Chapter 1130: Market Site Designation (II)
A moment later, a man with his hair bound and a sword strapped to his back entered the hall and bowed respectfully. "This junior, Wang Quwan of the Floating South Wang Family, greets my lord."
The cultivators from the Jiangbei branch, having recently joined the Li Family, had naturally banded together for protection. The Floating South faction had the largest numbers; most of them trained under Qu Buzhi, and they proudly regarded themselves as disciples of the Floating South lineage.
Another faction consisted of cultivators from the Hidden East. They consisted mainly of surrendered generals and the old families pressed into service within Milin. They were led by Miaoshui. Their numbers were few, and their cultivation modest. Since Miaoshui was on friendly terms with Qu Buzhi, these cultivators also gathered under the Jiangbei banner to associate with the Floating South cultivators, though they were still considered somewhat inferior.
Wang Quwan's Wang Family hailed originally from Jiangbei but, strictly speaking, belonged to the Hidden East lineage. Fortunately, they had relocated to Floating South years ago. Ever astute, Wang Quwan had left Zhijing Mountain a few months earlier and immediately began introducing himself as a member of the Floating South Wang Family. He first paid respects to Qu Buzhi and then came to meet Ding Weizeng on his second visit.
Though loyal and upright, Ding Weizeng had never shown much interest in factional matters. Yet, given his current position, he had naturally become the de facto leader recognized by both Jiangbei factions. Thus, Wang Quwan's visit came as no surprise to him.
Wang Quwan came with tact and purpose, and Ding Weizeng had long wanted to see him.
The reason was simple. Ding Weizeng's absolute loyalty lay with Li Ximing, and Wang Quwan had already earned Li Ximing's favor. Rumor even had it that he might be promised an Essence Gathering Pill.
Naturally, Ding Weizeng had a high regard for him, and he asked, "Quwan, there's no need for formality. Have your supplies and cultivation quarters been arranged?"
Wang Quwan hurried to reply. After listening, Ding Weizeng realized that the arrangements were of the highest standard within the family. He nodded silently, further convinced of the young man's favored status, and asked, "Did Senior Qu explain the family's affairs to you clearly? Are you familiar with everything?"
The decline of the old Lijing branch was now unmistakable. The once-prosperous Huayu faction had collapsed overnight following An Siwei's capture. Meanwhile, the Milin and Nanzhang factions were growing in power, leaving the foreign Jiangbei group in an awkward position; one misstep could easily offend the wrong people.