Lighting Lanterns in the Mountains and Seas

In the luxurious waterside pavilion situated halfway up the Commander Mansion of Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture, Shi Chun was having a tea discussion with a group of master craftsmen representatives. The topic was about advancing funds for housing construction.

Upon hearing this troublesome issue, the group cursed inwardly; the debt for establishing the mansion city has yet to be paid off, and now they want to owe even more. Truly, they are scoundrels from the Land of Exile who carry out such heartless deeds.

"Commander, it's not that we're making excuses to decline, it's genuinely impossible for us to advance these funds. Even if we bankrupt ourselves, we couldn't afford it!"

"Indeed, that's a hundred million units we're talking about; without at least three trillion as the foundation, how could it be built?"

"Yes, several trillion is too daunting; even if we sold all of ourselves, we couldn't accomplish it."

"Not being able to advance funds is one thing; we are more afraid of hindering the great matters of the Commander."

Seeing the group repeatedly refusing, Shi Chun sitting up high with a calm expression said, "Originally, it was agreed upon that this big business would first consider you all. Now it seems that I may have to find others to support the situation. Don't blame me later for breaking my promise."

"We dare not, dare not, we absolutely won't."

"We dare not delay the matter; the Commander should seek others who are more capable."

"Indeed, we are ashamed; we request the Commander to seek others who are more capable."

Facing such refusals, Shi Chun had no choice but to give up, set down the teacup, and said he had other matters to attend to, then rose to see the guests out.

After the master craftsmen representatives walked out of the mansion, someone couldn't help but mutter, "He can only be the Commander for another three years at most; he can't even hold onto his position, yet he still wants to accrue more debt. How audacious of him."

Another sighed, "Everyone should just keep an eye on the present debts. When the monthly stipend is issued, everyone must promptly demand payment."

"Everyone's watching closely; as soon as the monthly stipend from the Heavenly Court is issued, we'll get the news. We'll be at Manxi immediately to hold the money."

"In this regard, Manxi is still decent; they don't let money fall into his hands, filling our debts first."

"It's originally a rivalry; given an excuse, he surely won't let them benefit."

"I say, what's the reason for your excitement? What is it with only a third of the monthly stipend being issued from the Heavenly Court each month? Why didn't anyone mention it initially? Even if five years of stipends are intercepted, how could they possibly settle our debts?"

"They fundamentally cannot be settled; even if full amounts are issued every month, five years wouldn't be enough. Speaking of which, what's going on with your Qiankun Sect? Just this mansion exceeds by a substantial amount; he's not spending his own money so he doesn't feel distressed, it's not his personal debt so he doesn't care. Can't you see it, allowing him such reckless squandering?"

"What good does staring at me do? It's not just Shi Chun personally owing debts; as long as the Heavenly Court doesn't refuse to pay, then we'll let it slowly trickle down. Besides, our Qiankun Sect is willing to let him owe more; what business is that of yours?"

"What do you mean it's none of our business? Your Qiankun Sect has a big reputation; each month's compensatory payments are largely intercepted by you, leaving us with just the leftovers. We've cooperated for years; if you truly ruin us, who would dare cooperate with you again in the future?"

The group began verbally attacking the representative of the Qiankun Sect...

In a mixed residence area in Heavenly Capital, where most buildings were low and resembled a slum, many people hurried along with busy expressions. Trash with a stale smell lined the roadside, not promptly cleaned, prompting some to cover their noses as they passed, while others seemed long accustomed to this.

Hardly any well-dressed people could be seen on the street's surface, except sometimes there were women.

Most of the well-dressed individuals along this section rode in passing carriages, occasionally accompanied by the sounds of street vendors making rounds.

Amongst the old and continuous building complexes, 'Tongyi Square' stood prominently, its pavilion towers soaring uniquely amidst the crowd.

Tongyi Square was a mixed square, primarily dealing in pawn shops and auctions.

At this moment outside the square, two assistants moved out a large, pristine bulletin board, immediately attracting many passersby to watch. Some, as they read it, couldn't help but murmur aloud, "Calculated by headcount, a free gift of a house located in the Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture will be given, belonging to city real estate. After registering and residing for three years, a further gift of five hundred gold will be issued unconditionally..."

What was being read was naturally the population recruitment notice of the Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture.

The release of this notice indeed sparked conversations, causing an immediate buzz among the crowd, drawing more people and soon blocking the outside street until it was packed tight, only because no unauthorized flying was allowed, otherwise rooftops and wall perimeters around might have been filled with people.

Those unable to squeeze to the front couldn't see the notice content, so they had to perk up their ears to listen to the discussion.

The population introduction matter of the Heavenly Domain wasn't a secret, already becoming a common topic among the people during tea and meals. Initially, everyone thought it was far from them, but now some suddenly realized it might relate to them.

Firstly were those without property in the Heavenly Capital, having rented and relied on others for a home, with a large portion of monthly income consumed in this area, now widening their eyes to watch, and perking up their ears to listen.

The sole requirement is true registration and residency; besides this, unconditional gifting.

Someone shouted, "I've heard the current Heavenly Domain has nothing; if one goes there, they might not even find a means to make a living."

One of the two assistants beside the announcement loudly replied, "It's not prosperous now, but the richness of spiritual energy in Heavenly Domain is what's promising. Naturally, only those with money and power can have the advantage. For ordinary people, this opportunity is not often available; if you miss it, you'll truly miss it. When it becomes as prosperous as Heavenly Capital, do you expect them to give you houses freely? In a hundred years or tens of years, having a foothold in a prosperous area rich in spiritual energy, what that means, I think I don't need to say. Besides, how do you know there's nothing? As far as I know, even a brothel is there; what more do you want?"

This statement elicited a burst of laughter at the scene.

Someone else added, "A gift of five hundred gold in three years seems deceptive; if they don't give it after three years, there's nothing you can do."

"Exactly."

"That's right."

A chorus of agreement rose from the crowd.

The attendant continued, "Bringing in population, naturally, offering money is to attract people. The purpose of giving five hundred gold is to prevent some people from being too financially tight, afraid that they can't even meet basic survival needs after moving. This promise is to facilitate some people to borrow money, giving themselves time to buffer. Of course, borrowing is not encouraged. After all, paying back five hundred gold in three years means the amount you borrow now will certainly be less than five hundred gold, as they will charge interest. Our pawnshops also welcome collateral in exchange, and if you really can't offer anything, you can use a house in Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture as collateral. Look, you get five hundred gold simply by going there with nothing else, but the house is worth more than five hundred gold, and losing it in case of unexpected mishaps would be significant, so unless necessary, it's not recommended to use a house as collateral."

The crowd began whispering among themselves again.

Soon someone spoke loudly, "I heard that Commander Shi Chun from Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture might not even be able to keep his position, and if he steps down, how can he fulfill the promise of five hundred gold?"

The attendant immediately pointed at him and said loudly, "Small nose and small eyes counting small bills, you already got the house in hand, worried they won't pay this debt? Selling it, will it cover your travel expenses? If the offer of free housing is false, who else would dare go afterwards? Spreading false promises and nonsense to deceive people, especially deceiving so many, the Heavenly Court won't sit idly by, don't you agree?"

The crowd began discussing again, and after clarifying doubts, their expressions changed.

In the window of the side loft, Young Master Nan was personally observing how the opening scene would unfold.

He wasn't worried about disruption; he personally orchestrated the venue, confidently presenting it publicly, and those daring enough to defy him were rare, with too many interests at stake behind the scenes, truly not something a single person can easily affect unless a strong force intervenes. Otherwise, anyone contemplating action must think twice.

Shi Chun found him to handle this matter, and indeed, did not choose the wrong person, capable of avoiding many troubles.

At this moment, Young Master Nan was accompanied by a group of individuals, all of whom were either business managers from various places or people responsible for certain activities.

Seeing the opening momentum proceeding well, Young Master Nan couldn't help but smile while shaking his folding fan, nodding towards the attendant, "The young man is good, raise him up, see how capable he is, and if useful, give him more opportunities."

Beside him, an elegantly dressed old man slightly bowed and said, "As the young master says."

Young Master Nan then turned back to the group and said, "The framework has been set up, and subsequent situations will largely be as such. This young man has already presented answers for dealing with them, and you can consider responses accordingly across various places."

"Understood," everyone replied respectfully.

Soon, similar scenes were reproduced across all continents in Heavenly Domain, in all areas where Young Master Nan's business influence could reach.

Established venues, prepared efficient personnel, the rapidly exhibited ability to thoroughly connect, truly only someone of Young Master Nan's caliber can fully blossom within such a relatively short time frame.

This could truly be described as not acting lightly, but once taking action, it stirred the entire Heavenly Domain, further shaking the entire Cultivation World, including the Four Great Royal Courts.

Because Young Master Nan had considerable interest parties from the Four Great Royal Courts involved, the matter, though occurring within Heavenly Domain, didn't draw intervention from any well-meaning individuals on the Four Great Royal Courts' side. Those who attempted to intervene found themselves intercepted.

For instance, hearing Gong Shaoci's sarcastic remarks afterward, someone asked him, "I've mortgaged out all my assets, what do you mean by this? The grudge with Shi Chun is yours to settle privately as you wish, but don't mix it up with business. Messing up business is pointless, are you paying for it?"

Thus, Gong Shaoci fell silent.

Anyway, the stir was significant. Standing by the window with hands behind his back, gazing distantly at the lake and mountain views, Miao Dingyi revealed a faint smile on his expressionless face after his reported subordinate left, mumbling, "This fellow really is... generous, where did he get so much money..."

If Young Master Nan hadn't been involved, if he hadn't spent such a large sum, Miao Dingyi would have thought it was mere bluster. Now, he believed it to be real.

In East Victory Royal Capital, within a tall and small building, the lonely Wei Mo drank alone, after hearing Tao Zhi's report, his eyes sparkled as he shook his head, sighing sincerely, "Building a hundred million houses, giving away a hundred million houses for free, construction has already begun, ten thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Heavenly Generals dispatched as labor... that fellow truly remains that fellow, expansive and grand, indeed a masterstroke, Tao Zhi, you and I lost fairly..."

In Beijulu Royal City, in an elegant courtyard, the sound of the zither was mournful.

Xiang Laner quietly leaned against a round door, watching her beloved Liang Mian, full of sorrow, playing the zither alone in a pavilion, the grief in his music reflecting his true feelings.

She roughly knew what had happened. News gleaned from the Demon Path said Liang Mian wanted to undercut Shi Chun but was chastised by a noble, leading to his dejected return.

She also hoped Liang Mian could embarrass Shi Chun to vent her resentment, but who would have thought the present Shi Chun couldn't even be easily unsettled by Liang Mian.

She naturally heard of the grand rumors surrounding Shi Chun and was indeed shocked, feeling regret as she came to terms with the fact that Feng Chi was with Shi Chun too, who once was a brothel madam and now transformed remarkably, ending up as master of a city!

Feng Chi's formerly taboo identity as a brothel madam is seemingly minor amidst a slew of flamboyant distractions.

Alas, Heavenly Domain's ragtag group truly is something beyond words, for many, the identity of a brothel madam doesn't even deserve to carry shoes, countless unworthy people exist, bluntly stated, those who once were prostitutes aren't just one or two, Feng Chi's past doesn't even rank.

Now, anyone daring to mock Feng Chi equates to mocking the unworthy past of twenty thousand forces within Heavenly Domain!

Even those from Manxi and Dongguo Shou's factions might jump out by the thousands to back Feng Chi in retort.

Even those with background lineage wouldn't stoop to such 'boring' actions.

Xiang Laner never imagined Feng Chi would whitewash herself in this manner, while her own background, even marrying this Beiju Mutual Market Young Supervisor Liang Mian, couldn't be whitewashed.

Past events were like mist, evanescent like dreams, leaving her with genuine regret.