Heavy Xuan Sheng, bound by military discretion, offered no further words, for affairs of war brook no jest. Yet, the information he had shared, to those with discerning ears, spoke volumes. The state of Qi was poised for significant martial action, though the target of their blade remained a mystery. It seemed the assassination of the Qu Country border general had indeed struck a nerve. As the paramount power of the Eastern Domain, any move by Qi was watched by all under heaven.

Heavy Xuan Sheng also spoke of the Ju Bao Chamber of Commerce, an organization held in equal standing with the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, a veritable titan among mercantile houses across the vast world. Though its name lacked pretense, the Ju Bao Chamber’s conduct was direct and uncluttered. Their guiding principle was “conducting business as business,” eschewing sentimentality for strict adherence to rules. A hand of coin for a hand of goods – a simple transaction. This very lack of refinement, their “copper stench,” earned them the disdain of many of the upper strata. The renowned scholar Xu Fang, in a fit of drunken anger before a gathering of nobles, once famously railed, “I observe those who reek of base objects, none compare to the Ju Bao Chamber of Commerce!” And whenever he encountered members of the chamber, he would pointedly cover his nose, as if overwhelmed by their “stench.” Thus, for a considerable time, the term “copper stench” was inextricably linked to the Ju Bao Chamber of Commerce.

In response, the president of the Ju Bao Chamber merely offered a single, enigmatic statement: “The world bustles and hustles, for coin they come, for coin they go!” He offered no further explanation.

In the arena of public discourse, the Ju Bao Chamber naturally paled in comparison to the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, with its noble pedigree. (The Four Seas Merchant Alliance boasted nine honorary stewards, all imperial relatives and nobles bearing titles). Yet, those who truly wielded power understood that in terms of true might, the Ju Bao Chamber had, in fact, subtly surpassed the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, leaving them far behind.

For Jiang Wang, these matters were momentarily set aside. With the plague now brought under initial control, his most urgent desire was to unearth the true mastermind behind this calamity – the White Bone Dao! While Pig Bone Face, the immediate agent of the plague’s spread, was dead, Jiang Wang had every reason to believe the White Bone Dao had further schemes afoot. Otherwise, what was the purpose of unleashing such a pestilence? Was it merely for the sake of slaughter? Or did this nefarious cult truly harbor intentions of world annihilation? Yet, relying solely on this plague, such a goal was clearly unattainable.

In truth, had Jia City, upon learning of the plague, immediately implemented martial law across its domain and delegated some authority to the Yang Court, the contagion would never have reached its current scale. Moreover, Jiang Wang considered himself to possess a degree of understanding concerning the White Bone Dao, and he knew the sect’s terrifying nature intimately. Their scale was immense, and their methods were crueler than almost any other. The annihilation of Xiao Lin Town in the past, and Wei Qu Ji’s trap set during the Three Cities Discussion of Dao to ambush and slay White Bone Dao followers, had initially led him to believe the matter was concluded. But then came the complete extermination of the entire Feng Lin City domain. One could never underestimate the White Bone Dao! This was a mantra Jiang Wang constantly repeated to himself. Towards his enemies, Jiang Wang was willing to exhibit the utmost vigilance and caution, according them the highest level of importance. Only then could he hope to enact the most thorough vengeance. Killing Pig Bone Face was merely the first step, an insignificant beginning. The White Bone Dao, from top to bottom, held many lives ripe for the taking, many souls awaiting the embrace of Chang Xiang Si, his sword.

Thus, the most pressing question before Jiang Wang now was: If the White Bone Dao had ravaged the Feng Lin City domain to refine the White Bone True Pill, then for what purpose had they unleashed the plague upon Yang Country? Uncovering this root cause might yet thwart the White Bone Dao’s conspiracy. Perhaps, at this moment, he still lacked the strength to confront the White Bone Dao directly. But here was the distant Eastern Domain, here was Yang Country. The White Bone Dao’s roots here were surely not deep. And they had just incited this plague, making them natural enemies of the Yang Court. With proper leverage, it was not impossible to sever the White Bone Dao’s claws in this land.

Such deeply held secrets of the White Bone Dao were exceedingly difficult to obtain. Therefore, he would pursue a secondary objective: after Pig Bone Face, who would the White Bone Dao dispatch to Yang Country to continue their machinations? Judging by the information revealed during his battle with Pig Bone Face, at least four of the Twelve Bone Faces had already perished at Zhu Wei Wo’s hands. Adding the casualties from the Feng Lin City battle, which were surely not insignificant, and the newly deceased Pig Bone Face, the number of surviving Twelve Bone Faces was likely not large. Would their next envoy be one of the remaining Twelve Bone Faces? Or perhaps…

Jiang Wang tightened his grip on his sword. No matter who it was!

After arranging all matters in Qing Yang Town, he journeyed alone, sword in hand, directly past Jia City to the county magistrate’s manor in Ri Zhao County. Upon explaining his identity and purpose, he was met with a surprisingly warm reception. The gatekeepers and servants were all exceedingly polite. Upon entering the guest hall, the Ri Zhao County magistrate even rose to welcome him – a level of deference reserved for individuals of high standing.

However, at their very first interaction, Jiang Wang felt a wave of profound disappointment. For the first words out of the mouth of the white-haired old county magistrate of Ri Zhao County, after exchanging pleasantries, were: “May I inquire how much aid the Heavy Xuan family intends to provide this county?”

It turned out this enthusiastic welcome was borne from mistaking him for a representative of the Heavy Xuan family, under the assumption that the Heavy Xuan family intended to make a substantial donation to Ri Zhao County – a matter not without precedent. As the suzerain state, Qi Country had already performed a special sacrificial rite through its ritual officials to pray for blessings upon Yang Country. Simultaneously, the Qi Court had also dispatched a specialized team of medical cultivators to Yang Country. Spontaneous donations from various parts of Qi Country to Yang Country were also continuous. Indeed, the Four Seas Merchant Alliance had purchased a large quantity of supplies, many of which, upon learning they would be used for disaster relief in Yang Country, were offered at half price, half as donation, or even given away entirely. This generosity stemmed from the long-standing good relations between the two countries, benefiting from Yang Country’s “loyal and devoted” stance. The phrase, “Should Qi embark on conquest, Yang Country shall not fail to follow. Should Qi face adversity, Yang Country shall not fail to assist,” which appeared in diplomatic missives, was deeply ingrained in the minds of many. Many people in Qi considered the people of Yang Country as their own.

By all rights, it was understandable for the Ri Zhao County magistrate to be concerned about receiving aid for his county’s populace. But the problem was, even if the Heavy Xuan family were to donate supplies to Ri Zhao County, they would not channel it through the county magistrate. Delivering it directly to the Four Seas Merchant Alliance was undoubtedly a choice that inspired more confidence among the people of Qi. (Of course, having witnessed the events in Qing Yang Town, Jiang Wang now knew that the Four Seas Merchant Alliance was not entirely trustworthy either).

In the depths of the Ri Zhao County magistrate’s aged and clouded eyes, Jiang Wang saw only bottomless greed! He forcefully suppressed his displeasure and said, “In truth, this humble one’s visit is for another purpose.”

“Oh?” The Ri Zhao County magistrate immediately settled back in his chair, his eyes growing even more clouded, the wrinkles on his face deepening. He said indifferently, “And what matter of importance is this? Could it possibly outweigh disaster relief?”

“This one, Jiang Wang, has come to avert the danger of Ri Zhao County’s annihilation!” Jiang Wang spoke words that would surely shock. “Does that not count as a matter of importance?”

The Ri Zhao County magistrate smiled meaningfully, likely having encountered many such alarmist individuals. “What manner of annihilation danger is this?”

“Does Your Excellency, the County Magistrate, know the source of this plague outbreak?”

“It is nothing more than the deceit of superiors and subordinates by the two city lords of Jia City and Yue City. This county has already issued documents of admonition. The City Lord of Jia City has already been slain by righteous individuals.” Speaking thus far, the Ri Zhao County magistrate glanced at Jiang Wang, then continued, “As for the fate of the City Lord of Yue City, further observation of his words and investigation of his actions are required.”

Jiang Wang simply couldn’t believe it. The City Lord of Yue City was still in office! He had only received a document of admonition from the county! How was this different from being punished with three cups of wine? Had his killing of Xi Mu Nan and exposure of the plague situation in Jia City not been the greatest meddling, the most egregious overstepping? At the very least, the cold detachment evident in the Ri Zhao County magistrate’s words now was unmistakable. His primary meaning was clearly, “Since you haven’t come to discuss donations, be gone early, and don’t hinder this old man’s affairs.”

But at this moment, Jiang Wang could only feign ignorance. “County Magistrate Adult!” he said. “This plague outbreak was caused by the White Bone Dao. It is truly not a natural disaster, but a calamity born of human hands. While the City Lords of Jia City and Yue City are internal threats, the White Bone Dao is the root cause! Regarding this matter, does Your Excellency, the County Magistrate, know or not?”

Upon hearing this, the Ri Zhao County magistrate had already completely lost interest. He immediately picked up his teacup, hinting at his desire for Jiang Wang to depart. “Matters within the county have their own established procedures. This matter, however, is not within the purview of this county’s responsibility.”