331: Mo Chenggui submitted

Mo Chenggui's heart was filled with surprise and doubt, but he dared not show the slightest hint of it on his face. He merely let out a soft sigh, then quickly regained his composure.

He stepped forward and cupped his hands to Situ Jun, saying:

"This old man, Mo Chenggui, greets Fellow Daoist Situ. It seems the Cultivator who broke through to the Soul Transformation Stage in the Secret Realm some time ago was none other than Fellow Daoist Situ. Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Situ, on achieving the Great Dao and stepping into the realm of Soul Transformation."

This frankness and pragmatism piqued Situ Jun's interest in scrutinizing him further.

He observed Mo Chenggui for a moment. Seeing that the other party, though surprised and doubtful, bore no hostility, he slowly spoke:

"The Qingyun Chamber of Commerce has operated in the Tianlong Kingdoms for over a thousand years, possessing keen intelligence and connections spanning various Dynasties, even commanding some respect from the imperial family."

He changed his tone, a hint of pressure entering his voice:

"The incident at the Nether Crow Cave Mansion has plunged the Southern Border into turmoil, leaving countless common people displaced. The Qingyun Chamber of Commerce is not entirely blameless. Yet, as the largest chamber of commerce in the Southern Border, it has remained aloof, even seizing the opportunity to hoard supplies, inflate prices, and profit from the national crisis."

Mo Chenggui's expression shifted slightly. Just as he was about to speak in defense, he heard Situ Jun continue:

"If you are willing to submit to me, I can spare your life and allow you to continue as an Elder of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce. If not..."

Before he finished speaking, Situ Jun's oppressive aura suddenly surged, and a terrifying Qi instantly enveloped Mo Chenggui.

Mo Chenggui's robes instantly creased with fine wrinkles, and his protective Spiritual Qi hummed like thin paper, as if it would shatter in the next second.

He felt as if a giant boulder was pressing on his chest, making even breathing difficult.

Yet, even so, Mo Chenggui's face remained largely unperturbed. He merely sighed softly and said calmly:

"Since Fellow Daoist Situ has already taken control of this place and possesses Soul Transformation Stage strength, for this old man to resist would merely be seeking death. However, the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce has deep roots, and its trade routes in the Tianlong Kingdoms are intricate. If something were to happen to this old man, the trade routes of the Tianqi Dynasty and even the entire Southern Border might fall into chaos. At that time, not only would the lives of the common people become more difficult, but it would also be of no benefit to the city where Fellow Daoist resides."

These words were neither humble nor overbearing. They highlighted his value while also conveying a clear sense of 'resignation,' without any hint of begging for mercy. Yet, they also made Situ Jun understand that keeping him alive was more useful than killing him.

Situ Jun's lips curled slightly. He raised his hand and presented a pitch-black servitude pill to Mo Chenggui, saying in a flat tone:

"Take this Medicinal Pill, and you will remain an Elder of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, in charge of the Tianqi Dynasty branch. However, from now on, all movements of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, including material reserves, trade route planning, and dealings with other forces, must be fully reported to me. Furthermore, you must assist me in stabilizing the Tianqi Dynasty's trade routes and no longer hoard materials or inflate prices."

Mo Chenggui stared at the Medicinal Pill, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—unwillingness, apprehension, and a hint of helplessness.

Although he didn't know what it was, he could guess that it was some kind of poison used to control others' lives.

But he didn't hesitate. He reached out, took the Medicinal Pill, and swallowed it, his movements so smooth it was as if he had already made up his mind.

In the face of absolute power, any resistance was futile.

Rather than stubbornly resisting to the end and meeting a tragic demise, it was better to temporarily submit and preserve his life, perhaps finding an opportunity for change in the future—this was Mo Chenggui's survival strategy, honed over years of navigating the business world.

The moment the Medicinal Pill entered his stomach, Mo Chenggui felt a chill slide down his throat into his Dantian, then transform into countless tiny tendrils of Qi that burrowed into his Sea of Consciousness.

Unlike the Withered Bone Ascetic, he didn't feel excruciating pain, only a subtle yet persistent sense of recognition slowly altering his consciousness—Situ Jun was the master, everything about him belonged to the master, and he must absolutely obey the master's commands.

Mo Chenggui closed his eyes and sensed for a moment. When he reopened them, the last trace of struggle in his eyes had vanished, replaced by complete submission.

He bowed to Situ Jun, his tone respectful:

"Subordinate Mo Chenggui greets Master. From now on, the Tianqi branch of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, under my charge, shall obey all of Master's commands. The trade routes of the Southern Border and the Tianqi Dynasty will certainly not suffer any mishaps."

Situ Jun nodded, quite satisfied with Mo Chenggui's straightforward submission.

He lightly raised a finger, and a wisp of spatial power landed on the edge of Mo Chenggui's Sea of Consciousness, saying faintly:

"I know you may still have doubts in your heart, but you should understand—loyalty can preserve your wealth and status, while betrayal will only lead to the destruction of your Divine Soul."

Mo Chenggui's heart tensed, and he quickly lowered his head:

"This Subordinate understands, and would never dare to have second thoughts."

"Since that's the case, then listen to my orders."

Situ Jun's gaze turned towards the direction beyond the Secret Realm, his tone carrying an unquestionable resolve:

"After leaving the Secret Realm, you will immediately depart for the Chamber of Commerce's main headquarters in the Tianqi Royal Capital. First, order all branch offices to immediately open their granaries and sell grain at fair prices to the disaster-stricken villages in the Southern Border, strictly prohibiting price gouging. Second, allocate 30% of reserve supplies, including cloth, medicinal herbs, and farm tools, to assist the various tribes in the Southern Border in rebuilding homes and farmlands. Third, clear the trade routes from Tianqi to the Southern Border, eliminating bandits and rogue Cultivators along the way, ensuring that supplies can be smoothly transported to the disaster areas."

Each command struck at the core issues, both resolving the immediate needs of the common people and stabilizing the Foundation of the trade routes. Mo Chenggui secretly marveled at Situ Jun's thorough consideration and quickly responded:

"This Subordinate has noted it. I will arrange it immediately upon exiting the Secret Realm, and the message will be relayed to all branch offices within three days."

Situ Jun said no more, turning to look at Mysterious Clarity Master and Bai Qingtian, who had been standing silently by his side.

Seeing this, the two immediately stepped forward, bowing and awaiting instructions.

Mysterious Clarity Master spoke first, his tone extremely respectful:

"Master, the matter of the Secret Realm must be concluded. Do you wish to leave this place immediately? Are there any other instructions? We, your two Subordinates, will do our utmost to fulfill them."

He and Bai Qingtian had already clearly seen the situation, and their gazes towards Situ Jun grew increasingly respectful.

Although they had been forced to submit by the Medicinal Pill before, a trace of instinctive unwillingness remained. Now, seeing that even Mo Chenggui of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce had obediently submitted, the last trace of reluctance in their hearts completely vanished.

Situ Jun nodded, his gaze sweeping over the two:

"Village Elder Gongsun and Elder Yinggu have been slain by me. I have dispatched the Withered Bone Ascetic to the Southern Border, and Elder Mo will go to stabilize the trade routes. There are still many Cultivators waiting outside the Secret Realm. To avoid unnecessary trouble, when you go out, declare to the outside world that the core Restriction of the Nether Crow Cave Mansion has collapsed, and its Legacy has been completely destroyed, with the remaining Cultivators having narrowly escaped."

Mysterious Clarity Master and Bai Qingtian exchanged glances, instantly understanding Situ Jun's intention.

He did not want to expose his strength, nor did he want the outside world to know what had happened in the Secret Realm. At the same time, he wanted to cut off any thoughts of others entering the Secret Realm to explore again.

The two grew even more wary of Situ Jun's meticulous mind and quickly bowed in response:

"This Subordinate obeys! We will handle this matter properly and will not reveal a single bit of the truth."

"Mhm."

Situ Jun waved his hand, and three wisps of spatial power enveloped Mo Chenggui, Mysterious Clarity Master, and Bai Qingtian respectively, saying:

"The matter of the Secret Realm is concluded. Come out with me. The chaos in the Southern Border should also be brought to a complete end."

Before his voice faded, the six figures were swallowed by a spatial vortex, instantly disappearing within the Secret Realm. When they reappeared, they were already inside the sealed Karst Cave at the entrance of the Secret Realm.