99: Chapter 99 Heavenly Court Expansion, Branch Establishment

The morning light first appeared, and Chaos Valley awoke in the mist.

Lin Ye stood on the observation deck on the third floor of the main hall, overlooking this player main city that was already taking shape. The morning mist shrouded the valley like a light veil, yet it could not conceal the thriving vitality within. Smoke curled from the residential area on the east side, Spiritual Qi steamed from the cultivation area on the west, the bustle of the morning market came from the commercial area in the south, and the shouts of morning exercises rang out from the military camp in the north.

In three days, Chaos Valley had undergone new changes.

The supplies purchased by Zhao Wuji from Linjian Town had been distributed, and all major workshops were operating at full capacity, repairing equipment damaged in the Ancient Mine. In the smithy, the furnace fires burned day and night, and the clanging of hammers was incessant; the Pill Refining Room was filled with the fragrance of medicine, as newly trained Alchemy apprentices attempted to refine basic Medicinal Pills under the guidance of master craftsmen; in the Formation Hall, Lu Ming and several gifted Formation Masters studied the rune fragments brought back from the Ancient Mine, attempting to restore the mysteries of ancient Formations.

More importantly, the personnel had increased.

Three days ago, when Lin Ye came out of seclusion and announced the harvest from the Ancient Mine, the reputation of the Heavenly Court reached a new peak. Not only did solo players within Yan State flock to join, but players from surrounding states like Chu, Qi, and Han also traveled thousands of miles to join this emerging, powerful force.

Long queues formed in front of the recruitment office set up by Zhao Wuji, with hundreds of people applying every day. After strict screening, in three days, the Heavenly Court added eight hundred official members and twelve hundred reserve members, with the total number exceeding the seven thousand mark.

Of course, the surge in numbers also brought new problems: resource allocation, personnel management, training arrangements... these all required the core team to invest significant energy.

At this moment, in the conference hall on the first floor of the main hall, the morning meeting of the Heavenly Court's core team was underway.

Around the circular stone table, nine people sat on twelve stone chairs.

In the main seat was Lin Ye, with Su Qingyue and Zhao Wuji on his left and right respectively. Clockwise in order were: Chen Hao, Shi Potian, Lu Ming, Qin Ruoxue, Wang Iron Pillar, Shadow Blade, Fire Dance.

Iron Wall, Iron Mountain, Shadow Killer, Holy Light, Flame Dance, and others sat in the second circle of ordinary seats. Although they were also core members, they had not yet entered the highest decision-making level.

"Let's first report on the situation of each department," Lin Ye said, getting straight to the point.

Wang Iron Pillar stood up first. This Azure Dragon Legion commander had a resonant voice: "The Azure Dragon Legion currently has 1,200 official members, including 18 in the Four Extremities Realm, 400 in the Dao Palace Realm, and over 700 in the Wheel Sea Realm. In terms of equipment, the equipping rate of fine-grade heavy armor has reached 30%, with the rest being ordinary grade. In terms of training, we have two hours of morning exercise every day and three hours of tactical drills, and our overall combat power has increased by about 20% compared to three days ago."

Shadow Blade reported next: "The White Tiger Army currently has 800 members, all of whom are above the Dao Palace Realm, with 60% being assassin classes and 40% being scout classes. The equipment equipping rate is relatively low, with only 120 fine-grade weapons, mainly due to a lack of Materials and funds. However, the members are of very high quality, with an average Rank of 45, the highest in the entire army."

Fire Dance's Vermilion Bird legion had 900 people, all of whom were magic-type classes, with 40% being fire-type, 30% ice-type, and 30% other types. "Equipment for magic-type classes is the most expensive; a fine-grade staff has a market price of over 5,000 Spirit Stones, and we can only guarantee equipment for core members right now. However, Hall Master Lu helped optimize the Spirit Gathering Formation, increasing cultivation speed, and levels are rising quickly."

Iron Wall's Xuanwu legion had the largest number of people, with 1,500, but also had the lowest average Rank, only 42. "The Xuanwu legion is mainly responsible for defense and logistics, with fewer combat missions. We are currently cooperating with Hall Master Lu to build defensive fortifications in the valley, and 70% have been completed."

The four major legions finished their reports, with a total of 4,400 people, accounting for more than 60% of the total Heavenly Court population.

Next was Lu Ming reporting on the situation of the Formation Hall: "The rune fragments brought back from the Ancient Mine have been preliminarily parsed. Three types of lighting runes and two types of reinforcement runes can be applied to actual construction. The Spirit Gathering Formation in the valley has been optimized, and the Spiritual Qi concentration has increased by 30% compared to before. Regarding defensive Formations, the basic framework of the 'Five Elements Mountain Protection Formation' has been completed, but it requires core Materials of five attributes to activate, and currently, only earth and fire have been collected."

Qin Ruoxue's Heavenly Secret Pavilion intelligence network was also expanding: "Branches have been established in six major cities of Yan State, and one intelligence point has been set up in both Chu and Qi States. Currently, we are focusing on three directions: the movement of the Ancient Mine anomaly, the dynamics of the Six Kingdoms Alliance, and the actions of the Yaoguang Holy Land. Yesterday, we received news that the Yaoguang Holy Land seems to be looking for the 'Miner's Key' and the 'Sacrificial Key', but their specific purpose is unknown."

Finally, it was Zhao Wuji's Chamber of Commerce report, which was also the most exciting part.

"The Chamber of Commerce currently has 2.8 million Spirit Stones in liquid funds. Fixed assets include: 12 shops in Chaos Valley, 5 shops in the main city of Yan State, and 3 mobile caravans. The trade network covers the entire territory of Yan State and has established cooperative relationships with three large chambers of commerce in Chu and Qi States."

Zhao Wuji wore the shrewd smile typical of a merchant: "Most importantly, we have mastered three types of exclusive resources: first, life spring divine fluid, although the quantity is limited, every bottle is worth a fortune; second, primordial life stone essence, which is hard currency for Dao Palace Realm cultivation; third, various Materials specialty to the Ancient Mine, such as soul crystals, spider king poison sacs, earth spirit crystals, etc., for which there is a huge market demand."

He paused and looked at Lin Ye: "Boss, with our current funds and resource reserves, we are fully capable of the next step of expansion."

Lin Ye tapped his fingers on the table: "What is your suggestion?"

"Establish a branch," Zhao Wuji said word for word. "The Heavenly Court currently only has one stronghold, Chaos Valley, and its radiation range is limited to the northern part of Yan State. To truly become a top force in the Eastern Wasteland, we must lay out plans in multiple countries."

He unfolded the Eastern Wasteland map and pointed to the neighboring country south of Yan State: "I suggest that the first branch be established in Chu State."

"Chu State?" Chen Hao frowned. "Chu State is the territory of the 'Chu Alliance'. I've heard of that Chu Overlord; he's very domineering. Will he allow us to establish a branch in his territory?"

"This is exactly the timing," Zhao Wuji analyzed. "First, the main force of the Chu Alliance is currently on the periphery of the Ancient Mine, and the local defense of Chu State is empty. Second, although the Chu Alliance is strong, it is not monolithic internally. According to Pavilion Master Qin's intelligence, there are three factions fighting openly and secretly within the Chu Alliance. Third, Chu State has a key geographical location, connecting Han and Zhao to the south, bordering Qi and Wei to the east, and leaning against Qin State to the west. It is the transportation hub of the Eastern Wasteland. Once we take the Chu State stronghold, our commercial network can radiate to most of the Eastern Wasteland."

He looked at Lin Ye, ambition flashing in his eyes: "Moreover, the resources of Chu State are richer than those of Yan State. Yan State is mountainous and rich in minerals; Chu State has many plains, developed agriculture, and produces spiritual grain and medicinal Materials. The two places complement each other. If we can open up trade routes, profits will at least triple."

Everyone fell into thought.

Zhao Wuji's analysis made a lot of sense, but the risks were also huge. Establishing a branch in someone else's territory was tantamount to snatching food from the tiger's mouth. If the Chu Overlord reacted strongly, it would likely trigger a full-scale conflict.

"Pavilion Master Qin, what is the current specific situation in Chu State?" Lin Ye asked.

Qin Ruoxue pulled up the intelligence scroll: "Chu State currently has about 8 million players, with three main forces: the Chu Alliance (President Chu Overlord, about 50,000 members, generally above level 40), the Chu Chamber of Commerce (commercial Alliance, controlling more than 60% of Chu State's trade), and the Solo Alliance (loose organization, about 100,000 members, but cohesion is not strong)."

"Chu Overlord is indeed currently on the periphery of the Ancient Mine, taking away two-thirds of the Chu Alliance's elite, about 30,000 people. 20,000 people remain in Chu State, led by the Chu Alliance Vice President 'Chu Jiang'. This Chu Jiang has average ability, but he is loyal and acts cautiously; he does not like to take risks."

"As for the Chu Chamber of Commerce, the president 'Jin Wan-san' is a pure businessman. As long as the benefits are sufficient, we can cooperate. The Solo Alliance is a scattered mess and not worth worrying about."

Lin Ye's fingers moved slowly over the Chu State area on the map.

The territory of Chu State is one-third larger than that of Yan State and has seven major cities. The northernmost one is 'North Chu City', which is only a hundred miles away from the Yan State border and is the trade hub of the two countries.

"If we build a branch, where should we choose the location?" Lin Ye asked.

"North Chu City," Zhao Wuji had already thought it out. "This city has developed commerce, and the Chu Alliance's control is relatively weak. Moreover, it is closest to Chaos Valley, making support convenient. I have secretly contacted several medium-sized chambers of commerce in North Chu City, and they are willing to cooperate—provided that we can provide the resources they need, such as life stone essence."

"How much funding is needed?"

"The initial investment is at least 500,000 Spirit Stones," Zhao Wuji reported the number. "Including purchasing or leasing venues, hiring NPC guards, opening up official relationships, and initial personnel placement. If it goes smoothly, we can start making a profit within three months."

500,000 Spirit Stones was not a small amount for the current Heavenly Court, but it was not impossible to come up with.

Lin Ye looked at everyone: "Your opinions?"

Su Qingyue spoke first: "I support it. The Heavenly Court needs to expand. Blindly guarding Chaos Valley has limited room for development. But we must be prepared to deal with the Chu Alliance's counterattack."

Chen Hao pondered for a moment: "Risk and opportunity coexist. If successful, the Heavenly Court will take a key step; if it fails, not only will we lose 500,000 Spirit Stones, but it may also trigger a full-scale war with the Chu Alliance. My suggestion is: if we want to act, we must be fast, accurate, and ruthless, and establish a firm foothold before Chu Overlord returns from the Ancient Mine."

Shi Potian grinned: "Leave the fighting to me! If Chu Overlord dares to come and cause trouble, I'll be the first to go up!"

Lu Ming analyzed from a technical perspective: "I have learned about North Chu City. The city defense Formation is old and easy to infiltrate. If a conflict occurs, I am 70% sure that I can paralyze their defense System in a short time."

Wang Iron Pillar, Shadow Blade, Fire Dance, and others also expressed their views, most of them supporting the expansion.

Seeing that everyone's opinions were basically unified, Lin Ye made a decision: "Okay, then let's establish the Chu State branch."

He looked at Zhao Wuji: "I'll give you 500,000 Spirit Stones, and you will be fully responsible for the construction of the branch. But there are three requirements: first, break-even must be achieved within three months; second, the proportion of old Heavenly Court members among the branch members must not be less than 30%; third, the cooperation with the Chu Chamber of Commerce must be handled well, and they must not be allowed to take the initiative."

"Understood!" Zhao Wuji said excitedly.

"Chen Hao." Lin Ye turned to this archer who had always followed him. "You take a team to Chu State and be responsible for the military protection and security work of the branch. Take 300 elites, 75 from each of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Xuanwu legions, who must be highly loyal and have strong combat power."

Chen Hao stood up and bowed solemnly: "I will definitely live up to the trust!"

"Shi Potian, Lu Ming, you assist Chen Hao. Shi Potian is responsible for combat command, and Lu Ming is responsible for Formation layout and security Systems."

"Yes!"

"Pavilion Master Qin, the Heavenly Secret Pavilion must cooperate fully and provide all intelligence support for Chu State. Especially the movements of the Chu Alliance's remaining personnel, which must be grasped at any time."

"Understood."

"Su Qingyue will coordinate the overall situation. Wang Iron Pillar, Shadow Blade, and Fire Dance will stay in Chaos Valley to step up training and be ready to support at any time."

Orders were issued in an orderly manner, and the entire Heavenly Court began to operate like a precision machine.

After the meeting, everyone prepared separately.

Zhao Wuji immediately began mobilizing funds and Materials.

500,000 Spirit Stones were divided into three parts: 200,000 for purchasing properties in North Chu City, 150,000 for building connections and initial operations, and 150,000 as an emergency reserve.

He personally selected ten shrewd commercial talents, all of whom were players who had performed outstandingly in the chamber of commerce during this period.

These people would serve as the commercial backbone of the branch, accompanying Chen Hao to the Chu State.

Chen Hao selected elites from the four major legions.

The standards were strict: Rank not lower than 40, loyalty not lower than 80, combat experience, and obedience to orders.

After three rounds of screening, 300 people were finally selected.

Among these 300, the 75 members of the Azure Dragon Legion were all heavy-armored warriors with an average Rank of 44, and 50% were equipped with fine-grade heavy armor; the 75 members of the White Tiger Army were all assassins and scouts, with an average Rank of 46, skilled in infiltration and assassination; the 75 members of the Vermilion Bird Legion were all magic-type professionals, with an average Rank of 45, twenty of whom had mastered area-of-effect Spells; the 75 members of the Xuanwu Army were a mix of defense, healing, and support roles, making them an all-around team.

Shi Potian and Lu Ming were also making preparations.

Shi Potian was checking the weapons and equipment to be taken, while Lu Ming prepared a complete set of defensive Formation Materials—although not as good as the Great Mountain Protection Formation of Chaos Valley, it was sufficient to deal with conventional attacks.

Qin Ruoxue's Heavenly Secret Pavilion was the most efficient.

Less than an hour after the meeting ended, a detailed "North Chu City Power Distribution and Infiltration Plan" was placed in front of Lin Ye.

The plan detailed all the factions in North Chu City: the Chu Alliance branch (about 3,000 members, led by Chu He, cousin of the Overlord of Chu), the Chu Chamber of Commerce North Chu Branch (controlling 40% of the shops in the city), the Rogue Alliance North Chu stronghold (about 5,000 members, but loosely organized), and a dozen small and medium-sized guilds.

More importantly, the Heavenly Secret Pavilion had already secretly contacted three of these factions: a medium-sized guild dissatisfied with the Chu Alliance, and two local chambers of commerce wanting to expand their business.

They had all expressed an interest in cooperation but were still waiting and watching.

"Well done," Lin Ye praised.

"Tell those three factions that if they are willing to cooperate, the Heavenly Court can provide purchasing channels for primordial life stone essence and life spring divine fluid—of course, it will be limited."

primordial life stone essence and life spring divine fluid were the Heavenly Court's strongest bargaining chips right now.

They could not be bought on the market, but they were of great help to Cultivation.

As long as this news was released, there was no doubt that factions would be tempted.

"Understood," Qin Ruoxue nodded.

"Additionally, there is one more piece of news: the Overlord of Chu seems to have encountered trouble on the periphery of the Ancient Mine and lost quite a few men.

He might return to the Chu State early, in about seven to ten days."

"Seven days..." Lin Ye calculated, "That is enough."

"Have Chen Hao and the others depart within three days; four days is enough to establish a preliminary foothold in North Chu City."

"Even if the Overlord of Chu returns early, we have the capital to deal with it."

Everything was arranged properly.

Early the next morning, at the South Gate Square of Chaos Valley.

The team of 300 stood in neat rows, each wearing the Heavenly Court's standard cyan battle robes, with a star pattern embroidered on the chest.

Although their equipment was uneven, they were high-spirited with sharp gazes.

Chen Hao stood at the very front of the team, wearing fine-grade leather armor, carrying a longbow on his back, and a quiver at his waist.

After the tempering in the Ancient Mine and the strengthening of the life spring divine fluid, he had now reached Rank 47, making him a top expert among players.

More importantly, his personality was steady, and he was calm in handling affairs, making him an ideal candidate to take charge alone.

Shi Potian stood beside him, that giant axe carried on his shoulder, his tyrannical aura flickering in and out.

Lu Ming carried a box of Formation Materials, holding a positioning compass in his hand.

Zhao Wuji stood on the other side with the ten commercial talents; they were dressed in casual clothes, looking like an ordinary merchant caravan.

Lin Ye, Su Qingyue, Wang Iron Pillar, and other remaining senior members came to see them off.

"Chen Hao, this team is handed over to you."

Lin Ye handed a bronze token to Chen Hao; the front of the token was engraved with the character "Chu", and the back had a star pattern.

"This is the temporary token for the Chu State branch. Holding this token allows you to mobilize all resources of the branch. After the branch is officially established, it will be replaced with an official branch token."

[Item: Chu State Branch Token (Temporary)]

[Type: Faction Credential / Command Token]

[Description: Temporary command token for the Heavenly Court Chu State branch. Holding this token allows temporary exercise of branch master authority.]

[Authority: 1. Mobilize all branch personnel (limit 300 people); 2. Use branch funds (limit 500,000 Spirit Stones); 3. Represent the Heavenly Court Chu State branch in negotiations; 4. Request support from the Chaos Valley headquarters in emergencies.]

[Validity: 30 days (Must be replaced with an official branch token after 30 days)]

[Bound: Chen Hao (Temporary)]

Chen Hao took the token with both hands and said solemnly: "I will not fail the trust!"

Lin Ye looked at Zhao Wuji again: "Old Zhao, you are fully responsible for commercial matters, but major decisions must be discussed with Chen Hao."

"Remember, the primary task of the branch is to gain a firm foothold; profit is secondary."

"Understood!"

"Shi Potian, Lu Ming, you must cooperate with Chen Hao with all your might. The safety and defense of the branch are handed to you."

"Don't worry!" Shi Potian patted his chest, "With me here, no one dares to come looking for trouble!"

Lu Ming nodded: "I will complete the layout of the basic defensive Formation within a week."

Finally, Lin Ye looked at the 300 members who were about to go on a long journey.

His gaze swept over every face, and his voice was not loud, but it clearly entered everyone's ears:

"Everyone, you are the first batch of elites sent out by the Heavenly Court, shouldering the heavy responsibility of opening up new territory."

"Whether the Chu State branch succeeds relates to the future development of the Heavenly Court and also to the future of each of you."

"I want you to remember three points: First, unity. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you must be united internally."

"Second, caution. The Chu State is not our territory, so act low-key, but never retreat when you need to be tough."

"Third, loyalty. You represent the Heavenly Court, and every word and action concerns the reputation of the Heavenly Court."

He paused for a moment, his voice even firmer:

"I promise you: after the branch is successfully established, all participants will receive double contribution point rewards, and core members will receive a cultivation quota for primordial life stone essence."

"If anyone is unfortunately killed in battle, the Heavenly Court will be responsible for all resurrection costs and provide extra compensation."

"Now, set off!"

"Yes!" 300 people responded in unison, the sound shaking the valley.

The team set off, moving south along the mountain road.

Chen Hao walked at the very front, holding that temporary branch token in his hand, feeling both pressure and pride in his heart.

He knew that this was Lin Ye's trust in him and also his opportunity to prove himself.

Shi Potian carried his giant axe, striding forward with eyes full of Battle Intent.

Lu Ming observed the terrain while walking, already planning the layout points for the defensive Formation in his mind.

Zhao Wuji and the commercial talents followed in the team, discussing the first steps to take after arriving in North Chu City in low voices.

The crowd seeing them off gradually drifted away, and the outline of Chaos Valley gradually blurred.

But in everyone's heart, this valley was already their home in this world.

And now, they were going to open up new territory for this home.

Watching the team disappear at the end of the line of sight, Lin Ye and the others returned to the valley.

In the meeting hall of the main palace, the atmosphere did not relax because of the departure of the detachment; instead, it became even more tense.

"Pavilion Master Qin, from now on, the Heavenly Secret Pavilion must monitor all movements in the direction of the Chu State twenty-four hours a day."

Lin Ye ordered, "Especially the movements of the Chu Alliance; any abnormality must be reported immediately."

"Yes!"

"Su Qingyue, Chaos Valley enters second-level alert status."

"Strengthen patrols and raise the review standards for entering the valley."

"Send more guards to all resource points to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation."

"Understood."

"Wang Iron Pillar, Shadow Blade, Fire Dance, intensify training."

"I want to see the overall combat power of the four major legions significantly improved within a week."

"Yes!"

Orders were issued one after another, and the entire Chaos Valley began to operate at high speed like a tightly wound clock.

Lin Ye knew very well that establishing the Chu State branch was only the first step; the real challenge lay ahead.

The Overlord of Chu would not sit idly by and watch his territory be infiltrated.

Once he returned to the Chu State, conflict would be almost inevitable.

Other factions in the Chu State would also watch and wait to see if the Heavenly Court had the ability to gain a firm foothold in the Chu State.

If successful, the Heavenly Court would become a significant force in the Eastern Wasteland in one fell swoop, and its commercial network would cover multiple countries, greatly increasing its influence.

If it failed, not only would 500,000 Spirit Stones and 300 elites be lost, but the reputation of the Heavenly Court would be severely hit, and it might even trigger a chain reaction—other factions might seize the opportunity to attack upon seeing the Heavenly Court suffer a setback.

This was a gamble.

But Lin Ye had to gamble.

Living a second life, he knew better than anyone that the world of the covering the heavens era would regress if it did not advance.

If they could not expand rapidly, by the time those major factions gained a firm foothold, the Heavenly Court would lose the best opportunity for development.

Moreover, he still had trump cards in his hand.

life spring divine fluid, primordial life stone essence, epic-grade Materials, the secret of the Ancient Mine... any of these, taken out, would be enough to change the situation.

More importantly, it was his advantage as a reborn person with foreknowledge, as well as the Heaven-Defying Aptitude of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body.

"I will win this game."

Lin Ye stood on the viewing platform, looking towards the south, with confident light flickering in his eyes.

Three days later.

North Chu City, South Commercial District.

An inn that was originally poorly operated quietly changed its sign.

The new sign read "Heavenly Court Chamber of Commerce · North Chu Branch", the font was vigorous and powerful, and a star pattern was embroidered on the side.

The interior of the inn had been completely renovated.

The first floor was a reception hall and display area, with various commodities placed on the shelves: from ordinary Medicinal Pills and Talismans to rare Ores and Materials, the variety was complete.

The second floor was a negotiation room and office area, and the third floor was the accommodation area.

The backyard had been expanded with warehouses and workshops, equipped with specialized Artifact Refining Rooms, Pill Refining Rooms, and Formation Rooms.

This was the temporary headquarters of the Heavenly Court Chu State branch.

Chen Hao stood in a study on the third floor, observing the situation on the street through the window.

In three days, they entered North Chu City under the name of a merchant caravan and then bought this inn at a high price.

Zhao Wuji quickly handled all the procedures through the local chamber of commerce connections he had contacted before—of course, it cost a lot of Spirit Stones to smooth things over.

They had initially gained a firm foothold, but the challenge had just begun.

"Brother Chen, people from the Chu Alliance are here."

A scout from the White Tiger Army pushed the door open and said in a low voice.

Chen Hao turned around: "How many people came? What Rank?"

"Five people, led by the deputy manager of the Chu Alliance North Chu branch, 'Chu Feng', Rank 48, warrior profession. The other four are guards around Rank 45."

"Invite them to the No. 1 negotiation room on the second floor, I will go down immediately."

"Yes!"

Chen Hao tidied up his clothes, picked up the temporary branch token, and walked downstairs.

What should come will always come.

Whether the Chu State branch can stand firm depends on this first hurdle.