Chapter 83: Common Prosperity

Qinghe County was undergoing invisible changes. The turmoil stirred up by the Taiping Sect had left a profound impact on this place.

In a secluded courtyard, many merchants had gathered. To call them merchants was an understatement—they were all prominent families, local magnates whose influence extended far beyond business, for they owned vast tracts of land and had woven their enterprises into every aspect of life in Qinghe County.

“President Cao, what exactly are the rules of the Taiping Sect...?”

Growing impatient, a rotund merchant turned his gaze to Cao Jinfu, who sat at the head of the room. At this, the others also looked over.

The Cao family was one of the leading houses in Qinghe County, but, to speak plainly, had it not been for their connection with the Taiping Sect, they would hardly have deserved such a prominent seat. Many present already harbored some resentment toward Cao Jinfu, and now that feeling had only grown.

Before Cao Jinfu could respond, a broad-shouldered, imposing figure strode in from outside. This was none other than Cao Banshan. Elated by recent good fortune, he exuded confidence and vigor.

“Apologies for my lateness, everyone,” he said with a smile. “On the way here, I ran into a petty thief—someone calling himself Meteor Hammer Chen Hu, who actually dared to attack a merchant caravan. I couldn’t let that pass, so I was delayed.”

With that, he casually tossed a half-conscious burly man aside. His eyes glinted with a cold light, his hands curved like tiger claws, and even his gait carried an aura of menace. Since the Taiping Sect had formally established itself, Cao Banshan had seized the opportunity to apply for a demon hide.

Though he would owe a debt for it later, he considered it well worth the price—better to enjoy the power early. Moreover, the quality of this demon hide was exceptional, taken from a man-eating tiger. If he could fully master this strength, even skilled martial artists would be no match for him.

As the others looked upon Cao Banshan, noting the apricot-yellow Taoist robe and the faint signs of transformation on his body, a shiver of awe crept into their hearts. The Skin-Grafting Technique, the power of demons, the high attainments of the Taiping Sect—these were things not easily ignored. Seated at the head, Cao Jinfu burst out laughing.

“Haha! My prodigious son has returned!”

He strode forward to greet Cao Banshan. Seeing his father so openly proud, Cao Banshan couldn’t help but tug at the corner of his mouth in a wry smile. The rest of the gathering quickly rose to welcome him as well.

They had long known the Cao family had forged ties with the Taiping Sect and had a son cultivating within it, but now, seeing for themselves, they realized how highly he was regarded—even more than they’d imagined.

Meteor Hammer Chen Hu was no unknown bandit, but a notorious strongman who had recently drifted into Qinghe County, his hammer skills fierce and formidable among second-tier fighters.

Yet Cao Banshan had subdued him with ease, a clear testament to his strength. The hint of demonic transformation upon him was proof of the Skin-Grafting Technique—evidence that he was trusted within the Taiping Sect, for such divine arts were not casually bestowed.

With Cao Banshan, a true disciple of the Taiping Sect, present, the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably.

“Gentlemen, the world grows ever more chaotic. Not only is life hard for the common folk, but business itself is becoming ever more difficult,”

Cao Banshan began, after exchanging a few pleasantries.

Hearing this, the others knew the real conversation was about to begin. They pricked up their ears, ready to voice their complaints.

“Yes, Elder Cao, you have no idea...”

“Business is so hard these days...”

Picking up where Cao Banshan left off, the merchants began to lament their troubles with convincing gravity.

Previously, Qinghe County had no cultivators known to the public, but now, with the sudden rise of the Taiping Sect, the winds were bound to shift. Everyone present was mentally prepared for change, though none knew just how far the Taiping Sect would go, or whether they would be too ruthless.

Watching them, Cao Banshan calmly sipped his tea. Having grown up in such circles, he was well-versed in the nuances of these gatherings.

Once the complaints had run their course, Cao Banshan set down his cup and cleared his throat. The hall fell instantly silent.

“Gentlemen, you all know what times we live in. To combine strength and wealth is the wisest course. The Taiping Sect, moved by the hardships of the people and the decline of commerce, intends to form a guild, to pool resources so that we may prosper and grow strong together.”

His gaze swept the room, carrying an unspoken authority.

The assembled merchants were puzzled. They had thought the Taiping Sect merely wanted to extract money, and had resigned themselves to being fleeced. But now, things sounded different.

“May I ask, Elder Cao, what are the rules of this guild?”

An elderly man with white hair and beard rose to make his inquiry.

Cao Banshan gave no lengthy explanation. He simply clapped his hands, and servants entered, bearing slim volumes for everyone present.

“These are the regulations the Taiping Sect has drafted for the guild, with detailed annotations. Please, take a look.”

His deep voice resonated as he gestured for them to read.

Each man accepted a booklet and began to peruse it. They quickly understood—the so-called guild was a union, combining their forces to gain mastery over a given industry.

All present were seasoned in the ways of commerce, so as soon as they read through the booklet, the subtleties became clear. Some showed surprise, others frowned, and still others appeared uneasy.

Observing these shifts in expression, Cao Banshan glanced at his father. Cao Jinfu immediately understood.

“Gentlemen, the purpose of the guild is to standardize the industry, protect members’ interests, control quality and pricing, and monopolize the local market. Tell me, what business is more profitable than a monopoly?”

“As soon as the guild is established, we Qinghe merchants will be united, no longer scattered like sand. Within, we can shield the common folk, preventing grain prices from soaring and ensuring the people can afford to eat. Without, we can band together for warmth and expand our commercial reach.”

“In these times, even a merchant must carry a blade. With the protection of the Taiping Sect, we need no longer fear threats of violence. I am fully in support of forming the guild,”

Cao Jinfu declared, his words ringing out.

Hearing this, many were swayed, yet hesitated all the same. Pooling resources sounded simple, but one misstep could spell ruin for a family. And once the guild was established, the Taiping Sect would surely hold the reins of power.

Seeing their hesitation, Cao Banshan stepped forward.

“I understand your concerns. Before I left, the Sect Leader reminded me that professional matters should be handled by professionals. The Taiping Sect seeks only a peaceful, prosperous Qinghe County, for only when the county thrives can the Sect itself flourish. Our interests are not opposed—they are intertwined.”

“Moreover, anyone willing to join the guild may become a household disciple of the Taiping Sect and may recommend family members for cultivation within the Sect. From then on, we shall be as close as family.”

With upright conviction, Cao Banshan stated his position.

At these words, many were moved. Another elder rose to speak.

“I too support the guild’s formation. In all my years trading beyond these borders, I’ve suffered enough humiliation. I cannot bear to live like that any longer.”

His voice trembled with emotion, his eyes growing red as he recalled the past.

This sentiment struck a chord with many present. After all, Qinghe County was but a minor county, lacking in powerful forces. In dealings beyond its borders, it was often at a disadvantage.

“I agree as well,”

another declared, firm and resolute, and more voices rose in support.

Seeing this, Cao Banshan and the elder exchanged a smile of quiet satisfaction.

And so, the formation of the guild was set in motion.