Within Room A-3.
Lord Haihe sat cross-legged, breathing in Spiritual Qi to enhance his Magical Power. His expression suddenly moved as if noticing sothing, and he ceased his cultivation technique.
"Buzz!"
The array at the door was activated, glowing with a blue luster, followed by Zhang Yao's voice:
"Lord Haihe, Qingxu is here to visit."
Lord Haihe relaxed his expression, imdiately stood up and opened the door.
"Qingxu, it's been years."
Seeing Zhang Yao outside the door, Lord Haihe showed a slight smile and nodded in acknowledgnt.
"Yes, it's been over three years. The Lord's deanor is as charming as ever."
Zhang Yao also smiled, noticing that Lord Haihe's aura had beco increasingly profound, clearly his rit had improved, and he was not far from achieving Foundation Establishnt Perfection.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two entered the room and took seats as host and guest, engaging in casual conversation.
During the chat, Zhang Yao talked about the changes in the Haihe Association over the years, prompting Lord Haihe to lant:
"...It seems indeed wise of to have handed the Haihe Association over to you back then."
Zhang Yao waved his hand and said:
"The Lord overpraises , I've only done what I could."
He paused, then tentatively asked:
"With the opportunity of the Celestial Treasure Tower grand auction, I'll directly hand over the ten-year quota to the Lord, to avoid having to make another trip later."
The Haihe Association, backed by the Fuhai Sect, enjoyed various benefits and privileges, while also requiring regular 'tributes.'
Usually, every ten years, thirty percent of all profits within ten years would be given as a quota, presented to the Fuhai Sect's 'Miscellaneous Affairs Hall.'
In exchange for benefits, each ti the quota was handed over, the Fuhai Sect would reward a batch of special regulated resources, including the rare Foundation Establishnt Pills.
After the fall of Du Bu Alliance:
Lord Haihe returned to the sect; Haihe Association was managed by Zhang Yao. The dependency relationship between the two parties did not change, but things were ultimately different than before.
Zhang Yao's probing was to discern the attitude of Fuhai Sect's upper echelons, to see if their position regarding Haihe Association had shifted.
"No need."
Lord Haihe waved his hand and said:
"Business is business, friendship is friendship."
"Now that Haihe Association is under your managent, you'd better handle the related procedures personally. I need to avoid suspicion and it's inconvenient for to intervene."
"Alright, I understand."
Zhang Yao slightly nodded, feeling relieved.
From Lord Haihe's attitude, it can be seen that after his return to the sect, Fuhai Sect's upper echelons did not completely regard Haihe Association as his personal property; otherwise, there was no need to do things by the book.
Thus, at least for a considerable ti, he need not worry about the future developnt of Haihe Association and himself.
After they chatted for a while longer, Zhang Yao got up to bid farewell.
Lord Haihe personally escorted him to the door, and they agreed to attend so internal communication etings among Foundation Establishnt Powerhouses before the grand auction.
...
Ti swiftly passed.
Seven or eight days went by; Zhang Yao and Lord Haihe attended several small-scale communication etings together.
Like attracts like; those who mingled with Lord Haihe were naturally strong among Foundation Establishnt, many being leaders of factions or respected elders of Golden Core Major Sects.
With the identity of Zhang Yao as 'Lord Qingxu,' having managed Haihe Association, he already had quite a reputation, coupled with being personally led by Lord Haihe, naturally receiving respect from all.
Taking this opportunity, Zhang Yao truly entered the upper circle of Da Li cultivators and beca acquainted.
anwhile, more and more Foundation Establishnt masters gathered at the Celestial Treasure Tower Headquarters, almost all ca, with thousands of Qi Refining cultivators flooding in like a tide from all directions.
Qi Refining cultivators naturally were not as discerning as Foundation Establishnt masters. Because of the large number, even outside the Celestial Treasure Tower Headquarters, more than a dozen temporary marketplaces were set up, bustling with activity.
On this day, at noon.
A travel-worn Foundation Establishnt Cultivator arrived, riding on escape light, and upon seeing this bustling scene, he felt a mix of emotions.
"What a pity, what a pity!"
"Within the Da Li Territory, this is truly a flourishing cultivation era, teeming with hidden talents, who knows how many opportunities are lurking!"
"In the past, a modest Independent Foundation Establishnt discovered the Five Elents Secret Realm and soared high; today, a re new Foundation Establishnt commands established forces and dominates regions."
"It's unfortunate that I'm also gifted, possessing incredible insight, yet can only remain in a remote area, unable to display my exceptional talents..."
Thinking about this, he beca increasingly frustrated and lancholic, unable to stop sighing.
Years ago, he was a famously talented individual, possessing Earth Spirit Root, with boundless prospects, even favored by a Foundation Establishnt master who took him in.
Originally, he was delighted and grateful for this, and his gratitude lasted many years.
Until he achieved Foundation Establishnt and learned that his lineage was remnants of a Golden Core Sect within Da Li, destined to live like a rat in the gutter, his mood plunged from the elevated kingdom straight into purgatory.
After all these years:
The gratitude he held back then was worn away, leaving only helplessness, frustration, and long-repressed discontent.
Especially after achieving Foundation Establishnt for many years, yet not possessing a single Spiritual Artifact, experiencing extre poverty, having no choice but to stay in a tiny country, while watching peers within Da Li enjoy cultivation advantages far beyond his – that frustration and resentnt beca even more deeply ingrained.
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