Chapter 169: The Plunderer Ultimately Falls Prey to Plunder

"Twenty percent above market value?"

Upon hearing this, Ge Yansong and the other three Ge family branch heads couldn't help but furrow their brows.

Xu Mingyuan said, "If the Ge family wants middle to low-grade pills, then naturally normal trade is fine. Of course, if your Ge family's pill refiners suddenly improve their pill refining accomplishments and can stably refine superior-grade pills, then consider what this junior said today as unsaid. We few plan to leave Guangling Commandery at the latest by the hour of shen. The seniors still have time to consider."

"So soon?" Ge Yanhua asked in surprise. "Do you plan to return to Yuehu Commandery afterward?"

Xu Mingyuan shook his head, "We've only been out for a few days. Though we dare not claim we'll tour all of Great Wei, we definitely plan to visit the surrounding commanderies."

The implication was clear, immortal cultivation families from other commanderies were also potential trade partners for the Xu family.

And a pill refining grandmaster, no matter how high their accomplishments, was ultimately just one person with limited pill production.

If the Ge family didn't do this trade, even if they wanted to later, they probably couldn't squeeze in to trade for superior-grade pills.

Additionally, the four Ge family heads were well aware.

This trade definitely wouldn't last long.

At most ten to twenty years, and the further it went, the fewer superior-grade pills would be available for trade.

The eyes of the four family heads met each other's gaze while simultaneously communicating via divine sense.

Shortly after, Ge Yanhua smiled, "This price is actually reasonable. After all, even in the Wei and Feng families, not all important disciples can consume superior-grade pills to advance their cultivation or break through bottlenecks. Dear Nephew Xu, my Ge family will do this trade. But whenever there's a need, we'll dispatch clan members to Yuehu Commandery to find your Xu family. Don't tell us then that you don't have enough pills."

Xu Mingyuan smiled lightly, "Rest assured. My Xu family rose through commerce and conducts business with integrity. The Ge family is my Xu family's first trade partner, so naturally you're first priority. By the way, the seniors may not know, my Xu family isn't in the commandery city but in a remote county called Qingjiang County. Once there, just make some inquiries and you can find where my Xu family's clan territory is located."

"Your Xu family was promoted to an immortal cultivation family yet still nests in a county town?" Ge Yanguang said in surprise.

"There aren't many locations with spiritual energy nodes around Yuehu Commandery's capital city. They were occupied long ago. My Xu family had no choice. Rather than compete with other families in the commandery city, we'd rather stay in the county and wait for the right opportunity."

"A wise choice." Ge Yansong stroked his beard. "This way, trades can also avoid prying eyes as much as possible."

"Senior Yansong speaks correctly." Xu Mingyuan said, "There's one more thing. When the Ge family trades with my Xu family, the primary trade resources should be spirit grass and pill formulas, followed by artifact refinement materials, demon beast materials, etc. Next would be spirit stones, magical artifacts, secret techniques, techniques, and so on."

"How are secret techniques and techniques priced?" Ge Yanhua asked.

"The clan will have people set prices. When the seniors first trade, you might as well have people copy some secret techniques or techniques of various categories and inquire. If you feel the price is too low and don't want to trade, you also won't have suffered any loss. After all, these are merely copies and won't damage your own family foundation."

Xu Mingyuan continued, "Sometimes my Xu family will also specify certain materials and items for the next trade. If the Ge family can truly collect them, the twenty percent price increase can be waived for that transaction."

Ge Yansong observed Xu Mingyuan deeply, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Your Xu family truly did rise through commerce. In this trade, my Ge family has been arranged clearly and thoroughly by you."

A three-part arc appeared at the corners of Xu Mingyuan's lips as he smiled shallowly, "Senior jests. My Xu family's trades have always been mutually beneficial, and we never force anyone."

"To use my father's words, as long as the stakes are sufficient, anyone in the world can be a trade partner. There's no need to worry about one family's gains and losses."

All four showed surprised expressions.

After pondering briefly, Ge Yansong's eyes gathered deep shadows like a cold pool, saying indifferently, "Anyone in the world can be a trade partner? Isn't your Xu family afraid of being guilty of possessing a jade ring and falling prey to plunder?"

Xu Mingyuan smiled lightly, not at all intimidated by the pressure. "The plunderer ultimately falls prey to plunder. Who is the hunter and who is the prey, until the final outcome, who can know?"

The atmosphere in the hall was oppressive for a long while, when suddenly Ge Yansong laughed heartily.

"Worthy of being the Xu family's talented one. With these words from you, my Ge family can trade with your Xu family with much greater peace of mind."

Xu Mingyuan's words revealed the Xu family's conduct and that they had their own confidence and strategies for dealing with danger.

Though the Ge family's four branches were separate, the main branch was always the strongest. Therefore, Ge Yansong's opinion was extremely important and could often influence the other three branches' actions.

"By the way, I observe the Ge family's internal situation seems somewhat unstable. If news of the trade is learned by your Ge family's rivals, I fear there will be deviations in the trade. I hope the seniors make proper plans."

Several people looked at each other, all revealing grave expressions.

The third branch's expedition team was precisely ambushed. If they hadn't encountered the Xu family, they would have suffered heavy losses. Clearly, there were internal problems.

But investigating wasn't easy...

Ge Yanhua said, "Thank you for the reminder, dear nephew. Regarding trade matters, my Ge family will naturally dispatch trusted people to handle them."

Xu Mingyuan said no more.

Since the trade was settled, Xu Mingyuan and the others didn't stay long.

After just half an hour, they departed.

The four branch heads also discussed this matter once more. All four felt that though the Xu family was a newly promoted immortal cultivation family, their potential was extraordinary and they should maintain good relations.

When Ge Yuchen received Ge Xuanhong's reply and learned that Xu Deling had already left the Ge family, he suddenly felt disappointed and at a loss.

"Yuchen, there are many fine young ladies among Guangling Commandery's families. Marriages with other commanderies are extremely rare. You should stop dwelling on it."

"There are many family daughters in Guangling Commandery, but one who made nephew's heart move at first sight—currently only she."

Ge Yuchen paused for several breaths, then continued, "But don't worry, Third Uncle. Nephew won't be entangled in romantic feelings. I just feel a bit regretful."

"Life is full of disappointments, eight or nine out of ten things don't go as wished." Hearing this, Ge Xuanhong patted his shoulder and sighed slightly as he walked past him.

Some people, after just a fleeting glance, are hard to forget.

"Xu Deling, I hope we'll meet again someday."

…

At the edge of Guangling Commandery.

Xu Mingwei and his group traveled on flying swords.

Naturally, they couldn't walk to another commandery, as that would take too much time.

Coming out to travel and broaden their horizons was one goal, but more importantly, achieving trades with immortal cultivation families from other commanderies.

Xu Mingyuan said, "Fourth Sister, did you have the Azure Fire Eagle transmit the message back as I asked?"

"Second Brother, little sister knows what's important." Xu Mingshu smiled. "I already had Ah Da take the message back."

"That's good then."

"Second Uncle, where are we going next?" Xu Deling suddenly turned to look.

"Continue forward a few dozen li and we'll reach Longjiang Commandery's territory."

Xu Mingxuan's eyes brightened. "I've heard Longjiang Commandery has a Black Dragon River, winding and flowing for over a thousand li. The water flows sometimes rapid, sometimes gentle, with strange rocks lining both shores and many odd peaks. Moreover, our Qingjiang County's Immortal Official Xiao came from Longjiang Commandery, right?"

"Correct. I previously inquired with Father. Because Longjiang Commandery has powerful water veins, immortal cultivation families mostly establish clan territories along both sides of the river. Though there's only one great Foundation Establishment family, the overall foundation is considerably stronger than Guangling Commandery."

Xu Dezhao asked curiously, "Is Longjiang Commandery's Foundation Establishment family very strong?"

Xu Mingyuan smiled and glanced at him. "The Qingbo Liu clan exclusively occupies Clear Wave Lake spanning three hundred li. The azure waters have misty waves. The lake raises many spirit fish and aquatic products, and also has vast spirit fields stretching hundreds of qing. The island in the lake's center is the Liu clan's territory. The immortal cultivation market is also at Clear Wave Lake's southeastern edge, near the Black Dragon River. The Liu family has three great Foundation Establishment experts total, one at mid Foundation Establishment, two at early Foundation Establishment. They're unquestionably dominant throughout all of Longjiang Commandery."

"What about the Xiao family? How are their strength and foundation?" Xu Mingxuan asked.

"One of the five great top-tier fifth-rank Qi Refining families. I don't know specifics, but probably not inferior to Guangling Commandery's Ge family."

"Second Brother, do you plan to contact the Xiao family?"

Xu Mingyuan said, "Families are mostly exclusionary. Without a good entry point, wanting to establish stable trade is very difficult. However, after experiencing Guangling Commandery, before contacting the Xiao family, I think we should split into two groups and move around Longjiang Commandery in rogue cultivator identities, gathering more detailed information. After consolidating and analyzing, we'll decide which family to choose, or whether to go to other commanderies."

Xu Mingwei smiled lightly, strongly agreeing with Xu Mingyuan's point of view.

Regarding Guangling Commandery's affairs, Xu Mingyuan's methods weren't bad. He just hadn't truly understood the Wei and Feng families or met their heads.

If it were some Yuehu Commandery Qi Refining families' temperaments, they'd probably already be secretly causing trouble, overtly and covertly suppressing, rather than forcibly suppressing things and maintaining balance like this.

One could only say, different places nurture different affairs and people.

"I agree with Second Brother's thinking."

"Big Brother and Second Brother have both spoken. Naturally, we have nothing to say. But how should we divide groups?"

After Xu Mingxuan spoke, several people looked at each other.

Xu Mingyuan lowered his brows in slight contemplation. After a moment, he said, "Since we're using rogue cultivator identities, then like before, I'll set up a stall selling pills on my side, and Ling'er will set up a stall selling magical artifacts."

Next, he looked at Xu Mingwei. "Big Brother, you group with Zhao'er and Ling'er. With your strength, even if you encounter danger, you can forcibly break through. On my side, with Mingxuan around, if something happens, I can sense the risk and avoid it."

"Very good."

"Also, this time we don't need to focus too much on how much we sell. Set up stalls when there's time. Collecting intelligence is the priority."

"You all heard your Second Uncle's words. Remember not to be too rash when things happen." Xu Mingwei said to his two children.

"Yes, Father." Both smiled and cupped their hands.

Two to three hours later.

They arrived in the airspace near Longjiang Commandery's capital city.

"Big Brother, Third Brother, Fourth Sister, and I will tour the commandery city first. You take Zhao'er and Ling'er to look around the Black Dragon River area and the immortal cultivation market. Let's meet up at the market in a few days."

After Xu Mingwei nodded, he left with Xu Dezhao and Xu Deling.

Xu Mingyuan's trio all dressed as ordinary family young masters and ladies. Unless immortal cultivators probed with divine sense, it would be hard to guess their immortal cultivator identities.

Several li outside the eastern city gate, the group proceeded on foot.

At this time, it was the hour of you.

The golden crow set in the west, sunset clouds filling the sky.

The shadows of passing people and horse carts were drawn very long by the setting sun.

Then from the distance came several light shouts of "Move aside!" Five or six martial artists were seen protecting two brocade-robed youths returning in the dusk light, horse whips swinging without any regard for whether people were still on the official road.

Hearing this, some merchant caravans hastily drove their carts and goods to the side to avoid collision and being sought out for trouble.

After all, besides commandery city family disciples, who else would dare be so reckless on the official road?

However, there was an old fisherman-farmer with gray-white short hair, wearing a coarse hemp vest with rolled-up pants, who seemed not to hear. Head lowered, he pushed his cart, continuing forward along the official road's edge.

On the cart were four brown wooden buckets. From within came faint water sounds, as if liquid sloshing and lightly tapping.

When he noticed something amiss and looked up, the group happened to be riding side by side, passing by him.

The guard attendant at the edge glanced at him disdainfully and casually swung his horse whip, directly knocking him to the ground, cursing in a low voice, "Old fool without eyes, are you deaf? Get lost!"

Then the group rapidly entered the city.

Someone from the merchant caravan glanced at the old fisherman and sighed slightly, but didn't step forward to help. Instead, taking advantage of the sky not yet darkening and the city gate not yet closed, they quickly entered the city.

A red welt appeared on the old fisherman's face, burning with pain. But he paid no attention to it. Instead, he hurriedly righted the wooden buckets, putting back the large green fish, yellow croakers, carp, and other fish that had scattered on the ground and were flopping about.

Seeing these fish products were fine, a slightly relieved expression appeared.

A moment later, he finally noticed the pain from his face. Grimacing, he looked at his hand but didn't dare wipe it because it was dirty, fearing infection then he reloaded the wooden buckets onto the cart and continued forward along the official road's edge.

"These family disciples are truly cold. Those guards are obviously uncultured at a glance, all dogs relying on power to bully others."

Xu Mingshu witnessed this scene. Anger arose between her brows and eyes. If not for considering Xu Mingyuan and this trip's purpose, she probably would have already moved to teach them a lesson.

Xu Mingyuan looked at that old fisherman, at those large green fish, and seemed to recall memories of Xu Chuan from his childhood.

Time rushed by. In a flash, he was already at the age of no longer being confused. After this tour, upon returning, he'd probably be someone who'd become a grandfather.

Xu Mingyuan knew that common people at the bottom generally lived very hard lives.

However, encountering this scene today stirred inner memories, making him sigh even more.

If Father weren't a capable person, would he now be in the same situation as that old fisherman?

Xu Mingyuan silently walked over and came before the old fisherman. Seeing a figure appear ahead, the old fisherman's hunched body reflexively trembled.

Looking up and seeing it was a middle-aged man in brocade, he hastily set down the cart and bowed respectfully, "This old one greets the lord. May I ask what instructions the lord has?"

Recalling something, he immediately turned sideways, left ear facing Xu Mingyuan, and said, "This old one's right ear is deaf, and the left ear has also been injured. I can't hear very well. Please forgive me, lord."

"Lord, please give your instructions."

Only then did Xu Mingyuan understand why the old fisherman hadn't managed to avoid in advance like the others.

Sighing slightly in his heart, he directly transmitted into the ear, "Old man, I see your fish seem quite good. Would you be willing to sell them to me?"

"Of course I'm willing!" The old fisherman blurted out. But after a moment, he asked again, "Does the lord truly want to buy this old one's fish? These are just ordinary fish. For someone of the lord's status, spirit fish would be more suitable."

What a simple and kind person.

Just whipped by a family young master's attendant, yet now forcibly suppressing inner desire to think of others.

If this were in Qingjiang, he'd definitely be absorbed as a Dongxi resident.

Such people in Great Wei might number in the millions, yet even with benevolence, the Xu family could only protect themselves and shelter the common people under their governance to live and work in peace.