It had been three days since the Thousand Wealth Chamber had its first auction, but the fame of the chamber had not diminished for a bit.
News of the Gold Grade Spirit Link had spread to every nook and cranny of the city. An artifact that could allow anyone to communicate anywhere in the Southern Region was unheard of.
Many would have thought it was propaganda if not for the powerful clan claiming to have confirmed the news.
This made the people discover why the Long clan was going against the Mad Lion Mercenary Team.
This led to various rumors that spread throughout the Purple Stone City. Now, the prideful Long clansmen were ashamed to raise their heads.
Contrary to the rumors about the Long clan, Mo Jian and his people were swift in action. In three days, they bought various locations around the city to set up a branch for their chamber.
Now, they did not need to hide in the western district nor stay low-key.
The name Thousand Wealth Chamber would invoke fear and respect in the city. Even the city lord was on their side.
On the top floor of a famous restaurant in the city, Merchant Tao was welcoming three people with his best smile.
"Young Master, it’s an honor to finally meet you," Merchant Tao said with a fawning smile. "Please take a seat."
Mo Jian took his seat while Elder Xu Bin and the old withered man stood behind him like statues.
Merchant Tao looked at them from the corner of his eye and felt a cold shiver run down his spine. Most especially, the aura from the old withered man was suffocating him.
Without any change in his expression, he clapped his hands twice, and maids rushed into the room, carrying various delicacies.
"Young Master, this restaurant has the best meal in the city," he said seriously.
"Merchant Tao, I did not come here to eat. Besides, this is nothing to me." As the owner of the Thousand Wealth Chamber, he had the right to be proud.
"If you give me a satisfactory answer, I’ll let you taste the best meal of your life," he added, and light played on his lips.
Before coming here, they’d investigated Merchant Tao’s background and his hobbies. One of which was his love for good food.
"Really?!" He widened his eyes in disbelief. "I can’t wait to eat such a delicious delicacy."
"Young Master, please do tell this Tao what you need, and if it is in my power, I’ll surely render my assistance."
Mo Jian looked at him for a moment without any change in his expression. Although he seemed to be looking at him, he was not looking at him but at his talent.
[Cultivation: Foundation realm stage-9]
[Talent: Business (Genius)]
At this age, for him to be at the peak of the Foundation realm with a very small chance of breaking through the Core Refining realm in his lifetime—
This showed how mediocre his talent in cultivation was. However, his real talent lay in his business, which led him to create such a vast grain and silk business in the southern region.
"I want you to work for me," Mo Jian said after a couple of seconds.
Instantly, the smile on his face froze. He stared at Mo Jian for a moment and his expression turned solemn.
"Young Master, in this life I’ve vowed..."
"Name your price, or what do you want?" Mo Jian interrupted calmly.
For a greedy bastard like him, what did he mean he had vowed? Did he think he was one of the ignorant young men?
Those who could remain true to their words wouldn’t meddle in business. In business, everything was about profit.
In business, everything has a price, which includes him.
Sigh! Merchant Tao relaxed his fat body on the cushion with a solemn expression etched on his face. He knew he was facing a cunning and ruthless young man.
The presence of two people behind Mo Jian was a message. From the moment they stepped into the room, the game was already on, and he was on the defending side.
He wouldn’t accept no for an answer.
Taking a deep breath, he looked directly into Mo Jian’s eyes and asked, "What do I stand to gain?"
"First, you will break through to the Golden Core realm, which extends your lifespan," Mo Jian replied, his voice filled with confidence.
"Second, you will wield authority beyond your imagination."
"Third, everything you can imagine shall come to manifestation."
Merchant Tao could not believe his ears. Just the first opportunity would make him submit to him. As for the second and third, his brain could not process it.
Before he could complete his statement, Mo Jian threw a manual at him. Merchant Tao looked at the manual and saw its name.
True Mountain Refinement Scripture.
’Is this what I thought it was?’ His hand trembled as he picked up the manual.
As he slowly read the manual, his heart was pounding heavily against his chest. ’Heavens! This is a complete Earth Grade Technique... and it’s not a low grade.’
"Do you still think I’m trying to deceive you?" Mo Jian asked, his expression as calm as ever.
Merchant Tao swallowed the lumps in his throat and looked at him. "I never thought you were going to deceive me, but the shock was too great for my fragile heart to handle."
"Good. What have you decided?"
"Did I even have a choice?" he said with a bright smile.
"I know you’re a wise man. My chamber will buy your merchant group at 20 percent higher than the market price. Apart from that, you will sign a 50-year contract."
"Do you have any questions?"
"Yes... Young Master, do you have a way for me to break through to the Core Refining Realm?"
"Yes. Even without you asking, I’ve assisted you to break through to the Core Refining Realm."
"Really! Thank you. I promise to serve you with all my heart," Merchant Tao shouted excitedly.
Thousands of meters from the Purple Stone City, a group was riding the Cloud Chase Horses toward the Purple Stone City at top speed.
"Elder, do you think the news is true?" a young man asked.
The elder did not respond immediately. "Whether it is true or not, we will know very soon. But if the Long clan dares to deceive us, we raze them to the ground."
They all laughed, and a vicious look appeared on their faces—eyes gleaming with madness, lips curled into feral grins, and an air so thick with bloodlust that even the horses beneath them seemed restless.
These were not ordinary cultivators. Their weapons were stained from past slaughters, and the stench of violence clung to them like a second skin.
A storm was coming to Purple Stone City—and it rode on hooves and hate.