Chapter 196: Spirit Stone Trade

"Staying here for the New Year, won't be back for a long time."

Zhuo Wanqiu received the transmission from her own Appraisal Master and fell into deep thought in the front hall of the Cloud Top Palace.

For some reason, just from this sparse line of words, she could sense that her Appraisal Master had become a bit "cutesy."

Because this was not the Appraisal Master's usual habit of phrasing; if it were like usual, she should have said that the matters in the capital were not yet finished, that it would still take time, and not to worry.

Zhuo Wanqiu looked at the transmission, thinking to herself that she didn't know what the son-in-law had done to the Appraisal Master to make her own Appraisal Master unable to resist even writing "cutesy" sounds onto the paper.

"When will the Appraisal Master return?"

"It will be a long time..."

Ding Yao came from down the mountain, lowered her head to glance at the note, and after a long silence, said: "This tone, the more I look at it, the more it's like the Appraisal Master when she was young..."

Zhuo Wanqiu raised her head at the sound and looked at Ding Yao.

She knew that although Senior Sister Ding had been neglected by the Appraisal Master for many years due to her heavy self-interest, she was truly the personal maid who had grown up with the Appraisal Master since childhood, so her understanding of the Appraisal Master was actually greater than that of the Appraisal Master's parents.

Therefore, since she said this tone was like the Appraisal Master when she was little, Zhuo Wanqiu did not doubt it at all.

So it wasn't that she had changed.

Her own high-and-mighty Appraisal Master was originally such a cutesy, adorable woman; it was only after taking over the Spirit Appraisal that she slowly made herself into the appearance of an Appraisal Master.

At this moment, the breeze was mild, and although it was mixed with the chill of winter, it was a rare sunny day.

A burst of Qi suddenly struck on Profound Jianfeng, stirring the layered clouds into a dance.

The two looked up and saw Spirit Sword Mountain Abbot Yan Zhong, wearing a yellow robe, bringing dozens of Elders at the Responding to Heaven Realm and above, stepping through the sky with rolling immortal might, landing at the Main Pavilion of the Profound Jianfeng Master below the Cloud Top Palace.

Profound Jianfeng Master Yan Jingxiang, wearing a black cloud-patterned robe, stood with his younger brother Yan Jingrui in front of the hall door, and seeing Yan Zhong and the others arrive, he bowed slightly.

"Has the Pill Sect started delivering medicine?"

"Yes, Heaven Jianfeng came here precisely to discuss the share of medicinal pills."

The share of spiritual medicine given by the Pill Sect every year is fixed, delivered in two installments, mid-year and year-end.

Because the quantity is not large, how much each peak should take, and who gets more or less of each category of spiritual medicine, all must be discussed.

In the past, Heaven Jianfeng, relying on its deep foundation and numerous disciples, basically left only low-grade pills for Profound Jianfeng and Sword Asking Peak, and the quantity was not large either.

But with the Little Appraisal Master's strength greatly increasing over these years, holding the Spirit Appraisal gradually became the new spiritual faith of Spirit Sword Mountain, coupled with a character that was both kind and strict, the overall strength of Profound Jianfeng continuously improved, and its voice became stronger and stronger.

At this time, Heaven Jianfeng had already lost its previous arrogance, and the discussion about the pill share had also changed from the Heaven Jianfeng Master's Pavilion to the Profound Jianfeng Master's Pavilion.

"When the Appraisal Master left, she issued an imperial order that we must get sixty percent of this year's pills."

"Sixty percent?"

"The Appraisal Master said that Sword Asking Peak is now gradually withering, and in recent years it hasn't even had the qualifications to attend the assembly, resulting in the share obtained each year being less than ten percent, and it is also very difficult to recruit disciples under its banner, so the Appraisal Master intends to help them get back twenty percent this year."

Zhuo Wanqiu looked at the high mountain under the bright sun: "Excessive infighting consumes the overall strength of Spirit Sword Mountain; that is probably what the Appraisal Master thinks. If Sword Asking Peak, as one of the main branches, really withers away like this, it will truly end its lineage in the end."

Ding Yao glanced at him: "I am not afraid of Sword Asking Peak ending its lineage now; I am only afraid that the Appraisal Master will suddenly have an heir."

"So you are also afraid that when the Appraisal Master returns, she will bring back a big fat boy..."

"That won't happen. The Appraisal Master's Dao heart has always been clear; naturally, she knows the severity of this matter and should not easily conceive a child in secret."

Thinking of this, Ding Yao suddenly thought of the scene where the Appraisal Master would come out every morning during her seclusion to look at the portrait of the man, and suddenly she was a bit uncertain.

A woman's beauty is fatal to a man, and a man's beauty is equally fatal to a woman.

Let alone the Appraisal Master, who was already enamored with him, even Ding Yao herself did not dare to look often at that painting of the man with his chest exposed and his head held high.

At the same time, the Heavenly Tian Shuyuan also welcomed a dawn as warm as Spirit Sword Mountain, spilling over the snow-covered mountain peaks and melting the frost on the branches.

Nothing to do today, chatting in the room.

Yan Shuyi, who was used to sleeping in, had just come from the room to the main hall when she was held in a full embrace, her snow-white feet curled up, and her mouth was already full of Ji You's taste.

Then it was time to set up the pot, light the fire, and make breakfast.

The Little Appraisal Master was boiling water and making tea in the courtyard, sitting quietly, acting silly.

The two people's teacups were the same; before, there was a subconscious distinction, but now they just grabbed whichever one they could.

They didn't know how many times they had exchanged saliva; it was obviously not very necessary to distinguish whose cup was whose anymore.

Ji You looked at her sitting on the snow, drinking tea in small sips, his eyes filled with doting.

He knew about Zhuo Wanqiu sending a transmission yesterday, and at this moment, he had the feeling of a social loser tricking a wealthy young lady into his own rental room, having taken every advantage.

Yet the wealthy young lady herself didn't want to leave, and even had the thought of not wanting to inherit the family business.

Ji You had watched this kind of TV drama before, and every time he would comment with the tone of someone clear-headed about the world, saying that this wealthy young lady was truly too stupid, and what was so good about that loser.

He never thought that one day, he would become the loser himself, and suddenly he could understand this mentality.

Ji You stood with his hands on his hips, watching Yan Shuyi, who was as obedient as a cat, while waiting for the pot to boil, thinking to himself that as long as they didn't go out on the street and run into a cat with its tail up, this obedience was still very charming.

"I'm going down the mountain today; you wait for me at home."

"Where are you going?"

Yan Shuyi asked coldly, but her eyes seemed to be saying that she wanted to follow too.

"When I got up this morning, I suddenly remembered that Cao Jingsong should have received his monthly salary, so I'm going to show some concern. Also, the Immortal Supervision Bureau seems to have some matters for me. Anyway, there's nothing fun, so you just stay home and peel potatoes; I'll stir-fry shredded potatoes for you to eat tonight."

Ji You thought to himself that he wouldn't take her out on the street, lest she see a cat with its tail up again.

After breakfast, Ji You went down the mountain to Cao Jingsong's courtyard, vividly interpreting for him what it meant that what should come would always come.

However, Wang Jiaoxi Cao also had the foresight to prevent trouble, having spent all his money long before this. Seeing Ji You enter the courtyard, he casually threw his empty money bag onto the table.

Ji You didn't believe it: "You spent it all already? How will you live for the remaining days?"

Cao Jingsong stroked his long beard lightly: "For the next few days, I will live on the gifts sent by my beloved disciple."

"Share half with me."

"What?"

"The gifts from your beloved disciple. My recent expenses are relatively high; I can't only have outgoings and no income."

Cao Jingsong knew about him keeping a woman in the courtyard, and at this moment, he couldn't help but ask: "That one you're keeping in the courtyard, which family's woman is she exactly?"

Ji You glanced at her: "Of course, she's my family's woman."

"Protected like a treasure, you won't even tell this instructor. Could it really be a mortal woman with no cultivation? Afraid she'll be threatened because of it?"

"No, I'm just afraid that if I say it, I'll give you a fright."

Cao Jingsong thought to himself, what haven't I seen in all the years I've lived? I could even remain calm if Mount Ni collapsed before my eyes.

Give me a fright? Unless the one in your courtyard is the Little Appraisal Master of Spirit Sword Mountain!

However...

Cao Jingsong raised his head and looked at Ji You, thinking to himself that for this kid to be willing to keep her, that woman's methods didn't seem low.

Ji You thought to himself, just keep guessing, and then he got up and headed down the mountain.

Shengjing City was even more bustling than the past few days, with a large number of carriages passing through the main street, gathering in front of the Prince Chong Mansion, making Ji You, who was passing by, stop in his tracks.

These carriages were all stamped with a stone-like logo, and there were some Upper Five Realm experts escorting them, being welcomed by Prince Chong, who stood at the door with his hands cupped.

Ji You had seen these markings on his way to the Snow Region as an envoy back then.

That night, countless carriages flew in, inviting the Immortal Sect geniuses who were traveling with the carriages to a banquet, and those carriages were all stamped with the same logo.

It was the Spirit Stone United Chamber of Commerce of Yunzhou...

Ji You watched from the side and found that they didn't enter the Prince Chong Mansion; after a brief exchange of pleasantries, they headed toward the South City, the sound of carriage wheels rumbling.

After pondering for a long time, he walked toward Xiang Kuangcheng's courtyard.

Xiang Kuangcheng had already changed into his official uniform and was waiting at the door early: "Brother Ji, how is Fairy Yan's health now?"

"?"

"I collected some eggs from free-range chickens raised by farmers; they are best for nourishing a pregnancy."

Ji You pursed his lips, thinking to himself that the cutesy Little Appraisal Master was really using her ability to pretend to be pregnant to trick people into giving her eggs to eat.

However, things obtained for free were always good: "I just saw the people from the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce; they seem to have headed toward the Immortal Supervision Bureau."

"This matter is also related to the Immortal Supervision Bureau looking for Brother Ji."

"Spirit stones?"

"To be precise, it's Snow Region Demon Stones."

Xiang Kuangcheng turned around and locked the courtyard door: "Brother Ji, let's talk while we walk."

After the human envoy delegation went to the Snow Region, it triggered a night raid, and the Scale Race leader and the demon generals under his command were all locked in the Snow Prison.

The indirect impact of this incident was that the supply of Snow Region Demon Stones to the Nine Provinces had been stagnant for more than half the winter.

Previously, there were people from the Seven Great Immortal Sects who, because they couldn't get Snow Region Demon Stones, came to Great Xia one after another to inquire about the situation.

And recently, the demon race finally resumed the supply of spirit stones to the Nine Provinces, which should have been a good thing, but it was obstructed by the Yunzhou aristocratic families during transportation.

Snow Region Demon Stones are cheap, yet their quality is extremely high, causing the price of Yunzhou spirit stones to continuously fall, and sales have also shrunk all the way along with it.

Yunzhou is an aristocratic family that relies on spirit stones to establish itself; naturally, they cannot watch this scene continue.

So they used the excuse of repairing roads throughout the region to block several main trade routes in Yunzhou and secretly offered conditions to Great Xia.

Except for those sent into the Immortal Sects, the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce wants to impose an additional transport tax on every Snow Region Demon Stone, and the transport tax they proposed is almost equal to the original price of the spirit stones.

The demon merchants naturally disagree; after all, their Snow Region Demon Stones are all stored under the permafrost layer, and the mining difficulty is extremely high, so the profit was not much to begin with, and such high taxes are naturally difficult to bear.

But for Great Xia, they have no way either.

In the years since the imperial power declined, they have been unable to bear the repair and maintenance of official roads, so as early as when the late Emperor was still alive, they sold the operating rights of several main roads in Yunzhou.

Therefore, although the practice of the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce attempting to raise transport costs seems unreasonable, it is compliant with the rules.

The matter has been deadlocked here, with no progress for half a month, and then the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce proposed another method, which is to have Great Xia hand over the operating rights of the Snow Region Demon Stones to them, with the pricing to be determined by them.

Actually, whether it's raising the transport tax or raising the pricing, that money doesn't mean much to the Yunzhou Chamber of Commerce.

The reason they are doing this is actually to raise the price of Yunzhou stones by raising the price of Snow Region Demon Stones, so as to protect their aristocratic foundation.

Great Xia naturally doesn't want to agree, so only one method remains, which is to change the route.

But changing the route requires someone to come forward to cooperate, and this person must have enough ability to withstand the targeting and hostility of the Yunzhou aristocratic families.

"So they found me?"

"It was only after thinking it over that they discovered that only Brother Ji can do this kind of thing."

Ji You looked at Xiang Kuangcheng: "The Immortal Supervision Bureau sees that I am targeted by aristocratic families and Immortal Sects everywhere, so they think it doesn't matter if there are a dozen more, right?"

Xiang Kuangcheng hesitated for a long time before nodding: "But the facts are indeed so. There are thousands of cultivators in this world, and only Brother Ji is an exception."

Ji You pondered for a long time: "This matter is actually a good thing for Fengzhou, and I can also make a fortune."

"Not bad, the transportation of spirit stones will bring economic prosperity to Fengzhou, and Great Xia's willingness to rebuild official roads in Fengzhou is also a good thing for our Fengzhou."

Xiang Kuangcheng paused his steps: "But if Brother Ji agrees, he may have to face great pressure in the future. Those pressures will come from Yunzhou, and even the entire Nine Provinces mining industry; after all, this is originally competing for profit with Yunzhou."

Ji You raised his eyes: "There's no way I'm carrying this pressure for nothing."

"Not bad, naturally we must propose conditions to them."

"I want the ownership of all official roads in Fengzhou, the operating rights of horse stations, and Great Xia must also agree to my request to cancel the transport tax for the common people, and the taxes on related industries must also be halved."

After hearing this, Xiang Kuangcheng immediately raised his head: "And Great Xia must order the cancellation of the private decrees for common people across the country to migrate across states."

After hearing this, Ji You shook his head: "This matter is probably very difficult. Although the appointment and removal of officials are still decided by Great Xia, in reality, those officials in various prefectures and counties are basically attached to local aristocratic families and Immortal Manors, and may not necessarily pay attention to the decrees of the Immortal Supervision Bureau."

"But this can at least make those local officials restrain themselves a little, and there can be fewer cases of legs being broken after being caught smuggling..."

"Suddenly thought of another benefit."

"What benefit?"

"Talk about it after we finish negotiating."

As an item needed by cultivators, the operation and transportation of spirit stones are major events.

The Yunzhou Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce suddenly arriving in the capital at this time also attracted the attention of many people, and before long, the news began to spread.

At this time, in the back garden of the Prince Chong Mansion, a group of nobles from the capital were gathered here, with singing girls playing and singing in front of them, and the fragrance of tea drifting with the wind.

These nobles from the capital were actually all involved in the spirit stone business in Yunzhou.

Especially Prince Chong, because when his older brother was in power, it was he who led the sale of the ownership of Yunzhou official roads to the Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce, and he also had a significant stake in Yunzhou, which is why Princess Changle often met with Lu Qingqiu.

"The Snow Region Demon Stones are now stuck at the Northern Border; the final result is nothing more than who takes a step back first."

"My Great Xia imperial power has declined to this point; for thousands of years, it has always been the one that retreats the most. In my view, this time is no exception."

Prince Chong said with a smile, when suddenly he saw a servant from the mansion rushing over: "Your Highness, I have something to report."

Prince Chong put away his smile and dropped a pinch of fish food: "Speak."

"The spy we planted just sent a transmission, saying that the Immortal Supervision Bureau might decide to change the transport route."

"Change? Hehe, they really know how to think. Not to mention where to change to, or where to enter from, just say in this Azure Cloud World, who can ignore the hostility of a dozen aristocratic families? The peace between the demon race and our human race is only temporary. When there are no more Snow Region Demon Stones, who can bear the lack of stones?"

The servant watched Prince Chong's sarcasm and couldn't help but swallow his saliva.

Prince Chong turned his head to look at him: "Did the transmission say where the Immortal Supervision Bureau is preparing to change the route to?"

"I don't know, but they just invited Ji You from the Heavenly Tian Shuyuan over."

After hearing this, Prince Chong's smile stiffened, then his eyes slowly widened, and his complexion changed drastically in an instant.

At this time, Qin Rong and Lang Hetong from the Management Institute were sitting opposite each other playing chess.

Regarding the matter of the Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce coming to Shengjing with great fanfare, they actually knew about it early on, but hearing that Ji You had been invited into the Immortal Supervision Bureau, they suddenly fell into silence.

"In the Azure Cloud World, no one is afraid of being hostile and targeted by aristocratic families; the only exception is Ji You. The Immortal Supervision Bureau really found the right person..."

Qin Rong dropped a chess piece: "Those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. Ji You always has a kind of crazy feeling of looking at life and death indifferently, and fighting if not convinced."

Lang Hetong glanced at him: "A few days ago, the second uncle of the neighbor of a distant relative of a distant relative of mine somehow found a way through my door, wanting me to help them move their family to Fengzhou."

Qin Rong raised his sleeve: "Ever heard a saying?"

"Hmm?"

"The greatest sorrow for those with outstanding talent is being born in Fengzhou, while the common people feel that being born in Fengzhou is the luckiest thing."

At this time, Ji You had already arrived at the Immortal Supervision Bureau, looking at this government office that was built only last year.

Unlike all the buildings he had seen, the Immortal Supervision Bureau was pure white, presenting a square "Hui" shape, with the entire building divided into eight floors, and the central courtyard was extremely deep.

Its pure white walls were carved with intricate patterns, and hanging in the middle was a golden fire wheel, with the surrounding flames flickering and rising.

If judged by specifications and standards, the height of this government office had already exceeded the main hall of the Imperial Palace, and being set off by the surrounding red walls and gray tiles, it appeared unique.

Ji You looked roughly and suddenly found a man standing in the courtyard, not much older than him, wearing luxurious brocade clothes, looking at him with sharp eyes, with a trace of resentment in his eyes.

"Who is this person?"

"Came with the Lingzhou Chamber of Commerce."

Ji You didn't pay much attention, then followed Xiang Kuangcheng through the deep courtyard, walked through the long corridor, and arrived at the banquet hall of the Immortal Supervision Bureau.

At this time, Immortal Supervision Bureau Chief He Jingyuan, as well as Wang Mingchang, Lord Wang, who had confronted the Demon Emperor before, were all at the banquet.

As Ji You and Xiang Kuangcheng stepped through the door, Wang Mingchang stood up tremblingly and bowed to him to the ground.

For this kind of etiquette, even to the current Emperor, Wang Mingchang, an old minister over seventy, had never done it before.

He Jingyuan and Peng Dongyang also stood up one after another upon seeing this, and couldn't help but look at Ji You twice more while bowing.

【I came for Fengzhou.】

【Do you really have the ability to convince the Demon Emperor not to form an alliance with the barbarian race?】

【Actually, if I ran by myself, I would have a chance to run back.】

【I don't mind dying here, but you had better keep your word.】

After the envoy delegation returned from the Snow Region, according to the oral accounts of these ministers like the teacher, they recorded the journey in detail again.

Among them were a few sentences that, recalling them now, were still deafening.

Xiang Kuangcheng leaned into Ji You's ear at this time: "Several representatives of the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce are currently in the hall next door, accompanied by Vice Chief Lord Peng."

Ji You nodded; his spiritual sense had already perceived the existence of the other party.

The visitors from the Yunzhou aristocratic families were all cultivators, and there were also Upper Five Realm experts; he thought they should have also felt his aura.

He Jingyuan bowed slightly at this time: "Young Master Ji, regarding the matter of the demon race spirit stones, Chief Xiang must have already informed you on the way here."

Ji You nodded: "You want to borrow the route through Fengzhou, but Fengzhou is full of outside aristocratic families, and the environment is complex, so you hope to have my participation. But Chief Lord should know that this matter is of great pressure to me."

"We naturally know. If Young Master Ji has any difficulties, you can speak directly."

"It's not exactly a difficulty. After all, after entering the Heavenly Tian Shuyuan, I have offended almost all parties in the cultivation world, but you should know my style of doing things; I never like to walk away empty-handed."

He Jingyuan picked up the wine pot at this time: "Young Master Ji can state your conditions."

Ji You and Xiang Kuangcheng looked at each other and repeated what they said on the way here.

Ownership of Fengzhou official roads, operating rights of horse stations, cancellation of the transport tax that common people must bear for using official roads, and halving the tax collection on related industries...

After hearing this, He Jingyuan's brow furrowed instantly.

The dilemma they are facing now is because they handed over the ownership of Yunzhou official roads to the Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce back then. Now, the conditions proposed by Ji You are more than those of the Yunzhou Chamber of Commerce.

So he looked at his mentor Wang Mingchang, only to find that his mentor was looking at him with eyes that said, "What are you thinking? Why don't you hurry up and agree, and then thank Young Master Ji heavily."

And at this time, in the hall next door, Peng Dongyang had already implicitly stated the Immortal Supervision Bureau's intention to change the transport route.

The next second, a young master wearing luxurious clothes broke into the hall where Ji You was with a cold expression.

The president of the Yunzhou Chamber of Commerce was Lu Qingqiu's father, Lu family head Lu Xiong, while the vice president was Ding family head Ding Mao, who had a cousin relationship with Ding Ang, an instructor in the outer courtyard of the Heavenly Tian Shuyuan.

This young man who broke in here was Ding Mao's only son, named Ding Shaojie.

And this Ding Shaojie was the young man who had stared fiercely at Ji You in the courtyard earlier.

He and Lu Qingqiu were childhood sweethearts, and the two families had been on good terms for generations. When they were young, there were always people around him saying things like "little couple" or "getting married."

Ding Shaojie believed it and had always been believing it.

Until Lu Qingqiu returned home a year after being sent to the Heavenly Tian Shuyuan, he found that many people were saying that Sister Qingqiu wanted to marry a wild private cultivator, and he also heard that Sister Qingqiu had sent him a bellyband she wore close to her body.

At this moment, Ding Shaojie looked at him coldly: "Ji You, right?"

"Brother, what advice do you have?"

"You are so unafraid of offending my Spirit Stone Chamber of Commerce; I'm afraid you haven't figured out the relationship between the demon race and our human race. I came here to clear up your confusion."

Ding Mao pulled him at this time: "Shaojie, no need to say more."

"Father, let me finish, lest he still think he has taken advantage."

After Ding Shaojie finished speaking, he turned his head back: "Everyone in the Azure Cloud World knows that the demon race has coveted the Nine Provinces for a thousand years, and the peace with our human race is only temporary. Have you ever thought that one day the demon race will no longer provide spirit stones to the Nine Provinces, and you have offended us, what will your end be?"

After pondering for a moment, Ji You bowed his hands: "Thank you for the reminder, brother."

"You're not afraid?!"

"I was starting to get scared just now, but suddenly I remembered that I don't seem to use spirit stones at all."

"?"

Ding Shaojie was stunned, then opened his mouth to laugh, but found that no one in the hall was laughing, and a trace of disbelief flashed in his eyes instantly.

Lu Xiong looked over with a tiger's gaze at this time: "Is Young Master Ji truly not afraid of those who wear shoes because he is barefoot?"

Ji You stood up: "I am not interested in the spirit stone trade. Actually, some things can be discussed sitting down."

"You can state your conditions directly; spirit cores, daughters, whatever you want."

"Then how about tearing down all the foster care pavilions in your Yunzhou and returning freedom to the descendants of those miners?"

After hearing this, Ding Mao said: "Do you really want to dig up the roots of my Yunzhou?"

Ji You drank the wine: "I just thought of it when I came. If your spirit mines collapse, Yunzhou won't have so many mine slaves anymore, right?"

(Timed release failed????)

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 197 =====