NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 98: A Move in Advance
Under Ling Yi's watchful eyes, he noted that the dispositions of these individuals were quite commendable. Their competition remained healthy, devoid of any animosity or underhanded tactics.
Now, with Ling Yi serving as a central figure of connection, they began to entertain thoughts of becoming closer to one another.
This market, situated near the Howling Wind Gorge, had grown to rival a small town in size, even surpassing it in prosperity. These people were well-rooted locals.
Aside from the soul king-ranked lone ranger, who held the top spot among the ten masters, there were three others—foreigners comparable to great dragons crossing a river.
How goes the saying? Where there are people, there is a community, bringing along issues like division of power and alignment of factions.
Through a month of both deliberate and incidental guidance from Ling Yi, the soul masters eking out a living in the Howling Wind Market began discussions revolving around the ideas of 'unity and cooperation' versus 'every man for himself.'
Among them were a few with dominant personalities and another couple who followed a cautious, ‘plan before acting’ approach, figures like Shu Xin, Yu Liang, and Chen Yuanzhi, who had all engaged in certain level of networking actions.
Kang Zhan had previously belonged to the cautious faction. Now, by the looks of things, was he contemplating collaboration with Shu Xin and the others?
Even though they were on the brink of leaving this place, witnessing these developments filled Ling Yi with genuine comfort and satisfaction.
These individuals will become invaluable allies as I grow stronger in the future. They may not be as trustworthy as those I've personally nurtured, but when it comes to matters concerning Ling Yi, as long as they are compensated fairly, they represent a formidable force.
Ling Yi might not necessarily need this power to tackle perilous or challenging tasks. However, even in ordinary times, such strength is a remarkable asset worthy of attention.
For instance, incorporating them into the "Blacksmith Association - Shuimu Duchy Branch!"
Under Ling Yi's framework, the "Blacksmith Association - Shuimu Duchy Branch" has, over the last two years, evolved into a well-organized entity comprising blacksmiths and their families.
Over eighty percent of the members are blacksmiths, ranging from apprentices to senior blacksmiths.
The remaining twenty percent are typically relatives of the blacksmiths, who possess the qualifications of soul masters!
As previously mentioned, it is relatively easy for a soul master to either transition into or moonlight as a blacksmith, whereas ordinary people face significant challenges becoming senior blacksmiths due to their physical limitations.
The "Blacksmith Association," by design, places blacksmiths at its core so that even those without soul master talent can join if they become blacksmiths.
Of course, this was initially an open invitation to recruit more members.
Under the guidance of Ling Yi, Elder Jin, Vice President Fu Shan, Li Qiang, and others, once the association is stable, they plan to raise the entry threshold to that of a junior blacksmith.
In this scenario, it seems that soul masters without forging experience might not meet the membership qualifications?
Ling Yi had long wanted to bring more soul masters and their families from within the principality into the Blacksmith Association. However, he was cautious of the old powers within the principality, otherwise he and the other vice presidents would have already brought them in.
As a vice president of the association, the stronger the association, the greater the resources at their disposal!
If the "Blacksmith Association - Shuimu Principality Branch" only recruited blacksmiths, they might as well call it the "Blacksmith Friendship Society."
But a guild composed solely of blacksmiths could never fulfill Ling Yi’s vision for his future power.
Blacksmiths should focus on crafting superior quality works.
Activities such as purchasing raw materials, selling finished goods, and transportation should be managed by a dedicated team of soul masters.
Unfortunately, Ling Yi’s power was still too weak and Lou Gao was too far away. To avoid provoking the major powers of the "Shuimu Principality" led by Duke Mufeng, Ling Yi couldn't openly recruit soul master groups like Kang Zhan and Shu Xin into the "Blacksmith Association - Shuimu Principality Branch."
He could only take an indirect approach. On one hand, he would gather soul masters willing to align with him, encouraging them to become influential in specific regions. On the other, he would strengthen his foundation to gain more influence in the future.
Eventually, forming a "Mercenary Guild" on the continent of Douluo from small soul master groups like Kang Zhan was not out of the question!
Time slipped away as Ling Yi engaged in dialogue with Kang Zhan and others.
It was only when Zhang Mufeng and Ye Luo approached Ling Yi that Kang Zhan and the others realized their time to part had come.
'Ling Yi's knack for conversation is truly exceptional!'
Whether it's the steady Kang Zhan, the introverted Yu Liang, the straightforward and fiery Chen Yuanzhi, or the seemingly charming yet cautious Shu Xin, Ling Yi always picks up on what they like or dislike with remarkable speed, carefully steering conversations accordingly.
Even when facing all four at once, each feels as if Ling Yi prioritizes them in the discussion, while still addressing the other three.
Moreover, his words resonate with each individual's personal preferences and interests.
His unique way of speaking, distinct from the native styles of Douluo Continent, gives them a refreshing sense of novelty. Instinctively, they perceive Ling Yi as a unique presence, unlike others.
Inwardly thanking a former broadcast major from his previous life, hoping she finds success in her hosting career, Ling Yi conveys his gratitude to each person seeing him off.
No matter if they are a Three-ringed Soul Elder, a Two-ringed Great Soul Master, a One-ringed Soul Master, barely entering the soul master realm as a Soul Warrior, or a regular inn staff with no soul power, everyone senses Ling Yi's sincere goodwill and approachability.
At this moment, to the nearly three hundred people present, Ling Yi appears to emit an almost radiant glow!
Bathed in the morning sunlight from the east, Ling Yi indeed seems to radiate with light. Mounting a sleek black steed with four white hooves, he clasps his fists towards the crowd, declaring loudly: "It's rare to gather happily, yet we must part as all meetings end, until we meet again in the future — farewell!"
Finishing his words, Ling Yi snaps the reins and rides towards the distant road, with Zhang Mufeng, Long In, and Qingqiu Xin following closely behind on horseback.
Ye Luo and Le Qing, alongside their teammates, also mount horses and drive carriages to follow.
Watching the figures fade into the distance, Kang Zhan gives the forlorn Kang Zhao beside him a pat: "What? You want to go with them?"
Kang Zhao turned around to face his elder brother, who was over twenty years his senior. For a moment, he was silent.
“You little rascal,” Kang Zhan said, tapping his large hand on Kang Zhao’s shoulder and then pointing at the center of Kang Zhao's brow. “You've always liked hiding your true thoughts deep inside.”
“Ten years ago, when your martial soul awakened, the steward from the 'Spirit Hall' invited you to join, but you refused... A few days ago, you quietly blocked that beast’s escape route without saying a word again.”
“I think, only someone like Brother Ling can train you out of this nature of yours—” Kang Zhan continued his rambling, but Kang Zhao remained silent. Shaking his head, Kang Zhan finally said, “Listen, I thought that once you become a Soul Expert, I would send you to ‘Mu Mu City’ to find Brother Ling and learn from him.
Whether it’s crafting or healing, the most important skill is honing your ability to interact with others. Before you reach a certain level of strength, this is a kind of ‘divine skill’—”
At the Blue Silver Lodge, the crowd watched Ling Yi depart. At the gorge's distant mouth, a group of armored soldiers also watched Ling Yi and his companions as they left.
And in the Whistling Wind Market, sighs echoed in the courtyards and homes.
Some sounded regretful, others relieved, and some were simply resigned.
The story is expected to continue with significant developments by the end of this month. The protagonist plans a return to his hometown to lay the groundwork for foundational inner energy cultivation, known as 'Foundational Inner Power/Breathing Techniques.' In concert with this, he delves into researching the principles behind spirit devices.
By the end of the month, he aims to achieve significant results, elevating his strength to the Soul Master level. This chapter foreshadows the transition into the third volume of the novel, hinting at a forthcoming journey to the Heaven Dou Empire, where he will intersect with characters from the original storyline.
(End of Chapter)
