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

The opportunity provided by the Zhang family is a once-in-a-lifetime chance; we must not let it slip away.

Looking at the excited elders, and even Chi Yuan who seemed somewhat tempted, Chi Xue shook his head and said:

“In the past, I might have thought the same as the elders.”

But the news from Kyushu that year made me realize that although the situation in Kyushu seemed to be changing rapidly, it was actually under the control of someone from the Zhang family.

The ambition of the Zhang family member is not merely to have the five major powers act as a stabilizing force to suppress the entire land.

His true goal is to seize the entire Nine Provinces!

Chapter 853 Unification of Miao Territory

"Does the Zhang family aspire to rule the world?"

Upon hearing this, Chi Yuan and the other elders all looked at Chi Xue in disbelief.

In their minds, the Zhang family were quite easygoing businessmen, and for many years they had been dedicated to charitable causes in Kyushu. They really couldn't believe that the Zhang family had such great ambitions.

There is a saying in the Central Plains:

You don't know the cost of firewood, rice, oil, and salt until you're in charge of the household!

The Zhang family, even without mentioning numerous experts and hidden forces, has long exceeded the limits of the empire's tolerance for its vast commercial empire.

If any member of the Zhang family can live to be a hundred years old, then the Zhang family will exist for a hundred years, and no one will dare to touch it.

However, once any member of the Zhang family steps down, the empire, like it is today, could collapse at any moment.

Even if the Zhang family has no ambition to dominate, their strength is their original sin.

"How can I allow others to snore on my bedside!"

Chi Yuan and the elders suddenly realized that it wasn't that the Zhang family was truly ambitious, but rather that the Zhang family's current position meant that if they didn't advance, they would fall behind.

Just like the empire built by the Dragon Emperor, now that the Dragon Emperor has fallen, it is teetering on the brink of collapse.

The same applies to the Zhang family's current 'empire'; only when the Zhang family has an absolute foundation can it truly gain a foothold.

Moreover, the Zhang family is different from the current empire. Once the Zhang family establishes a country, it will inevitably win the hearts and minds of the people.

"Therefore, your desire to contend for supremacy in Nanyue is merely paving the way for the Zhang family."

Even though Yuan'er has undergone nine blood refinements, the feeling I get from him is that he is no weaker than Yuan'er's Undying Demon Body. Moreover, he has three bronze-armored warriors by his side. The former Bad Commander died at the hands of him and the bronze-armored warriors.

Our Miao region is now in a prosperous era, and our people have a rare and stable environment.

Leaving the mountain at this time is by no means a wise move!

Upon hearing this, Chi Yuan and the other elders also fell into deep thought.

Ambition? Everyone has it.

But what is the price to pay for ambition?

At that time, hundreds of thousands of Miao warriors who have settled down and lived in peace may die far from home for their ambitions and hegemony, and may even bring great hidden dangers to the Miao region.

After all, the current peace and tranquility was brought about by the Zhang family's trade.

Once the Zhang family's trade routes are lost, even if they can find merchants to replace them, it will ultimately be a short-sighted solution.

Without the Zhang family's strength, this trade route could not have lasted.

Even if they venture out of Miao territory, they cannot achieve the same effect as the Zhang family, and may even offend the Zhang family. Commercial blockade (BJCA) is the Zhang family's most basic tactic and the most effective way to contain Miao territory.

Moreover, their agreement with the Zhang family wasn't just about not vying for supremacy within a century; there was also a crucial item involved—

Dragon Ball!

This refers to Chi Yuan's journey to the Empire after breaking through nine blood refinements, where he obtained the Dragon Pearl from the Lishan Mausoleum.

This was the real deal that Zhang Xiaoshan made with their Miao village back then; the 'no vying for supremacy' agreement was just a bonus.

Now, the time to obtain the Dragon Balls is getting closer and closer, less than a year away.

"However, he is here this time because he is determined to spar with Yuan'er. Whether Miao Jiang will come out of seclusion depends on whether Yuan'er's strength can pass the test!"

"Yes, Master!"

Upon hearing this, Chi Yuan was startled, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

Indeed, it all depends on whether he has the strength to challenge which pillar of the Central Plains.

If his strength surpasses Zhang Xiaoshan's, it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to leave Miao territory.

Otherwise, honestly maintaining the current status quo in Miao territory is the best option. He cannot risk the lives of hundreds of thousands of Miao warriors for a vague dream of becoming a hegemon.

"Furthermore, send a message to the Twelve Caves, asking which member of the Zhang family will come to discuss important matters this time, which will also be the time for the unification of Miao territory."

Chi Xue looked at Chi Yuan, who had already broken through nine blood refinements.

Back then, the Demon Sect unified Miao territory after eight refinements. Now, with Chi Yuan having undergone nine blood refinements, as long as he reveals his strength, the Twelve Caves will have no chance of not submitting.

After all, this was the realm of an ancient demon god!

···

"Sect Master of Crimson Blood, Zhang Ziyu has come to pay a visit!"

Its sound was as loud as thunder, and its echo reverberated for miles around.

In Chiyou's stronghold, Chi Xue and the others stood tall and looked into the distance.

Zhang Xiaoshan used a telepathic technique that could travel thousands of miles. Although the sound was loud right next to his ear, he was at least ten miles away.

Demon Sect's Crimson Blood, Chi Yuan, the Twelve Caves—the Gu King… a group of Miao experts emerged from their mountain stronghold to respectfully welcome Zhang Xiaoshan's arrival at the gate of Chi You Village.

Zhang Xiaoshan deserves the respect shown to him by the Miao leaders.

After everyone descended the mountain, they waited quietly for a full quarter of an hour.

During this time, the distant mountains and forests trembled, wild beasts ran wildly, crows and sparrows flew in formation, and even the poisonous insects and venomous creatures that had been placed in the Miao region for defense became restless.

The apocalyptic atmosphere sent a jolt through everyone's hearts.

What could possibly cause such a commotion?

As the mountains and forests trembled, ancient trees were uprooted, snapped, and sent flying, and the crowd finally got a clear look at the enormous creature.

Poison Dragon!

Zhang Family Poison Dragon!

Legend has it that Zhang Xiaoshan took this enormous creature from Ping Mountain and raised it there.

Looking at the enormous creature before me, I realized that even in the shortest of my journey, its massive body was as tall as a four- or five-story building.

I didn't realize this thing was already this big.

Back then, the ten-zhang poisonous dragon had the strength to contend with a grandmaster. Even Ghost Yama could only suppress the poisonous dragon with the Dragon Slaying Saber. What about this twenty-five-zhang poisonous dragon?

Its sheer size was enough to deter Chi Xue from his desire to be born.

If Zhang Xiaoshan were to make enemies of the Zhang family, and release the dragon into the mountains, the Miao region could be plunged into utter ruin.

Although Chi Yuan had reached the level of nine blood refinements and possessed extraordinary strength, the Poison Dragon was a monster that was beyond human control—a 'millennial demon'.

Not to mention the elders and the chieftains of the twelve caves.

Faced with the aura of the poisonous dragon, the Gu worms on its body were restless and uneasy, let alone fighting against such a behemoth.

The Poison Dragon is not only enormous in size, but also extremely venomous, a monster that has been immersed in the Chaotic Demon Pool for many years.

With the addition of 'dragon blood', the poisonous dragon becomes even more immune to the deadly poison of the poisonous insects.

Zhang Xiaoshan also controlled the other party from a young age using the Ghost Heart Pill and the Dragon Ball, making him like a puppet.

"I've met the young master!"

Everyone looked at Zhang Xiaoshan atop the Poison Dragon Peak with awe in their eyes.

Zhang Xiaoshan is not only powerful, but also commands such a terrifying monster, which undoubtedly makes the people of Miaojiang even more wary.

"Greetings, everyone!"

Zhang Xiaoshan patted the snake's head, and the venomous dragon slowly lowered its head.

Immediately, Zhang Xiaoshan unloaded all the goods from the snake's head, as well as the large salt grains behind it. At least 100,000 jin of goods were neatly arranged by Zhang Xiaoshan, like a warehouse built by workers, with ease.

"It's just a small token of my appreciation, I hope Sect Master Crimson Blood won't find it offensive!"

Sea salt, silk, quinine!

At that time, sea salt and silk were not scarce in Miao areas, but quinine was a valuable commodity.

Although it's only one sack, this stuff isn't for eating; it's for saving lives. This one sack is enough for the Miao region this year, saving tens of thousands of lives.

Chapter 854 Ancient Demon God and Taoist Immortal

"Thank you, sir!"

He ordered the Miao warriors to move the things into the village, and at this moment, Chi Xue looked at the Poison Dragon with even more fear.

Keep in mind that this is a staggering 100,000 jin (50,000 kg) of goods. If each sack of salt weighs 100 jin (50 kg), that's a thousand sacks. And yet, Poison Dragon, carrying such a heavy load, still managed to travel at incredible speed, from Tiannan to Miao territory in just a few days, working day and night without rest.

It's clear that these things pose no threat to the Poison Dragon at all.

"Young master, this is the Gu King of the Twelve Caves, the Master of Longevity Gu, and the newly appointed Witch King of the Twelve Caves..."

"I've met the young master!"

The twelve chieftains looked at Zhang Xiaoshan with a mixture of fear and respect.

Sixteen years ago, the Bad Commander and the Zhang family suffered a 'mutually devastating defeat' before they first heard of the Zhang family's name.

Those who can rival the Bad Commander are people they cannot afford to offend.

Until the Witch King fell in the capital, relations between the two sides plummeted to a freezing point.

At the time, many of them were filled with righteous indignation, and it wasn't until the Bad Commander died at the hands of this Zhang family member that they learned of this conspiracy.

Moreover, the battle ended with all three factions—Wu Tang, the Bad Commander, and the Zhang family—being severely injured.

Although the Zhang family has retreated, they have left behind a reputation for being unapproachable.

He slaughtered the royal family, killed the Bad Commander, and then escaped unscathed. Even the Twelve Caves listed Zhang Xiaoshan as a powerful figure not to be trifled with.

This is a force that even an empire cannot subdue; otherwise, how could Emperor Wu have allowed the Zhang family to leave the capital?

Because the Zhang family has too many powerful members, the Wu Tang Empire dared not perish together with them.

"Zhang greets you all!"

The twelve chieftains have different appearances. Although most of them are Miao people, there are also monks, Taoists, and even scholars.

Moreover, each cave lord's strength is at least at the peak of the highest level, with most being peerless masters and three being grandmasters.

Clearly, in the past sixteen years, two more people have been promoted to Grandmaster.

These two newly promoted Grandmasters are the newly promoted Witch King and the Longevity Gu Master, also known as the Undying Cave Master.

"Hehe, we have long admired your name, young master. But now that we have met you, we realize that there really are such extraordinary people in the world."

She looked like she was in her early twenties, with skin as smooth and lustrous as jade, and an ethereal air about her.

Everyone felt that they had aged, while Zhang Xiaoshan remained young and still as dashing as ever.

"Everyone liked this instantly."

With a wave of his hand, Zhang Xiaoshan sent the Poison Dragon retreating into the mountains to find food in a nearby lake.

This time when it came out, it ate a lot and had several large meals.

Especially the giant fish on the plateau, enough for him to hibernate for several years to digest.

After all, the flesh of those large, sentient fish that are over a hundred years old is not just simple protein, but contains a lot of the essence of heaven and earth, which is why they can grow to be over a hundred years old.

Therefore, the larger the inland fish, the higher its nutritional value, rather than simply pursuing a tender and smooth texture.

"It seems that Brother Chi Yuan has already broken through the ninth Blood Refinement. Congratulations, Crimson Blood Sect Master!"

"Hahaha... I have to thank you, young master, for gifting me the divine weapon of my ancestors from Miao territory. It was through this that Yuan'er was able to break through nine blood refinements and reach the realm of my ancestors."

With tears of excitement in his eyes, Chi Xue cupped his hands and bowed to Zhang Xiaoshan in gratitude.