Chapter 103: I Have a Small Goal

After the meal, Jiang Haichuan made plans to meet again for dinner that evening.

Jiang Changkong didn’t have much going on lately, so eating, drinking, and building relationships seemed like a good idea.

And so, the days passed in a blur of feasting and socializing until the fifth day, when Jiang Haichuan had official duties to attend to and had no choice but to leave.

Liang Zhe and the others also left, busy with their own business affairs.

On the third day, Fang Lin and his group departed, and Pang Yun left with them.

Only Yang Chengan stayed behind. He was originally from Jiangcheng and planned to spend more time here on this visit.

Tang Ruoxi arrived and went straight into the small cottage where he was staying.

Ji Ziling was admiring a rare manuscript when she saw her and quickly stood up. “Ruoxi, my dear.”

“Ziling, my dear, would you like to learn about armor crafting or weapon forging today?” Tang Ruoxi asked with a bright smile.

Ji Ziling: “…”

No love left.

“Senior Ruoxi,” Jiang Changkong emerged from his room. “Is the weapon ready?”

“Yes, as promised, top-tier fourth grade.”

Tang Ruoxi took out a golden hilt and handed it to him.

Jiang Changkong channeled Star Power into it, and the blade extended—a pale gold blade engraved with intricate patterns.

The hilt was wrapped in a dragon motif, along with a flame emblem.

On the blade were two small characters: Changkong.

“Thank you, Senior Ruoxi. Would you be willing to join the Martial Arts Association?” Jiang Changkong accepted the blade and asked.

Tang Ruoxi replied, “Of course I would. I’ve already registered and seen the tasks you posted in the group chat. It’s just that I won’t be able to take on any tasks. In half a month, I’ll be leaving Jiangcheng.”

Ji Ziling quickly asked, “Where are you going?”

“Didn’t I mention it before? I’ve been assigned a job—assistant professor at the Federal Science and Martial Arts Research Institute in Anding Province.”

Tang Ruoxi smiled. “The school went to great lengths to secure this for me.”

“So soon? I’ll miss you.”

Jiang Changkong was reluctant to see her go. She was a talented individual, and he had hoped to keep her close.

“I’ll miss you all too, but there’s no other choice. For the sake of living and for knowledge.”

Tang Ruoxi sighed helplessly. “When you become a big shot in the Federation someday, invest in a research institute for me, and I’ll definitely come.”

Jiang Changkong’s heart stirred. “Really?”

“Really. I still owe you a favor, after all. Besides, if given the choice, who would want to go to another province and endure hardships?”

“Good, it’s settled then. It won’t be long before I recruit you over.”

Jiang Changkong spoke with certainty.

“If you really become a big shot, I’ll bring a whole team with me. Alright, I should get going now.”

Tang Ruoxi waved her hand and turned to leave.

Bring a whole team?

I’m just afraid your team won’t be enough.

Ji Ziling shot him a disapproving glance. “Little Changkong, you’re going too far.”

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Changkong was taken aback.

“They say, ‘Don’t covet your brother’s wife.’ We’re like siblings, yet you’re trying to steal Ruoxi from me.” Ji Ziling huffed angrily.

Jiang Changkong: “…”

Why do you assume I’m as shameless as you?

“You’re overthinking it. I value her for her talent,” Jiang Changkong said seriously.

Ji Ziling grumbled, “So, you want to steal her?”

“No, I want to have a team to process Star Stones for me in the future.”

Jiang Changkong explained with a headache. “Once we leave school, processing Star Stones will cost money.”

“Then just pay the fee. It’s not like you care about that small commission. Wait—you want a whole team to process Star Stones for you?”

Ji Ziling widened her eyes. Just how many Star Stones are you planning to get?

“One team isn’t enough,” Jiang Changkong said gravely.

“One team isn’t enough? Have you lost your mind?”

Jiang Changkong replied earnestly, “Senior, I have a small goal—to first build a city.”

Ji Ziling: “…”

A small goal?

First build a city?

What’s your big goal then? How many do you plan to build?

She suddenly recalled the last gathering, when Tang Ruoxi was heading to Anding Province and was about to leave. When discussing Jiang Changkong, they had suggested he go to a Major Province to earn credit for building a city. This guy had changed the topic back then—not because he wasn’t interested, but because he wanted to build one himself!

Ji Ziling frowned. “Do you know how to manage? Develop? Do you know where the mineral veins are?”

“The Martial Arts Association official website lists small mineral veins. Though they aren’t enough to sustain a city’s development, as the Martial Arts Association upgrades, there will be information about medium-sized veins, even large ones.”

Jiang Changkong spoke seriously. “As for management, isn’t there talent in Jiangcheng?”

“Talent in Jiangcheng?” Ji Ziling was taken aback.

“Commander Jiang Haichuan, Shen Jiangxing, Liang Zhe, including Principal Yu Beilin.”

A smile played on Jiang Changkong’s lips. “If a new city is established, who would refuse such a huge opportunity? If they don’t go, how will I sell to them?”

This was also why he attended gatherings whenever invited. If he were like other prodigies, scrambling to squeeze into Major Provinces, he wouldn’t need to build relationships with these people. But he wanted to build a city, and when the time came, he would need manpower, resources, and military garrisons. Old acquaintances from Jiangcheng were clearly more reliable.

Moreover, after building the city, the profits would be enormous. Processing Star Stones wouldn’t cost money and would be fast, plus he would get a share of the city’s taxes. If the city developed well, there would be various tributes, and the federation’s annual distribution of resources to each city would include his share. For example, this time’s Starlight Meteorite Iron would be handed directly to him as the city lord, and he could give it to whomever he pleased.

Once he established cooperation with the Martial Arts School, he could obtain processed Star Stones directly, no matter where he went. If everything went smoothly, he could exchange unprocessed Star Stones for processed ones and directly extract Essence.

Additionally, such a large territory could be sold off in exchange for Star Stones. As he leveled up, the required Star Stones would increase exponentially. Relying solely on hunting—how long would it take to level up just once?

“You’ve thought all this through, but who would join you in this madness? Are you counting on these people from Jiangcheng to help you seize territory and declare yourself king?”

Ji Ziling frowned.

“No need. I can do it myself,” Jiang Changkong said calmly. “One person founding a city is enough.”

Ji Ziling: “…”

One person founding a city? Have you gone mad?

“Never mind, I won’t argue with you. As long as you’re not competing with me for Ruoxi,” Ji Ziling said, seeing she couldn’t persuade him and deciding to drop the subject.

“What about you, Senior? I never asked—are you also from Jiangshui City?” Jiang Changkong inquired.

“Yes, I couldn’t make it in Jiangshui City, so I transferred schools.”

Ji Ziling shrugged, speaking nonchalantly. “Many people are like that. If they can’t survive in big places, they have to find smaller ones.”

Jiang Changkong asked, “What are your plans for the future? Will you be assigned to another province?”

“When you finish building your city, set aside a piece of land for me,” Ji Ziling said, narrowing her eyes.

“Sure, I’ll set aside a big piece for you,” Jiang Changkong replied with a smile.

Ji Ziling chuckled, then added, “The Martial Arts Exchange Meeting is in a month. You should prepare as well.”

“I want to get a head start,” Jiang Changkong said, gripping his blade.

“Leaving already?” Ji Ziling raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve accepted the mission to exterminate the Star Demons at Shuiyun Mountain, so I won’t be saying goodbye to the principal. I’ll be leaving soon.”

Jiang Changkong opened his phone, accessing the Martial Arts Association official website through it.

He had already obtained his weapons and established the necessary connections. Staying in Jiangcheng any longer held little meaning.

Ji Ziling’s expression grew slightly serious. “Be careful. Wang Peng has definitely contacted people to deal with you.”

“I’ll be cautious. See you in Jiangshui City.”

After speaking, Jiang Changkong returned to his room to pack.

Ji Ziling went to Senior Yan Xue to fetch dried meat for him.

Upon hearing the news of his departure, Yang Chengan arrived. “Together?”

“You go with them. I’ll head out first.”

Jiang Changkong paused, then added, “Senior Chengan, please look after Junior Li Qiuchuan for me these next few days.”

The Object Control Technique was powerful, so he asked Yang Chengan to do him this favor and take care of him in his stead.

Yang Chengan nodded. “Take care of yourself.”

Jiang Changkong left the school carrying three backpacks—one for clothes, one for water, and one for food.

Once outside the city, he stored the backpacks inside the Hidden Star Ring and his jade pendant.

He planned to travel to Shuiyun Mountain on foot. With his phone’s map navigation, he didn’t have to worry about getting lost.

The navigation also marked the strength of Star Demons along the way. He chose a safe route, with the strongest being only at the peak of the Star Gate level.

A month was more than enough time to complete the mission, reach Jiangshui City, and still have time to spare.