In the beginning, he was ranked alongside An Shigeng as a spoiled brat.

"Young master, you're enjoying yourself!"

Yu Huatian couldn't help but sigh, no wonder the Emperor wanted the Zhang family to settle here.

The Zhang family represents high-end luxury goods, including glassware, soaps, and top-quality pastries. Moreover, the Zhang family, which provided assistance to the imperial court at the Nine Passes, were also top-tier arms dealers.

However, Zhang Jiaming appears to be a steady and reliable businessman, and these are all resources from the black market.

"Is the young master preparing to set sail?"

"Yes, according to the intelligence from the Imperial Guard, the Grand Eunuch also knows that the Zhang family was plotted against by the Bad Commander and the Martial Emperor, and had to give up the Yingbin Building, which he had invested millions of gold coins in."

Including investments in other places, hundreds of shops, the loss is at least two million gold.

The Zhang family has no plans to invest in the short term, at least not in a stable environment, as the investment risk is too great.

After all, such large investments are extremely difficult to recoup in a short period of time!

Upon hearing this, Yu Huatian looked at Zhang Xiaoshan with some sympathy.

He naturally knew the scale of the Zhang family's investment and the magnitude of their losses this time.

It should be noted that Yingbinlou is much larger than Hongfu, with glazed tiles on the walls and celadon flooring. Its luxurious decoration makes it arguably the number one restaurant in Kyushu.

The poisoning of over a hundred people completely ruined Yingbinlou's reputation.

Although Yingbinlou was also a victim, the fact that it was involved in the poisoning of hundreds of people at the same time, and that it was a restaurant, meant the consequences were predictable.

"Actually, the Ming Dynasty is relatively stable!"

Is the Ming Dynasty stable?

Yu Huatian naturally knew how insincere these words were, as Zhu Shou's throne was not even secure yet.

After defeating Zhu Wushi, the regional princes largely ruled independently, bringing the Ming Dynasty to the brink of collapse.

"I understand the purpose of your visit, Your Majesty, and I thank you for your kindness."

However, the Zhang family did not want to continue to establish themselves in Kyushu in the short term, even with thousands of existing business channels available.

But the governor also understood that chaos had already descended!

At this point, the Zhang family did not want to get involved, and Mr. Zhang planned to stay overseas for a few years.

Once the situation in Kyushu stabilizes again and the Ming Dynasty enters a golden age, perhaps the Zhang family can add to its glory.”

Yu Huatian did not say anything after hearing this.

Zhang Xiaoshan's decision is not something they can tamper with.

Given the current chaotic situation in Kyushu and the Zhang family's recent predicament, even he could not afford to invest recklessly.

Moreover, Zhang Xiaoshan's explanation was already extremely polite to him.

In the end, he was nothing more than a eunuch.

Other forces might be wary of these eunuchs, but in the face of the Zhang family's terrifying power, they were all insignificant figures, just lowly eunuchs.

"It is indeed the rambling young master. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again in the capital."

"There will be!"

Zhang Xiaoshan and Yu Huatian possess a demeanor that, while seemingly gentle, also exudes the air of a great general, making him a rare talent.

As for the ruthlessness of the methods?

For Zhang Xiaoshan, right and wrong were unimportant; what mattered was whether they could be used to his advantage in the future. He then retorted:

"Piaoxu, go and fetch the Lin Family Sword Manual from my study."

"Yes, son!"

Hearing Zhang Xiaoshan ask Liu Sheng Piaoxu to retrieve the sword manual, even Yu Huatian was somewhat flattered.

He knew that Zhang Xiaoshan's decision to have Liu Sheng Piaoxu retrieve the sword manual was likely related to him.

Sure enough, Zhang Xiaoshan turned around and smiled:

"This trip, which troubled the supervisor, has been fruitless!"

This sword manual is the "Evil-Repelling Sword Manual" compiled by Zhang, based on the sword moves of the Lin family sword style.

Although Zhang had never seen the real Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, he had seen the complete Sunflower Manual and incorporated some Taoist insights, removing some of the evil and adding a touch of Taoist essence.

"After you return, Your Excellency can thoroughly study some Taoist classics; perhaps your cultivation will progress even faster!"

(Mahaohao)

"Yu Huatian thanks you for the sword, young master!"

The Lin family's sword techniques are not a secret, but they are fundamentally a mental cultivation method.

Since the Lin family's inner cultivation method was derived from the Sunflower Manual, Yu Huatian naturally knew that this Evil-Repelling Sword Technique must be even more complete.

Furthermore, Zhang Xiaoshan has incorporated some Taoist insights, making his swordsmanship even more powerful.

Yu Huatian knew that this was Zhang Xiaoshan trying to win her over.

However, compared to other gifts, Yu Huatian was still willing to accept this present.

He was a eunuch, and this sword technique was so important to him that it could not only allow him to quickly surpass Cao Shaoqing in strength, but also make him a peerless master.

After all, even a good-for-nothing like Lin Zhennan could break through to the pinnacle of the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique in just three years and even perish together with Ren Woxing.

His exceptional talent in becoming a top master before the age of thirty, coupled with his profound virginity training, makes it entirely possible for him to reach the peerless realm within a year, given how perfectly suited the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is to him.

Moreover, Zhang Xiaoshan's guidance can accelerate the cultivation of this Evil-Repelling Sword Manual.

"Father-in-law, please take care on your journey!"

Three-quarters of an hour later, Zhang Xiaoshan saw Yu Huatian off on the large Fu ship.

Zhang Xiaoshan was confident about this investment. Yu Huatian, having mastered the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique, would absolutely crush Zhao Huai'an.

Besides, even if the investment fails, it's just a "Swordplay of Evil Repelling" technique.

Chapter 548 Changes at the Maritime Base: Zhang Yuan's Shock

"Young master, is a eunuch worth such an investment?"

Liu Sheng Piaoxu looked at Yu Huatian as he left, a puzzled expression on his face.

After Zhang Xiaoshan's modifications and additions, the seemingly similar Evil-Repelling Sword Technique has actually become a peerless sword technique.

The complete mental cultivation method, in particular, is far more valuable than the actual Evil-Repelling Sword Technique.

"A eunuch's martial arts manual is useless to keep, so why not invest in it!"

Yu Huatian looks to be no more than thirty years old, yet he has already reached the pinnacle of his skill, possessing exceptional talent.

If this quickly mastered Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is added, their strength will undoubtedly improve rapidly, and perhaps next time the Zhang family can reap the rewards of a peerless grandmaster!

While Liu Sheng Piaoxu's words were undeniable, was that really the question she asked?

She was asking whether Yu Huatian was trustworthy, since if he took something and then denied it, wouldn't that be like throwing good money after bad?

"As for your concerns? With the Ming Dynasty gone, the Zhang family is the best place for Yu Huatian!"

Zhang Xiaoshan turned and entered the cabin, full of confidence.

Meanwhile, on the top deck of another large Fujian-style ship, Zhang Yuan, holding his grandson, watched Yu Huatian depart and understood that Zhang Xiaoshan had refused the invitation from the Ming Dynasty.

After all, they had decided to go into hiding for a while, and the atmosphere in the Ming Dynasty at that time was far worse than that of the Tang and Song Dynasties.

To put it bluntly, it's the pride of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants!

To put it bluntly, it means that merchants had a low social status, and even a scholar could bully them.

According to strict laws, a merchant family like the Zhang family was considered a low-class family, not even allowed to have maids or wear silk.

Of course, these are low-level street vendors.

The truly great businessmen all have connections and influence.

However, this also illustrates the status of merchants. The Zhang family could do business and establish themselves in the Ming Dynasty, but it was better to stay in Jiangnan.

···

One month later, at the sea base!

This was Zhang Yuan's first time visiting the Zhang family's most secret base, number 433.

As the head of the Zhang family, and given his 'lack' martial arts skills, he usually has a large entourage, making this place a 'forbidden zone'.

Looking at the sheer cliffs towering tens of meters high before us, and the menacing and domineering figures of the Ironclad Guards patrolling above, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them an impregnable fortress.

They especially knew about those 'honeycomb briquettes,' but Lianjiuguan was a rare example of a Hongyi cannon.

The maximum range can reach 30 miles. The chassis designed to rotate 75 degrees allows for concentrated fire in one direction, and the direction can be adjusted within the 75-degree range at any time.

It can be said that any enemy that comes will be completely wiped out after a few rounds of artillery fire.

"Anyone who didn't know better would think you're keeping a private army here."

Zhang Yuan knew there were many guards here, at least four thousand:

One thousand Ironclad Cavalry, three thousand ordinary guards, and they can also be used as craftsmen in ordinary times.

With the addition of tens of thousands of artisans, the population density of this secret base was comparable to that of Kowloon Walled City in later generations.

Moreover, Zhang Xiaoshan also built a massive residential building with at least ten floors, based on the spatial design of the internal cliff.

Relying on the mountain wall that is tens of meters high, and with each layer of concrete at least three feet thick, the safety level is absolutely guaranteed.

Moreover, compared to the Kowloon Walled City of later generations, the artisans did not feel that it was crowded or backward.

Compared to the old mud walls, the snow-white walls painted with white lime, the modern and novel furniture, the roller coaster-like automatic elevators, and the automatic water taps are all high-end features.

With a children's playground, an entertainment area for adults, and a school district... paradise couldn't be more perfect!

This is not like later generations, where people travel out of the city, province, or even abroad at the drop of a hat.

Most ordinary people may never even leave their county in their entire lives, so they naturally wouldn't feel that this place is a cage.

"I've met the master!"

"Longshan!"

Looking at the familiar old man, Zhang Yuan also showed the joy of reuniting with an old friend.

Moreover, compared to Zhang Yuan's mastery of martial arts, Long Shan looked somewhat old, with half of his hair turned white at the temples. Most people who didn't know his background assumed that Zhang Yuan was skilled in health preservation.

"Amitabha! Master Zhang, Senior Brother!"

"Greetings, masters!"

Sure enough, in addition to the original three Arhats—Juexiang, Juese, and Juexin—there were now two more—Juekong and Juehui!

Zhang Xiaoshan was naturally delighted with the addition of the two Arhats.

At least in terms of character, the two Arhats are not problematic. As for whether they are secret agents?

We'll investigate later. Even with Jue Xiang and the others, Zhang Xiaoshan didn't have complete trust in them.

"Father, let Uncle Long show you around, and I'll go arrange your lodgings."

"Alright!"

Zhang Yuan lives here, while Zhang Xiaoshan has another place to live.

Zhang Xiaoshan had originally invited Zhang Yuan to Peach Blossom Island, but Zhang Yuan felt that since he had decided to take a break, Peach Blossom Island wouldn't be quiet.

After all, the sea base is a secret, but Peach Blossom Island is not.

Zhang Xiaoshan lives on Peach Blossom Island, where he visits many people from the martial arts world and important figures from the Central Plains. It's not as peaceful as being at the sea base.

Moreover, Zhang Yuan also wanted to take advantage of this time to cultivate the 'Wedding Dress Divine Skill' that others dared not cultivate, in order to break through the legendary Grandmaster realm.

Zhang Yuan had always known that he was Zhang Xiaoshan's weakness.

Even if someone possesses unparalleled martial arts skills, once they encounter a problem, Zhang Xiaoshan will be extremely passive.

Moreover, Zhang Yuan also felt the same way!

Having met the experts of the Zhang family, I don't think that top-tier or peerless masters are particularly powerful.

Even his daughters-in-law were all unparalleled martial arts masters, so he always kept to himself and rarely went out.