Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 220 The Grand Event Begins

Compared to ordinary female cultivators in the Tiancang Domain, Jade Flute Immortal's attire was noticeably more avant-garde and elegant.

The snow-white robe had its chest wide open, revealing the dazzling breasts, and the skirt had a high slit, showing off her straight, jade-like legs. Compared to Duanmu Qin's half-covering style, it was more open and direct.

Merchants value profit over parting, prioritizing profit above all else, with the only difference being whether it's a large or small profit, or a short-term or long-term one.

A shrewd businessman can stop at nothing to gain this "profit," and will not hesitate to use anything of value as a bargaining chip.

Clearly, the beautiful and graceful Jade Flute Master was able to secure her position as president of the Chamber of Commerce by having already invested herself in the game, using her body as a bargaining chip.

"Please have some tea, sir!" Master Yuxiao personally bent down to brew tea for Li Ji'an.

"It is truly a great honor for our Chamber of Commerce to meet you today. Just now, our ancestor told us about this matter. I think it is a blessing from heaven and divine assistance."

After taking their seats, Yuan Shunyi took his leave. Master Yuxiao sat opposite Li Ji'an, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in lively conversation.

Although there was a clear hint of flattery, the words and tone were quite natural and just right. Instead of being annoying, it made you want to listen again.

Moreover, during this period, the other party did not show any intention to find out Li Ji'an's background.

After exchanging pleasantries, the conversation mainly revolved around the upcoming Tianhe Grand Gathering, with Li Ji'an asked for his views and suggestions on the event.

The chat was very relaxed, and he didn't show any eagerness; he was more interested in making friends.

"I wonder if you have any requests for the Heavenly River Gathering, sir? If so, our Chamber of Commerce happens to have them, so there's no need to wait any longer; you can take them directly. If not, we can also collect them for you in advance." After becoming more familiar with each other, Master Yuxiao asked Li Ji'an what he needed first.

Li Ji'an nodded slightly, quite satisfied with the other party. Instead of asking for his help, the other party wanted to satisfy him first, which showed the magnanimity of a great merchant, rather than the petty peddler who was calculating.

Of course, this is only because one's value in the other person's eyes is worth it.

"I wish to purchase a few medicinal herbs." Li Ji'an didn't waste any time and named four of the remaining seven herbs for the Crystal Condensation Pill.

Two of them are available in the Biyun Sect's storeroom, and he can exchange for them in a few more years. However, he has already exchanged for five of them at the Biyun Sect, so it would be better to buy them anonymously here.

It also includes two main ingredients that Li Ji'an had never seen before in the Tiancang Domain Herbal Medicine Catalogue.

As for the other three spiritual herbs, based on his recent observations of the medicinal herb market in the Tiancang Domain, he judged that they were likely to appear during the Tianhe Grand Gathering, so he did not reveal them for the time being. Moreover, Qin Henian had previously told him that Tianxin Grass would appear during the Grand Gathering.

"Mysterious Ice Blue Lotus?" Jade Flute Immortal memorized all the spiritual herbs Li Ji'an had mentioned, but when she came to the last one, a hint of doubt appeared in her beautiful eyes.

She had never seen this medicinal herb in the Chamber of Commerce's catalog of inherited medicinal herbs.

"May I ask if you could describe the medicinal properties, pharmacology, and characteristics?"

"This medicine contains ice-type spiritual energy and also has the effect of coagulating blood and entering the marrow. As for its characteristics, I have never seen them before," Li Ji'an said carefully, stating the main medicinal properties.

Master Yuxiao nodded and noted it down, without asking any further questions.

It is not unusual for cultivators in the world to obtain ancient medicinal formulas.

Moreover, of the four spiritual herbs mentioned by Li Ji'an, the other one is not a common spiritual herb in the Tiancang Domain.

However, that kind of medicine does exist in the medicinal herb manual recorded by their ancestors, and it can be purchased in the Wanshang Domain.

"I am ashamed to say that of the four kinds of spiritual herbs you requested, my guild currently only has two. The third one will take half a year to arrive. As for the Xuanbing Blue Lotus, we are truly ignorant and it will probably take several years to find it. How about we take two first, and then contact you again when we have news about the other two?" Master Yuxiao pondered for a moment before speaking to Li Ji'an.

“Okay!” Li Ji’an nodded in agreement.

Therefore, there is no need to exchange it from the Biyun Sect anymore.

Before long, a maid brought over two third-tier spiritual herbs.

"Thank you, fellow Daoist. Please name your price." After verifying the contents, Li Ji'an took out spirit stones from his storage bag to pay.

Master Yuxiao hurriedly stepped forward and placed his hand on Li Ji'an's hand: "Sir, you are too kind. Master Yuxiao and you hit it off immediately, there is no need to talk about spirit stones."

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Yuxiao is indeed a heroine among women. In that case, tell me what you need me to do." Li Ji'an laughed heartily.

"Sir, you are very generous." Master Yuxiao smiled and bowed.

He then solemnly said, "On behalf of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, Yu Xiao respectfully invites you to serve as an honorary member of the Chamber, enjoying the treatment of a vice president, a dedicated third-tier spiritual vein Daoist temple, a 10% share of the Chamber's profits, and the support of the Chamber for generations to come for your Daoist partner and descendants..."

Li Ji'an remained expressionless, looked into Jade Flute Master's eyes, and asked again, "What do you need me to do?"

"I would be grateful if you could draw high-level talismans, six late-stage Tier 2 superior-grade talismans per month, with the finest ones equivalent to two talismans. The guild will cover all costs for the talisman materials and any losses incurred!"

For an ordinary second-tier senior rune master, this requirement is not low.

Drawing talismans, like refining elixirs, requires the consumption of magical power and spiritual energy. In fact, because the spiritual energy required to outline the runes is even greater, the production of talismans is much less than that of elixirs.

Moreover, the alchemy furnace is used for one batch at a time, and as long as the success rate of alchemy is high, the output is much higher than that of one talisman at a time.

With Li Ji'an's current spiritual strength, drawing a late-stage second-tier talisman would require at least two or three days of recuperation, and drawing ten talismans a month would be his limit.

This is assuming it succeeds every time.

If the success rate is only 60%, then the maximum output will be only six cards.

It is obvious that Master Yuxiao was following the task assigned by the fake elixir's divine sense.

However, he still underestimated Li Ji'an's skill in using talismans.

If it's a high-quality spirit talisman, his success rate is only 50%, but if it's just a high-grade one, his success rate is at least 90%. So this task is relatively easy for Li Ji'an, and he only needs to take six days a month.

Furthermore, the other party provided full funding, calculated based on a 60% success rate, which resulted in Li Ji'an receiving a 40% profit margin on the materials.

Ten talisman materials were used to deliver six talismans.

Of course, this condition was based on the premise that Li Ji'an would become a retainer of the Chamber of Commerce and enjoy its benefits.

However, Li Ji'an has no interest in the Chamber of Commerce's offerings for the time being.

After all, the spiritual vein dojo of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce was only a third-grade low-level dojo, which could not meet his needs for forming a core.

Furthermore, the business world is like a battlefield, and the Sishui Chamber of Commerce is now eager to return to the Wanshang Domain. Once I become a worshipper bound to the Chamber of Commerce, I will probably become the core target of the hostile forces.

In his view, the Biyun Sect and the Sishui Chamber of Commerce were more like the difference between a state-owned enterprise and a foreign-invested enterprise. One had low returns but many hidden benefits, almost no danger, and high stability; the other had high returns but was unstable and had hidden risks. "Fellow Daoist Yuxiao, please forgive me, this old man cannot serve as an honorary member of your esteemed association. However, considering your courteous treatment, I can supply talismans on a long-term basis," Li Ji'an stated his conditions.

Upon hearing this, Jade Flute Immortal's pretty face showed a slight disappointment, but it also confirmed one of her guesses.

The other party is at least a Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator. If they are cultivators from the Tiancang Domain, they can only be from major families or holy palace sects, not rogue cultivators.

Moreover, her talisman skills were so superb that she was so confident even with a 60% success rate for high-grade talismans, which made her almost immediately rule out all the pseudo-core elders of the families in the domain.

If they were cultivators from other realms, they would certainly be willing to become worshippers even if they were being hunted down by their enemies.

However, the fact that the other party refused so firmly indicates that they must have a place of presence within the domain, and that they are a high-ranking member of a holy palace or sect that is no less powerful than their merchant guild's third-tier low-grade dojo.

She could understand this. Sects may appear to be of one mind to the outside world, but once they close their doors, there will inevitably be struggles for their own interests. This person may have lost out in the infighting among the sect's higher-ups and could only make extra money for himself through this method.

"Sir, there is no need to rush to make a decision. In any case, the Chamber of Commerce will always be open to you. However, before you change your mind, we will follow your advice. This is the Sishui Golden Talisman, which will grant you first-class VIP treatment in all Sishui Chamber of Commerce shops. It is recognized by the talisman, not by the person. Please accept it!"

"Good!" Li Ji'an nodded in satisfaction. This discussion of cooperation did not have any of the messy issues he had expected. The other party was very sincere and did not make him feel uncomfortable at all. They were very understanding.

Ultimately, both parties reached an agreement that the Chamber of Commerce would provide the materials required by Li Ji'an in advance, with delivery once a year, and the cost of the materials would be deducted upon delivery.

This saved Li Ji'an the effort of purchasing talisman materials and the pressure of stockpiling spirit stones, and also greatly reduced his sense of urgency.

At the same time, profits increased significantly.

It was practically getting something for nothing.

However, this posed a significant risk to the other party, and even Li Ji'an admired the courage and boldness of the Jurchen woman before him.

As for Jade Flute Master, she actually knew what was going on. In the short half hour of their conversation, although she seemed not to have explored any information about Li Ji'an, she had actually already made a judgment about Li Ji'an's identity that she believed was not far off.

After all, there are only a handful of second-tier senior talisman masters in the entire Tiancang Domain.

The other party was clearly unwilling to leave the sect and did not want their cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce to be exposed. Moreover, the value of more than a hundred late-stage second-tier talisman materials was insignificant compared to the profit they would receive from delivering the spirit talismans.

"Thank you, Master Yuxiao! After the grand event, I would like to ask for your help in selecting talisman materials." After declining Master Yuxiao's invitation to a banquet, Li Ji'an took his leave. Master Yuxiao bowed deeply and handed him a two-way communication talisman.

"Fellow Daoist Yuxiao, you are too kind. I will definitely come again then." After accepting the communication talisman, Li Ji'an left the Chamber of Commerce.
-
In the blink of an eye, the Tianhe Grand Gathering was solemnly convened.

Apart from the middle and upper-level cultivators who were under the command of the Wanfa Palace and guarded the northeastern border, almost everyone in the entire region gathered in Tianhe Immortal City.

In an instant, the immortal city was bustling with people, one after another.

As Master Yuxiao of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce personally activated the Floating Sky Array, a floating platform capable of accommodating ten thousand people slowly rose, ascending above the surging Heavenly River Waterfall, announcing the official opening of this year's Heavenly River Grand Gathering.

The next moment, the crowd below rushed up in a frenzy.

The first to fly up were mostly cultivators who wanted to sell resources. As soon as they arrived at the floating platform, they immediately occupied the stalls that had been set up on the platform.

This is the biggest feature of the Tianhe Grand Fair: when the fair starts, anyone can set up a stall and sell their goods without paying any fees, and there are no restrictions on either the buyer or seller.

Moreover, there are no restrictions on the goods traded during the event. Even highly poisonous items of the third rank or above, talismans, and even Core Formation spiritual items, which are usually strictly prohibited by the Wanfa Palace, can be traded.

Of course, while ensuring that transactions are possible, it is also necessary to ensure that no one is monitoring the process and that one can leave without being tracked.

This is the function of that floating platform array. It not only has built-in shielding and purification marks, but also a teleportation array. Participants can choose to leave through the teleportation array of the floating platform.

It is said that this floating platform is a rare treasure passed down from the ancestors of the Surabaya Chamber of Commerce.

"Ancestor, you mustn't!" Qin Henian, looking at the high and mighty Jade Flute Immortal whom he had finally gotten to meet, was about to rush over to recommend himself when Qin Chuan firmly held him back.

At this moment, Master Yuxiao was accompanied by high-ranking members of several sects, including the Wanfa Palace and the Lieyang Sect, and was also within a magic formation. Qin Henian might not be able to rush close.

Moreover, such an untimely event is bound to leave a bad impression.

It's no wonder Qin Henian is getting impatient. He's tried everything he could think of, but he just can't seem to get a chance to see Master Yuxiao.

"Senior Qin, please calm down. This is not a good time."

Li Ji'an and Yan Qingwan stood to one side and also offered their advice.

"Sigh!" After calming down, Qin Henian looked at the Jade Flute Master high above him and could only sigh.

"Alright, Chuan'er, let's go with your idea first."

"Alright, Ancestor, you rest, I'll go." Upon hearing this, Qin Chuan took the spirit bamboo sample he had prepared for this trip, flew onto the floating platform, and secured a good position.

Li Ji'an and his group didn't rush to get onto the floating platform, since they didn't need to compete for stalls.

After an hour, fewer and fewer cultivators flew up, and Li Ji'an and his group finally boarded the floating platform.

"My spiritual sense is severely restricted, only extending to within half a zhang around me." As soon as she stepped onto the floating platform, Yan Qingwan immediately noticed the abnormality.

Li Ji'an was slightly better, but he could only extend his divine sense to a range of five zhang, and he could sense the unknown divine soul power stirring within it. Once he released his divine sense, he would lose the ability to sense it.

The three quickly found Qin Chuan's location; his stall was relatively far back.

The stalls were currently displaying late-stage second-tier purple bamboo from the Qin family, all of very good quality.

"Ancestor, you don't need to worry about this place. I'll guard it. Go and go see the Heavenly Heart Grass." Qin Chuan couldn't bear to see the dignified ancestor of the family setting up a stall with him, so he urged him to leave.

"Thank you for your hard work, Chuan'er." Qin Henian nodded.

The group then agreed to meet here again.

Qin Henian took Li Ji'an to find the Heavenly Heart Grass, who had known the news in advance. Yan Qingwan, worried that Li Ji'an would spend more money on it, made an excuse to go and see for herself.
-
At the same time, a man and a woman climbed onto the floating platform below.

The man stepped onto the floating platform, sensed the surroundings, narrowed his eyes slightly, and then revealed a piece of bone gleaming with a dim golden light in his hand.

As the magical power slowly flowed in, a strange sensation entered the sea of ​​consciousness.

"It really is here!" The man suddenly opened his eyes, a cruel smile spreading across his face.

The woman's eyes lit up as well, a smug look spreading across her alluring face. She transmitted her voice, saying, "I knew it! The cultivators of the Heavenly Azure Domain have been oppressed by their sects for too long. The thief who has the ability to kill that golden corpse will definitely not let go of this grand event that only happens once every thirty years."

(End of this chapter)