sharp eyes, noticed their gaze and walked toward them.

“Miss Jimo is even younger than I imagined. At such a young age, she’s already accomplished so much. Her future is limitless. I’m afraid she might even surpass Miss Yinshan Liuyu—”

“Tch.”

A girl’s dissatisfied clicking sound interrupted Yin Zishi’s words.

“Why bring someone else into it when you’re praising someone? Do you have to step on others to make yourself look taller?”

As the one being stepped on, Liuyu turned around, slightly surprised, and saw a girl in a yellow dress staring at them coldly.

Yin Zishi bowed respectfully.

“Ah, it’s the Fifth Miss of the Beigong family. I speak frankly, not knowing if I’ve violated some taboo and made Miss Ying unhappy.”

Beigong Ying arrogantly looked down at him.

“Talking badly about Yinshan Liuyu in front of me is the greatest taboo you could commit.”

She then glanced at Liuyu.

Though she couldn’t scold Yin Zishi as she might, because of their differing social statuses, the look in Beigong Ying’s eyes clearly conveyed hostility toward Liuyu.

Liuyu’s eyebrows moved slightly.

If she remembered correctly, the Beigong family controlled two prosperous cities in the area near the Demon Ghost Great Wall and was quite powerful.

“Please excuse me, Miss Jimo,” Shangguan Zhou, who followed behind Beigong Ying, gracefully greeted Liuyu. “This Miss Beigong has long admired the talents and beauty of Miss Yinshan Liuyu in Xian Du Yu Jing. She is not speaking on behalf of the Yinshan clan.”

Liuyu looked at him: “You are…?”

“I am Shangguan Zhou, the third son in my family.”

The Shangguan family controlled a city. They were somewhat powerful but not too much.

Liuyu silently stopped her evaluation and turned to Beigong Ying.

“How did I start talking badly about her?” Liuyu said with a playful smile, stepping closer. “Under twenty, Liuyu of Yinshan is at the peak of the seventh realm. I, Jimo Gui, am at the eighth realm. Liuyu relies on the family’s resources to support her. I, on the other hand, support the whole family. Apart from looks, I seem to be much stronger than her, don’t I?”

She got too close, and the faint fragrance from her clothes filled the air.

Beigong Ying felt a strange familiarity in the tone of her voice. Her heart skipped a few beats.

But when she realized what Liuyu had just said, her eyes widened, anger surging in her chest.

“Where are you stronger! Miss Liuyu is not someone like you, a country bumpkin—”

Shangguan Zhou quickly covered her mouth, apologized, and dragged her away.

They came to make new connections, not to offend new nobles!

Watching the two rush off, Liuyu straightened up and let out a faint smile.

Yin Zishi said, “The Yinshan clan has had its glory for many years. There will always be people who fail to understand the changing situation, longing for the fading sunset. Miss Jimo need not worry about it.”

Liuyu didn’t comment and, as she passed him, patted his shoulder.

“Yin Zishi, Mr. Yin, I’ll remember you.”

Yin Zishi thought that he had gained the favor of the Jimo family’s new head, smiling even more.

But after walking a distance, Liuyu’s face darkened.

“I remember now. Every year during the holidays, this person would visit my family, and my mother would prepare a big red envelope for them! He even dares to use the Yinshan clan’s marketplace as dowry, marrying into the Shentu family. How shameless.”

Mo Lin, who had been hiding in the shadows, slowly caught up with her and spoke in a cold voice.

“Why not just have him marry into the Jimo family? These marketplaces will be in our hands again, just like that.”

Liuyu’s interest was piqued. She turned to look at him.

“Marriage alliance? Who would marry Yin Zishi’s niece?”

Mo Lin coldly smirked.

“Miss, you’re known to be fond of both men and women. I think you could personally take the lead.”

“…”

Liuyu innocently turned her head and casually pointed toward Fang Fucang.

“How about you instead?”

Fang Fucang, Yue Niang, and the Ghost Girl were sitting at a table. Just as Liuyu sat down to eat, they heard her randomly say this.

“Me?” Fang Fucang looked confused. “What? Are you assigning me some task?”

Liuyu briefly explained what had just happened.

At first, when he heard about the marriage alliance, Fang Fuchang immediately shook his head without a second thought.

But when he heard the name Yin Zishi, his expression suddenly changed. Upon hearing that it was Yin Zishi’s niece, he immediately stood up and rushed out.

Liuyu and Mo Lin exchanged a glance, seemingly realizing something, and they quickly followed after him.

When they arrived, they saw an entire courtyard filled with young men of marriageable age, with only one slender figure in light purple standing among them.

The wind gently swayed her dress, which seemed to float like wisteria flowers in shades of deep and light purple. Her delicate features were gentle, and her smile, while chatting with others, was warm and sweet. The glance from the corner of her eyes, like sparkling autumn water, was especially captivating.

Fang Fuchang, panting heavily, hurried forward and grabbed the nearest young man by the collar, his eyes filled with murderous intent:

“What are you here for?”

The young man, lifted off the ground, was confused and answered in bewilderment:

“We came to be matched by Miss Lanruo…”

“Matched, my foot! She has a husband now! If you dare look at her again, I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

Liuyu slightly parted her lips.

Although she had known from the beginning that Fang Fuchang’s wife had some connection to the Yinshan Clan, who could have expected this kind of reunion in this situation?

The woman, named Yin Lanruo, turned her gaze to Fang Fuchang, whose face was contorted with anger, veins popping.

Her smile seemed to fade slightly.

“Fuchang, let go.”

Fang Fuchang, still seething with anger, refused to let go of the young man’s collar.

How dare Yin Zishi arrange a marriage alliance for Lanruo? How dare he—

Behind them, Yue Niang, who had been watching the commotion, was still holding a chicken leg. She exclaimed in surprise:

“Is she the master’s wife?”

Yue Niang’s amazed gaze swept back and forth over Yin Lanruo’s face.

“She really is just like the master said—beautiful and gentle, like an immortal from the heavens…”

“Let go, Fang Fuchang! Are you deaf or what?!”

At the sound of this loud shout, Liuyu and the others saw a shadow suddenly flash past them. When the wind from the movement caused Liuyu’s hair to fall, she realized—

The person who had just been sent flying was Fang Fuchang.

And it was his beautiful and gentle “immortal” wife who had punched him away.