Martial Arts: I Have a Wilderness World

Chapter 583: Chapter 305: Formal Meeting

"Patriarch Su."

"Mr. Cheng."

In the back courtyard of the Commerce Association, Su Ze, following arrangements made by Chen Kaishan, had brought the introductory gifts and entered the Immortal City alone with him. This marked the first formal meeting between Cheng Zongyang and Su Ze.

After quickly sizing each other up, the two took their seats in the living room at Chen Kaishan’s gesture.

Then, after the servants had served tea, Chen Kaishan excused himself, claiming he had matters to attend to. He left the two to speak privately, withdrawing all guards and servants from the back courtyard and strictly forbidding anyone from approaching.

Meanwhile, in the main courtyard of the Commerce Association and at the entrance to the alley, numerous large chests were stored.

"Mr. Cheng."

Su Ze’s initial shock at Cheng Zongyang’s age and his doubts about his power had long since subsided. He spoke in an exceptionally polite tone.

"This time, to show our sincerity, the Su Family has gathered materials amounting to five times the quantity on your list. Some are still in transit, while others are stored outside the city, ready to be brought in at a moment’s notice. Should you require more in the future, Mr. Cheng, you need only say the word, and we will arrange for further shipments."

"Furthermore, we have hired five thousand skilled artisans specializing in construction, and they are also waiting outside."

"If you need them, they can be brought into the Immortal City at any time to assist with the construction and help you, Mr. Cheng, complete the city’s renovations sooner. Naturally, the Su Family will be responsible for all their wages and expenses; the Immortal City will not have to pay a single silver coin. If you feel that is not enough manpower, we can dispatch more."

"Finally, the Su Family and the Da Liang Royal Family will provide an additional ten million taels of silver and twenty century-old medicinal herbs. Of course, all of this is merely an introductory gift, not a transactional exchange."

As Cheng Zongyang listened, he inwardly marveled at the staggering wealth of the Su Family and the Royal Family. ’They’re offering so much, just like that. This is an introductory gift no one could possibly refuse.’

Naturally, Cheng Zongyang wasn’t going to refuse. He smiled and said, "Such a generous gift. It almost makes me feel uneasy accepting it. I know your purpose in coming here. I imagine your second uncle has reached the point where he avoids using his power unless absolutely necessary, correct?"

Su Ze was stunned. ’He hadn’t expected Cheng Zongyang to grasp his second uncle’s situation so completely.’

The matter was a closely guarded secret; not even Emperor Liang knew that his uncle’s Power could only be expended, not replenished. ’However,’ Su Ze thought, ’when I consider that Cheng Zongyang is a Cultivator, it all makes sense. Cultivators are privy to far more knowledge, and only a Cultivator could possibly help solve my uncle’s predicament.’

Su Ze no longer saw a reason to be coy; this was the entire purpose of his visit. He nodded. "You are correct. I’ve come on behalf of my second uncle and the Royal Family to request three places for entry into the Cultivation Immortality Realm. What are the specific rules and requirements?"

Cheng Zongyang had expected as much. After all the effort Su Ze had gone to, his objective was obvious. He offered a faint smile.

"There are indeed conditions for entering the Cultivation Immortality Realm, and I imagine you’ve heard rumors. To be specific, there are three."

"First, you must adhere to my schedule. Trips cannot be made ahead of time. Under normal circumstances, I expect to make a trip once every six months to a year. Second, a single place costs materials equivalent to ten million taels, and these materials must be useful to Martial Artists or relevant to Cultivators. I trust the Royal Family and the various Noble Families have uncovered some old Immortal Ruins before, correct?"

Su Ze did not deny it, giving a slight nod.

Cheng Zongyang continued, "Third, only those who are Innate Great Perfection or Cultivators who have reached the Qi Cultivation Third Level are eligible to go. This condition exists for the safety of the travelers themselves. With that level of Cultivation, whether they live in the mortal regions or the Cultivator regions, they won’t be easily bullied or killed."

Su Ze mulled this over for a moment before replying, "Mr. Cheng, I understand all three of your conditions. The materials worth ten million taels are not a problem for the Su Family and the Royal Family. The Cultivation requirement is also met. But regarding the first condition, the schedule... is there any flexibility? My second uncle’s situation is unique. His Power cannot replenish itself. If we don’t find a solution in time, I fear his Realm..."

Cheng Zongyang glanced at him and shook his head slightly. "I know you’re worried, but be patient. The Demon Beast that fell at Tianduan Mountain was a Fiery Sun Bird. Your uncle consumed its Demon Core, Breaking Innate and Entering the Extraordinary. He was incredibly lucky not to have been killed by the backlash from the beast’s remnant soul inside the Demon Core. First, let me explain the three ways one can break through from the Innate Realm to the Extraordinary..."

Cheng Zongyang then took some time to clearly explain these three methods of breaking through, along with their respective pros and cons, to Su Ze.

After all, Su Ze had presented such a lavish introductory gift, a clear sign of his sincerity. It put him in a much better position to ask for more detailed information. It’s a simple truth: no one faults a person for being too generous. When you come asking for a favor or seeking information, a substantial gift means the host won’t mind how many questions you ask. Otherwise, if you show up with a paltry gift and a mountain of problems, you can’t expect a warm reception.

When Cheng Zongyang finished, Su Ze finally understood his uncle’s predicament. He immediately cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and said:

"Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Cheng. As I said, I need three places: one for the Su Family and two for the Royal Family. Furthermore, I need something that can help my uncle replenish his Power for the time being. From the way you were speaking just now, I assume you have a solution?"

Cheng Zongyang smiled faintly. "Of course I have Demon Cores that can enhance one’s strength. Besides, simply cultivating within the Immortal City will also allow his Power to gradually recover."

Hearing this, the great weight on Su Ze’s heart was finally lifted.