Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

The farce meticulously planned by Dan Ding Pavilion ended in a disgraceful conclusion when Hou San and Zhao Hu were apprehended by the market stewards, the truth came to light, and they were left in a sorry state.

The news quickly spread throughout the entire Green Moss Market, causing quite a stir.

This time, public opinion has completely shifted.

"Tsk tsk, who would have thought! It turns out that the Pill Cauldron Pavilion itself sold inferior pills and then turned around and framed the Azure Cloud Sect!"

"That's a classic case of the thief crying 'stop thief!' How despicable!"

"That Sect Leader Shen of the Qingyun Sect is truly amazing! He saw through the root cause of Wang Laowu's illness at a glance!"

"I heard he even quoted classical texts, revealing the sordid deeds of ancient alchemists, which made the people from the Pill Cauldron Pavilion turn green on the spot!"

"It seems the Qingyun Sect truly has a deep foundation! That reputation for 'ancient methods' is probably not unfounded!"

"I really need to think twice before buying pills in the future..."

Public opinion overwhelmingly favored the Qingyun Sect. Their image as a "reputable, reasonable, and formidable force" was solidified during this public confrontation.

Consequently, those who were previously skeptical of the "Enlightenment Cave" and the "Stone Lion Manifestation" now feel a greater sense of awe.

The day after the turmoil subsided, Steward Wang of Qingtai Market personally ascended Qingyun Mountain.

This time, his attitude was completely different from before. It was no longer the indifferent, businesslike demeanor, but rather carried a hint of apology and a clear intention to make friends.

"Sect Leader Shen, yesterday's incident was due to our market's inadequate supervision, which allowed petty scoundrels to take advantage of the situation and disturb your sect's peaceful cultivation. On behalf of the market, I, Wang, would like to express my deepest apologies to your sect." Deacon Wang bowed respectfully before the mountain gate, his tone quite sincere.

Shen Mo personally came out to greet him, his expression calm and without any arrogance of being unreasonable: "Steward Wang, you flatter me. Demons and monsters are hard to guard against. I am already extremely grateful that you were able to handle this matter impartially and restore the reputation of my Qingyun Sect."

This humble yet assertive attitude earned the inward admiration of Deacon Wang. He smiled and said, "Sect Leader Shen has a magnanimous heart, which I admire. After this incident, I'm sure no one will dare to easily provoke your sect again."

"If similar incidents occur again in the market in the future, Sect Leader Shen can send me a message directly, and I, Wang, will handle it promptly."

This can be considered a positive signal, meaning that the management of the market has begun to officially recognize the status of Qingyun Sect in this area and is willing to provide a certain degree of protection.

"Then thank you very much, Steward Wang." Shen Mo smiled and returned the greeting. "Our Qingyun Sect will rely on Steward Wang's guidance in the future."

"Of course, of course!" Deacon Wang smiled broadly, exchanged a few more pleasantries with Shen Mo, and learned about the recent situation of Qingyun Sect (mainly the disciples' cultivation and the development of the herb garden) before taking his leave with satisfaction and descending the mountain.

After seeing Deacon Wang off, Shen Mo's gaze was far-reaching. Establishing a good relationship with the market's management was crucial for the sect's current stable development. This step could be considered the right one.

Immediately afterwards, Manager Chen from Baibaoge visited again. This time, he not only brought the remaining payment for the medicinal herbs and seeds purchased last time, but also gave away a batch of low-grade talisman paper and spirit ink of good quality as a "gift to calm the nerves".

"Sect Leader Shen, yesterday's performance was truly breathtaking!" Manager Chen gave a thumbs-up and exclaimed sincerely.

"Sect Leader, your insight is unparalleled, and your eloquence is beyond words. I, Chen, am utterly impressed! Those clowns from the Pill Cauldron Pavilion have truly shot themselves in the foot this time! Haha!"

Shen Mo smiled modestly: "Manager Chen, you flatter me. I was merely arguing based on reason. I should thank Manager Chen for speaking up for me yesterday."

"Oh, what are you saying, Master Shen!" Manager Chen waved his hand and continued in a low voice.

"To be honest, after this incident, the reputation of your sect's 'ancient elixirs' has become even more renowned! Many people are privately inquiring whether you still have any in stock!"

He looked at Shen Mo with eager eyes: "Sect Leader Shen, what do you think... about our previous cooperation?... could we go a little deeper?"

"For example, could your sect reliably provide a slightly larger quantity of 'specialty' pills or talismans? The price is negotiable!"

Shen Mo understood. The Hundred Treasures Pavilion had seen the business opportunities and speculative value in the matter and wanted to increase its investment. This suited his purposes perfectly.

"I appreciate Manager Chen's kindness," Shen Mo said after a moment's thought. "However... Manager Chen also knows that my Qingyun Sect has a small number of members, and the disciples' cultivation time is already very tight. This alchemy and talisman making is time-consuming and laborious... I'm afraid it will be difficult to supply in large quantities."

He's first complaining, then using that as an opportunity to raise the bar.

Manager Chen, being a sensible man, immediately said, "I understand, I understand! High-quality items are naturally rare! The key is quality, not quantity. A few bottles of pills and a dozen or so talismans each month will suffice!"

"The key is... to maintain the quality and the 'traditional' gimmick!"

What he wants is scarcity and uniqueness, so that he can sell it for a high price.

"Since Manager Chen is so sincere..." Shen Mo pretended to think and slowly said, "How about this, I can have my disciples try to refine some improved versions of the 'Grain-Clearing Pill' and basic 'Heart-Clearing Talisman'. But there are two conditions."

"Please speak, Master Shen!" Manager Chen perked up.

"First, the price needs to be increased by 30% from the original price," Shen Mo calmly stated his first condition. Scarcity drives up value; since the other party is begging for it, it's natural to raise the price.

Manager Chen hesitated slightly, but thinking of the profits after the hype, he gritted his teeth and immediately agreed: "Alright! As you wish, Master!"

"Secondly," Shen Mo's eyes flashed before he revealed his true purpose, "I need the Hundred Treasures Pavilion to provide my Qingyun Sect with a long-term supply of high-quality, rare medicinal herb seeds or seedlings. Especially those varieties that have demanding growing requirements and are difficult to obtain on the market."

This is what Shen Mo values ​​most! Spirit stones are important, but the foundation for sustainable development is even more important!

With the rare medicinal seed, and thanks to Li Xiaocao's talent for planting spiritual plants and the special environment of the herb garden next to the Enlightenment Cave, it is possible to cultivate truly valuable spiritual herbs, laying a solid foundation for refining high-level pills in the future!

This is far more strategically significant than selling a few more spirit stones!

Manager Chen was taken aback upon hearing this, and glanced at Shen Mo thoughtfully. He hadn't expected Shen Mo to make this request.

Spiritual herb seeds, especially rare varieties, are naturally very valuable, and extremely difficult to cultivate. What would the Qingyun Sect want with these? Could it be that they... truly possess a special cultivation secret?

With this thought in mind, Manager Chen's evaluation of the Qingyun Sect rose even higher. After a moment's contemplation, he immediately nodded in agreement:

"Alright! Although rare seeds are hard to find, my Hundred Treasures Pavilion does have some special channels. We can provide a batch every month, the varieties of which will be determined by our pavilion, but we guarantee at least two types will be relatively uncommon on the market. What does Sect Leader Shen think?"

"Okay." Shen Mo nodded in satisfaction. Having the seeds provided by Baibaoge also prevented their own family from prematurely revealing their need for specific medicinal herbs, which was a more prudent approach.

"In that case, it's a pleasure to cooperate!" Manager Chen said with a smile, extending his hand.

"It's a pleasure working with you." Shen Mo gave him a high five as a pledge.

A long-term supply agreement that was extremely beneficial to Qingyun Sect was thus reached.

Qingyun Sect gained a stable and high-premium source of revenue, as well as a crucial channel for scarce resources; Baibao Pavilion, on the other hand, gained high-end goods that could be speculated on. Both parties got what they needed, making it a win-win situation.