To establish oneself locally, there are two main approaches: one is to build good relationships with local officials and provide them with regular benefits; the other is to seek the protection of a powerful local force. Of these, marriage alliances are naturally the best method.
It was Julian Potter who orchestrated this entire arrangement.
When he arrived here, he conducted a thorough investigation. Dingtown, located at the heart of the Cao Kingdom, is a strategic hub with accessible waterways and natural defenses formed by steep mountains. Though it may seem insignificant compared to the Five Hegemons, it has enjoyed decades of peace and stability, free from warfare.
Dingtown borders Qi and Lu to the east, Qin and Zheng to the west, and connects to Jin and Yan in the north, while also linking to Chu and Yue. It is, in effect, the center of the world, making commerce extremely convenient. Due to its mountainous terrain, it is easy to defend and hard to attack. Although its resources are not abundant, it excels in pottery, salt mines, and timber. Surrounding states focus heavily on food and minerals, as these are the foundation for dominating the realm, so for now, they have no reason to covet the Cao Kingdom.
Julian Potter calculated that this situation could remain stable for at least another forty or fifty years. That is why, as a merchant, he chose this place.
Locally, there are three major powers. The first is the Zhuang family, who control the salt trade. Nearly all the salt needed in the Cao Kingdom is in their hands, and they also engage in regular international commerce.
The second is the Cao family, descended from the royal Cao clan of the Zhou Dynasty, carrying a trace of imperial lineage. They manage the region’s pottery and fine goods.
The third is the Yin family, specializing in timber. Victor Fan had already investigated the situation among the three families. Although both the Yin and Cao families have daughters, the Yin family is too kind-hearted and has suffered financial losses several times due to petty villains, barely escaping disaster. Therefore, Victor Fan instinctively ruled out the Zhuang and Yin families and chose the Cao family.
"This guy is truly a master of calculation."
I couldn’t help but say, and then the Soulreaver Blade let out a laugh.
"That's just the kind of person he is—spending his whole life calculating, and even up to his death, he never made any major mistakes. Impressive, isn't it?"
After weighing everything, Julian Potter put his plan into action. He gathered some strong-looking starving peasants and had them ambush Charlotte Charles while she was out. He himself pretended to be a passing merchant and rescued her. He had already seen Charlotte before—petite, lovely, and very beautiful.
Although the Charles Family’s steward wanted to thank Julian Potter, he refused any reward and left. This left a good impression on the Charles Family. Later, through his own efforts, he opened a rice shop in Dingtown. After making money, everyone in town came to know him as Julian Potter.
With Charlotte’s help spreading the word, Charles Yuan felt he had gotten a great bargain in securing such a capable son-in-law. After all, his eldest and second sons did nothing but loaf around, drink, and chase bugs and birds all day—they were useless.
Now about fifty years old, Charles Yuan desperately hoped someone would take over the family business after his death. At this moment, Julian Potter appeared. Charles Yuan often went to the temple to pray, and he believed that his sincerity had moved the heavens to send him such an outstanding son-in-law.
But what Charles Yuan could never have imagined was that this son-in-law was not a gift from the heavens, but the result of Julian Potter’s meticulous planning.
This was just like before, when Julian Potter devised a plan to help Gavin escape his life as a hostage. He even persuaded Gavin to eat excrement—a humiliation beyond compare. Yet, thanks to Julian Potter’s careful planning, the scheme succeeded.
There was a reason Julian Potter eventually left Gavin. He knew clearly that, although Gavin had been forced into such humiliation and the story had become a laughingstock across the kingdoms—even after Gavin destroyed Wooland and became a hegemon—
Over time, Gavin would surely blame Julian Potter for the humiliation he suffered and would develop murderous intent. That’s why Julian Potter retired after his success, changed his name, and even darkened his once-fair skin under the sun and grew a mustache to alter his appearance.
The next morning, Julian Potter dressed up. Though his skin was dark, he was naturally handsome. Having found many women for Gavin and entangled with quite a few himself, he understood women’s hearts. Cecilia was conquered by his wit and charm, and Julian Potter decided to use his old tricks again.
As soon as he stepped outside, Julian Potter heard a commotion of shouting and cursing.
"What’s going on?"
Julian Potter looked at his servant. Nearby, a beggar, disheveled and filthy, refused to leave the entrance of Julian Potter’s house.
"Master, this beggar won’t leave our doorstep. I was just about to drive him away."
Julian Potter glanced at him and smiled faintly.
"Bring him inside. Give him some good food, some clothes, and some money, then let him go on his way."
"Well, aren’t you generous, kid. You’ve got a good heart too. But, haha, too bad—your household is about to face some trouble."
I stared in surprise. The beggar’s voice sounded so familiar, and he spoke with a smile, showing no trace of servility toward the wealthy despite his status.
Suddenly, the beggar lifted his hair. I was dumbfounded—it was Victor Wu!
"It really is Victor Wu—Virtue Token—Ethan Zhang. I hadn’t been born yet at that time, so he didn’t recognize me."
I swallowed hard. Victor Wu looked to be in his fifties, with jet-black hair. Julian Potter was a little suspicious at first, but soon instructed his men to treat him with respect.
"This gentleman must be well-traveled. Let me return first, and then I’ll speak with you again."
Julian Potter went to the Charles Family estate on the outskirts of town, elegant yet luxurious. He was warmly received by Charles Yuan, but Charlotte’s two brothers were clearly displeased, constantly making trouble for Julian Potter. He remained humble and patient, unfazed by their antics.
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This delighted Charles Yuan, who arranged for Julian Potter and Charlotte to spend time alone after dinner. By the lotus pond, they laughed and talked, and Julian Potter once again displayed his knowledge and charm. Charlotte felt she had found her ideal husband, her heart utterly captivated.
Even after Julian Potter left, Charlotte followed him out of the estate with Charles Yuan to see him off.
Everything was proceeding according to Julian Potter’s plan. He invited Charles Yuan and his family to visit his home in a few days. I saw Charlotte was already completely smitten, wishing she could marry him right away.
"I say, you beggar, don’t you know how to behave?"
"Hey, kid, your steward said to treat me with respect, so I’m going to enjoy myself here. I’ll be around for ten days or half a month. Hurry up, we’re out of wine—bring more!"
Victor Wu acted like a lord, lounging at the table, eating and drinking. Julian Potter’s servants were furious, ready to throw him out.
"Do not be rude."
Seeing this, Julian Potter quickly went over, dismissed the servants, sat down, and offered Victor Wu a drink.
"May I ask, sir, you don’t look like a beggar at all—in fact, you seem more like a recluse or a master from outside the world."
Julian Potter asked in confusion. At this moment, although Victor Wu’s attire was ragged, his eyes were exceptionally bright and clear. His gestures radiated a scholarly elegance and a hint of madness. Julian Potter, a master at reading people, was certain Victor Wu was no ordinary man.
"May I ask, sir, what is your name and courtesy title?"
"Let’s skip the courtesy title—after all, I’m hiding from trouble right now. Just call me Victor Wu."
Julian Potter grew more and more curious about Victor Wu’s identity, and the two began to talk.
"Kid, no need to test me on purpose. You’re good at calculating, but you’ll never figure me out. After all, I’ve lived hundreds... well, dozens of years more than you."
Victor Wu spoke, and Julian Potter laughed, then bowed respectfully, inviting Victor Wu to stay at his home for a while.
As night fell, Julian Potter shut his door and sat alone in his room, playing with his treasured beauty. His longing for Cecilia was written all over his face.
"Cecilia, soon I’ll be marrying the Charles family’s daughter."
Julian Potter spoke with a hint of helplessness on his face. Although the Charles Family’s daughter was beautiful, he didn’t love her.
"If you don’t love her, then don’t marry her."
Just then, Victor Wu suddenly appeared behind Julian Potter, his gaze never leaving the treasured beauty.
"A fine sword."
Victor Wu uttered two words, then suddenly bit his finger and snatched the sword. Instantly, his expression changed. He used his finger to write numerous Daoist talismans on the blade, which began to glow with golden light before fading away.
This scene stunned Victor Fan, who shot to his feet.
"Mr. Wu, I didn’t expect you to be a Daoist."
"Alright, time for bed, young man. I won’t tell anyone about this—as long as I’m well fed and well taken care of, I’m satisfied."
Victor Wu spoke and left Victor Fan’s room. As soon as he stepped outside, his expression changed dramatically.
"This is an extremely dangerous sword. If it falls into the hands of the Ghost Path, the consequences would be unimaginable."
Julian Potter was stunned, lost in his own thoughts. Then he muttered to himself.
"How did Mr. Wu get in here?"
Victor Fan stood up and looked around. The windows and doors were all closed, and when Victor Wu left, it was as if he hadn’t used any exit at all.
"It seems this gentleman possesses some supernatural abilities."
Julian Potter decided to humbly seek advice from Victor Wu. He opened the door and walked out.