Dragon's Hidden Mountain, Main Hall.
The main hall was stately and elegant, swiftly decorated by Su Qingxue according to ancient schematics. Shan Hu sat on the main seat. Dressed in a simple linen robe, he exuded an aura of unattainable loftiness, as if he sat not on a chair but upon the clouds of the Ninth Heaven.
Su Qingxue escorted Ye Qingyun into the hall and then retreated to stand respectfully on the side.
Ye Qingyun entered, his gaze immediately locking onto Shan Hu. He had expected the master capable of forging such a terrifying artifact to be a white-haired elder, not a man so strikingly young.
Yet, he dared not show the slightest disrespect. The subtle, pure aura surrounding Shan Hu caused the Innate True Qi in his own body to flow with unnatural smoothness. This alone confirmed that Shan Hu's cultivation realm was far superior to his own.
Ye Qingyun walked to the center of the hall, opting not for the usual martial salute, but for the more formal gesture of a disciple's greeting—hands clasped, bowing a full ninety degrees.
"Ye Qingyun, Martial Enforcer and honored guest of the Capital's Ye family, pays respects to Mr. Shan."
Shan Hu gestured lightly with his hand. "Mr. Ye, dispense with the formalities, please be seated."
He addressed Ye Qingyun simply by his surname. His tone was level, carrying the natural authority of a superior.
Ye Qingyun sat as instructed, but only used the edge of the chair, his posture humble.
"Mr. Shan's talent is immense. Down the mountain today, Qingyun personally experienced the pressure from your artifact refinement, which felt like a mortal facing divine wrath. I was profoundly enlightened." Ye Qingyun spoke directly, establishing his purpose: he was not here to test, but to revere.
Shan Hu smiled faintly. "A minor technique only. Mr. Ye has traveled far; I trust you did not come simply to hear a few loud noises."
Ye Qingyun immediately adopted a serious demeanor, pulling a delicate scroll and a black platinum card from his robe.
"Mr. Shan, I am here on behalf of Old Master Ye to propose a Martial Alliance with the Ye family."
He pushed the scroll toward Shan Hu. "This is the Martial Alliance Pact. The Ye family acknowledges your transcendental status and views you as an equal ally. The Ye family offers the following support:"
Ye Qingyun paused, his voice turning solemn. "First, Capital and Resources. This card contains one billion yuan in cash, available for your immediate use. All of the Ye family's channels for rare medicinal herbs and artifact refining materials, both domestic and international, are open to you."
"Second, Intelligence and Security. The Ye family will use its resources across the political, military, and martial arts spheres to provide the highest level of protection for you and your family. Any ill-intentioned person who enters Longcheng will be swiftly eliminated."
"Third, Guidance for the Martial Way. The Ye family can provide classified intelligence regarding ancient martial sects and hidden cultivation families, including clues to cultivation methods leading to higher realms."
Shan Hu's fingers lightly tapped the table. After listening, he picked up the scroll and glanced at the platinum card.
"One billion in cash, rare resources, high-level protection, and clues to higher martial arts…" Shan Hu looked up, his gaze calm as he met Ye Qingyun's. "The Ye family's proposal is generous. What does the Ye family seek in return?"
Ye Qingyun responded respectfully. "The Ye family seeks only Mr. Shan's friendship and occasional protection."
He lowered his voice, a hint of genuine concern present. "The Capital's martial world is not peaceful. Recently, several long-dormant factions have become restless, particularly in the North… The Ye family requires a true powerhouse as an ally to jointly defend against future risks."
Shan Hu curled his lip into a knowing smile. "The North? Are you referring to those petty scoundrels who dabble in poison and dark arts?"
Ye Qingyun's pupils contracted. Shan Hu knew!
"Mr. Shan truly possesses insightful wisdom!" Ye Qingyun's shock intensified.
Shan Hu placed the scroll down, making his decision. He was leaving Longcheng, and the Ye family's proposal was the perfect "watchdog" arrangement.
"I accept the Alliance Pact. Su Qingxue, take the platinum card and use it to purchase resources. From today on, all operations the Ye family conducts in Longcheng must be routed through Su Qingxue."
Shan Hu looked at Ye Qingyun, his tone calm but his command absolute. "In return, I promise the Ye family this: so long as the Ye family honors the pact and does not cross my bottom line, when the Capital truly faces an irresistible crisis, I will take action once."
Ye Qingyun nearly leaped to his feet with excitement. An Immortal Emperor's single promise was more valuable than any treasure in the world!
"Thank you, Mr. Shan! The entire Ye family will serve you with utmost dedication!"
Alliance Complete, Afternoon.
Ye Qingyun left Dragon's Hidden Mountain filled with excitement, having not only secured an ally but also definitively confirmed Shan Hu's unfathomable power.
Shan Hu called Su Qingxue to his side, indicating the gold card and the pact on the table.
"The Capital's Ye family is far more powerful than anything in Longcheng. With this connection, your operations in the secular world will be much easier."
"Qingxue, for the next month, you are responsible for three things: First, use these funds to globally source all rare herbs required to refine Qi Recovery Pills."
"Second, dedicate your full attention to helping my parents and Shan Qing adapt to their new lives. You will personally visit the Academy and warn any shortsighted fools that Shan Qing is the Mistress of Dragon's Hidden Mountain."
"Third, and most important: under no circumstances are you to leave Dragon's Hidden Mountain. The formation and the Jade Talisman I placed here will defend you. You must coordinate with the array to repel any intruders."
Su Qingxue's expression was serious as she bowed to receive the order. "Yes, Master! Qingxue guarantees that Dragon's Hidden Mountain will be impregnable!"
Shan Hu nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant North, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes.
"Since all arrangements are complete, it is time to deal with those rats."
Without notifying anyone, his figure flickered and vanished from the main hall.
An hour later, within the bounds of the Dragon's Hidden Mountain Spirit Gathering Array, only an empty room and the faintly glowing Jade Talisman remained. Shan Hu had embarked alone on his campaign to eradicate the Black Fiend Sect in the far Northern Tundra.