"Yingzhou Immortal Mountain."
Inside the cave dwelling of the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son."
"Hahahaha..."
A sound of unrestrained, hearty laughter erupted.
The laughter was spirited and filled with immense heroism.
"Good, Ryuu, you did brilliantly! You'll be given great credit for this!"
The handsome "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" patted "Mr. Ryuu" on the shoulder with unrestrained dominance, lavishing him with praise.
"Ryuu, you were truly magnificent! You actually brought back one hundred million in funds for me. You truly are my chief strategist and advisor, hahaha..."
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" repeatedly exclaimed, "Magnificent job!"
"Mr. Ryuu's" mouth twitched incessantly, his mood becoming increasingly awkward!
Damn it!
After returning to "Yingzhou Immortal Mountain," he hadn't even gone back to his own cave dwelling. He had rushed straight to find the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" to deliver the good news.
"Mr. Ryuu" recounted the general course of events to the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" and presented the "one hundred million" gifted by Qian Duoduo.
Of course, regarding yesterday's events, "Mr. Ryuu" had selectively recounted them, omitting any insignificant details.
For instance, Qian Duoduo had additionally gifted him "ten million low-grade spirit stones."
And again, yesterday, under the influence of the "Innate Harmony Pill's" medicinal power, he and the "Mermaid" had experienced an indescribable encounter.
...
Even though "Mr. Ryuu" didn't mention it, it didn't mean these things hadn't happened. Especially with the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" repeatedly saying, "Magnificent job!"
"Mr. Ryuu" felt incredibly disgusted. Was this praise or an insult?
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" hadn't noticed "Mr. Ryuu's" unusual demeanor. He asked,
"Ryuu, what do you think of that Dragon Knight Merchant Association?"
Turning to official business, "Mr. Ryuu" immediately gathered his thoughts, casting aside all the messy notions in his mind. He said with a serious expression,
"Reporting to the Saint Son, your subordinate believes the Dragon Knight Merchant Association has potential value but is not qualified to be our ally!"
A glint flashed in the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son's" eyes. He nodded and said in a deep voice,
"Indeed, you think exactly as I do! A bunch of merchants, what qualifications do they have to be my allies? However..."
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" straightened his body and declared with imposing dominance,
"I can generously bestow upon them the grace of accepting them into my fold, making them serve me!"
"Mr. Ryuu" quickly flattered him,
"The Saint Son's strategic vision is vast. It is their immense fortune to have the opportunity to serve the Saint Son!"
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" chuckled and nodded in satisfaction.
"For now, we must utilize the Dragon Knight Merchant Association's financial resources. We won't move against them yet. Once my grand ambition is achieved, I will incorporate them into my banner!"
"Yes, Saint Son!"
"Mr. Ryuu" nodded in agreement.
Currently, all their energy needed to be focused on preparations for the "Three Immortals' Ascension Ceremony." It was not the time to "create unnecessary trouble" by dealing with the "Dragon Knight Merchant Association."
Therefore, let the "Dragon Knight Merchant Association" continue to roam free for a while longer!
"Saint Son, should we then proceed to contact the Grand Elders of the Penglai Sword Sect and seek their support?"
The "Grand Elders" of the "Penglai Sword Sect" held great power.
If he could gain their support, and the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" could defeat the "Empty Saint Son," he would have a high chance of becoming the new Saint Son of the "Penglai Sword Sect."
At that time, the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" would become the co-leader of the "Yingzhou Sword Sect" and the "Penglai Sword Sect."
How glorious!
When "Mr. Ryuu" inquired of the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" at this moment, it was merely a formality, a show of respect to the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son."
He didn't believe the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" would object.
After all, there was no reason to object!
Unexpectedly, extremely brilliant light erupted from the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son's" eyes. He said in a deep voice,
"No, Ryuu. This time, we must not only contact the Grand Elders of the Penglai Sword Sect but also the Elders of the Fangzhang Sword Sect. We must engage them as well!"
"Fangzhang Sword Sect?"
"Mr. Ryuu" couldn't help but be taken aback. However, he quickly regained his composure, understanding the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son's" intentions.
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" not only wanted to control the "Yingzhou Sword Sect" and the "Penglai Sword Sect," but he also didn't want to let go of the "Fangzhang Sword Sect."
This...
Wasn't his ambition a bit too grand!
"Mr. Ryuu" widened his eyes, looking at the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" with an incredibly complex expression.
As a subordinate, he naturally revered the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son's" current "dominating aura."
However, as the chief strategist and advisor, "Mr. Ryuu" had to worry for the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son." Would taking too big a step result in him overextending himself?
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son's" steps were not just large; he actually intended to become the "Co-leader of the Three Sects" in one fell swoop!
The "Three Immortals Sword Sects" had existed for hundreds of thousands of years, and no one had ever achieved such an "epic feat!"
The difficulty was immense!
If the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" were to succeed, he would usher in a new era, and he himself would become a "legend" admired for all time!
"Saint Son, wouldn't this be... too difficult?"
"Mr. Ryuu" subtly reminded the "Neon Quasi-Saint Son!"
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son," however, was unconcerned. He waved his hand with unmatched dominance, his eyes filled with confidence and pride.
"Think big, think big! Since I have already decided to become the co-leader of the Yingzhou Sword Sect and the Penglai Sword Sect, why not add the Fangzhang Sword Sect? The unification of the three great sword sects is the general trend of the times. I believe I am that destined individual!"
"Mr. Ryuu" still felt it was inappropriate. He raised another practical difficulty.
"Saint Son, although the 'Three Immortals' Ascension Ceremony' this time has added a rule for inter-sect challenges, each quasi-saint son only has one challenge opportunity. If you choose to challenge the Empty Saint Son, you will no longer have the chance to challenge the quasi-saint son of the Fangzhang Sword Sect!"
This was a valid concern!
There was only one opportunity for an "inter-sect challenge" per person. The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" could not challenge both the "Empty Saint Son" and the "quasi-saint son of the Fangzhang Sword Sect" simultaneously.
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" chuckled. He already had a plan in mind and said calmly,
"This matter is simple. I will challenge the quasi-saint son of the Fangzhang Sword Sect at that time!"
"Then what about the Empty Saint Son of the Penglai Sword Sect? You're not challenging him?"
"Heh, I won't challenge him; I'll have him challenge me! That empty-headed fellow, Kongxu. During this period, you devise a way to help him make up his mind, to ensure he challenges me during the Ascension Ceremony!"
The "Neon Quasi-Saint Son" issued an order to "Mr. Ryuu."
"Ryuu, focus your efforts recently. You must ensure that fellow Kongxu proactively challenges me during the Three Immortals' Ascension Ceremony!"