74: Chapter 74 Post-War Aftermath and Initial Exploration of New Opportunities

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up the dust that had just settled in Lin Chen's heart.

He looked into Master Chiyang's eyes, which no longer held mere appreciation but now carried a hint of scrutiny and warning. His heart tightened, and he bowed respectfully: "This Junior understands. Many thanks for your guidance, Immortal Master."

Master Chiyang nodded slightly and withdrew his aura, immediately lifting the oppressive atmosphere surrounding them.

He turned to look at the Jade Slips containing the evidence, which the Disciples had carefully sealed, and his tone returned to a calm state: "This place is not suitable for a long stay. Let us return to the Alchemist Association first. There are some matters we need to discuss in private."

An incense stick later, inside a simple and elegant Meditation Room at the South Region branch of the Alchemist Association.

Wisps of sandalwood incense drifted through the air, dispelling the blood and gloomy aura that everyone had brought back from the Ge Family's secret chamber.

Lin Chen sat upright on a meditation cushion. Before him was a cup of "Cloud Mist Spiritual Tea" freshly brewed by an association attendant. The tea was emerald green, steaming with Spiritual Qi, and possessed the effect of calming the mind and centering the spirit.

Master Chiyang personally refilled his cup and said in a deep voice: "The Ge Family's primary assets, including that third-tier herb garden, the seventeen Medicinal Pill shops spread across the cities of the South Region, and their shares in various trading markets, will be immediately seized and appraised by the Association. According to the rules, a portion will be used as compensation for the victimized Alchemists and their families, while the rest will be auctioned off to replenish the Association's treasury."

Lin Chen listened quietly without interrupting.

He knew this was just the opening statement; the truly critical content was yet to come.

He lifted the teacup and took a small sip. The warm tea slid down his throat, soothing the surging blood and Qi in his body caused by his previous overexertion.

"However," Master Chiyang changed the subject, his gaze falling on Lin Chen, "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. This time, being able to root out the Ge Family tumor in one fell swoop was largely due to the crucial clues provided by your Family. If not for you delivering that Alchemist apprentice named Liu Ming in time, we would never have been able to lock onto our target so quickly. Not to mention, at the life-and-death moment of searching the secret chamber, if not for your two warnings..."

Master Chiyang did not continue, but the meaning was already abundantly clear.

He paused and offered a substantial promise: "Therefore, after a temporary deliberation by the Association's Elder Council, it has been decided that during the auction of the Ge Family's assets, your Family will be granted priority purchasing rights. Furthermore, based on the final transaction price, the Association will reduce the cost for your Family by twenty percent."

Priority purchasing rights, plus a twenty percent discount.

This condition was undeniably generous.

It meant the Family could swallow the juiciest piece of meat left behind by the fallen Ge Family at the lowest cost and with the fastest speed.

For any other newly risen Family, they would likely be beaming with joy and rushing to express their gratitude right now.

But Lin Chen simply placed the teacup steadily back on the table, stood up again, and bowed solemnly: "Many thanks to you, Immortal Master, and the Association for your great kindness. Everyone in the Family is deeply grateful."

There was no wild joy on his face, only a perfectly measured sense of gratitude and solemnity.

This composure made the appreciation in Master Chiyang's eyes grow even stronger.

This young man understood restraint, knew when to advance and when to retreat, and was far superior to those reckless brats who lost their heads the moment they gained a bit of power.

"Besides that," Master Chiyang continued, "From today on, the Association will formally recognize your Family's status in the South Region's Alchemist world. For the next batch of Alchemist certifications, the Association can allocate an additional five spots to your Family. Additionally, next year's South Region Spring Alchemist Conference can be co-hosted by your Family and the Association."

If the previous asset discounts were about "profit," then this recognition of status and the right to co-host the Alchemist Conference were about "fame."

To gain both fame and fortune—this was the true grand gesture of the Alchemist Association.

Lin Chen knew clearly that this was both a reward and a form of binding.

From now on, the Family would effectively be branded with the Alchemist Association's label—a partnership where they would flourish together or suffer together.

He did not hesitate in the slightest and bowed deeply once more: "Your praise is too high, Immortal Master; I am unworthy of such favor. The Family will certainly not fail the Association's trust. We will adhere to the righteous path of Alchemy and contribute our humble efforts to the integrity of the South Region's Alchemist world."

Neither servile nor overbearing, his response was flawless.

Master Chiyang nodded with satisfaction; this was exactly the attitude he wanted.

The private conversation ended, and Lin Chen bid farewell to Master Chiyang, walking out of the Alchemist Association.

The afternoon sun was somewhat blinding; he instinctively raised his hand to shield his eyes, but the heavy feeling in his heart did not completely dissipate.

Master Chiyang's last words still lingered in his ears.

The Central Continent forces involved behind the Ge Family... this was the true Sword of Damocles hanging over his head.

He rubbed the stone ring on his thumb; its cold touch allowed his chaotic thoughts to gradually settle.

One must eat rice one bite at a time, and walk the road one step at a time.

The most urgent task at hand was to stabilize the internal affairs of the Family and truly digest the benefits they had obtained.

Returning to the Family's residence, a faint scent of medicine greeted him.

In the direction of the Alchemy Room, several wisps of blue smoke rose straight into the sky; everything was orderly.

He first went to the backyard to the room where Su Qingyao was recuperating.

Liu Ruxu was administering acupuncture to her; several slender silver needles were inserted into the Acupoints on Su Qingyao's back, and wisps of gentle Spiritual Qi were slowly being channeled in, repairing her damaged Dan Yuan.

Seeing Lin Chen enter, Liu Ruxu made a gesture for silence, then carefully withdrew the silver needles.

Su Qingyao slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and a hint of rosiness returned to her originally pale face.

When she saw Lin Chen, her eyes immediately softened. The habitual action of pressing her lips when nervous did not appear; clearly, she could completely relax in his presence.

"You're back?" she asked softly, her voice still a bit weak.

"Yes." Lin Chen walked to the bedside and sat down, naturally taking her hand; it felt cool to the touch.

He channeled a wisp of pure Spiritual Qi into her to nourish her Meridians, saying: "The Association matters are all handled. The Ge Family has fallen; from now on, no one will ever use the Heart-Linking Gu to threaten you again."

Su Qingyao's eyes reddened slightly. She gripped Lin Chen's hand tightly in return. A thousand words eventually transformed into a single word: "Okay."

She did not ask much about the conflicts outside; instead, she picked up several tattered animal skin scrolls from beside her pillow and handed them to Lin Chen: "I entrusted younger sister Ruowei to exchange these from the seized loot using merit points. They are some incomplete Ge Family formulas. I've been idle these past few days, so I tried to deduce them; perhaps I can complete one or two."

Lin Chen looked at the focus and love for Alchemy in her eyes, and his heart warmed.

This was the Senior Sister he knew; no matter the situation, her passion for Alchemy had never diminished.

"No rush; recovering your health is the most important thing," he said gently. "In the Alchemy Room, I have already asked Qin Ruowei to temporarily handle the daily business for you, and Liu Yuan is currently re-arranging the defensive Formation of the residence. We have everything covered."

"I know." A faint smile tugged at the corners of Su Qingyao's mouth. "But I don't want to be just the person you protect behind your back."

Lin Chen looked at her clear and determined eyes and finally nodded.

He knew this was her Dao.

Emerging from Su Qingyao's room, just as he was preparing to go to the study, a Disciple hurried over to report: "Clan Head, Manager Qian from the Wantong Trading Firm is outside asking to see you."

Wantong Trading Firm?

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow.

This behemoth that spanned the Spirit Realm was truly well-informed.

The news of the Ge Family's downfall had likely just spread, and they were already at his doorstep.

"Invite him to the reception hall."

A moment later, in the reception hall, Lin Chen met this South Region Manager of the Wantong Trading Firm, Qian Baiwan.

The man lived up to his name; his body was as round as a ball, and his face always wore a smile of harmony and wealth. His small eyes were squinted into slits, but they occasionally flashed with shrewd light.

With a cultivation level at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment and an aura that was well-contained, he was a character who hid his true depths.

"Oh my, Clan Head Lin, I have long admired your reputation! Seeing you today, you are truly young and promising, a dragon among men!" As soon as Qian Baiwan saw Lin Chen, he stepped forward with cupped hands, as enthusiastic as an old friend he hadn't seen in years.

He brought a generous gift, and in his words, he greatly praised the Family's performance in the Alchemist Conference and the recent operation to clear out the Ge Family, yet he did not immediately mention any specific business.

Lin Chen responded politely, but his heart was crystal clear.

One does not visit the temple without a reason; the medicine being sold in this smiling tiger's gourd was definitely not simple.

Sure enough, after a few cups of tea and some pleasantries, Qian Baiwan changed the subject.

"Clan Head Lin, now that your Family's Alchemy skills are unrivaled in the South Region, surely the output of Medicinal Pills is increasing day by day," he said with a chuckle. "To be honest, our Wantong Trading Firm has recently received many orders from the Central Continent, and the demand for high-tier Medicinal Pills is immense. It's just a pity... the official trade routes from the South Region to the Central Continent are all controlled by those few large Sects, and the commission fees are frighteningly high. We trading firms are suffering greatly."

As he spoke, he observed Lin Chen's expression. Lin Chen held his teacup with a calm face, showing neither joy nor anger, and simply gave a faint "Hmm," signaling for him to continue.

Seeing this, Qian Baiwan leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and said seemingly unintentionally: "However, there are always more solutions than problems. I recently perused some ancient texts and discovered an old trade route named the 'Salt and Iron Ancient Road.' Although this path is somewhat more treacherous than the official roads, passing along the edge of the Yao Beast mountain range, if it could be opened, not only would the journey be shortened by thirty percent, but it would also completely bypass those Sect checkpoints. The profit involved... hehe, I trust Clan Head Lin is a sensible man."

In his squinted eyes, a sharp light unique to a merchant finally shone through: "Our Wantong Trading Firm is very interested in this ancient road, and we have been looking for... a powerful, visionary, and trustworthy partner. I wonder if Clan Head Lin..."

Lin Chen set down the teacup, making a light sound.

He looked up at Qian Baiwan, his face showing a perfectly measured hint of apology: "I appreciate Manager Qian's kindness. However, the Family has only just settled in the South Region, and our Foundation is still shallow. The most urgent task right now is to stabilize ourselves. As for major matters like cross-region trade routes, while I am interested, we can only plan for the long term."

He neither agreed nor completely refused, kicking the ball steadily back.

The smile on Qian Baiwan's face stiffened for a moment but immediately returned to normal. He laughed: "Yes, yes, yes, Clan Head Lin is right; it was I who was abrupt. Stabilizing the Foundation is indeed the best policy. No matter; the doors of my Wantong Trading Firm will always be open to Clan Head Lin."

After chatting about a few more trivial topics, Qian Baiwan stood up to take his leave.

After seeing off this smiling tiger, the smile on Lin Chen's face vanished instantly.

He returned to the study and immediately summoned Liu Yuan and Qin Ruowei.

After recounting the conversation with Qian Baiwan, he looked at Liu Yuan: "Mr. Liu, how much do you know about this Salt and Iron Ancient Road?"

Liu Yuan pondered for a moment, took out a simple map of the South Region from his Storage Pouch, and pointed to it: "Clan Head, please look. The Salt and Iron Ancient Road starts in the south from our Qingzhou territory and enters the Central Continent border in the north. Its southern section is currently under the actual control of a Sect called the 'Iron Sword Sect.' This School consists mainly of Sword Cultivators, and their style is extremely tough and xenophobic."

He pointed to the north side of the map: "The northern section is a mix of people, with several bands of wandering bandits entrenched there. As far as I know, the Wantong Trading Firm has indeed invested a lot of manpower and resources in the northern section of the ancient road over the past two years, seemingly wanting to break through from north to south, but they have been firmly blocked by the Iron Sword Sect outside the southern section. The relationship between the two sides is quite tense."

Qin Ruowei chimed in: "In that case, this Qian Baiwan wants to pull our Family into the partnership so that we go and chew on the hard bone of the Iron Sword Sect, while he sits in the back and reaps the benefits? If we come into conflict with the Iron Sword Sect, the Wantong Trading Firm can take advantage of the situation. His calculations are truly shrewd."

Lin Chen tapped his fingertips gently on the table and pondered: "The risk of being used as a gun is indeed great. But the Salt and Iron Ancient Road line is truly crucial for our future development. We cannot remain content in the corner of the South Region forever."

He pondered for a moment and made a decision: "We cannot listen to Qian Baiwan's one-sided story. Thus, Mr. Liu, use your underground channels to help me find an old guide who has truly traveled the Salt and Iron Ancient Road. We will first send a capable small team, under the guise of hiring a guide and transporting some local specialties, to scout the southern section of the ancient road on the ground and figure out the Iron Sword Sect's patrol routes, strength disposition, and the true situation in the surrounding area."

"Yes, Clan Head." Liu Yuan accepted the order.

A few days later, Liu Yuan brought back news.

He had found someone who met all of Lin Chen's requirements.

This person was a Mortal who had spent half his life as a caravan guard on the Salt and Iron Ancient Road, known as "Scarred Elder," named for a terrifying knife scar that ran diagonally from his forehead to the corner of his mouth.

Although Scarred Elder had no cultivation whatsoever, his knowledge of the ancient road was as familiar as his own backyard; he knew exactly where there were rockfalls, which days the miasma would rise, and at what hour the Yao Beasts from which mountain peak would come down to drink water.

Lin Chen personally met this Scarred Elder.

He was an old man in his fifties, thin and gaunt, but with exceptionally sharp eyes.

The scar made him look extremely fierce, but his speech was clear, logical, and concise.

Lin Chen didn't waste words and directly offered three times the market rate as payment, with only one request: "I need you to lead my people through the outskirts of the southern section of the ancient road, draw a detailed route map, and mark all the risk points you know. Most importantly, I need to know the activity patterns of the Iron Sword Sect Disciples on the ancient road."

Scarred Elder looked at the heavy bag of Spirit Stones on the table, his cloudy gaze shifting as he said, "But your people must listen to me completely. On that road, experience is more useful than cultivation."

"Deal."

The reconnaissance team was quickly assembled, consisting of two Family guards at the Seventh Level of Qi Refining who were alert and capable, as well as one of Liu Yuan's Disciples, "Amu," who was proficient in basic Formation surveying.

On the very night before the team was set to depart, the study door was knocked upon.

"Father."

Lin Chen looked up and saw his eldest son, Lin Haoyu, walk in.

The fifteen-year-old youth had grown tall like a sturdy pine; he wore a neat, short martial outfit, his eyes were clear and bright, carrying a hint of the sharpness unique to Sword Cultivators.

He was already at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, only one step away from attempting Foundation Establishment.

"What is it?" Lin Chen asked, putting down the Jade Slip in his hand.

Lin Haoyu bowed and said in a deep voice: "Father, recently when practicing the Family's 'Qingyuan Sword Manual,' I always feel that the circulation of Spiritual Qi is sluggish, and the sword moves are not smooth, as if separated by an invisible film. I have heard that the Iron Sword Sect is a Sect of Sword Cultivators, and the environment of the Salt and Iron Ancient Road is treacherous; perhaps it would help me hone my Sword Heart and break through my Bottleneck."

He looked up, his gaze burning as he looked at Lin Chen, his eyes full of persistence and longing for the Dao of the Sword: "I implore Father to allow me to accompany this reconnaissance team to the outskirts of the ancient road for training."

Lin Chen looked at his son's young and determined face and fell silent.

He subconsciously rubbed the stone ring on his thumb; its cold touch reminded him of much more.

He saw not only a son who longed to become stronger but also a fledgling eagle about to spread its wings.

A moment later, he spoke: "I understand your feelings. But I need to consider this matter. First, go to Uncle Liu Yuan and ask him for knowledge about the various natural or man-made Formation traps you might encounter on the ancient road. Come back and report to me tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Father!" After bowing again, Lin Haoyu turned and walked away quickly.

Watching his son's back disappear at the doorway, Lin Chen tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

Flowers in a greenhouse can never become towering trees.

Perhaps it was time to let him face the real storms.