There is a dense forest on the mountainside, beside a gurgling stream.
Lin Mo and Ma Yuande stood side by side, looking down the mountain.
The lush mountain forest is like a green sea. The mountain wind blows, setting off waves, and finally connects with the blue lake reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.
Ma Yuande is a Confucian scholar, but he is also a martial artist, and his martial arts has reached the level of a master. Therefore, he has a tall and straight figure, with a tiger's back and a monkey's waist. He is one meter nine, nearly two meters tall.
He has a calm and elegant temperament, coupled with the vicissitudes of life on his face, he tells a story at first glance.
Perhaps this strange temperament is also related to the special skills he practices.
After all, as far as Lin Mo knew, the skills taught by his master were very special and completely different from ordinary inheritance.
Lin Mo looked back from a short distance away and sighed softly:
"I trust you from the sea. I thought something bad would happen to you, but I didn't expect everything to be fine. It seems that the four-pillar qi-gazing technique learned by your master Yuande can indeed predict good and bad luck."
Ma Yuande smiled bitterly upon hearing this.
"In Jiuzhou, Chi County, even if you are in the Taoist sect, you will not dare to predict good luck or bad luck. You can only rely on the power of the sky and calculate the power of people. If you are not careful, the hexagram will be exhausted and people will be injured.
Looking at the four pillars is not to calculate good or bad luck, but to measure the aura of heaven and earth.
If it weren't for the formation of the Seven Seas Alliance some time ago, the continuous big moves, and the subsequent confrontation with the South China Sea Alliance, people from Yizhou might have come long ago. Now that the situation is gradually stabilizing, maybe..."
"Yizhou." Lin Mo was silent, "Speaking of which, I have never been to areas other than Huaizhou. Among the nine states, I heard that Taihuaiyu and three states are barren. What is going on?"
Within the nine states of Chi County, each state has a large sect gate like the Lingtai Sect, which suppresses one party and enjoys all the supplies and nourishment under it.
However, due to geographical reasons, the state is poor and the sects are naturally strong and weak.
A strong one such as Fomai Landuo Temple in Yizhou directly suppresses the fate of a state. With the power of one temple, it can suppress the Ten Thousand Bone Forest in Yizhou, making it as solid as gold.
Even the branch of the temple, Xiaowanfo Temple, has spread far and wide, with strong people like clouds.
The weak ones, such as the Yuzhou Qingtian Temple and the Vajra Bandits, only have one or two big cats and kittens, and their status in the state is not stable. As for the boundary, they are even unable to guard it.
This is similar to the result of uneven distribution of martial arts resources in previous lives.
Now Qihai borders Yizhou, and Ma Yuande also has connections there, so he naturally wants to know about it in advance.
"Yizhou, Yizhou has a vast territory, with famous mountains and rivers, as well as fertile plains. It is close to the sea and has developed maritime transportation, so it is very rich. The result of this wealth is the prosperity of martial arts and the contention of a hundred schools of thought."
Ma Yuande sighed and said somewhat sadly.
He recalled all the wonderful experiences in the past, but as time passed, the more beautiful the memories, the more heart-wrenching they were.
“The most important reason for the prosperity of Yizhou’s martial arts is actually that within it, such as the Landa Temple, the inheritance of martial arts has never been interrupted.
Eight hundred years ago, when Taizu of Zhou Dynasty plowed the nine states, he also came here to transport them. At that time, he sent eighteen stick monks to defect to him. They were regarded as the forerunners of the king. After establishing the kingdom of Zuo, they enjoyed peace in the state and attracted many forces to settle down. Over time,
, martial arts will naturally become more prosperous."
"Is this a different kind of competition?" Lin Mo muttered to himself.
As the forces are mixed, everything naturally requires competition, and with the top forces suppressing and maintaining order, there will not be a situation where the big fish takes all the small fish. Over time, the whole body will naturally become stronger.
Of course, this is also the reason why Yang Chao appears.
Otherwise, if we continue to compete without sufficient resources, it will only be a vicious cycle.
"In Kyushu, except for Wangjing, where the strongest Zhou family lives, Yizhou should be ranked second."
Speaking of this, Ma Yuande was also somewhat proud in his words.
"Ranked second, he is indeed an outstanding person. It is no wonder that he can confront the Seven Seas Alliance in Jiao County." Lin Mo was slightly solemn.
To know the overall power of Qihai, we should really benchmark it against Kyushu.
Of course, in fact, the two cannot be equated, but at least they are equivalent to the superposition of several states.
Just the number of true kings is plural.
However, Yizhou was able to maintain a stalemate with the Seven Seas Alliance for a long time. Even with the support of Dazhou behind it, it is clear that it is fierce and powerful.
"That will force you to go far away from Qihai. Does that teacher seem to have some power?" Lin Mo asked.
"Teacher...Teacher does have a wide range of friends, and when he co-authored the Tianyan Huangying Theory with the Cabinet Office bachelor, the man known as Huang Longshi,
He sought to use the new law of heaven to establish his reputation and opened a new martial arts in Pingchi County. After gaining such a great reputation, his reputation spread to Kyushu... There are no ordinary people who come and go, and they are all true kings when they talk and laugh..." When Ma Yuande said this, his face showed vicissitudes of life. There was a miserable look on his face, very sad and desolate.
"The Theory of Tianyan Huang Ying? Is it the thing you perfected after you? Can this thing also make a statement, and even make meritorious deeds?" Lin Mo was a little surprised.
In his opinion, this kind of theoretical talk would be respected in a world without martial arts, but in Chi County, where martial arts is popular and strength is respected, it should not have such a high status.
After all, it is always power, not reason, that determines right and wrong.
To be precise, strength is the greatest truth.
"I did participate in its perfection, and if it proves successful, it will naturally make a name for itself in the world, make great contributions to the people, and enjoy immortality even after death."
Ma Yuande then began to explain the exact reason. It turns out that the so-called Tianyan Huangying theory, in addition to simply talking about things rushing and reforming, and existence is the truth, also truly explored the future of the new method.
And how to solve the side effects of the new method, etc.
In this way, if it succeeds, it will be equivalent to the founding of the sect's grandmaster, and I am afraid that it will indeed be remembered in history.
In fact, if we rely on this new method to defend the Thousand Feather Realm, our status will be infinitely improved...
"Since you have joined our Lingtai Sect, you don't have to worry about threats from Yizhou. Of course, if you really want me to help you settle your grudges, I'm afraid it will take a long time." Lin Mo turned around and looked at the people beside him. .
"Before that, are you willing to temporarily store your hatred in me and turn it into my power?" He said softly.
'No need to worry... help me settle my grudges?'
?
The moment Ma Yuande heard these words, he was stunned at first, and then quickly reacted. His Adam's apple couldn't help rolling, and he even staggered half a step.
He worked so hard for Lin Mo that he didn't even hide his background. He didn't really want much, he just wanted to be a shadow and be protected by the other party.
But now, Lin Mo said that he might take revenge for him...?
Are you an enemy of your own teacher?
For a moment, he couldn't tell whether this was true or false...
If it's true, it's naturally best. If it's false...
When hope turns to despair, that is the most devastating thing.
For a time, the expression on Ma Yuande's face kept changing, and even his Qi began to become disordered.
But after all, he was very human. His eyes quickly became firm, he thought about it, and saluted again.
Whether it is true or false, if he wants revenge and attaches himself to Lin Mo, even if the hope is slim, there is always hope.
In this bet where the odds of winning were completely unclear, all he could do was risk everything and bet on himself to win.
Looking at the person next to him, Lin Mo really didn't deceive him.
At present, the expansion of Lingtai Sect is inevitable. Although he does not want to get involved in too many secular affairs, the Lin family needs it.
In this way, a satisfactory, loyal, and capable subordinate is a must.
Ma Yuande's ability has been verified before.
And its own strength is also outstanding.
In addition, it seems that he has participated in some kind of doctrine and has some unknown secrets. In any case, he is a good product.
As for loyalty?
For a person who was a proud man from heaven and fell into the dust, with only hatred left in his heart, as long as he avenges him, given his character, he will definitely be devoted to him.
Not to mention, in his opinion, this Ma Yuande is just a nerd...
Thinking of this, his expression became even gentler, he gently stroked the other person's back and looked down the mountain:
"Whether it's hatred or hatred, whether it's forgiveness or revenge, what's needed is strength and power. Before that, let's be strong together, strong enough to change everything we don't want..."
Feeling the warmth behind him, Ma Yuande felt relieved for the first time since arriving in Qihai.
But in the blink of an eye, there was hesitation.
"Powerful? Change everything you don't want..."
Lin Mo smiled, "You have changed now, haven't you? From the time you follow me, you will no longer be a fugitive running around, but a person licking your wounds in the dark, always ready for revenge.
, isn’t it?”
"Revenge... revenge..." Ma Yuande muttered to himself.
"The most basic prerequisite for revenge is strength." Lin Mo patted his shoulder, "Before that, you have to go out with me to the Huangjin Sea Area."
Hearing this, Ma Yuande was startled, thinking as usual.
"Huangjin Sea Area...Shangdao...Sir, have you made up your mind?" He couldn't help but ask.
The Huangjin Sea Area is named after Jin for a reason.
As the most prosperous place for commerce and trade, it has gathered most of the merchants' chambers of commerce in the seven seas, and there are even land-based chambers of commerce. It can be said that commerce and trade are the most developed. There is gold everywhere.
In order to protect their massive wealth, these chambers of commerce have united here and established commercial islands in various sea areas. In addition to providing business taxes to the powerful forces in the sea area, they are independent.
Before that, Ma Yuande talked with Lin Mo and analyzed the current situation in the Thuja sea area, and mentioned two things about Shangdao.
In his view, the existence of Shangdao as a force was only a product of the chaotic soil of the Seven Seas and the convenient maritime transportation.
Intelligence channels and business capabilities that are unimaginable to ordinary people are like a piece of delicious fat that attracts people to covet, but it will never fall into the hands of a single force.
Of course, whether there is someone behind it is another matter.
There are rumors that behind it are many powerful forces in the Seven Seas.
So at that time, he had mentioned the key to controlling Thuja Sea, but he did not suggest Lin Mo to take action. The reason was that this was a rule and trend that belonged exclusively to Qihai.
If you want to challenge this rule, you have to go against the trend.
But now...
"Don't be afraid." Lin Mo seemed to understand his worries and comforted him softly, "Didn't I say it before? Revenge requires power and strength, and in this world, power and strength cannot be borrowed from others.
As for what you are worried about, it is nothing more than worrying about angering a powerful interest class."
"But such interest groups are not hostile to us."
"Because we are just as powerful as them. What we should worry about is actually...it is them who are worried about whether they will offend us!"
Lin Mo's face was expressionless, looking at the vast sea with deep eyes.
If the other party is obedient and obedient, just let him join. If he is disobedient, don't blame him for ruthlessly making this commercial island an island in Thuja Sea!
Huangjin sea area, Shangdao.
This is a huge round island surrounded by white mist. Only with special guidance can the merchant ships passing by pass through the white mist, avoid the reefs and reach the port.
Businessmen were coming and going, and many warriors were seeking something or seeking information, walking on this island that was rumored to be full of 'gold'.
According to statistics, the daily cargo throughput of Shangdao is equivalent to 60% of the daily throughput of the entire Thuja Sea area.
In addition to its special geographical location at the intersection of many routes, it is also because, as a union of many chambers of commerce, it has the pricing power for a single cargo and the issuance of maritime traffic orders.
For ordinary chambers of commerce, once they fail to comply with the corresponding pricing, they will be squeezed out. Without a pass order, it will be difficult to move forward on the chaotic routes in the sea.
Everything, whether due to convenience or power, contributed to the prosperity of Shangdao.
At this time, in Shang Island, there is Huijin Hall.
The eight chief executives of the Chamber of Commerce were all present in a rare event, and the reason was the arrival of a big shot.
Mingtun, who was wearing a red fish dragon robe, sat at the top of the table, looking at the wooden table in front of him, frowning slightly.
On the wooden table is a golden scroll with densely packed text.
After being entrusted by Ming Yan, he rushed to the Thuja Sea area at full speed, trying to make a good plan on how to meet this rising star from the land and resolve the conflict.
Unexpectedly, when we arrived, just as Ming Yan said, what we should do had already been planned, all we had to do was wait for his nod.
"It seems that you are indeed very concerned about the situation in Thuja Sea Area. I thought I was asking you to do a favor this time, but I only know now that I am afraid that you will owe me a favor to the Ming family."
Mingtun sighed softly on the blue double dragons playing on the jewelry seat.
The scroll on the wooden table shows the so-called trade blockade proposed by the Thuja Sea Commercial Island against the Lingtai Sect.
Mainly due to the closure of routes and the embargo of some materials.
The reason is simple. For businessmen, a chaotic Thuja sea area is always more reassuring than a unified Thuja sea area.
This is the experience gained from the blood and tears of commercial islands in various seas.
The purpose of this plan is also simple, to fight first and then to be polite. After showing off one's own muscles, one can then treat each other with courtesy, so as to prevent the Lingtai Sect from expanding and causing trouble after unifying the entire sea area.
There is a reason, but it is not revenge for the Ming family. After all, Shangdao is a third-party force.
The precise reason is to support the local Chamber of Commerce in Shangdao and the Gushi Chamber of Commerce.
The daughter of the Gu Chamber of Commerce has an old relationship with Ye Zhantian of the Ye family of Tongming Island. Now that the Ye family has been destroyed, it means that the Gu Chamber of Commerce has been bullied. Naturally, Thuja Shang Island will not sit idly by.
And just in case the Lingtai Sect jumps over the wall in a hurry, Mingtun is here to finish it off.
"Nowadays, it is imperative to unify the Thuja sea area. In order to ensure the interests of Shangdao, this is a necessary attempt. As the Ming family is also a member of Shangdao, it is actually the right thing for senior Mingtun to take action." On the wooden table, there was a table.
The beautiful hostess smiled.
"And as Senior Mingtun said, this move can also be considered as venting anger on the Ming family. After all, Miss Wanrou's humiliation on Yabai Island a few days ago has spread throughout the sea." Another short old man said in a deep voice.
.
"Haha, you guys are quite bold here. Aren't you afraid of upsetting the rumored Demon Buddha Taoist and turning the table over to stop playing?" Suddenly, Mingtun laughed.
He can take action, but he doesn't want to be used by others, so he is full of ridicule.
"Although the Demon Buddha of Lingtai Sect is strong, he is too young and acts too impulsively. This is not the first time I have encountered this kind of thing in Shangdao in Qihai. When we really meet him, we will naturally retreat.
"
The speaker is the person next to Mingtun, his name is Yao Mingze.
Yao Ming was from Tianshui Pavilion, which was ranked second in the South China Sea Alliance. It was rumored that he also had connections on land, so he served as the executive director of Thuja Shang Island.
Respect it for daily affairs.
"Actually, the old man of the Ming family does not need to be angry. This move is also a good thing for the Ming family. When the Lingtai Sect hits a wall, whether your Ming family comes forward to make peace or takes the opportunity to clean up, it will be much easier. You can say that you can advance and retreat freely."
Yao Ming smiled.
Mingtun was silent, as if thinking.
The beautiful woman who was the first to speak smiled when she saw this, "Let's see, this year's profit sharing, the Ming family will get most of it, as compensation for the old man's intervention?"
"This is not a matter of money." Mingtun suddenly became unhappy when he heard this and frowned.
"About 10%. After all, with this status of the old man, he rarely takes action."
"I said, this is not..."
"One and a half percent..."
As soon as these words came out, it was visible to the naked eye that the old man's frown slowly relaxed. He did not speak anymore, but just picked up the golden roll paper on the table and read it.
"Now that the plan has been decided, let's implement it. Now is a troubled time. If you want stability, you have to deal with the internal affairs properly." Seeing this, Yao Ming sighed.
"Yes." The other principals nodded after hearing this.