Wayfarer

Chapter 641: The Heaven Division Leader, Xiao Nanfeng

Days later, in his imperial study at Yongding, Xiao Nanfeng asked Zheng Qian, "Mr. Zheng, how are the Immortal cities doing?"

"The forty Immortal cities' governance is now separate from their standing armies. The predominant clans in those cities might be somewhat discomfited, but it hasn't been a problem thus far. They're responsible for maintaining standing armies and defending the cities, while we deal with administration and popular rights. When we replace the various Immortal cities' laws with Dazheng's own, there are sure to be conflicts of interest with prominent clans in those cities, and it'll take some time to smooth everything out," Zheng Qian replied.

"We'll go slowly, then. It's good to have some conflicts. That way, the forces around us will drop their guard," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"Our laws are focused on the people first and foremost. I'm sure they'll see whose rule benefits them more." Zheng Qian smiled.

"As you will, Mr. Zheng. Work to provide practical gains for the common people. If any choose to stand in stubborn resistance, the spectral guards will deal with them."

"Understood!" Zheng Qian replied.

"Mr. Wen, is there anything you'd like to add?" Xiao Nanfeng turned toward Wen Zhong.

Wen Zhong smiled. "I am only skilled as a strategist in warfare, Your Majesty, not in administration. I'm sure Mr. Zheng can do a far better job than I can."

"You humble yourself, Mr. Wen. There are sure to be plenty of conflicts that arise within each Immortal city as a result of the division between military and administrative strength. I ask for your support in resolving them." Zheng Qian smiled.

Wen Zhong shook his head. "Mr. Zheng, your policies are clearly developed with the people in mind. They're sure to gain popular support before long. As for the standing armies, if they are truly attuned to Dazheng's policies, they shall quickly be molded into offshoots of Dazheng's forces; otherwise, you'll easily be able to get rid of them. What's more, as His Majesty states, minor conflicts won't hurt us."

"You overpraise me, Mr. Wen," Zheng Qian said.

Xiao Nanfeng continued, "Now that we've taken down Dayin, it's time to reward all involved. Mr. Zheng, please prepare the relevant documents for the next session of court."

"Understood!" Zheng Qian responded.

"Mr. Wen, you played the most instrumental role in taking down Dayin, and I intend to name you the fourth Marquis of Dazheng. You shall be granted a share of Dazheng's fortune on a regular basis."

Wen Zhong turned to Xiao Nanfeng and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

By that point, Wen Zhong had more or less chosen to ignore the fact that his pact with Xiao Nanfeng was only for a single decade. Dazheng was brimming with vitality and would only keep growing stronger and stronger. In addition, it was clear that Xiao Nanfeng respected him and held him in high esteem.

Who would object to being an advisor for such an empire? He had thought himself too skilled for such a station, but Xiao Nanfeng's Stratagems Against Yin made it clear that Xiao Nanfeng's abilities surpassed his own. Rather, Xiao Nanfeng was simply too busy to deal with the minutiae of such stratagems. He had been proud of taking down the empire of Dafeng, but Xiao Nanfeng's scheme against Dayin was clearly superior in comparison. At this point, he was fully loyal and committed to Dazheng.

"Mr. Zheng, please focus on securing the loyalty of the people of the forty Immortal cities. Mr. Wen, please be on guard against those external forces eyeing those cities. I will help both of you as far as I am able," Xiao Nanfeng concluded.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the two officials replied.

After handling what urgent matters remained in Dazheng, Xiao Nanfeng left the city.

The sect master had returned to Taiqing Island, and a meeting was about to commence.

Taiqing Island had recently been sunk to ensure that it wouldn't be attacked by Yin Shenhua's subordinates during the war between Dazheng and Dayin. After the war had ended, Blue Lantern had raised the island once more and moved it to a new location.

When Xiao Nanfeng arrived on Taiqing Island, he found that the density of spiritual aether in the air had increased considerably compared to that in its original location.

Taiqing Island looked as good as new, and plenty of new disciples had been recruited as well. When they saw Xiao Nanfeng fly toward the island, they all bowed in excitement. "We greet Division Leader Xiao!"

Xiao Nanfeng nodded in acknowledgment, then headed for Taiqing Hall.

A group of cultivators had already gathered them.

In the lead was naturally the sect master of the Taiqing Immortal Sect, Lu Yan.

Beside him stood the Ascended division leader Zhao Yuanjiao, the Mortal division leader Ye Dafu, and some important disciples of the Earth and Heaven division.

"Sect Master, I had urgent business to deal with in my empire. I apologize for being late," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Lu Yan gave Xiao Nanfeng a contemplative look. "You aren't late. Everyone else simply arrived early."

"I'm sure you must be aware of Senior Uncle's demise by now, Sect Master."

"The elders of the Heaven division just told me everything. Zhang Feifan's death is truly a pity," Lu Yan replied, sighing.

Chang Bing stepped forward and handed a storage bangle to Xiao Nanfeng.

Xiao Nanfeng proffered it to Lu Yan. "This is Senior Uncle's storage bangle. His daughter, Zhang Lingjun, has already recovered all his private and personal belongings. What remains are the charms and related paraphernalia for his position. Please have a look, Sect Master."

Lu Yan didn't claim the bangle. Instead, he asked, "I've read through Zhang Feifan's will and am aware of his request. What are your thoughts, Division Leader Xiao?"

To be frank, he didn't much want to adopt Zhang Feifan's suggestion and make Xiao Nanfeng the new Heaven division leader.

The four divisions of the Taiqing sect were each intended to have a distinct division leader in a system of mutual checks and balances, with him, the sect master, presiding over them all.

Now, however, Zhao Yuanjiao and Xiao Nanfeng were clearly close allies, and Xiao Nanfeng had already been the Mortal and Earth division leaders. If he were to become the Heaven division leader too, all four divisions of the Taiqing sect would be on his side. If he were to have a falling out with Xiao Nanfeng, whom would the sect side with?

Xiao Nanfeng took a deep breath. "The Earth division focuses on forgecraft, and has since developed to the point that Chang Bing can independently lead it without any input from me. My presence is unnecessary. I hadn't intended to work with the Heaven division, but I can hardly refuse Senior Uncle's request as is. I'm willing to give it a try," Xiao Nanfeng said.

By the side, several Heaven disciples jumped in. "We are willing to acknowledge Division Leader Xiao as the Heaven division leader. We have surveyed the Heaven division at large after publicizing Division Leader Zhang's will, and they are all in agreement."

Lu Yan nodded. Xiao Nanfeng was willing, as were the Heaven disciples. What of the other division leaders?

"I have no objections," Zhao Yuanjiao said.

"I have no objections either," Ye Dafu added.

Lu Yan could hardly object now. Xiao Nanfeng's popularity was pervasive, and he could find no good rationale against his taking on the position.

Lu Yan glanced at Xiao Nanfeng. "Very well. Since you are willing to take on this position, I shall leave the Heaven division in your care. Xiao Nanfeng, you have advanced the Taiqing Immortal Sect greatly, and the sect at large is grateful to you. Even so, remember that you remain a member of the sect, and keep your master's last wishes close to heart. Do not betray the sect."

Xiao Nanfeng gave Lu Yan an odd look. His master, Ku Jiang, was hale and hearty—but this wasn't a secret he could and would divulge.

"Understood," Xiao Nanfeng replied.

"Henceforth, Xiao Nanfeng shall be the Heaven division leader, and Chang Bing the Earth division leader. Are there any objections?" Lu Yan asked.

"None, Sect Master!" the cultivators chorused.

"In that case, let us make preparations for the ceremony."

"Understood!" everyone replied.

What followed would be the same structured routine they had all undergone. There was a public announcement that Xiao Nanfeng would become the next Heaven division leader. No Heaven disciple objected; on the other hand, the Earth disciples were all upset to varying degrees. Even so, Chang Bing was a known and able replacement, and they had no choice but to accept it.

Once the ceremony was over, Lu Yan prepared to leave once more.

Xiao Nanfeng stepped forward. "Sect Master, might I ask where you've been all these years?"

The Taiqing Immortal Sect had suffered multiple life-and-death crises over the past few years, and Lu Yan had been nowhere to be seen until matters had concluded. What could be so pressing as to be worth the sect's future?

"I have urgent sect matters to handle."

"Are you handling traitors, Sect Master?"

Lu Yan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Indeed. Two centuries ago, the Taiqing Immortal Sect had the opportunity to advance into a holy land before a traitor almost doomed us all. It's a pity that that traitor is so strong that I haven't been able to do much of note at all."

"Just so, Sect Master. Would you be willing to reveal some details about the traitor to us so that we might help come up with plans?" Xiao Nanfeng requested.

"Don't worry about it for the moment. Focus on restoring the sect to its former glory. I will, of course, request your help as and when it is necessary."

Xiao Nanfeng nodded.

"Farewell, everyone," Lu Yan called out.

"Farewell, Sect Master!" The four division leaders bowed.

Lu Yan flew off toward the horizon and vanished from sight.

After Lu Yan left, Zhao Yuanjiao asked Xiao Nanfeng for a private meeting.

"Nanfeng, are you upset with the sect master?" Zhao Yuanjiao asked curiously.

"Do you think what he's saying is the truth?" Xiao Nanfeng countered.

Zhao Yuanjiao thought about the situation for a moment. "Master's trying to deal with that traitor now. He told us that he didn't know what the sect master was doing, and neither had he seen the sect master. There are only two possibilities: the sect master really is dealing with the traitor with a near-impenetrable disguise, or he's lying."

Xiao Nanfeng nodded. "I can't quite get a sense of the sect master's motives. He doesn't seem to care much about the sect. He never checked up on us during the multiple crises we faced, but is more than willing to return when requested. It's strange, isn't it?"

"What are you thinking about?" Zhao Yuanjiao asked.

"Dazheng will be in a period of peace for the moment. Since we're both relatively free now, why don't we think of a way to help Master?"

"You want to take revenge on that traitor?"

"Not revenge, not quite yet. We know that traitor is an Immortal Emperor and won't be easy to deal with. I simply want to make preparations in advance and help relieve Master's load. I was hoping the sect master would provide us with some information, but he doesn't seem to want to tell us anything. It's a pity."

"I'll contact Master and ask about the situation."

Xiao Nanfeng nodded. "Very well."