As their conversation continued, Zhang Zhiwei revealed more details about the complex political maneuvering that had transformed the region. The Protector General, taking advantage of Europe's devastating war, had seized a golden opportunity to recruit talent and acquire advanced equipment at bargain prices while the Western powers were too busy fighting each other to notice.
"The geography worked perfectly in our favor," Zhang Zhiwei explained, gesturing toward the distant coast. "The Protector General's own province borders French colonial territory, but it's landlocked—impossible to transport heavy equipment overland. This coastal province, however, offers direct sea access for shipping."
Gustave nodded thoughtfully. "But surely Marshal Lu wouldn't simply allow foreign military equipment to pass through his territory unchallenged?"
"Precisely," Zhang Zhiwei said with a cunning smile. "Which is why the Protector General decided to work from the inside. Our little display against the Fat Doll demon caught his attention—specifically, it made him notice Ren Fa, the former wealthiest man in the neighboring province, and the rumors of my own... capabilities."
The elderly Taoist's eyes gleamed as he continued. "Ren Fa had his own motivations for cooperation. He wanted to restore his family's lost glory, and his daughter's progressive Western education had filled his head with new ideas about modernization and social reform. When the Protector General presented his vision for China's future, Ren Fa pledged his complete support."
"A two-pronged strategy," Gustave mused, impressed by the sophistication of the plan.
"Exactly. The first prong was military deception—the Protector General mobilized his forces and feinted an attack on Marshal Lu, forcing him to commit his troops to the border defense. While Lu's attention was focused on the neighboring province, he couldn't spare resources to monitor his own coastal regions."
Zhang Zhiwei paused to refill their teacups before continuing. "The second prong was internal subversion. We helped Ren Fa establish this 'militia'—which could simultaneously threaten Marshal Lu from within his own territory and provide secure escort for equipment shipments from the coast to the interior."
"And it worked," Gustave observed.
"Beyond our wildest expectations. Over the past six months, we've successfully transported dozens of European engineers, hundreds of tons of advanced machinery, and enough raw materials to establish proper manufacturing capability. The neighboring province can now produce everything from rifles to artillery pieces domestically."
The scope of the operation impressed Gustave considerably. "And I suppose you had suggestions for further industrialization?"
Zhang Zhiwei chuckled. "I may be an old-fashioned Taoist, but I understand the importance of modern military technology. I advised the Protector General to recruit aeronautical engineers and establish aircraft manufacturing facilities. We're currently negotiating with defeated German firms for their expertise and equipment."
"Tank production as well?"
"That proved more challenging—the metallurgy requirements are quite advanced. However, we've successfully established a tractor factory, which provides the industrial foundation for eventual armored vehicle production."
Gustave shook his head in amazement. "Fellow Taoist, you've essentially transformed this supernatural thriller world into a military-industrial revolution."
"The times demand adaptation," Zhang Zhiwei said seriously. "While the Protector General nominally controls only one province, our network of influence now extends throughout two-thirds of the southwest. Using Ren Fa's commercial connections, we've quietly assumed control in areas where Marshal Lu's authority was weak—Renjia Town being the most obvious example."
"And your ultimate strategy?"
Zhang Zhiwei's expression grew thoughtful. "I gave the Protector General the same advice the ancient strategists would have: build high walls, accumulate grain, and delay declaring yourself king. When the time is right, he'll have the industrial base, trained military, and popular support necessary to unify the entire region and end this chaotic era."
Mon Dieu, Gustave thought with amusement, the Old Heavenly Master has gone from Taoist hermit to grand strategist in a single year.
"Taoist Tiantong," he said aloud, "you've certainly given me quite a surprise."
Zhang Zhiwei laughed heartily. "Life requires a few unexpected turns to remain interesting, don't you think?"
"Come," the elderly Taoist continued, rising from his seat. "Taoist Yimei hasn't seen you in far too long. It's time for a proper reunion."
They made their way to the neighboring courtyard where Lin Jiu maintained his cemetary and training grounds. The scene that greeted them was markedly different from Gustave's previous visit—instead of the lazy disciples he remembered, Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai were practicing martial arts with genuine dedication and enthusiasm.
The addition of Awei as a third disciple had clearly lit a competitive fire under the two senior students. Neither wanted to be shown up by the former security captain, so both had dramatically increased their training efforts.
"Master Gustave!" Qiu Sheng called out excitedly, having just completed an impressive series of boxing forms. His face lit up with genuine joy at seeing the French chef again.
"Qiu Sheng! Wen Cai!" Gustave replied warmly. "It's been far too long."
"Long time no see!" Qiu Sheng practically bounced with excitement. Gustave's previous visit remained one of his fondest memories—not only had he enjoyed unprecedented spending money and a custom-tailored suit, but he'd also experienced his first romantic encounter with Dong Xiaoyu. Even knowing now that she'd been a ghost slowly draining his life force, he couldn't bring himself to regret those blissful nights.
"Master! Master!" Wen Cai shouted at the top of his lungs toward the main building. "Master Gustave has returned!"
Lin Jiu burst from his study the moment he heard the announcement. Despite their theoretical equality as Taoist practitioners, he was well aware that Gustave's status as the Moral Lord's registered disciple placed him considerably higher in the spiritual hierarchy.
"Master Gustave!" Lin Jiu said with a deep bow. "What an unexpected honor! You look even more distinguished than before."
"Brother Yimei," Gustave replied, returning the formal greeting. "Nice to see you again. You're as energetic as ever, I see."
"Come, come!" Lin Jiu said expansively, gesturing toward the courtyard pavilion. "We must celebrate your return properly. Wen Cai, prepare the good tea! Qiu Sheng, take this money and buy the finest ingredients in town—we're hosting a welcoming feast tonight!"
Lin Jiu produced a generous five dollars from his robes, causing Qiu Sheng's eyes to widen in amazement. He hadn't seen such a princely sum since Gustave's last visit over a year ago.
"Right away, Master!" Qiu Sheng said happily, hopping onto his bicycle and pedaling furiously toward town.
As the three Taoist practitioners settled themselves in the shaded pavilion, Wen Cai bustled about preparing their finest tea service. The afternoon sun filtered through the flowering trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for catching up on old times.
"Taoist Yimei," Gustave said after savoring his first sip of tea, "Renjia Town has changed dramatically during my absence."
"Indeed it has," Lin Jiu agreed enthusiastically. While Zhang Zhiwei had shared some details about the Protector General's involvement, he'd kept the more sensitive military aspects confidential. From Lin Jiu's perspective, the town's rapid development seemed almost miraculous.
"The prosperity alone is remarkable," Lin Jiu continued, "but what truly amazes me are the social changes. Young Miss Ren has established a proper school where even girls from common families can receive education alongside the boys. Can you imagine such a thing, Gustave? In my youth, only wealthy merchant families could afford to educate their daughters privately."
Gustave smiled at Lin Jiu's wonder. "Times are changing rapidly, mon ami. What does Ren Tingting advocate for these modern women?"
"Equal education, equal employment opportunities, equal pay for equal work," Lin Jiu said, shaking his head in amazement. "She speaks of women's rights as if they were natural law rather than revolutionary concepts. I must admit, watching young girls eagerly learning arithmetic and literature alongside their male classmates... it gives me hope for the future."
The three men continued their conversation throughout the afternoon, sharing tea and stories as the sun gradually moved across the sky. Only when they heard voices calling "Master! Master!" from the courtyard entrance did they realize how much time had passed.
Qiu Sheng had returned from his shopping expedition, but he wasn't alone. Awei accompanied him, both men laden with packages and bundles.
"Junior Brother!" Awei called out cheerfully to Qiu Sheng. "Let me help carry those heavier bags."
"Much appreciated, Senior Brother," Qiu Sheng replied with genuine gratitude.
The dynamic between the two disciples had clearly evolved since Awei's acceptance into Lin Jiu's tutelage. Despite Qiu Sheng's earlier seniority, Awei's age and administrative experience had naturally placed him in an older brother role that both men seemed comfortable with.
"Master," Qiu Sheng announced proudly, "we've bought everything needed for a proper feast! Fresh fish from the river, premium pork, seasonal vegetables, and even some of that foreign wine Master Ren imports!"
"Excellent work, both of you," Lin Jiu said approvingly. "And Awei—thank you for assisting with the expenses."
Awei had indeed contributed generously to the shopping fund, which delighted Qiu Sheng for multiple reasons—not only did it mean a more lavish meal, but it also eliminated his usual temptation to skim a bit of the leftover money for himself.