Recognizing the cloth bag as a storage bag, Xiao Ming’s heart trembled slightly. He lowered his voice and asked, “I wonder, how many magical tools are to be cleared out this time, and what are their grades?”
Yan Changlan looked at Ye Shu.
Every time he went over there, he could see a corner of the courtyard stacked with a dozen to several dozen magical tools. Now, he had never calculated how many magical tools Azhuo had accumulated.
Ye Shu briefly probed into the Hunyuan Pearl and replied, “There are over a hundred ordinary ones, around fifty special ones, and three top-notch ones. Altogether, it’s about more than two hundred.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ming drew in a sharp breath of cold air.
This… this is too much!
Refining magical tools, alchemy, and formations are all diverse studies, but indispensable. However, these diverse studies are extremely difficult to master. For ordinary cultivators, just getting started is incredibly hard, not to mention reaching advanced levels where one can truly refine magical tools, concoct pills, and set up formations.
Therefore, even if one can only refine a low-grade magical tool, produce a type of pill, or set up a formation, they will still be respected.
At the same time, because these diverse studies are so difficult to learn, much of their essence has been lost over the generations, with fewer and fewer passing down the knowledge. This makes it even more difficult for later generations to study these diverse fields deeply. As a result, both magical tools and pills are extremely rare and indispensable. Only formations, are not used as frequently. Although they are still difficult to pass down, they are not a cause for much concern.
Even so, typically, artifact refiners often specialize in refining certain types of magical tools to increase their chances of success. For example, some excel in refining magic swords, others in refining magic robes, or they specialize in refining other items. The same applies to alchemists and formation masters.
Xiao Ming’s Xiao family had a heritage of over a thousand years and considerable resources, but they still could not afford to support many experts in diverse studies. They could only choose one area for cultivation. Currently, they had several alchemists, but no artifact refiners. Their formation masters were just beginning to study the art of formations, and their understanding was only superficial.
Never did he expect to encounter an artifact refiner looking to clear out magical tools this time. If possible, he would like to acquire more for the family, to avoid being constrained by others in terms of magical tools.
So, Xiao Ming was eagerly anticipating Ye Shu’s further explanation.
Ye Shu continued, “They are all low-grade magical tools, with enchantments, but mostly sharp, defensive, explosive, gravitational, and the like.”
Xiao Ming’s mouth twitched slightly.
Listening to the tone of his fellow Taoist Shi Zhuo, these enchantments seemed quite common. Coupled with so many low-grade magical tools being refined, the artifact refiner behind him was probably quite extraordinary.
Therefore, Xiao Ming became even more cautious.
If they were so unconcerned about low-grade magical tools, then the artifact refiner probably had insights into mid-grade magical tools as well. Low-grade magical tools were not too rare for the Xiao family, but mid-grade magical tools were another matter entirely.
An artifact refiner capable of crafting mid-grade magical tools… would be exceedingly rare.
Moreover, Xiao Ming had also gleaned something else.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Xiao Ming’s throat moved slightly, and he couldn’t help but feel ecstatic in his heart. “Then… how about the pricing?”
Ye Shu looked at Yan Changlan and said, “I am not very knowledgeable about this matter, so I have asked Changlan to handle it.”
Xiao Ming’s heart burned even hotter.
Asking Senior Brother for help… that meant there was a good chance his requests would be granted.
However, this was not a trivial matter. He would have to discuss it with the elders after returning home before making a decision.
Yan Changlan smiled and said, “Azhuo, rest assured, I won’t let you suffer a loss. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be easy to explain to the elders after we return.”
Ye Shu didn’t say much, but it was clear he trusted Yan Changlan deeply.
Afterward, Xiao Ming inquired about a few more things.
Such as how the low-grade magical tools were sold, whether there were other necessary materials besides iron essence, and whether they could stay at the Xiao family’s residence in Baishi City.
Ye Shu occasionally answered him, while Yan Changlan filled in the gaps.
Xiao Ming gradually sorted out his thoughts and was ready to discuss it with his father when he returned to the Xiao family.
About two days later, they arrived at Baishi City.
During the journey, although the three of them were relaxed inside the carriage, it couldn’t be said that they traveled entirely without incident. Along the way, they encountered some scattered cultivators who had set up traps, intending to rob them of their belongings.
However, the caravan leader and the guards were experienced individuals who were skilled in combat. Before alarming the passengers inside the carriage, they had already neutralized these threats.
Upon seeing the city gates of Baishi City, the guards finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Escorting tasks like this could be quite profitable once completed, but they were also filled with anxiety. As long as they smoothly entered the city and delivered the people to the Xiao family, their mission would be considered accomplished.
When that time came, they could directly find the Xiao family’s steward to collect their reward.
—-
Xiao Ming held a significant position in the Xiao family. After being escorted to the Xiao family’s entrance by the guards, he directly led Ye Shu and Yan Changlan inside without any obstruction from the gate guards. Once inside, he even took them straight to his own courtyard and arranged an excellent guest room for each of them.
Ye Shu and Yan Changlan went to one of the rooms first.
Yan Changlan then asked, “Azhuo, what are your plans for the pricing of those magical tools?”
Ye Shu thought for a moment and replied, “For the ordinary ones, three to forty thousand each. The special ones, seventy to eighty thousand. As for the three well-crafted ones, they should be sold for no less than a hundred thousand each.”
Yan Changlan nodded in understanding.
He then began to formulate a plan for how to proceed.
Ye Shu remarked, “The Xiao family will likely want to acquire some of them.”
Yan Changlan said, “If they can take them all, that would be best.”
Ye Shu considered this and said, “It might be possible.”
Yan Changlan was slightly taken aback but then began to calculate.
The total amount is roughly around ten million. If Pang Xing could come up with that amount, then surely the large Xiao family can as well…
Meanwhile, Xiao Ming had reached the inner courtyard.
The Xiao family was large and prosperous, with several branches within the main lineage.
Xiao Ming’s branch was the third branch, not directly from the patriarch’s line. However, due to their lack of ambition, they had a harmonious relationship with the current patriarch’s branch—the first branch. Xiao Ming’s father was also very close to the patriarch.
The head of the third branch was Xiao Ming’s father, Xiao Zhenyuan. Upon seeing Xiao Ming return, he was very pleased. “You’re back today. Have you gone to see your mother first?”
Xiao Ming quickly responded, “I will visit mother a bit later. I came to see you first because I have an important matter to report.”
Xiao Zhenyuan had many children, but Xiao Ming, his legitimate son, held a special place. Though Xiao Ming’s aptitude wasn’t the best, he had managed to become a disciple of a Foundation Establishment cultivator in Baixiao Sect. Now, not only had he risen to become a direct disciple, but he had also brought considerable business opportunities to the family, making Xiao Zhenyuan value him even more. He knew that Xiao Ming wouldn’t make baseless claims. If he said it was an important matter, it must be something significant that he was eager about but couldn’t decide on his own.
Instantly, he became curious. “Oh? What is this important matter?”
Xiao Ming didn’t hesitate and directly mentioned that Ye Shu had over two hundred magical tools in his possession.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhenyuan was momentarily tempted to seize the magical tools directly, but quickly abandoned the idea. He understood very well that even if he took this batch of low-grade magical tools, as long as the artifact refiner was still alive, it would bring endless trouble to the Xiao family. Offending a refiner who could potentially produce mid-grade magical tools for some silver was not worth it. This was a great opportunity for his legitimate son to build a relationship with this contact. Even if they couldn’t directly connect with the refiner, maintaining a good relationship with Shi Zhuo could be beneficial in the future. Moreover, Shi Zhuo himself might become a remarkable refiner. It was better to establish a connection now when he was still unknown than to be turned away later when he became famous.
He then said, “From what you’ve said, your senior brother seems to be a very fair and honest person. Why don’t you go and talk to that young friend Yan and say that the Xiao family wants all the magical tools? Naturally, the Xiao family cannot offer a low price. Otherwise, what was originally a mutually beneficial arrangement would seem like the Xiao family is taking advantage of them, and that would be inappropriate.”
Xiao Ming had the same thought and smiled. “Father, you should first discuss this with Uncle.”
Xiao Zhenyuan replied, “Exactly. This is a matter for the Xiao family, not just our branch.”
The father and son exchanged a knowing smile.
Xiao Ming and Xiao Zhenyuan then went to the main courtyard to seek an audience with the family head, Xiao Zhengang, and informed him of the matter.
As the family head, Xiao Zhengang had foresight. The total price for two hundred magical tools aside, the fact that such a large number could be made available at once was extremely rare.
Although Ye Shu had already mentioned to Xiao Ming that each magical tool was imbued with enchantments, Xiao Ming hadn’t seen them with his own eyes and didn’t dare to elaborate. If it were true, once they saw the magical tools and their pricing, the family head and his father would naturally increase their offer if necessary.
After their discussion, Xiao Ming first went to see Yan Changlan and Ye Shu.
The two were drinking tea and playing a game of Go. Yan Changlan was clearly losing badly to Ye Shu, wearing a bitter smile.
Seeing Xiao Ming, Yan Changlan put down his piece and said, “Since Azhuo and I are guests here, we should pay our respects to the elders in charge of the Xiao residence.”
Xiao Ming quickly said, “Senior Brother, there is no need for such formality. The family head will host a banquet later to welcome both of you. Please attend.”
Yan Changlan, already aware of their intentions, feigned surprise and said, “As juniors, we should take the initiative to visit.”
Xiao Ming seemed hesitant before speaking, “Actually, there is a business matter the family head wants to discuss directly with Taoist Shi.”
Ye Shu asked, “Is it about the magical tools?”
Xiao Ming’s voice was dry as he replied, “Yes, exactly.”
Ye Shu nodded slightly, “There’s no need for such formality, Taoist Xiao. My master won’t mind who the magical tools are sold to, but the proceeds must be shown to him afterward.”
Xiao Ming was delighted and felt much more at ease, “Of course, of course.”
Ye Shu’s straightforwardness made Xiao Ming relax considerably.
As expected, before long, Xiao Zhengang hosted a banquet to entertain Ye Shu and Yan Changlan, with Xiao Ming and his father, Xiao Zhenyuan, accompanying them, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
After a few rounds of drinks, they began discussing business. Yan Changlan smoothly took over the conversation, and they soon agreed to inspect the magical tools first before setting a price and conducting the transaction in person. After the meal, they all proceeded directly to Xiao Ming’s courtyard.
Thanks for the chapter!!
Thank you for the chapter. 😍