A day later, Li Changqing and the others finally returned to Zhanhe Residence.

Sima Yan had been waiting for them.

The news had traveled much faster than Li Changqing had expected. They hadn’t even returned to Zhanhe Residence yet, but Sima Yan already knew about the events that had transpired during the Ghost Devil trial.

Twenty disciples from Zhanhe Residence had set off, but only eleven returned.

Two elders had died.

This truly pained Sima Yan. These disciples were the elite of Zhanhe Residence, and the two elders who had reached the peak of the Innate Realm were invaluable.

But there was nothing they could do. If it weren’t for Li Changqing, none of them would have returned. It was already a blessing that one had survived.

At the same time, Sima Yan began to reassess the Qinglian Sword Sovereign.

Starting from today, the name of Qinglian Sword Sovereign would be known throughout the world!

Not only the entire Eastern Desolate Land, but also the Western Desolate Land, Southern Wilderness, and even the Ghost Clan in the Cloud Wilderness would know about what happened today, and the heroic deeds of the Qinglian Sword Sovereign.

The conspiracy of the Longevity Sect would also be taken seriously by everyone.

Even the entire structure of the Cangyuan Realm would change because of this.

It was as if a major earthquake had occurred.

According to the agreement, thirty percent of the merit points earned by the disciples of Zhanhe Residence would go to Li Changqing.

Although the disciples of Zhanhe Residence had performed averagely, thirty percent of the merit points was still a considerable amount, amounting to over a hundred thousand.

If it had been before, Li Changqing would have been thrilled with over a hundred thousand merit points. But now, looking at the hundred thousand points, which couldn’t even buy a drop of dragon blood essence, Li Changqing felt that the merit points were far too few.

After sending the disciples of Zhanhe Residence back, Li Changqing didn’t stay long. He left on his sword and returned to Changting Town overnight.

By the time Li Changqing returned to Changting Town, it was already early morning.

Li Changqing had already changed his clothes and returned to his original appearance. He stored his clothes and mask in his Acceptance of Rings, then headed into the town.

The town was still familiar, with no changes.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, and breakfast stalls were already set up. Li Changqing felt a bit hungry, so he sat down at a familiar place.

“Mr. Changqing, it’s been a while since you last came.” The stall owner immediately recognized Li Changqing and warmly greeted him.

“The usual.” Li Changqing said.

“Alright, please wait a moment.” The stall owner prepared for a while, then served Li Changqing a bowl of porridge, some small dishes, and a fried cake.

Li Changqing ate slowly, enjoying the slowly rising sun and the gradually bustling street.

Everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.

“It’s good to be alive.”

Li Changqing let out a long sigh after finishing his meal.

“Mr. Changqing, what did you say?” The stall owner thought Li Changqing was talking to him and asked curiously.

“Nothing, I’ve left the money here.” Li Changqing took out a silver coin and placed it on the table. Without waiting for the owner to give him change, he got up and headed back to the Yan residence.

When he returned to his small courtyard, Fei had already smelled Li Changqing from a distance and quickly ran towards him.

“Fei, long time no see.” Li Changqing squatted down and patted Fei’s head.

Fei also looked excited.

“Mr. Changqing, you’re back.” Zhang Fuguang also hurried out. Seeing that Li Changqing was fine, he felt relieved.

He had been worried about Li Changqing ever since he encountered Lin Qingyi.

He didn’t know where Li Changqing had gone these past few days.

Zhang Fuguang was worried about Li Changqing’s safety and had even gone out to look for him twice, but he couldn’t find any trace of him.

“Mm.” Li Changqing nodded at Zhang Fuguang. At this moment, Zhang Siyao also came out. Seeing Li Changqing, she was first stunned, then exclaimed joyfully, “Mr. Changqing, you’re finally back!”

“I’m back. Siyao, have you been attending your classes diligently?” Li Changqing asked.

“Mm-hmm.” Zhang Siyao nodded vigorously, indicating that she had been studying hard.

“Go to school.” Li Changqing smiled and patted Zhang Siyao’s little head. “We’ll have lunch together when you come back at noon.”

“Okay, it’s not fun to eat with just me and daddy when Mr. Changqing isn’t here.” Zhang Siyao cheerfully agreed and then hopped off to school.

“That child.” Zhang Fuguang laughed.

“Has everything been alright at home recently?” Li Changqing asked casually.

“It’s been fine.” Zhang Fuguang thought for a moment, then said, “Someone came looking for you a while ago, but since you weren’t here, he left.”

“Someone was looking for me?” Li Changqing raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding who it was.

It must have been Lin Qingyi.

“I see.” Li Changqing nodded, didn’t ask further, and then said to Zhang Fuguang, “Ask Yan Botao to bring Zhao Yiqiu and Bai Jingfei here.”

“Alright.”

After Zhang Fuguang left, Li Changqing definitely needed to understand the recent progress of the Changqing Trading Company.

Less than two quarters of an hour later, Li Changqing had already brewed tea in the small courtyard, and the three men had arrived.

“Mr. Changqing.”

“Great Venerate.”

The three of them greeted respectfully.

Especially Bai Jingfei, his eyes were filled with admiration and anticipation when he looked at Li Changqing.

“Mr. Changqing.” Bai Jingfei said excitedly, “Is the Qinglian Sword Sovereign really your friend?”

At these words, Li Changqing smiled, then poured tea into the three cups in front of him, and said, “We have some friendship, so you could say we’re friends.”

“You’re amazing! To have such a friend.” Bai Jingfei exclaimed, “The news about the Ghost Devil trial has spread everywhere. We’ve also received the information. I don’t know what to say…”

Bai Jingfei didn’t know what to say, because the news of the Qinglian Sword Sovereign single-handedly saving all the sects in the Eastern Desolate Land had been spread far and wide, and it was nothing short of miraculous.Zhao Yiqiu and Yan Botao had obviously heard about it from Bai Jingfei on their way here.

They were also extremely excited internally.

It was already impressive that the Changqing Trading Company had a master like Li Changqing, and behind him was the Qinglian Sword Sovereign. What did they have to fear in the future?

Now they were all guessing that the master who had killed Hai Songtao must have been the Qinglian Sword Sovereign.

As for their conjectures, Li Changqing didn’t bother to explain anything.

Some things didn’t need to be explained, it was unnecessary.

“Come and have some tea.”

Li Changqing pushed the teacup forward.

“Thank you, Mr. Changqing.” The three of them quickly sat down.

“How has the Changqing Trading Company progressed during my absence?” Li Changqing looked at Zhao Yiqiu, who was in charge of this aspect.

“Mr. Changqing, as you instructed, we have sent people to contact many companies that are about to go bankrupt, and then bought them at a low price, and replaced them with our Changqing Trading Company’s brand.”

Zhao Yiqiu said seriously, “We purchase other goods from local channels, because our Changting Town cannot supply so many goods, just Path Mark City is already our limit, and recently we have increased the production of tea in Changting Town, which has been sent to various regions in batches.”

“Overall, everything is proceeding in an orderly manner.” Zhao Yiqiu said.

“Also,” Yan Botao quickly interjected, “Regarding the pre-made meals, you said before that we should not focus on this for now, so we have selected two reliable chefs locally to help us make pre-made meals. We may not be able to take large orders, but we can handle small ones.”

“We’re not selling pre-made meals.” Li Changqing said to Yan Botao, “This time we’re selling self-heating rice.”

“Is it the thing that Mr. Changqing asked our company to research before?” Zhao Yiqiu was stunned. The idea of self-heating rice was really astonishing to Zhao Yiqiu. Just a small bag of lime could heat up cold rice and dishes without fire.

This thing was a luxury in the wild.

“Is that an emergency food? Can it be sold in our company?” Zhao Yiqiu was a bit hesitant.

“Don’t worry, it will sell well in the short term.” Li Changqing smiled, “But our self-heating rice should be sold in limited quantities, not too much, just a few dozen servings a day, to lay a good foundation for our pre-made meals. After all, it takes time for our Changqing Trading Company to grow and develop.”

“Yes.” The three of them nodded.

What Li Changqing said, they believed would not be wrong.

“Here is the list of the managers in charge of various regions, please review it, Great Venerate.” Yan Botao handed over a list.

Li Changqing looked at it, the people from the three families were evenly distributed.

“With the elders of the Yan family distributed like this, I’m afraid there are only three elders left in Changting Town, right?” Li Changqing raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, but what can we do if we don’t let the elders of the Yan family handle such important matters?” Yan Botao gave a bitter smile.

“Mr. Changqing.” Zhao Yiqiu saluted, “Brother Yan also told me before that Mr. Changqing’s idea is to dig for talents. I think this is feasible. As our Changqing Trading Company grows bigger and bigger, we definitely can’t rely on ourselves alone.”

“Now is a good opportunity for us to dig for talents, but unfortunately, after we dig these talents, we can’t let them take important positions directly. I think it’s better to observe them for a while.”

Zhao Yiqiu’s words made Li Changqing very agreeable.

“For this position in Zhanzhou.” Li Changqing pointed to the position of the deputy shopkeeper in Zhanzhou written on the paper, “I think Yan Hanzhou is a good kid, let him try it.”

This made Yan Botao’s eyes widen.

Yan Hanzhou?

A very outstanding disciple among the disciples of the Yan family, he didn’t expect Li Changqing to give him the opportunity to directly serve as the deputy shopkeeper.

It seemed that he wanted to promote him, and after two years of gilding, he would probably become the shopkeeper.

As for Yan Hanzhou, Li Changqing had a good impression of him. The first time he came to the Yan family, it was Yan Hanzhou who helped him and took him to the Library of Ten Thousand Books.

“Yes.”

Yan Botao quickly nodded.

“Implement where it should be implemented. Now the start of our Changqing Trading Company has become very simple, and the sects in various places will not make things difficult for us. Go ahead and do it boldly. Also, I want to remind you of some things about your family.” Li Changqing’s gaze swept over the faces of the three.

“If I find out who is relying on the name of the Changqing Trading Company or the Qinglian Sword Sovereign to mess around outside, pretending to be a tiger, or embezzling…”

“Not only him, but you three are also responsible. One warning, if it happens twice, I think the heads of your three families can be replaced directly.” Li Changqing said calmly.

As soon as these words came out, the three of them shivered.

They knew that Li Changqing was not joking when he said this. If Li Changqing wanted to change the head of their three families, wouldn’t it be a matter of a word?

Which of the three of them dared to resist?

Don’t they want to live?

“Yes!”

The three of them quickly agreed.

This sentence also reminded them that they must strictly supervise their subordinates. If such a thing really happens, they will also severely punish them to serve as a warning to others.

“Bai Jingfei.” Li Changqing looked at Bai Jingfei.

“Mr. Changqing.” Bai Jingfei put down his teacup.

“I promised you before to help you step into the Innate Realm, you stay later.” Li Changqing waved his hand at Yan Botao and Zhao Yiqiu, indicating that they could leave.

Zhao Yiqiu was so envious that his eyes were bloodshot!

Bai Jingfei established the intelligence department and got such an opportunity, leaving him, Zhao Yiqiu, still in the Postnatal Realm!He knew he had to do something to convince Li Changqing to help him enter the Prenatal Realm.

Bai Jingfei was so excited that he was practically bubbling with joy.

After leaving Bai Jingfei behind and understanding his cultivation method, Li Changqing let Bai Jingfei go home. He then prepared a piece of wood, planning to carve a wooden sculpture for Bai Jingfei to contemplate.

As long as Bai Jingfei wasn’t a fool or a talentless waste, he could easily step into the Prenatal Realm.

“Brother Hanzhou.”

“You’re back from cultivation.”

In the evening, Yan Hanzhou returned from his cultivation. At his doorstep, he saw a young girl waiting for him.

“Meimei, why are you here?”

Seeing the girl, Yan Hanzhou’s eyes lit up.

“Cough, cough.” At this moment, a soft cough made Yan Hanzhou notice another person behind the girl. It was Meimei’s mother, who was also the shopkeeper of one of the three major cloth shops in Changting Town.

Her name was Yan Xiuhua, a member of the Yan family. Meimei’s father was not from the Yan family and relied entirely on Yan Xiuhua for survival. Therefore, Yan Xiuhua was very dominant at home.

Yan Xiuhua was aware of the relationship between Meimei and Yan Hanzhou. When Yan Hanzhou’s parents were still alive, the two families had a good relationship. They could be described as childhood sweethearts.

After Yan Hanzhou’s parents passed away, Yan Xiuhua worried that her daughter would not be happy with Yan Hanzhou and somewhat opposed their relationship.

However, seeing Meimei’s unwavering devotion to Yan Hanzhou, as a mother, Yan Xiuhua understood their mutual affection and couldn’t bear to separate them. But today, she came with her own words to say and demands to make. If Yan Hanzhou’s performance could satisfy her, she would no longer oppose this marriage.

“Auntie.” Yan Hanzhou respectfully greeted.

“Let’s talk inside.” Yan Xiuhua calmly looked at Yan Hanzhou.

After they entered the house, Yan Xiuhua looked at Yan Hanzhou’s somewhat shabby dwelling and couldn’t help but frown.

“Hanzhou, I’ve watched you grow up.” Yan Xiuhua began, “I have no doubts about your character. I’m not worried about leaving Meimei with you. My only concern is that Meimei will suffer hardship with you.”

“Mother, I don’t mind.” Meimei quickly interjected.

But as soon as she finished speaking, she was glared at by Yan Xiuhua.

“Auntie, I will definitely work hard.” Yan Hanzhou quickly said, “My monthly income is much higher than before, and I have saved some money. I won’t let Meimei suffer with me.”

“Hanzhou, I won’t make things difficult for you. To marry my daughter, you should at least give some betrothal gifts.”

“I don’t ask for much, just bring out five hundred taels of silver, and I’ll let Meimei marry you.” Yan Xiuhua didn’t make things too difficult for Yan Hanzhou.

For Yan Xiuhua, as the head shopkeeper of the Yan family’s cloth shop, she naturally had a certain wealth.

Meimei had been pampered since childhood. If Yan Hanzhou couldn’t even afford five hundred taels, how could she bear to let her daughter suffer?

“Five hundred taels…” Yan Hanzhou was indeed a bit troubled.

Although he had saved some money, it was at most two hundred taels.

“You’re not willing to give five hundred taels?” Yan Xiuhua’s face darkened.

“Mother…”

“Shut up.” Yan Xiuhua glanced at her love-struck daughter.

Just then, a voice came from outside, “Hanzhou, are you there?”

Hearing the voice, Yan Hanzhou responded and opened the door to see the fourth elder of the Yan family walking in.

“Fourth Elder.” Yan Hanzhou quickly paid his respects.

“Fourth Elder.” Yan Xiuhua also hurriedly greeted.

“Oh, Xiuhua, you’re here too.” The fourth elder glanced at Yan Xiuhua.

“Yes, I came to discuss my daughter’s marriage with Hanzhou.” Yan Xiuhua said with a smile.

“Marriage?” The fourth elder raised his eyebrows and laughed, “Your daughter is really marrying up.”

This comment left Yan Xiuhua speechless.

What did he mean by that?

Who was marrying up to whom?

She was the shopkeeper of one of the three major cloth shops in the Yan family, and Yan Hanzhou was just a poor boy. Was she marrying up to him?

“Hanzhou.” The fourth elder said, “The Yan family has decided that the Changqing Trading Company in Zhanzhou will soon open. The Grand Deacon has appointed you as the deputy shopkeeper of the Zhanzhou branch of the Changqing Trading Company.”

“Huh?”

Yan Hanzhou was stunned.

Deputy shopkeeper?

Himself?

Upon hearing this, even Yan Xiuhua was greatly surprised.

The Changqing Trading Company in Zhanzhou?

Was this kid on the fast track to success?

Most importantly, this was appointed by the Grand Deacon. As a semi-high-ranking member of the Yan family, how could Yan Xiuhua not know the weight of the Grand Deacon in the Yan family?

Even Yan Botao, the clan leader, had to respect the Grand Deacon!

Although he was just a deputy shopkeeper now, it wouldn’t take many years for Yan Hanzhou to become a real shopkeeper! Yan Xiuhua was very clear about the ins and outs of this.

This kid was really lucky.

No wonder they said her family was marrying up.

This was more than just marrying up.

This was a golden son-in-law!

She was just a small shopkeeper in Changting Town, and her status was incomparable to Yan Hanzhou’s.

No wonder even the usually cold fourth elder was so polite today.

“Work hard, Hanzhou. The Grand Deacon thinks highly of you.” The fourth elder said with a smile, “Alright, I won’t interrupt your marriage discussion. Carry on.”

“See you off, Fourth Elder.”

The three of them bowed in unison.

At this moment, Yan Hanzhou felt as if he was dreaming.

“Brother Hanzhou, congratulations!” Meimei was so excited that she kissed Yan Hanzhou on the cheek.

Yan Xiuhua felt a bit awkward at this moment. She stared at Yan Hanzhou, not knowing what to say. If she suddenly changed her mind and said she didn’t care about the betrothal gifts, wouldn’t it make her seem a bit mercenary?Some people die, but they do not die completely…