Wang Mingyue sat back in her seat, her eyes filled with disbelief as she sized up Zhang Yang.

Even after a long while, she still couldn't believe that the person sitting in front of her was actually the acting sect master of the Azurecloud Sect.

She knew a bit about the Azurecloud Sect's past, and it was precisely because of this knowledge that she found it unbelievable.

After a long pause, her expression finally returned to normal, and she slowly said, "I believe you have the qualifications, but the Azurecloud Sect has fallen to its current state for a reason. Your sect master hasn't even solved his own problems, yet you dare to promise me a place to stand? I suppose you can guess without me saying it, my issues aren't that simple."

Zhang Yang nodded.

He was well aware that even Wang Mingyue's name was fake, that she had powerful servants by her side, and that she had come from a foreign land to the Cloudmount Empire seeking a foothold. All signs indicated that trouble was brewing behind her.

Before Zhang Yang could respond, Wang Mingyue continued, "Besides, I really don't see a future in just an Azurecloud Market."

Zhang Yang smiled slightly and asked, "The Azurecloud Sect has a history of five thousand years. Do you know what it was like at its peak?"

"I've heard a bit!" Wang Mingyue nodded.

Zhang Yang said calmly, "Although the Azurecloud Sect has experienced some upheavals leading to its decline, and even due to the previous leadership's conservative and isolationist policies, causing the sect to plummet, the foundation of the Azurecloud Sect still remains."

Lingyunzi, who was beside them, cast a sidelong glance at Zhang Yang. Wasn't he referring to their previous leadership?

Zhang Yang acted as if he hadn't noticed Lingyunzi's expression and continued, "If the foundation of the Azurecloud Sect were gone, would Azurecloud still exist today? It would have long been divided up by others, wouldn't it?

What Azurecloud lacks is actually the confidence to reform.

As long as there's confidence in reform, the prosperity of Azurecloud isn't impossible to regain.

When Azurecloud rises again, it will surely attract attention from all directions. Do you still think the Azurecloud Market will just be a small market then?"

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Lingyunzi sighed softly, "A thousand years ago, there was an Azurecloud City, a hundred times larger than today's Anqing City!"

The middle-aged man in green nodded slightly, indicating that he had also heard of such a massive city.

In contrast, Wang Mingyue remained unmoved and said calmly, "Even though what you say is true, your Azurecloud Sect is currently being troubled by even a small city lord. If you can't overcome the immediate challenges, let alone soar, you'll just be floundering in the mud."

Zhang Yang chuckled, "I admit that many short-sighted people don't have faith in Azurecloud. It's precisely because of the existence of these short-sighted people that the greatest opportunity arises. Imagine, when everyone acknowledges Azurecloud, would we still care about them?"

Wang Mingyue glared at Zhang Yang, was this guy indirectly insulting her?

Her tone turned colder, "You talk a good game, but if even selling talismans requires you, the acting sect master, to step in, it shows that Azurecloud has no one capable. Without people, dreaming of revitalizing Azurecloud is just daydreaming."

"Miss Wang Mingyue, what do you think of a two-day Qi Gathering talent?" Zhang Yang suddenly asked.

Wang Mingyue didn't know why Zhang Yang brought this up, but she was momentarily stunned and then answered honestly, "It's a genius talent! Back then, it took me three days to succeed in Qi Gathering, and that was with the help of my elders. If someone can gather Qi in two days, they're better than me."

She began to realize something and looked at Zhang Yang, "Even if you can gather Qi in two days, facing the situation in Azurecloud alone won't make a difference."

Zhang Yang beamed, "Such geniuses, we have eighty-seven in Azurecloud!"

"Impossible!" Wang Mingyue instinctively retorted.

However, she felt that Zhang Yang wouldn't boast about something so obvious.

Suddenly, a cold smile appeared on her face, "Have all the geniuses in the world been netted by your Azurecloud Sect?"

Rarely seen geniuses, all flocking to Azurecloud?

Such an obvious issue, and the Azurecloud Sect hasn't noticed?

The middle-aged man in green also looked at Lingyunzi in surprise, could it be? Was the current leadership of the Azurecloud Sect so incompetent that they couldn't spot such an obvious issue?

Lingyunzi remained expressionless and silent.

Zhang Yang looked at Wang Mingyue with a smile, saying nothing.

Wang Mingyue felt a bit embarrassed under his gaze and asked with some annoyance, "What are you looking at?"

"You're very smart!" Zhang Yang nodded, "But... have you heard of the Path of No Return? Have you heard of Wind Whisper? Do you want to witness how Azurecloud takes off in this situation?"

Wang Mingyue was bewildered.

Was there something wrong with Wind Whisper?

What kind of path was the Path of No Return?

Not just Wang Mingyue, everyone else was confused, as they had never heard of these things.

Seeing Zhang Yang's confident smile, Wang Mingyue suddenly felt an impulse to visit the Azurecloud Market.

Even though she didn't understand, she could imagine that soon, Azurecloud would be full of changes.

Especially this guy in front of her, who seemed to understand it all and was so confident. She really wanted to see how he would make Azurecloud soar, and if he succeeded, it would surely be spectacular.

However, her rationality overcame her impulse, and she didn't agree easily.

"I can go to the Azurecloud Market and take a look before making a decision!" Wang Mingyue finally said, "Once I've decided, I'll make plans!"

Zhang Yang chuckled, "I've already shown that Azurecloud is worth collaborating with. Why not show some of your strength, Miss Wang Mingyue?"

"I have money!" Wang Mingyue smiled proudly, "More money than you can imagine!"

"Having money is great!" Zhang Yang couldn't help but rub his fingers secretly, "The Azurecloud Market welcomes Miss Wang Mingyue!"

She seemed like a wealthy lady.

Was she a princess in exile, or a child of a fallen noble family? Or perhaps the heir of a destroyed major sect?

Whatever her identity, having money made things easier!

"Heh!" Wang Mingyue chuckled lightly, "Don't get too excited yet, things might not go as you wish."

After saying this, she got up and left.

After Wang Mingyue left, Lingyunzi finally said seriously, "That girl is not simple, her servant is a master."

Zhang Yang asked curiously, "Uncle Master, you can't see through him? If you were to fight, could you win?"

Lingyunzi smiled proudly, "There aren't many who can beat me!"

On the other side, Wang Mingyue returned to the small courtyard and looked at the middle-aged man in green, asking, "Uncle Qin, how much of what he said do you think is credible?"

The middle-aged man in green thought seriously for a moment before saying, "I don't know! However, Azurecloud is indeed different from before, that's for sure. Also, there's no doubt about that kid's identity. If Lingyunzi is dispatched to protect him, he must be an important figure in the Azurecloud Sect."

Wang Mingyue asked curiously, "Uncle Qin, do you know Lingyunzi?"

The middle-aged man in green smiled and shook his head, "I don't know him, but there are only the Seven Sons of Azurecloud left in this generation of the Azurecloud Sect. That person's aura is sharp, likely practicing swordsmanship. Among the Seven Sons of Azurecloud, only Lingyunzi practices swordsmanship, so it should be him."

"Who's stronger, you or him?"

The middle-aged man in green smiled wryly, "Miss, although the Azurecloud Sect has declined, they were once prosperous! They have top-level cultivation techniques, top-level magical treasures, and top-level understanding of the Dao. As for me... if it were a life-and-death fight, I definitely wouldn't be his match. Even so, it would take over a hundred moves to determine the winner, I'm confident of that."

"So strong?" Wang Mingyue muttered, "Uncle Qin, do you think I should cooperate with their Azurecloud Sect?"

The middle-aged man in green shook his head, "My task is to protect you. Such major decisions about cooperation should be made by you."

Wang Mingyue pondered for a long time, gradually coming to a decision in her heart.