Qian Daoren,despite being a master at the Harmony Realm,had peculiar preferences.He had a fondness for gold and silver.
As a martial master in the Harmony Realm,treasures like gold and silver were no longer useful to them.However,Qian Daoren had an extreme liking for such mundane things.
Ordinary martial practitioners exchanged various treasures of gold and silver for resources for cultivation.Yet,Qian Daoren once did the bizarre act of trading a priceless yellow-grade weapon for a useless gem.
Undeniably,Qian Daoren's strength was formidable,and he had gained considerable fame in the Central Plains martial world.
Such a formidable figure being personally received by Lie Zizhong in Shangshan City made people ponder.
After a private conversation with Yan Huangjiu in the city lord's mansion,Qian Daoren announced a shocking piece of news to the public.
He decided to stay in Shangshan City for a hundred years,obeying only the commands of Yan Qingsnow.Anyone daring to disturb Shangshan City would be at odds with him,Qian Daoren!
This proclamation left all the martial sects waiting to seize Shangshan City,now that Yan Huangjiu's lifespan was depleted,feeling extremely uncomfortable.
A Harmony Realm expert was already enough to make them wary.After finally overcoming Yan Huangjiu,they now had to deal with the even more troublesome Qian Daoren.
Despite Qian Daoren's love for money,he adhered to a motto:"A gentleman loves wealth,but acquires it through righteous means."As long as you offered a price that moved him,he would fulfill his promises even if it meant sacrificing his life.
In the past,when Qian Daoren was in the Innate Realm,he accepted a meager sum from a defeated family and promised to escort a brother and sister back to Dongjin.
Surprisingly,after receiving this token amount,Qian Daoren genuinely escorted the siblings from Xiangnan all the way to Dongjin.It took more than a year,and he almost died on the way,but he still fulfilled his promise.
Since then,Qian Daoren's reputation soared.However,he wasn't entirely a good person;occasionally,he took on the role of an assassin.If someone wanted someone dead,as long as the price was right,Qian Daoren would act.
It's unclear what price Yan Huangjiu used to bring Qian Daoren to guard Shangshan City for a hundred years.However,the major martial sects in Xiangnan knew that their plans to seize Shangshan City were now completely infeasible.
With Qian Daoren safeguarding Shangshan City for a century,Yan Qingsnow's position as the city lord was at least stable.After Qian Daoren's departure a hundred years later,Shangshan City's foundation would be even more profound,possibly surpassing its current strength and becoming a true power in Xiangnan.
Yan Huangjiu established the Wind and Cloud Arena not only for the present but also with an eye on the future.Those wandering martial artists,upon reaching the Divine Palace Realm,would leave Shangshan City to seek opportunities to become Spirit Realm experts.
Yan Huangjiu never obstructed these individuals'departure.Once they broke through to the Spirit Realm,they would remember the kindness Yan Huangjiu and Shangshan City had shown them.
Breaking through to the Spirit Realm wasn't something that could be achieved overnight.Some people even lingered in the Divine Palace Realm for over a hundred years,failing to break through until their lifespan was depleted.
However,in recent years,Yan Huangjiu had gathered dozens of wandering martial artists who had reached the Divine Palace Realm.Even if only a few of them managed to break through to the Spirit Realm,Shangshan City's position would be solidified.
After the seven-day deadline,Lie Zizhong personally invited Yan Qingsnow to the city lord's mansion.
Su Xin initially wanted to avoid it,but at this moment,Lie Zizhong suddenly said,"Meng Xiaoxia,come with me.The city lord also wants to see you."Hearing that Yan Huangjiu wanted to see him,Su Xin was puzzled but followed Lie Zizhong.
"Qingsnow,come in first.Meng Qingze,wait outside for a while.Zizhong,both of you can leave too."Yan Huangjiu's weak voice came from inside.
Lie Zizhong nodded.It seemed that the city lord was about to entrust the final instructions.Some things were not meant for them to know.With a wave of his hand,all the martial artists hidden in the city lord's mansion withdrew.
In the main hall,Yan Huangjiu,who used to sit proudly on the dragon throne,was now half lying on a bed,pale,and his breath extremely weak.
Due to the recurrence of old injuries and his recent battle against four Spirit Realm experts,he had exhausted his last bit of strength.
Seeing his father,who was once majestic,in such a state,Yan Qingsnow's nose couldn't help but feel a sour sensation.
"Father."Yan Qingsnow called softly.
Yan Huangjiu forced a smile,his voice hoarse,"Qingsnow,don't blame me.As the lord of Shangshan City,the lives and future of hundreds of thousands of people in this city are in my hands.I have to be cautious.
Over these years,I owe you and your mother too much.I hope you won't hate me.I'm entrusting Shangshan City to you now.This is the foundation I've built with half my life.I don't expect you to continue expanding Shangshan City,just to ask you to hold onto it."
Yan Huangjiu took out a token and handed it to Yan Qingsnow.With this token,Yan Qingsnow would have the authority to mobilize all the martial artists in Shangshan City.
"Shangshan City will not be destroyed in my hands,"Yan Qingsnow received the token,her eyes reflecting sadness yet determination.
Yan Huangjiu nodded and suddenly asked,"Qingsnow,do you like Meng Qingze?Be honest,this is important."
Though there was a hint of shyness on Yan Qingsnow's face,considering the seriousness of Yan Huangjiu's question,she nodded.
"That's good.Let Meng Qingze come in;I have something to discuss with him."
Yan Qingsnow could vaguely guess what Yan Huangjiu wanted to talk to Meng Qingze about.She wasn't sure whether to be happy that her father was arranging a match for her or sad that her father,who had just shown a bit of warmth,was about to pass away.
When Su Xin entered the main hall,he found that Yan Huangjiu appeared even more direct in Yan Qingsnow's eyes.
In Su Xin's perception,Yan Huangjiu's life force seemed like a flickering oil lamp on the verge of extinguishing.The vitality on Yan Huangjiu was dissipating with each breath,and every word he spoke was draining his life.
"Meng Qingze,do you like Qingsnow?"Knowing his time was limited,Yan Huangjiu cut to the chase,skipping any unnecessary words.
Su Xin paused and said,"Miss Yan is gentle and kind,with outstanding beauty.I believe there's no man who wouldn't like such a woman,and I'm no exception."
Yan Huangjiu nodded,"Good.I now decide that Qingsnow will marry you.Your first son will bear the surname Yan and inherit Shangshan City.Other children can have any surname you choose."
"Wait!"Su Xin frowned."Lord,when did I ever say I wanted to marry Miss Yan?"
Yan Huangjiu,with closed eyes,said,"Qingsnow is overseeing Shangshan City as a woman.Even with Qian Daoren's protection,her methods are still somewhat immature.Do you think she can manage everything?
Meng Qingze,I've been observing you for a long time.Zong Haoyang has indeed cultivated an excellent disciple in you.Both in character and strength,you are top-notch.I can entrust Qingsnow to you without worries."
Su Xin shook his head,"I apologize,Lord.Although I have some affection for Miss Yan,it can only be described as liking.It hasn't reached the point of marriage.My goal is in the martial world.I agreed to help Miss Yan only because she returned my master's painting.I've stayed in Shangshan City for nearly a year,and I won't stay any longer."
Yan Huangjiu opened his eyes and said with a deep voice,"Meng Qingze,are you really going to refuse?Staying in Shangshan City,with Qingsnow's attachment to you,even though she is the city lord,in reality,you'll be the one in power.Moreover,Shangshan City has secret agreements with several Central Plains sects regarding trade routes.We provide them with precious spirit medicine ingredients,and they supply us with all the elixirs needed for cultivation.While the quantity may not match some major sects in Xiangnan,it's more than sufficient for your personal use.If you become the city lord,your treatment may even surpass that of the direct disciples of those major sects."
However,Su Xin shook his head again,"Lord,my aspirations lie elsewhere.Don't force me.While the position of the actual manager of Shangshan City is tempting,I don't want to be confined to this corner."
A hint of coldness flashed across Yan Huangjiu's face,"Since that's the case,don't blame me!"
As he finished speaking,Yan Huangjiu unexpectedly flicked something out.Although Yan Huangjiu was now depleted,he used his last bit of strength to make a sudden move.Even with Su Xin's current speed,he couldn't react in time.
The object Yan Huangjiu flicked out was a small,green insect,resembling a tiny silkworm.It swiftly burrowed into Su Xin's arm,disappearing.
A smile appeared on Yan Huangjiu's lips,"Meng Qingze,it's beyond your control now.This creature is the unique insect known as the Green Silk Gu,crafted by Miao Clan cultivators.I fed it with Qingsnow's hair.Once it enters your body,you won't be able to leave Qingsnow for the rest of your life.If you stay away for more than ten days,the Green Silk Gu will attack,causing excruciating pain and death.Moreover,you can't engage with any other woman,or the same fate awaits you.Meng Qingze,don't blame me.Shangshan City is the culmination of my life's efforts,and I must ensure its continuity.I won't allow anyone from Xiangnan or the court to take it.Only you,Meng Qingze,with no ties to any faction,sufficient strength,and Qingsnow's affection,can stay in Shangshan City forever!"
These words were spoken in one breath by Yan Huangjiu,and his face showed a strange reddish hue.Clearly,he was truly at the end of his strength,and this moment was just a last flicker.
However,at this moment,a peculiar smile appeared on Su Xin's face,"Lord Yan,do you think you truly understand me?How can you be sure I'm not someone sent by another faction?"
Chapter 148:Yan Huangjiu's Scheme
"Shangshan City will not fall under my control,"Yan Qingsnow said as she received the token,her eyes reflecting both sorrow and determination.
Yan Huangjiu nodded and suddenly asked,"Qingsnow,do you have affection for Meng Qingze?Be honest,this is important."
Though a hint of shyness appeared on Yan Qingsnow's face,she nodded,considering the gravity of Yan Huangjiu's question.
"That's good.Let Meng Qingze come in;I have something to discuss with him."
Yan Qingsnow could vaguely guess what Yan Huangjiu wanted to talk to Meng Qingze about.She wasn't sure whether to be happy that her father was arranging a match for her or sad that her father,who had just shown a bit of warmth,was about to pass away.
When Su Xin entered the main hall,he found that Yan Huangjiu appeared even more direct in Yan Qingsnow's eyes.
In Su Xin's perception,Yan Huangjiu's life force seemed like a flickering oil lamp on the verge of extinguishing.The vitality on Yan Huangjiu was dissipating with each breath,and every word he spoke was draining his life.
"Meng Qingze,do you have affection for Qingsnow?"Knowing his time was limited,Yan Huangjiu cut to the chase,skipping any unnecessary words.
Su Xin paused and said,"Miss Yan is gentle and kind,with outstanding beauty.I believe there's no man who wouldn't like such a woman,and I'm no exception."
Yan Huangjiu nodded,"Good.I now decide that Qingsnow will marry you.Your first son will bear the surname Yan and inherit Shangshan City.Other children can have any surname you choose."
"Wait!"Su Xin frowned."Lord,when did I ever say I wanted to marry Miss Yan?"
Yan Huangjiu,with closed eyes,said,"Qingsnow is overseeing Shangshan City as a woman.Even with Qian Daoren's protection,her methods are still somewhat immature.Do you think she can manage everything?
Meng Qingze,I've been observing you for a long time.Zong Haoyang has indeed cultivated an excellent disciple in you.Both in character and strength,you are top-notch.I can entrust Qingsnow to you without worries."
Su Xin shook his head,"I apologize,Lord.Although I have some affection for Miss Yan,it can only be described as liking.It hasn't reached the point of marriage.My goal is in the martial world.I agreed to help Miss Yan only because she returned my master's painting.I've stayed in Shangshan City for nearly a year,and I won't stay any longer."
Yan Huangjiu opened his eyes and said with a deep voice,"Meng Qingze,are you really going to refuse?Staying in Shangshan City,with Qingsnow's attachment to you,even though she is the city lord,in reality,you'll be the one in power.Moreover,Shangshan City has secret agreements with several Central Plains sects regarding trade routes.We provide them with precious spirit medicine ingredients,and they supply us with all the elixirs needed for cultivation.While the quantity may not match some major sects in Xiangnan,it's more than sufficient for your personal use.If you become the city lord,your treatment may even surpass that of the direct disciples of those major sects."
However,Su Xin shook his head again,"Lord,my aspirations lie elsewhere.Don't force me.While the position of the actual manager of Shangshan City is tempting,I don't want to be confined to this corner."
A hint of coldness flashed across Yan Huangjiu's face,"Since that's the case,don't blame me!"
As he finished speaking,Yan Huangjiu unexpectedly flicked something out.Although Yan Huangjiu was now depleted,he used his last bit of strength to make a sudden move.Even with Su Xin's current speed,he couldn't react in time.
The object Yan Huangjiu flicked out was a small,green insect,resembling a tiny silkworm.It swiftly burrowed into Su Xin's arm,disappearing.
A smile appeared on Yan Huangjiu's lips,"Meng Qingze,it's beyond your control now.This creature is the unique insect known as the Green Silk Gu,crafted by Miao Clan cultivators.I fed it with Qingsnow's hair.Once it enters your body,you won't be able to leave Qingsnow for the rest of your life.If you stay away for more than ten days,the Green Silk Gu will attack,causing excruciating pain and death.Moreover,you can't engage with any other woman,or the same fate awaits you.Meng Qingze,don't blame me.Shangshan City is the culmination of my life's efforts,and I must ensure its continuity.I won't allow anyone from Xiangnan or the court to take it.Only you,Meng Qingze,with no ties to any faction,sufficient strength,and Qingsnow's affection,can stay in Shangshan City forever!"
These words were spoken in one breath by Yan Huangjiu,and his face showed a strange reddish hue.Clearly,he was truly at the end of his strength,and this moment was just a last flicker.
However,at this moment,a peculiar smile appeared on Su Xin's face,"Lord Yan,do you think you truly understand me?How can you be sure I'm not someone sent by another faction?"
