Chapter 47: The Funding Problem Is Solved

Under Gu Zhao’s explanation, Daoist Master Yan Song understood his situation.

“This is a world rich in spiritual energy.”

“The world still operates under an ancient imperial system of commanderies and counties, but the imperial court’s power is now in decline.”

“There are demons, spirits, and human sorcerers here—it is a world of the extraordinary.”

“Can all the Daoist cultivation methods we practice—such as refining the spirit and qi, harmonizing Dragon and Tiger, drawing talismans and chanting incantations, forming seals and stepping the Big Dipper—still be used here?”

“Demons and evil spirits carry corrupting essences; if we slay them and subdue the wicked, we can eliminate evil, accumulate merit, absorb the corrupting energy to advance our cultivation, and even condense new thunder seeds to aid our fellow Daoists?”

“Then what’s there to discuss?” Daoist Master Yan Song immediately rolled up his sleeves. “Let’s get to work!”

Gu Zhao stared blankly. “You’re even more extreme than I am.”

Daoist Master Yan Song swept his sleeve aside. “Demons run rampant, spirits wreak havoc, the court is crumbling, and the people suffer—this is the perfect opportunity for us to expand our territory and spread the glory of the Three Pure Ones and the majesty of the Jade Emperor across the world!”

Gu Zhao was speechless. “You’ve watched too many Badaozongcai short dramas…”

“Still, you have a point.” Gu Zhao’s expression turned solemn. “As disciples of the Three Pure Ones, spreading the Daoist faith is our sacred duty!”

The two foxes, one large and one small, exchanged a knowing smile—words were unnecessary.

Next, Gu Zhao and Daoist Master Yan Song discussed their origins and titles for navigating this world.

First, their origin: they came from a reclusive sect. Though young, Gu Zhao was the newly ascended young Sect Master, holding high status.

As for titles, Gu Zhao called Daoist Master Yan Song “Master Uncle,” while Daoist Master Yan Song called Gu Zhao “Sect Master”—both status and seniority were properly observed.

“First, I’ll take you to the village to get acquainted. There are more tasks ahead that need your help.” Gu Zhao led Daoist Master Yan Song toward the village.

“What tasks?”

“I want to build a lumber mill in the village.” Gu Zhao gestured around. “These are small-leaf rosewood trees, rare beyond imagining on Blue Star. Transport them back and they’ll fetch a fortune—then we can use the profits to fund our development here.”

Daoist Master Yan Song’s eyes lit up. “If so, why not build a Daoist temple here as our base? We can’t keep crossing dimensions in the forest every time—someone might see us.”

“With small-leaf rosewood?”

“We’ll use small-leaf rosewood for the woodwork, but the main structure will be reinforced concrete!” Daoist Master Yan Song chuckled. “This is the mountains—if a wildfire breaks out, it’ll be a tragedy.”

Gu Zhao raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Clearly you’re not used to your new identity yet. When a wildfire starts, you can just use the Rain-Bringing Spell!”

Daoist Master Yan Song: …

“I was trained in the Quanzhen Sect. I condensed the Three Flowers and Five Qi, harmonized Dragon and Tiger, Yin and Yang—I never learned talismanic spells or incantations!” Daoist Master Yan Song said helplessly. “Historically, those who ascended altars to pray for rain or clear skies were always Zhengyi Daoists.”

Gu Zhao blinked—he hadn’t considered that—but it didn’t matter. “With magic power at your disposal, learning these things should be easy.”

“I’ll give it a try,” Daoist Master Yan Song nodded. “Quanzhen Daoists rely solely on their internal golden core and true qi when traveling the world to subdue demons. We lack the myriad techniques of the Zhengyi Sect. In this world filled with demons and spirits, I must learn more.”

Here, Daoist Master Yan Song added with pride, “Still, all Daoist sects are now one family. In my youth, when I harmonized Dragon and Tiger and balanced Water and Fire, I also learned some ancient Daoist techniques passed down in Qingcheng Mountain.”

“What kind?” Gu Zhao asked.

Daoist Master Yan Song sensed within, then shook his head. “My magic power is too weak now—I don’t know if I can use them yet. Wait a few days until I’m ready, then we’ll test them together.”

Then the two arrived at the mountain village, meeting Old He, He Xiuniang, and Bai Ke.

Though Gu Zhao had already told him, Daoist Master Yan Song still marveled at the talking white fox.

But he maintained his persona, showing no surprise—only explaining that he had learned of the Sect Master’s disappearance and had followed his trail until he found him.

Bai Ke now “learned” that Gu Zhao was a Sect Master. Yet, recalling his seemingly weak cultivation yet powerful spells and talismans, she had zero doubt about Daoist Master Yan Song’s words.

Old He was deeply relieved—thankfully this elder arrived late; Xiuniang was already Gu Zhao’s maid. Otherwise, he’d have feared the elder might interfere.

Now it was fine. People of their stature kept their word.

Xiuniang, however, was delighted. With Gu Zhao’s sect sending someone, and this elder being so old, he must be extremely powerful—Gu Zhao’s safety was now assured.

“Hehe, no wonder!” Seeing Xiuniang’s gaze, the shrewd old Daoist instantly understood. He chuckled. “So you like the ‘raising from childhood’ type.”

“Don’t say nonsense!” Gu Zhao rebuked sharply.

Daoist Master Yan Song looked at Gu Zhao. “Actually, you like them all?”

Gu Zhao fell silent. The silence was deafening.

Daoist Master Yan Song: →_→

…

Daoist Master Yan Song returned to Qingcheng Mountain, informed the Tai Shang Lao Jun Pavilion, then crossed into the other world and took up residence in the village.

The temple could wait—first, set up the lumber mill. Daoist Master Yan Song discussed with Old He to clear a patch of land behind the village, have villagers cut small-leaf rosewood, do rough processing, and deliver it to the mill by weight.

Old He, the village’s oldest and most respected elder, patted his chest and agreed immediately.

In the following days, the lumber mill was built with great momentum.

Gu Zhao also bid farewell to his grandparents and returned to Yangcheng, exchanging Daoist Master Yan Song’s savings and his own pocket money for silver, which he sent back to the other world and cast into ingots.

As for future funding…

“Dad?”

“Huh?”

“Come with me.”

Gu Qi was stunned. “So much small-leaf rosewood? Where did you get this?”

“Imported from overseas,” Gu Zhao said seriously.

“Where’s the customs paperwork?” Gu Qi turned.

“That’s where you come in,” Gu Zhao said earnestly. “I’ll give you a fifty percent discount.”

Gu Qi: ???

…

Gu Qi and Li Man were merely ordinary people, and the other world was dangerous.

So Gu Zhao didn’t tell the truth—he simply pulled Daoist Master Yan Song out to raise a banner. With Daoist Master Yan Song’s testimony, Gu Qi finally believed Gu Zhao hadn’t been scammed—he was merely dealing with Daoist brethren overseas.

Soon, Gu Qi established an import-export trading company, handled customs and taxes through proper channels, and transferred all fees to the account provided by Daoist Master Yan Song.

Win-win!

Thus, the funding problem was solved.