Dual Cultivation God Returns Chapter 1066: The first Palace

Li Weifang and Steel Hand returned to the Trading Company's branch.

Wu Long inquired about their joint venture, receiving favorable reports from both Steel Hand and Li Weifang, as well as confirmation from Cai Yin that the two had developed a rapport and were swiftly building mutual trust.

"On a side note, Jin-...", Wu Long interjected at the conclusion of their brief meeting. Steel Hand, already anticipating the reveal, began to clear his throat. Li Weifang, who had long ago surmised his partner's true identity, offered a knowing, wry smile but remained silent, allowing Steel Hand to continue in his belief. "Ah, Steel Hand... there was something I wished to discuss with you."

"I shall take my leave then," Li Weifang stated, sensing the impending conversation was of a more personal nature. He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and promptly exited the room.

"Haa~... such a fine individual... perhaps one day, long after we have departed from these lands, I might reveal my true self, or rather, who I once was," Jin Shenzhi sighed emotionally, his gaze fixed on the closed door through which his companion had just disappeared. Wu Long and Cai Yin exchanged somewhat uncomfortable glances.

However, given the gravity and importance of the matter that had prompted Wu Long to detain Jin Shenzhi, he steered the conversation past the veiled identity to the core discussion: explaining the distinctions between the Inner and Outer Valleys and introducing the prospect of incorporating the Three Pillars Sect into their organization.

"...and to reiterate, this is not a finalized decision, merely an exploration of potential avenues," Wu Long emphasized, echoing his opening statement.

"Hmm, I appreciate the Valley Master's consideration in consulting me directly, and I am genuinely thankful for your thoughtful and benevolent intentions. However, as I mentioned when extending the invitation to join you, I have found peace in passing the mantle to the new generation and entrusting the Sect to their care. Therefore, the decision to accept your offer rests solely with them," Jin Shenzhi replied with sincere gratitude. "Naturally, I will offer my assistance in any capacity required."

Cai Yin's eyes widened as she perceived Jin Shenzhi's complete sincerity. There were no fluctuations in his Soul energy, neither when listening to Wu Long nor when speaking himself. "Are you suggesting you have no personal stake in whether this Sect aligns with us?"

Jin Shenzhi smiled beneath his mask. "It is not that I lack goodwill or fond sentiments towards the Three Pillars Sect. I would hardly be human if I did not, considering the millennia I devoted to it and the blessings it bestowed upon me. However, that and practical considerations are separate matters for me, Lady Cai. Since relinquishing my position as Sect Ancestor and accepting the Valley Master's offer for a new chapter in my life, I have shed the attachments of my past existence to become his follower, Steel Hand. Thus, I shall honor his will and dedicate myself to assisting him in any task he entrusts to me. That is my present duty."

Wu Long raised his eyebrows, having anticipated that some persuasion might be necessary to convince Jin Shenzhi, particularly since the proposal offered substantial advantages to the Three Pillars Sect with minimal drawbacks.

Meanwhile, Cai Yin decided to delve deeper. "However, I recall Sister Ziyan and Wu Long mentioning that your family occupies a unique position..."

Steel Hand elaborated, "It is true that I am descended from the Sect Founder's bloodline, but that identity was intrinsically linked to my role as Sect Ancestor, which I have also relinquished. Nevertheless, to facilitate the process of persuading the Sect to join you, I shall provide a more detailed explanation of my family's responsibility. Technically, the integration of the Three Pillars Sect into the Eternal Duality Valley as a Palace would not conflict with my family's mandate, assuming my understanding of the Outer Valley concept is accurate."

"If you mean that the Sect would largely maintain its autonomy, preserving its internal hierarchy and customs—including the Sect Master assuming the role of Palace Master and the Sect Ancestor becoming Palace Ancestor, with all Grand Elders and Elders retaining their positions—while also keeping its unique techniques, resources, and assets, and continuing to occupy its territory within the Spiritual Land, only being reclassified as a Palace, then your understanding is correct," Wu Long responded. "We might introduce certain new protocols and assign responsibilities, such as overseeing the World Stone, and establish administrative links for reporting purposes, but I foresee no fundamental alterations to the current operational structure of the Three Pillars Sect."

"In that case, the family would likely welcome your proposal, or at the very least, not object to it," Jin Shenzhi affirmed with a nod. "The primary and sole duty of my family is to uphold the vision established by the first Sect Founder. That vision, however, is not overly complex—it entails safeguarding the core philosophy and practices of the Three Pillars: the cultivation of mind, body, and spirit. His ultimate desire was for the Sect to preserve its distinct identity."

"Hmm, that is the part that we’re going to keep absolutely untouched; if anything, joining us will only enhance this core philosophy, as I can introduce improved techniques and Dao texts that would allow the Sect to ascend to greater heights," Wu Long nodded, pleased that the most significant hurdle – the Yi Family, carriers of the Founder's bloodline – was not an obstacle at all.

To Wu Long, it rather seemed that the Founder of the Three Pillars Sect merely wished to prevent them from deviating from body hardening techniques in favor of gauntlets, thereby preserving the pure romance of confronting weapons with bare hands, a practice he appeared to passionately endorse.

Meanwhile, Cai Yin, having reached the same understanding as Wu Long regarding the Founder's intent for the Three Pillars Sect, wore an expression of bewilderment that contrasted sharply with Wu Long’s comprehension and approval.

Given that the conversation with Jin Shenzhi had concluded so successfully, and learning that the primary perceived obstacle was hardly a hindrance, Wu Long resolved not to delay the matter any further.

However, Zhao Xieren was already recognized as an operative for the Soaring Feather Trading Company, despite his pretense of being an independent agent. Since they aimed to maintain the outward appearance of a cooperative relationship between the Eternal Duality Valley and the Trading Company, Wu Long required a different individual to represent the Valley.

"How about Chu Ren?", Cai Yin inquired. "He already collaborates closely with Deputy Valley Master Song, so having him serve as the Valley's representative seems quite fitting, don't you think?"

"Hmm," Wu Long mused, stroking his chin. Butler Bang, who had entered after Jin Shenzhi's departure and stood unobtrusively to the side, displayed a slightly uncomfortable countenance. "That does present a logical choice. He also possesses the requisite expertise. I had initially considered assigning him a different responsibility…"

Wu Long’s gaze shifted towards Butler Bang, who offered an awkward smile and a shrug.

"…but I suppose we are currently short on dependable individuals with the necessary skills, so we shall proceed with this arrangement for the time being."

With that decision made, Chu Ren assumed a new role. Alongside Zhao Xieren, who acted as a 'third-party intermediary,' he journeyed to the Three Pillars Sect to commence negotiations.

The proposition presented by Wu Long through Chu Ren was straightforward.

Accepting incorporation into the Eternal Duality Valley meant that the Three Pillars Sect—which would subsequently be designated as a Palace—would receive assistance to achieve parity in status and strength with the major Sects such as the Ember Palm Pavilion, Crystal Wood Sect, and the Seven Extreme Swords Sect. Furthermore, they would gain stewardship over the World Stone that granted access to the Battle God’s Cradle.

This aligned perfectly with Yu Zhen’s ambitions when the World Stone first became active and presented remarkably few drawbacks.

They would relinquish their status as an independent Sect. However, unlike in cases of hostile takeovers or entanglements in typical subservience, they would retain substantial autonomy, preserving their existing internal hierarchy and principles. A new governing structure would be established above them, bestowing immense advantages that were commensurate with the cost.

In essence, the transformation would be almost imperceptible in the daily lives of most members within the Sect, apart from a significant augmentation of their power and influence.

Zhao Xieren's presence served a dual purpose: not only as an intermediary 'whom Chu Ren had requested to facilitate this meeting,' but also as a guarantor from the Soaring Feather Trading Company, vouching for the Eternal Duality Valley, which Chu Ren represented, possessing the capacity to substantiate these assurances.

He subsequently disclosed that the combat contingent providing aid in defending the Three Pillars Sect from the recent raid, occurring less than a week prior, was dispatched by the Eternal Duality Valley at the request of the Soaring Feather Trading Company. This revelation undeniably bolstered the credibility of Chu Ren’s offer and his assertions.

While Yu Zhen was initially taken aback and subsequently skeptical, the more he grasped the fundamental aspects of the proposal, the more he perceived its potential benefits for the Sect. More importantly, still influenced by his Sect Ancestor's final admonitions, he envisioned a new and more promising future within the proposal's framework.

Even his trusted subordinate, Yi Pong, typically more distrustful and cautious of propositions that 'seemed excessively advantageous,' recognized the inherent logic and appeal within this offer.

Nevertheless, given the magnitude of the decision, Yu Zhen felt compelled to summon all the Grand Elders, which inevitably led to some contentious debates and fervent discussions.

However, in stark contrast to the earlier, nearly open-ended proposition of collaboration with the Soaring Feather Trading Company, Chu Ren's offer was time-limited to a single day. Moreover, his subsequent engagement after concluding with the Three Pillars Sect was scheduled with the Tiebi Mountain Sect, who were now the custodians of the Sealed World Stone leading to the Great Wilderness.

The proposal presented to both Sects would be identical, with the first to accept securing the primary benefits. The other would be relegated to the status of a mere cooperative partner with the Soaring Feather Trading Company, and possibly a future ally of the Valley, but nothing more substantial.

The urgency imposed by this time limit, coupled with the fear of losing this lucrative chance to a lesser, local Sect who might then gain dominance, rapidly unified the decision-makers. The offer was accepted before Chu Ren could even begin his journey to the Tiebi Mountain Sect.

This moment marked the inception of the Outer Valley's inaugural Palace and the official unveiling of the Eternal Duality Valley to the wider world on this very day.