The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror-Chapter 448 - 195: Clouds in the Blue Sky, Water in the Bottle (Please Subscribe)_3

"Why choose a temple so far away when Yingtian Prefecture has so many temples?"

"Offering incense is just an excuse. The real intention is to meet him privately."

Regardless, choosing Golden Ray Monastery shows that Duke Wei has no hostile intentions.

Xu Qing knows that as his foundation stabilizes and his power grows, people like Duke Wei are increasingly reluctant to engage in open conflict with him.

All reactionaries are merely paper tigers.

Even previously, Duke Wei dared not risk his life against him, let alone now?

Xu Qing confidently went to the appointment.

The next day, he rode his Fire Cloud Horse out of the city, and arrived at Golden Ray Monastery on time, hosted by Fayue.

The old and new tycoons of South Zhili began their meeting.

In later generations, Monk Fayue’s letters recorded this meeting.

At that time, although Duke Wei had the potential power to dominate the Southeast, he was overshadowed by Xu Jieyuan’s grace.

In fact, Xu Qing firstly paid his respects to the elder.

This was their first formal meeting.

When they met, they were joyful and soon became friends despite the age difference.

Xu Jieyuan praised Duke Wei having the domineering aura of King Wu of Chu, while Duke Wei complimented Xu Jieyuan on being a youthful hero, like the Little Conqueror of Jiangdong from a millennium ago.

After all, they both tried their best to compliment each other.

After some exchange, Duke Wei took out a letter with its origins erased.

Xu Qing took it and asked, "Does Lord Duke intend to keep me here?"

Duke Wei smiled faintly, "I have no such intentions."

Xu Qing immediately understood, the old beast was angling for benefits.

It was indeed an opportune moment. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

He also understood what Duke Wei meant; as long as he could obtain benefits from Xu Qing, the amount didn’t matter much. The key was to regain his dignity among the Four Great Families.

This was also a negative consequence of the Zhu Family’s recent cooperation with Xu Qing.

Business is business, but the Zhu Family’s close dealings with Xu Qing behind Duke Wei’s back clearly showed a lack of respect, confusing who was the boss.

Sighing, Xu Qing said, "I understand what the Duke means. I was planning to speak to the Madam about Chaotian Temple Master’s closed disciple, Wei Yuan, before I left. Since the Duke has good intentions, I have decided not to speak of it."

Duke Wei’s emerging smile froze, holding back the urge to curse the little beast.

Bringing up such a matter, are you even human, Xu Gongming?

He originally assumed that given the indirect relationship between Xu Qing and Chaotian Temple Master, even if he knew of this, he wouldn’t bring it up openly.

Unexpectedly, the boy had no lower limit.

Knowing this, he felt slightly disappointed in Wei Yuan, the illegitimate child, finding him unfit for purpose.

Amidst disappointment, he somewhat felt relieved, thinking it might be better not to worry about future matters anymore and to let things take their natural course.

After all, Duke Wei was an old fox, quickly regaining his composure, and laughed, "Gongming is a clever man. I owe you one, and I won’t hold you back this time."

Xu Qing smiled, "I am planning to establish an academy dedicated to the study of textile technology. Would the Duke be interested in participating?"

Duke Wei, surprised by the twist, inquired curiously, "What benefits would this bring?"

Xu Qing then explained the benefits of establishing the academy.

Upon hearing this, Duke Wei understood and then asked, "But how can we ensure that these craftsmen won’t keep secrets and are willing to teach their disciples?"

Xu Qing provided the answer, "Share the profits with them."

Duke Wei was somewhat displeased; since when do craftsmen deserve to sit at the same table with them?

Xu Qing patiently explained further, including the limitations and various details. Hearing this, Duke Wei understood that the craftsmen would indeed benefit, though not much.

Xu Qing’s intention was to stimulate the artisans’ enthusiasm.

In fact, initiating this matter was more important than actually achieving any tangible results.

Even if he talked about mathematics and physics now, it would be hard to popularize since there’s no motivation.

While there’s plenty of incentive to learn the eight-legged essay, many scholars still couldn’t continue studying, let alone this practical knowledge.

Starting something now was better than not starting at all.

Success does not have to come from me.

Do what can be done.

Eventually, Xu Qing convinced Duke Wei. Having come all the way for nothing would be embarrassing.

In fact, after seeing Xu Qing, he even liked the young man.

Despite the grudges, seeing talents and beautiful gems of this world and then comparing them to his own inferior stock made it difficult not to appreciate them.

He even contemplated having another child with his old wife.

Over the years, the color of his old wife had faded, making it rather difficult to resume intimate relations; but for the sake of Duke Wei Mansion’s eternal posterity, it was time to make a sacrifice again.

After returning, Duke Wei was affectionate with his wife.

The Madam was pleasantly surprised. Afterward, upon learning that Duke Wei had met with Xu Qing, she mistook it as Xu Qing’s doing.

Regardless of their son’s past setbacks with Xu Qing, she happily selected several gifts to send to Feng Wu at Jiangning Prefecture.

Included were ancient artifacts and paintings treasured by Duke Wei!

...

...

Sea Sand Gang Headquarters.

"Just a Xu Gongming, what is there to panic about. Last year when I was picking ginseng in Changbai Mountain, I met an old Daoist who taught me the Array. This year, after comprehension, I have mastered it, ensuring that Xu Gongming cannot escape once he enters."

The speaker was full of pride.

His face and arms bore visible wooden textures and demon wood tendrils.

His Array, experienced by the people of the headquarters, was indeed formidable.

Notably, it could trap even Martial Arts Grandmasters and Divine Soul Masters.

As for this old Daoist he met, everyone knew it was the Black Mountain Demon, the old Demon Lord of the Seven Kills Demon Palace in Changbai Mountain.

The origins of this grand Array were also revealed by knowledgeable people; it was the Green Wood Heavenly Demon Formation from Changbai Mountain, truly formidable.

The previous Demon Palace master had once set up this Array in Taihe Mountain, and if not for the unkempt Daoist who was skilled enough to sense the crux of the formation and used the Three Yin Demon Slaying Saber from the Xuantian Dragon Ascension Path to break the formation, a heavy loss would have been inevitable.

The formation arranged by this man might not compare with the Palace Master’s, but trapping a Martial Arts Grandmaster was not an empty boast.

Thus, the apprehensive hearts of the people present were somewhat settled.