Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce

“Today, we are going to the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce.”

“Our Thunderfire Hall has some cooperation with them. Ordinarily, the chamber of commerce needs to transport goods and resources to other ward cities. Along the way, they might encounter rogue cultivators. Even more dangerous is that some routes run close to the Black Rain Zone, which might even attract attacks from Rain Abominations. Therefore, these chambers of commerce choose to cooperate with our Divine Ability Halls, and we provide people for escorts.”

“The Divine Ability Halls can obtain handsome rewards from this, while also securing jobs for some disciples who have graduated from the halls.”

The carriage, drawn by a red-hooved crimson horse beast, rolled unhurriedly through the bustling bluestone streets. Inside the carriage, Lu Qingyan explained their objective for the day to Lu Ming.

Lu Ming nodded. Such caravan escort missions required completing at least three bone-refinings to be up to the task, and the core members had to be Grand Divine Ability Practitioners of the Dharma Inscription Realm. Although Thunderfire Hall only had two Grand Divine Ability Practitioners, Lu Qingyan and Lu Jinglei, over the many years since its founding, it had naturally nurtured quite a few Grand Divine Ability Practitioners. Some had left Qingyuan Ward, while others remained, becoming part of Thunderfire Hall's network.

Therefore, after negotiating with the chamber of commerce, Thunderfire Hall would also reach out to them to form escort teams and jointly take on this business.

“Father, since we are heading to the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce now, has something changed with our past cooperation?” Lu Ming asked. If everything was going smoothly, there would clearly be no need to make this trip.

Lu Qingyan nodded, his expression turning slightly grim. “It's still the fallout from Zhang Yue leaving the hall. After all, everyone in Qingyuan Ward knows that our Thunderfire Hall poured all its resources into nurturing him as our pillar. He possesses a High-grade Divine Ability Bone, and had a very high chance of becoming Thunderfire Hall's second Divine Ability Master in the future, helping our Thunderfire Hall promote to a Grade 4 Divine Ability Hall.”

“In the past, with Thunderfire Hall possessing such potential, all parties naturally showed us respect. But who could have expected that Zhang Yue would suddenly leave the hall, and in such a manner that completely severed ties with Thunderfire Hall...”

Lu Ming remained silent. Thunderfire Hall had invested massive resources into Zhang Yue at the cost of depleting the hall's own foundation, which was common knowledge in Qingyuan Ward. Now that Zhang Yue had left, and with Jiang Ling of the Great Golden Crow Hall actively spreading slander and disparaging them, Thunderfire Hall's reputation had naturally taken a hit.

“Originally, our cooperation with the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce was going quite well. But after this incident, they started to hesitate. Coupled with the Red Sand Hall stirring up trouble behind the scenes, the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce began thinking of changing partners. My trip to the chamber of commerce this time is to speak with their manager. I couldn't even bring your second uncle along for something like this; with his explosive temper, he would ruin any negotiation.” Lu Qingyan massaged his temples, looking thoroughly stressed.

Lu Ming also sighed inwardly. His grandfather had probably wanted him to accompany his father on this trip to make him aware of Thunderfire Hall's current predicament, while also tempering his state of mind.

Yet, such a predicament was actually easy to resolve.

Once he became a Divine Ability Master, Thunderfire Hall would naturally regain its former glory and even rise to greater heights.

...

The Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce was located in the northern district of the ward city. It occupied a vast area, with rows of pavilions and an endless stream of people, making it highly prosperous.

Lu Ming followed Lu Qingyan to the establishment. After announcing their arrival, they were politely guided to the reception area on the second floor. It was next to a window, offering a view of the bustling crowd on the first floor.

The two took their seats, and tea was served. However, even after the tea had gone cold, the chamber of commerce manager Lu Qingyan had scheduled to meet still had not appeared.

Lu Ming frowned slightly and glanced at Lu Qingyan, but the latter shook his head slightly at him, signaling him to remain calm and patient.

It was not until an hour later.

“Haha, Brother Qingyan, my apologies. The chamber of commerce has been busy, so I'm late.” An apologetic laugh rang out. Lu Ming looked over and saw several figures walking quickly toward them. The leader was a thin man dressed in the robes of the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce.

“Manager Xu,”

Lu Qingyan stood up with a smile and cupped his hands.

However, when Lu Qingyan's gaze fell upon the person behind Manager Xu, his smile gradually faded.

Lu Ming swept his gaze over and saw a black-clothed man standing behind Manager Xu. The man was looking at them with an amused expression, smiling mockingly. “Lu Qingyan, you've been sitting here for quite a while, haven't you?”

Lu Qingyan said coldly, “Zhu Lian, your Red Sand Hall is stretching its hands a bit too far beyond the rules.”

Upon hearing this name, Lu Ming immediately knew the newcomer's identity. Zhu Lian of the Red Sand Hall was also a Grand Divine Ability Practitioner who had entered the Dharma Inscription Realm, and his status in the Red Sand Hall was second only to the Hall Master, Shi Tong.

Zhu Lian said with a beaming smile, “What rules? The Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce isn't a subordinate of your Thunderfire Hall. Are others not allowed to look for more stable partners?”

A flash of coldness crossed Lu Qingyan's eyes as he turned his gaze to the manager of the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce. “Manager Xu, our Thunderfire Hall's cooperation with the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce has always been smooth over the years. Are things really about to change now?”

Hearing this, Manager Xu also hesitated, saying with embarrassment, “Brother Qingyan, our chamber of commerce has also heard about the matters of Thunderfire Hall. The higher-ups are worried that without Zhang Yue, Thunderfire Hall might not be able to safely carry out certain escort missions.”

Lu Qingyan said in a deep voice, “Since our Thunderfire Hall takes on missions, we will naturally complete them. If an escort goes wrong one day due to our Thunderfire Hall's mistake, we will naturally take full responsibility.”

“Besides...”

Lu Qingyan glanced at Zhu Lian and said, “Our Thunderfire Hall still holds the second-ranked seat among all the Divine Ability Halls in Qingyuan Ward. If we cannot protect them, the third-ranked Red Sand Hall probably won't fare any better.”

Zhu Lian's face darkened. “Lu Qingyan, without Zhang Yue, can your Thunderfire Hall even keep your second-ranked seat in next month's Hall Meet?”

“Your Red Sand Hall is welcome to try when the time comes!” Lu Qingyan stood his ground, speaking firmly.

Seeing the two locked in a confrontation, Manager Xu felt rather helpless. Ultimately, he said, “Please, don't argue, you two. Our Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce cooperates with both of your sides. The higher-ups have also stated that if a dispute arises today, we will decide according to the custom of the Divine Ability Halls. We will not interfere.”

Lu Qingyan narrowed his eyes. The so-called custom of the Divine Ability Halls was simple and direct—determining the victor through divine abilities.

“I would indeed like to see if your Red Sand Banner has made any progress, Zhu Lian!” Lu Qingyan stared at Zhu Lian, his voice cold.

However, Manager Xu quickly waved his hands. “Ah, you two are Grand Divine Ability Practitioners of the Dharma Inscription Realm. The commotion from your clash would be too massive, which wouldn't look good. Thus, it's better to leave it to the disciples below to spar.”

Lu Qingyan frowned. “I did not bring any disciples who have completed three bone-refinings with me this time.”

Manager Xu smiled and pointed to Lu Ming beside him. “Isn't there one right here?”

Then, he pointed behind Zhu Lian. “Zhu Lian happened to bring a disciple from his hall as well.”

Lu Qingyan looked over and saw a youth standing behind Zhu Lian. The youth was tall and robust, his hands tinged red and radiating a scorching heat.

“Luo An of the Red Sand Hall. He has completed two bone-refinings and is proficient in the Lower Divine Ability, Flame-Kindling Palm. It's said that he is already showing signs of approaching the Great Success stage.” Lu Qingyan was quite knowledgeable about the disciples of their rival, Red Sand Hall, so the relevant information instantly sprang to mind the moment he saw the youth.

This information caused Lu Qingyan's expression to sink. Lu Ming had not even completed his second bone-refining yet, and his cultivated Flame Blade had not reached the Great Success stage either. Although his potential was extraordinary, he had, after all, been cultivating for less than half a month since his Bone-Opening.

“Lu Ming has been cultivating for less than half a month since his Bone-Opening. Such a match is unfair. If Manager Xu is not in a hurry, I can arrange for a disciple of equal standing to come over,” Lu Qingyan said.

Manager Xu shook his head with some regret. “The higher-ups are waiting for the results, so I cannot make them wait.”

His underlying meaning was clear—there was only this one option.

Lu Qingyan's face darkened completely. He stared at Manager Xu, then glanced at Zhu Lian, who wore a playful smile. He understood perfectly in his heart that the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce had already made its choice between Thunderfire Hall and Red Sand Hall.

This so-called method of resolution between the Divine Ability Halls was merely a pretext to make Thunderfire Hall back down on its own.

However, if they truly gave up their cooperation with the Qingchuan Chamber of Commerce, not only would Thunderfire Hall lose a source of income, but it would also disappoint the veteran disciples who had graduated from Thunderfire Hall. After all, while sentiments were sentiments, proper mutual benefits were the foundation of maintaining relationships.

If they used up too many favors, people might not respond to Thunderfire Hall's summons in the future.

Red Sand Hall understood this point very well too.

Our rival was not just stealing the cooperation; they wanted to deal a blow to Thunderfire Hall's reputation.

While Lu Qingyan's expression shifted indeterminately, he felt someone tugging at his sleeve. Turning his head, he met the youth's exceptionally bright eyes. The latter smiled and said softly, “Father, why don't you let me try?”