Free Web NovelChapter 555: Chapter 555: One Move Ahead
Although the auction at the Dao Camp lasted only one day, its influence lingered both inside and outside of West Plain for a long time.
It became a topic of great interest for countless people.
What everyone was most curious about was how much silver taels the Dao Camp actually earned through auctioning stolen goods.
Any wealthy merchant who participated in the auction could estimate the answer, and it was no secret.
Then the news spread to everyone.
Common folk would be astounded by the immense wealth, while the aristocrats of West Plain City understood that a Dao Camp with such a lucrative channel could not be restricted by the Daoist Government Office past, present, or future.
In the ongoing power struggle between the Daoist Official and the Dao General, it was obvious that the latter held the advantage.
What puzzled many was that nearly two months had passed, and Fei Hongming surprisingly remained inactive, having taken no action against the Dao Camp aside from withholding military funds.
It seemed as if he tacitly acknowledged Zhang Yuan’s "arrogance and insolence".
In reality, very few knew that the Daoist Official who had been stationed in West Plain for ten years wasn’t passively enduring this situation, but was merely waiting for the right opportunity.
Once the time was ripe, Fei Hongming acted swiftly, and soon awaited the consequences.
"Senior Brother Mu, long time no see, how have you been?"
In the Songhe Hall of the Daoist Government Office, Fei Hongming respectfully greeted a white-robed Daoist: "How is our Master?"
The white-robed Daoist appeared to be around thirty years old.
Yet, his eyes carried an age-old look that mismatched his youthful appearance.
Holding a horsetail whisk, he exuded an air of sage-like demeanor, and nodded in reply: "Junior Brother Fei, the sect is all well."
After exchanging pleasantries, the white-robed Daoist and Fei Hongming sat facing each other.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Fei Hongming asked: "Senior Brother, has Master received my letter?"
"Indeed."
The white-robed Daoist smiled slightly: "Master is already aware of the matters happening here in West Plain."
Fei Hongming immediately felt invigorated: "What did Master say?"
The white-robed Daoist’s smile faded as he retrieved a bamboo ruler from his sleeve.
This ruler wasn’t a magical artifact; besides its aged patina, it had no noteworthy attributes.
However, seeing this bamboo ruler, Fei Hongming’s expression changed dramatically, and a hint of fear crept onto his face.
Because this ruler awakened painful memories of his past!
At the same time, Fei Hongming understood his master’s response.
He let out a bitter laugh: "Senior Brother, I have served as the Defender of West Plain for ten years, although I’ve achieved no great successes, I’ve always been diligent and dedicated, surely that’s worth some recognition?"
This Daoist Official would never have imagined that soliciting help from the sect would not only result in no support but rather punishment from his master, a grievance and pain that words alone cannot express.
The white-robed Daoist said dryly: "Junior Brother Fei, over these years, you’ve consistently shown filial respect to Master, he’s taken note of it. Therefore, he doesn’t wish for you to keep erring and make mistakes that cannot be undone!"
Fei Hongming, being no ordinary person, quickly regained composure: "Is it the Mo Family?"
The only conclusion he could draw was that Zhang Yuan’s backing from the Mo Family pressured his master.
"It doesn’t have much to do with the Mo Family."
The white-robed Daoist sighed: "The main issue is you underestimated Zhang Yuan."
He paused, then continued: "Just three days ago, Zhang Yuan submitted an offering of one million silver taels to the sect via the Mo Family, and also presented a report. Do you know what it said?"
One million silver taels!
A report!!
Fei Hongming felt as though he had fallen into an icy abyss.
He knew Zhang Yuan used bandit suppression to train troops and amass wealth; he was aware of the previous auction that brought the Dao Camp an astounding revenue of over a million silver taels.
Fei Hongming precisely reported this to the sect, aiming to accuse Zhang Yuan of pillaging the local area and extorting rapaciously.
Yet, Fei Hongming never anticipated that Zhang Yuan would submit a grand offering of one million silver taels to the sect!
His scalp nearly exploded.
In his ten-year tenure stationed in West Plain, his cumulative offerings to the sect hadn’t amounted to this figure.
After all, he needed cultivation resources, had to provide for his family, and pave the way for his children...
How long has Zhang Yuan served as the West Plain Dao General? frёewebnoѵēl.com
This act directly nailed Fei Hongming to the pillar of shame!
Would Upper Scenic Celestial lack an offering of one million silver taels?
The answer was clearly no.
The sect’s deep foundation is beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
But Zhang Yuan’s action is bound to win praise and commendation from the upper echelons!
Fei Hongming’s complaint thus became a joke.
Moreover, since Zhang Yuan presented a report, he wouldn’t possibly speak well of Fei Hongming’s case.
"Junior Brother Fei, do you understand now?"
The white-robed Daoist looked at Fei Hongming and said: "You’ve deeply disappointed Master."
These words were like a heavy hammer striking at Fei Hongming’s heart, turning his complexion ashen.
Without the support of his master, staying in the position of West Plain Daoist Official was out of the question.
After a long silence, Fei Hongming finally spoke with difficulty: "I was wrong, I’ll accept Master’s punishment."
He lowered his head in defeat.
The white-robed Daoist shook his head but put away the ruler: "Junior Brother, aiming to surpass Zhang Yuan isn’t wrong, but you shouldn’t underestimate him and deliver your weaknesses into his hands."
"Master has secured one last opportunity for you, so cherish it."
"Remember, there won’t be another chance!"
Fei Hongming immediately bowed down: "This disciple understands, and will heed Master’s teachings!"
When the Daoist Official lifted his head again, he found the white-robed Daoist who sat opposite him had vanished.
He sat idly for a long time, his expression fluctuating.
Eventually, it hardened and turned cold!
At the same moment, Zhang Yuan encountered Jia Jide for the second time at White Tiger Hall.
This big merchant from the Tudah Tribe respectfully presented a golden box.
Curious, Zhang Yuan opened it to find inside a thick stack of gold notes, surprised: "What is this?"
Jia Jide smiled and said: "My lord, these are the funds from selling the remaining goods on your behalf, totaling two hundred and fifty thousand gold, all exchanged into notes for your verification."
Amused, Zhang Yuan said: "Those goods were meant as gifts for you."
Setting aside how much effort the merchant put into the auction, that gem containing Qianyang Power was priceless to him, deserving of his reward.
Moreover, those leftover goods weren’t worth this much gold!
"I cannot accept without merit."
Jia Jide shook his head and said: "My lord, there’s merely a matter for which I’d like to seek your assistance."
Zhang Yuan understood; this was what Jia Jide truly wanted!
He responded calmly: "Tell me."
Jia Jide straightened, a sharp glint in his eyes: "My lord, are you aware of the Desert Wind Army?"
