’By sending the Commandery Princess, Prince Qinghe shows his sincerity. He’s also incredibly wealthy. So, even if we have to share the reward, we should still be able to get what we want.’

With this in mind, Zong Chengze smiled broadly and bowed with cupped hands to Princess Qingyue. "We are humbled that the Princess has come to greet us personally. We are unworthy of such an honor."

One party was eager to build ties while the other had requests of its own, making the conversation between Zong Chengze’s group and Princess Qingyue quite amicable.

The only point of discord was a young woman in her retinue. Her attitude toward Zhong Ming and the others was cold, even tinged with unconcealed arrogance.

However, given Princess Qingyue’s friendly attitude, Zhong Ming and the others didn’t say much.

And so, under Princess Qingyue’s guidance, the group was led to a luxurious estate.

Citing her busy schedule, she departed in a hurry after ensuring Zhong Ming and his group were properly settled.

The moment they stepped out of the estate’s main gate, the young attendant could seemingly no longer contain herself and began complaining to Princess Qingyue.

"Princess, why are you being so polite to people from these minor sects? You know as well as I do that they’re weak, timid, and cowardly. They would never dare to face the Cultists head-on."

"If Qinghe County faces a real crisis, they’ll surely abandon the city and run."

"Hmph. They’re just here to freeload."

Although she complained in a low voice, Cultivators all have exceptionally sharp senses. Zhong Ming and his companions heard every single word, and their expressions darkened.

Ji Qingyue paused in her tracks. But a moment later, she spoke in a calm tone that nevertheless carried an authority that brooked no dissent:

"Qingqing, don’t say such things. It’s true they don’t have the deep foundations of your Qianqiu Valley, but that doesn’t make them weak. Besides, the Evil Demons and Outsiders are a powerful force. We must unite with as many people as possible to fight them." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"..."

Princess Qingyue was gone, but back in the estate, no one’s expression relaxed.

After a few moments, Zong Chengze shook his head and said, "The situation here is more complicated than I thought. I fear Prince Qinghe didn’t invite us just to join forces against the Evil Demons, but also to use us as a counterbalance against the other Major Sects."

Zhong Ming and the others could naturally tell that the girl named Qingqing was partly sincere in her disdain, but it was mostly a deliberate act.

It was nothing more than a verbal slight intended to humiliate the Seven Profound Sect into leaving on their own accord.

The reason for this was quite simple.

The more factions that arrived, the more thinly Prince Qinghe’s resources would have to be spread.

As a result, no single group would receive very much.

But if some were to leave, the pie would be divided among fewer people, and the remaining sects would naturally get a larger share.

And if they could drive everyone else away, leaving only themselves, then the entire Prince Qinghe’s Mansion would be at their mercy.

Prince Qinghe obviously understood this as well, which was why he had specifically sent his daughter to greet them as a sign of respect.

After Qingqing’s outburst, Princess Qingyue had immediately revealed the girl’s affiliation, making it clear that it was Qianqiu Valley showing contempt for the Seven Profound Sect, and that Prince Qinghe’s Mansion had nothing to do with it.

Realizing this, Zhong Ming couldn’t help but laugh wryly. ’So it’s true what they say: "the world bustles with people, all for the sake of profit." Acquiring resources is never an easy feat, no matter where you are.’

The situation was a bit more complex than they’d anticipated, but the Seven Profound Sect had no intention of leaving.

The resources from Prince Qinghe’s Mansion were too tempting to pass up.

Moreover, the sheer number of people gathered here made meticulous individuals like Zong Chengze and Yi Yunya sense that something was off.

"So many factions have arrived in such a short time. This gathering can’t be from a sudden leak... Prince Qinghe must have another motive for inviting so many people."

Before he’d even finished speaking, Sect Leader Zong Chengze shook his head.

"It’s true. The situation in the Frost Moon Dynasty is becoming increasingly precarious, and the Imperial Court’s control over the regions is slipping."

"Prince Qinghe rules over such a wealthy land, and his stability depends entirely on the prestige of the royal family."

"But if the Frost Moon royal family’s power wanes, those who covet this land will surely come swarming. Under these circumstances, it would be foolish for Prince Qinghe *not* to make preparations in advance..."

Sensing that something was amiss, the Sect Leader immediately prepared to gather more information.

The other members of the Seven Profound Sect also looked worried.

Only Zhong Ming, after a moment’s thought, shook his head and cast all these trivial matters from his mind.

’Why waste time thinking about all this? As far as I’m concerned, all problems boil down to a lack of strength.’

’If I’m strong enough, I can eliminate any threat with the sword in my hand!’

’So, instead of wasting time on these plots and schemes, I’d be better off cultivating and improving myself as much as possible.’

Deciding to break through all schemes with brute force, Zhong Ming found a bamboo grove within the estate and simply lay down.

The next moment, he pulled out a book. While Reading, he also picked up the gourd at his waist and poured out over a dozen Elixir Pills.

Then, Zhong Ming opened his mouth wide and swallowed the dozen or so Elixir Pills as if they were candy, gulping them straight down.

"..."

This scene made the corners of Su Lingya’s, Yan Chen’s, and Han Yu’s eyes twitch.

Su Lingya, who knew the most about Elixir Pills, grabbed Yi Yunya by her side and asked anxiously, "Is it really okay for Senior Brother Zhong Ming to take pills like that? The Erysipelas..."

Before she could finish, Yi Yunya gave a faint, placid smile. "Don’t worry about the Erysipelas. Since Senior Brother Zhong Ming dares to do it, he naturally has a way to deal with it."