Starting as the heir of a marquis's mansion, I gained access to a summoning system.

Qinghe City, the rear courtyard of the branch office.

The door to the secret room remained closed for three days and three nights.

Dongfang Weiwo sat cross-legged on a futon. His blood and qi surged throughout his body, and golden blood flowed slowly beneath his skin. A faint rumbling sound emanated from within him.

After several days of continuous impact, the bottleneck in the early stage of the Blood Exchange Realm finally began to loosen.

The fourth level of the "Dragon Body Refining Technique" emphasizes "accumulation" and "release." It involves accumulating the essence of qi and blood and releasing it throughout the entire body.

The qi and blood are used to flush out the meridians, widening the blood vessels, allowing the blood of martial arts to completely replace the blood of the mortal body. This cannot be rushed, but neither can it be nurtured indefinitely. When the time comes to flush, it must be done in one go.

Dongfang Weiwo took a deep breath. The energy and blood that had been accumulating within him for several days was suddenly activated.

The nine dragon tendons trembled simultaneously, emitting a deep hum. Blood and qi surged along the meridians like raging waves.

Each time the energy passed through an acupoint, a warm force seeped into the bones and flesh. The body felt slightly hot, and a faint golden glow appeared on the skin—an external manifestation of the martial arts blood reaching a certain level of abundance.

"break."

He silently shouted to himself.

The power of qi and blood suddenly broke through that barrier.

The blood within his body seemed to ignite in an instant. Every drop burned, reformed, and sublimated. The gold grew richer, and the spirituality intensified. His bones emitted a slight cracking sound—the dragon bones, nourished by the blood of martial arts, became even denser and more resilient.

I don't know how much time passed.

The blood and qi gradually calmed down.

Dongfang Weiwo opened his eyes. A flash of lightning seemed to pass through the secret room.

He looked down at his palm. The golden blood beneath his skin had thickened, possessing a subtle, warm, jade-like texture. He clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking crisply. The explosion was even louder than before his breakthrough.

Mid-stage of the Blood Exchange Realm.

The increase in strength is secondary. What's more important is the quality of the martial arts blood—it's purer than in the early stages, has stronger regenerative abilities, and provides more significant nourishment to the body. This means that the foundation for future training will be much more solid.

Dongfang Weiwo concealed his aura and slowly stood up.

After three days and three nights of seclusion, his clothes were soaked with sweat, but his spirits were exceptionally high. He pushed open the door to the secret room. The sunlight shone on his face, warm and comforting.

The courtyard was deserted. Liu Tie, Zhang Dashan, and Su Wen had been sent by Zheng Yuanlang to check passersby at the city gate these past few days and were not at their post. Dongfang Weiwo fetched water to wash up and changed into clean clothes. Just as she sat down to have a sip of tea, she heard footsteps outside the courtyard gate.

"Little Flag Bearer of the East." A strongman poked his head in. "The Commander-in-Chief requests your presence."

Dongfang Weiwo put down his teacup and followed the strongman to the front hall.

Zheng Yuanlang sat behind his desk. The documents in front of him were much less numerous, and the weariness on his face had faded. He looked up at Dongfang Weiwo, his gaze lingering on his face for a moment longer.

"You look good," Zheng Yuanlang said. "Have you been in seclusion these past few days?"

"Yes." Dongfang Wei replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "With no duties to perform, I can focus on cultivation."

Zheng Yuanlang nodded without asking further questions. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and carefully considered his words.

"Have you heard about what happened in the Cangmang Mountains?"

Dongfang Weiwo shook his head: "This subordinate has not left the house these past few days, and does not know what you mean by this, sir."

"The Blood Nether Sect has retreated." Zheng Yuanlang put down his teacup. "They were attacked by the Azure Dragon Society. An elder at the Innate Profound Realm was pierced through the throat with a single sword strike—the Blood Nether Sect withdrew from the Vast Mountains overnight. The Heavenly Mountain Sect also retreated. The Iron Sword Sect also retreated."

He paused, his gaze lingering on Dongfang Weiwo's face: "The Azure Dragon Society, have you heard of it?"

"I've heard a little about it." Dongfang Weiwo's expression remained unchanged. "The patrons in the teahouse have been discussing it, saying it's a newly emerging force."

"Hmm." Zheng Yuanlang seemed satisfied with his reaction. "The mine is still in the hands of the Azure Dragon Society. Commander Shen has discussed it with the Thousand-Household Office and plans to talk to the Azure Dragon Society. If the mine is left in the hands of the Jianghu forces, they will inevitably fight over it sooner or later. Rather than letting those demonic sects seize it, it is better for the imperial court to take over."

Dongfang Weiwo paused for a moment, then said, "What does Your Excellency mean...?"

"What I mean is, things might be a bit unsettled in the city these days, but you don't need to worry about it." Zheng Yuanlang waved his hand. "I called you here to remind you—no matter what news you hear, don't spread it. You're from the capital; you know what's appropriate."

"Understood."

"Go."

Dongfang Weiwo rose, bowed, and withdrew from the front hall.

The vast mountain range, the stronghold of the Azure Dragon Society.

Inside the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, Chen Jialuo, Wen Tailai, Zhao Banshan, and Daoist Wuchen sat in a circle. Opposite them sat an uninvited guest—Shen Lian, a centurion of the Zhenfu Division.

Shen Lian came alone. He carried no sword, no attendants, and wore only a plain-colored long robe, looking like an ordinary scholar. But Chen Jialuo knew—this seemingly harmless middle-aged man was a master at the early stage of the Innate Realm.

"Commander Shen, you came alone. Aren't you afraid we'll detain you?" Chen Jialuo picked up his teacup, his tone calm.

Shen Lian smiled. "If the Azure Dragon Society wanted to kill people, they wouldn't have only killed members of the Blood Demon Cult that night. Besides—" He glanced out the window, "I have men outside. Although there aren't many, they're enough to send a message."

Chen Jialuo remained noncommittal: "Speak, what does the Zhenfu Division want?"

"The mineral vein." Shen Lian got straight to the point. "The Tianlan Stone vein is a strategic resource. According to the laws of the imperial court, no private force is allowed to mine it without authorization. No one cared before because the vein was hidden behind the barrier of evil energy, and no one knew about it. Now that it has been opened, the Zhenfu Division cannot sit idly by."

"So you're here to rob us?"

"It's not about robbery," Shen Lian shook his head. "It's about negotiation. The Garrison Command will make a price, and the Azure Dragon Society will hand over the mine. That way, it'll save everyone trouble."

Chen Jialuo put down his teacup: "How much?"

Shen Lian held up two fingers: "Two hundred thousand taels of gold."

Wen Tailai frowned: "Two hundred thousand taels? The Tianlan Mine is only worth two hundred thousand?"

"This is the highest price the imperial court can offer," Shen Lian said calmly. "While Tianlan Stone is precious, its mining costs are also considerable. Besides—with this 200,000 taels, the Azure Dragon Society won't have to worry about the Blood Nether Sect, the Heavenly Mountain Sect, or the Iron Sword Sect trying to steal it. It's a one-time solution, so why not?"

Chen Jialuo remained silent.

He naturally understood what his master meant—the mine could be protected for a while, but not forever.

The Blood Demon Sect only sent one Profound Realm cultivator this time; next time they might send two, three, or even a Grandmaster Realm cultivator. The Azure Dragon Society's current strength is insufficient to directly confront those major powers. Instead of guarding the mines like a sitting duck, it would be better to convert them into real gold and silver and use it where it's more needed.

Besides, the Lord has said: the mine can be sold to anyone, but not to the demonic path. The Zhenfu Division is under the control of the imperial court—selling it to the Zhenfu Division is both legal and safe.

"Three hundred thousand taels," Chen Jialuo said. "One price only. Also, the Zhenfu Division must not interfere with the Azure Dragon Society's development in Pingyang County."

Shen Lian pondered for a moment: "I can't make the decision on 300,000 taels; I need to consult with Commander Qianhu. As for the matter of Pingyang County—" He raised his head, looking directly at Chen Jialuo, "As long as the Azure Dragon Society doesn't do anything illegal or disorderly, the Zhenfu Division won't actively cause trouble."

"make a deal."

Shen Lian stood up and held out his hand: "Then it's settled. The money and goods will be settled in three days."

Chen Jialuo also stood up and shook hands: "Three days later, the mine will be handed over to the Zhenfu Division."

After Shen Lian left, Wen Tailai couldn't help but ask, "Chief, isn't 300,000 taels a bit too little?"

"That's quite a lot," Chen Jialuo said. "The master's meaning is—if we can sell it, we'll make a profit. The longer we hold onto the mine, the greater the risk. Three hundred thousand taels of gold is enough for us to set up a business in Pingyang County."

Zhao Banshan nodded: "The master also said that after the mineral vein issue is resolved, the Azure Dragon Society will expand to Pingyang County. Qinghe City is too small and cannot accommodate their operations."

"Pingyang County City," Chen Jialuo repeated the name, "that's the real stage."

Three days later. The vast, desolate mountains.

The transfer of the mineral vein went smoothly.

The Zhenfu Division dispatched two hundred officers and soldiers, led by Zhou Gang and Qian Qi, with Shen Lian personally overseeing the operation.

On the Qinglong Society's side, Meng Xinghun, along with Han Tang and more than twenty peripheral members, removed all the sentry posts around the mine and loaded the last batch of mined Tianlan Stones onto trucks and transported them away.

The two sides met at the entrance of the mine.

Shen Lian glanced at Meng Xinghun standing opposite him, a slight chill running down his spine. This seemingly thin and silent young man had killed Wan Gu Ku, a cultivator at the Innate Profound Realm, with a single sword strike. His aura was very calm—as calm as a glass of water.

But Shen Lian knew that it was just that he didn't want people to notice him.

"Master Meng," Shen Lian said, clasping his hands in greeting. "From today onwards, the mine will be under the control of the Zhenfu Division. Please inform your guild leader that 300,000 taels of gold have been loaded onto carts and are being escorted by Zhou Gang and Qian Qi. They will be delivered to your guild's designated location tonight."

Meng Xinghun nodded. He didn't say anything.

Shen Lian probed, "Chief Meng's cultivation is profound, I admire him greatly. May I ask how many branches your esteemed Yiyue Hall has? And how many experts like Chief Meng you possess?"

Meng Xinghun glanced at him.

That glance was devoid of any emotion—yet it sent a chill down Shen Lian's spine. He felt as if his probing had been seen through, and that the other party had no intention of answering.

"Just deliver the goods."

Meng Xinghun left those words behind and turned to leave.

Han Tang followed behind him. The two disappeared into the forest in a few leaps. More than twenty members of the Azure Dragon Society filed away, well-trained and without making a sound.

Shen Lian stood there, looking in the direction they had disappeared, and remained silent for a long time.

"Commander of the Centurions," Zhou Gang said as he approached. "What did Meng Xinghun say?"

"He didn't say anything." Shen Lian withdrew his gaze. "Let's go, take over the mine."

Qinghe City, the rear courtyard of the branch office.

Dongfang Weiwo sat cross-legged on the bed, with an unsigned secret letter in front of him.

The letter was delivered by Zhao Banshan through a secret contact in the city. It contained only one line—

The mine has been handed over to the Zhenfu Division, and 300,000 taels of gold have been received. The Qinglong Society will immediately expand into Pingyang County.

He held the secret letter to the candle flame and burned it to ashes. A slight smile played on his lips.

Three hundred thousand taels of gold would be enough for the Azure Dragon Society to gain a foothold in Pingyang County.

The next step is to establish a branch in the county town, recruit people, build an intelligence network, and gradually expand this operation.

As for himself—he continued to serve as a minor officer in Qinghe City. Zheng Yuanlang no longer paid much attention to him at the branch office. He was happy to have some peace and quiet and could focus on his cultivation.

I've already broken through the mid-stage of the Blood Exchange Realm. My next goal is the late-stage Blood Exchange Realm, then the Golden Body Realm, and finally the Divine Power Realm—step by step, I'll move towards the Innate Realm.

The road ahead is still long.

But he wasn't in a hurry.

A gentle night breeze rustled outside the window. The distant, desolate mountain range seemed much quieter.

With the matter of the mine settled, each faction had its own agenda, but no one would cause trouble for the Azure Dragon Society in the short term.