Chapter 196: Spirit Stone Trade
“I’ll stay here for the New Year, and it’ll be a long time before I go back.”
Zhuo Wanqiu received a message from her Master Jian and fell into contemplation in the front hall of the Cloud Top Heavenly Palace.
For some reason, with just this single, brief line, she felt that her Master Jian had become a bit more spirited.
This was not the usual way her Master Jian phrased things. If it were like usual, she would have said that the matters in the capital were not yet finished, and it would take time, so there was no need to rush.
Zhuo Wanqiu looked at the message, thinking to herself that she wondered what the son-in-law had done to her Master Jian, making her Master Jian unable to help but even put it on paper.
“When will Master Jian return?”
“It’ll be a long time.”
Ding Yao came from down the mountain, lowered her head to glance at the letter, and after a long silence, said, “This tone, the more I look at it, the more it resembles Master Jian when she was little...”
Zhuo Wanqiu looked up at Ding Yao upon hearing her words.
She knew that although Senior Sister Ding had been neglected by Master Jian for many years due to her selfishness, she was indeed the personal maid who had grown up with Master Jian since childhood. Therefore, her understanding of Master Jian was actually greater than that of Master Jian's parents.
So, if she said this tone was like Master Jian when she was little, Zhuo Wanqiu would not doubt it at all.
So, she hadn't changed.
Her esteemed Master Jian was originally such a spirited and lovely woman. It was only after taking over the spirit mirror that she gradually transformed herself into the image of a Master Jian.
At this moment, the breeze was gentle, and although it carried the chill of winter, it was a rare sunny day.
Suddenly, a surge of Qi swept across Xuanjian Peak, stirring the layered clouds.
The two looked up and saw Yan Zhong, the sect master of Lingjian Mountain, dressed in a yellow robe, leading dozens of Elders from the Yingtian Realm and above, striding through the sky with rolling immortal might, landing at the main pavilion of Xuanjian Peak below the Cloud Top Heavenly Palace.
Yan Jingxiang, the peak master of Xuanjian Peak, dressed in a black cloud-patterned robe, stood at the hall entrance with his younger brother, Yan Jingrui, and upon seeing Yan Zhong and the others arrive,
He slightly cupped his hands.
“Has the Dan Sect started delivering Medicinal Pills?”
“Yes, Tianjian Peak is here to discuss the Medicinal Pill allocation.”
The Spirit Medicine quota given by the Dan Sect each year is fixed, delivered twice, in the middle and at the end of the year.
Because the quantity is not large, how much each peak should receive, and who gets more or less of each type of Spirit Medicine, all need to be discussed.
In the past, Tianjian Peak, relying on its profound Foundation and numerous Disciples, usually left only low-grade Medicinal Pills, and not many of them, for Xuanjian Peak and Wenjian Peak.
However, with the great increase in the little Master Jian's strength over the years, holding the spirit mirror gradually became the new spiritual belief of Lingjian Mountain, coupled with her character of both grace and might, the overall strength of Xuanjian Peak continuously improved, and its say in matters grew stronger.
At this time, Tianjian Peak had lost its former arrogance, and the discussion regarding the Medicinal Pill allocation had also moved from the Tianjian Peak Master's Pavilion to the Xuanjian Peak Master's Pavilion.
“When Master Jian left, she issued an imperial decree: this year, we must secure 60% of the Medicinal Pills.”
“Sixty percent?”
“Master Jian said that Wenjian Peak is gradually declining now, and in recent years, it hasn't even qualified to participate in the council, so its annual share is less than 10%. It's also difficult to recruit Disciples, so Master Jian plans to help them reclaim 20% this year.”
Zhuo Wanqiu looked at the high mountain under the clear sun: “Excessive internal strife depletes the overall strength of Lingjian Mountain. Master Jian probably thinks this way. If Wenjian Peak, as one of the main branches, truly continues to decline like this, it will eventually die out.”
Ding Yao glanced at him: “I’m not afraid of Wenjian Peak dying out now; I’m only afraid that Master Jian will suddenly have a child.”
“So you're also afraid that Master Jian will bring back a chubby baby? No, Master Jian's Dao Heart has always been clear and she naturally understands the pros and cons of this matter, so she shouldn't easily become pregnant.”
Thinking of this, Ding Yao suddenly remembered the scene where Master Jian would come out every morning during her seclusion to look at the man's portrait,
She suddenly became somewhat uncertain.
A woman's beauty is fatal to a man, and a man's beauty is equally fatal to a woman.
Not to mention Master Jian, who was already smitten with him, even Ding Yao herself dared not often look at the paintings of that man with his chest bared and head held high.
At the same time, Tianshu Academy also welcomed the warm dawn like Lingjian Mountain, sprinkling over the snow-covered mountain peaks and melting the frost on the branches.
Today, there is nothing to do.
Yan Shuyi, accustomed to sleeping in, had just arrived from her room to the main hall when she was embraced fully. Her fair feet curled up, and her mouth was already filled with Ji You's taste.
Then, it was time to light the stove and prepare breakfast.
The little Master Jian, on the other hand, was boiling water for tea in the courtyard, sitting quietly, and spacing out.
Their teacups were identical. Before, they would subconsciously distinguish them, but now they just used whichever one they grabbed.
They had exchanged saliva countless times, so there was clearly no great need to differentiate whose cup was whose anymore.
Ji You watched her sitting in the snow, sipping tea, with a doting look in his eyes.
He knew about the message Zhuo Wanqiu sent yesterday, and at this moment, he felt like a scoundrel who had tricked a Young Miss into his rented room,
Taking every advantage.
Yet, the Young Miss herself didn't want to leave, and even had a thought of not wanting to inherit the Family's property.
Ji You used to watch such dramas and would always comment with a clear-headed tone, saying that the Young Miss was truly too foolish, what was so good about that scoundrel?
He never expected that one day, he himself would become the scoundrel, and suddenly he could understand this mindset.
Ji You stood with his hands on his hips, watching the obedient Yan Shuyi, who was like a cat, while waiting for the pot to boil. He thought to himself, as long as she doesn't go out,
If she doesn't encounter a cat with a wagging tail, this obedience is still very charming.
“I’m going down the mountain today. You wait for me at home.”
“Where are you going?”
Yan Shuyi asked coldly, but her eyes seemed to say, “I want to come too.”
“When I woke up this morning, I suddenly remembered that Cao Jinsong should have distributed the monthly salary, so I'm going to check on him. Also, the Immortal Supervisor seems to have some matters for me. Anyway, there’s nothing fun to do, so you can peel potatoes at home. I’ll stir-fry shredded potatoes for you tonight.”
Ji You thought to himself, I won't take you out, lest you see another cat with a wagging tail.
After breakfast, Ji You went down the mountain to Cao Jinsong's courtyard, vividly demonstrating to him the meaning of “what's due will always come.”
However, Cao Instructor also had the foresight to prepare for the unexpected, having already spent all his money beforehand. When he saw Ji You enter the courtyard, he casually tossed his empty money pouch onto the table.
Ji You didn't believe him: “You've spent it all now? How will you live for the next few days?”
Cao Jinsong gently stroked his long beard: “For the next few days, I'll live off the gifts from my beloved Disciple.”
“Give me half.”
“What?”
“The gifts from your beloved Disciple, of course. My expenses have been quite high recently; I can't just spend without earning.”
Cao Jinsong knew that he was keeping a woman in his courtyard, so he couldn't help but ask, “Who exactly is that woman you’re keeping in your courtyard?”
Ji You glanced at her: “She is, of course, my Family’s woman.”
“You're protecting her like a treasure, not even telling this Instructor. Could it be that she's truly a mortal woman with no cultivation? Are you afraid she'll be threatened because of it?”
“No, I’m just afraid I’d scare you if I told you.”
Cao Jinsong thought to himself, what haven't I, this Instructor, seen in all my years? Could it be something that would scare me even if Ni Mountain collapsed before my eyes without changing my expression? Unless the one in your courtyard is the little Master Jian of Lingjian Mountain!
However...
Cao Jinsong looked up at Ji You, thinking that for this kid to willingly keep her, that woman's methods must not be simple.
Ji You thought to himself, just guess, then got up and headed down the mountain.
Shengjing City was even livelier than a few days ago, with large numbers of carriages crossing the main street and gathering in front of Prince Chong's Mansion, causing Ji You, who was passing by, to stop.
All these carriages were marked with a stone-like symbol, and they were escorted by several Upper Five Realms masters, whom Chong Wang welcomed with cupped hands at the gate.
Ji You had seen these markings before, during his diplomatic mission to the Snow Region.
That night, countless carriages flew through the air, inviting the Immortal Sect Prodigies who were traveling with him to a banquet, and those carriages all bore the same symbol.
It was the Ling Shi Merchant Association of Yun Province. Ji You watched from the side, noticing that they did not enter Prince Chong's Mansion. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they headed towards the south city, the rumbling of carriage wheels echoing.
After much thought, he walked towards Kuang Cheng's courtyard.
Kuang Cheng had already changed into his official uniform and was waiting early at the gate: “Brother Ji, how is Fairy Yan feeling now?”
“?”
“I've collected some free-range eggs from farmers; they're perfect for prenatal nourishment.”
Ji You pursed his lips, thinking to himself, this naughty little Master Jian is using her wit to pretend to be pregnant and trick him into giving her eggs.
However, free things were always good: “I just saw people from the Yun Province Ling Shi Merchant Association. They seem to be heading to the Immortal Supervisor.”
“This matter is also related to the Immortal Supervisor looking for Brother Ji.”
“Spirit Stone?”
“More precisely, snowy region demon stone.”
Kuang Cheng turned and locked the courtyard gate: “Brother Ji, let’s talk as we walk.”
After the Human Race envoy group went to the Snow Region, it triggered a night raid, and the Scale Clan leader and his demon generals were imprisoned in the snow prison.
The indirect consequence of this incident was that the supply of snowy region demon stone to Kyushu was halted for more than half a winter.
Previously, people from the Seven Great Immortal Sects had come to Great Xia to inquire about the situation because they couldn't get snowy region demon stone.
Recently, the Yao Race finally resumed the supply of Spirit Stone to Kyushu, which was originally a good thing, but it was obstructed by the Worldly Family of Yun Province during transportation.
The snowy region demon stone is cheap, yet its quality is extremely high, causing the price of Yun Province Spirit Stone to continuously fall, and sales to shrink accordingly.
The Worldly Sect in Yun Province, whose Foundation was built on Spirit Stone, naturally could not stand by and watch this continue.
So, under the pretext of repairing roads throughout the region, they blockaded several main trade routes in Yun Province and secretly offered conditions to Great Xia.
Except for those sent to the Immortal Sects, the Ling Shi Merchant Association of Yun Province intended to impose a transportation tax on every piece of snowy region demon stone, and the proposed tax was almost equivalent to the original price of the Spirit Stone.
The Yao Race merchants naturally disagreed, as their snowy region demon stone was stored beneath the permafrost, making extraction extremely difficult, and their profits were already meager. Such a high tax was naturally unbearable.
But for Great Xia, they had no choice.
In these years of declining imperial power, they were unable to bear the cost of repairing and maintaining official roads, so as early as when the former Your Majesty was still alive, they had sold the operating rights of several major roads in Yun Province.
Therefore, the Ling Shi Merchant Association of Yun Province's attempt to raise transportation fees, though seemingly unreasonable, was in compliance with the rules.
The situation remained deadlocked for half a month without any progress. Then, the Ling Shi Merchant Association of Yun Province proposed another method:
They wanted Great Xia to hand over the operating rights of the snowy region demon stone to them, with them setting the price.
In fact, whether it was raising the transport tax or raising the price, that money didn't amount to much for the Yun Province merchant association.
The reason they did this was actually to raise the price of snowy region demon stone, so that the price of Yun Province stone would also rise, in order to preserve their Worldly Family Foundation.
Great Xia naturally did not want to agree, so there was only one option left: change the route.
However, changing the route required someone to step forward and cooperate, and this person also needed to have enough ability to withstand the targeting and hostility of the Yun Province Worldly Family.
“So they came to me?”
“It was only after much deliberation that I realized only Brother Ji could accomplish such a feat.”
Ji You looked at Kuang Cheng: “The Si Xian Supervisor thinks that I am being targeted everywhere by Worldly Sect and Immortal Sects, so it doesn't matter if there are a dozen more, right?”
Kuang Cheng hesitated for a long while before nodding: “But it is indeed true. There are countless cultivators in this world, and only Brother Ji is an exception.”
Ji You pondered for a long time: “This matter is a good thing for Feng Province, and I can also make a fortune.”
“That's right, the transportation of Spirit Stones will bring economic prosperity to Feng Province, and it's also good for us that Great Xia is willing to rebuild official roads in Feng Province.”
Kuang Cheng paused at this moment: “But if Brother Ji agrees, he may face immense pressure in the future. That pressure will come from Yun Province, and even the entire mining industry of the Nine Provinces, as this is inherently contending for profit with Yun Province.”
Ji You raised his eyes: “There's no way I'll bear this pressure for nothing.”
“That's right, we naturally have to make demands of them.”
“I want ownership of all official roads in Feng Province, management rights for horse stations, and Great Xia must also agree to abolish the transport tax for the common people, and taxes on related industries must also be halved.”
Upon hearing this, Kuang Cheng immediately looked up: “And Great Xia must issue an order to abolish the private orders for cross-province migration of the common people in various places.”
Ji You shook his head after hearing this: “This matter might be difficult. Although the appointment and removal of officials are still decided by Great Xia, in reality, the officials in various prefectures and counties are mostly dependent on local Worldly Sect and Immortal Villas, and may not heed the government orders of the Si Xian Supervisor.”
“But this can at least make those local officials restrain themselves a bit, and there will be fewer incidents of people having their legs broken after being caught smuggling.”
“Suddenly, I thought of another benefit.”
“What benefit?”
“We'll talk after we're done.”
As something needed by cultivators, the management and transportation of Spirit Stones are major matters.
The sudden arrival of the Yun Province Ling Shi Merchant Association in Shengjing City at this time also attracted much attention, and it wasn't long before the news began to spread without prompting.
At this moment, in the back garden of Prince Chong's Mansion, a group of noble Sect from the capital gathered. In front of them, singing girls performed, and the fragrance of tea drifted with the wind.
These noble Sect in the capital were all involved in the Spirit Stone business in Yun Province.
Especially Chong Wang, because when his Elder brother was in power, he was the one who spearheaded the sale of the Yun Province official road ownership to the Ling Shi Merchant Association, and he also had many shares in Yun Province. This is why Princess Changle often met with Lu Qingqiu.
“The snowy region demon stone is currently stuck in the Northern Territory. The final outcome is nothing more than who takes a step back first.”
“The imperial power of Great Xia has declined to this extent. For thousands of years, we have always been the ones who retreated the most. In my opinion, this time is no exception,” Chong Wang said with a smile, when he suddenly saw a young servant from the mansion rushing in: “Your Highness, I have something to report.”
Chong Wang put away his smile and threw a handful of fish food: “Speak.”
“The spy we planted just sent a message saying that the Si Xian Supervisor might decide to change the transport route.”
“Change? Heh, they really know how to think. Not to mention where to change to or from where to enter, just consider this Qingyun World—who can disregard the hostility of a dozen Worldly Sect? The peace between the Yao Race and our Human Race is only temporary. Once the snowy region demon stone is gone, who can withstand having no stones to use?”
The young servant looked at Chong Wang's sarcasm and couldn't help but swallow his saliva.
Chong Wang turned to look at him: “Did the message say where the Si Xian Supervisor plans to change the route to?”
“I don't know, but they just invited Ji You from Tianshu Academy.”
Chong Wang's smile froze upon hearing this, and then his eyes slowly widened, his face instantly changing dramatically.
At this moment, Qin Rong and Lang Hetong from the Master's Courtyard were playing chess opposite each other.
They had known about the Ling Shi Merchant Association's grand arrival in Shengjing City for a long time, but upon hearing that Ji You had been invited to the Si Xian Supervisor, they suddenly fell silent.
“No one in Qingyun World is not afraid of being hostilely targeted by Worldly Sect. The only exception is Ji You. The Si Xian Supervisor really found the right person.”
Qin Rong placed a chess piece: “Those who have nothing fear nothing. Ji You always has a crazy sense of not caring about life or death, and fighting if dissatisfied.”
Lang Hetong glanced at him: “A few days ago, a distant relative of a distant relative's neighbor's second granduncle somehow found a way to my door, wanting me to help them move their Family to Feng Province.”
Qin Rong raised his sleeve: “Have you heard a saying?”
“Hmm?”
“The greatest sorrow for those with extraordinary talent is being born in Feng Province, while the common people feel that being born in Feng Province is the most fortunate thing.”
At this moment, Ji You had already arrived at the Si Xian Supervisor and was surveying the official yamen that had just been completed last year.
Unlike all the buildings he had seen, the Si Xian Supervisor was entirely pure white, forming a square, return-shaped structure. The entire building had eight floors, and the patio was extremely deep.
Intricate patterns were carved into its pure white walls, and in the center hung a golden fire wheel, with flames flickering around it.
In terms of specifications and style, the height of this official yamen already exceeded that of the Imperial Palace's main hall, and it stood out uniquely, contrasted by the surrounding red walls and gray tiles.
Ji You took a quick look and suddenly noticed a man standing in the courtyard, not much older than him, dressed in luxurious brocade, staring at him with sharp eyes, a hint of resentment in his gaze.
“Who is this person?”
“He came with the Ling Province Merchant Association.”
Ji You didn't pay much attention and then followed Kuang Cheng through the deep patio, along the long corridor, to the banquet hall of the Si Xian Supervisor.
At this moment, Supervisor He Jingyuan of the Si Xian Supervisor, and Master Wang Mingchang, who had previously addressed the Demon Emperor, were all present at the table.
As Ji You and Kuang Cheng stepped through the door, Wang Mingchang tremblingly rose and bowed deeply to them.
Such deference, even to the current Your Majesty, was something Wang Mingchang, an old minister past his seventies, had never shown before.
He Jingyuan and Peng Dongyang also rose one after another, and in their bows, they couldn't help but take a second look at Ji You.
【I came for Feng Province.】
【Are you really capable of convincing the Demon Emperor not to ally with the barbarians?】
【Actually, if I ran by myself, I would have a chance to run back.】
【I don't mind dying here, but you'd better keep your word.】
After the delegation returned from the Snow Region, based on the oral accounts of these ministers, they meticulously recorded the entire journey once more.
Among them, a few sentences still resonate powerfully when recalled today.
Kuang Cheng leaned into Ji You's ear: “Several representatives of the Yun Province Ling Shi Merchant Association are currently in the adjacent hall, accompanied by Vice Supervisor Master Peng.”
Ji You nodded, his Divine Thought already sensing the other party's presence.
The visitors from the Yun Province Worldly Family were all cultivators, including experts from the Upper Five Realms, so they must have sensed his aura as well.
He Jingyuan slightly cupped his hands at this moment: “Ji Gongzi, regarding the matter of the Yao Race's Spirit Stones, Supervisor Kuang must have already informed you on the way here.”
Ji You nodded: “You want to borrow a path through Feng Province, but Feng Province has many foreign Worldly Sect and a complex environment, so you hope for my participation. However, Supervisor He should know that this matter puts immense pressure on me.”
“We naturally know that. If Ji Gongzi has any difficulties, you can say so directly.”
“It's not exactly difficult. After all, after entering Tianshu Academy, I've pretty much offended all the forces in the cultivation world. But you should know my way of doing things; I never like to walk away empty-handed.”
He Jingyuan picked up the wine pot at this moment: “Ji Gongzi can state your conditions.”
Ji You and Kuang Cheng exchanged glances, then reiterated what they had discussed on the way here.
Upon hearing about the ownership of the official roads in Feng Province, the management rights for horse stations, the abolition of the transport tax for common people using official roads, and the halving of taxes on related industries, He Jingyuan's brows furrowed instantly.
The dilemma they faced now was precisely because they had given the ownership of Yun Province's official roads to the Ling Shi Merchant Association. Now, Ji You's proposed conditions were even more extensive than those of the Yun Province Merchant Association.
So he looked at his mentor Wang Mingchang, only to find his mentor looking at him with an expression that seemed to say, “What are you thinking? Hurry up and agree, then thank Ji Gongzi profusely.”
At this moment, in the adjacent hall, Peng Dongyang had already subtly revealed the Si Xian Supervisor's intention to change the transportation route.
The next second, a Young Master dressed in luxurious clothing, with a chilling expression, burst into the hall where Ji You was.
The president of the Yun Province Merchant Association is Lu Qingqiu's father, Lu Xiong, the head of the Lu Family, while the vice president is Ding Mao, the head of the Ding Family, who is a cousin of Instructor Ding Ang from Tianshu Academy's Outer Courtyard.
The young man who rushed in was Ding Mao's only son, named Ding Shaojie.
And this Ding Shaojie was the young man who had previously stared intently at Ji You in the courtyard.
He and Lu Qingqiu were childhood sweethearts, and their Sect had been on good terms for generations. Since childhood, people around them would often playfully tease them about being a young couple or getting married.
Ding Shaojie believed it, and he continued to believe it.
Until Lu Qingqiu returned home a year after being sent to Tianshu Academy, he found many people saying that Younger Sister Qingqiu wanted to marry a rural rogue cultivator, and he even heard that Younger Sister Qingqiu had sent him a personal Bellyband she had worn.
At this moment, Ding Shaojie looked at him coldly and arrogantly: “You're Ji You, right?”
“What advice do you have, brother?”
“You're so unafraid of offending our Ling Shi Merchant Association, I'm afraid you haven't quite understood the relationship between the Yao Race and our Human Race. I'm here to enlighten you.”
Ding Mao pulled him at this moment: “Shaojie, no need for more words.”
“Let me finish, Father, lest he think he's getting a bargain.”
Ding Shaojie finished speaking and turned his head back: “Everyone in Qingyun World knows that the Yao Race has been in the Nine Provinces for a thousand years, and the peace with our Human Race is temporary. Have you ever considered what your fate would be if the Yao Race one day stopped providing Spirit Stones to the Nine Provinces, and you had also offended us?”
Ji You pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands: “Thank you for the reminder, brother.”
“You're not afraid?!”
“I was just about to get scared, but then I suddenly remembered that I never seem to use Spirit Stones.”
“?”
Ding Shaojie was stunned, then opened his mouth to laugh, but found that no one in the room was laughing, and a trace of disbelief flashed in his eyes.
Lu Xiong looked over fiercely at this moment: “Is Ji Gongzi truly someone who has nothing to lose?”
Ji You stood up: “I'm not interested in Spirit Stone trade. Actually, some things can be discussed calmly.”
“You can directly state your conditions, whether it's Spirit Cores or daughters, whatever you ask for.”
“Then how about dismantling all your foster care facilities in Yun Province and granting freedom to the descendants of those miners?”
Ding Mao spoke upon hearing this: “Are you truly going to dig up the Foundation of my Yun Province?”
Ji You drained his wine: “I suddenly thought of it on my way here. If your Spirit Mines collapse, there won't be so many mine slaves in Yun Province anymore, will there?”
(Scheduled release failed????)