Chapter 49: The Formation of the Ancient Covenant

Qin Lang felt as if his courage had been ripped apart. The audacity that fueled his wicked actions simply vanished into thin air.

“Spare… Spare me!” Qin Lang wailed, his eyes filled with tears.

In an instant, a surge of True Qi enveloped him, reducing him to nothing but ash that scattered in the wind.

On that day, the ordinary residents of Yousha Town were puzzled to discover a faint red hue hovering above their latrines. The strange occurrence ignited a flurry of gossip throughout the town.

At Sanli Shop, Li Zhong stood outside, his eyes fixed on the space above Qin Fang’s mansion.

“Why did the Master decide to act against Qin Fang?” he wondered, slightly perplexed.

Just then, he noticed Li Zhi approaching with a group of people. The elderly man and woman at the front emitted an aura that made his heart race.

“What? Qin Lang had the audacity to do such a thing?” Li Zhong seethed with anger as Li Zhi quickly recounted the events.

“It’s a pity that the Master has already executed Qin Lang. Otherwise, I would have him drawn and quartered for ten days straight,” thought Li Zhong, lamenting the missed opportunity.

Li Zhi then proceeded to introduce everyone present.

“I am honored to meet both esteemed elders,” Li Zhong greeted, bowing respectfully. 

The Innate statuses of Zhang Si and Ye Ruohuo alone commanded his respect, not to mention they were respected elders of Zhang Shen’s family.

After a brief exchange, Zhang Si and Ye Ruohuo gleaned some information about Zhang Shen from Li Zhi. Though not exhaustive, the details were enough to leave them astonished.

Just then, Zhang Shen made his descent into the courtyard.

Everyone rose to their feet, and Zhang Shen was visibly pleased. 

“Uncle Si, Auntie Ye, what brings you both here?”

It was only then that he learned about the considerable developments that had taken place in Hongyuan City in recent years.

Zhang Shen had not anticipated that his prior actions as a great predator and his subsequent activities upon leaving Hongyuan City would result in such a transformative and positive impact on the town.

“Heijiao City, Iron Banner Gang,” Zhang Shen murmured to himself, linking it with a thought that had just come to mind.

Zhang Shen voiced his intentions, “Uncle Si, Auntie Ye, Zhi’er, I plan to bring Yousha Town under my dominion and establish a power base solely for myself. Would you be willing to join me in this endeavor?”

All three were more than willing. For Li Zhi, Zhang Shen was her main pillar of support. Regardless of whether it was a matter of the master-disciple relationship or her quest to rejuvenate the Li family, she would steadfastly follow Zhang Shen’s lead.

Zhang Si and Ye Ruohuo shared the same sentiment. Realizing that Zhang Shen’s prowess had already eclipsed their own, Zhang Si began to regard him as occupying the highest echelon within the Zhang, Lin, and Ye families.

Concerning why this would be Zhang Shen’s independent power base instead of an extension of Hongyuan City’s influence, Zhang Si had a clear understanding.

Zhang Shen had already surpassed him and was likely now the strongest individual in Hongyuan City. Given Zhang Shen’s extraordinary rate of progression, it was clear he wouldn’t stop there.

Yet, Hongyuan City itself had a shallow foundation. The city managing to produce an exceptional individual like Zhang Shen was already a feat. It would inevitably struggle to keep pace with his meteoric rise. Therefore, rather than having others eventually pledge allegiance to Zhang Shen, causing Hongyuan City to lose its foothold, it was wiser to align their interests right now. 

Considering Zhang Shen’s formidable background, Hongyuan City would undoubtedly continue to benefit.

The wise choice was to eagerly align themselves with Zhang Shen’s rapidly ascending star rather than foolishly attempting to confine his ambitions to Hongyuan City.

Pleased with their agreement, Zhang Shen then directed his attention to Li Zhong.

“Li Zhong, I have an assignment for you. I expect you to quell any dissenting factions within Yousha Town within ten days. From this point forward, there should be only one voice in Yousha Town.”

Upon saying this, he handed Li Zhong a Breakthrough Pill.

“You’re only a step away from advancing to the Innate stage. This pill can assist you in crossing that vital threshold. Raise your cultivation level first, and then proceed to fulfill this mission.”

His gaze then shifted toward Ye Ruohuo.

“Auntie Ruohuo, Li Zhong’s cultivation level isn’t sufficient for the task at hand. I’ll have to trouble you to assist him from the sidelines.”

Ye Ruohuo readily agreed, though internally she was stunned. Zhang Shen was actually willing to part with a Breakthrough Pill, a rare treasure not even available in Hongyuan City. This clearly indicated that Zhang Shen had truly amassed considerable resources.

Both Zhang Si and Ye Ruohuo exchanged knowing glances. They each recognized the other’s awareness of this development, and a surge of excitement warmed their hearts.

“Uncle Si, you have a wealth of experience. Could you please assist me in laying down the foundational framework for this new power base?”

Zhang Shen was self-aware he excelled in raw power but was inexperienced in other matters and would require guidance.

Zhang Si agreed but immediately raised a concern.

“By establishing our own influence in Yousha Town, it’s natural that the goods from Hongyuan City will also be sold here. However, we should be wary of the Iron Banner Gang. Their leader, Xiao Yinglong, is a domineering individual whose cultivation has reached the peak of the Innate stage. He is not to be taken lightly in this region. If we sever trading ties with him, he’s not the kind to simply let it go.”

Zhang Si was uneasy. Xiao Yinglong had been an excellent trading partner, thanks to his fair and stringent approach, making their previous transactions smooth and enjoyable. However, Xiao Yinglong wasn’t one to mess with, especially if he considered you an enemy.

Zhang Si’s caution was well-founded. Seasoned individuals were always vigilant of potential hazards.

“Uncle Si, rest assured,” Zhang Shen declared, brimming with confidence. “I have no fear of Xiao Yinglong as I stand now.”

His statement was teeming with implications, leaving Zhang Si both startled and elated. The rest of the group also grasped the significance of Zhang Shen’s current level of cultivation, putting everyone at immediate ease.

‘Xiao Yinglong, he’s a seasoned warrior at the Innate stage, formidable indeed. Yet even without showing my full hand, I’m now capable of challenging, even defeating him. I hope he’s wise enough to recognize this, otherwise, the world will lose a man who is, for the most part, fair in his dealings,’ thought Zhang Shen.

Li Zhong received the Breakthrough Pill and consulted Zhang Shen and Zhang Si for tips on making his breakthrough. Two days later, he successfully crossed the mystical threshold into the Innate stage. Immediately afterward, he began consolidating power in Yousha Town.

When Qin Fang met his end, Zhang Shen didn’t bother to conceal his role. Although the event was brief, those with keen senses throughout the town caught wind of it. And even those who hadn’t directly witnessed the incident heard about it from others. Word also spread that Zhang Shen had landed at the Sanli Shop.

As a result, when Li Zhong commenced his activities, apart from a handful of stubborn individuals, most readily surrendered, allowing him full control.

For those who were unyielding, Li Zhong showed no mercy. “Either submit or leave,” was his mantra. 

Those who chose the latter had to contend with his ruthless methods. After dealing decisively with a few recalcitrants, nobody doubted Li Zhong’s severity any longer.

“From this day forward, all daily and weekly collections are abolished. We’re transitioning to a monthly fee system,” Li Zhong announced. “The entire Yousha Town will now be governed by our Ancient Covenant. Here, we are the only authority with the right to impose taxes and administrative fees. Be it large-scale merchants or small shop owners, should anyone else try to collect fees from you, bring your grievances to the Ancient Covenant. I assure you, they will be dealt with harshly.”

Li Zhong called a meeting with various factions in Yousha Town to communicate this sweeping change. He also dispatched emissaries to spread the news throughout the town, making sure that even those too insignificant to attend the meeting, such as small vendors, were aware of the new regime.

During this entire process, Gu Le, another practitioner at the Innate stage from Yousha Town, didn’t show the slightest hint of resistance. 

The memory of that day’s pyrotechnic display still haunted him, chilling him to the core. Far from resisting, he actively cooperated.

With that, it became clear to everyone that the dynamics in Yousha Town had changed.

The situation was different from how the Iron Banner Gang had taken over Heijiao City. Zhang Shen’s Ancient Covenant was focused solely on governing the town, laying down and enforcing its laws, in a manner similar to that of a city lord.

Zhang Shen allowed other factions to coexist within Yousha Town, so long as they complied with the rules he established. He had no interest in interfering beyond that.

“Yousha Town covers an area of more than ten miles and wields influence over a region with a radius of one hundred and fifty miles, quite larger than the territory Hongyuan City controls,” said Zhang Si, spreading a map on the table before him.

“It’s possible to transfer some manpower from Hongyuan City, but given the situation there, we won’t get many. We need to recruit a diverse range of talents, whether they are martial artists or outstanding figures among the general populace,” he added.

Zhang Shen was decisive. “If that’s what’s required, then let’s do it. First, we’ll bring over a core team from Hongyuan City and then fill the remaining roles with competent individuals. Uncle Si, I’ll leave this task to you. I know it’s a tall order.”

Handling it all by himself was out of the question, the task was complex and had to be left to capable hands.

Zhang Si did not decline. Even though he had been feeling a bit worn out recently, the idea of expanding Hongyuan City’s influence energized him. After all, he had capable martial artists like Ye Kuang, Lin You, and Zhang Ta to rely on, each robust and resilient.

It was time the younger generation took on more responsibilities.

“Uncle Si, go ahead and take care of your tasks. I have someone I need to see,” Zhang Shen said. 

He sensed a formidable aura drawing near. It wasn’t from a True Core expert, so it was undoubtedly Xiao Yinglong.

Some time after Zhang Shen left, Zhang Si picked up on the fluctuations caused by the clash of two mighty forces.

“A jade pillar under a clear sky. Truly fortuitous,” he mused.

Outside the city, Zhang Shen confronted Xiao Yinglong in mid-air.

This man was not only overbearing but exuded an air of absolute confidence, arriving all alone. He clearly hadn’t done his due diligence.

“Xiao Yinglong?” Zhang Shen asked with a smile, making no effort to conceal his late-stage Innate cultivation.

“The leader of the Ancient Covenant?” Xiao Yinglong’s expression grew serious. He had not anticipated the ruler of a minor place like Yousha Town to be a master of the ninth layer of the Innate stage.

He had come here because Hongyuan City had reneged on their agreement, without conducting any further investigation. Who, after all, would concern themselves with a small clan in the vast wilderness or a backwater town?

“Exactly,” Zhang Shen confirmed.

“No wonder the people of Hongyuan City dare to betray me. They have strong support,” Xiao Yinglong noted. “Seems like my prolonged absence from the battlefield has made people underestimate me.”

Xiao Yinglong was a man with great ambitions. Since reaching the ninth layer of the Innate stage, he’d been single-mindedly focused on advancing to the True Core realm, largely ignoring other matters.

He would not have personally intervened if it weren’t for the substantial profits promised by his dealings with Hongyuan City.

“Who would underestimate Xiao Yinglong? It’s simply that I’m stronger,” Zhang Shen said, his tone so matter-of-fact that it made Xiao Yinglong chuckle incredulously.

“Bold claims. Allow me to test them.”

With his fingers bent into claws and fitted with Dragon Claws, he infused them with spiritual energy. This energy materialized into a spiritual dragon as he lunged ferociously at Zhang Shen. His attack was swift, vicious, and utterly ruthless.