221: The end of the Quicksand faction, the change of spice rights

The scent of sandalwood from the Beyond Heaven's core hall intertwined with the aroma of Western Region spices. Jun Xiaoyao pinched a piece of frankincense between his fingers; its rich fragrance made it the most sought-after commodity on the black market.

In the water mirror, the outline of the Liusha Sect's main base flickered in the desert night. This fortress, built of black stone, was surrounded by quicksand traps. The guards at the entrance held scimitars and wore poison sacs on their waists, clearly prepared for intruders.

"Young Lord, the Liusha Sect Leader 'Sha Xie' is in the Mid-stage Grandmaster Realm. The 'Sand Transformation Technique' he Cultivates allows him to turn his body into quicksand, making him impervious to ordinary swords and blades."

Zhao Gao stood by the water mirror, pointing to a one-eyed man in the image. "His most trusted squad, the 'Poison Sting' team, has twelve members, all in the Innate Late Stage Realm. They specialize in stealth and surprise attacks in the desert. The 'Bone-Eroding Sand' in their poison sacs causes flesh to rot upon contact."

Jun Xiaoyao placed the frankincense back into the brocade box, which contained over a dozen other spices like dragon saliva incense and benzoin—these were the main commodities supplied to the Beyond Heaven black market. Now, the Liusha Sect had monopolized the Western Region trade route, costing them nearly ten thousand taels of silver monthly. "Monopoly? There is no eternal monopoly in this world," he said indifferently. "Have Blue Phoenix, the leader of the 'Poison Scorpion' group, lead the team, and transfer Yang Guo from Ice Field Fortress. Although Sha Xie's Sand Transformation Technique is tricky, it might not withstand the Aran Xiao Hun Palm."

[Figure: Blue Phoenix]

[Origin: Jin Yong's the smiling, proud wanderer World]

[Realm: Late Grandmaster Realm]

[Martial Skills and Cultivation Techniques:

1. Five Poisons Marvelous Technique: Allows the user to command poisonous creatures like snakes and scorpions, specializing particularly in the use of poison

2. Myriad Poisons Immunity Body: Tempered by poisons since childhood, immune to all rare poisons under heaven

3. Movement Technique: Snake-like Raccoon Flip: Movement is swift and agile like a snake, suitable for traversing complex terrain.]

[Status: Peak]

In the water mirror, Blue Phoenix had already led the Poison Scorpion Group to infiltrate the sand dunes near the Liusha Sect's main base. She wore colorful clothing, and a bamboo basket hung from her waist. The golden snake inside flicked its tongue, emitting a "hissing" sound. "Remember, Sha Xie's Sand Transformation Technique is vulnerable to fire," Blue Phoenix whispered. "I will release the snakes later to distract the guards. You splash the oil onto the main base's pillars, and light the fire when you hear my signal."

The twelve members of the Poison Scorpion Group acknowledged in unison. They were all experts in The Net specializing in poison and fire attacks. Each carried an oil sac on their back containing the Marshal of the Unruly's specially formulated "Sand-Burning Fire Oil"—it could burn even on quicksand.

At this moment, Yang Guo had ridden a fast horse to the edge of the desert. The black iron heavy sword was strapped diagonally across his back. Seeing the snake-shaped mark left by Blue Phoenix, he dismounted and followed the trail to find the group behind the sand dunes. "Where is Sha Xie?" he asked directly, his gaze sweeping over the black stone fortress.

"Most likely counting spices in the Treasure Pavilion." Blue Phoenix pointed to the main base's tallest tower. "The Liusha Sect hides all the stolen spices there, guarded personally by Sha Xie."

Yang Guo nodded, weighing the heavy sword in his hand. "I'll go meet him. You proceed according to plan, don't worry about me." With that, his figure flashed, and he walked directly toward the main base's gate, completely disregarding the guards at the entrance.

"Where did this lunatic come from!" Seeing him alone, the guard raised his blade and struck. Yang Guo neither dodged nor retreated. He casually swung the Xuantie Sword Technique; the clash of blade light and sword shadow instantly snapped the guard's scimitar in two, and the man was sent flying back, hitting the black stone wall and fainting.

This commotion alerted the people inside. Sha Xie rushed over with the Poison Sting team. Seeing the heavy sword in Yang Guo's hand, his single eye narrowed. "Divine Eagle Hero? Is your Beyond Heaven interfering with my Liusha Sect's affairs?"

"Monopolizing the spice trade route and cutting off Beyond Heaven's source of wealth," Yang Guo pointed his sword tip at Sha Xie. "Today, I'll teach you a lesson."

Sha Xie laughed in extreme anger. "Just based on you? Let me show you the power of the Sand Transformation Technique!" With that, his figure blurred, and he truly transformed into a stream of yellow sand, sweeping toward Yang Guo. The yellow sand contained poisonous stingers, clearly laced with potent venom.

Yang Guo's eyes narrowed, and he struck out with the "Walking Corpse" stance of the Aran Xiao Hun Palm. The palm wind carried a heavy, depressive force, actually causing the yellow sand to momentarily stagnate. The yellow sand that Sha Xie had transformed into churned, seemingly surprised that this palm technique could counter his Divine Ability. "Interesting!" The yellow sand re-condensed into human form. Sha Xie now held a crescent shovel that glowed green, clearly poisoned.

Just as the two were fighting fiercely, Blue Phoenix had led the Poison Scorpion Group to the flank of the main base. She opened the bamboo basket, and the golden snakes shot out like arrows, biting the guards' ankles. The guards screamed and fell, quickly paralyzed by the snake venom. The Poison Scorpion Group members took the opportunity to climb over the wall, take out their oil sacs, and splash the Sand-Burning Fire Oil onto the wooden pillars.

"Signal!" Blue Phoenix blew a sharp whistle. Hearing the sound, the golden snakes retreated into the bamboo basket. The Poison Scorpion Group members immediately threw out tinder sticks; the oil instantly ignited into a raging fire, and the dry pillars crackled, quickly burning red-hot.

"Oh no!" Sha Xie was distracted by the sight, and Yang Guo seized the chance, striking with the "Six Spirits Disturbed" stance of the Aran Xiao Hun Palm. The palm wind slammed into his chest. Sha Xie spat out a mouthful of blood, staggering backward. His Sand Transformation Technique was momentarily difficult to activate—it turned out this palm technique not only broke physical strength but also shook internal Qi, perfectly countering his unique Cultivation Technique.

"Retreat!" Sha Xie knew the tide had turned and tried to flee, but he was blocked by the Poison Sting team—all twelve members had already been dealt with by the Poison Scorpion Group. They lay on the ground, covered in scorpions, clearly having fallen victim to Blue Phoenix's move.

"Sect Head Sha, why bother?" Blue Phoenix played with the Golden Snake, smiling brightly. "Surrender to Beyond Heaven, and you can still share a piece of the spice business. Otherwise..." She pointed to the burning main base. "This fire won't be extinguished."

Sha Xie looked at the towering flames and then at the heavy sword in Yang Guo's hand. Knowing resistance was futile, he angrily threw his crescent shovel onto the ground. "I surrender! But you must guarantee not to harm my Liusha Sect Disciples!"

"As long as they are obedient, they will naturally be fine." Yang Guo put away the heavy sword. "Starting today, the Liusha Sect falls under The Net's jurisdiction, and the spice trade will be coordinated by Beyond Heaven. If you dare to pull any tricks..."

"I wouldn't dare!" Sha Xie quickly replied. He certainly didn't want to taste the Aran Xiao Hun Palm again.

Watching this scene before the water mirror, Jun Xiaoyao said to Zhao Gao: "Have Blue Phoenix take inventory of the spice stock. Transport everything that can be moved back to Beyond Heaven, and distribute the rest to local merchants—tell them that if they do business with Beyond Heaven from now on, we will guarantee their safety."

"Yes, Young Lord." Zhao Gao bowed in response and handed over a scroll. "This is the list of spice demands from various city-states in the Western Regions. In previous years, they were heavily exploited by the Liusha Sect. If we can supply them at fair prices, we will surely win the people's hearts."

Jun Xiaoyao opened the scroll, his fingertip tracing the names of city-states like "Loulan" and "Jingjue." "Fair price? No," the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

"High quality, high price, but absolutely no forced buying or selling. Have The Net establish spice shops in every city-state, hanging the 'Beyond Heaven' sign—it's time to let the world know that Beyond Heaven doesn't just kill people; it also knows how to do business."

A flash of understanding crossed Zhao Gao's eyes. "Young Lord intends to support martial arts through commerce, using the spice shops as strongholds for The Net?"

"Clever." Jun Xiaoyao closed the scroll. "The Liusha Sect's lesson is right before us. Anyone who dares to obstruct Beyond Heaven's path again will meet an even worse end."

By this time, the fire in the water mirror had been controlled. The Poison Scorpion Group was organizing the Liusha Sect Disciples to transport the spices, while Yang Guo supervised Sha Xie inventorying the stock in the Treasure Pavilion—besides spices.

There were also quite a few medicinal materials stolen from the black market, which would perfectly replenish Beyond Heaven's treasury.

"Young Lord, Yang Guo sent word that Sha Xie hid a batch of 'King dragon saliva incense,' weighing a full ten catties, claiming it was intended as a tribute to Ice Field Fortress in the Northern Territory. How should we handle this?" Zhao Gao asked.

Jun Xiaoyao's eyebrow slightly twitched. King dragon saliva incense was the finest of spices. Burning it could soothe the mind and calm the Qi, greatly benefiting Cultivation. Ten catties of it was even rarer."

Ice Field Fortress?" He sneered. "They just suffered a defeat. They don't deserve such fine goods.

Have Yang Guo send it back to Beyond Heaven to be used as incense for Old Urchin—didn't that old prankster always complain that the treasury was too desolate?"

Zhao Gao suppressed a smile and replied, "Yes." He knew Old Urchin loved novelties, and this King dragon saliva incense would surely delight him for days.

As dawn broke, the flames at the Liusha Sect's main base gradually died down, replaced by The Net's black banner.

The Poison Scorpion Group escorted Sha Xie and set off with the first batch of spices, while Yang Guo remained in the Western Regions, responsible for taking over the remaining forces of the Liusha Sect.

Local merchants rushed over upon hearing the news. Seeing that Beyond Heaven was indeed selling spices at fair prices, they cheered excitedly, and many immediately expressed their desire to join Beyond Heaven's trade caravan.

Jun Xiaoyao watched all this before the water mirror. He picked up the frankincense on the desk, lightly rubbing it, allowing the fragrance to spread. From The Net's assassinations to The Unruly's strategic planning, and now establishing a foothold through commerce, Beyond Heaven's Foundation was being solidified step by step.

He knew this was just the beginning. The spices of the Western Regions, the mysterious iron of the Northern Territory, the medicinal materials of Southern Jiang... more of the resources on this continent would eventually be incorporated into Beyond Heaven's territory.

"Zhao Gao," Jun Xiaoyao said indifferently, "Look into the Southern Chu Imperial Family's tribute list. I hear they procure a considerable quantity of pearls from the Eastern Sea every year."

Zhao Gao bowed and accepted the order. He knew the Young Lord's gaze had turned to a new target—as long as it could strengthen Beyond Heaven's interests, this Young Lord would never be lenient.

The hot desert wind outside the hall carried the scent of spices, merging with Beyond Heaven's sandalwood, as if announcing the arrival of a new era—the era belonging to Beyond Heaven.