Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Surge of Fortune

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“Everyone has their own ambitions. As long as he doesn’t interfere with my affairs, even if he pierces the heavens, it’s none of my concern,” Wang Yuanfeng remarked casually, showing little interest in what the Dragon King intended to do.

Then, his eyes gleamed sharply as he shifted the topic. “But if he conflicts with what I am doing, even if he is the Heavenly King himself, I will bring him down.”

Upon hearing this, the two men silently thought how fortunate they were not to be his enemies. Had they been adversaries, dealing with them would have been but a matter of a single sword strike. The sword energy he just displayed, as fine as silk and as precise as etching characters on paper, was not something ordinary people could replicate. They both felt immensely relieved.

Seeing their expressions, Wang Yuanfeng said nothing further. People naturally strive upwards, like water flowing downward. To be honest, the two were far behind him as opponents.

Their identities differed, their perspectives varied, or rather, their realms were not the same. Just moments ago, they were deserters, refugees, aspiring youths struggling to survive, unlikely to become enemies or even intersect with him in any meaningful way.

It was only at this moment that their status changed. If they could be well employed, soaring to great heights was not impossible; their own fates would elevate accordingly.

In essence, their destinies were not on the same plane, but a person’s fate could be enhanced. Otherwise, what would be the point of generations of Taoist cultivation?

Those capable of opposing Wang Yuanfeng were cultivators; even earthly emperors lacked the qualifications. Yet, one could not disregard earthly emperors either—mishandling things could lead to being eliminated as a heretic by them.

He then glanced again at the two men’s fortunes. Above their heads hovered a layer of red fortune aura; barring any unforeseen circumstances, they were at most leaders of about ten men.

They might serve as minor officials, squad leaders in the army, overseers of a few farmhands, or run a modest shop—enough for a comfortable life.

Between the red fortunes above their heads, at the Baihui acupoint, a strand of azure fortune energy rose steadily into the sky. This energy was transforming the red fortunes into yellow. In a short time, the aura surrounding the azure energy had turned pale yellow, radiating outward.

Wang Yuanfeng estimated that within three days, their fortunes would rise another level.

Feeling there was nothing more to ask, he was relieved as long as his father was safe. As for matters at Dongting Lake, he would understand once he arrived.

After a moment’s thought, he told the two men, “You two have full authority over affairs here. Others will merely assist. I will not intervene. Use whatever strength you have. I only want to see a city built here in three months.”

Hearing this, both felt trusted. Loyal to those who understand them, they straightened their postures, clasped their fists, and bowed deeply. “We will not fail the young master’s trust.”

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“Good, I will watch closely,” Wang Yuanfeng said, observing their solemn expressions. Their attitude was promising—he would give it a chance. It wasn’t about trust or distrust; everything would be clear in three months.

This decision was not made lightly. Though it seemed impulsive, he had weighed the pros and cons.

Firstly, the chaos across the land was just beginning. The court focused solely on rebellions. For an empire, the biggest vested interest was the royal family, represented by the emperor. The gravest crime was rebellion. When punishing, the emperor might pardon other offenses, but never rebellion, regardless of the truth—it would be thoroughly investigated.

Taking advantage of the turmoil known as the Hundred Kings’ Rebellion, establishing a stronghold here would not only control the north-south trade routes but also sever them. Overall, this benefited himself, the Jia family, the Wang family, and their affiliated interest groups. Wang Yuanfeng also needed this place.

Because of the fortune aura, as long as no heinous acts were committed, he could suppress the town. Just moments ago, when he had this thought, the celestial instrument responded.

Now, the celestial instrument glowed noticeably, not just in part but entirely. This artifact monitored fortune energy. Establishing a checkpoint here meant cutting off north and south, controlling both. The fortune lost when Huaguzi perished was fully restored.

If he could find a few Star Spirits within Dongting Lake, he could control the continent’s fortune, greatly enhancing his cultivation.

With this in mind, Wang Yuanfeng decided not to linger. He said to the stout and lean soldiers, “You two focus on your duties. Make decisions as needed. I only care about the results.”

“Yes, young master,” they responded in unison, left hands on their swords, right fists over their chests, voices loud and clear.

Seeing their military oath-like stance, Wang Yuanfeng nodded slightly without expression. He then transformed into a soaring leap, three feet above the ground, flying toward Dongting Lake.

The two soldiers were stunned. Though their martial arts had only reached the level of refined energy, both were sharp-witted.

The stout soldier asked, “Young Master Yuanfeng, what lightness skill is that? You’re skilled in lightness arts—do you know this technique?”

The lean soldier’s eyes gleamed as he watched Wang Yuanfeng depart. Judging by his trembling hands, his heart was far from calm.

“I am skilled in lightness techniques, but they require external force. My master said lightness arts are divided into heavenly and earthly types. Mine belongs to the earthly category, common among martial artists,” the lean soldier explained.

The stout soldier looked at him curiously, sensing he knew something profound. “What about the heavenly type?”

The lean soldier’s voice was dry as he gazed toward Wang Yuanfeng’s disappearing figure. “Heavenly type is cultivated by immortals. Rare in the mortal world, it requires no external aid to rise from the ground. The more profound the cultivation, the better one can soar among clouds and mist.”

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The stout soldier’s throat grew dry, a choking sensation overwhelming him. He gasped for air, staring intently where Wang Yuanfeng had vanished, as if willing a flower to bloom there.

After a long while, they calmed, realizing they had encountered a celestial being. If they persevered, not only would their futures flourish, but their families and descendants would enjoy lasting wealth.

The stout soldier trembled as he said, “How can we split up? We should first contact fellow townsmen, gather them. I’ll keep recruiting; you hurry to the county town thirty miles ahead and liaise with the Jia Trading Company. Speed is key.”

The lean soldier shook his head and without further words produced a gold nugget from his bosom, handing it to the stout soldier. “That’s too slow. This is faster. With this backing, your words will carry weight. I’ll hurry to the Jia Trading Company. At my speed, half an hour will get me there.”

The lean soldier was supremely confident in his speed and had complete faith in the letter Wang Yuanfeng had given him. The letter alone was quite valuable.

The stout soldier nodded solemnly. “Go then, handle things carefully. I can gather three to five hundred in a short time. I guarantee order for at least five days.”

“Good,” the lean soldier saluted the stout soldier. “I’ll go ahead. Everything here is in your hands.”

The stout soldier returned the gesture. “Be cautious out there. I’ll hold down the fort.”

The lean soldier adjusted his clothes, steadied his sword, then propelled himself forward with a leap. Just before landing, his toes lightly touched the wild grass.

“Grass Flying Technique!” The stout soldier gawked at the lean soldier’s lightness skill, full of envy. He pinched his own plump flesh and sighed.

Then, the stout soldier tossed the gold nugget into the air. His right hand flashed with the sword. In midair, the blade shimmered briefly before sheathing. He stretched out his hand, catching dozens of small gold pieces the size of beans.

“With these, things will be easier,” he said, nodding with satisfaction. Then he turned and headed toward the refugee gathering spot.