In terms of martial arts knowledge, I can't compare to Ninghai Zen for several lifetimes, but when it comes to social connections, that's another matter.

Moreover, Li Yuan is not a stubborn old man; if he can use connections to save effort, he will definitely do so.

"Master Li, I'm going to the countryside to collect taxes and check the records of large merchant firms, which is in accordance with the rules..."

Tao Rong replied nervously.

Since he boarded Chen Zhao's ship, he could not back down. If he gave up halfway, not only would he lose the opportunity to curry favor with Pei Yuanqing, he would also offend Bai Qilang and Tongwen Hall for no reason.

It would be a thankless task, ending up not belonging to any side, which would be a huge loss.

"Good! You're a Captain of Zhechong Prefecture! My words don't count! Let Young Master Pei talk to you!"

Li Yuan, with his fiery temper, could not bother with Tao Rong's stalling tactics; he snorted coldly, turned, and was about to send a message to Celestial Water Prefecture, asking Pei Yuanqing to draft a letter.

Even though people change their attitude once interest wanes, as a Master Craftsman capable of forging Top-Grade Treasure Soldiers, he would still be valued as a guest by major powers and afforded appropriate respect.

"Master Li, please stay! Sit down and have a cup of tea to calm your anger. I will release the man immediately..."

Tao Rong wiped cold sweat from his forehead and quickly stopped Li Yuan from leaving, smiling apologetically:

"Let's not be hasty, let's take it easy!"

He signaled to another attendant to quickly seek out Chen Zhao for rescue.

In quaint Black River County, a humble Fisherman's connection is this strong!

So powerful, why stay in this impoverished land doing small business?!

...

...

"Junior Martial Uncle Chen, the Master has always been elusive and rarely stays in Tongwen Hall."

After exchanging idle chatter with Chen Zhao for a while, Bai Qi found that this Master's adopted son had a kind of self-assumed shrewdness, seemingly deep and thoughtful, but in truth, his thoughts were all over his face.

"Why don't I take Junior Martial Uncle to meet him?"

Chen Zhao was internally delighted, as he was thinking of finding some excuse to propose visiting Tongwen Hall to pay a call on Ninghai Zen.

Holding the Pictorial Jade, coupled with the influence of his adoptive father Chen Xing, he should not return empty-handed.

"That would be great! When I was by my father's side, I often heard him talk about Sect Leader Ning with great respect! Unfortunately, I still haven't had the fate to meet him..."

Is it really your father that you call so intimately?

Bai Qi thought silently, coughing lightly:

"Has Junior Martial Uncle prepared any gifts? According to Black River County customs, you shouldn't come empty-handed on a first visit."

Chen Zhao felt troubled, having recently lost a Red Blood Qilin Horse, making his heartache as if being cut with a knife.

Still need to give gifts?

"Of course, I actually don't like these formalities. I'll add a few gift boxes later for Junior Martial Uncle to carry."

Bai Qi's tone was hesitant, his eyes flashing with obvious doubt.

What? Do you see me as a pauper!

Unlike his older brother Chen Ye, Chen Zhao had suffered hardships for a few years; since he could remember, his life had been quite nice.

Not to mention, after changing his surname to "Chen" and accepting Chen Xing as his father, he directly moved into the mansion in Yihai Prefecture and started a pampered life.

"Sect Leader Ning is a Four Cultivation Grandmasters; I'm worried that the gift might not meet his standards..."

Chen Zhao explained.

"Gift value lies in sentiment; it's just a formal transaction. I could advise Junior Martial Uncle, as lately Master has been mentioning things like Nourishing Spirit Pill, Calming Incense."

Bai Qi said casually.

Ninghai Zen isn't he a Martial Artist? Does he need external objects for cultivation?

Chen Zhao raised his eyebrows, then gritted his teeth and pulled out a delicate box made of Yinming Wood, about palm-sized:

"This item is what I acquired during recent training, called 'Cross-Sea Incense,' a secret formula from before the fall of the prominent Buddhist Sect, Pure Zen Sect. Cultivators meditating, entering meditation and embracing the embryo, their thoughts are like crossing an ocean of suffering, difficult to find sustenance to rely on.

Once lit, this incense will burn for seven days and nights without extinguishing, the scent is rich, protecting the Divine Soul, as if clad in protective garments, crossing the ocean of suffering, unaffected by external interference."

He gripped it tightly, the more he spoke, the less willing he was to part with it; such rare items, even if unused personally, are great for building relationships or exchanging.

"Junior Martial Uncle is too kind! We're all from the same sect, a few common things are sufficient; why... Oh, Junior Martial Uncle, let go! I'll give it to Master for you."

Bai Qi pulled forcefully and snatched the delicate box from Chen Zhao's hand, put it in his own pocket, and then said:

"Junior Martial Uncle, the first time we meet, according to Black River County customs, cough cough, an elder should also prepare something for the younger."

Chen Zhao's face twitched; how could Ninghai Zen's disciple have such a thick skin?

He hesitated for a long time, ultimately couldn't resist Bai Qi's sincere gaze, and pulled out two porcelain bottles from his sleeves:

"These are Tiger and Wolf Pill exclusive to Zhechong Prefecture! Once consumed, not only does it greatly enhance strength, it also fortifies the body and changes the spirit disposition..."

Before Chen Zhao could finish speaking, Bai Qi accepted it effortlessly:

"Junior Martial Uncle is really generous, worthy of being a talent from Celestial Water Prefecture; such good stuff, I haven't even heard of it in Black River County."

Chen Zhao was deeply pained; he was clearly exploiting Tongwen Hall, why was there a major loss, instead losing two valuable items.

"Junior Martial Uncle, let's set off then."

Whether Master taught them or not, Bai Qi, a bit like the foolish son of a landlord, was delighted with the Cross-Sea Incense and Tiger and Wolf Pill:

"I won't mind giving two bowls of meat soup."

...

...

Moments later, the two passed through the Qiansi Sect, arriving at Tongwen Hall.

Arriving at the stairs, Chen Zhao felt a sudden surge of excitement within.