Chapter 429: Taking Control of Baihu Cheng, Reactions from All Sides

"Brother Chuyang, you're not really going to refine that kind of pill, are you?"

Shang Hongxue leaned in and asked in a lowered voice—she had understood the entire conversation between Third Uncle and Chen Chuyang.

The her of today was no longer a clueless novice, nor some naive young girl.

After being doted on by Chen Chuyang, she understood more and more about such matters. There was no helping it—who asked Chen Chuyang to know so much and use her to test out all kinds of techniques? Over time, Shang Hongxue came to understand more as well.

Third Uncle and their conversation was very cryptic, but how could Shang Hongxue not understand? When those men raised their tails, she understood in an instant.

Zhang Nongqian blinked beside them, not understanding, completely not understanding—she didn't understand any of it, and only smiled on the sidelines.

Heishanyang leaned in, seemingly interested as well.

It didn't dare eat a Blood-Burning Pill a second time, but if it was that kind of pill, perhaps it could give it a try?

It had seen the situation of Chen Shen and Liu Yuer with its own eyes—the benefits were plentiful. If it had such a pill and went out on its own to release a little, perhaps it could... restore its cultivation, or even improve it.

The restrictions binding it would be lifted one by one.

"Cough, cough, that was what Third Uncle requested—I couldn't very well not do it, right?"

"Hongxue, you have to understand, I'm doing this all to earn money. Our Longshe Shan has huge expenses, and you're all supported by me. How many spirit stones are spent every day, you know better than anyone."

Longshe Shan's Formation required replacing spirit stones, and each replacement was a considerable sum. This task was currently entrusted to Shang Hongxue, so she naturally knew, and knew very well—every time she went to replace them, her heart ached, but not replacing them was not an option. They couldn't let the Formation stop running, and thereby... expose Longshe Shan to their eyes.

That would be very dangerous. The Formation's protection was absolutely indispensable, and absolutely could not be slacked on. The importance of this was self-evident.

In a word, one could slack off anywhere, but the Formation was the one exception.

"But is this kind of pill really—"

"Don't worry, we won't lose money. Many people need this kind of pill." Chen Chuyang was confident that the pills he refined would have outstanding effects, guaranteeing that after those people tasted it once, they'd want a second time.

That sensation, that improvement, was far more terrifying than normal pills—and the price, naturally, was not low.

In this regard, Chen Chuyang had plenty of authority to speak.

The blood of the Wild Dragon Snake inherently carried this function. With a little enhancement, wouldn't it be a perfect pill?

True to his word, Chen Chuyang began deducing the pill formula.

Leaving Shang Hongxue outside for two years, Zhang Nongqian looked at Sister Hongxue and said, "Sister Hongxue, you don't need to worry either. This kind of pill will benefit you as well."

She had seen with her own eyes the changes in her mother and Chen Shen—one pill had allowed both of them to achieve Advancement.

She was no fool; she could see it, even if she didn't understand...

Seeing Sister Hongxue's expression, she knew that kind of pill was improper.

Shang Hongxue's face flushed red. She patted Zhang Nongqian's head and said, "You're still young. These words aren't suitable for you to hear."

"Mm."

Zhang Nongqian nodded, looking puzzled at the red-faced Shang Hongxue.

Heishanyang squatted outside the door, waiting for the pill to be completed. When the time came, it would try it no matter what.

At the foot of the mountain.

Third Uncle Chen Shen went to the Shang Clan at the first opportunity and met with Shang Yingnian. After recounting Chen Chuyang's words, he then observed Shang Yingnian's reaction.

Upon hearing this, Shang Yingnian paced back and forth, contemplating the possibilities.

Or rather, weighing the pros and cons.

After a long while, Shang Yingnian sat down and asked, "Chen Shen, are you sure worthy nephew-in-law Chuyang said this?"

"Correct. I couldn't possibly deceive you about this matter. Nephew Chuyang said so—Baihu Cheng will henceforth be incorporated into Longshe Shan's domain, under his control."

"Shang Yingnian, rest assured. You're not unclear about Nephew Chuyang's strength. Since he dares to say so, there's definitely no problem."

"I came this time, apart from telling you this news, also to discuss with you the allocation of Baihu Cheng."

The shops, as well as some of the surrounding resources.

Both clans needed to allocate things well, lest disputes arise later.

Shang Yingnian pondered for a long time, nodded, and produced a map of Baihu Cheng, including the surrounding area of Baihu Cheng.

The two discussed from daytime until evening, finally reaching a preliminary agreement.

"We'll allocate according to what we've discussed. In a few days, we'll together dispatch a small group of people into Baihu Cheng."

"Your Chen Clan must also help me rebuild Baihu Cheng. Of course, the expenses for this will be paid by my Shang Clan—no problem with that, right?"

Chen Shen smiled and said, "Naturally no problem. Rest assured, my Chen Clan and your Shang Clan will advance and retreat together."

Receiving these words, Shang Yingnian nodded in satisfaction. The two began discussing other matters, such as the issue of safety—this was a major concern.

The dangers of Baihu Cheng still had to be eliminated in advance.

To guarantee their safety—they certainly didn't want to experience another plague.

They also had to be careful of the Yin Gui Sect and those demonic beasts.

Sects like the Heavenly Heart Sect might not lay hands on them, but those demonic beasts wouldn't reason with you.

The next day.

The Shang Clan and the Chen Clan dispatched people in advance to take over Baihu Cheng. There were no surprises, and no one obstructed them—it went very smoothly.

Then they began to seal off Baihu Cheng and rebuild Baihu Cheng.

Conducted in secret, though naturally, their movements were seen by others.

Zhuge Ruolan was the first to know. The moment she received the news, she understood this was Chen Chuyang's intention.

"Don't concern yourselves with Baihu Cheng anymore. If they're willing to take it over, let them have it."

"Don't court death. If you provoke that person, even I, the Holy Maiden, cannot save you."

"Yes, Holy Maiden." Li Shenghong and the others were no fools; they naturally knew that person's terror.

Besides, Baihu Cheng had nothing they wanted. Such a ruined town was useless even if taken.

If the Chen Clan and the Shang Clan were willing to take it over, then let them.

Zhuge Ruolan was going into secluded cultivation to refine all the souls and increase the power of the Myriad Ghosts Banner, while also improving her own strength.

Her cultivation is too weak; compared to those Strong Ones, she falls far short.

Train diligently; during this time, hide as much as possible.

Yes.

The distance beyond Baihu Cheng.

A man in armor stood on the mountaintop, staring toward Baihu Cheng.

His gaze was cold; behind him were soldiers whose killing intent surged to the heavens.

Neatly aligned soldiers, each exuding a terrifying killing intent.

In their hands, each person held at least ten lives.

Demon-Subduing General Zhang Jun stood there, staring at Baihu Cheng.

"Chen Chuyang has a huge appetite; he wants to swallow Baihu Cheng in one bite."

"The Yin Gui Sect and the Heavenly Heart Sect have no objections; the dynasty's side seems to have tacitly accepted."

He, not intervening, this matter cannot be hidden from them.

A ruined town—if they want it, give it to them.

"The Chen Clan's rising momentum can no longer be suppressed."

"Those clans of Wangdu will soon… regret it."

He turned and left.

These matters have nothing to do with him.

He won't foolishly go looking for trouble with the Chen Clan, nor does he want to become entangled in grudges with them.

That Strong One, Chen Chuyang, is here—so young, with such astonishing talent and strength; such a person must not be provoked.