After dealing with the Wu family, Wu Tao handed over Lun Ming City and the entire Ming Ze Prefecture to his eldest disciple, Ye Yu, for management.
During this period, many major events occurred elsewhere in the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty.
The most significant of these were matters that could influence the direction of the entire Immortal Dynasty.
For instance, a Purple Mansion stage cultivator practicing the Corpse Walking Dao occupied the Black, Dark, and Abyss Regions, establishing a zombie kingdom.
The Yi family, known as the foremost clan below the Thrones, reached an unknown agreement with the imperial court's central authority and was appointed as one of the eight great feudal lords.
Furthermore, the five major legions under the central authority annihilated the first-class Ke family, incorporating the Ke family's two domains into the court's direct control.
The Mi family, another first-class family, inexplicably accepted the central authority's invitation and became the second of the eight great feudal lords.
Following them, the Tuoba family, also a first-class family, became the third great feudal lord.
Finally, the Lu family, a first-class family, declared their allegiance and became the fourth great feudal lord.
Scanning further down, an array of astonishing news caught Wu Tao's eye.
For example, the Wang family, one of the four Throne families, engaged in a war over a spirit stone mine, and another first-class family plundered another clan.
Finally, Wu Tao found a crucial piece of information.
Wu Tao and his Ascending Immortal Sect had their status elevated. They were recognized by the imperial court's central authority, and their legal authority within Chu Prefecture was established, making them a newly recognized first-class family.
Upon seeing this, the usually composed Wu Tao could no longer remain so.
Soon, the news spread to everyone in the Ascending Immortal Sect.
Instantly, everyone's morale soared, and their unity grew stronger.
While this might be astonishing to those unaccustomed to major events, for Wu Tao himself, it marked the beginning of his burgeoning dominance.
Upon returning to Wei City, Wu Tao began to devise ways to deal with the Chu family.
He was already planning his next moves.
"Hmm..."
Feudal lord? That was a rather fitting title.
Gazing at the sky, Wu Tao felt his path ahead was incredibly clear.
Upon seeing his faction referred to as a first-class family, much became clear to Wu Tao.
The imperial court's central authority, led by the Liu imperial clan, had apparently decided to elevate his faction to the status of a feudal lord.
Wu Tao, whose own strength was not yet fully consolidated, ultimately chose to accept the title of feudal lord after weighing the pros and cons.
However, accepting the appointment was one thing; the terms and conditions still needed to be negotiated.
If he only received an empty title without any tangible benefits, it would be a significant loss.
Yet, negotiation was not his forte, and the thought of how to proceed gave him a splitting headache.
After all, the former Wu Tao was a solitary figure, unburdened by responsibility.
Unlike now, where he controlled so much territory and had so many subordinates to support.
But even if one hadn't eaten pork, one had seen pigs run, right?
Not being adept at something didn't mean one couldn't become a negotiation genius...
As the leader of a major power, even if negotiation wasn't required now, it would inevitably be in the future.
Moreover, Wu Tao's importance in negotiations carried more weight than a mere eloquent negotiator.
This was, of course, due to Wu Tao's personal combat prowess, which served as the most potent leverage for his demands.
After all, in negotiations, one should always start by asking for the highest possible price; there were many benefits to doing so, at least providing ample room for future concessions.
It was akin to someone wanting to buy an item, and the seller, after fully showcasing its value, quoting a price far exceeding its worth.
Even if the buyer eventually realized the seller was overpricing, they wouldn't simply walk away. They would negotiate, striving to acquire the item at the lowest possible cost.
Regardless, because a high price was initially quoted, the item's value would, overall, remain higher than it originally would have been.
This was a form of negotiation wisdom.
Some matters, when viewed from a different angle or with a different mindset, could yield unimaginable results.
Acquiring substantial rewards was precisely what Wu Tao sought after becoming a feudal lord, not merely an empty title.
Of course, negotiation skills and language were undeniably important, that much was certain.
"Tsk tsk, it seems I need to learn a thing or two from those who are pedantic with words. A last-minute cram session is better than nothing."
Wu Tao smiled meaningfully.
Just then, Wu Tao, standing atop the city walls, suddenly sensed a powerful aura approaching Wei City.
Looking up at the clear, empty azure sky, a streak of yellow light suddenly appeared and flew rapidly.
If Wu Tao's divine sense were not sufficiently potent, he might not have detected it from such a distance.
The owner of this incredibly fast streak of light, upon spotting Wu Tao, descended directly towards his location.
This scene surprised Wu Tao.
Had the owner of this light not been devoid of killing intent, Wu Tao would have already acted.
At this moment, a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator stood before Wu Tao and introduced himself, making Wu Tao understand everything.
"Greetings, fellow cultivator. My name is Liu Jie. I hold the position of Assistant Minister of War and possess the authority to represent the entire Ministry of War."
"My purpose in coming here is to formally recruit you into the feudal lord system, to discuss the related restrictive documents, and the numerous benefits that come with becoming a feudal lord."
"You may examine them first. Please take a look, and then give me your answer."
"Oh, priority purchase rights?"
"They are quite generous this time..."
"Can I purchase all war-type magic artifacts and talismans manufactured by the Ministry of War?"
Wu Tao probed tentatively.
Negotiations, since both parties intended to discuss, it was acceptable to make a bold request.
...
"Hahahaha, I believe a fellow cultivator who built their empire from scratch wouldn't be so foolish."
"War-type magic artifacts are manageable, but newly developed talismans are under very strict control."
"Besides, my authority is not that extensive."
Liu Jie replied, half-warning, half-mocking.
...
"There's no need for so many words. Give me something tangible. Tell me what I can buy."
Upon hearing this, Wu Tao ceased his wordplay, shifted his tone, and said, "Tell me what war-type magic artifacts and talismans I can purchase with my feudal lord status."
Liu Jie remained silent for a moment.
Seeing this, Wu Tao felt a flicker of impatience, but years of composure prevented him from showing it.
Finally, after a long wait, Liu Jie relented.
Liu Jie finally spoke, "The price of war-type magic artifacts and talismans is considerable. How much can you afford to buy..."
...
"So, you agree then!"
"How many spirit stones do you require?"
Wu Tao asked.
...
After speaking, Wu Tao handed a list to Liu Jie.
Liu Jie received the list with both hands, examined it carefully, and nodded at Wu Tao, indicating that the items on the list were within their capabilities.
Wu Tao pondered for a moment, then pressed further, "You have seen everything I can offer. Can we now discuss the details of the transaction?"
...
"Of course."
Liu Jie replied.
...
"The quality of the several elixirs on your list is excellent. I am very satisfied and decide to take them all."
"Oh? And what do you propose to trade with me? Let me be clear, I have no interest in ordinary magic artifacts at this time."
A glint flashed in Wu Tao's eyes as he stopped and looked at Liu Jie, saying.
...
"Talismans, magic artifacts, armored suits, anything that isn't a prohibited forbidden war weapon can be purchased." Liu Jie stated authoritatively, contrary to his usual demeanor.
...
"However much you can bring me, I will give you that many elixirs!"
Wu Tao retorted with equal confidence.
...
At this moment, his storage bag contained thousands of bottles of various spirit elixirs.
Of course, there were also countless other treasures.
Wu Tao was not a miser.
To him, anything he couldn't use was a burden, best to dispose of it quickly and convert it into various war equipment.
He could also convert it into spirit stones, but Wu Tao knew well that at his level, spirit stones might be the least valuable commodity.
And the equipment traded with the Ministry of War of the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty was incredibly precious, strategic treasures that were hard to come by.
Wu Tao naturally had to seize this opportunity.
In this world that revered strength above all else, power was paramount; with power came everything!
Is there not a saying: Having a sword and saber makes one a leader?
Therefore, developing his own forces and expanding his army of cultivators was an urgent matter for Wu Tao.
Since this opportunity had arisen, Wu Tao naturally wanted to convert these elixirs and treasures into talismans, magic artifacts, and armored suits that could equip his subordinate cultivators and enhance their combat effectiveness.
Liu Jie, seeing Wu Tao's eyes gleaming, couldn't help but flinch slightly and cautioned, "Strategic treasures such as talismans, magic artifacts, and armored suits are produced and consumed internally by the Ministry of War and are not traded in large batches externally."
"If the quantity you require is not too large, I might be able to figure something out. If the amount is too substantial, I will be unable to comply."
Upon hearing this, Wu Tao cautiously probed, "Then, what is the 'not too large' quantity you mentioned?"
...
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