Not to mention, above these Great Witches, there is an even more fearsome Jiuli Barbarian King.

That is an existence that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Taiyi and Da Luo of the Taoist paths.

Xu Qing currently still has a gap to close before becoming a Heavenly Immortal, and the realms of Taiyi and Da Luo above Heavenly Immortals are entirely beyond his reach for now.

However, since he follows the Heavenly Demon Dao, even if he achieves a union of Immortal and Demon in the future, it wouldn't be under the Three Pure Ones; he should be proving Taiyi.

Yet, he carries the Quanzhen Daoist legacy, which was passed down by Pure Yang Daoists. From this perspective, he could be considered part of the Three Pure Ones system, and proving Da Luo wouldn't be surprising.

In Xu Qing's view, although Taiyi is also of the Taoist paths, it is self-developed; whereas the core of Da Luo relies on the Three Pure Ones system.

The former path is more difficult, yet it has strong independence.

In fact, upon reaching this stage, Xu Qing understands very well that Immortal, Demon, and Buddha are merely titles, and in essence, cultivation is strikingly similar.

Cultivating Tai Shi Demon Qi to maintain self, in the Taoist path is to break illusion and return to truth, in the Buddhist path is to see the Tathagata.

Different paths, similar results.

Ultimately, all seek to use this point of "self" to achieve Integration.

If unsuccessful, then it becomes Transformation.

Is Integration the shareholders, Transformation the retail investors?

This is Xu Qing's current elementary understanding, though it may not be very vivid.

...

...

The base of the Tuoba clan is a Barbarian City, not only tall but also with countless witchcraft restrictions.

In fact, had the Qinggang clan stayed in their base and not taken initiative to strike, Xu Qing, due to the short time available to him, might indeed have failed to break through Qinggang clan.

Upon reaching the Barbarian City built by the Tuoba clan, even Lu Yun couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the aura of the forbidden magic within the city.

The city walls, aged and weathered, could not conceal the deep and mighty aura of witchcraft contained within.

The mystery of wizard spells lies in being able to directly communicate with the Heaven and Earth Laws through the wizard's own flesh and blood, making its impact on the strange power of Heaven and Earth more direct and its might even greater than the divine power techniques of Taoists.

The cultivation of the Taoist path focuses on the "spirit," while the wizard's cultivation focuses on the "body."

And body refinement is only a part of the wizard's cultivation, with the stronger physical body aiming to facilitate better communication with Heaven and Earth and harnessing the powers of the natural world.

The chief of the Tuoba clan, upon seeing the descendant of the Tushan clan, Lu Yun, couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

His guess was correct, even if Lu Yun restrained his aura, the Tuoba chief still sensed the Taoist aura on him.

It seems indeed a powerful Taoist immortal stands behind the Tushan clan.

Unlike the lower-level barbarians, the Tuoba clan has a long heritage, and as chief, he actually has a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Taoist affairs.

The decline of the Taoist paths back then wasn't purely due to the suppression by the Jiuli Tribe but was more accurately a form of "withdrawal."

The survival of the Supreme Dao is the result of a tacit balance between the Great Witches and the Taoist immortals.

However, it is indeed true that many from the Taoist paths died in those times.

All in all, the Taoist paths are not weak, for they have other worlds.

Now, as the Taoist paths re-emerge in the Black Water State through the Tushan clan, does it signify something?

The Tuoba chief is deeply apprehensive.

He feels he is caught up in an enormous scheme.

"I wonder if these old bones of mine can withstand it," the Tuoba clan chief sighed inwardly, becoming even more attentive.

Then, upon hearing Lu Yun's intent, he pondered repeatedly.

After a moment of contemplation, the Tuoba chief spoke: "I wonder if you have sought cooperation with other tribes?"

Lu Yun smiled: "To be honest, I don't fancy other tribes, I only wish to cooperate with the Tuoba clan."

The Tuoba chief was not pleased by the opposite party laying their cards on the table, in fact, he became even more anxious.

These important figures are probably about to play a grand game, and it seems the Tuoba clan is inevitably being pushed onto the chessboard as a piece.

Clearly, the other party isn't giving him a choice.

The Tuoba chief, gazing into Lu Yun's profound eyes, felt a slight tremor within.

He had practiced pupil skills, and from his current perception, Lu Yun's vital energy was not as formidable as his own, but considering the inexplicable Taoist immortal behind him, possibly approaching a Heavenly Immortal, the Tuoba chief was extremely troubled.

What would the other party do should he refuse?

With a slight change of perspective, the Tuoba chief clearly understood.

He had no choice in this scenario.

Unless he could directly have a dialogue with the Great Witches of the Jiuli Alliance.

Distant waters cannot quench near thirst.

By the time he finds a way, the Tuoba clan may already have been erased by the powerful immortal behind the other party.

Seeing the Tuoba clan still hesitating, Lu Yun lightly gestured three fingers.

The Tuoba clan chief, seeing this, said solemnly: "Then, let our Tuoba clan take thirty percent of the profits."

Lu Yun didn't expect the other side to be so straightforward, originally thinking there would be some haggling. But he quickly understood the Tuoba clan's apprehensions.

As an aristocratic family's descendant, he was always adept at this type of maneuver and using a tiger's skin for leverage. After discerning the Tuoba clan's considerations, he didn't continue the tug of war and smiled: "The chief will surely feel immensely fortunate for today's decision in the future."

The Tuoba clan chief sighed helplessly: "I hope so."

Lu Yun spoke softly: "The direct trading partner with your clan is not our Tushan clan but the Qingshui clan..."

The eyes of the Tuoba clan chief brightened.

He knows much more about the Qingshui clan's background compared to the Tushan clan.

He realizes well what this implies.

Even if trouble arises later on, no matter how it is framed, the Tuoba clan would still be seen as trading with a legitimate barbarian tribe.

In fact, connecting the trade is very simple, just let the Qingshui clan send a representative, occupy a nominal position.

On the merchandise, exclusive luxury items could be provided to the Tuoba clan.

On another note, Lu Yun shared some more detailed considerations.

For instance, if the Tuoba clan could expand channels in other states, those channels would be considered their exclusive sub-line, and the Tushan clan could offer them additional shares.

The Tuoba clan chief soon realized the cleverness of this move.

If he brought more tribes into this trade system, the risks would be collectively borne when they arose later.

And he could also receive separate benefits.

His mind became lively.

The exotic goods of the Tushan clan had undeniable appeal to the noble barbarians.

Especially the noble barbarian women, who were now wildly in love with the ornaments of the Tushan clan.

As long as the Tushan clan stands, the profits from these exotic goods are absolutely endless.

The Tuoba clan chief asked: "The benefits you mentioned, can they be connected separately?"

Lu Yun, upon hearing this, knew exactly that the old fellow wanted to swallow the benefits.

However, considering the larger picture, if the benefits from channel sub-lines were privately swallowed by the old fellow, it could easily spark internal conflict within the Tuoba clan, leading to uncontrollable troubles.

After careful analysis, Lu Yun privately decided to discuss a compromise with the Tuoba clan chief.

The chief could receive a separate share of the benefits, then calculate the public account separately.

Right now, the most crucial task is securing the market in the Jiuli World, expanding channels, and concerning profits, even just taking a tenth they'll still be profiting massively.

The Tuoba clan chief, factoring in the other party's backing, realized that as long as they don't attract the attention of those Great Witches, this business in one year could be more profitable than extinguishing a small tribe in the Black Water State.

If it develops further, acquiring the rare resources needed to advance to a First Grade Wizard would be within sight.

Upon this thought, he couldn't disregard the great risks.

The Tuoba clan chief looked at Lu Yun with increasingly kind eyes, even summoning the most beautiful young woman from the tribe to attend to him.

However, Lu Yun dared not stay the night and eventually declined with strong willpower.

The Tuoba clan chief did not insist either, only ensuring that the girl's family was well protected, forbidding any other men from approaching the barbarian girl.

...

...

Having settled this matter, Lu Yun returned to the Qingshui clan to recount the events to Xu Xuanhu.

Xu Xuanhu couldn't help but exclaim: "Senior Brother Lu is indeed capable. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have thought of such details."

Lu Yun laughed: "I learned all of this from your honorable father, he is the true master of this art. Young Master will surely grasp the essentials in the future as well."

Xu Xuanhu clasped his hands: "I am not knowledgeable about business, so I'll rely on Senior Brother Lu. If you need help with anything else, feel free to ask."

He is well-aware of himself and is willing to let those skilled in what he isn't manage those tasks.

As for who holds the power, he doesn't mind, as long as things develop in a favorable direction, he's content.

This is also Xu Xuanhu's initial intention.

And in Lu Yun's view, the young master's grace and tolerance indeed resemble the demeanor of a king.

...

...

Great Yu Dynasty, Xu Residence.

A thunderous sound akin to heavenly thunder suddenly erupted in Xu Qing's mind.

He immediately opened his eyes to look in the direction of the Heavenly Work Institute.

Did something happen with the old fellows studying the witch corpse?

He was slightly surprised.

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