Two Realms: I Will Become the Immortal Emperor

Chapter 274: Chapter 247: Not Eating Alone

”With a full set of Materials, I might be able to forge a Tier Two High Grade Magical Artifact, but I’ve never tried it before. I honestly have no confidence at all.”

Liang Yuan answered very seriously.

Chen Che nodded slightly.

Artifact Forging was as tedious as Alchemy, becoming increasingly difficult at higher Tiers. It required everything Alchemy did, including Spirit Wood for fuel and even the blood of a Demon Beast for quenching.

”What about Spiritual Infusion?”

Chen Che asked after a moment of thought.

”It depends on the tier of the Divine Soul. The higher the tier, the greater the chance of success.”

Liang Yuan said, then quickly added, ”A Tier Three High Grade Demon Beast’s Divine Soul? I’ve never tried that. If the Valley Master wants to forge a Weapon, I’m afraid I’ll have to go back and ask my master for guidance.”

What was Spiritual Infusion?

It involved injecting one’s Spiritual Sense into a Weapon during forging. This not only increased the success rate of the forging process but could even allow the Weapon or Magical Artifact to develop its own consciousness, thereby multiplying its power. Even in the Mortal World, there were legends of forging Divine Soldiers that required a living person to be sacrificed to the sword.

Evil Cultivators, when refining artifacts, would go so far as to murder people and slaughter cities to carry out a Sacrificial Refinement on a single Magical Artifact.

He brought this up because he still possessed the Divine Soul of a Red Flame Snake from True Master Chilong’s Cave Mansion.

He had originally wanted to ask Zeng Buke for help.

But... Spiritual Infusion was illegal on Earth Element Star...

”Very well. In that case, you can ask about modifying the Black Dragon Lock Chain for me.”

Chen Che nodded slightly, his tone softening.

”If it can’t be done, that’s fine. Also, ask those martial brothers in the stockade if any of them are willing to come to Jinyun Valley. Anyone who can forge a Tier One High Grade Spiritual Artifact will be given the status of a Second-class Tributor.”

’Jia Chaoyuan’s disciples may not have high Cultivation, but they have some skill in Forging. It’s a waste for them to stay in the stockade. I might as well bring them over to teach our disciples.’

’Besides, Hunzhou is about to see some major action, and there will surely be a huge demand for Pills and Weapons.’

Of course, a war between states was not child’s play; Chen Yin would certainly make arrangements in advance.

Next, he asked about matters concerning the Sacrificial Hall.

His main focus was Li Changqing.

As the first Talisman Cultivator in the Valley, and one who could create Tier Two Talismans, Li Changqing naturally received special attention from Chen Che. The Talisman Painting Ink and Water, Talisman Brushes, and talisman paper he required were provided almost on demand. Of course, this was on the condition that he taught the disciples in the Valley how to perform Talisman Painting.

Li Changqing naturally had no objections to this requirement.

After all, looking at other factions, none could offer such generous compensation as Jinyun Valley.

Therefore, he had taken on seven or eight disciples and taught them with great care. At the same time, Li Changqing was also well aware that with such a handsome reward, the consequences of slacking off would be extremely severe.

”Collect some Talisman Secret Manuals for him to study. He shouldn’t just stop here. The Talisman Hall can’t be propped up by a single person.”

Chen Che nodded in satisfaction.

’What is a true foundation? It’s not a single flower blooming in isolation, but a hundred flowers blossoming together.’

In addition, the Valley had gained three more Tributors, though unfortunately, none were talents on the level of Li Changqing.

Then there were the disciples in the Valley.

Although there had been some losses, with reinforcements from the various subordinate and surrendered families, their numbers had reached a staggering twenty-two hundred. Of course, sixteen hundred of them were Servant Disciples. They handled most of the menial chores in the Valley, supporting the six hundred-odd Official Disciples in their full-time Cultivation.

Of course, if their Cultivation could reach the Qi Refining Third Layer, they could also become Official Disciples in the future.

Zhao Changping, the one with the highest Cultivation, had already reached the Qi Refining Sixth Layer.

There were over seventy at the Qi Refining Fifth Layer.

Over three hundred were at the Fourth Layer.

The rest were mostly new disciples who had just joined the valley, or clan members sent by the surrendered families.

As for other matters, Ding Fei primarily reported to him on the changes and development of the Market.

As Jinyun Valley gradually expanded and the number of Cultivators increased, the number of shops in the Market had grown by another thirty percent. There were now close to seven hundred businesses, and the resident Cultivator population had reached about two hundred thousand, no longer as sparse as before.

The Ghost Market was still in operation. In fact, due to the recent chaos in the Sixteen States, many treasures had found their way onto the market, and quite a few Cultivators made special trips to the Ghost Market to hunt for bargains.

However, as the number of Cultivators grew, the crowd naturally became a mix of the good and the bad, leading to gangs running rampant.

Recently, a gang called the Firewood Gang, operating out of Juyi Hall, had broken the rules. While Jinyun Valley was focused on external expansion, they had been secretly expanding their own territory. They had even killed seven or eight Loose Cultivators and declared several nearby mountains to be theirs.

After Ding Fei learned of this, it took him only three days to capture everyone from the Firewood Gang, from the leader down to the common members. Those who had participated in the killings were hanged from trees.

”Well done. In the future, don’t spare any gangs that try to take advantage of the situation like this.”

Chen Che spoke unhurriedly. ”How is the collection of Fire Attribute Spiritual Objects coming along?”

”I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, Valley Master. Although there are many, most of them are only Tier Two items...”

Ding Fei handed over several Storage Pouches. ”As for Tier Three items, there are only four.”

’That’s too few.’

Chen Che’s Divine Sense swept over them, and he frowned inwardly.

The Nine Transformations Spirit Flame Technique he cultivated required a massive amount of them. What had been collected was just a drop in the bucket, enough at most to help him condense a single wisp of flame. But there was nothing to be done. After all, there were too few Major Cultivators in the territories under Jinyun Valley’s control.

This also led to a scarcity of High Tier items.

But Chen Che had anticipated this outcome, so he didn’t blame him.

After dealing with the Valley’s internal affairs, Chen Che finally looked up.

”As for the forestries, mining fields, and such that we gained from the war... register them properly and let the subordinate families bid on them. The leases will be for ten years, with the highest bidder winning. We will only collect a thirty percent tax, and the rest will be theirs.”

”We’re not going to hold onto them ourselves?”

Ding Fei asked, stunned.

These mines and rivers were no small assets, yet they were being so casually handed over to the subordinate families to exploit? Not only was it on a ten-year rotation, but why only a thirty percent tax... that was far too little. If it were him, he would take at least fifty percent.

”We get to eat the meat, but we have to leave some for the others.”

’You can’t expect a horse to run without feeding it grass; there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Hogging all the food is short-sighted. Personal favors can be fickle, but interests are eternal.’ Tossing a Storage Pouch over, Chen Che said casually:

”I heard you got married. Consider this my wedding gift.”

”...Thank you, Valley Master.”

Ding Fei was a little stunned, then deeply moved.

Although Chen Che had promised him that he would ensure he reached Foundation Establishment, after more than half a year of bitter Cultivation, his Realm had not improved. He knew that he would never reach the Qi Refining Ninth Layer in his lifetime, so he had completely given up on the idea of Cultivation and prepared to focus on raising the next generation.

He hadn’t made a big affair of his wedding, fearing Chen Che would reprimand him for abusing his power for personal gain. So, he had just invited a few close acquaintances for a small gathering.

Chen Che only found out because Hu Yao had mentioned it.

But what he didn’t know was that Chen Che didn’t object to those close to him using their connections to get ahead, or using Jinyun Valley’s name to gather Cultivation Resources. If there were no perks, who would be willing to risk their life for you?

But everything had to be within limits.

If those limits were exceeded, they shouldn’t blame him for being ruthless.

As for Ding Fei’s choice, Chen Che could only sigh that everyone has their own fate. If Ding Fei had followed him ten years earlier, perhaps his opportunities would have been completely different.

”Keep up the good work. You may not be able to reach Foundation Establishment, but my promise is also valid for your children.”

With that said, he turned to the others and raised his hand. Dozens of sticks of Soul Nourishing Incense flew before each person. He had obtained a piece of Divine Court Wood; although he looked down on this Soul Nourishing Incense gifted by Chen Yin, it was perfect for building goodwill.

”You have all worked hard during this time. This is something for Nourishing the Soul and enhancing Divine Sense. For the next few years, Jinyun Valley should not have any major campaigns. We just need to consolidate our territory, stabilize the Valley, and fill the vacancies in the various Halls.”

”Also, there is one more thing I need you all to keep an eye out for.”

!?”

Everyone looked up, confused.

”Search for Sun Hao.”

Chen Che’s eyes narrowed slightly.

...

It was time to resolve certain matters.

Sun Hao wanted to achieve Core Formation, and Chen Che certainly wasn’t going to let him succeed. Not to mention, he himself was an obstacle on Sun Hao’s path to Core Formation.

Especially since the man still had the remnant soul of True Master Chilong on him.

Next, Chen Che took Meng Qingxuan to the Meng Family estate. However, Meng Changtu wasn’t there. Chen Che found him in a valley near the Dragon Cave. The basin, several miles in circumference, was teeming with all sorts of Demon Snakes.

In the center of the basin, two Snake Demons, one large and one small, were engaged in a private duel.

The larger one was pitch-black with a cockscomb-like growth on its head. When its saliva dripped onto the ground, it instantly produced a SIZZLING sound, clearly indicating a potent venom. The other was azure all over with a pair of wings on its back. Although it was less than thirty percent of its opponent’s size, it had the complete advantage.

Not far away, a man with graying temples watched the fight with his hands behind his back. A Black Tiger was squatting beside him.

”Che’er, when did you get back from Hunzhou?”

Sensing someone approaching, Meng Changtu immediately became alert, but he broke into a smile upon seeing it was Chen Che. ”Look at your father’s Green-Winged Flood Dragon! I’ve been raising it ever since we returned from the Black Tortoise Calm Sea. The fighting has stopped recently, so it’s a perfect time to bring it to the Dragon Cave for some training.”

While Jinyun Valley was busy expanding, the Meng Family naturally didn’t fall behind. They had also only just halted their own campaigns a few days ago.

The reason Demon Beasts were far superior to Cultivators, aside from their Physique and innate talents, was that they constantly faced the struggle for survival and natural selection from the moment they were born.

Meng Changtu was naturally aware of this as well.

HISSS~

As soon as he finished speaking, the Green-Winged Flood Dragon spread its wings, opened its great maw, and shot out a Wind Blade, directly blinding the cockscomb-headed black snake’s right eye. As its opponent reeled in pain, it shot forward, sinking its venomous fangs into its vital spot and rapidly coiling its body around it.

The Little Chick, perched on Chen Che’s shoulder, watched with great interest as the items on its menu tore each other apart.

”I got back yesterday. I’ve been busy handling affairs in the Valley.”

Chen Che watched for a few moments before looking away and casually handing a Bracelet to Meng Changtu. ”The one from Primordial City...”

”Are you thinking of taking a concubine? Which girl in the clan has caught your eye? Your father will go speak for you.”

Meng Changtu accepted it, overjoyed.

Back when he had wanted to buy this Spirit Beast Bracelet, Hu Haiqing had interfered. Later, during the trip to the Black Tortoise Calm Sea, Hu Haiqing died at Chen Che’s hands, so the Bracelet naturally came into his possession. The Little Chick was unwilling to stay inside it, so he decided to just give it away.

”That’s not it!”

Chen Che’s mouth twitched. His father-in-law was great in every way, except for this constant desire for him to take a concubine.