Chapter 233: The Best Backing Is the Biggest One

"Immortal Blade!"

Li Rui heard this and was startled.

An Immortal Blade is not literally a blade used by immortals, but an exaggerated term reserved exclusively for rank-three or higher divine weapons.

Above the Primordial Realm lies the Earth Immortal.

A weapon used by an Earth Immortal may rightly be called an Immortal Blade.

Li Rui never expected Tie Kuang intended to forge a divine weapon.

This idea was undoubtedly insane.

In the thousand-year history of Yunzhou, no one had ever accomplished it.

The armorers who could forge divine weapons were all legendary figures who left indelible marks in history—there were barely a handful, no overcrowding at all.

They were all honored guests of the imperial court and major sects, their status no less than that of a Grand Master.

Tie Kuang was trying to squeeze himself into that pantheon of legends.

"I've long heard that this Senior Tie's armor-crafting skill is unmatched in Yunzhou—yet he now intends to forge an Immortal Blade."

Li Rui suddenly understood.

No wonder Tie Kuang, a man who despised worldly wealth, had begun worrying about gold and silver.

Besides being extraordinarily difficult to forge, divine weapons require nothing but precious materials.

Even an entire sect's resources might struggle to gather them.

Why Tie Kuang didn't use the power of Divine Weapon Manor was unknown, but according to Jiang Lin, he seemed to have a strained relationship with the current lord of Divine Weapon Manor.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have come to Qinghe, nor would he have gone out of his way to seek out Li Rui.

Li Rui chuckled:

"Since Senior has such faith in me, I'll give it a try."

Tie Kuang nodded in satisfaction upon hearing Li Rui's agreement: "Good. This Hammer Qi Method is my down payment. The first batch of weapons is already done—Liu Tiezhu knows where they are. Don't bother me with the rest. Remember: don't shortchange me."

"Understood."

Li Rui was even happier after hearing Tie Kuang's words.

Who in business doesn't love a boss who doesn't meddle?

Tie Kuang waved his hand: "Alright, go."

He added one more thing:

"By the way, leave your disciple with me for a while. Don't worry—I hate trouble and have no intention of taking on a disciple. I won't steal your pupil. Even if I did, I wouldn't take such a foolish one."

Li Rui didn't think so.

On the contrary, from the earlier exchange between Liu Tiezhu and Tie Kuang, it was clear Tie Kuang genuinely liked Liu Tiezhu—yet he held to his own principles and wouldn't stoop to stealing a disciple.

Otherwise, with Tie Kuang's realm and status, taking Li Rui's sixth-rank disciple would have been effortless.

But he didn't do it—proof of his cultivation.

Doing business with such a man was the most reassuring thing possible.

Heaven and Earth Alliance, Gathering Righteous Hall.

Li Rui and Ning Zhongtian appeared together, a rare sight—alongside all five vice-leaders of the Heaven and Earth Alliance.

Ge Hong was also present.

Both Li Rui and Ge Hong had originally been deputy leaders of the Heaven and Earth Alliance.

Li Rui, of course, became Grand Leader of the alliance due to Ning Zhongtian's backing—his status even surpassed Ning Zhongtian's.

After Ge Hong broke through, he had already considered leaving to establish his own sect, only waiting to part ways amicably with the alliance.

But because Li Rui became Grand Leader,

he simply stayed on as a vice-leader, saying plainly: he didn't believe in the Heaven and Earth Alliance—he believed in Li Rui.

Li Rui smiled and exchanged glances with Ning Zhongtian, Huang Chui, and Fei Laosan.

"Shall we begin?"

"Begin."

All three nodded.

This gathering had been Li Rui's idea—even Ning Zhongtian and the others didn't know why he called it.

In fact,

this was the only time since becoming Grand Leader that Li Rui had used his right to convene the Gathering Righteous Hall.

They were all curious: what did Li Rui intend?

Li Rui smiled slightly: "Our alliance has grown too large—some businesses, we'd be better off abandoning."

At these words,

several vice-leaders, even Fei Laosan, frowned slightly.

What did he mean?

Was the Grand Leader planning to clean up the Heaven and Earth Alliance?

Though the alliance was officially registered and sanctioned by the imperial court, many of its enterprises remained gray—or even outright criminal.

Yet these ventures brought enormous profits and were built by these men's own sweat and blood—how could they simply abandon them?

If they stopped, where would the silver come from? Where would the money for building tall halls come from?

Fei Laosan's eyes narrowed slightly, his displeasure rising.

"Has he grown so powerful in office that he's started caring about his reputation?"

Everyone chose silence.

Ning Zhongtian glanced at Li Rui; though puzzled, he still stood by him, clearing his throat to speak.

As the most respected figure in the alliance, his words carried weight.

He was about to speak—

when Li Rui signaled with his eyes for Ning Zhongtian to hold off and let him speak.

Ning Zhongtian swallowed the words already on his tongue.

Li Rui spoke slowly: "The cross-border trade between the two nations is a great opportunity—whether we grow strong or not depends on this. I've found a major business."

At these words,

everyone's expression changed.

A major business?

How major?

Seeing their interest piqued, Li Rui continued:

"Weapons trade—selling weapons to Wu Country."

"I have the supply—all top-grade rank-five and rank-six spiritual weapons."

"From now on, avoid the petty, troublesome jobs. If we're going to do something, let's do it big!"

Do it big.

Those present were all leaders and vice-leaders—seasoned veterans of the Jianghu—and yet even they felt their blood stir at these words.

Because what Li Rui proposed was truly enormous.

What business in the world was more profitable than selling weapons?

Compared to this, gambling dens and brothels were nothing but filthy, petty affairs.

Fei Laosan's eyes lit up instantly—his earlier resentment vanished: "Brother's right! If Divine Weapon Manor can do it, why can't we?"

"Yes."

"Exactly!"

Everyone seemed energized.

Selling weapons—spiritual weapons—what did that mean?

Money.

More money than mountains of gold. All their previous gambling dens and brothels were trash compared to this.

Everyone knew weapons trade was profitable.

But few dared to do it—why?

First: no supply.

That single obstacle blocked most people—not just because of strict imperial controls, but because armorers capable of forging spiritual weapons were vanishingly rare.

Second: no connections.

Selling to sects within Yu Country? They could buy from official shops—no shortage there.

Selling to foreign nations required deep connections.

Otherwise, every copper earned would be returned to the officials' pockets.

Ning Zhongtian looked at Li Rui with surprise:

"Brother Li, this..."

Li Rui smiled: "I have my connections. Brother Ning, rest assured."

"Alright."

Ning Zhongtian nodded. Though puzzled, he chose to trust Li Rui before his brothers.

Li Rui added: "I need you all to rapidly assemble caravans. In ten days, I want to see a caravan of at least three hundred men. Don't disappoint me."

"Yes!"

For a moment, the atmosphere reached its peak.

Li Rui nodded in satisfaction. What a crowd of rabble.

But sometimes, only rabble can get the job done.

A faction, especially in its early stages, must have the ferocity to devour meat. If everyone in the room is noble and upright, how can it grow wild?

Especially in business.

One person alone cannot build a business.

No matter how capable Li Rui is, he can move at most ten weapons per day.

So he must use the Heaven and Earth Alliance to do it.

Tie Kuang didn't come to him expecting him to work alone—just don't leak Tie Kuang's involvement.

Thinking only of going solo is dangerous.

Use everyone you can.

=9+Book_Ba

Otherwise, how will the Heaven and Earth Alliance grow?

How can this Heaven and Earth Alliance leader ever realize his dream of becoming famous throughout the martial world?

"What did you say?"

In the Military Advisor's Office, Jiang Lin smiled faintly as he looked at Li Rui.

Him?

A Military Advisor.

Breaking the law, secretly trafficking weapons with Li Rui.

Only because it's Li Rui speaking—if anyone else said this, they'd be mocked, perhaps even skewered with a sword.

"Yes, Elder Jiang, this is not a private matter—it's state business."

Li Rui spoke with solemn seriousness.

"Oh? Tell me more."

Jiang Lin regarded Li Rui with amusement, as if to say: Go on, keep weaving—I'm listening.

Li Rui's expression didn't change: "Elder Jiang, you've surely heard that Official Cao has close ties with Divine Weapon Manor. I've confirmed that Cao and Divine Weapon Manor are engaged in the weapons trade, and it's said County Magistrate Zhuang has also joined in."

"Zhuang Renhe?"

Jiang Lin's eyes narrowed slightly.

He knew about Cao Wei's partnership with Divine Weapon Manor.

He hadn't expected Zhuang Renhe to want a cut too.

Why would both a Regional Commander and a County Magistrate—the two top officials of Qinghe—both rush headlong into this illegal activity?

Because the profit is too great.

No one could remain upright facing such wealth.

"Continue."

Hearing this, a spark of brilliance flashed in Li Rui's eyes.

"Elder Jiang, it was Senior Tie Kuang—he wanted to sell weapons, so he came to me. As soon as I heard, I knew I couldn't handle this alone."

"But then I thought: a senior's matter must be handled. And rather than let others profit, why not profit myself—and use the money for righteous purposes? Isn't that better?"

"I heard His Majesty is troubled by the cost of building the Dan Palace. This money could ease His Majesty's worries."

Jiang Lin listened, his eyes narrowing slightly.

The great hall fell silent, so quiet a pin could be heard dropping.

Li Rui kept his gaze fixed on his nose, his nose on his dantian.

He showed proper humility as a subordinate.

When a superior is making a decision, how could you interrupt?

After about the time it takes to burn one stick of incense, Jiang Lin's lips curled slightly: "Since it's Senior Tie Kuang, and it concerns His Majesty, go ahead—don't hold back."

Then.

For the first time, a faint smile appeared on Li Rui's otherwise expressionless face: "Yes, Elder Jiang."

Done!

Seeking Jiang Lin was Li Rui's final step.

Or rather, the most important one.

Only with Jiang Lin's approval could this matter truly be free of future trouble.

It wasn't that Jiang Lin himself had boundless influence—he simply possessed an advantage no one else in Qinghe had: direct access to the Emperor.

That point was critical.

What law governs this land?

The Emperor's family law!

Once the Emperor is on board, anything becomes legal.

That's called seeing through appearances to the essence.

In Qinghe, only Jiang Lin could bring the Emperor into this.

If Jiang Lin had refused today, Li Rui would have immediately returned to tell Tie Kuang: I can't handle this.

Though that possibility was extremely low.

Jiang Lin wasn't a true immortal—he was human, and humans need money. Or rather, even immortals need money.

It's just that the definition of "money" differs.

Doesn't the grand Huaqing Sect need funding?

Doesn't Jiang Yan's dowry need saving?

Won't the eighth flying sword need upkeep?

Everything costs money. To get Jiang Lin involved, you need a pretext—Tie Kuang and the Emperor are that pretext.

The bigger the scandal, the easier it becomes to manage.

That's the logic.

With those two, Jiang Lin can enter the game in peace—after all, if things go wrong, they'll share the blame.

Especially that Lord of the Dragon Throne.

He is indeed the ruler of the nation, and yes, Yu State's wealth is his family's private property.

But the Emperor doesn't spend money only on state affairs—he spends much of it on personal matters.

What's wrong with building a hundred-mu palace for his favorite imperial consort, complete with a large swimming pool and a peony grove?

Which man doesn't enjoy bathing?

And then, just for fun, gift her shimmering southern sea purple jade pendants to wear while bathing—they look exquisite.

Yet time and again, ministers leap up to protest: "It's inappropriate!"

Who wouldn't be angry?

But the Emperor is powerless against them—he can't get the funds, so he must find other ways.

He must rely on a few trusted allies.

Li Rui is merely adding bricks to the warm, steaming palace for His Majesty, and simultaneously expanding his own network of subordinates to better get things done.

Doesn't that make sense?

Jiang Lin spoke again: "By the way, how do you split profits with Senior Tie Kuang?"

Li Rui answered honestly: "Seven to three."

He knew: never play clever with profits—stealing from your superior is a death sentence.

Earning less is fine, but never make your superior feel slighted.

Jiang Lin paused thoughtfully: "That's reasonable. Senior Tie Kuang spends half his earnings on forging materials and deserves seven. His Majesty can't be left behind—give him two. The remaining one percent: I take four-tenths, you take six-tenths."

Li Rui silently grimaced.

In one breath, he was left with only six-tenths.

But he'd expected this all along.

Middlemen think they pocket all the profit?

Of course not.

If you don't properly feed the powerful who can save your life, every coin you take will be forced back out.

If you don't understand this, you shouldn't be in this business—you'll inevitably get caught.

Even six-tenths is enough to sustain the entire Heaven and Earth Alliance.

And as the on-the-ground operator, Li Rui still has countless small opportunities to skim—each minor gain adds up.

It's a substantial sum.

This is the secret of grassroots subordinates—how else would those doing the work survive?

Now all procedures are complete.

Instantly, Li Rui had become a legitimate weapons trader. His previously calm heart stirred with excitement.

"Money coming?"

(End of Chapter)