On the third floor of Cheng’s Restaurant, located on a main street in the West City District.

Cheng Zongyang greeted Chen Kaishan and Zheng Tianhai, who had just hurried over from Cheng’s Inn.

"Gentlemen, my apologies for the wait." Cheng Zongyang went to welcome them warmly. A nearby table was already set with six dishes, a soup, and some medicinal wine Cheng Zongyang had brought himself.

"Not at all," Chen Kaishan said with a smile. "We just didn’t expect you to be back so soon."

The three of them then sat down.

Ignoring any potential hidden meaning in his words, Cheng Zongyang poured them both a cup of wine and replied smoothly,

"It was perfect timing, really. I estimated your round-trip travel time and figured you’d be getting back soon, so I returned a bit early. Then I happened to receive your message on the way. Come, try this wine I brought from home. It’s a medicinal wine made from a secret family recipe, quite effective for Martial Artists."

With that, he set the wine jug aside and raised his cup in a gesture to drink.

"Oh? In that case, I must give it a try," Zheng Tianhai said with a smile.

After they both took a small sip, they felt a mellow liquid slide down their throats. A faint medicinal taste spread through their mouths, immediately followed by a warm current surging from their stomachs.

This warmth quickly spread through their limbs and permeated their entire bodies, leaving them feeling as comfortable as if they were basking in a warm winter sun.

A moment later, they both felt their vitality increase.

The effect was most pronounced for Zheng Tianhai. With his Seventh Grade Cultivation, he was at a stage where accumulating vitality was his main focus.

"Gentlemen, please continue without me. I need to absorb and refine this medicinal energy!"

Unable to wait, Zheng Tianhai excused himself, went downstairs, and found a spot in the rear courtyard.

Seeing this, Chen Kaishan exclaimed, "I’m surprised this wine is so potent. Even I can feel a slight increase."

Cheng Zongyang smiled. "It’s brewed with many fine ingredients, with one of the primary ones being Exotic Beast Bone."

This surprised Chen Kaishan even more. "Exotic Beast Bone? No wonder. Every part of an Exotic Beast is a treasure; they’re rare commodities even for the Commerce Association. This wine must be incredibly valuable."

Cheng Zongyang just smiled. "What’s a jug of wine between friends? Friendship is priceless. Here, have a few more cups."

As he spoke, he poured Chen Kaishan another cup.

Chen Kaishan didn’t stand on ceremony. Although the boost was minor for him, it was still effective. At his Fifth Grade Cultivation, he also needed to increase his vitality to bolster his Inner Strength, which would accelerate the speed at which he could open his Acupoints. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

After they had a few more cups, Chen Kaishan finally got down to business with a smile.

"After enjoying your fine wine, it would be quite awkward to leave without bringing you good news."

Cheng Zongyang chuckled at his words. "Don’t say that, you’re making us sound like strangers. Business is business, and a meal is a meal. Am I that petty a man?"

"Haha, alright, I won’t beat around the bush. The food can wait. Let me tell you the results of the application I submitted upon my return."

At this, Chen Kaishan’s expression grew serious as he looked at Cheng Zongyang.

"After I returned and presented the situation here—along with the two documents you wrote—to my superiors, they deliberated for two days. They have fundamentally agreed to establish a Da Yi Commerce Association branch in Jade Peak County.

However, they have some conditions of their own, in addition to the ones you proposed. See for yourself."

As he spoke, he took a slightly crumpled letter from his robes and handed it to Cheng Zongyang.

Overcome with excitement, Cheng Zongyang accepted the letter with both hands. He didn’t forget to thank him, saying, "I’m indebted to you and Uncle Zheng for your hard work. If it weren’t for your efforts, this wouldn’t have happened so quickly. In fact, it might not have happened at all."

Instead of immediately opening the letter, he poured Chen Kaishan another cup of wine. "Let me toast you once more."

Chen Kaishan smiled, accepting the praise as well-deserved.

"You’re a remarkable young man. I’ll say it again: my offer still stands for you to join the Commerce Association at any time. You wouldn’t even need to apply to the higher-ups. I can personally induct you and grant you the position of a branch Steward.

In the Jade Peak County branch, that position is second only to the branch Steward. A branch has several Stewards with different responsibilities; if you were to join, we could negotiate your focus. This is also one of the reasons the Commerce Association agreed to establish a branch here."

Cheng Zongyang, who was opening the letter, paused and looked at Chen Kaishan in surprise. "Uncle Chen, why is this?"

Chen Kaishan drained his cup and looked at Cheng Zongyang with open admiration. "I told my superiors about you, and the Elders see potential in a genius like you. Consider it an investment. You’ll understand once you read the letter’s contents."

Cheng Zongyang asked no more questions, opening the letter and beginning to read.

He scanned the letter first. It was only two pages long, and the contents didn’t seem too extensive, which made Cheng Zongyang relax slightly.

’At least there won’t be too many demands.’

However, as he read on, his expression grew increasingly grave. By the time he finished, he was lost in thought.

Just then, Zheng Tianhai returned.

He entered to find the two men sitting in silence. Noticing Cheng Zongyang staring thoughtfully at the letter in his hands, he didn’t disturb them. He simply sat down, exchanged a look with Chen Kaishan, and glanced at the letter. Chen Kaishan gave a slight nod in return, and Zheng Tianhai instantly understood the situation.

A few minutes later, Cheng Zongyang set the letter down.

"Uncle Zheng, how do you feel?" Cheng Zongyang, who had noticed his return, asked with a small smile.

Zheng Tianhai nodded. "The effect is excellent! It increased my vitality significantly. This medicinal wine must be quite expensive, mustn’t it?"

Cheng Zongyang chuckled. "What, is Uncle Zheng thinking of buying some?"

Before the other could respond, his expression turned serious, with a hint of feigned disapproval. "I’ve already had a bottle prepared for you. Please take it with you when you leave, Uncle Zheng. It’s a humble gift from this junior; you can’t refuse."

Zheng Tianhai was at a loss for words. Back when he was the Chief Constable in the County Town, he had never accepted personal gifts from anyone.

’Is this... the first time I’ve accepted a gift like this?’

Seeing Zheng Tianhai hesitate, Chen Kaishan looked at him and teased, "Your cousin is on good terms with him. It’s only natural for him to call you Uncle and consider himself your junior. What’s there to agonize over?"

Hearing this, Zheng Tianhai finally nodded. "Very well. In that case, I am humbled to accept."

He was not a man of many words, but he knew how he should act from now on.

Cheng Zongyang then turned to Chen Kaishan with a smile. "Uncle Chen, this junior has also prepared a gift for you. It should have some effect even for a Martial Artist of the Middle Third Grades."

Chen Kaishan laughed. "Alright, I won’t stand on ceremony with you either. But about that letter, what are your thoughts?"

At this, Cheng Zongyang sighed. "Alas, there aren’t many conditions, but they’re a mix of difficult and easy. This junior is having a hard time making a decision. Could I give you my reply tomorrow?"

Chen Kaishan was in no hurry; he knew this required careful thought. It was no small matter, after all. He nodded slightly. "Fine."

But Cheng Zongyang continued, "Uncle Chen, if I agree, can the location of the Commerce Association branch be designated by me? Of course, it will meet all the required standards."

Chen Kaishan frowned. "The Da Yi Commerce Association always establishes itself in the center of a city. This reflects our status and also ensures we’re at the hub of activity. Why? Do you have something else in mind?"

Cheng Zongyang nodded. "You’re aware of the current layout and administration of Jade Peak County. The West City District is under the jurisdiction of the Cheng Family and the Celestial Break Gang. Since I’m the one who brought the Commerce Association here, it should naturally stay in my territory. Why should I let the other three powers reap the benefits?"

Now Chen Kaishan understood Cheng Zongyang’s meaning and said with a smile,

"So that’s your angle. You’re quite the schemer. If the Commerce Association is established in the West City District, that district will become the new focal point. Traveling merchants from all over will gather there, bringing an immense amount of commercial activity with them."

A corner of Cheng Zongyang’s mouth twitched into a smirk. "I worked my tail off to bring the Commerce Association here. Why on earth should I let them get the benefits for free?"

Chen Kaishan wasn’t concerned about this. The Da Yi Commerce Association was particular about its location, and yet, it wasn’t.

Because wherever the Da Yi Commerce Association set up shop, that place was guaranteed to become a commercial hub. It was no exaggeration to say that the center was wherever the Da Yi Commerce Association decided to be.

Establishing a branch in this County Town meant creating a new commercial center in the heart of the region between Linchuan Prefecture and Xiangyang Prefecture, forming a triangular trade zone.

Then, Jade Peak County would only grow more and more prosperous. It might even develop into a Commandery City in the future.

But then, Cheng Zongyang suddenly asked, "If the Da Yi Commerce Association sets up a branch here, will there be any problem from the Li Family’s side?"

Chen Kaishan scoffed at the question. "The Li Family isn’t powerful enough to meddle in the affairs of the Da Yi Commerce Association."

Cheng Zongyang’s eyes gleamed.

’That’s exactly the kind of domineering confidence I like about the Da Yi Commerce Association!’