Chapter 121: Undercurrents Beneath the Floating Clouds

Yang Cheng sighed, "It is a pity that these days of focused development will not last much longer. Next year, I have several major moves planned, which are bound to cause a sensation in Wuzhou City. Even if I wanted to keep a low profile, it would be impossible; I am certain to attract the attention of those with ulterior motives."

The others were astonished. What kind of actions could possibly accumulate wealth at such a rapid pace?

Yang Cheng introduced the idea of his massive, ten-thousand-person-capacity super distillery, which alone could potentially rival the foundations of several major clans. Furthermore, the newspaper agency he planned to establish would also be a massive wealth-generating industry. There were many other ventures he mentioned that left the group stunned and speechless, looking at one another in disbelief.

Yang Cheng continued, "I have no desire to compete with others. My original intention was merely to establish myself as a minor clan to protect my own, hoping that would be enough to keep others from coveting what I have. Yet, I later discovered that even becoming a major clan invites the same jealousy." He looked toward Bai Muyun and added, "Regardless of whether one wishes for it or not, in the end, one must inevitably face the blade, whether openly or in the shadows."

Bai Muyun nodded in agreement, "In the struggle between powers, the rule of the jungle prevails. What else can one do?"

Yang Cheng sighed again, "I possess some financial resources now; it would not be impossible to flee far away and find a place to live a life of leisure and ease. But if I did, the happy lives that every worker in this courtyard has worked so hard to achieve would vanish into thin air. Their wives and children would once again be plunged into lives of cold and hunger. I truly cannot bear the thought."

The four men remained silent. Although they were all detached and transcendent, they were not blind to the hardships of ordinary people.

Lu Baichuan, who had remained silent until now, spoke up: "I am but a man of little talent, but I have given my word. I will protect you with my life."

Yang Cheng bowed with his hands cupped, "Thank you, Brother Lu!"

Lu Baichuan waved his hand, "We have been together for a long time; there is no need for such formalities."

Nearby, Liu Changqing drank his wine in silence. He was accustomed to a life of freedom and had no desire to stay here for long. However, he had two excellent disciples who were tied to Yang Cheng by fate. He owed a debt of gratitude and found it difficult to speak.

Chu Feitian had once held a high position in the imperial court; there was nothing he had not seen. It was true that the Master of the Yang family had provided him with much support, but for someone of his status to assist a minor clan leader would truly be a joke. He simply smiled, sipped his wine, and remained silent.

Bai Muyun, standing to the side, said, "My niece and I owe our lives to Brother Yang for taking us in. With Zhulu now apprenticed to a master like Brother Liu, I have no further burdens. If Brother Yang needs anything, I will not refuse."

Bai Muyun was, after all, an ordinary man, and his words moved the group. Yang Cheng was deeply touched and thanked him repeatedly.

Bai Muyun continued, "I still have a force of my own. Though few in number, more than a decade ago, they were considered elite. When I escaped that day, I was disheartened and had no intention of calling upon them, wanting them to live peaceful lives. But having spent time with Brother Yang, I have come to know your character well. Since you are willing to shelter so many ordinary people, and you are in need of manpower, I do not wish to stand idly by. Tomorrow, send a reliable brother with my token, and they will come to your aid."

The others realized that Bai Muyun was truly sincere, likely offering the last of his hidden resources.

Bai Muyun felt the same way. He had once looked down upon Wuzhou, focused solely on the pursuit of the Great Dao, indifferent to all else. Only after falling from grace did he realize the helplessness of ordinary people's lives, which stirred memories of the bullying and isolation he had faced in his youth. During his time at the Yang residence, he had felt the warmth and harmony between people. Furthermore, he was not a cold-hearted man and had received grace from Yang Cheng. Although he lacked cultivation, he had once been the head of a major clan and remained adept at navigating the complexities of various factions. Thus, he, too, wished to contribute his part.

Seeing his two friends step forward, Liu Changqing felt a bit awkward. He said to Yang Cheng, "It is not that I do not wish to help you, but I have always loathed the powerful and have no desire to serve under anyone. If I help you, decades from now, you will have simply built another major clan. Even if you do not forget your original intent and benefit these people, there is no guarantee that the descendants of the Yang family will not become another clan that oppresses the weak. That would truly go against my principles."

Before Yang Cheng could speak, Chu Feitian laughed, "What does it matter if you accumulate vast wealth or become a major clan? In chaotic times, it is all but a fleeting cloud, destined to vanish into ash in an instant."

Liu Changqing said with disdain, "Old man, what do you mean by that? Why speak in such riddles?"

Chu Feitian was not annoyed. "It is no secret, so there is no harm in saying it. I once led the Imperial Secret Guard, with spies across every city in the realm gathering intelligence. Based on my judgment, the world will descend into chaos within ten years. When that time comes, all factions will rise to fight for the throne, and the land will likely be filled with carnage and corpses. A major clan in Wuzhou City is far too weak in such turbulent times; they will not stand a chance and will be crushed under the wheels of war."

Bai Muyun asked in shock, "Is what the old master says true? Why does the Liuyun Kingdom appear so prosperous, with no signs of imperial decay?"

Chu Feitian replied, "I have been immersed in politics for many years; this judgment is not difficult to make. The current Emperor is already in his twilight years; even when I was in the Central Capital, he was barely clinging to life. The power struggle within the imperial family is an undercurrent, the governors of the four capital cities have their own agendas, and the border wars are constant. That the kingdom has held on until now is already a miracle. Therefore, ten years is a conservative estimate."

The group fell silent. As powerful cultivators, they did not wish to see the world descend into chaos and mourning. Moreover, even they would seem small and powerless in the face of war.

Yang Cheng sighed deeply, "You are all masters, more than capable of protecting yourselves, and do not understand the hardships of ordinary people. Though I am greedy and cowardly, fearing death, I feel that if I cannot protect those around me, I have lived my life in vain. There is a saying from my hometown: with great power comes great responsibility. I simply cannot let go of this burden in my heart."

The others were moved. It was common knowledge that Yang Cheng was greedy for wealth and loved his life, and they often teased him for it. Yet, this man—whom they viewed as an ant—held such a profound sense of responsibility.

Chu Feitian also sighed, "In the face of such grand trends, I fear this is not something the Master of the Yang family can control."

Yang Cheng replied, "Then I will make my enterprise even larger—so large that no major clan or sect can shake it. I have no intention of fighting for power; I simply seek to find a sanctuary and settle those around me, sheltering them from the ravages of war."

Chu Feitian shook his head, "Your ambition is commendable, Master Yang, but this cannot be achieved in a short time. Even the major clans of Wuzhou have built their foundations over thousands of years."

Yang Cheng added, "Earlier, Brother Liu mentioned that I would merely become another major clan, which gave me an idea. I want to build something that is not a clan, something that can protect even more people in the future. Moreover, there would be no distinction of status among us, which would be the best of both worlds. I hope you will all participate."

Chu Feitian and the others knew that Yang Cheng’s ideas were always unconventional and brilliant, so they asked eagerly, "Oh? What is this idea?"