After listening to Lu Shangda’s description, Zhang Dingyun’s mind was in turmoil for a long time.
He could not believe that Wei Wushuang was not dead; during the funeral, Zhang Dingyun had disguised himself and gone to investigate secretly.
After all, as the renowned War Emperor from Coastal State, many attended his funeral to offer their condolences.
Despite the Shengtian Sect being an adversary to the Wanxiang Sect, appearances had to be maintained, so Zhang Dingyun had disguised himself as an elder to attend the funeral.
Zhang Dingyun clearly remembered verifying that Wei Wushuang was indeed dead, and the body had no signs of life whatsoever; it did not appear to be a staged death.
However, since Lu Shangda mentioned it, Zhang Dingyun believed that Wei Wushuang must indeed be alive, probably having used some trickery.
Yet, it was Lu Shangda’s description of Lin Qian that captured his attention.
The soul power that resisted the aura of death, five Cloud Boats as large as cities, left Zhang Dingyun struggling to conceive them.
He had Cloud Boats, too, but compared to those described by Lu Shangda, his were nowhere near the same scale.
A greedy look flashed in Zhang Dingyun’s eyes, contemplating the vast fortune he could amass if he managed to acquire those enormous Cloud Boats.
Seemingly perceiving Zhang Dingyun’s thoughts, Lu Shangda sneered, "Unless you agree to my terms beforehand, you won’t stand a chance of obtaining those high-grade Cloud Boats."
Lu Shangda’s words left Zhang Dingyun indecisive, unable to make up his mind immediately.
"If I agree to your terms, elder, and you then go back on your word and leave, wouldn’t I have no one to call for help, destined to live in regret forever?" Zhang Dingyun asked with furrowed brows after some contemplation.
Understanding Zhang Dingyun’s concerns, Lu Shangda replied, "That won’t happen. You desire those quality Cloud Boats as much as I do. With this common goal, I will surely collaborate effectively with you."
"Elder, allow me to think further," Zhang Dingyun responded, still not committing and continuing to furrow his brows in thought.
"Hmph, I know what you’re plotting; you’re just trying to squeeze more benefits from me," Lu Shangda said with a cold laugh upon seeing Zhang Dingyun’s expression. "Isn’t there an old man in your Shengtian Sect who even I dread? With him in place, are you really afraid that I’ll go back on my word?"
Hearing Lu Shangda’s comment, a trace of surprise flashed in Zhang Dingyun’s eyes, "Elder, how did you know?"
"That old man had used his soul consciousness to probe me when I visited your Shengtian Sect; I just never mentioned it," Lu Shangda said, then held up three fingers to Zhang Dingyun, "Five boats, three for you, two for me—how about it?"
After wrestling with the decision for a moment, Zhang Dingyun seemed to finally make up his mind and nodded to the non-human before him, "If that’s the case, then I agree."
Seeing Zhang Dingyun’s agreement, Lu Shangda smiled, "Trust me, I will help your Shengtian Sect dominate the entire Coastal State."
To Lu Shangda’s words, Zhang Dingyun also smiled and nodded, "In that case, I rely on you, elder."
Inside the Shengtian Sect, Zhang Dingyun and the non-human from the Black Blood Clan, Lu Shangda, were in fervent discussion.
Meanwhile, within those five warships, Qin Wushuang and Wei Wushuang had also gathered all the high-ranking officials of their sect to plan for the future.
"Now that we have Lin Qian’s enormous battleships to settle in, we have a place to belong. But can our Wanxiang Sect always shrink behind a disciple’s private property?" Qin Wushuang sat at the head, looking down at many elders.
At the moment, Wei Wushuang was sitting by his junior brother, remaining silent. Regarding the policies of the sect, he did not interfere much, only providing input when appropriate.
After Qin Wushuang’s remarks, there was a moment of silence among the many elders below.
Eventually, Lei Qian’s grandfather, Lei Heng, was the first to propose selecting a new location to rebuild the Wanxiang Sect.
Most of the other elders agreed, finding this suggestion quite sensible.
However, choosing a new location for the Wanxiang Sect sparked endless debate.
Firstly, the entire Coastal State was almost entirely divided between three sects and five clans, with only the original headquarters of the Wanxiang Sect left. The conditions at other places were somewhat lacking.
After a lengthy discussion, no good idea emerged; no matter what, there were always drawbacks.
Some locations, once established, might suffice in terms of spiritual energy density, but due to the open terrain, they were vulnerable to enemy attacks.
If a location favorable for defense was chosen, then the concentration of spiritual energy was insufficient.
A few places met both conditions, but the areas were too small to meet the needs of the Wanxiang Sect.
"I think the Spirit Mountain Range is an excellent location for the new Wanxiang Sect site," suddenly, a young voice rang out in the spacious room.
Everyone looked over, and the speaker was none other than Lin Qian.
"Lin Qian, how did you get in?" Qin Wushuang asked curiously, "I remember sealing this space; it should be impossible to enter!"
"Auntie, don’t joke, these battleships are mine, sealing this space is pointless. It might keep other disciples out, but I’m an exception," Lin Qian grinned as he spoke.
"A sect meeting may technically exclude disciples, but Lin Qian is an exception. After all, we of the Wanxiang Sect are relying on his hospitality, hahaha..." Lei Heng laughed heartily and gestured, "Come, come, sit by me."
"Indeed, speaking frankly, living on these Young Emperor’s Cloud Boats is too comfortable; I hardly want to leave,"
"Right, especially the dishes in the cafeteria, they have a unique flavor."
"Hey, Brother Jin, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would’ve forgotten, especially that Huaxia Wang Duobao’s herbal tea—it tastes quite good."
Seeing the elders joking among themselves, Lin Qian also smiled bitterly, "Elders, please, stop teasing me."
"Hahaha..." Seeing Lin Qian plea, many elders laughed.
"You’re stirring trouble, Lin Qian. The Spirit Mountain Range is where the Shengtian Sect is based. How can the new site of the Wanxiang Sect be built there? Aren’t you causing mischief?" Qin Wushuang teased Lin Qian as he settled by Lei Heng.
"Is that so?" Lin Qian sat down and grinned, "In that case, once we have obliterated the Shengtian Sect, wouldn’t the Spirit Mountain Range become a great place for our Wanxiang Sect?"