Chapter 319: Seizing the Initiative

Xuantian Zhenren looked at the fair-faced and angry “Yue Nu Jian” and smiled helplessly. “I mean, you’re already at the Nascent Soul stage. Is it really worth getting so worked up over something like that?”

As it turns out, back then Yue Nu Jian didn’t have enough gold on her and wanted to sell spirit stones. But the “Adventurers and Mercenaries Association” offered her a “sky-high” price of five taels of gold. In the end, it was only by finding a local merchant in Anyang that she managed to exchange them for 100,000 taels of gold—in short, she suffered a huge loss. But to a Nascent Soul stage expert, tens of thousands of taels of gold really isn’t that big a deal.

Yue Nu Jian stared at Xuantian Zhenren. “A small matter? Don’t you know that women can be very petty? And don’t forget, the things you said back then weren’t exactly pleasant.”

Xuantian Zhenren smiled bitterly. That, too, wasn’t a major issue—it happened when Yue Nu Jian was registering her mercenary group, and Xuantian Zhenren happened to be turning in a massive batch of missions. Seeing the delicate and pampered Yue Nu Jian, he couldn’t help but make a few “pessimistic” remarks, with a hint of condescension.

As a result, the two of them became rivals. The success that the Red Mansion (her mercenary group) enjoys today was, in part, thanks to the provocation from Xuantian Zhenren.

The two glared at each other, until “Juedai Fenghua” suddenly covered her mouth and laughed softly: “Oh my, a couple’s quarrel? Why not find a more private place? We’re not here to argue, you know—don’t waste everyone’s time.”

Yue Nu Jian turned to look at Juedai Fenghua and sneered coldly: “I’m not like certain people who can’t live without a man.”

Juedai Fenghua wasn’t offended, just giggled and replied: “Aiya, little sister, why such a strong reaction? Alright, alright, it’s my fault—I shouldn’t have revealed your little secret. Hee hee… Everyone, we’re not here today to discuss men and women. We’re here to discuss the development of mercenaries, Anyang’s strategies, and this so-called ‘Rescue Nanyang County’ mission.”

“Hmph.” Yue Nu Jian snorted angrily but didn’t say anything more. She knew she couldn’t outtalk this “old woman,” so she simply raised her teacup and slowly savored it. And truth be told, in an age where everything was scarce except for people, it was no small luxury to enjoy a cup of tea brewed almost entirely with liquid spiritual energy.

Seeing that she had gained the upper hand, Juedai Fenghua let the matter go. “Since everyone here is so reserved, allow me to break the ice.

In my opinion, the creation of the Adventurers and Mercenaries Association in Anyang, and even the allowance for many powerful cultivators to openly reveal themselves, is not some brainless move like some say—it’s actually a brilliantly wise strategy.

No matter how you look at it, it’s an undeniable and unavoidable fact that a large number of powerful cultivators hide among the common people. Since it can’t be avoided, Anyang made a smart choice by drawing all those experts into the light.

Take Elder Kugu Zhenren, for example. I never even knew that within the Great Xia Dynasty, there was a Nascent Soul-stage soul-summoning shaman. And yet, with just one small strategy from Anyang, the elder showed himself publicly and openly.

Then there’s the Mohun Zhenren—who would’ve thought there was a Nascent Soul-stage demonic cultivator in the Great Xia? I was truly shocked. Back then, when he made his appearance and registered the “Mo Feitian Mercenary Group,” it caused quite a stir.

Many hidden experts have also appeared since. And unexpectedly, some have come from thousands of miles away.

Drawing all those hidden dark forces into the sunlight—that is the brilliance of Anyang’s plan.

Once those hidden forces are exposed, they become easier to monitor and control.

The Adventurers and Mercenaries Association is a way to control us through profit—and it’s a form of control we willingly accept. Unknowingly, we’ve already placed ourselves on the same side as Anyang.

Take now, for example. If anyone tries to stop my Phoenix Dance Mercenary Group from completing a mission, I’ll be the first to object!”

The other nine Nascent Soul experts nodded silently.

“Next, let’s talk about Anyang’s legal system.” At this point, Juedai Fenghua’s expression grew serious. “There are loopholes in Anyang’s laws—this is something everyone knows. I’ve even studied it: many of these legal loopholes are widely known, yet Anyang hasn’t fixed them. They continue to let people exploit them.

Do you all know why that is?”

Xuantian spoke first. “I believe this is the concept of guiding rather than blocking. If a law has no loopholes at all, it’s not law—it’s tyranny. Anyang’s laws are more about guidance than control. So, the existence of loopholes is necessary.

Besides, Anyang has said before that laws must be stable and cannot be changed arbitrarily.”

Mo Feitian Mercenary Group’s leader, Mohun Zhenren, spoke in a low voice: “I fear that’s not the only reason. As the saying goes, ‘The net of heaven has wide meshes, but nothing escapes it.’ Those who try to take advantage of loopholes are really putting their heads into a noose. These so-called loopholes are actually traps. Snares.

After all, these laws were created by Anyang—it’s only natural they’ve left backdoors that benefit themselves. Take taxation, for example, which I’ve experienced personally. There are many ways to evade taxes in Anyang. Yet Anyang does not amend them. But if a business goes too far, and there’s no solid evidence of a crime, Anyang simply initiates a tax audit—and they always catch something.

Every merchant knows it’s a trap. But faced with the tempting profits of tax evasion, everyone still squeezes their heads through the loophole. As a result, all merchants and businesses willingly place their necks under Anyang’s legal guillotine.

On the other hand, Anyang doesn’t audit just anyone. As long as the merchants play by the rules and don’t go too far, Anyang turns a blind eye.

In this way, legal loopholes are really a kind of invisible law. And those same loopholes make up for the rigidity and inflexibility of written law. That is the true brilliance of Anyang.”

“One more thing,” Yue Nu Jian also spoke up. “Leaving behind a known loophole is always better than letting others exploit unknown ones. I believe the list of those looking to take advantage—those exploiters, merchants, and so on—has long been placed on Li Xian’s desk. Of course, that includes our names, backgrounds, and so forth, perhaps as well.”

As soon as she said this, the atmosphere became a little heavy. Finally, Juedai Fenghua chuckled softly, “Alright, alright. The moment we decided to appear under the public eye, this matter became inevitable.

Let’s talk about this so-called ‘Rescue of Nanyang County’ plan. In my view, this is an open conspiracy—an open conspiracy to dismember and carve up Nanyang. All Anyang needs is a word, a small benefit, and it can deploy our strength to completely occupy Nanyang County.

Including us, at least fifteen Nascent Soul-stage experts will be involved in the partitioning of Nanyang. The countdown for Nanyang County has already begun.”

Zhang Hang, the leader of the Tiangang Mercenary Group, said: “What I worry most about is—will Anyang reclaim Nanyang in the future?”

“It will not be reclaimed!” This sentence didn’t come from any of those present, but from Li Yuanming, who had just entered. “Li Yuanming greets all the commanders.”

“Oh, it’s our Lord Li,” Juedai Fenghua stood up with a charming smile. “Please sit, my lord. I wonder—how does Anyang plan to handle the future development of Nanyang County?”

“Thank you, but I still have some matters to attend to. I just came by to greet everyone. As for Nanyang—going forward, it will be a free world, a world exclusively for mercenaries and adventurers.

If any of you have similar questions in the future, you can inquire at the information desk. For now, that’s considered the temporary administrative office of the Adventurer and Mercenary Association.”

Li Yuanming truly did seem busy. After speaking, he quickly took his leave.

After Li Yuanming left, the ten Nascent Soul-stage experts looked at one another. Then, Zhao Feiwu, the leader of the Ironblood Mercenary Group, laughed heartily: “So that’s how it is—Anyang wants us to establish a base here. In that case, my Ironblood Mercenary Group will go take on a mission right away. Haha…

As for the rankings among us, let’s determine that within the territory of Nanyang. Let’s see who obtains the advanced Ling Tong Bao Jian first, who controls the largest area, and who rescues the most people.”

Xuantian Zhenren immediately agreed: “Good, this is a fine method! We’ll take on missions too.”

“Take on missions!”

Take on missions…

The top ten mercenary groups sprang into action, rushing to the window to seize missions; then, one after another, they headed to the nearby trading hall to purchase arms, potions, and so forth.

With the ten leading mercenary groups taking the lead, the remaining mercenaries were instantly roused into action.

“To Nanyang County to seize territory… no, to rescue the people of Nanyang County!”