A Top Scholar in Everything

Chapter 1300: Chapter 1286: Clash of Techniques

Baifu City Star Shining Sect Sub-Branch.

A few inner sect disciples who had previously been stationed here explained the situation of the place to Bai Changqiu and Baiyu’s group of six.

The Star Shining Sect’s sub-branch in Baifu City.

Has its own territory.

And the territory is not small, with two Medicine Mountains, where many elixirs and spiritual materials are planted. The task of these inner sect disciples is to care for the growth of the Medicine Mountains and deliver a certain quota of medicinal materials to the Star Shining Sect headquarters annually to complete their tasks.

In return, they are able to earn corresponding contribution points.

So.

This job is actually a pretty good one. Not only is there no shortage of cultivation materials, but also they can gain contribution points.

Unfortunately.

Just last month, these inner sect disciples went up the mountain to pick herbs and discovered a spirit stone mine.

Coincidentally.

There happened to be a merchant caravan coming to buy medicinal materials, so they brought people up to harvest, which was in accordance with the rules.

The highest quality medicinal materials each year are sent back to the Star Shining Sect.

However, other medicinal materials are theirs to handle as they wish, the Star Shining Sect only cares about receiving a certain amount each year, the surplus acts as a benefit for the disciples stationed at the sub-branch.

This is why, as mentioned before,

This job is considered a good one.

However.

It was during the time they were leading the merchant caravan for herb gathering that a sudden earthquake revealed the vein of the mine. Although the spirit stone mine was not large, its value was enticing enough.

They did not deal with the caravaneers to keep it secret.

After all.

Those caravans capable of purchasing cultivator’s herbs are certainly working for cultivators, most of whom are serving those within the Qingyang Dynasty.

Unfortunately, too many people knowing leads to problems.

The consequence of not taking action was that the news quickly spread, and nearly all cultivators in Baifu City came to know.

A vein of spirit stone was unearthed here.

Especially the several major families within Baifu City, who were exceedingly jealous.

Such a spirit stone vein might seem trivial to the Star Shining Sect, like a mosquito leg.

However.

To these families, it is a source that could make the family stronger and more prosperous.

These cultivating families in the secular world.

Their strength is not outstanding, perhaps having only a few cultivators in the Qi Xuan Realm, but if they band together and have the City Lord’s Mansion uphold justice.

Adding the City Lord’s Mansion, which also wants to take a share in secret.

They’ve always maintained an ambiguous stance, secretly supporting these families to unite, aiming to make this mine a common resource of Baifu City.

Therefore, these inner sect disciples sought assistance.

"In that case, we can actually just negotiate with the City Lord of Baifu City. They represent the Qingyang Dynasty, as long as a consensus is reached between the Qingyang Dynasty and the Star Shining Sect, nothing else matters."

Bai Changqiu astutely caught the key point of the issue.

Indeed.

If the two strongest forces reach a consensus, no one else matters. Those cultivating families, with just a few Qi Xuan Realm cultivators, what do they have to contend against them, backed by the Star Shining Sect?

"Tonight, let’s go directly to the City Lord’s Mansion and reason it out with the City Lord."

Bai Changqiu made a decision.

At this point, an inner sect disciple said solemnly, "The City Lord of Baifu City, Hua Hao, is already a Spirit Transformation Realm powerhouse."

He did not doubt Bai Changqiu’s strength.

However.

As one of the top ten true disciples, Bai Changqiu’s realm is no secret to members of the Star Shining Sect.

At the peak of the Qi Xuan Realm.

If a fight were to break out, hardly anyone present would be able to oppose the Spirit Transformation Realm City Lord Hua Hao of Baifu City.

Although the chances of a fight are minimal.

Yet.

One cannot be unprepared for such a situation.

"It’s alright, I have my own plans."

Bai Changqiu replied indifferently, and the inner sect disciple said no more.

Baiyu followed alongside Bai Changqiu, just going through the motions to join a sect mission, so he could return to the sect promptly to continue his great endeavor of immortal cultivation and ascension.

Therefore, he was even less likely to express an opinion.

As time passed, evening came.

Bai Changqiu brought two disciples to the City Lord’s Mansion located in the center of Baifu City. Knowing that the Star Shining Sect was coming, City Lord Hua Hao had also prepared a banquet in advance; both the arrangements and the dishes showed a display of opulence.

Bai Changqiu brought only Baiyu and another inner disciple originally stationed at the sub-branch, while others stayed outside the City Lord’s Mansion to provide support in case of any unexpected situations. They’d either assist Bai Changqiu and the others inside, or quickly report back to the Star Shining Sect.

After all.

All eggs should not be put in one basket.

"I am Bai Changqiu of the Star Shining Sect, here specifically to visit City Lord Hua Hao, to discuss the matter of the spirit stone vein found in the Medicine Mountain."

Bai Changqiu spoke directly.

Hua Hao showed a hint of surprise. He had heard of the Star Shining Sect’s top ten true disciples, knowing they were real geniuses, the pride of Star Shining Sect.

However.

You, a younger generation member, speaking in such a manner without even showing courtesy, completely disregarding me.

Hua Hao felt a tinge of displeasure.

However.

Being someone who had occupied the City Lord position in Baifu City for years, his shrewdness wouldn’t be so shallow as to display it. He merely held an even worse impression of Bai Changqiu in his heart.

You, a Qi Xuan Realm junior.

What qualifications do you have to speak to me in this tone?

"Let’s go, we’ll talk inside slowly."

Hua Hao’s smile remained unchanged, saying to the three of them, "Whatever the matters are, talk while we eat, talk slowly.

After all.

Many things cannot be explained in a few words."

Listening to Hua Hao’s words.

Bai Changqiu raised an eyebrow, then nodded: "Alright, but I hope to settle this matter through negotiation with the City Lord tonight."

Hua Hao nodded.

The three entered a room inside.

A large round table was set, adorned with a variety of delicacies, and aside from City Lord Hua Hao, there sat four others.

Four middle-aged men who appeared to be around Hua Hao’s age.

"Come, let me introduce you. These are the patriarchs of the four major families in Baifu City." Hua Hao pointed to the four middle-aged men, all of whom were at the Qi Xuan Realm, and then spoke to them, "This is Fairy Changqiu of the Star Shining Sect."

The initial introductions were made among them.

With their presence, Bai Changqiu had already guessed Hua Hao’s decision.

That is to stand with these families.

After all.

Baifu City’s current prosperity is inseparable from the four major families but has little to do with the Star Shining Sect.

Moreover, with these local affluent families, plus the City Lord of Baifu City,

To a certain extent, they represent the Qingyang Dynasty.

Hua Hao certainly has connections in the imperial city of the Qingyang Dynasty.

This matter.

Isn’t as simple to resolve as imagined.