Chapter 354

Only when reaching the Purple Mansion realm can one use one's spiritual sense to stir and merge with the Taotie's true spirit, gaining the Taotie's avatar, capable of devouring all things and returning partial energy to oneself!

Taotie?

Jiang Daoxuan raised an eyebrow, instantly sensing the extraordinary nature of this opportunity!

Form an avatar, devour all things, and strengthen oneself.

This monstrous ability even surpasses Jiang Han's Huang Quan Devil Art!

【Ding~ Current objective: Investment triggers Gold-rank return】

【Invest a Heaven-grade Supreme: Tongxuan Golden Elixir, receive a Saint-grade Upper: Immortal Saint Elixir】

【Invest ten catties of Divine Elixir, receive a Saint-grade lower: Spirit Gathering Array】

【Invest one Earth-grade Supreme magic treasure, receive a Heaven-grade Supreme spiritual vein】

Gazing at the rewards before him, Jiang Daoxuan wore a satisfied expression.

These items are of great benefit to me right now.

I will surely break through the Sun Wheel realm at a much faster pace!

And once I break into the Sun Wheel realm, my hidden cards will multiply!

Then, Jiang Daoxuan turned to Jiang Shan before him.

Though he had remained silent for several breaths without speaking,

the other's face showed not the slightest unease or panic—only profound calm.

Of course, this was not an act deliberately put on.

Jiang Daoxuan knew this well.

After all, a mere Bone Forging cultivation base could not hide from his eyes.

That was why he felt deeply satisfied.

As the Grand Elder had said, his temperament is steady.

Added to the system's assessment of his exceptional intelligence,

such a talent is more than sufficient to serve as this humble merchant guild's leader!

Thinking this, Jiang Daoxuan smiled lightly:

"Jiang Shan, I believe the guild will grow rapidly under your leadership."

"From today, I appoint you as leader of the Cangwu Merchant Guild, your status equal to that of a family Elder, independent of the Seven Bloodlines. If you find any arrangement by the Elder Council inadequate, you may reject it—just report to me..."

Since he intended to let the man run his business freely, he must not bind him with shackles, lest judgment be impaired and losses incurred.

Better to let go completely.

With Jiang Daoxuan's appointment issued,

Jiang Hongguang raised no objection.

After all, Jiang Shan was the man he personally selected; his abilities needed no questioning.

Yet what greatly surprised him was:

The clan chief hadn't even bothered to ask a single question—he simply appointed Jiang Shan as leader of the Cangwu Merchant Guild outright.

Wasn't this too smooth, too casual?

Or did the clan chief trust him too much?

As Jiang Hongguang sank into thought,

Jiang Shan beside him blinked in slight shock.

Even as composed as he was, he could not suppress a flicker of astonishment!

The Cangwu Merchant Guild was a crucial pillar in the entire Jiang family's development!

Not only did it establish trade networks with other factions,

but it also bore the vital mission of gathering intelligence from across the land!

The position of guild leader was, in effect, the family's intelligence chief.

Yet such a vital post—

the clan chief hadn't even bothered to test him, and appointed him outright.

This turn of events was truly surreal, leaving him utterly baffled.

Remembering the guild's importance to the family, Jiang Shan did not immediately accept the appointment. Instead, he looked to Jiang Daoxuan and gently warned:

"My lord, you surely understand better than I do how vital the Cangwu Merchant Guild is to the clan. But are you truly willing to appoint me so casually?"

"Forgive me for speaking treasonously—if I harbored ill intentions and colluded with other factions, it would be disastrous for the clan..."

Jiang Daoxuan smiled: "He who is chosen is trusted; he who is doubted is not chosen. Moreover, I know the Grand Elder's character. If he picked you from among so many, he must have seen something extraordinary—why should I waste time testing you?"

Since he already knew the man was exceptionally capable and suited to lead the Cangwu Merchant Guild,

he had no interest in conducting pointless tests.

Hearing this, Jiang Shan's heart warmed, and he felt deeply moved.

He knew his talent was abysmal and his status within the clan low—he could never hold an important post.

Only recently had he been fortunate enough to become an administrator of the Yaoguang Bloodline.

It was only when the Elder Council and the Seven Bloodline Lords began discussing forming the Cangwu Merchant Guild

that he found his chance to demonstrate his abilities and volunteered himself.

After countless rounds of selection, he finally emerged victorious.

And now, the clan chief's approval was the final hurdle!

No matter how well he had performed before, if the clan chief did not speak, it was all empty talk!

Though he had great confidence in his own abilities and never feared rejection due to incompetence,

But in the end, he worried that some other reason might cause the clan chief to deny him this opportunity.

Under these circumstances, who could have imagined that the clan chief would give him such a tremendous surprise!

He even thoughtfully elevated the authority of the Cangwu Merchants' Guild Master from under the Elder Council to equal status with the Elder Council, independent of the Seven Veins, and directly under the clan chief's command!

This move undoubtedly granted him greater room to operate.

After all, he was also deeply concerned that the vein lords or Elders who understood nothing of commerce might meddle in his affairs.