Chapter 186: Trade Route
Meng Zhang was about to enter his own shop when he heard a greeting from behind, "Sect Master Meng." He turned around and saw Gu Tanghai rushing towards him.
"Sect Master Meng, may I have a word with you? I have an important matter to discuss," Gu Tanghai said urgently.
Over the years, Taiyi Sect and Shi Family had maintained a good rtionship on the surface, engaging in a significant amount of trade. Perhaps due to concerns about Luo Ye, who had appeared with Meng Zhang in the past, Gu Tanghai had always been friendly towards Taiyi Sect.
Meng Zhang nodded and followed Gu Tanghai, leaving the area.
Gu Tanghai led Meng Zhang a long way until they arrived at a small building in the center of Singing Sand City. This was the administrative building of Singing Sand City, where Gu Tanghai often handled various internal and external affairs of the market.
Gu Tanghai led Meng Zhang into a hall, asked him to sit down, and served tea and snacks. Knowing Meng Zhang''s character, he didn''t beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"Sect Master Meng, the main reason I asked you toe here is because the blockade by the Flying Swan Sect has caused a lot of inconvenience for everyone. The market has been stagnant and deste."
"Therefore, after discussing with several other Sect Masters, we have decided to open up new trade routes and seek new business opportunities."
Meng Zhang had heard many rumors about this matter before, including from Gu Tanghai. He wholeheartedly agreed with it.
In recent years, Meng Zhang had increasingly felt the disadvantages of theck of trade routes. Taiyi Sect''s supply of spirit grain was barely sufficient, and during good harvests, they could sell a portion of it externally. However, there was a shortage of medicinal pills. Shi Family provided most of them, and their own sect''s Pill Hall could only provide a small portion.
Some disciples in the sect practiced certain special techniques that required specific spiritual materials. Meng Zhang had to secretly go to Firewell Market to purchase small quantities, often not enough for their needs.
As for other magic tools, talismans, and so on, they were even more scarce. Even the sect-protecting great formation at the mountain gate had not been established yet.
They could barely sustain themselves during peacetime, but once a war broke out, there would be a severe shortage of various resources.
Currently, Taiyi Sect had some mineral deposits. In addition to the original scarlet copper and white hidden earth mines, they had also acquired the mysterious iron and thousand dust sand mines.
However, due to ack of manpower and ack of market outlets, these mines had to be temporarily idle or minimally exploited. Without being able to transport the resources and earn spirit stones, they couldn''t acquire the necessary spiritual materials.
This was not a healthy state for the sect''s development.
Of course, opening up trade routes externally might sound simple, but it was actually very difficult to aplish.
The areas where several sects were located were surrounded by the influence of the Flying Swan Sect to the east and south. It was impossible to find any opportunities within the Flying Swan Sect''s sphere of influence.
To the north and west was the forbidden area of the Deadly Sea of Sand. It was possible to enter the ruling area of the Qi Family in the Northern Desert through an uninhabited area in the northeast.
However, the Qi Family in the Northern Desert was always conservative and highly exclusive. Moreover, the Northern Desert itself was very barren and had little production.
The Qi Family had been suppressed by the Flying Swan Sect in the Northern Desert for many years and had not made much progress. Even though the Qi Family had two Gold Core Daoist Masters, they alsocked resources for cultivation.To be honest, anyone who has some understanding of the Northern Desert region would find it very strange. The fact that the Northern Desert Qi Family has been able to withstand the Flying Swan Sect for so many years, relying on such a poor and remote area, is quite surprising.
In the southwest direction, there is a small area that borders the Demon Wind Gobi. Through the Demon Wind Gobi, one can directly enter the territory of the Jiuqu League.
The Jiuqu League is a cultivation alliance centered around the Jiuqu River. Compared to the Endless Sea of Sand, it is incredibly prosperous. It has numerous sects, a constant stream of experts, a developed cultivation civilization, abundant resources, and a thriving economy.
The Jiuqu League''s strength is countless times greater than that of the Flying Swan Sect, and they even have a Primordial Spirit True Monarch within their ranks.
When the invasion of the Endless Sea of Sand urred, it was only the actions of two small sects on the outskirts. Yet, it posed a significant challenge for the Flying Swan Sect to deal with.
If it weren''t for the fact that the high-ranking members of the Jiuqu League looked down upon the barrennd of the Endless Sea of Sand and focused their attention on the more prosperous south, the Flying Swan Sect would have lost its opportunity to rule over the Endless Sea of Sand long ago.
For sects like Taiyi Sect to open up trade routes, the Northern Desert Qi Family is their only choice.
The first option is rtively easier, but the Qi Family itself is not wealthy, so even if they establish a trade route, the gains would be limited.
The second option requires passing through the Demon Wind Gobi.
The Demon Wind Gobi is the only ce within the Endless Sea of Sand where arge number of demonic beasts gather. There are numerous powerful demonic beasts there, and even deep within the Demon Wind Gobi, there are Gold Core-level monsters.
Over the years, even the Flying Swan Sect, which rules over the Endless Sea of Sand, has been reluctant to venture deep into the Demon Wind Gobi.
Although reaching the Jiuqu League only requires passing through the outskirts of the Demon Wind Gobi without going deep inside, it can still be quite troublesome if one is unlucky enough to be entangled by the horde of demonic beasts.
As for the Gold Core-level monsters, they are unlikely to leave the depths of the Demon Wind Gobi, so there is no need to worry too much about them.
Several Sect Masters have debated these two different options many times in the past.
Due to his limited knowledge and experience, Meng Zhang has no understanding or preference for the Jiuqu League and has not participated in the debates.
Now that Gu Tanghai has brought up the issue of opening up trade routes again, it should mean that a decision has been made.
Before Meng Zhang could speak, Gu Tanghai continued on his own.
"After much discussion, we have finally decided to go together to the Jiuqu League. Even if the journey is more dangerous, the rewards will be greater."
"If Sect Master Meng is interested, it''s best to start preparing early."
"Of course, there''s no need to rush. Even if everything goes smoothly, we won''t set off for several years."
Taiyi Sect also greatly needs external trade. Since a decision has been made, Meng Zhang naturally agrees to join the endeavor.
Meng Zhang readily agrees and will depart with everyone in a few years.
During these years, Taiyi Sect will make many preparations, gather various goods for trading, andpile a list of items to be purchased.
In just a few sentences, both sides have reached an agreement on this matter without any doubts.
Gu Tanghai lifted his teacup, took a sip, paused for a moment, and then continued speaking.
"The second matter is that Elder Dan Yihu from Twin Sess Valley has asked me to act as an intermediary and contact the various Sect Masters to undertake a major task together."
As Gu Tanghai spoke, he took out antern from his storage bag.
Thentern had an ancient appearance, seemingly made of bronze. Its surface was covered in rust and tarnished with copper stains.
"Golden Crow Lantern," Meng Zhang stared at thentern for a long time before bing somewhat excited.
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