Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book

In reality, there weren’t many clan members stationed at Ye Talisman Mountain—only about three hundred people at present. However, one shouldn’t underestimate them. The vast majority were Spirit Talisman Masters, along with many other skilled artisans of the clan. Currently, there were no Golden Core Cultivators present; only Ye Jingting and a Purple Mansion cultivator of the Qing generation held down the fort. The latter had only recently broken through, so his combat power and spirit beasts were not particularly strong. Meanwhile, Ye Yunxuan and a few of the stronger Purple Mansion cultivators were currently at the Ye Talisman Sect in Tianshu Market.

The Ye family’s superb talisman crafting skills were vastly superior to the former Xiao family’s, to the extent that it completely changed the perspective of many cultivators in Tianshu Mansion regarding spirit talismans. As for Ye Yunxuan, not to mention the endless stream of custom talisman orders that kept his hands constantly full, he genuinely had many Tier Four Spirit Talismans to refine. To ensure the Ye family’s steady development, Ye Yunxuan didn’t place limits on the orders, much like how Ye Jingcheng had acted when he first entered Xiaoshan Prefecture for alchemy. Other factions, eager to curry favor with the Ye Talisman Sect, also submitted numerous commissions.

”Arrange for the core clan members to wait in the back mountain,” Ye Jingting instructed two Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Yun generation.

However, just as they braced themselves for what they thought would be a fierce battle, the surrounding Spiritual Ships slowly descended onto the nearby Spirit Mountains. A sparse handful of people slowly disembarked from these vessels. Strikingly, these figures were Patriarchs and Sect Leaders of various factions. All of these cultivators were at the Purple Mansion or Foundation Establishment stages. They lined up one by one before the mountain gate of Ye Talisman Mountain, sending in visiting spirit talismans one after another.

”Aunt Jingting, it seems these people haven’t come with malicious intent...”

”Let’s wait and see,” Ye Jingting replied. Seeing that these individuals made no attempt to conceal their identities, the tension in her heart eased significantly. After all, if they weren’t hiding who they were, they wouldn’t dare try anything drastic, no matter how bold they were. Of course, as a guardian stationed outside, Ye Jingting couldn’t fully let her guard down. It wasn’t as if the Ye family hadn’t encountered situations where enemies disguised themselves to lower their targets’ vigilance.

...

Xu Qing was the Pavilion Master of the Profound Origin Pavilion. He was also the Direct Disciple of Master Xuan Jing. Though not a biological son, their bond was stronger than blood. His cultivation was at the Late Stage of Purple Mansion, and he was less than one hundred and fifty years old, making it highly likely for him to break through to the Golden Core stage before reaching two hundred. Originally, he had been handling affairs at the Profound Origin Pavilion when he suddenly received a message from Master Xuan Jing, ordering him to rush to Ye Talisman Mountain immediately to present a treasure. Beside him stood another Elder of the Profound Origin Pavilion.

Seeming to notice Xu Qing’s confusion, the Elder offered an explanation. ”Pavilion Master, every time the Nascent Soul Conference in the Southern Wilderness Province concludes, there are shifts in power across several prefectures and mansions. This time, I’m afraid the Celestial Sand Sect behind the Ye Talisman Sect has gained the upper hand.” A trace of disbelief lingered in the Elder’s eyes. After all, just a decade ago, they hadn’t even heard of the Celestial Sand Sect. At that time, the other party had merely been a Golden Core Influence. On the other hand, the Mountain Map Liu Family was a veteran Nascent Soul Sect with experts as common as clouds; the Elder alone knew of at least six or seven Golden Core Cultivators within their ranks.

”That must be it. Otherwise, the cultivators from Lingfeng Valley, the Chu Family, and the Qingyu Sect wouldn’t have arrived so early,” Xu Qing noted. Originally, there were only four Golden Core Influences in Tianshu Mansion. Of course, after Ye Jinghu’s arrival, that number grew to five. However, at this moment, they all clearly realized that the Ye Talisman Sect was neither a Purple Mansion Influence nor a Golden Core Influence—it was a Nascent Soul Power. They were here to pledge their allegiance and pay their respects.

”Regardless of the details, we must seize the initiative first,” Xu Qing continued. ”If Tianshu Mansion is to be controlled by the Celestial Sand Sect in the future, then establishing good relations now will definitely secure our standing.”

In any mansion’s market, the ultimate authority naturally belonged to the Mansion Master, followed closely by the Nascent Soul Powers. Furthermore, these Nascent Soul Powers could even dictate who could rent the majority of the shops. Tianshu Mansion was considered an Inner Mansion. Unlike Xiaoshan Prefecture and Wangqing Prefecture, it couldn’t easily cross borders into Jiayuan Demon Pass Mansion to pillage extra resources. In Tianshu Mansion, factions could only rely on market profits and Spiritual Ore yields. Consequently, securing a prime shop location could single-handedly determine the future trajectory of an entire family or faction.

...

”Ye Daoist, I am Xu Qing of the Profound Origin Pavilion. I have come specifically to pay a visit.”

”Ye Daoist, I am Ling Yunqing of Lingfeng Valley. I have a Spirit Beast cub with an uncertain bloodline purity, and I was hoping Ye Daoist could help evaluate it.”

”Ye Daoist, I am Chu Yunxuan of the Chu Family. I heard that the Ye Talisman Sect excels in Refining Talismans, and I have come bearing heavy compensation to request one.”

”Ye Daoist, I am Jiang Yuqing of the Qingyu Sect. Our sect has discovered a Tier Three Secret Realm, but due to our insufficient strength, we would like to invite Ye Daoist to assist us in exploring it together.”

...

Ye Jingting’s expression grew strange as she listened to these Transmissions. She genuinely didn’t understand what was going on. After all, these were just the Golden Core Influences. The Purple Mansion Influences were also sending Transmissions, albeit less urgently. It was as if these Golden Core Influences were fiercely competing for the very first slot to meet her. When it came to visits between factions, they were mostly done privately. If Ye Jingting were to invite them in, she would have to host them one by one. Since this wasn’t some grand ceremony, hosting them all together would be seen as a slight against these cultivators. Moreover, since they all came bearing news and ulterior motives, it was even more inappropriate to meet them simultaneously.

”Aunt Jingting, a reply has arrived! The clan emerged victorious at the Nascent Soul Conference! Eleventh Uncle, Uncle Jinghu, and the others are still attending the Nascent Soul Trading Conference and the auction,” the Purple Mansion cultivator of the Qing generation finally stepped forward to report.

Only then did Ye Jingting finally understand what had happened. She couldn’t blame the Ye family for not notifying them sooner. After all, even Ye Jingcheng hadn’t been completely confident about winning the grand competition. The Liu family was no ordinary clan. If it hadn’t been for the Vermilion Bird exceptionally countering Liu Yuansheng, the outcome would have truly hung in the balance. After the competition concluded, they had to attend banquets, share insights on Daoist Skills, and participate in the trading fairs, which took up an entire day. The auction had spanned another two days. Upon learning of the results, the other Golden Core and Purple Mansion Influences immediately arranged for representatives to rush to Ye Talisman Mountain to pay their respects. Deep down, they would have preferred to visit Sha Huang Mountain, but Sha Huang Mountain was located in Xiaoshan Prefecture. Thus, they flocked to Ye Talisman Mountain instead.

”Aunt Jingting, how should we summon them?”

”We’ll see the Profound Origin Pavilion first. As for the other three families, summon them based on the value of their gifts,” Ye Jingting quickly made her decision. ”Those with good relations with the Ye family naturally deserve to be seen first. Considering that Master Xuan Jing and Ye Jingcheng share a rather amicable relationship, it is only proper to prioritize the Profound Origin Pavilion. As for the factions where emotional ties hold no weight, the value of their gifts will do the talking.”

...

At Hundred Beasts Mountain, the Ye family had not changed the location’s name; it remained Hundred Beasts Mountain. Of course, there weren’t many spirit beasts left here. The vast majority were livestock breeds meant for meat production, such as the immensely fat Golden-haired Pigs and the Double Moon Rabbits, known for their large heads and bright eyes. Both were quite famous for their meat yield. However, ever since the Ye family laid their cards on the table and revealed their strength two years ago, they had begun arranging for a wider variety of spirit beasts to be raised here. Nevertheless, their primary focus was constructing Spirit Medicine Gardens. After all, the Spiritual Energy in the Central Domain was far superior to that of the Eastern Domain. This place possessed a Tier Four High-Grade Spiritual Vein. With careful cultivation and the expenditure of Array Spirit Stones, it could be elevated to a Tier Five Spiritual Vein.

Currently, the person in charge here was Ye Qingfeng. Unlike other clan members, Ye Qingfeng believed he had no outstanding talents, so he compensated through sheer hard work and dedication to his duties. He patrolled the vicinity every single day. Today, a considerable number of Spiritual Ships flew in as well. However, unlike Ye Jingting’s earlier confusion, Ye Qingfeng was fully aware of the situation. Moreover, Ye Xingliu was also present at Hundred Beasts Mountain at this moment, precisely to host the various factions from Wangqing Prefecture. Although the Ye family could have hosted them in the market, they were now a Nascent Soul Power and needed to uphold their newfound status. Thus, Hundred Beasts Mountain was currently filled with grand banquets.

Naturally, this wasn’t an official celebratory ceremony. To the outside world, the Ye family claimed it was a banquet to declare their sworn opposition against the Demon Sect. Yet, everyone clearly understood that this was merely a handover gathering, transitioning authority from the former Profound Puppet Sect to the current Ye family. All the factions arrived bearing congratulatory gifts; not a single one genuinely believed this was just a simple oath-taking banquet. Among the guests, Wang Shiyun, who should have been in Junhe Prefecture, returned early. Piloting the Dragon Envoy Flying Ship, she sped toward Hundred Beasts Mountain, aiming to be the very first person to present a gift.

Upon seeing this, Ye Qingfeng didn’t dare dawdle and immediately sent a Transmission to Ye Xingliu. After Ye Xingliu graciously invited Fairy Wang inside, she stepped forward.

”Ye Daoist, I congratulate you on hosting this oath-taking conference. I don’t have much to offer, so please accept this Tier Four Top-Grade Golden Crystal Bead,” Wang Shiyun said, taking out a Jade Box.

Ye Xingliu naturally accepted it with a warm smile and brought out some Mingxin Tea to host her.

...

Back in Junhe Prefecture, the grand finale item of the auction was a Tier Five Cloak Treasure. Ye Jingcheng had actually wanted it, but there were simply too many cultivators vying for it. In the end, it was won by a Nascent Soul cultivator who wasn’t even from the Southern Wilderness Province. Although Ye Jingcheng felt a mix of pity and surprise, he wasn’t particularly disappointed. After all, he possessed the wings of a Tier Five Taiyin Ancient Crow. If refined into a Magical Treasure, its flight speed would rival that of a Great Demon Emperor. He just hadn’t found a suitable Artifact Refiner yet. Even though Wang Ke Wei was available, Ye Jingcheng didn’t blindly hand the materials over to him. After all, the man had only just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, and the current level of his Artifact Refining Skill remained an unknown.

”Eleventh Brother, to think there were Nascent Soul cultivators secretly coming to this auction,” Ye Jinghu lamented from the side.

”It’s normal. This is the Central Domain, where Teleportation Arrays are widespread. It wouldn’t be strange even if people from the Purple Sun Immortal Sect showed up, let alone Nascent Soul cultivators from other prefectures,” Ye Jingcheng replied. Naturally, this incident served as a wake-up call for Ye Jingcheng. He couldn’t afford to be too casual at future auctions; otherwise, the treasures he set his sights on might truly be snatched away by other factions. The Ye family also needed to maintain a substantial reserve of Spirit Stones.

”Still, Eleventh Brother, the profits from these markets are truly astronomical!” Even though Ye Jinghu was already a Golden Core Cultivator and over a hundred and eighty years old, he couldn’t help but marvel upon hearing the clan’s dividend cut from the various markets. Even the poorest performer, Xiaoshan Prefecture, brought in an annual profit of around 2.1 million Spirit Stones. The Ye family claimed a thirty percent share. This meant that by simply handling routine market maintenance, they could earn 630,000 Spirit Stones—enough to purchase a lower-quality Tier Four Spiritual Treasure. Half of these profits stemmed from shop rents, stall fees in the Independent Cultivator Square, and the entrance tolls paid in Spirit Stones. The other half came from commissions drawn from the annual auctions and various smaller trading fairs. Meanwhile, the profits from Wangqing Prefecture were even higher, hovering around three million Spirit Stones. That meant the Ye family’s share would be a staggering 1.5 million Spirit Stones.

Beyond Wangqing Prefecture, it was Tianshu Mansion that truly shocked the Ye family, boasting a profit of approximately 3.9 million Spirit Stones. And that was after factoring in the wear and tear costs of maintaining the Teleportation Arrays; otherwise, the yield would be even greater. Adding all three markets together, the Ye family now only needed to keep up appearances and provide occasional assistance to the Righteous Sect to rake in an annual profit of over four million Spirit Stones. While four million Spirit Stones might not seem like much when divided among the Ye family’s more than twenty thousand cultivators, this business was as steady and enduring as a Spirit Vein, capable of generating an endless stream of wealth.

Ye Jinghu and the others finally understood why these Nascent Soul Powers were so obedient to the Righteous Sect. After all, the immense profits were laid bare for all to see. Furthermore, with the Righteous Sect’s formidable reputation backing them, they never had to worry about anyone daring to attack the markets. In addition to these fixed profits, the Ye family also held the leasing rights to numerous shops. Although they couldn’t charge extra rent, graciously accepting gifts and small favors from tenants was certainly permissible. When combined with the family’s diverse industrial ventures, it was safe to say that from this day forward, the Ye family would never have to worry about lacking Spirit Stone resources again. In fact, they could afford to completely withdraw from the Eastern Domain right now. Unfortunately, their roots in the Eastern Domain were simply too deep, making it difficult for the Ye family to retreat unscathed at this juncture. After all, it wasn’t just Medicine King Valley keeping a close eye on them; Penglai was likely watching closely as well. If the main forces of the Ye family were to completely vacate the premises, the mortals belonging to their clan would inevitably fall victim to a Blood Sacrifice.