Chapter 153: Unexpected Wealth, Do Not Seek It Elsewhere

"The Huang Family even sent me a letter last year, saying your Sanyin Temple was empty and abandoned. I even took the time to make a trip there, but I only saw that the doors and windows were still intact. I figured you had gone on a long journey for some matter, but I never expected to meet Brother Chen here in the Sea Market."

At a roadside tea stall, with a pot of spirit tea and some melon and fruit, Lin Banshan's expression was somewhat wistful as he lifted his teacup and took a light sip.

For a cultivator to abandon their foundation and dismiss their servants, it must have been due to some major event. While it was called a long journey, it was the norm to go and never return. Although Lin Banshan and Chen Ci had not known each other long, they got along well and had even shared a life-and-death friendship. He had thought there would be no chance to meet again, but being able to run into an acquaintance while coming to the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce to handle some business was a stroke of good fortune.

Chen Ci also felt an inexplicable joy at meeting an old friend in a foreign land. The two had even split spoils together; if he had any acquaintances in the cultivation world, other than his cheap senior brother, this Daoist Lin, who was also of the Side Door, was the one he had the deepest friendship with.

Oh, and there was Shi Sanniang, but that wretch only lusted after his body, Master Chen's, which wasn't pure enough; she was not as worthy of the title "Daoist" as Lin Banshan.

"It's a long story. I came to the Sea Market because of some matters, and I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to return to my Sanyin Temple."

Chen Ci also laughed and said, "We cultivators drift outside like duckweed without roots. If one doesn't have a foundation to settle down in, it always feels like something is missing. By the way, Brother Lin, aren't you managing business over in Dongshan Prefecture? Why have you come to the Sea Market?"

"It's nothing more than handling some affairs for the sect."

Lin Banshan put down his teacup and rubbed his forehead, as if he had been asked about a sore point: "The treasure assembly held by the Sihai Building this time is said to have a unit of Daoist soldiers for sale. The elders in the sect heard this news and have been frantically calling back funds. Even my incense pavilion was squeezed dry, just to see if we can secure these Daoist soldiers."

Perhaps because he saw an acquaintance, Lin Banshan couldn't help but complain: "The Four Seas Chamber of Commerce launched this treasure money but deliberately limited the exchange quota to prevent people from redeeming it. The sect elders had us disciples scatter to search for the treasure money everywhere, just to have more opportunities. After all, at the treasure assembly, the price of items is equivalent, but treasure money takes priority."

Chen Ci was also a bit surprised and couldn't help but ask: "This thing can be sold too?"

"I understand the logic, but there are always difficulties."

"The Force Path method?"

But by limiting the exchange quota and launching a treasure assembly, it could naturally allow this treasure money to circulate, be mobilized, and be integrated in the hands of cultivators. The influence of this was far greater than anything the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce could shout about themselves.

Lin Banshan shook his head with a bitter smile: "Liuyun Palace and the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce have put out the word that if you use their treasure money, anything can be sold and anything can be bought. Although it is better to cultivate Daoist soldiers yourself, my sect has a secret method to retrain them. The elders don't think it's likely that others will offer a high price, so they are prepared to give it a try."

"Why can't it be sold?"

"A unit of Daoist soldiers?"

Although he, Chen, had never eaten pork, he had seen pigs run. Not to mention whether Daoist soldiers could be sold, if they weren't raised by oneself, who would dare to use them with confidence? If they turned against you during a fight, that would be a huge disaster.

Chen Ci came back to his senses and also smiled bitterly: "I am studying a secret method that consumes a great deal of my own Essence Refining, so I sought out a Force Path method to consolidate my foundation and cultivate my essence. As a result, I discovered there were some problems. It really is... sigh."

Lin Banshan looked Chen Ci over a few times and, seeing that he was strong on the outside but weak on the inside, understood. He was silent for a moment and could only console him: "I have heard of many Side Door cultivators on the sea who practice both methods and have made a name for themselves. As long as you practice slowly, there shouldn't be any problems. However, it is difficult to practice both methods to a profound level. After all, the Force Path method has many drawbacks and is unfavorable for cultivation. If there were no drawbacks, everyone in the world would be practicing both."

Chen Ci sighed. If the Five Ghosts Possession Method weren't so hard to practice, he wouldn't want to either. He could only say that since he chose this path, he had to keep walking it.

Hearing Lin Banshan mention the words "secret method," Chen Ci inexplicably felt a bit panicked—the kind where he couldn't afford to provoke it. He simply picked up his teacup to change the subject and asked curiously: "Brother Lin, did you come to the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce just for their Four Seas Ruyi Treasure Money?"

So the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce was the reason for this treasure assembly because of this treasure money?

Chen Ci sipped his tea, and as he listened, he began to figure out the logic behind it.

However, the Sihai Building would inevitably recover a large amount of treasure money at the Four Seas Treasure Assembly. How it would circulate back out again was another problem; it was impossible to hold a treasure assembly every few days.

Thoughts drifted through Chen Ci's mind, but he heard Lin Banshan ask curiously: "Brother Chen, it's been a long time. Why does your complexion seem a bit off? Has something gone wrong with your cultivation?"

"No, er, I suppose you could say that."

"Hmm, it seems Brother Chen, you know of this item too."

Although the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce launched this Ruyi Treasure Money, if they didn't limit the exchange quota, it would actually just be a disguised price hike. If others exchanged it and immediately spent it at the treasure assembly, there would be no difference.

For a Side Door cultivator, even if one has some inheritance, if the teacher isn't capable, one still has to stumble through the path of cultivation on one's own. There is no other way.

I'm afraid I really can only practice slowly.

But even if it takes ten or twenty years to bring the Five Ghosts Possession Method to completion, as long as I can calmly practice the Five Elements Yin Demon Art, the progress of my Nether Yin True Qi will inevitably advance by leaps and bounds. There is no need for me to be too anxious.

Seeing Chen Ci sigh, Lin Banshan thought for a moment, reached into his bosom, and took out three jade incense sticks the thickness of a finger. He smiled and pushed them over: "This is the Calming and Focusing Incense I concocted. It might not necessarily be effective, but it should provide at least a little help."

"Brother Lin, you are too kind, really too kind."

Chen Ci's eyes brightened slightly. After declining a few times, he accepted the three spirit incense sticks. He prepared to go pay the tea bill in a moment; reciprocity is the way of the world.

"By the way, Brother Chen, do you still remember our three-year agreement?"

Lin Banshan sipped his tea and smiled: "That Frost Sugar business is nearing its end. I won't hide it from you, Daoist: your Frost Sugar is very popular in the overseas countries, which has allowed me to save face in front of the sect elders recently. Previously, you suddenly lost contact and I couldn't find you. Since we happened to meet today, let's settle the legal contract. It can be considered a beginning and an end to this business."

"Brother Lin, what do you mean?"

Chen Ci's heart stirred. It was true; ever since he left Sanyin Temple, the sugar funds the Huang Family sent every month had been cut off, which was one of his regrets. He had thought about settling it when he returned in the future, but he never expected to meet an old friend in the Sea Market, and for the other party to take the initiative to bring it up.

How generous!

By the way, how many months were left until the three-year deadline?

"Starting from last year, there are still eleven months left. How about we settle for one hundred and fifty Spirit Pearls?"

Lin Banshan smiled slightly and reported a number.

"Agreed."

Chen Ci also nodded in agreement. Since coming to the Sea Market, he had learned that even merchant houses and treasure pavilions didn't just do business with cultivators. Some luxurious items enjoyed by mortals were just as popular in overseas countries, and the profits were no less than those from Spirit Pills or rare items.

Master Chen firmly believed that this Brother Lin must have made a fortune, but since this was a mutually beneficial matter, he, Chen, wouldn't be jealous just because someone else earned more.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Ci simply reached into his bosom and took out those fifty Sihai Ruyi Dragon Pattern Treasure Coins, saying: "Brother Lin, I also have some treasure money here. Do you need it?"

Chen Ci had figured it out: this Four Seas Treasure Assembly was actually set up for those high-level cultivators to compete for treasures and circulate the Ruyi Treasure Money. For a small-time player like him, he could only gain a bit more advantage by selling to those in urgent need. It was a coincidence to meet Lin Banshan today, and since the other party was generous, Master Chen naturally couldn't be stingy. He would simply do a favor.

Of course, the money that should be collected still had to be collected; not a single cent could be missing.

"Excellent!"

Lin Banshan's eyes also brightened, and he smiled: "The disciples in my sect are all collecting this treasure money. If I collect enough, I might be able to save face in front of the elders again. If I can really capture these Daoist soldiers, I estimate there will be rewards based on merit. Would seventy Spirit Pearls for these treasure coins be acceptable?"

"Hmm, let's go with what Brother Lin said."

Chen Ci's heart trembled, but he forced himself to stay calm and acted nonchalant.

Good heavens, just by coming out, he had over two hundred Spirit Pearls in hand. Who was it that said their luck was bad just now?

Although he had to subtract the cost of the Sihai Ruyi Dragon Pattern Treasure Coins, it was still a blood transfusion for Master Chen's wallet, giving him a bit more confidence to practice vigorously.

"Brother Chen, meeting an old friend today is a happy event. However, the Great Dao is walked alone, and I still have some things to attend to. If Brother Chen ever returns to Sanyin Temple, I will visit you to drink wine and discuss the Dao."

Lin Banshan put away the Sihai Ruyi Dragon Pattern Treasure Coins and raised his hand in a salute.

Both of them were low-level cultivators. Although they had some cultivation and strength, they didn't really have any fixed cave dwellings. If there was no fate, drifting about, it was likely they would never run into each other again in this lifetime.

"Brother Lin, please."

Chen Ci also stood up to return the salute. It had to be said that in the two and a half years he had been in this world, this was the only person he could truly call a friend.

"Sigh, the Great Dao is a solitary path; the Great Dao is heartless."

Watching Lin Banshan rise and leave, Chen Ci felt a bit of melancholy; just as he was about to count the Spirit Pearls in his pouch, he saw Lin Banshan turn around and walk back.

Chen Ci: "."

"Brother Lin, is there anything else?"

Chen Ci, without a trace of worldly affectation, very naturally tucked the Spirit Pearls into his sleeve and asked calmly.

"Nothing else of great importance."

Lin Banshan seemed to have thought of something; he gathered his thoughts and said, "Brother Chen, if you have nothing urgent, it would be best not to head out to sea for the time being. The seas haven't been very peaceful lately. The demon cultivators of Liuyun Palace have set up customs checkpoints along the shipping routes to collect taxes, but they only accept Four Seas Ruyi Treasure Money. Although the amount isn't large, if one tries to pay with divine sand or Spirit Pearls, they demand an extra thirty percent. As far as I know, several skirmishes have already broken out, and cultivators have even shed blood. I heard that even a cargo ship belonging to Xixing Pavilion was seized by Liuyun Palace."

Chen Ci was stunned for a moment, then his expression tightened slightly, and he nodded: "I understand, thank you for the heads-up, Brother Lin."

Lin Banshan waved his hand nonchalantly and turned to leave.

Chen Ci watched him go out the door, feeling a warmth in his heart; although this news wasn't of much use to him, the man's intentions were clear, and he had to appreciate the gesture.

However, is this Liuyun Palace really that bold?

Or is that so-called Waterway Superintendent just setting a precedent for the big shots behind the scenes? Seeing that this method of blocking the road works, are they just following suit?

No, is it really worth going to such lengths just to push this so-called treasure money?

Chen Ci rubbed his chin and stopped thinking about it; such matters had little to do with a small fry like him. He didn't have a single piece of treasure money on him right now, so counting his Spirit Pearls was more interesting.

"Sigh."

Just as Chen Ci took the money pouch out of his sleeve, he saw Lin Banshan turn back again.

Chen Ci: "."

"Right, Brother Chen, there is one more thing."

Lin Banshan said with a smile on his face: "I forgot to mention that this Calming and Focusing Incense can be used in conjunction with medicinal pills, talismans, and Dharma Artifacts. Especially with that secret Soul Fixing Talisman you taught me; if used well, it might have miraculous effects."

(End of chapter)