Chapter 140: A Thousand Taels of Silver

A week later, Lu Yang departed from the Imperial Capital.

He did not make any particularly elaborate preparations. After informing Lu Hai, Wen Fanghong, and Aunt Lin of his departure, he packed a few necessities and set off.

His first destination was Luoyun Prefecture intending to visit Zheng Hui, collect his annual share of the profits, and learn about the latest developments in the prefecture.

Compared to several years ago, Lu Yang’s journey was considerably faster.

His cultivation had improved tremendously, and his strength was far beyond what it had been in the past.

Even without deliberately pushing himself, he could maintain a travel speed equal to ordinary Seventh Stage Spirit Awakening cultivators.

Four days and four nights later, he arrived in Luoyun Prefecture.

He did not enter the prefecture city and headed towards the same county town where he had first encountered Zheng Hui more than ten years ago.

The town had changed somewhat over the years.

Several new shops had appeared along its main streets, the roads were busier, and the number of merchants passing through had increased.

Among the various businesses, Zheng Hui’s shops were particularly noticeable.

Lu Yang walked through the streets without attracting much attention, and eventually, he arrived at a familiar residence.

It was the same place where Zheng Hui had lived when they first met.

Although his business had expanded considerably, Zheng Hui did not move his family to Luoyun Prefecture City.

There were several reasons for this.

First, Zheng Hui himself was not a cultivator, nor did anyone in his family possess cultivation aptitude.

Second, Lu Yang’s influence in the prefecture city was still limited.

Although he had established a certain reputation among some local forces, he was not someone who could freely protect every business and individual under his name.

Even the Great River Escort Agency, which had been cooperating with Zheng Hui for years, lacked a Spirit Awakening cultivator.

Their protection was useful against ordinary troublemakers and smaller forces, but it was insufficient to guarantee the safety of Zheng Hui’s entire family against a genuine powerhouse.

Under such circumstances, staying in the county town was much safer.

After all, Zheng Hui was still only a minor merchant compared to the established families and other forces of the prefecture city.

There was no reason to take unnecessary risks.

"Senior!"

When Zheng Hui saw Lu Yang, he immediately stood up to greet him.

Compared to their first meeting, the changes in his appearance were considerable.

He was now approaching fifty years of age. His hair had begun to turn grey, and the wrinkles around his eyes had become more noticeable.

Nevertheless, his complexion was healthy, and his expression remained energetic.

His business had given him a much better life than the one he had endured after his family collapsed.

"Please, come inside!"

Zheng Hui hurriedly invited Lu Yang into the main hall.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two sat down.

Zheng Hui personally brought out the account books and began reporting the year’s earnings.

"This year, the total profit from all our businesses was slightly above three thousand taels of silver."

He placed the records before Lu Yang.

"Thus, senior’s share comes to approximately one thousand taels."

Lu Yang glanced through the accounts, not spending too much time examining every detail.

Over the past ten years, Zheng Hui had consistently demonstrated his ability and reliability. Their cooperation was very smooth, considered old partners, and Lu Yang trusted him quite a bit now.

"Not bad."

He nodded.

"Continue operating as before. There’s no need to expand too aggressively."

Zheng Hui immediately nodded.

"I understand."

He then arranged for the silver to be brought over.

Lu Yang accepted it without hesitation.

Combined with his monthly salary from the Imperial Prison, which amounted to several dozen taels of silver, his annual income was now quite substantial.

Even after accounting for his cultivation expenses, he could comfortably save hundreds of taels of silver each year.

For a Rogue Cultivator, this was the best kind of arrangement.

He did not need to spend time worrying about ordinary financial matters and could devote most of his attention to cultivation.

After the accounts were settled, the two discussed several other matters.

They talked about the development of the businesses, the difficulties Zheng Hui had encountered recently, and the opportunities he had discovered in neighboring towns.

There were also several reports concerning cultivation factions and unusual items that had appeared in the region.

Lu Yang listened carefully.

Although most of the information was not particularly important, he preferred to maintain a general understanding of the surrounding circumstances.

After all, information was often more valuable than silver.

"By the way, how is the Great River Escort Agency doing?"

"They are doing reasonably well," Zheng Hui answered. "Our cooperation has been stable, and they have helped resolve several troublesome matters over the past year."

Lu Yang nodded.

"Maintain the relationship, they are useful to have around."

"Understood."

Zheng Hui hesitated briefly before speaking again.

"Senior, I have also considered expanding some of our businesses further into the prefecture city. However..."

He trailed off, not finishing his sentence, but Lu Yang understood what he meant.

"There’s no need to rush. Your current foundation is still not enough to support such an expansion."

He paused before continuing.

"Once the opportunity presents itself, we can reconsider."

Zheng Hui nodded, not speaking further, having learned over the years that although his benefactor possessed powerful strength and was very young, he was also unusually cautious.

This was one of the reasons Zheng Hui had managed to maintain his business for so many years.

Lu Yang glanced at him.

"How are your children?"

"They are doing well thanks to the senior’s care over the years."

Zheng Hui’s expression softened slightly.

Unfortunately, neither of his children possessed cultivation aptitude.

If they had, Lu Yang would not have minded providing them with some guidance and resources.

However, there was little point in forcing the matter.

They could still live ordinary lives, and Zheng Hui’s accumulated wealth would be sufficient to provide them with a comfortable future.

After discussing a few more matters, Lu Yang prepared to leave.

Zheng Hui personally escorted him to the entrance.

"Please take care on your journey, senior."

Lu Yang nodded and disappeared into the streets.