Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 290 Large-Scale Recruitment - Bibao Pavilion - Half-and-Half Profit
When we came out of Master Geng Dan's courtyard, it was only 1:45 AM.

Today the sun is shining brightly, it's a beautiful day.

Without the interference of strong winds, the streets have long since returned to their bustling state.

The cultivators, who had been hiding in their houses for many days, also came out of their homes and onto the streets.

In an instant, the streets and alleys were filled with crowds of people.

It's as if they're trying to make up for all the festive atmosphere they missed during the previous Chinese New Year.

Taking this opportunity, all sorts of vendors set up stalls along the street, forming long lines.

As Xiao Chen walked down the bustling main street, he couldn't help but think about buying some trinkets.

Of course, he didn't care about the decorations and focused on all kinds of snacks.

"Freshly fried fish crisps are ready!"

"Give me ten!"

"Specially made multi-flavored candied fruit, being sold at a discount."

"Ten skewers, please!"

"Tianling rice cakes produced on Funan Island are only sold once a year."

"Give me ten pounds!"

……

As he walked down the street, Xiao Chen tried almost every kind of food.

This cost a whopping 1,600 spirit stones.

The sight of them eating and drinking heartily drew frequent glances from many passing cultivators.

The lower-level cultivators were mostly envious, but a few Golden Core cultivators were surprised that he had such a large appetite.

Is this guy a gluttonous beast?
They've already eaten several hundred pounds, and it still hasn't ended.

Of course, some Golden Core cultivators might think that it would be a loss of face for a dignified True Person to eat and drink so recklessly on the street.

A table should be set up in a restaurant in the market; only then can it reflect the taste of a high-level cultivator.

But it doesn't matter, Xiao Chen doesn't care about that.

He naturally has other ways to gain enough face, and he doesn't need to use that method to show off his taste.

Of course, he wasn't just wandering around aimlessly.

Instead, they followed the main street to the very center of Tinglang Market and then stepped into one of the largest shops there.

We've acquired so much junk; it's time to get rid of it.

Especially since there are so many magical artifacts that you can't use even if you carry them around, it's better to exchange them for spirit stones.

Today, the shops are still bustling with people.

So much so that even the workers are almost overwhelmed with work.

Many cultivators could only select the spiritual items themselves first, and then loudly call for help from their assistants after they had seen enough.

However, at the entrance of the shop, there were seven or eight pretty maids standing in a row, responsible for welcoming and seeing off customers.

Only upon encountering a Golden Core cultivator will they proactively send people to greet them.

Upon seeing Xiao Chen approach, the maid at the front immediately brightened up.

She quickly approached, smiling broadly, "Welcome to Bibao Pavilion, senior. Please feel free to ask for anything you need."

"I just came over to take a look."

Xiao Chen did not directly reveal his purpose: "Where are your spiritual artifacts displayed here?"

Although he came to sell magical artifacts, he planned to check the latest prices first as a reference before making a transaction, in order to avoid being taken advantage of.

"Please go up to the third floor, senior!"

The maid immediately bowed respectfully and then took the initiative to lead the way for Xiao Chen.

The swaying gait of the person walking is pleasing to the eye and clearly the result of long-term deliberate practice.

On the third floor of Bibaoge, the left side is filled with third-tier spiritual artifacts, while the right side displays different types of third-tier spiritual pills.

Therefore, as soon as Xiao Chen arrived, he heard someone on his right exclaim, "How come even Water Essence Pills have become so expensive?"

"Who sets the prices here? Why did they suddenly increase so much?"

Someone immediately chimed in, "That's right! It only cost a thousand spirit stones before the New Year, so why is it now a thousand five hundred?"

"If you don't give us an explanation today, we will never buy anything from you again."

"Not only that, we also want others to know about this."

Turning around, I saw that there were five Golden Core cultivators walking together on my right.

Although the other three did not speak, they all stared at the manager who was smiling obsequiously beside them with unfriendly expressions, clearly very dissatisfied.

"Please calm down, seniors. We have our reasons."

The manager quickly spread his arms and pressed them down, explaining to those around him, "The price increase is indeed sudden, but it's not that we insist on raising prices; it's just that the situation has changed."

"Before the New Year, all shops were indeed offering Water Essence Pills for only one thousand spirit stones."

"That's because all the Water Essence Pills in our entire market come from those three famous alchemists in the East City."

“But since a while ago, they have been writing to say that they received a summons from the Sword Pavilion, and they should have gone to the Sword Pavilion by now.”

"In other words, the Water Essence Pill is currently out of stock."

"We still don't know when it will be restored."

“Right now, everyone is raising prices. If we don’t keep up, those other companies will have already rushed over and bought up all our goods.”

Such a lengthy explanation.

However, the cultivators remained unconvinced, with one of them questioning, "If that's the case, why have other pills also increased in price?"

"Does that mean, according to you, all the alchemists have been invited away by the upper sect?"

Some people directly advised, "Forget it, let's just leave."

“I heard that the nearby Baiyaofang also has connections in Cangming Sea, so they must have cheap pills there.”

Upon hearing this, the manager quickly tried to persuade them to stay: "Oh, seniors, please wait a moment!"

"This summons from the Upper Sect has indeed had a wide-ranging impact. Not only our Tingtao Sea, but also the Nanze Sea in the east and the Cangming Sea in the west are all affected."

"All the alchemists, weapon refiners, and formation masters who are even remotely renowned have been invited away by the major sects."

"At this point in time, even if you go to another store, the price will be the same."

"Our Bibaoge has been open for so long, and it has always been the most affordable place."

While he was still patiently explaining, Xiao Chen was slightly taken aback.

What's going on? Why are they suddenly holding such a large-scale rally? Isn't that a bit too much?
Could it be that the major sects are about to make some big move?
Under normal circumstances, it shouldn't have alarmed so many independent cultivators. Could something bad have happened?

Xiao Chen began to recall the intelligence he had seen a few days ago.

The source of those things is not very reliable, but the truth of the matter is also likely not optimistic, otherwise things wouldn't have come to this.

At the same time, he recalled the situation he had just encountered at Geng Danshi's house.

Well... all I can say is that a fourth-tier alchemist is quite prestigious, as they were able to attract a Nascent Soul True Monarch to personally pay them a visit.

Everyone else received only a letter; they didn't receive such good treatment.

However, judging from this situation, it's highly likely that Master Geng will also be recruited to the Yuntao Sword Pavilion.

No wonder he sighed heavily upon hearing of the arrival of True Lord Lüshuang; he must have already received word of it beforehand.

hiss~!

Xiao Chen gasped, "This is really dangerous!"

If the conscription had been a few days earlier, Master Geng probably wouldn't have had time to refine the breakthrough elixir for me.

Fortunately, I arrived in time and managed to prepare the last batch of pills.

"This way, senior. All the magical artifacts in our shop are here."

Then the maidservant took the initiative to introduce, "The outer area is full of defensive magical artifacts. If you would like to see offensive ones, please move a little further in."

It's interesting that expensive items are displayed outside.

Xiao Chen refocused his attention and browsed through the prices of the spiritual artifacts listed here.

As expected, the prices of magical artifacts have also been generally increased.

While not as dramatic as some elixirs, prices have generally increased by about 20%.

Even the most basic models inside are priced starting at 120,000 spirit stones.

This stuff is not like elixirs; it's already expensive, and a 20% price increase is almost the limit.

Unless there is a genuine and significant emergency, further price increases will definitely lead to unsold inventory.

This is enough to prove that all the weapon refiners have indeed been conscripted.

However, this was actually good news for Xiao Chen.

After all, he wasn't there to buy spiritual artifacts, but to sell them.

Since the selling price has increased, the recycling price should also be higher.

Even if it can't rise by 20% in tandem, it should at least increase by 10%.

"I want to sell magical artifacts."

Xiao Chen turned to look at the maid: "Where should we go?"

The other party immediately replied, "Please move to the fifth floor, senior. This matter needs to be handled by the manager."

Despite feeling a slight disappointment, she still walked respectfully ahead to lead the way.

Upon arriving at a private room on the left side of the fifth floor, he proactively opened the door for her, saying, "Please come in, senior."

As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a row of spiritual flowers.

Stepping through a small, open door from the side, one could see a Golden Core cultivator engrossed in examining account books.

He seemed very busy.

Only when he heard footsteps approaching did he take a moment to stand up: "Welcome, fellow Daoist, to the Jade Pavilion. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Therefore, Xiao Chen didn't waste any words and went straight to the point: "I want to sell a batch of spiritual artifacts."

As he spoke, he waved his hand and took out all the magical artifacts he no longer needed.

They immediately piled it up in the room, creating a small mountain taller than a person.

"what?"

The manager blinked, feeling a sudden blankness in his mind.

What is this?
To be fair, although he hasn't been at Bibaoge for long, he has seen quite a few customers.

However, I had never encountered such a situation before, so I was a little at a loss for what to do for a while.

"Please wait a moment, sir, while I check the quality of the magical artifact."

As was his habit, the steward walked out while replying to the man.

However, when he stretched out his hand halfway, he suddenly froze.

Wait a minute, these magical artifacts all seem to have the same mark, like they're a set?
Standard magical artifact?

Upon realizing this, he was stunned again.

No, where did you get this from?

Surely they couldn't have emptied Yuntao Sword Lodge's warehouse, could they?

It should be noted that, under normal circumstances, only one or two scattered magical artifacts are brought out for trading.

Apart from the major powers, no independent cultivator could possess so many spiritual artifacts.

Therefore, he was stunned for a full three breaths before finally reacting, and quickly bowed and said, "Please wait a moment, esteemed guest. I cannot make this decision. Please allow me to go and call the steward over." Xiao Chen did not mind: "Alright, go ahead."

With so many magical artifacts involving a considerable amount of spirit stones, he hadn't expected a single steward to handle it.

As luck would have it, the steward of Bibaoge was on the sixth floor at that moment, receiving a Golden Core cultivator from a local powerful family.

The two were having a pleasant conversation.

Suddenly, the newly arrived steward knocked on the door abruptly: "Steward, we need you here."

This immediately angered him, but he refrained from doing so because the distinguished guest was right in front of him.

After a brief apology, the steward went outside.

To avoid disturbing his distinguished guests, he didn't begin his reprimand until the two men came down the stairs: "You brat, how can you be so clueless?"

"Business has just resumed today. Can't you see I'm busy handling a big deal?"

"And didn't I tell you yesterday that on special days, you should carefully consider how to handle business below Grade A?"

"What do you need me for?"

Because he was in a hurry to get back upstairs, the steward walked quickly and arrived at the door of the side room while scolding the servants.

He immediately suppressed his anger, revealed a faint smile, and stepped inside.

"Ahem, may I ask which guest this is... um?"

Before he could even finish speaking upon entering, the steward saw a room full of magical artifacts.

Even with his extensive knowledge, he was momentarily stunned, somewhat confused about what was going on.

"Nonsense, utter nonsense!"

He immediately turned around and glared at the steward behind him: "I entrusted you with the management of the spiritual artifacts in the pavilion, what are you doing moving all the spiritual artifacts out of the storeroom?"

"When guests come, there's not even a place to sit. Who taught you to work like this?"

However, the manager's reaction was completely different from what he had expected.

His expression changed twice, then he took a few steps closer and whispered the situation in my ear.

"Huh? What... is this?"

The steward took another look at the magical artifacts in the room, especially the uniform mark left by the Da Xuan Immortal Dynasty.

Then he stared at the manager, clearly bewildered.

He had never seen such a scene before.

"Um... Please have a seat, distinguished guest."

The steward was stunned for a moment, then quickly came to his senses and pointed to the seat where the steward had been sitting, indicating that Xiao Chen should sit down for the time being.

Then he immediately scolded the steward: "What are you still standing here for? Hurry up and serve tea to our distinguished guest!"

"Go to my room and get the innermost box of spiritual tea. Be quick about it."

Then, with a smile, he looked at Xiao Chen again: "Haha, esteemed guest, I'm really sorry, but I can't make that decision."

"Please wait a moment while I go and fetch the manager."

The steward, who had just reached the door, was immediately filled with resentment upon hearing this.

You clearly can't make the decision either, yet you have the nerve to ask me to weigh the pros and cons? What can I do?

"Okay, go ahead."

Xiao Chen waved his hand, not putting on airs or making things difficult for anyone.

After all, according to his estimate, this batch of magical artifacts was quite valuable, and could be sold for at least three million spirit stones.

This is indeed not something that an ordinary Golden Core cultivator can handle.

However, while waiting, he didn't stay idle; instead, he wandered around the fifth floor.

Bibaoge is on the fifth floor, and every ten feet there is a small square window about a foot in size carved out of the wall.

Place a rare and precious object inside and cover it with a completely transparent crystal layer.

On the wall between the two treasures, a calligraphy master was specially invited to copy down the introductions and special origins of the different treasures.

There are a total of sixteen treasures, each with a different origin, which are used to showcase the profound heritage and network of relationships of the Bibao Pavilion.

Xiao Chen noticed this as soon as he went upstairs.

To be honest, he was indeed somewhat lacking in knowledge, especially compared to those who were inheritors of reclusive Taoist traditions.

So when such an opportunity arises, one naturally wants to broaden their horizons.

This will make it easier for me to recognize the same thing on the spot when I encounter it in the future.

"Huh, the Dragon and Tiger Convergence Stone?"

Midway through his journey, Xiao Chen suddenly spotted a strangely familiar-looking rock.

One end was milky white, and the other end was jet black; it was the yin-yang stone that he had found in the side hall of the ruins.

From his visual inspection, the two stones were exactly the same size and shape.

After carefully reading the description on the wall, it was indeed found that it governs the power of Yin and Yang.

However, contrary to Xiao Chen's initial guess, the Dragon-Tiger Convergence Stone is not something used to comprehend the transformation of Yin and Yang; on the contrary, it is more conducive to the harmony of Yin and Yang.

Simply put, it can be understood as a special spiritual object that helps men and women cultivate together.

The difference between them is enormous.

If he were to use up all of his knowledge of Yin and Yang in the same way he had previously comprehended, he would waste at least 90% of its effectiveness.

"It seems best to have all the items I have appraised."

Xiao Chen has recently acquired several items of unknown origin, and it seems unreliable to rely solely on his own guesses.

Especially the spoils from the sea creatures, which are so rare that they are hard to guess.

It just so happens that Tinglang Island, where the Feiye Chamber of Commerce is located, is not far from here, and since the New Year has just passed, Kuang Ruihong should also be in the Chamber of Commerce.

After I sell all the magical artifacts, I'll go and have them appraised.

Having made up his mind, Xiao Chen also looked through the remaining rare treasures.

Unfortunately, no further discoveries were made afterward.

However, just as he was browsing through these treasures, the manager of Bibaoge Pavilion arrived just in time.

The steward and two managers followed behind him.

"This esteemed... oh... Fellow Daoist Xiao?"

The other party arrived in a hurry, and was even wearing the spirit robe of Yuntao Sword Pavilion.

Upon seeing Xiao Chen, he widened his eyes in disbelief.

Clearly, neither side expected to meet here.

Before coming here, after listening to the steward's report, he secretly wondered about the source of the standardized magical artifacts.

But seeing that the seller was Fellow Daoist Xiao, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

It's perfectly normal for this person to possess a standard magical artifact; it might even come from a hidden lineage behind him.

He had also heard that Xiao Chen had displayed great prowess in the new ruins.

They also acquired more than ten storage rings.

It's perfectly normal for there to be magical artifacts inside, and they certainly aren't considered stolen goods, so you can trade with confidence.

"Hey, it's you."

Xiao Chen thought for a moment and asked, "I seem to remember, haven't we met on Red Flower Island?"

The shopkeeper immediately nodded: "That's right. I went with my sect to witness the ceremony and happened to see your unparalleled demeanor."

"Fellow Daoist's presence at Bibao Pavilion today truly brings honor to this humble abode."

Xiao Chen shook his head slightly: "Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. Let's cut to the chase and take a look at the items first?"

The other party readily agreed: "Oh dear, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, fellow Daoist. I'll personally take inventory of the spiritual artifacts right away."

As he spoke, he took the lead and walked into the side room, beginning to inspect each item one by one.

The other three also rushed forward to help.

In no time, all the magical artifacts were inventoried.

"Adding this item, the total market price is 3.62 million spirit stones."

After finishing the accounts, the shopkeeper was clearly somewhat shocked.

It was clearly too difficult for him to extract so many spirit stones at once.

Even if we were to borrow, such a large sum of spirit stones is not a problem that can be solved in a short time.

Moreover, if all the spirit stones at hand are spent on spirit artifacts, then the rest of the business will inevitably be affected.

After a moment's hesitation, the shopkeeper waved his hand to dismiss the head steward and the manager.

Then he took the initiative to confess, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, I'm really sorry, I don't have that many spirit stones on hand. However, I have another way to cooperate."

"My Bibaoge Pavilion has been open for sixty-three years, more than a full cycle of sixty years."

"There has never been any delay or default on payment."

"If you trust me, leave these magical artifacts here and settle the payment in one lump sum after a year or when they are all sold."

"As compensation, I am willing to increase the acquisition price by an additional 10%."

"And how about we split the profits from selling these magical artifacts 50/50?"

He offered to split the profits 50/50, which is a very generous concession.

The reason for doing this is that it would be a waste to turn away business that comes knocking on our door.

He hopes to achieve cooperation even if it means sacrificing some profits.

Moreover, as a disciple of the Sword Pavilion, he naturally already knew that weapon refiners were being conscripted and there was a severe shortage of supplies outside.

If they could keep these magical artifacts and sell them, it would undoubtedly be an effective way to enhance the reputation of their shop.

"Profits split in half?"

Xiao Chen thought for a moment and nodded: "Then it's settled."

Trading according to this plan will earn you much more than selling directly.

The extra 10% acquisition price alone amounts to a full 360,000 spirit stones.

Not to mention the remaining half of the profit. Based on the profit of 20,000 spirit stones per spirit artifact, if all of them can be sold, that would be about 1.4 million spirit stones.

If the price of magical artifacts continues to rise, the profits could be even greater.

Xiao Chen doesn't lack spirit stones at the moment, and he hasn't had any urgent need for them recently.

Moreover, these magical artifacts were harvested from the ruins, not purchased by him, so there was no cost pressure.

To put it bluntly, this was practically a risk-free business for him.

At the same time, he wasn't afraid that the other party would dare to renege on the debt, so he agreed very readily.

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper was overjoyed: "Fellow Daoist Xiao is truly generous!"

As he spoke, he took out paper and pen and wrote a strict spiritual contract on the spot: "Please keep this safe, fellow Daoist. We will use this as our guarantee."

"One year from now, fellow Daoist, just come and ask me for the spirit stones."

"No matter what happens, I will sell everything I own to make sure you don't lose even a single spirit stone."

Xiao Chen accepted the spirit contract and smiled slightly: "No need for further words, I trust you, fellow Daoist."

After finalizing the deal, the two exchanged a few pleasantries.

It wasn't until the other party noticed that Xiao Chen seemed somewhat disinterested that they took the initiative to get up and escort him all the way to the store entrance.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, please take care. You may come and supervise whenever you have time."

(End of this chapter)