That night, Zhao Shouchang did not dine at home and returned very late. As soon as he got home, he kept writing in the study repeatedly.

The old housekeeper personally stood guard outside the door, preventing anyone from disturbing.

He knew that only when the master was in a bad mood would he shut himself in the study to practice calligraphy. It must have been something difficult encountered at Six Gates.

During this time, the young lady came with some snacks but was stopped by the housekeeper. She left the snacks and went away.

"Uncle Fu."

Finally, the master’s calm voice came from inside.

The housekeeper responded, "Here."

Zhao Shouchang asked, "Did Yan’Er come over just now?"

The housekeeper replied, "Yes, she learned the master was practicing calligraphy and left after leaving some snacks, worried that you hadn’t eaten."

The door creaked open, and Zhao Shouchang stepped out, saying, "Let’s go, to Yan’Er’s place."

The old housekeeper picked up a lantern and led the way.

Zhao Shouchang followed behind, "Has Yan’Er gone out these days?"

"She went out once in the morning and returned right after noon."

"Your mother sent a letter saying she misses Yan’Er and Xian’Er. Make preparations to let the lady take them to Jinzhou in two days."

The old housekeeper was shocked and paused before replying, "Yes, master."

...

Soon, the two arrived at a quiet courtyard.

Two maids guarded the door, and upon seeing him, they promptly greeted, "Master."

Quickly, Zhao Xiyan heard the commotion and came out to greet them, "Father, you’ve come!"

"Came to see you."

"Father, did you eat the snacks I sent over? I made them myself."

"I’ll surely try them later."

While speaking, the father and daughter entered the room.

Zhao Xiyan noticed a sense of melancholy between his brows and advised, "Father, you look a bit tired, no matter how heavy the official duties are, you must take care of your health."

"Okay."

Seeing the concern in his daughter’s eyes, Zhao Shouchang felt warmth in his heart and patted her hand.

Zhao Xiyan asked quietly, "Father, are you still worrying about the Longevity Evil Cult?"

"Yan’Er, girls should best not appear too smart; it’s harder for others to get close."

His advice confirmed she guessed correctly.

Zhao Xiyan playfully retorted, "Father, should I still act dumb in front of you? I absolutely won’t."

"In front of your father, naturally, there’s no need for that."

"That’s better."

Zhao Shouchang, as a Third Grade official, could only relax somewhat before his daughter, easing the stress from official duties.

Zhao Xiyan then said, "Father, I have a plan that can help you lure out those Longevity Sect evildoers hiding in the dark."

Zhao Shouchang casually responded, "Oh, tell me."

"Today, I went out and met Feng Youdao’s third son."

This name made Zhao Shouchang’s expression a bit more serious.

The leader of Guanglong Trading Company, one of the Seven Great Sea Merchants, was considered a significant figure in Qingfeng City.

As a young ambitious official on his career path, naturally, he wouldn’t get too close to these Seven Great Sea Merchants and hadn’t privately met the leaders of the Seven Great Sea Merchants.

He had already explained this point to his wife and children before coming to Qingfeng City.

However, Zhao Shouchang knew his daughter wasn’t someone who acted without depth, so he patiently continued to listen.

"...The Sea Merchants have always lacked Martial Artists, and Feng San suddenly had the idea to mimic the Martial Arts Gathering and host a Martial Dao tournament..."

As Zhao Shouchang listened, his expression grew increasingly serious.

Zhao Xiyan, observing her father’s expression while choosing her words, said, "At first, I thought it trivial, but later I realized, isn’t Father troubled because he can’t catch the Longevity Sect evildoers? Maybe, by doing this, it might draw those Longevity Sect people out, so I didn’t reject it outright... Father, what do you think of this idea?"

Zhao Shouchang quickly weighed the pros and cons and made a judgment, "Tell him it can be done."

Zhao Xiyan sighed in relief, "Good, I was worried it might bring trouble to Father."

Zhao Shouchang said, "The Longevity Sect is a matter of topmost importance to the court. There’s a piece of news you might not know. Two months ago, the Celestial Dao Alliance sent two disciples to Qingfeng City, but they disappeared along the way, vanished into thin air. It wasn’t until half a month ago that the Celestial Dao Alliance realized something was wrong and sent a First Grade here, both for the Longevity Sect issue and the missing disciples."

"Is there really such a matter?"

Zhao Xiyan was shocked.

The Celestial Dao Alliance, the leader among the nine major world sects, unlike the other eight sects, its disciples entered the world to cultivate and had deep cooperation with the court.

For many people, the Celestial Dao Alliance seemed like a government institution, specifically overseeing officials.

The Grand Ancestor Emperor had once decreed that the disciples of the Celestial Dao Alliance had the power to supervise officials and the authority to execute and report wrongdoers without prior approval.

Of course, this decree had been abolished three hundred years ago by Emperor Zhongzong.

Yet, the common folk disregarded this and still regarded the disciples of the Celestial Dao Alliance as upright judges who could address grievances.

Even though the disciples of the Celestial Dao Alliance no longer had the special privileges from the founding era, like killing officials as easily as chickens, they still had the authority to supervise. Generally speaking, officials would feel anxious upon encountering a disciple of the Celestial Dao Alliance.

Especially considering, the one who came this time is a First Grade expert within the Celestial Dao Alliance. Unable to beat them, with transcendent status, no wonder her father was so troubled.

Zhao Shouchang said, "That person said if we cannot find any further clues about the Longevity Sect, he’ll start with the Seven Great Sea Merchants."

Zhao Xiyan exclaimed, "The Celestial Dao Alliance suspects the Seven Great Sea Merchants are in cahoots with the Longevity Sect? How is this possible?"

Zhao Shouchang shook his head, not continuing the topic, only saying, "If they really act against those seven Sea Merchants, then we are passive."

The Celestial Dao Alliance has always been known for executing actions without considering consequences, believing they enforce heavenly justice, daring to even kill anyone. If they truly wipe out the Seven Great Sea Merchants, definitely it would be unfortunate for him.

Because the court can’t handle the Celestial Dao Alliance, ultimately, he would have to shoulder the blame. Who else would come to appease the Celestial Dao Alliance experts?

Finally, Zhao Shouchang instructed, "Do not tell anyone about the matter concerning the Celestial Dao Alliance, especially that Feng San’er."

"I understand."

Zhao Xiyan nodded quickly, aware of the gravity of the situation.

...

Early the next morning, Chen Ming received a letter from Zhao Xiyan’s maid. After reading, he felt assured, knowing this matter was settled.

As for how many Martial Artists it could attract, it depended on Guanglong Trading Company’s promotional ability.

In the afternoon, Chen Ming went to find Feng Siyuan to share this good news.

Feng Siyuan was overjoyed and wanted to invite Chen Ming to the Yihong Brothel for a good celebration.

Chen Ming said, "No delay is allowed, delays might cause changes. We only have two months. Every moment counts. Here’s what you do: invite the responsible persons of the Guanglong Trading Company who are about to head to various places in Jiangzhou. Invite them for drinks, get them to help promote, best find some storytellers..."

The key to this matter’s success was promotion.

He decided to go two-pronged, letting trading convoys help promote, and on the other hand, having Feng Siyuan find storytellers, aiming to spread the news across fifteen counties in Jiangzhou within a month.

Feng Siyuan was quite receptive to advice and promptly went to action.

This was his first time handling affairs on his own, naturally hoping to accomplish it brilliantly, earning admiration from his father.

Don’t let Feng Siyuan’s past as a playboy fool you. Despite his life of indulgence, he still had some competent people under his command. He sent over a dozen people for Chen Ming to utilize.

Chen Ming inquired and found out these were his mother’s subordinates.

As for money, no worries there. Considering the wealth of the Feng Family, frankly speaking, even a hair from their leg was thicker than the legs of the Chen Family.

Chen Ming also started getting busy, drafting the tournament rules. How to compete, planning the system, ensuring fair play...

His life mantra was, if it was worth doing, it should be done well.

Just this rules draft alone spanned tens of thousands of words, besides practicing his calligraphy.

Thus, day by day passed, and news of two Third Grade experts seeking disciples began spreading across various parts of Jiangzhou...

PS: Second Chapter requesting monthly tickets.