Gou Dao Changsheng: Starting from the Reincarnation of a Demon Cultivator

Chapter 643 Everyone's Schemes, Earning Spirit Stones
Qian Junming was filled with jealousy. They were both cultivators from the Qian family, so why did this damned Qian Junhe always outshine him?

He bowed and stepped forward half a step to ingratiate himself. "Manager, Qian Junhe only borrowed the power of that person from Xuanzhen Garden."

Puppet armor will eventually sell out, and given that person's current reputation, this is just the first round.

Ultimately, the many elixirs, talismans, and various magical artifacts in the Treasure Pavilion will still depend on your strategic planning.

"Rest assured, I will not compromise with Qian Junhe," Qian Huaijin reassured him.

"We are both cultivators from the Qian family. Qian Junhe has pledged allegiance to Fang Yi, while I rely on Master Yan."

There are not only old grudges between the two, but also a conflict of interest. Even if I am willing, Master Yan will not allow it.

Qian Junming felt reassured, and his tense nerves relaxed slightly. In the past, he would not have cared about such things.

As Qian Junhe, a member of the same clan, gained more and more power, he had no choice but to fear that Qian Huaijin would try to ease tensions with Qian Junhe.

"Manager Junming, it's been a long time."

The fellow Daoists who came today are all here to purchase puppet armor. You two should return to your cave dwellings and lest you ruin important matters for your sect.”

Qian Junhe, wearing a golden crown, with his black hair flowing down his shoulders and a jade pendant at his waist, walked past the two men and headed towards the entrance of the Duobao Pavilion.

"You!" Qian Junming's face darkened slightly as he pointed at Qian Junhe and spat out his curses.

"He's only in a temporary position; what's with all the arrogance Qian Junhe is showing off?"

Qian Junhe paused slightly, but did not stop walking. "It's always better to have power for a while than never to have power at all."

Junming, I truly feel sorry for you. You've gone to such lengths to give up your two daughters to this old man as in-laws. What good did you gain from that?

Foundation Establishment Pills are obtained by spending all one's wealth, barely enough to get one.

"Is it really worth it?"

"Qian Junhe, you have a middle-grade Dao foundation but no arrogance whatsoever."

"Aren't you just Fang Yi's dog too? What right do you have to point fingers?"

Touched on a sore spot, Qian Junming's face flushed red and his body trembled slightly.

With a wave of his sleeve, Qian Junhe pushed open the door of the Treasure Pavilion. Amidst the noisy clamor of flattering cultivators, his deep voice rang in Qian Junming's ear.

"dog?

Junming, let me teach you a lesson: even a dog needs a good master.

Even if you were a piece of trash, Master Fang wouldn't even deign to serve you as a dog!

As soon as the doors of the Treasure Pavilion opened, many cultivators rushed forward.

"It's been a long time since I've seen Manager Qian; his cultivation has improved even further."

"Senior Brother Qian, my uncle asked me to give you his regards." Countless cultivators tried to curry favor with him.

Furthermore, a cultivator secretly transmitted a message: 'Fellow Daoist Qian, I wish to order twenty sets of puppet armor. For each set, I will offer you a 10% commission, totaling one thousand low-grade spirit stones.'

Qian Junhe stepped out of the Treasure Pavilion, his expression solemn as he looked at the many cultivators who were eagerly waiting for him.

He was extremely clear-headed and was not swayed by the flattery of the many cultivators.

A month ago, when he went to sell puppet armor, he was turned away countless times. Now, he's all smiles and obsequiousness. What is he talking about? He knows perfectly well.

The position of second manager of Duobao Pavilion and the puppet armor were both obtained because of Fang Yi, and there must be no mistakes.

"I apologize for keeping you all waiting. I will not delay any longer."

Qian Junhe patted his storage bag, and a jade talisman rose up, transforming into a red sun that emitted spiritual light and connected with the Treasure Pavilion.

"Boom!"

The Treasure Pavilion trembled, the magical restrictions flowed, and a cloud platform appeared between the pavilions. The spiritual light rolled and transformed into cloud steps, leading from the cloud platform to the foot of Qian Junhe.

Amidst the awe-inspiring or fawning gazes of the crowd, his robes fluttered, exuding confidence and elegance, as he stepped onto the cloud staircase.

"Fellow Daoists, please!"

"The Azure Cloud Steps? Has Qian Junhe gone mad?!" Inside the Treasure Pavilion, Qian Junming was filled with shock and anger, tinged with fear. "The Azure Cloud Steps are only opened when rare treasures are sold within the gate, welcoming distinguished guests from all directions."

No matter how precious this puppet armor is, how can it compare to a third-tier spiritual item or magic weapon?

Qian Huaijin's expression was grim, and the malice in his heart continued to rise.

"Normally, it's not enough. No matter how strong the puppet armor's defensive capabilities are, it's not enough to be compared with a third-tier spiritual object."

The beast tide is approaching, threatening the lives of cultivators from all sects, and this wretched creature has gotten away with it!

As the cultivators stepped onto the jade steps, a chilling killing intent first appeared around Qian Huaijin.

Opening the Azure Cloud Steps signifies the Grand Manager's authority, demonstrating his control over the Treasure Pavilion and the trust of the True Immortals within the sect.

Now that power is held by two different departments, Qian Huaijin has already foreseen how many servants and managers in the Duobao Pavilion will have wavering thoughts.

Even if they were unwilling to take the risk and become "subordinates to the emperor," they were still willing to give Qian Junhe a favor and would not deliberately target him.

As Qian Junming grew increasingly angry, fear appeared in his eyes.

From this day forward, the authority of the head manager of Duobaoge has been shaken.

Silver moonlight spilled down, and on the Azure Cloud Platform, the green bamboo branches swayed and rustled.

"The last set of puppet armor was won by fellow Daoist Shen Santong."

With a smile on his lips, Qian Junhe used his magic to push a set of puppet armor and three bottles of pills in front of Shen Santong.

"Thank you all for your kind words!"

Shen Santong's expression was strange. He had never seen anything like it before: the puppet armor was being sold at the original price, but they were also offering to sell spiritual items from the Treasure Pavilion as a package deal.

He felt a slight pang of regret and took out eight hundred low-grade spirit stones from his storage bag.

After deducting the 499 low-grade spirit stones used to purchase the puppet armor, the remaining 300 spirit stones are for purchasing second-tier pills and talismans from the Treasure Pavilion.

A golden ribbon rolled the spirit stone into his hand, and Qian Junhe felt delighted as he looked at the bulging storage bag.

"Thank you all for your support."

On the fifteenth of next month, ten sets of puppet armor will still be available for sale at the Qingyu Terrace of the Treasure Pavilion.

He paused slightly. "As for the cultivators from Biyue Pavilion and Tiandao Dock, they don't need to come here to buy puppet armor."

Master Fang instructed, "You masters of the sect possess great supernatural powers; you should not need the puppet armor for protection."

On the Qingyun Platform, Chen Jiao looked at his fellow disciples from the Tiandaowu Sect beside him, his expression slightly somber.

With the beast tide surging, he wouldn't refuse an extra defensive artifact, even if Tian Dao Wu and Bi Xuan Yang Shan were enemies.

Previously, he had expressed his intention to purchase the goods at a higher price and share the profits with Qian Junhe.

However, Qian Junhe remained unmoved and instead ordered those who purchased the puppet armor to sign a legal contract and swear an oath against reselling the puppet armor within sixty years.

This road is completely blocked.

"Junior Brother Fang, you've got a good plan!"

In the Ziguang Garden, an ancient bronze mirror reflects the scene of the Duobao Pavilion.

Master Hu Lei praised, "Junior Brother Fang has a truly clever idea. While the puppet armor is valuable, its price is too high; it certainly wouldn't be selling so well."

Sheng Bo'an stood aside, looking puzzled. "Master, you have granted the Qingyuntai decree to Qian Junhe. I'm afraid that Master Yan will harbor resentment after he finds out."

Master Hu Lei, though not angry, exuded an imposing aura and said in a deep voice, "Junior Brother Yan? So what if he harbors resentment?"

“Bo’an, although my lineage has a weak foundation, it is not something that can be easily manipulated.”

Previously, I was unwilling to get involved in the conflict between Fang Yi and Yan Youtai because there was no benefit in it.

Now that the puppet armor can generate revenue for the Treasure Pavilion and enrich my storage bag, how could I be wrong to act impartially?

Master Hu Lei said meaningfully, "If we always go along with Yan Youtai, how would he know the importance of his master?"
Yan Youtai and Fang Yi were evenly matched, so my lineage benefited the most.”

In the Magnolia Garden, a mirror-like surface hangs high, reflecting the view of the Treasure Pavilion.

The use of the puppet armor is common knowledge among the cultivators of Daquan Ancient City, and Jade Pearl True Person is naturally aware of it.

Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, surrounded by a watery halo, with the sound of the tides faintly audible. "Fang Yi wants to force me to submit by refusing to sell the puppet armor?"

"Bringing the Three Friends of Winter here to eliminate the threat of spiritual poison, do you, Fang Yi, still think you can turn the world upside down?" In Zhanjin Garden, Chen Xian's deep-set eyes, like those of a hawk, gazed at the scene of Duobao Pavilion.

"Fang Yi does have some skills, but he's too inexperienced. How can one easily control the hearts and minds of others?"

He summoned the Foundation Establishment cultivator in a green robe beside him and said gently.

"Chen Jiao, contact Qian Junhe privately. He doesn't want to offend Fang Yi. Tian Dao Wu can arrange for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to bid for the puppet armor."

"If he closes one eye, I can give him a Core Formation Manual and a top-grade metal magic weapon."

"Yes! As you command, Master! This disciple will handle this matter properly."

Chen Jiao was slightly pleased. The ingenious use of the puppet armor was known to all cultivators who had experienced the beast tide.

If one could wear an additional puppet armor, not only would it isolate the spiritual poison, but its defensive capabilities would also be greatly enhanced.

He murmured to himself, 'Uncle-Master Chen Xian is ruthless; there are no cultivators with the Golden Spirit Root in Xuan Yang Mountain who can condense their Core.'

A top-grade magic artifact and a cultivation manual for a Core Formation True Person with a Golden Spirit Root—Qian Junhe couldn't help but be tempted.

In the cold wind-swept mansion, gusts of eerie wind blow, and a mirror reflecting the white bones hangs high.

Gao Yuanlu played with the jade skull and gave instructions to the cultivators under his command.

"Xiaozhong, send a formal letter to Xuanzhen Garden and arrange to meet with Sect Leader Fang in three days."

Ji Xiaozhong stepped forward, accepted the visiting card, bowed, and withdrew.

Gao Yuanlu reached out and took down the white bone mirror, sighing softly.

"All ten sets of puppet armor were sold to disciples of Xuan Yang Mountain. Fang Yi's intentions are quite direct."
"If one seed cultivator falls, too many of the remaining Foundation Establishment cultivators cannot be allowed to perish, otherwise we will have no way to explain it to the sect."

In Xuanzhen Garden, green bamboos sway, lotus ponds shimmer, and koi carp swim freely.

"Senior brother, you've got a good plan. All ten sets of puppet armor sold out."

Xu Qingshe felt a slight sense of relief upon seeing that all ten sets of puppet armor had been snapped up. Although he had confidence in Fang Yi, he was still uneasy as the matter was not yet settled.

He was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Senior brother, we have plenty of puppet armor in stock, why not strike while the iron is hot?"

Ten sets of puppet armor per month; if the beast tide recedes, the sales of puppet armor will not be as good as they are today.

Fang Yi did not explain, but took a storage bag from his waist and handed it to Xu Qingshe.

"Don't worry about this, Junior Brother Xu. I have a favor to ask of you."

"The puppet armor in the storage bag... I'd appreciate it if you could change the color of the Wood-Generating Spirit Elixir by altering its potency, Junior Brother."

"Only change the color, but don't change the medicinal properties?" Xu Qingshe was even more puzzled. Changing the color was simple, but what was the use of it?

"Yes, only the color needs to be changed; the medicinal properties remain the same," Fang Yi confirmed.

"This is simple, Senior Brother Fang, wait for my news." Xu Qingshe took the storage bag and headed towards the alchemy room.

Although he didn't know what Fang Yi's scheme was, he trusted him because of their friendship of over a hundred years.

It's not much more than changing the color; with his skills as a third-level alchemist, it's just a matter of putting in some effort.

The bright moon hangs high in the sky, its silvery light spilling down.

The vermilion gates of Xuanzhen Garden opened to both sides, and Qin Yu spoke to Qian Junhe, whose face was flushed.

“Junior Brother Qian, come with me. Master has been waiting for you for a long time.”

A quarter of an hour later. Xuanzhen Garden, Bafang Pavilion.

The emerald flames licked the jade pot, steam rose, and the clear spring water brewed a touch of tender green in the teacup.

Fang Yi asked, "Nephew Qian, how was your experience today?"
"How many cultivators in the Treasure Pavilion have already sent you messages?"

"Thank you for your kind consideration, Master!"

As the sound of his knees hitting the stone slabs rang out, Qian Junhe lifted his long robe, knelt down on both knees, and kowtowed respectfully, his eyes filled with barely concealed excitement.

After the Qingyutai auction, in addition to the ten sets of puppet armor, spiritual items worth three thousand spirit stones were sold.

For this reason alone, three of the seven managers of the Treasure Pavilion, responsible for alchemy, talismans, arrays, artifacts, and miscellaneous items, sent messages to him to express their goodwill. Apart from Qian Junming, the remaining three were also observing the situation.

He used this opportunity to establish himself in Duobaoge, and the position of head manager seemed within reach.

Qian Junming's eyes burned with fervor. He had forged a mid-grade Dao Foundation, making his foundation solid. If he could take control of the Treasure Pavilion...

Your cultivation will surely progress greatly, and your path to enlightenment will be promising!
Fang Yi remained calm. The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is in turmoil, all for gain.

As long as the beast tide persists, the Foundation Establishment cultivators' pursuit of puppet armor will not diminish.

If there are truly stubborn individuals who refuse to purchase the puppet armor, Gu Jiushang will take matters into his own hands.

Fang Yi's eyes turned slightly cold; he was running an exclusive business.

He took the storage bag from his waist and tossed it into Qian Junhe's arms.

"This is the puppet armor for next month, which will also be sold bundled with spiritual items from the Treasure Pavilion."

With the spiritual items offered at this auction as bait, how many stewards can Junior Nephew Junhe bribe before next month?

“The three of you!” Qian Junhe said. “Qian Huaijin has been in charge of Duobao Pavilion for many years and is quite lenient with his stewards.”

Only Qian Junming was a trusted confidant of the other six managers, who, under his instigation, became rivals and fought each other endlessly.
As long as the real person adds twenty more puppet armors next month.

Do not!
Ten bodies!

"Add ten more puppet armors, and I'm confident I can persuade the three deacons."

"The three stewards?"
"Nephew Qian, don't be careless. Steady progress is the only way." Fang Yi frowned slightly, seemingly dissatisfied.

"Master Fang, this opportunity is fleeting and will not come again."

"If we miss the beast tide, Qian Huaijin, relying on Master Yan, will not be easily swayed." Qian Junhe said excitedly.

Fang Yi smiled and gently helped Qian Junhe up, then pushed a cup of spiritual tea in front of him.

“Nephew, you’ve been working hard all day, so please have a taste of this spiritual tea.”

"Master Fang, this is an opportunity not to be missed!" Qian Junhe looked anxious. With such a favorable situation, if they didn't press their advantage and stabilize the situation, how could he possibly drink the spiritual tea?

Fang Yi chuckled. "Calm down, take it easy."

Nephew Qian, do you know why Qian Huaijin is so lenient with his subordinates?

If I remember correctly, he has been in charge of the Treasure Pavilion for over sixty years.

Qian Junhe's expression froze slightly, and he had a vague guess in his mind.

"In the end, it is Senior Brother Hu Lei who is in charge of Dadu Ancient City. Three of the seven stewards already have their own interests set on someone else."

Fang Yi's calm words sent chills down Qian Junhe's spine, making him tremble with fear.

"Of the seven stewards, the three in charge of magical artifacts, elixirs, and talismans are already under the command of True Person Hu Lei."

Of the remaining four, one was a confidant of Qian Huaijin.

The next three, though each with their own backgrounds, are worth trying to win over.

"Nephew Qian, are you still confident?"

Qian Junhe looked bitter and shook his head. "If that's the case, even ten more puppet armors wouldn't be enough to persuade them."

"Sell these ten sets of puppet armor carefully and steadily."

"As for the position of head manager of the Treasure Pavilion, there's no need to rush," Fang Yi said. Having put in so much effort, the position of head manager of the Treasure Pavilion was far from enough to satisfy his appetite.

"Yes, thank you for your guidance."

Three days later.

At Xuanzhen Garden, Gao Yuanlu frowned deeply as he looked at the token that signaled the garden's closure to visitors.

What exactly does Fang Yi mean?

Could it be that we really intend to compete for those ten puppet armors at the Treasure Pavilion?

(End of this chapter)