Chapter 80: Shifting Tides

On Muyu Island, Jiang Chen had already departed gracefully, yet the lively commotion did not subside—instead, it grew ever more fervent. Having witnessed a display of the miraculous, an increasing number of people now harbored ambitions of joining the Taiping Sect.

The Taiping Sect welcomed this enthusiasm, opening its doors wide. Ordinary folk could enter the sect by passing a basic examination; those with promising talent would be taught martial arts, while those possessing spiritual aptitude would be instructed in immortal arts. Fighters of second-tier rank or higher could join directly, becoming protectors of the sect, granted the opportunity to learn master-level techniques, receive demon-hide, and study immortal methods.

Of course, while the Taiping Sect upheld the principle of universal teaching and preached that only through unity could one strive for the immortal way, it would not provide everything without compensation. Besides the most basic provisions, disciples wishing for more had to accrue sufficient sect contributions in exchange.

The maxim—everyone works for the sect, and the sect serves everyone—was thus put into practice: as long as a disciple diligently fulfilled sect tasks and gathered enough merit, both martial and immortal arts could be redeemed.

Take the much-coveted demon-hide, for example: the sect’s offer was that anyone who hunted three demons of equal rank for the sect would be rewarded with a piece of demon-hide, refined specifically for them. Of course, hunting demons was no easy feat—even teams of fighters would struggle. As a compromise, the sect also allowed outstanding disciples who passed internal assessments to apply for a demon-hide in advance, on the condition that, after receiving it, they must, within a set time, hunt six demons of equal rank for the sect or accumulate equivalent merit.

“This Daoist of the Taiping Sect is quite a figure indeed. It seems I underestimated him,” County Magistrate Liao Yonghuai remarked on the deck of a river barge, watching the fervor on Muyu Island with a cold snort.

His original plan was to use the power of the River Governor’s office to eliminate the Jiang Bandits, then support a new force to gain full control over both the underworld and the legitimate spheres of Qinghe County. He had not expected that the Lu family would take the opportunity to support the rise of the Taiping Sect, leaving him with a sense of having hoisted a stone only to drop it on his own foot.

Given these circumstances, he could hardly view the Taiping Sect favorably. Nevertheless, he betrayed none of this in public; despite his inner impatience, he still came to offer his congratulations as magistrate, maintaining a proper façade.

As for his gift, before leaving home, he had plucked a golden hibiscus from his own garden—a flower he loved dearly—making this gesture with great reluctance. Any more lavish a gift was out of the question.

He was not alone in his sentiments. Many others had been surprised by Jiang Chen’s abilities, particularly his art of donning demon-hide, which had broadened their horizons.

Although similar arts existed in the world of cultivation—such as the royal house of the Southern Realm, who commanded an arcane armor art allowing warriors to don mystical armor and form a mighty armored legion capable even of suppressing cultivators—the cost was astronomical, far beyond the means of ordinary powers. In contrast, Jiang Chen’s demon-hide technique appeared far more accessible.

As for the various supernatural phenomena—glowing stones, cranes delivering lotus blooms—they regarded those as nothing more than tricks to win the hearts of the people.

“It seems that fool really stumbled into fortune—he’s actually joined a genuine immortal sect this time.”

On a modest wooden boat, not far from Muyu Island, Cao Jinfu, head of the Cao Trading House, sat deep in thought.

Years ago, when his son Cao Banshan killed a man in the provincial capital—someone with ties to a minor official—Cao Jinfu, desperate to save his son’s life, had no choice but to send him off to join the Jiang Bandits, severing all contact.

Who could have foreseen such a dramatic turn? The notorious Jiang Bandits had transformed into the immortal Taiping Sect, and his once-abandoned son was now a true disciple of an immortal order.

“Perhaps this is truly the Cao family’s opportunity. The world grows ever more chaotic. Though Qinghe County remains stable for now, there has already been rebellion in Changfeng Prefecture—if not for the court’s swift suppression, disaster might have ensued. In such times, mere wealth is not a boon, but a liability.”

“I will never become an immortal, but if I could practice martial arts and strengthen my body, that would be worthwhile.”

Remembering his son’s words, ripples stirred in Cao Jinfu’s heart.

The Taiping Sect wished to collaborate with all trades in Qinghe County. At first glance, the terms seemed harsh, but overall, they promised mutual benefit. If the possibility of cultivation was included, then it was more than worthwhile.

Yes, apart from the standard examination and the acceptance of skilled individuals, there was a third path into the Taiping Sect: donation. As long as one could bring sufficient benefit to the sect, even without spiritual aptitude or martial talent, entrance was possible.

Indeed, if the benefits were great enough, the sect was willing to provide ample Blood Spirit Pills to help donors achieve the status of second-tier, or even first-tier, martial artists.

According to Cao Banshan, this counted as a disciple’s contribution to the sect—a different mode of cultivation. Such members were known as “resident disciples,” a category meant exactly for people like Cao Jinfu.

While the various powers weighed their options, Jiang Chen quietly returned to his own courtyard.

The finest spot on Muyu Island was, of course, the island’s summit, but its deep yin energy made it suitable only for preserving corpses, not for the living to cultivate. For this reason, Jiang Chen remained in his original courtyard—the first place he had settled in this world, which carried a special sentiment for him.

Naturally, with the recent reconstruction, his residence had been expanded into a grand compound with three main courtyards, complete with living quarters, a martial training ground, and a quiet chamber for cultivation.

When Jiang Chen arrived, Lu Xuanping was already waiting. He had come on behalf of the Lu family, both to strengthen the bond between the family and the Taiping Sect, and to lend his support to the sect’s rise.

“A white crane delivers a green lotus—my friend, what a stroke of fortune. I offer my congratulations on the founding of your sect and your role as its progenitor.”

Lu Xuanping smiled warmly as he offered his blessing. Jiang Chen, hearing this, shook his head and did not elaborate.

“My friend, your demon-hide is truly wondrous. I wonder if our Lu family might purchase a few—either in exchange for pills or spirit sand…” After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lu Xuanping could contain himself no longer.

Jiang Chen smiled at this. “I was wondering how long you could hold back. Here is a piece of cat demon-hide, about the strength of an early-stage spirit beast. Take it and experiment—then we can discuss further.”

“This hide contains the lingering will of the beast and is not easily controlled. Also, the refining process is far from simple—if we’re to trade, I can’t even set a price right now.”

With that, Jiang Chen opened his storage pouch and handed a piece of cat demon-hide to Lu Xuanping.

If he wished to rapidly build martial strength, there was no concealing the art of donning demon-hide. Jiang Chen had no objection to trading the hides; in fact, his public demonstration had been both a show of the sect’s capabilities and a means of advertising.

Since he intended to sell, he would ensure a good price. In the early stages, this could provide him with valuable resources. Though the technique was marvelous, its flaws were evident: truly skilled cultivators would find it perilous and of limited use, and the refining process was fraught with difficulty and risk.

Such an art would likely not appeal to established cultivation families, and those interested would be few and far between. Of course, should anyone entertain untoward thoughts, Jiang Chen would not hesitate to test his abilities.

Witnessing Jiang Chen’s openness, Lu Xuanping felt a pang of guilt. For a moment, he wondered if the white crane delivering the green lotus was not a contrived spectacle, but the workings of true destiny.