During these same two weeks, the Imperial Competition in Crimson Iron City came to its official close, with Bai Ruolan securing an absolute, landslide victory in the alchemy division.
Over this fortnight, the Jade Spring Pavilion's reputation exploded across Thousand Waves City and Southern Frost City, bolstered by explicit Imperial backing.
Meanwhile, Bai Ruolan's Golden Cauldron Merchant Union forged a strategic alliance with the Cao Clan, merging their economic might to counter the Fan Clan, who had claimed victory in the weapon refining competition, and solidifying an unshakeable stranglehold over Crimson Iron City.
The financial returns were staggering.
In just fourteen days, their combined enterprises generated profits that rivaled a typical two-month yield.
Later that afternoon, as Shen Yu enjoyed a tranquil moment relaxing in the pavilion alongside Lixue and Yilan, a servant approached with a hurried, respectful bow, presenting a sealed scroll to Yilan.
