Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 217 Surabaya Chamber of Commerce
Guanshan Bamboo Sea boasts tens of thousands of acres of bamboo gardens. Although the concentration of spiritual energy is only at the second-tier high-grade level, the wood-type spiritual energy is exceptionally pure. Moreover, the earth veins beneath it are suspected to be the remains of ancient medicinal fields, making the land fertile and the wood-type essence abundant. The production of spiritual bamboo and spiritual wood accounts for 60% of the entire Tiancang Domain, and it has always held the pricing power for similar spiritual materials.

Although the Qin family of Cangyun Prefecture's purple bamboo production is not as high as that of Guanshan Bamboo Sea, its quality is superior.

Therefore, the Fu family was most resistant when they learned that the Qin family intended to move north.

"Thank you, Brother Kong!" Qin Henian did not show much emotion and thanked him with a normal expression.

After politely declining Master Kong's offer to stay overnight, Qin Henian led the three of them to an inn in the Immortal City.

Although it was late at night, the inn's lobby was still brightly lit and filled with guests.

With the Tianhe Grand Event approaching, all the inns in the city are already fully booked, and there are no vacancies available.

However, since everyone was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it wouldn't matter if they didn't sleep or rest for months. As long as there was no fighting or exhaustion of their spiritual energy, the souls of Foundation Establishment cultivators wouldn't be depleted much.

"Ancestor, should we rent a stall to display the spirit bamboo we brought? This matter should be done sooner rather than later, otherwise it will be difficult to find a good spot." After taking a seat in the private room on the second floor, Qin Chuan cast a restriction to shield the room and then made the suggestion.

He brought a lot of samples with him, intending to use them for negotiations with the Surabaya Chamber of Commerce.

Now that he can't make contact, he's considering not going through the Chamber of Commerce and instead gradually expanding his reach through retail channels.

Qin Henian glanced at him and smiled slightly: "Not bad. You remain calm in the face of adversity, do not back down in the face of setbacks, adapt to circumstances, and act in accordance with the situation. You also do not complain or harbor hatred."

However, he ultimately shook his head: "But it was still ill-considered. I was a bit too impatient. I need to learn more from your Uncle Songyuan when I get back."

"Please enlighten me, Ancestor." Qin Chuan bowed and listened attentively.

Qin He took a sip of the spirit wine and said, "This is just one person's opinion, and it shouldn't be taken too seriously."

"Furthermore, even if the Fu family does have this intention, there is still a possibility of negotiation. The same spiritual bamboo resources are not only about conflict but also about cooperation."

"Our clan's bamboo is of high quality, and the Fu family has a large quantity. If they are separated, each has its own shortcomings, but if they are combined, they are invincible."

Qin Chuan was slightly surprised: "We're cooperating with the Fu family?"

"Why not?" Qin Henian retorted.

“The Fu family has the overt support of the Lieyang Sect and has consistently held a 60% market share, while we not only lack the support of a higher sect, but also need to consider the attitude of that sect. The Fu family might not be willing to pay attention to us,” Qin Chuan said with some concern.

"We have to give it a try." Qin Henian wasn't really sure either.

"Then how should we talk to the Fu family?" Qin Chuan asked tentatively.

Qin Henian rubbed his temples, his previous wisdom gone: "Your Uncle Songyuan only gave me two brocade pouches, saying that if Master Kong failed to make the introduction, I should go and talk to the Fu family. As for how to talk, he only said to act according to circumstances."

"If we didn't need that old bastard to clean up the businesses near the Strange Stone Forest Dojo, we should have brought him along too."

Qin Chuan was speechless.

"Clang! This is outrageous!" Just then, a sword rang out from the hall downstairs, accompanied by an angry shout.

Li Ji'an scanned the area with his divine sense and saw a gilded broadsword unsheathed and floating behind a young man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes.

Across from them stood a man dressed in the attire of the Lieyang Sect, a smug grin on his face.

Based on their conversations, Li Ji'an judged that the Lieyang Sect disciples, relying on their superior numbers and proximity to the sect, had provoked the disciples from the Sword Sect of Daoyuan Prefecture with their words.

"Enough with the nonsense, do you dare step onto the life-or-death arena?" The Sword Sect disciple, not good with words, blushed.

“What’s there to be afraid of?” the Lieyang Sect disciple retorted defiantly.

The crowd of onlookers in the lobby, seemingly eager to stir up trouble, began to make a ruckus.

Before long, the two groups of people walked out of the inn.

Outside the inn is the central square of Tianhe Immortal City, and on it stands a ten-zhang square platform, which is the Tianhe Immortal City's Arena of Life and Death.

In Tianhe Immortal City, fighting is not prohibited; in fact, fighting is prohibited throughout the entire Tiancang Domain except for Cangyun Prefecture, and even encouraged.

All this is because the path of cultivation involves fighting and killing, which not only refines one's magical power but also increases one's understanding. Especially when facing bottlenecks, a life-or-death battle may break through a bottleneck that is difficult to overcome even after decades of seclusion.

After the two stepped onto the stage, the Sword Sect disciples threw ten spirit stones into the stone pillars of the Life and Death Arena formation, and a protective array rose around the stone platform.

"Sword cultivators are indeed unparalleled in their offensive prowess!" Qin Henian and the others stood by the window, looking outside.

That disciple of the Blazing Sun Sect was at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and he practiced fire-based techniques, making his attacks incredibly powerful.

The disciples of the Sword Sect only possess magical power at the seventh level of Qi Refining. However, the magical power cultivation of sword cultivators is merely a source for nurturing their natal flying swords and is not used for combat.

Once you can bind your flying sword to your natal sword and begin nurturing it in your dantian, you are considered a beginner sword cultivator.

Once the flying sword merges with one's own body and forms a sword form, one enters a new realm.

If one can cultivate a wisp of sword intent, one becomes a second-realm sword cultivator.

Every three strands of sword intent thereafter constitute a realm.

It is said that a sword cultivator at the third realm with four strands of sword intent can break through the protective shield of a foundation-building early-stage magic cultivator.

After the nine strands of sword intent are perfected, a sword heart is born. When the sword heart is clear and bright, one enters the fifth realm and can fight against a true core cultivator.

Sixth-realm sword cultivators use their sword souls as a metaphor for Nascent Soul cultivators.

It is said that there are even higher realms of sword masters who can evolve an invincible sword domain. Once the sword domain is unleashed, all those of the same level will bow down!

However, in the six thousand years of the cultivation world of Daze, there has never been a Sword Master who has evolved a Sword Domain.

The Sword Sect, however, firmly believed in this, even claiming that their sword cultivation had reached the fourteenth level of perfection.

A sword cultivator at the fourteenth realm, one with man, sword, and god, is the only one who reigns supreme in heaven and earth.

"Clang!" In the blink of an eye, a sword beam slashed through the Lieyang Sect disciple, and the protective magic shield on his body shattered after only one breath.

The remaining force of the sword's edge then slashed at his chest.

If it weren't for his fan-shaped magical artifact sharing the burden, he would already be decapitated by now.

"Bang!" The disciple of the Blazing Sun Sect fell heavily to the ground, blood gushing from his mouth.

Amid cheers, several disciples of the Blazing Sun Sect carried the wounded man and fled.

Although it was a battle between cultivators at the Qi Refining stage, Qin Chuan was still thrilled watching it.

Born into the Qin family and possessing exceptional talent, he had lived for over twenty years without ever engaging in a life-or-death battle. After all, he was still young and possessed the youthful passion within him.

"Chuan'er, don't think about it anymore. You were born into a family where you would rather never encounter a life-or-death battle like this in your entire life." Qin Henian sensed his surging passion and poured cold water on it.

The reason why the major sects in Tianyuan Prefecture encourage combat is not only because it is indeed beneficial to cultivation, but also because they have ideas similar to raising Gu poison.

Anyway, there are many disciples in the sect.

The world is never short of geniuses, but it is short of resources. Only those who emerge victorious after being tested by the tides are qualified to receive the resources to reach the pinnacle of this world.

Unlike sects, clans cannot recruit geniuses as widely. If a clan produces someone with exceptional talent, they must carefully nurture them. Otherwise, if a single person with outstanding talent does not emerge for several generations, the clan's upper-level combat power may be cut off.

Moreover, never underestimate this kind of life-or-death struggle; those who are not wealthy really cannot afford to fight it.

This is why chambers of commerce strongly advocate life-or-death duels. Every duel, regardless of victory or defeat, inevitably consumes a large amount of spiritual resources, pills, healing materials, and even damages magical artifacts, which has a huge stimulating effect on the market economy.

Yan Qingwan had learned this lesson deeply over the past few decades. If she had a choice, she would rather never experience fighting and killing in her entire life.
-
The next morning, Qin Henian prepared to take Qin Chuan to visit the Fu family.

"Xiao Li, Xiao Yan, you two wander around, but it's best not to spend too many spirit stones for now. Save them for the grand event in half a month; there will definitely be good things there then," Qin Henian instructed the two.

"I understand," Li Ji'an and Yan Qingwan nodded with smiles.

However, just as the four of them went downstairs, a group of people walked towards them.

"Master Qin, how have you been?"

The group consisted of seven people, led by a man dressed in the attire of a high-ranking member of the Lieyang Sect. He had white hair and a youthful face, and his demeanor was very haughty.

"Master Wang, it's a pleasure to meet you." Qin Henian's expression turned serious as he clasped his hands in a fist and bow.

This person is a fake Core Formation cultivator from the External Affairs Hall of the Lieyang Sect. Qin Henian met him twenty years ago at the ruins. However, at that time, the other party was in contact with the higher-ups of the Biyun Sect, while he was just a background figure standing behind the Biyun Sect elders to cheer them on.

In terms of cultivation, they are all pseudo-cultivators.

However, in terms of status, the other party was on par with the elders of the Biyun Sect, and was a cut above him.

“No problem.” Master Wang nodded slightly, then raised his hand to introduce the portly middle-aged man beside him: “This is Fu Yuanjiang, the current head of the Fu family.”

Qin Henian was taken aback, sensing that the other party was up to no good. "Master Qin, please." After saying this, without waiting for Qin Henian's reaction, Master Wang casually pointed to a table in the hall.

"Master Qin, I have come specifically to discuss trade matters," Fu Yuanjiang said with a smile, explaining his purpose.

He was only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, but he treated Qin Henian as an equal.

"Haha, Patriarch Fu, you're too kind. Please." Qin Henian thought for a moment, his mind a mess, so he decided to stop thinking about it and see what the other party had to say first.

Immediately afterwards, Qin Henian led Qin Chuan and followed Master Wang to the table in the hall.

Yan Qingwan glanced at Li Ji'an, who followed without hesitation.

The other side sent seven people at once, and also brought along an elder from the Lieyang Sect for support; their purpose was self-evident.

Since their side already had fewer people, it was not a good time for them to leave.

Upon arriving at the table, Master Wang and Fu Yuanjiang sat down on their own.

Qin Henian didn't mind, casually pulled out a chair and sat down, while gesturing for Qin Chuan and Li Ji'an to sit as well.

"Hmm? No respect for elders." Just as the three were about to sit down, Master Wang suddenly snorted and turned to look at a member of the Fu family behind him.

Qin Chuan and Yan Qingwan were stunned for a moment. The other party's move was obviously a veiled insult, because apart from Wang Zhenren and Fu Yuanjiang who were seated, the rest of the other party were standing respectfully behind the two of them.

Li Ji'an chuckled inwardly at the other party's crude and preemptive tactics, but since the other party had come prepared, he was unsure whether Qin He'nian, who didn't like to use his brain, could handle it.

"Good!" Qin Henian clapped his hands and cheered without the slightest hesitation.

He then turned to Li Ji'an and the other two and said, "You should learn from this. You are all family heads. Look how well the Fu family head has tamed his people. Sit down."

Fu Yuanjiang's expression instantly turned ugly.

He had clearly planned to negotiate with the other party on an equal footing with Qin Henian, but the other party's words instantly elevated him to the same level as a junior.

Li Ji'an sat down leisurely, somewhat surprised by Qin He'nian's handling of the situation.

"Master Qin, I have come here to discuss a cooperation." Having failed to intimidate him with force, Fu Yuanjiang stopped stalling and got straight to the point.

Qin He stroked his short beard, looking at Fu Yuanjiang with a leisurely air, waiting for his next words.

“Now that the Daze Mountains have been opened up, Cangyun Prefecture should trade with our prefecture. My Fu family occupies 80% of the spirit bamboo market, but our output is still slightly insufficient. If the quality of Qin family’s purple bamboo is guaranteed, my Fu family is willing to purchase a large quantity to help Qin family’s purple bamboo open up sales channels.” Fu Yuanjiang finished speaking in one breath.

"Hahaha." Qin Henian burst into laughter without warning.

He laughed so hard he was bent over, almost laughing until tears streamed down his face.

Seeing this, Li Ji'an couldn't help but smile bitterly. Qin He'nian was indeed not suitable for business negotiations, and this was clearly heading towards a breakdown in the talks.

However, he can't be blamed for this; the other party's attitude wasn't one of fair trade either, and even ordinary people would find it hard to resist.

"Master Qin seems quite satisfied?" Master Wang, who had been sitting in the background, glanced at Qin Henian sideways and asked slowly.

Before Qin Henian could answer, he continued, "Master Fu will be returning from the north soon. When he learns of the cooperation between your two families, he may meet with you."

Master Fu is the current guardian elder of the Lieyang Sect, a mid-stage True Core cultivator, and one of the most outstanding individuals in the entire Tiancang Domain.

Qin Henian's laughter subsided, and his face became somewhat unnatural. He could disregard Master Wang's dignity, but he couldn't ignore the influence of a mid-stage Core Formation Realm cultivator.

"I apologize, Patriarch Fu, for being late. We were already preparing to cooperate with the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, so we have failed to live up to the Fu family's good intentions." After a moment's consideration, Qin Henian chose to decline in a tactful manner.

"Hehe~" This time it was Fu Yuanjiang's turn to laugh.

"Master Qin has come from afar. You may not know that Master Yuxiao of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce is very busy and has many affairs to attend to. I'm afraid he will not be able to meet with Master Qin."

Qin Henian didn't take it to heart: "There's no need for Patriarch Fu to worry about that. I've already made arrangements, and I'll discuss the details of the cooperation with Master Yuxiao after the event. Since Patriarch Fu is so concerned, I can reveal some details about the cooperation afterward."

Fu Yuanjiang and Master Wang both had their eyelids tremble slightly.

The main reason was that Qin Henian's extremely confident demeanor really intimidated them.

“Alright, then I, Fu, will await good news. However, if it ultimately doesn't work out, Master Qin will probably cooperate with us, right?” Fu Yuanjiang smiled knowingly, revealing his anticipation.

"Of course." Qin Henian remained confident.

After speaking, the other party took his leave.

Qin Henian's face immediately darkened.

Qin Songyuan had analyzed for him how difficult it would be for the Qin family to move north, and he had also heard about the Fu family's domineering attitude towards the Lingzhu market.

But I didn't expect it to be so domineering.

"Ancestor, if we can't cooperate with the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, could it be..." Qin Chuan was quite puzzled as to where Qin Henian's confidence came from.

Qin Henian glanced at him sideways: "Cooperation my ass! This wolf cub from the Fu family never intended for our Qin family to go north."

"I will do my best to meet with the president of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce. If we cannot cooperate, the Qin family should not think about going north for the next three hundred years. Just stay in Cangyun Prefecture in peace."

Qin Chuan suddenly realized that what the ancestor had just said was just an angry outburst, a momentary argument. If the Songyuan family head knew about this, he would surely be kicking himself.

"Thank you for your help earlier. Now you can go." Qin Henian nodded to Li Ji'an and Yan Qingwan again, remembering their encouragement.

Li Ji'an and Yan Qingwan nodded before heading out to explore the Immortal City.
-
"Master Wang, is it possible for the Qin family to cooperate with Master Yuxiao?" Fu Yuanjiang asked nervously as he returned to the Fu family's shop in the Immortal City.

"The junior members of the Qin family personally inspected several batches of the purple bamboo, and the quality is excellent, much better than our spirit bamboo."

"If we cannot reach a cooperation agreement with the Sishui Chamber of Commerce this time, then we will be left with nothing but watching our annual business of millions of spirit stones turn upside down."

Master Wang waved his hand confidently: "Don't worry, I've already spoken to the Chamber of Commerce. Forget about discussing cooperation, he won't even get a meeting with us."

As long as Qin Henian cannot meet with Jade Flute Immortal, no matter how good the Qin family's purple bamboo is, it cannot shake the status of the Fu family's spiritual bamboo.

Upon hearing this, Fu Yuanjiang breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, Li Ji'an and Yan Qingwan strolled through several commercial streets, gaining a general understanding of the market in this immortal city.

Compared to the Golden Glory Immortal City, the products traded in the Heavenly River Immortal City are several levels higher.

Second-tier mid-to-late stage pills, top-grade magic weapons, and even prototypes of magic treasures, as well as second-tier mid-stage talismans are all available for sale.

However, compared to Qi Refining stage items, second-tier items are still in the minority.

"Buying second-tier talismans at high prices, with priority given to offensive and barrier-breaking types!" Such a buy-out notice was posted outside many shops.

Through subtle questioning, Li Ji'an learned the reason.

It is said that in the central part of the entire Great Swamp cultivation world, in the place with the most large cultivation domains, a great war affecting several cultivation domains is about to break out.

The Surabaya Chamber of Commerce also intends to profit from this conflict.

They had no chance of getting the most profitable business in the form of elixirs, so they could only look for the next level, talismans.

The reason they can openly post these ads without fear of others stealing their business is that, across the entire Tiancang Domain, only they have the ability to trade across several cultivation domains.

"Talismans!" Li Ji'an was overjoyed. Over the years, as his talisman skills improved, he had made quite a few ordinary talismans for practice, and had accumulated a whole box of discarded trump cards. In addition to planning for the ingredients for the Crystal Condensation Pill, he also wanted to see if he could sell his talismans.

He immediately perked up!

At the same time, Qin Henian and Qin Chuan also learned of this news, knowing that in addition to acquiring finished talismans, the Sishui Chamber of Commerce was also looking for high-quality talisman materials for long-term cooperation, starting from the second tier.

"No wonder the Fu family is so vigilant this time!" Qin Chuan instantly understood the Fu family's intentions.

This is truly an incredible opportunity for suppliers of spiritual bamboo, spiritual wood, and other talisman materials.

If a cooperation is truly reached with the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, there will probably be at least nearly a million spirit stones in business every year.

Moreover, once the cultivation war begins, it won't end in just one or two years.

Such a massive deal is enough for any power to cultivate a True Core Immortal!

Qin Henian's expression suddenly turned serious.

"I'm really getting senile. Why didn't I bring that kid Songyuan with me?"

"Chuan'er, you must do everything in your power to see the president of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce. This matter concerns your future and the future of the Qin family. If this succeeds, the clan will definitely find you a Core Formation treasure. You must help me form a True Core!"

(End of this chapter)