Chapter 1102: The Merchants of Lion City
In truth, there ought to be a formal coronation ceremony, but that must wait until the imperial envoy from the Great Xuan Court arrives.
From the Daoist Mansion’s standpoint, the matter was considered closed for now.
Qi Xuansu could finally turn his attention to the proper matter at hand—the Nanyang United Trading Company.
Zhang Yuelu’s visit to Poluo was under the pretext of investigating a case. It was not a mere formality, and she had indeed had some progress. The key lay in a senior executive of the Nanyang United Trading Company, Xi Ye, whose real name was Xu Youyi. Secretly, he was Wang Jiaoyan’s lover.
Xu Youyi understood perfectly well what was at stake. If he implicated Wang Jiaoyan, no one could save him. Thus, he clung stubbornly to silence. But Xu Kou’s methods were truly terrifying. Though the Daoist Order forbade torture, Xu Kou hardly cared. At worst, he would receive a disciplinary note. His methods produced results immediately.
Xu Youyi confessed to other matters, hoping to muddle through. According to him, the West Shakya Company kept a secret warehouse in Lion City where they kept the slaves they intended to sell.
Qi Xuansu was no stranger to Lion City, as he had just inspected it not long ago. However, he had been forced to return early due to Great Sage Lan’s accident.
Thanglong Prefecture was Poluo’s political center, while Lion City was unquestionably its economic hub.
Geographically, Thanglong was too deep inland, almost remote. On the other hand, Lion City was the true center of Nanyang.
Qi Xuansu’s previous visit to Lion City had been superficial. He had not seen its real inner workings. Much like when he first arrived in Thanglong, everything had appeared harmonious on the surface.
Who would have imagined that Chen Shuhua, who greeted him and Yao Xu, was merely a step away from becoming an Immortal? Or that beneath Thanglong lay two divine vessels capable of hosting Ancient Immortals, forcing Great Sage Lan to go into seclusion?
Not to mention, there were also local powerhouses like Wang Jiaohe, Wang Jiaoying, and Sun Heyu.