What do you mean by that?

Shen Zhao's inexplicable behavior made Huang Qi wary.

"Patriarch Huang, please don't get agitated. I didn't mean anything by it; I was simply expressing my gratitude for the Huang family's contributions."

Shen Zhao's nonchalant reply only made Huang Qi feel that this guy was probably going to cause trouble.

As expected, Shen Zhao began, "Everyone is right, talent is certainly important..."

However, a qualified heir to a clan, besides talent, must also be judged by the extent of their contributions to the clan.

To be honest, Su Yunying's contributions to Qifeng Mountain are currently far less than those of everyone present.

Huang Qi immediately chimed in: "Since you think so too, then why did you propose that Su Yunying be elected as the young master of Qifeng Mountain?"

Shen Zhao picked up his teacup, gently slid the lid across the bowl, blew on the rising steam, and said slowly and deliberately, "If I said I could open another trade route for you..."

"If this increases your profits by at least three times, would you be willing to support Su Yunying in being elected the young master of Qifeng Mountain?"

Upon hearing this, everyone began to whisper among themselves.

After a long while, the head of the Wang family asked in a low voice, "Young friend, could you please explain yourself more clearly?"

Shen Zhao put down his teacup: "I won't keep you in suspense any longer. I am Shen Zhao, the law enforcement elder of the eighth district of the Public Tribunal. I am quite well-known in the Nine Realms. You can go and inquire about me."

The head of the Wang family gasped in surprise, exclaiming, "So you are the young master Shen who quelled the conflict between the Northern Region and Longhan?"

"uh-huh……"

Shen Zhao did not deny it.

In an instant, the tea room erupted into chaos.

No one could believe that Shen Zhao, who was recently heavily promoted as the new most popular figure in Hundred Flowers Valley, was the same spirited young man standing before them.

Huang Qi was startled and hurriedly said, "Whether what you said is true or not, even if it is true, are you planning to use this identity to pressure us and forcibly support Su Yunying as the young master?"

Shen Zhao: "Patriarch Huang, you are overthinking it. You are all related to Su Yunying, so how could I possibly do something to damage her reputation?"

"So what do you mean?"

"My point is simple: whether it's the Northern Region or Longhan, both empresses owe me a favor."

With just a word from me, your business can smoothly expand to the Central or Northern regions.

You must understand that the resources there are far superior to those of a poor, remote place like the Southern Region. You are all intelligent people.

You should know what this means.

Humans are inherently greedy; no one ever thinks they have too little money, especially someone who works tirelessly for the benefit of their family.

Shen Zhao's words immediately captivated everyone.

Many people have already begun to dream of expanding their businesses to the Northern or Central Regions, acquiring a large amount of cultivator resources, and then reselling them to those in the Xuanmen sects to reap huge profits.

But this is just a hypothetical scenario. Without throwing out enough bait, these shrewd people won't take the bait easily.

So, before they could ask any questions, Shen Zhao said directly, "I dare not speak of others, but let's take the Northern Region as an example. You should all know what happened recently."

The Empress of the Northern Region regained imperial power, quelled various rebellions in the Northern Region, and countless sects and families perished in this chaos. Even a small portion of their assets could not escape detection.

That's enough to make everyone here incredibly wealthy. For example, after the Heavenly Sword Sect was destroyed, there were tens of thousands of acres of medicinal herb fields and more than a dozen spirit mines.

They're all neglected. If you're interested, I can speak with the Empress of the Northern Region and offer you a discounted price to acquire these properties.

So, aren't you tempted?

At this point, Shen Zhao picked up his teacup and took another sip.

The Wang family head was the first to speak: "If we can truly expand our Wang family business to the Northern Region, then our Wang family will surely rise to prominence. I would also appreciate it if Fellow Daoist Shen could put in a good word with the Empress of the Northern Region."

"Take the Wang family of the Fire Phoenix clan, for example. They are willing to abide by the Northern Region's Immortal Laws. Please give my Wang family a chance."

Shen Zhao nodded: "Of course, then regarding the selection of the young master of Qifeng Mountain..."

"Needless to say, Miss Su is undoubtedly the best candidate for the young master, both in terms of talent and bloodline purity. Our Wang family fully supports Miss Su's ascension to the position!"

After saying that, the head of the Wang family picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

This is a clear statement that she stands on Shen Zhao's side.

This made Huang Qi extremely unhappy.

Does the Wang family's attitude amount to challenging the Huang family's authority within the Fire Phoenix Clan?

This is something he absolutely cannot allow to be seen.

Once the Wang family establishes large-scale trade relations with areas outside the Southern Region, the Huang family's position will be in jeopardy within a few years.

"Patriarch Wang, have you thought this through? Don't let a few words from some people cause you to lose your composure."

"Thank you for the reminder, Patriarch Huang. I already know that, so please don't worry about it."

The head of the Wang family was completely unconcerned about Huang Qi's threat. He had long disliked the Huang family, but had never found an opportunity to surpass them.

Now that the opportunity is right in front of him, he decides to take the gamble. If he succeeds, he will be able to trample Huang Qi underfoot, and Huang Qi will have to be at his mercy.

Huang Qi trembled with rage, while Shen Zhao sneered inwardly.

That's exactly the effect I wanted.

"The Northern Region has many industries, so which area does Patriarch Wang intend to focus on? I'd like to write it down so I can discuss it with the Northern Region Empress."

"Let's go with that medicinal herb field. As the saying goes, greed knows no bounds. I'd rather stick to the honest business of selling medicinal herbs."

"Okay, I've got it. I'll make a trip to the Northern Region later."

"Then thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Shen. Once this is done, I will definitely send you a generous gift."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!