Chapter 1017 - 717: Phoenix Perched on Spirit Mountain

Chapter 1017: Chapter 717: Phoenix Perched on Spirit Mountain

Although unable to directly recruit this genius Pill Master into the alliance, it’s slightly regrettable.

But establishing a stable cooperative relationship is also a surefire, profitable deal for the Commerce Alliance.

In Liang Shixing’s view, Shen Xuan is considered a prodigy.

Fire Technique Golden Core, Tier Three Alchemist, Tier Three Array Master, Dharma Realm Body Refining Cultivation, exceptional combat prowess...

Such a person, proud and ambitious, unwilling to be subordinate to others.

Must be determined towards the path of cultivation, with the ambition to reach Nascent Soul.

Rather than forcing, it’s better to build a good relationship.

Liang Shixing no longer persuaded, took out from his bosom a token with a red-gold base engraved with complex "Fu" character cloud patterns, and presented it with both hands.

"This is my Commerce Alliance’s Class A Guest Token. With this token, Master Shen can enjoy the highest courtesy at our alliance’s branches everywhere, purchase many rare Spiritual Objects not for external sale, and receive corresponding discounts. It’s just a token of goodwill, please don’t decline, consider it a small gratitude from me and the alliance."

Shen Xuan did not stand on ceremony and took it calmly: "Fellow Daoist Liang’s hospitality, I won’t refuse. I’ll accept it."

"Haha, good! May Master Shen have a smooth path and quickly attain Nascent Soul!"

Liang Shixing clapped his hands and laughed.

"Thank you for your blessings, Fellow Daoist Liang."

Shen Xuan nodded and put away the token.

The two exchanged a knowing smile, saying nothing more.

...

Unknowingly, the spaceship of the Commerce Alliance had been navigating in the vast sea of clouds for over a month.

News came from the front.

Tomorrow, it will reach Myriad Phenomena Immortal City.

The news was like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling the last bit of gloom in the cabin.

Excitement re-emerged on the faces of the passengers, who began to pack and discuss their plans upon arrival in low voices.

The closer you get to the core sphere of influence of the Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace, the more prosperous and peaceful the sights become.

The fires of war on the front lines and the fierce battle between Human and Demon Races seemed like matters from another world.

Late at night, in Shen Xuan’s tranquil room.

"Knock, knock."

The restriction was gently touched.

Shen Xuan opened the door to find Gu Xiaoyao standing outside, holding a wine gourd.

"Fellow Daoist Gu? Please come in."

Gu Xiaoyao slipped inside, casually set a soundproof restriction, and shed the humor from his face, revealing an unusual seriousness.

"Master Shen, do you really not intend to join the Commerce Alliance?"

During these days, fighting side by side and casual chatting.

Shen Xuan had frequent interactions with Gu Xiaoyao and the Zhang Bufan couple, becoming familiar with each other’s temperaments and reducing formalities in their speech.

"Indeed, I have no intention."

Shen Xuan poured him a cup of tea.

"I, Shen, have grown accustomed to wandering and do not wish to be long constrained by any Cultivation Influence."

"The Commerce Alliance approached the old man privately as well."

Gu Xiaoyao held up the tea cup, pondering: "They said after landing, they want the old man to give a definitive answer."

Shen Xuan looked at him.

Gu Xiaoyao has a lifespan of over four hundred years, his cultivation stuck at True Pill Middle Stage, his path essentially halted.

Given his age and potential, joining a major force like the Commerce Alliance, securing a stable position as a tributor, enjoying resources, and living out his remaining years peacefully is actually a rational choice.

"Fellow Daoist Gu could indeed consider it."

Shen Xuan spoke frankly: "You are already advanced in years, finding a stable place isn’t without its merits. The Commerce Alliance has deep roots, it’s a dependable option."

"Heh..."

Gu Xiaoyao gave a bitter smile, shook his head, eyes flashing with world-weariness having been through the vicissitudes.

"I’ve lived for over four hundred years, what waves haven’t I seen? Do you think I’m unaware of what the alliance is truly like? It appears stable, but in fact, has more rules and greater competition. This unrestrained nature of mine, if I go in, my bones will likely be squeezed dry."

He looked at Shen Xuan: "Honestly, Master Shen, Lady Hu wants us to go to her place."

Shen Xuan heard this, slightly surprised.

"Ah, so that’s the intention."

"Enough, the old man has a clumsy mouth, can’t explain clearly. Better let Lady Hu talk to you herself."

Having said that, he stood up, bowed to Shen Xuan, and went out the door.

Not long after, the quiet room door was knocked again.

Lady Hu came in, still dressed in her simple and elegant clothes.

With a wave, she added a restriction and looked at Shen Xuan.

"Master Shen, my husband and I have some truths we haven’t clearly spoken. My husband’s original name is Zhang Shifan, and he is not a typical Loose Cultivator. He comes from the Zhang Family, a vassal family of the Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace, and had an ancestor who was a Sword Cultivator Nascent Soul True Monarch, very renowned at the time. However, the family has now declined, and the strongest in the clan is my husband’s direct brother Zhang Shixiu, a Golden Core Sword Cultivator."

"Given Zhang Family’s current status and strength, we naturally don’t dare to boast about recruiting such a talent like Master Shen. But..."

"My husband and I sincerely invite Master Shen, after arriving at Myriad Phenomena Immortal City, to temporarily stay at our Zhang Family. Firstly, to provide a calm place to settle, avoiding the trouble of finding a Cave Mansion as a newcomer. Secondly, the Pill Master can observe the city’s situation and make long-term considerations. All expenses will be provided by the Zhang Family, ensuring no negligence."

Shen Xuan listened quietly, and understanding dawned in his heart.

Indeed, after cultivating for hundreds of years, no one gets to where they are without shrewdness.

This Lady Hu, her thoughts are exquisitely clear.

She comes from a humble background, with cultivation in a minor path like the Poisonous Gu Technique.

Being able to marry into the reputable Zhang Family, she is naturally content.

Now returning home with her husband, if she could invite a Tier Three Alchemist friend to temporarily reside, it would no doubt add significant prestige for her within the Zhang Family.

This is leveraging influence, but also an open and clever strategy.

Shen Xuan thought briefly and did not refuse.

"Lady Hu, is this idea your own or Fellow Daoist Zhang’s intention?"

Lady Hu heard this and smiled: "In our family, big matters are naturally decided by my husband. As for minor ones, they are handled by me."

"Well, so far, there haven’t been any big matters at home yet."