"But it's not entirely without a way."
Ji Yuan already had an idea in mind.
However, to truly implement it, careful planning was still necessary.
After all, Zhuang Lindao was no simple man, and could easily see through his thoughts.
Therefore, it was imperative to reach a point where, even if the other party knew his intentions, they could only comply.
And achieving this was no small feat.
Fortunately, he had enough time to implement his ideas bit by bit.
Over the next two to three days, Ji Yuan did not immediately restore Zhuang Lindao.
He spent considerable effort thoroughly understanding the situation within and outside the county city over the past few months.
The primary focus, naturally, was on Ming Xin Xuan's business.
Although he had not yet officially acquired the title of the third proprietor, it was practically a done deal.
Coupled with the jade talismans sent by Zhuang Lindao, the full scope of Ming Xin Xuan was essentially in the hands of Ji Yuan and Qian Ni Chang.
It was not until the third day that he had Qian Ni Chang send a messenger to the Zhuang family with a letter.
The letter contained only one word: 'Agreed.'
On the same day, news spread throughout all the forces in the county city.
The beloved son of the Zhuang family would hold his master-apprenticeship ceremony in a month's time.
Invitations were sent by the Zhuang family to all factions with even a modicum of renown, as well as to independent cultivators.
"This Zhuang Lindao really doesn't dawdle."
Hearing the news from outside, Ji Yuan let out a wry chuckle.
In just half a day, invitations had already been widely distributed, and all the major and minor forces in the county city were aware.
However, these forces were unaware of who Zhuang Lindao's son would actually be apprenticing under.
Consequently, various speculations arose throughout the county city, yet no one could pinpoint a definite candidate.
"He certainly needs to move quickly."
Qian Ni Chang snorted, a peculiar glint in her eyes.
Although the Zhuang family was powerful, their accumulation of resources over centuries was truly astonishing.
However, they were not a monolithic entity.
Within the family, the various branches engaged in frequent disputes and schemes against each other.
While Zhuang Lindao was the patriarch, he only commanded the largest faction; he did not control the entirety of the Zhuang family.
Even the mansion he resided in was solely occupied by members of his own branch.
As for the other branches, they each had their own residences within the county city.
"The other branches of the Zhuang family each have their own supported factions."
Qian Ni Chang explained slowly.
As a prominent family that had thrived for centuries, it was natural for them not to put all their eggs in one basket.
In fact, from the very beginnings of the Zhuang family's rise, a rule had been consistently upheld.
This rule dictated that each branch would independently choose factions to support or develop, often leading to internal conflicts and rivalries.
It was within this environment that the Zhuang family maintained its strength for hundreds of years.
Their foundational resources also deepened with each passing generation, gradually establishing them as a major power in the county city.
However, for ordinary people, the name of the Zhuang family was rarely heard.
Many did not even realize that the factions they served were secretly backed by the Zhuang family.
This was also the reason why no one from the other branches had approached them thus far.
Because Ming Xin Xuan belonged to the patriarch's branch.
And Ji Yuan, being associated with it, naturally fell under the purview of the patriarch's branch's operations.
"Big families are truly complicated!"
Lin Yubai exclaimed with a sigh.
Hearing this, Ji Yuan glanced at him and couldn't help but ask, "Speaking of which, why do you keep hanging around here every day?"
Having spent a considerable amount of time together, he had come to understand this individual.
The man possessed exceptional talent in cultivation and was highly skilled in combat.
But that was where it ended.
When it came to intricate schemes or managing affairs that required intellectual engagement, Lin Yubai was not merely unskilled; he was completely out of his depth.
"The trade routes have all stabilized, so there's nothing left for me to do."
He sighed mournfully. "I'd rather join the Ming Jian Division to deal with the Wang Sheng Tower and the rebels, but you won't allow it."
His master's instructions were clear: upon arriving here, he was to obey Ji Yuan's commands.
Yet, Ji Yuan prohibited him from acting alongside members of the Ming Jian Division or the Shan He Gang.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be here lamenting and constantly seeking tea from Qian Ni Chang.
"If you dislike my tea, then go find your own sect elders."
Qian Ni Chang, sensing his unspoken thoughts, deliberately feigned displeasure.
However, Lin Yubai dared not seek out elders like Hong Tian. It wasn't out of fear, but rather a sense of awkwardness and discomfort when being around them.
As for Xue Yang and the others, they had all been dispatched, traveling with Ming Xin Xuan's merchant caravans or members of the Shan He Gang.
This was an excellent opportunity for them to gain experience.
The only one who remained was Zhao Yuansong.
However, he too had been in seclusion for months, diligently comprehending and cultivating the legacy left by Daoist Chi Xin.
"There's a reason I don't let you go out."
Ji Yuan said with a hint of exasperation.
Xue Yang and the other disciples could easily grasp the underlying meaning of this.
Yet, Lin Yubai remained oblivious.
It wasn't due to inherent dullness, but rather his unwillingness to apply his mind to such matters.
"You, a prodigy of the Jiu Xuan Sect, have you considered the repercussions if you were to constantly act with members of other factions?"
Ji Yuan sighed, his expression filled with weariness.
Disciples like Xue Yang, though inner disciples, were only at the second realm of cultivation.
Their participation in certain matters would have little to no impact.
However, the status of elders like Hong Tian, or an inner prodigy like Lin Yubai, was different.
If they were to become involved, it would inevitably raise suspicions and lead others to harbor ulterior motives.
From an outsider's perspective, this would no longer be seen as the actions of mere disciples, but as high-level figures from the Jiu Xuan Sect orchestrating something for their own gain.
This was precisely why Ji Yuan had refrained from invoking the name of the Jiu Xuan Sect until now.
While this backing was powerful, if not revealed at the appropriate time and place, it would only become a constraint on his own actions.
At that point, every move they made would be under intense scrutiny from all factions.
Furthermore, if Lin Yubai were to act alongside the Ming Jian Division to eliminate the Wang Sheng Tower and the rebels, it would send a signal, causing others to misinterpret the Jiu Xuan Sect's stance.
This was diametrically opposed to Ji Yuan's desire to develop peacefully.
"Don't worry, in a while longer, you'll only wish you had fewer things to do."
He pondered for a moment before offering words of comfort.
This was not an empty promise. As Ming Xin Xuan developed, their strategies would soon encounter obstacles.
At that time, engaging in combat would become commonplace.
And Lin Yubai, even if he wished for a respite, would likely not have the opportunity for a long time.