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Alkaid emerged from isolation.
This piece of news, along with the invitation cards given out by the managers of Nine Cauldrons Peak, spread throughout the entire Heavenly Dao Sect at an incredible speed.
Despite the fact that the Vein Masters and Sect Leader in charge of the Sect’s power did not show too much enthusiasm, there were still over a dozen Hollow Void Elders who visited.
As for those who sent gifts as soon as they got the news, the number reached several dozen.
Regardless of whether the Junior Sect Leader was somewhat disliked by the Sect Leader because of his association with Penglai Dao Lord, it was always right to give gifts and get familiar with him.
However, the fact that Alkaid only invited three Hollow Void Elder families for his first meeting made many feel secretly regretful.
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Atop Nine Cauldrons Peak, Chi Yu, Tong Ming, and Ling Ruogu of the three great Hollow Void were dressed in their finest to attend.
They also brought one or two brilliant juniors from their own families.
Not to mention Ling Xi from the Ling Family, Chi Yu also brought Chi Feng, a younger True Disciple from his family.
As for Elder Tong Ming, the power behind him was slightly weaker, without True Disciple-level juniors to accompany, but he did bring a pair of twin sisters.
These sisters appeared to be meticulously trained, specializing in Charm Arts, and in terms of cultivation, had also formed their Blazing White Golden Cores. They outshone the second True Disciple Ling Xi in both temperament and appearance.
...
"It’s often said ’one won’t recognize the wood that soars among the clouds until it reaches the very top.’ Junior Sect Leader Alkaid is truly modest and unassuming, silent until a sudden uproar. Come, come, let me toast to the Junior Sect Leader."
At the small banquet, Alkaid exchanged toasts with the three Hollow Void Elders.
With Chi Yu, Tong Ming, and Ling Ruogu all eager to curry favor, the atmosphere at the scene was naturally very lively.
"You flatter me."
Alkaid raised his cup and said, "In addition to thanking you all for your enthusiasm, there is also a matter for which I would like to ask for your assistance."
The few were taken aback, and then they stood up in unison: "Junior Sect Leader, please speak freely, our Chi Family may not have the greatest influence, but we still command a number of people at our disposal, ready to serve your commands."
"Over the years, I have also forged many connections within the Sect. I will do my utmost to meet the needs of Junior Sect Leader Alkaid."
"Junior Sect Leader Alkaid is too courteous. To be trusted by you is our honor."
The Hollow Void Elders said with smiles.
Alkaid did not beat around the bush and immediately brought out the Dragon Steed Flying Boat, tossing it high into the sky.
Suddenly, the Dragon Steed Flying Boat grew against the wind, quickly manifesting itself to a kilometer in size.
As its kilometer-long form emerged, the essence of the Dao Artifact began to emanate from it due to its proximity.
In an instant, the expressions of the Hollow Void Elders changed: "This... This is..."
"A Dao Artifact!? Is this a Dao Artifact!?"
"A Flying Boat class Dao Artifact!? And it’s a genuine Dao Artifact!?"
Alkaid observed their reactions.
Despite the fact that each Hollow Void could earn millions of Pure Yang Great Pills a year, which seems enough to afford a Dao Artifact after saving for a thousand years, many Hollow Void hardly had enough for their daily cultivation expenses, so how could they save up 10 billion to buy a Dao Artifact?
After all, unlike mortals who can only eat so much daily, the Hollow Voids can consume as many elixirs as they possess.
"Indeed, it is a Dao Artifact."
Alkaid said, smilingly glancing at Tong Ming: "Back then, it was with this very Artifact that I was able to evade Elder Tong Ming’s pursuit."
Elder Tong Ming hastily apologized: "I was too reckless, launching a pursuit without thoroughly investigating the causes and consequences of the situation..."
"I know."
Alkaid waved his hand: "Elder Tong Ming was deceived by others, it’s not your fault."
After speaking, he turned his gaze back to the Dragon Steed Flying Boat: "The favor I ask of you is to help me promote within the Sect that I wish to sell this Dao Artifact to the highest bidder."
"Sell this Dao Artifact!?"
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Chi Yu, Tong Ming, and Ling Ruogu were all shaken.
Ling Ruogu could not help but say, "Given Junior Sect Leader Alkaid’s exceptional talent for the Void Category special constitution, he has far better chances than most in achieving the Refining Void stage, not guaranteed yet highly probable. Once you reach that stage with such an Artifact at hand, your chances of delving deep into Dao Technique and advancing to Shattered Void would be much higher. Why would you..."
"Precisely because my talent is good, I must strive to forge ahead even more diligently," Alkaid said. "Moreover, cultivation requires resources. Without ample resources, how can I quickly bridge the gap from Hollow Void to Refining Void phase? Selling this Artifact now seems a good choice."
Ling Ruogu, hearing Alkaid’s words, found it hard to persuade any further.
"If it’s just this matter, then it’s no trouble for us at all, rather a desirable task. After all, who wouldn’t want a Dao Artifact? Especially one from the most common Void Category, and even being sold within the Sect."
Chi Yu quickly said.
"Indeed, if Junior Sect Leader truly decides to sell this Dao Artifact, I can notify the thirteen Peak Masters, the Four Veins Vein Masters, and the three Vice Sect Leaders immediately."
Elder Tong Ming also nodded in agreement.
"The Sect Leader and the several Supreme Elders may also have some interest in this Artifact, I can notify them too."
Ling Ruogu added.
"Then please take the trouble to inform them. We’ll set the time for one month from now, to the highest bidder."
Alkaid said, smiling, "Of course, you could also give the Peak Masters, Vein Masters, and Vice Sect Leaders a heads-up. If they collude and submit an extremely low bid, they shouldn’t blame me if I decide to sell this Artifact outside the Sect."
"Of course not, we’re all from the same Sect, and wouldn’t stoop to such underhanded measures."
Elder Tong Ming said with a smile.
Chi Yu nodded in agreement.
If it had been another Hollow Void selling...
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This situation may indeed occur.
Even if one does not deliberately offer an extremely low price, they might still be pressed to lower it.
However, for Alkaid, the Junior Sect Leader, who also possesses a special Void Category physique with a great assurance of achieving the Refining Void level, no one would utterly offend him over a matter that originally benefits the Sect.
Not even the Sect Leader, who oversees the operation of the Sect, is an exception.
"A month, you say, Junior Sect Leader? Leave the matter to us. When the time comes, we’ll ensure that any available Peak Master, Vein Master, and Vice Sect Leader will attend."
The representatives from Ling Ruogu clasped their hands and said.
"Then I shall trouble you all."
Alkaid also raised his hand with a smile in thanks.
After a brief exchange, which served to deepen their relationship, they all happily dispersed.
Once these people had left, Alkaid summoned the Grand Steward, Lv Suoyu, back to his presence.
"I remember that I have many related industries, and these industries bring me quite a bit of profit each year. Over three years, I should have gained eight or nine hundred million, right? Now, have the profits been handed over to me?"
Alkaid inquired.
Lv Suoyu was slightly taken aback, then cautiously replied, "Those industries are essentially regarded as your personal assets, Junior Sect Leader. Usually... they are managed by those closest to you... It would be presumptuous of us to meddle..."
Upon hearing this, Alkaid’s brow furrowed slightly.
He had ascended from being a True Disciple to the Junior Sect Leader so quickly.
Other True Disciples during their tenure would have many people approaching and attaching themselves to them even if they lacked the backing of powerful forces. By the time they achieved the status of Refining Void to become Junior Sect Leader, these people would have been associated with them for several decades, if not a century, getting to know each other thoroughly. These individuals would naturally transition into taking charge of managing their assets.
But Alkaid...
He had essentially bypassed the consolidation phase of being a True Disciple and now faced a situation where he had no one available to rely upon.
Just at that moment, he seemed to perceive something.
Soon after, a supervisor approached from a distance and made a request with clasped hands, "Junior Sect Leader, True Disciple Zhang Qing and the Zhang Family’s ancestor, Zhang Yang, have come to visit."
"Hmm, bring them here,"
Alkaid commanded.
Following his orders, Zhang Qing and Zhang Yang, led by the supervisor, soon arrived at the mountain peak where Alkaid was situated.
Thinking back on Zhang Qing’s previous flattery and the intentions implied in his words, Alkaid had more or less guessed the purpose of their visit.
He recalled some basic information about the Zhang Family in his mind.
This was a force that had once produced a Refining Void.
However, the Refining Void of the Zhang Family had perished in a war instigated by the Demon Saint Xiang Liu. Since then, for three thousand years, not another Refining Void had emerged from the family.
If it had not been for some favors left by that Refining Void, the Zhang Family might have already been wiped out.
But favors eventually run out, and after three thousand years, some Refining Voids of the same generation as the Zhang Family’s ancestor had either passed away from old age or died from unforeseen accidents.
In recent centuries, the Zhang Family, in precarious straits, had been actively searching for an escape route.
Now it seemed...
They were pinning their hopes on him.
"A Deep Blue Golden Core with prospects of becoming a Refining Void, two Refining Void War Immortals... They could be used for the time being."
Alkaid pondered.
Soon, Zhang Yang and Zhang Qing arrived at the mountain peak where Alkaid resided.
Without waiting for them to speak, Alkaid was already smiling and said, "You’ve arrived at a good time. I happen to have a matter I would like to ask for your assistance with. Are you two available to help?"
Zhang Yang and Zhang Qing exchanged glances, quickly realizing that Alkaid had guessed the purpose of their visit.
They also understood Alkaid’s intentions.
This was a test for their Zhang Family, to see if they were indeed capable and reliable.
Immediately, both clasped their hands and said, "Please command us, Junior Sect Leader."
"When I became the Junior Sect Leader, the Sect Leader granted me several assets, including the governance rights to the third district of Heavenly Path Southern City and the one hundred and eight shops in that area. I have been busy consolidating my cultivation recently and have not taken over these assets. Therefore, I would request the Zhang Family help me to take stock and see how the order is in the third district, and whether the people there are being honest."
Alkaid spoke with a smile.
Hearing of this task, Zhang Qing and Zhang Yang solemnly accepted, "Thank you for your trust, Junior Sect Leader. The Zhang Family will not disappoint you."
Alkaid nodded his head.
He didn’t make any promises, but tacitly, they both knew the Zhang Family had to do well in handling this matter to prove their worth.
The two promptly left.
"Next up, the Battle Hall and Refined Gold Mountain Range..."
Alkaid then stood up and headed towards the Battle Hall.
However, shortly after he left Nine Cauldrons Peak, a Talisman Record he had personally crafted, which looked entirely dissimilar to the common Communication Jade Talisman, began to tremble slightly.
This Talisman Record...
"Nine Heavens Sect?"
He took out the talisman and swept it with his Divine Sense.
He soon learned the reason for Li Hanqiu’s message.
"The Cangwu lineage..."