Martial Dao: I Can Enhance My Talents

"Please, come in."

The two entered a side hall and took their respective seats as host and guest.

A Maid served fragrant tea, then silently withdrew.

Lan Yuexin picked up her teacup, took a light sip, and set it down. Her gaze fell upon Fang Han’s face, her bright eyes holding a hint of solemnity.

"Mr. Fang Han, I have taken the liberty of visiting today because I have something to ask of you."

Fang Han set down his teacup and met Lan Yuexin’s gaze.

"Please speak, Miss Yuexin."

Lan Yuexin fell silent for a moment, seemingly choosing her words carefully.

"The Hundred Treasures Pavilion wishes to align itself with the Qingxuan Sect."

Her voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

"I would like to ask you to plead our case and put in a good word for us with the Sect Leader."

Fang Han’s hand, holding his teacup, paused for a fraction of a second, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

The Hundred Treasures Pavilion was one of the top three merchant guilds in Qingyang County. Its business spanned every city within the county, and it even had numerous channels outside of it.

In terms of power, it couldn’t compare to top-level forces like the Seven Sects, which had their own Grandmasters. However, it was certainly not weaker than any other major power.

A power like this had always kept to itself, rarely choosing to align with others.

"Miss Yuexin."

Fang Han set down his teacup, his gaze resting on Lan Yuexin’s face.

"The Hundred Treasures Pavilion has operated in the county for many years and has deep roots. Why make this decision so suddenly?"

Lan Yuexin lowered her eyes, her eyelashes casting faint shadows in the afternoon light.

"You may not be aware."

She paused, her voice taking on a graver tone.

"After the Tiejiang Gang produced a Grandmaster, they first annihilated the Iron Fist Sect, and now they’ve set their sights on several other surrounding powers."

She raised her eyes to meet Fang Han’s.

"Although the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is primarily focused on business and has no direct conflict of interest with the Tiejiang Gang, they are fiercely ambitious. Their expansion has already gained momentum. No one can guarantee that we won’t be their next target."

Fang Han was silent for a moment.

He had heard the news of the Tiejiang Gang absorbing the Iron Fist Sect from Qiu Lan a few days ago.

He just hadn’t expected the Tiejiang Gang to move so quickly and target other powers again.

"So the Hundred Treasures Pavilion wants to align with the Qingxuan Sect to seek protection?"

Fang Han asked.

"Exactly."

Lan Yuexin nodded, her voice sincere.

"Although our Hundred Treasures Pavilion has some resources, the gap between us and the Tiejiang Gang, with its Grandmaster, is just too vast."

She paused before continuing.

"Rather than waiting in constant fear of being targeted, it’s better to proactively find a patron."

Fang Han glanced at Lan Yuexin, a sense of admiration for the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s Pavilion Master—whom he had never met—rising in his heart.

’To decide to seek an alliance the moment the Tiejiang Gang showed the first signs of expansion... that kind of vigilance and boldness is not something an ordinary person possesses.’

"Miss Yuexin."

Fang Han picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and set it down.

"I can convey this matter to the Sect Leader on your behalf, but I cannot guarantee he will agree."

"That you are willing to relay the message is more than enough. I am endlessly grateful."

Lan Yuexin gave a slight bow, a genuine smile spreading across her bright eyes.

Fang Han stood up and straightened his robes.

"Please wait here for a moment, Miss Yuexin. I will go to the Sect Leader’s Hall at once."

"Thank you for your trouble, sir."

Lan Yuexin also rose and bowed to Fang Han.

Fang Han nodded slightly and turned to walk out of the hall.

After leaving the courtyard, Fang Han followed the stone path toward the mountain’s peak.

The afternoon sun filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves of ancient trees, casting dappled light and shadows on the mountain path.

The faint sound of a bell, distant and prolonged, drifted from afar.

The majestic outline of the Sect Leader’s Hall soon appeared at the end of his path.

The disciples on duty in front of the hall saw Fang Han approaching and hurriedly bowed in greeting.

One of them quickly went inside to announce him. He returned a moment later, stepping aside and gesturing for him to enter.

"Senior Brother Fang, the Sect Leader invites you in."

Fang Han nodded slightly and stepped into the hall.

The hall was brightly lit, and the scent of sandalwood smoke curled in the air. Chen Tianyuan sat upright on the large chair at the head of the hall.

"Disciple Fang Han pays his respects to the Sect Leader."

Fang Han took a few steps forward and bowed.

"No need for formalities. Sit."

Chen Tianyuan gestured for Fang Han to take a seat, his gaze resting on him for a moment with a hint of inquiry.

"Why have you come today?"

Fang Han sat down in the chair and met Chen Tianyuan’s gaze.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, this disciple has come today regarding the matter of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion."

"The Hundred Treasures Pavilion?"

Chen Tianyuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

"The Hundred Treasures Pavilion wishes to align with our Qingxuan Sect. They entrusted me to come and relay the message."

Fang Han got straight to the point and relayed what Lan Yuexin had just told him.

Chen Tianyuan listened quietly, picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and set it down.

No emotion could be seen in his gentle eyes, but a thoughtful expression appeared on his scholarly face.

"You don’t seem surprised by this, Sect Leader?"

Seeing Chen Tianyuan’s calm expression, Fang Han couldn’t help but ask.

"After the Tiejiang Gang absorbed the Iron Fist Sect, I had my own speculations about how the other major powers would react."

Chen Tianyuan leaned back in his chair, his voice calm.

"Although the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is a merchant guild, it can also be considered a major power. It’s perfectly normal for them to have such concerns."

He paused, his gaze falling on Fang Han’s face.

"What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Fang Han was silent for a moment.

"I am acquainted with Lan Yuexin of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, so I’m afraid my opinion may lack impartiality."

"It doesn’t matter."

Chen Tianyuan waved his hand dismissively.

"I have already considered this matter. Just tell me your thoughts."

Fang Han pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.

"Although the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is a merchant guild, it’s no weaker than an ordinary major power."

He paused, then continued.

"More importantly, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is built on commerce. Its business extends both inside and outside the county. In terms of money-making ability, you could count on one hand the number of powers in all of Qingyang County that can compare."

"If the Hundred Treasures Pavilion aligns with our Qingxuan Sect, it would undoubtedly be a great boon to the Sect."

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly but did not speak.

Fang Han continued.

"Conversely, if the Sect refuses their allegiance, given the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s current situation, they will inevitably turn to another power."

He paused, his voice growing more solemn.

"And given the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s resources and financial strength, I doubt the other six of the Seven Sects would refuse them."

Chen Tianyuan picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and set it down.

"What you have said is largely consistent with my own thoughts."

His voice was calm, yet it carried an unquestionable certainty.

"Regarding the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s allegiance, I agree."

Fang Han was slightly taken aback, not expecting the Sect Leader to agree so decisively.

Chen Tianyuan continued to speak.

"However, for the specific details, the Pavilion Master of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion must come to the Sect to negotiate in person."

He paused, his gaze falling on Fang Han.

"Go and relay my words to Lan Yuexin."

"Yes, this disciple understands."

Fang Han stood up, clasped his hands, and replied.

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly and said no more.

Fang Han bowed, then turned and exited the Sect Leader’s Hall.

Stepping out of the hall’s doors, the afternoon sun washed over him, dyeing the distant mountains a warm gold.

Fang Han walked down the mountain along the stone path, a weight finally lifting from his shoulders.

The Sect Leader had agreed to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s allegiance. This result was both expected and unexpected.

It was expected because the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s resources and financial strength were indeed worth winning over.

It was unexpected because he hadn’t thought the Sect Leader would agree so readily, without the slightest hesitation.

When he returned to Courtyard 35, Lan Yuexin was sitting in the side hall, drinking tea.

Hearing his footsteps, she looked up, her bright eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"Mr. Fang Han, what did the Sect Leader say?"

Fang Han sat down in his chair, took a light sip from his teacup, and then spoke slowly.

"The Sect Leader has agreed."

Lan Yuexin’s hand, holding her teacup, paused, and her bright eyes suddenly lit up.

"The Sect Leader also said that for the specific details, the Pavilion Master of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion must come to the Sect to negotiate in person."

Fang Han added.

"That is only natural."

Lan Yuexin set down her teacup, stood up, and gave Fang Han a solemn bow.

"Mr. Fang Han, I will never forget this great kindness."

"There’s no need for that, Miss Yuexin."

Fang Han stood and made a gesture to help her up.

"I was only relaying a message. The one who truly made the decision was the Sect Leader."

Lan Yuexin straightened up and shook her head.

"If you had not been willing to relay the message, Mr. Fang Han, the Sect Leader might not have agreed so readily."

She paused before continuing.

"I will remember this favor."

Fang Han did not refuse again, merely nodding slightly.

"What are your plans now, Miss Yuexin?"

"I must return at once and send word to my father."

Lan Yuexin said.

"Sir, I will take my leave now."

"I’ll see you out."

Fang Han walked Lan Yuexin to the courtyard gate.

Lan Yuexin turned, her bright eyes lingering on Fang Han’s face for a moment as a smile touched her lips.

"Take care, sir."

"You too, Miss Yuexin."

Fang Han said, clasping his hands.

Lan Yuexin nodded slightly and turned to walk out of the courtyard.

The hem of her aqua-blue dress fluttered gently in the afternoon wind. Her hairpins trembled, making a soft, clinking sound.

Her slender figure grew more distant, soon disappearing around a bend in the mountain path outside the moon gate.

Fang Han stood before the gate with his hands behind his back, gazing in her direction for a silent moment.

The Hundred Treasures Pavilion aligning with the Qingxuan Sect was a good thing for the Sect, and a good thing for him as well.

With the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s financial power and channels, it would undoubtedly be much more convenient for him to purchase any Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures he might need in the future.

He turned, crossed the courtyard, and walked toward the Cultivation Field in the back.

Behind him, the bamboo forest rustled in the autumn wind. A few yellowing bamboo leaves spiraled down, blanketing the ground in a thin layer.