Forty Millenniums of Cultivation, page 444
Li Yao thought for a while and snapped his fingers, retrieving a cluster of red metal the size of a baby's fist.
The metal was named 'Red Bright Gold'. It could ease the mind and calm people down. It was particularly helpful to prevent the children from crying at night and improve their sleep quality.
Li Yao smiled and said, "I'm going to do another magic trick for you."
He folded his hands and covered the Red Bright Gold, which was extremely hard, inside his palms. His hands were gradually enveloped by orange brilliance.
The little girl bulged her eyes. "It's so hot. Your hands seem to be on fire, big brother!"
Li Yao laughed. "It's alright. Come here, little sister. Blow at my hands."
The little took a long breath and blew at Li Yao's hands hard while holding her belly. She then looked at Li Yao in expectation.
Li Yao whispered spells, and his eyes were flickering fast. A moment later, he opened his hands again.
The sharp-edged Red Bright Gold was now shaped like a vivid deer by his spiritual gas.
The red deer had the slightest details and was elegantly shaped.
If somebody else saw it, they would definitely think that it was a masterpiece from an expert sculptor.
"Wow!"
The little girl opened her mouth in disbelief. Her big blinking eyes were full of admiration.
Li Yao smiled. "Here, this deer is my gift for you. But do not tell anyone about my magic trick. Otherwise, they might come to me for deer, too. I don't have so many deer with me."
"Sure. I won't tell anybody!"
The little girl was completely hooked by the red deer. She held it carefully and appreciated it with great interest, while she mumbled to herself, "Such a beautiful deer. She seems to be drinking water with her head lowered. It's so marvelous. Thank you, big brother. I'm going to show it to my father!"
The little girl did not have time to bother with her tray. She simply left it on the table and jumped into the crowd clutching the red deer.
Li Yao planned to have a rest in the cabin. But since the little girl's food was still there, it didn't seem right to leave immediately.
A moment later, a slightly-fat, middle-aged man in plain clothes came to him, followed by the little girl.
There was a unique feeling of shrewdness and honesty in the middle-aged man, suggesting that he might be a merchant travelling about. He apologized to Li Yao sincerely, "I'm terribly sorry, mister. My daughter likes to snatch good items when she sees one. That's very bad of her. Such a delicate handcraft is definitely very expensive. How can you take it?
"Hurry up." He touched his daughter and said, "What did I tell you before we set off? You behaved quite well all the way here, and now you are naughty again because we are almost home! Return it to your big brother!"
"Okay!"
The little girl pouted her lips and handed over the red deer unwillingly.
Li Yao smiled and pushed it back into the little girl's hands. "It's alright. It is just a gift that I gave to the little sister. Just consider it as a toy."
"That is very kind of you!"
Seeing the delight on his daughter's face, the middle-aged man sat in front of Li Yao and pushed the tray over. "Here. Have you eaten anything, mister? Do you want some?"
The middle-aged man was quite warm, and the little girl was innocent, too. Li Yao found it hard to say no to them.
Over the past half year, he had been training crazily in Flying Star University and had almost forgotten what a normal life should be like. It did not seem like a bad idea to take a brief rest during the journey.
The middle-aged man's family name was Tong, and he was a native of the Cross Wind Space Zone, running a small business there.
Naturally, Li Yao did not reveal his real identity. He only said that his family name was Sand, and he had just graduated from a college in Heavenly Saints City and come to the Cross Wind Space Zone to try his luck since it was developing quite well.
"Little Sand, it is a wise decision to come to the Cross Wind Space Zone! The Cross Wind Space Zone had not been developing well over the past year; it has been soaring and putting on a new appearance every day!"
Old Tong shelled the eggs and said proudly, "Other than anything else, the very humpback-level carrier that we are in right now is the first clue.
"The Cross Wind Space Zone was only an unknown small space zone in the past and absolutely no match for the top three prosperous space zones of the Flying Star Sector. The transportation routes to and from Heavenly Saints City were few, and the carriers were ragged. One space jump would require three days and three nights of preparation!
"At that time, it would take me at least two weeks to go to Heavenly Saints City!
"But right now, with the most advanced carrier of the Flying Star Sector, three to five hours are enough to prepare a space jump. Besides, our transportation routes have been given the highest priority. When we reach a jumping point, however many carriers are waiting in line, we will perform the space jump in priority.
"After only three days, we've completed twenty-two short-distance space jumps across more than ten space zones and arrived in the Cross Wind Space Zone from Heavenly Saints City. This is indeed rushing speed!
"Do you know the reason for the Cross Wind Space Zone's dramatic change?"
Li Yao smiled. "What is it?"
"The Glorious Sunlight Group, of course!" exclaimed Old Tong as he slapped his thigh, his face flushed. "Little Sand, you are a college student in Heavenly Saints City, and you must've heard about the Glorious Sunlight Group before. But only the natives of the Cross Wind Space Zone have experienced the changes that the Glorious Sunlight Group has brought for us!
"Since it was established in the beginning of this year, the Glorious Sunlight Group has been expanding exponentially. It has been setting up fleets of carriers, acquiring Cultivation sects, monopolizing the minerals and resources on Iron Plateau, producing new magical equipment… The momentum has never halted, and there were big movements almost on a monthly basis!
"Right now, the Glorious Sunlight Group' child companies, branches, and affiliated sects are scattered in every world fragment and space town of the Cross Wind Space Zone. It has, in effect, become the dominator of the Cross Wind Space Zone and made our hometown a place of business that almost equals the top three space zones!
"The Cross Wind Space Zone is never short of opportunities today. There's gold everywhere. Young people from Heavenly Saints City such as you are likely to soar into the sky if you are diligent and smart enough to seize the opportunities that the Glorious Sunlight Group offers!"
"Is that so?"
Li Yao thought of something and was interested in the opinion of the ordinary people about the Glorious Sunlight Group and Iron Plateau. He then asked, "Brother Tong, I'm told that the Glorious Sunlight Group is deeply connected to Iron Plateau?"
"What's wrong about Iron Plateau?" Old Tong frowned and said, "Currently, many files about Iron Plateau are gradually being declassified. Everybody knows that the six sects of Heavenly Saints City and the Iron Plateau natives do not see eye to eye with each other because of the competition for rightfulness. But for countryfolk doing business such as us, the events five thousand years ago are too far away, are they not?
"It's clear that the Glorious Sunlight Group is backed by the Iron Plateau natives. But so what?
"Right now, since the Glorious Sunlight Group is headquartered in the Cross Wind Space Zone, this place has become an important transfer base for the communication between Iron Plateau and the outside world. Just think about it. How many business opportunities are out there and how many benefits will the Cross Wind Space Zone earn from the endeavor?
"Isn't it perfect that everyone's making money?
"Before, we thought that the Iron Plateau natives were primitive barbarians and were rather worried. But later, as we got in touch with them as some of the Iron Plateau natives arrived in the Cross Wind Space Zone through the Glorious Sunlight Group, we discovered that, although they can be a bit uncivilized, they have one nose and two eyes and looked exactly like us!"
Li Yao pondered for a moment and asked again, "Brother Tong, the rise of the Glorious Sunlight Group is definitely beneficial for ordinary people. But what about Cultivation sects? I don't think they would welcome the arrival of such a conglomerate, would they?"
Chapter 662: I Like to Keep a Low Profile |
Old Tong chuckled. "Cultivators of the Cross Wind Space Zone are even more glad to see the rise of the Glorious Sunlight Group!
"The Cross Wind Space Zone has never been a place with abundant spiritual energy in the first place. The several Cultivation sects here are all insignificant. The local Cultivators have to travel and explore the outside world if they want to make progress.
"But since the Glorious Sunlight Group appeared, the tremendous resources from Iron Plateau have to stop by the Cross Wind Space Zone first. Think about it. Who will be the first to make use of the resources? Cultivators of the Cross Wind Space Zone, of course!
"Besides, with the communication between Iron Plateau and space growing more and more heated and the amount of trade between the two parties increasing significantly, the Glorious Sunlight Group is not capable enough to eat the whole pie by itself!
"The Wu family and the Sha family in the Glorious Sunlight Group were local families of the Cross Wind Space Zone in the first place. They then cooperated with the White Dragon Union, which ranked among the top three in the Cross Wind Space Zone. The other Cultivation sects received a lot of orders from the Glorious Sunlight Group or from certain franchises.
"As a result, many Cultivation sects expanded quickly and marched into the top 500 sects of the Flying Star Sector after only half a year!
"With such great benefits, what can the Cultivation sects complain about? Truth be told, other space zones could not have the Glorious Sunlight Group move there even if they wanted to!
"More importantly, the Temple of Immortals and the space pirates have been on a rampage recently. Many remote space zones were caught in fire of war in the past year.
"The Cross Wind Space Zone, on the other hand, is guarded by quite a few Exo Societies. Also, I'm told that a large number of Iron Plateau natives will be trained in the Cross Wind Space Zone later.
"With so many experts gathered here, the Cross Wind Space Zone is safer than ever. Space pirates do not dare harass us at all. Ordinary people and Cultivators alike can enjoy a peaceful life. This is a great benefit that no money can trade for.
"Therefore, Little Sand, just rest assured and make your career in the Cross Wind Space Zone. You have a very promising future.
"Chances are that this place will flourish even more than Heavenly Saints City one day!"
After staying for such a long time in the Flying Star Sector, Li Yao gradually grasped the characteristics of the social form of the Flying Star Sector.
The biggest difference between the Flying Star Sector and the Heaven's Origin Sector was that the former did not have a central government.
After the arrival of the apocalypse, Iron Plateau turned into a wasteland, and the fleet that marched into space was battered by the cosmic storms and scattered in various space zones, too.
For three thousand years, they struggled separately. The notion of a unified nation and government was gone.
After three thousand years, the Flying Star Sector was reconnected as a whole because of the development of the Spiritual Nexus technology and the space jump technology. But most of the sects in their respective space zones had grown mature and established their independent kingdoms. Although the six major sects were still the strongest of all, they were far from the glory of thousands of years ago now that dozens of generations had passed.
Heavenly Saints City today was the more prosperous, magnificent, and advanced metropolis in space, but it was not the capital of the Flying Star Sector.
Technically speaking, Heavenly Saints City was equal to a space town of remains in a remote area. It had no right to force anybody to do anything.
Or rather, the six sects of Heavenly Saints City were sort of the moderators in the Flying Star Sector. They were the leaders of the Flying Star Sector in name, but their followers might not listen to their command when it concerned their own interests.
Before, the six sects of Heavenly Saints City boasted the highest capability, the most techniques, and the largest number of experts. Therefore, the Cultivation sects large and small in other space zones of the Flying Star Sector were willing to invest in them and send their disciples to study in Heavenly Saints City. They also answered the six sects of Heavenly Saints City's call to develop techniques and magical equipment together.
In such a way, Heavenly Saints City maintained a subtle administration over the entire Flying Star Sector.
However, the rise of the Temple of Immortals disrupted the subtle balance. The six sects of Heavenly Saints City were not able to reinforce the Cultivation sects and space towns in many remote towns in time and offer the protection that they had promised, which was a great disappointment for the local residents.
The Cultivation sects in many remote space zones had already withdrawn their investments in Heavenly Saints City. It remained to be seen whether they would form an alliance among themselves, invest in the new powers such as the Cross Wind Space Zone, or even negotiate with the space pirates.
In such a chaotic situation, it was naturally great that so many experts were stationed in the Cross Wind Space Zone.
The two of them had a long, pleasant conversation. Without them knowing, the carrier had docked at a world fragment named 'Flowing Orchid Domain' smoothly.
It was the home base of the Wu family and where the Glorious Sunlight Group was headquartered right now, and it was gradually turning into the pivot of the entire Cross Wind Space Zone.
In front of the passengers was a large space port with perfect facilities and luxurious decorations that was still being expanded.
The magnificent buildings inside the world fragment looked equally impressive to those in Heavenly Saints City, a sign of the unstoppable rise of the Cross Wind Space Zone.
The floating plates that looked like clouds dispersed and transported the passengers to the exit of the port steadily.
"Brother Tong, it's time to say goodbye. Can you give me your contact information?"
Li Yao smiled. He felt that Old Tong was a quite interesting guy.
A few prolonged shrieks suddenly echoed in the sky. They were high-pitched but not earsplitting, like the sound of the divine cranes.
Six bright-silver, elegantly-shaped, extravagant shuttles fell from the sky and stopped in front of the three of them stably.
The door of the shuttles flipped like seagulls opening their wings. More than ten sharp-looking men wearing the same uniform jumped out of the vehicles and stood in one line before them.
"Chairman!"
The intimidating men slightly bowed and greeted at the same time.
Li Yao blinked in surprise.
Old Tong burst into laughter until his face was red. He patted Li Yao's shoulder and said, "Little Sand, I'm sorry. I told you that I was a businessman, but I didn't tell you what my business was. The 'Silver Ocean Corporation' that I'm currently running is developing well and now ranks the third among all the companies in the Cross Wind Space Zone!
"I was not lying to you on purpose, but I always like to keep a low profile. It was not a business trip to Heavenly Saints City, either. So, I merely wore the casual clothes.
"You see, I'm the perfect example of the benefits of the Glorious Sunlight Group. Half a year ago, my company was half dead. I was betrayed by a good brother and was in huge debt. Every direction was a dead end for me!
"Many people were suspicious when the Glorious Sunlight Group was just established. Since I had no other alternatives, I decided to put all my money into it and take a gamble!
"My corporation was among the first companies to cooperate with the Glorious Sunlight Group. As it turned out, after only half a year, my business has been revived and is developing rapidly!
"Here, Little Sand, take it!"
Old Tong took out a neat box from his pocket and opened it.
He did not take the ordinary cards on the top but picked out a glittering gold card from the bottom.
When Li Yao took the card, the surface of the card immediately shined, and two glamorous, calligraphic words showed up: Silver Ocean!
It was not until this moment that Li Yao learned Old Tong's full name was actually Tong Dashu.
Tong Dashu laughed and said, "Little Sand, after our chitchat, I can tell that you are a young man with a clear mind.
"Besides, you offered a gift for my daughter; it's only natural that I return the favor.
"Although I'm no big shot in the Cross Wind Space Zone, I know quite a few people here, and I'm quite familiar with the leadership of several child companies of the Glorious Sunlight Group.
"Since you are new to this place, do you need any recommendation letters?
"Alright, we can talk about that later. Let's get on the shuttle first. Where are you going to? I'll give you a ride!"
This time, Li Yao was truly embarrassed. He put the card into his pocket solemnly and shook his hands. "That will be unnecessary, but thank you all the same, Brother Tong. My friend has come to pick me up. Look, he's here."
A plain-looking shuttle for home use, or more commonly known as a 'supermarket shuttle', slowly stopped by Li Yao.
An unattractive middle-aged man got off the shuttle. He was rather grave, if not anxious, around Li Yao and did not dare breathe too loudly. He helped Li Yao move his suitcases to the trunk of the shuttle.
Tong Dashu scratched his head. For some reason, the middle-aged man looked rather familiar.
Li Yao smiled. "Brother Tong, goodbye. I will come to find you if needed. I wish you a flourishing business."
Entering the shuttle, Li Yao waved his hands at the little girl from the back of the shuttle window. "Little Dandan, see you. Don't forget to put the deer below your pillow at night. She will play with you in your dreams."
