Section 52: The Great Development of Shu Family Island
By: Gu Zhenren
Master Yu Ya calculated roughly and was surprised by the results. Although he had reused building materials from the ruins of Huotong City’s old site, saving eighty percent of the cost, it was still evident that the Altar of Heaven was expensive to construct.
Master Yu Ya looked troubled. “To be honest, Young Island Master, with the Shu family’s financial resources, constructing a giant secret door is already stretching thin. To build the Altar of Heaven as well would push us into financial deficit. To need eight of them all at once… Wait, could it be that Young Island Master you have…”
Master Yu Ya stopped speaking, stunned. He suddenly realized that Chu Yun’s demand for eight Altars of Heaven, such a specific number, clearly indicated he had a plan.
“Could it be that Young Island Master, you have eight Tribulation Demons in hand?” he asked directly, voicing his deepest doubt. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them.
The question was obviously foolish. Chu Yun was only [age] years old; appearing on the Talented Person Ranking was already an honor. How could he possibly possess eight Tribulation Demons?
Even ordinary King level experts only commanded six Tribulation Demons with millions of years of history.
Chu Yun laughed heartily and patted Master Yu Ya’s shoulder. He didn’t reveal his secrets, only saying, “This is a secret for now, please don’t mind it, Uncle. I also don’t know if this method will be feasible. If it fails in the end, it will be embarrassing. I still think it’s good to build them first, just in case.”
“Young Island Master speaks wisely,” Master Yu Ya blinked repeatedly. He heard the tone in Chu Yun’s voice, sensing that he had a plan and confidence.
His heart was greatly shaken. Chu Yun’s progress had exceeded his imagination. He suddenly realized he could no longer see through this young man before him.
“It seems your trip to Yao Shan Kingdom yielded immense and unimaginable gains, Young Island Master. I am now incredibly fortunate that I chose this place and stayed on Shu Family Island. Otherwise, where would I find so many Weapon Forging manuals, or so many materials for me to forge weapons? Speaking of which, Uncle, I’ve gotten a great deal. Exchanging one or two Heaven Spirit True Heart Pills for all this,” Master Yu Ya sighed with emotion.
“Uncle, you speak too formally. What deal are we talking about between ourselves? You are a Master of Weapon Forging. A small force like our Shu Family Island could only dream of inviting someone like you. How much have you contributed to our Shu family? Both militarily and financially, your contributions rank in the top three. Strictly speaking, I should be thanking you,” Chu Yun said sincerely, his words filled with emotion.
Master Yu Ya’s role was invaluable. A Master of Weapon Forging was highly valued even in the Mongol Yuan Nation and Jianghan Kingdom, and the Country Lord would be overjoyed for weeks upon securing one.
Specialization was key. With Master Yu Ya stationed on Shu Family Island, countless troubles were avoided, and the development speed increased exponentially.
“Young Island Master…” Master Yu Ya was moved by Chu Yun’s sincere words, his eyes slightly reddening. “Young Island Master, to be honest, I have been rootless since childhood and consider Shu Family Island my home. No matter the enticement or threat, even if you were to drive me away, I would remain here for the rest of my life, unwilling to leave.”
In this world, many offer praise when times are good, but few offer help in times of need.
When Master Yu Ya was in hardship, he was met by Chu Yun, who offered him help. This was true assistance in times of need, a kindness this loyal and righteous man would never forget.
“Meeting Master Yu Ya is also my good fortune. Now, I no longer have to worry; Master Yu Ya has completely joined our Shu family’s cause.” After their conversation, Chu Yun left Huode City.
He continued, cloaked by the Colorless Rainbow Demon, and wandered the island. All he saw were changes and prosperous development.
Shu Family Island originally had one city and three villages. Now, Shu Family City was more than ten times more prosperous than before. The three villages, including Xianyan Fishing Village, had already grown to the size of towns. Chu Yun was particularly impressed by this fishing village, where he had lived for a period after running away from home, receiving care from Old Red Spear and others.
Returning to this fishing village now, he found much that was familiar had changed, stirring a sense of “things remain, but people have changed.”
He then visited Jiuzao Fishing Village. It was originally similar in size to Xianyan Fishing Village but had now also expanded into a town.
Tengjian Mountain Village, the only one of the three mushroomed villages, had expanded on its original site, forming a small fortress. Serving as a branch city of Huode City, it played a crucial military role.
“All of this, besides thanks to Master Yu Ya, is most importantly due to Yan Que. It is precisely because of his overall arrangements that Shu Family Island has achieved such tremendous development.”
Chu Yun felt emotional. Yan Que indeed possessed talent in governing and administering.
In his previous life, Yan Que was ranked on the Talented Person Ranking and served as the Minister of Agriculture in Jianghan Kingdom, a true capable minister. Now, having been lured to Shu Family by Chu Yun, he held significant power at a young age and had gained valuable experience, truly shining.
“I possess the recipe for the Rejuvenation Pill. As long as there are no shortages of materials, Rejuvenation Pills will be inexhaustible. These good things are now of no use to me personally; they should be supplied to the Shu family’s high-ranking members. Yan Que, Uncle Yu Ya, the Three Old Generals, Huang Xiao, Wu Datou, and even Wang Zelong, Yan Jisi, and others,” Chu Yun thought.
The rise of the Shu family’s power was directly beneficial to him.
Throughout history, personal strength and the backing of a faction have always been complementary. Without the support of a major force, even someone with the talent of Little Prince Meng Fei could not achieve the title of ‘Little Arrow God.’
As the Shu family’s influence grew, Chu Yun increasingly felt the convenience in various aspects.
For instance, recruiting the Rouge Gate. In his previous life, how could Chu Yun possibly have subdued this future first-rate Wanderer sect?
If Chu Yun were alone, would the Little Prince Meng Fei be able to stand as an equal and converse amicably with him?
Without the protection of a faction, even if Chu Yun obtained the inheritance of the Ten Thousand Beasts King, he would have to conceal it meticulously to avoid becoming a target for everyone.
However, now, he could openly declare, “This young lord has obtained the King’s secret treasure. So what?”
No one dared to cause trouble in the Archipelago.
Even the Ironclad Alliance and two other Wanderer sects had planned to deal with Chu Yun in Yao Shan Kingdom back then. They never considered acting within the Archipelago.
This was the benefit of having a powerful faction.
“Shu Family Island’s development has reached its limit. Although there is the underground world and the forest in the center of the island, both providing abundant resources, the high gains come with equally high expenditures. To build the giant gem secret doors and the Altars of Heaven, we need to find new ways.”
After personally touring the island, Chu Yun had a clear understanding of Shu Family Island’s situation and many ideas began to form in his mind.
By the time he returned to Shu Family City, it was already evening.
Little Prince Meng Fei was completely drunk and still lying in bed like a puddle of mud.
Chu Yun visited him, carefully instructing his attendants, “Prince Meng Yuan’s identity is of utmost importance. Guard him well; not a single mishap must occur.”
Although three Earth Altars had been moved here, making the vicinity impregnable, such security matters could not be neglected.
The attending guards quickly bowed, their gazes filled with respect and admiration, and earnestly replied.
“Young Island Master, dinner is ready. The Island Master requests your presence for the meal.”
At this moment, a servant came to report.
“Good, I’m coming,” Chu Yun nodded. As he left, he reminded them again, “You all have worked hard these past few days. Please protect Prince Meng Fei diligently.”
These loyal guards were almost moved to tears by his words. Some of the older guards, watching Chu Yun’s retreating back, felt a surge of emotion: “The Young Island Master is still so kind. He is already the number one of the younger generation, yet he remains the same as before. With such a Young Island Master, what has our Shu family to fear for the future?”
The dinner was very lavish, featuring dishes like Golden Snow Clam-stuffed Crab Shells, Wild Perilla Steamed River Snails, Honey-glazed Ham, Roast Suckling Pig, Clear Soup Swallow Nest, Savory Ginseng and Abalone Soup, Mandarin Duck Five-Treasure Stir-fry, and Shepherd’s Purse and Dried Scallop Soup, among dozens of other items.
Chu Yun had not dined with Shu Tianhao for a long time, and this meal was very enjoyable.
From this table of dishes, one could grasp the great development of Shu Family Island. Previously, there would have only been six or seven dishes, and the ingredients would not have been so precious.
Dietary nourishment is better than medicinal supplements; this is a universally acknowledged truth. Food is also very important for Monster Tamers. It does not cause drug resistance and has a significantly beneficial effect on long-term health preservation.
Historically, King level experts enjoyed delicacies like dragon liver and phoenix marrow daily. However, while the Shu family could afford such ingredients for a meal or two, they could not sustain it continuously at present. Their finances were still too tight.
After dinner, it was time for the council meeting.
Shu Tianhao, Chu Yun, Yan Que, Yu Ya, and Huang Xiao – a total of five, the true core members of the Shu family.
“Shu Family Island has recuperated for the past two months and has adjusted. We have sharpened our swords and are ready to embark. General Huang has been advising me to send our troops to conquer the surrounding territories. Today, we will discuss this matter,” Shu Tianhao began, getting straight to the point.
“Indeed,” Huang Xiao stood up and elaborated on the reasons.
He was now the Chief General of the Shu family. After defeating Tie Ao, his position was unshakeable. After two months of experience, he shone like polished jade, exuding a formidable aura, as if a hidden dragon had ascended to the heavens, bathed in glory.
“…The Shu family still has a long way to go to achieve unification. Our biggest concern is the Archipelago uniting against us and forming a siege. Throughout the history of the Archipelago, there have been many who had the potential to dominate like us. However, whenever they achieved some success, all other island powers would unite, forming a blockade and nipping the bud in the bud.”
“Although we are developing rapidly, there is still peace and tranquility among the islands. While we develop, they are also developing. We are, after all, just one faction; delaying further is extremely disadvantageous to us. We must take the initiative to attack and sustain ourselves through war.”
Huang Xiao pierced through the current situation, demonstrating thorough knowledge of both their own strengths and those of their enemies. He detailed their military strength and compared it to other island powers. Now was the perfect time for Shu Family Island to recover from the war. They should seize the advantage of ample troop reserves to expand their territory. It would be too late once other islands had also recovered.
After Huang Xiao finished speaking, everyone’s gaze turned to Chu Yun.
In fact, they had already been discussing this matter for some time.
Chu Yun, as the Young Island Master of the Shu family, had already earned deep respect. Even if Shu Tianhao were to completely step down, Chu Yun could still manage the situation.
Most importantly, everyone present, including Yan Que, Yu Ya, and Huang Xiao, had been personally recruited by Chu Yun. In their hearts, Chu Yun held a more significant position than Shu Tianhao.
Therefore, Chu Yun’s opinion was of paramount importance.
