Big Data Cultivation
Chapter 1153: Showing Goodwill

Chapter 1153: Chapter 1153: Showing Goodwill

After Feng Jun and Chen Shengwang finalized their agreement, the banquet officially began.

To entertain everyone, Mountain Master Feng even specially opened a two-jin jar of "Seven Parts of Longing" spiritual wine. He also stated that such spirit wine should only be consumed sparingly: one cup for non-Qi Refinement cultivators, and no more than three cups for those in the Qi Refinement Realm.

The banquet lasted until eleven o’clock at night. Some people couldn’t suppress the spiritual energy within their bodies and had already started meditative cultivation on the spot.

At six o’clock the next morning, Feng Jun gathered everyone for breakfast and arranged for some to cultivate in the bamboo forest in the valley, while others cultivated in the small courtyard of the guesthouse.

Once cultivation began, time seemed to fly by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the afternoon of the next day.

Feng Jun had initially stated they could cultivate for two days in the spirit gathering array of the manor. However, noticing the sky turning overcast and rain starting to drizzle, he gathered everyone and suggested they stop cultivation. "If you’re not satisfied yet, you can continue for another day tomorrow."

Hearing this, most people stopped cultivation. However, a few stubborn ones, such as the elder from Wangwu and Tang Wenji, insisted that a little rain didn’t matter and that the coolness actually felt refreshing.

In truth, even figures like Chen Shengwang, the Grand Elder, and Yu Baiyi were reluctant to leave. They just didn’t have the face to push it further. But the elder from Wangwu didn’t care about such concerns. Wangwu’s current spirit gathering array could barely be considered functional and wasn’t adequate for his cultivation needs.

Tang Wenji had a different reason. She confidently declared, "I think I’ve found the feeling for advancing. Let me try it out."

Advance, my foot! Feng Jun snorted internally. He was well aware of the Little Celestial Master’s current state. She had advanced to a High-Rank Martial Master less than two years ago. Even with frequent use of the spirit gathering array and occasional yoga training with him, her progress was still quite slow.

If things kept going this way, it was likely that Gazi would achieve the Innate Stage before her—not necessarily because his talent was significantly superior, but because the spirit gathering array of Luohua Manor was leagues above that of Maoshan.

Tang Wenji was also well aware of this. That’s why she often ran to Luohua to freeload off their spirit gathering array. Staying at Maoshan and queuing like everyone else wasn’t worth her time.

Throughout all the Daoist sects across the land, there was no other person as unabashedly bold as her when it came to freeloading in Luohua Manor.

But honestly, anyone who had witnessed cultivation at Luohua Manor couldn’t help but be impressed by their extravagance. Even the people from Kunlun had to admit defeat—such an opulent way of cultivation was simply astonishing.

Yet, the rain continued non-stop through the next day, showing no signs of clearing up. The outside guests, not wanting to linger awkwardly amidst the rain, took their leave.

Among the visitors, only Tang Wenji remained in the manor—Tang Wangsun had intended to stay as well, but he had social obligations back at Maoshan that required his attendance.

Feng Jun put away the guesthouse, then turned to Zhang Caixin to discuss her next steps. "Now that you’ve advanced to the Qi Refinement Realm, it’s time for you to choose your techniques for cultivation."

In addition to selecting techniques, he also believed she should choose a life-assistance skill.

Zhang Caixin seemed particularly interested in techniques. She first chose "Cleaning Spell," followed by "Water Arrow Spell" and "Water Tornado."

"Cleaning Spell" was a minor technique, while "Water Arrow Spell" was relatively challenging and couldn’t be mastered in a short period. However, it had practical uses—even in a life-or-death fight, it conveniently required no physical weapon.

The "Water Tornado," on the other hand, was quite complex and part of a technique series. Without reaching the Golden Core stage, its full potential could only be displayed on water surfaces.

Feng Jun couldn’t help but ask, "Why not learn the Rainmaking Spell? It’s convenient for tending to flowers and plants."

Zhang Caixin rolled her eyes at him. "Boss, you can draw Sweet Dew Talismans. Why would I learn the Rainmaking Spell? We should allocate resources efficiently!"

Her sharp retort left Feng Jun speechless. "Fair enough. You’ll also need to choose a secondary profession. I think drawing talismans would be great."

But Zhang Caixin had her own plans. "I want to learn sound-based attacks. Why are you looking at me like that? Hey, I’m an arts student!"

Feng Jun’s lips twitched slightly. "Either Water Arrow Spell or sound-based attacks. Your violent tendencies are showing... I think alchemy would be a good fit for you."

Zhang Caixin rolled her big eyes at him. "I’m already being considerate of you. What I really want is to raise Spirit Beasts."

Raise Spirit Beasts... Feng Jun couldn’t help but shudder at her words. Raising Spirit Beasts in the Earth Realm? How considerate of her indeed!

After helping Xiao Caixin with her planning, Feng Jun received a call from Yang Yuxin. She reported that Xiao Song’s treatment was complete, with very positive results. However, full recovery would still take approximately two months.

That recovery timeline was already quite remarkable. After all, tendon and bone injuries typically required 100 days to heal, let alone paralysis of the lower body.

Of course, if Xiao Song could recuperate at Luohua Manor, the recovery would likely be even faster.

Summoning his courage, Xiao Song cautiously asked Director Yang if he could stay longer at Luohua for recovery. Yang Yuxin replied, "Mountain Master Feng treated your condition for free, and staying a few extra days isn’t a big deal, right?"

Xiao Song accepted her explanation and repeatedly apologized, expressing his desire to thank Feng Jun in person.

Yang Yuxin initially intended to decline but grew concerned that Xiao Song might complain to Eldest Gu later. So, she called Feng Jun to check.

Feng Jun flatly refused but also informed Director Yang of his intent to procure more communication devices.

Feng Jun had been placing orders for communications equipment for some time, but his storeroom was perennially overstocked.

First was the boiler camel motorcycle, then wheat, and later the refrigerators and TVs. Up to now, nearly 100,000 sets of refrigerators and TVs had arrived. He had moved 50,000 sets to the Mobile Phone Plane but still found his storeroom crowded.

With the persistent rain over the past two days, the arrival of the refrigerators and TVs was delayed. However, Feng Jun had decided that once this shipment was processed, he would focus on acquiring more communication equipment.

Soon, the gatekeeper called, informing Feng Jun that Ren Zhixiang had arrived, seeking a meeting.

Ren Zhixiang had already selected a site outside the mountain gate. The preliminary construction plans were prepared, defining the purpose as a rehabilitation center, though it didn’t emphasize scenic aesthetics—this area was naturally picturesque anyway.

As a result, the design came about quickly, focusing on multiple five-story, single-faced buildings with low construction costs.

The ongoing rain over the past two days had stymied construction work, so Ren Zhixiang came to Feng Jun to refine his vision for the rehabilitation center.

Feng Jun wasn’t particularly interested in such details, but Ren Zhixiang’s enthusiasm made it hard to ignore him. In this modern age, people genuinely willing to do good deeds were rare, and Feng Jun felt obligated to offer encouragement.

As they were discussing, Elder Yu joined the conversation, showing considerable interest in the rehabilitation center—even considering staying there for a couple of days. After listening for a while, he interjected, "Five-story buildings... how are stroke patients supposed to get up there?"

"There will be elevators and ramps," Ren Zhixiang replied with a smile. "The main reason for keeping the buildings low is so patients won’t see the inner workings of Luohua Manor beyond the gate."

After chatting for a bit, Ren Zhixiang took his leave. Elder Yu, with his cloudy yet sharp eyes, asked in a deep voice, "Have you made up your mind yet? Do you want the wheat?"

"As long as you have it, of course, I want it," Feng Jun replied straightforwardly. "However, as you know, I don’t want anyone paying attention during the transportation process."

"No problem," Elder Yu said decisively, fully prepared to cooperate. "Should we send it straight to your manor, or place it in a designated warehouse for you to pick up alone, like we did with the lithium batteries?"

By now, Feng Jun no longer regarded such statements as probing inquiries. As Elder Yu had pointed out, with the Lexington already in his possession, as long as Feng Jun didn’t make major mistakes, minor issues wouldn’t bring him down.

So he asked directly, "How many tons of wheat?"

If the quantity was too large, it would strain his storeroom capacity, and he would need to pick it up himself. A smaller quantity could be delivered directly to the manor.

"That depends on how much you want," Elder Yu answered confidently. "We can ensure up to 500,000 tons. Anything beyond that would require coordination, but it wouldn’t be a big problem."

After some thought, Feng Jun replied, "Five thousand tons will do for now. Have them deliver it once the storeroom clears up."

At Mount Zhige, Feng Jun had already stored over 600,000 tons of grain, exceeding Huang Fu Wuxia’s requirement of 500,000 tons. Adding another 50,000 tons meant he would have a surplus of 200,000 tons after deducting the contracted amount.

Feng Jun wasn’t sure if his trade relationship with the Chaos Plane would continue, so he didn’t want to accumulate too much grain in his hands.

Hearing that he only needed 50,000 tons of wheat, Elder Yu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: I moved too late. It seems this guy isn’t particularly short of grain at the moment.

Huaxia was a major grain importer, but at the same time, it topped global rankings for wheat production. Earlier, when Elder Yu hadn’t stepped in, obtaining even a bit of wheat domestically had been extremely challenging for Feng Jun.

But despite that, Sister Hong had managed to secure surplus state reserve grain for him.

This time, with Elder Yu involved, his connections easily ensured access to 500,000 tons of wheat—grain security being more about balanced planning than sheer abundance. While shortfalls certainly threatened security, overproduction didn’t necessarily guarantee it either.

In any case, Elder Yu had put in considerable effort. Now, upon learning that Feng Jun only needed 50,000 tons, instead of dwelling on wasted goodwill, he immediately thought: What a pity—the opportunity to build rapport is slipping away.

Nonetheless, 50,000 tons was still a decent achievement, and Elder Yu wasn’t one to wallow in regrets. He nodded and said, "Alright, 50,000 tons. I’ll arrange it. Will this be paid by loan or in cash?"

"No loans, I’m not used to it," Feng Jun replied with a shake of his head. Realizing Elder Yu might be referring to gold-backed loans, he decided to ask directly, "Can I pay in gold?"

"Gold..." Elder Yu hesitated briefly. While it was possible to use gold as payment, the process could be cumbersome. After all, just a few days ago, Feng Jun’s acquisition of a wartime battleship had drawn unwanted attention, and Elder Yu had no desire to attract further scrutiny.

However, he quickly reconsidered. At worst, the Yu Family could absorb Feng Jun’s gold and exchange it for Huaxia currency. So, he nodded. "Sure, as long as it’s convenient for you."

But Feng Jun wasn’t one to miss details. Noticing Elder Yu’s hesitation, he decisively stated, "Here’s the thing: even if I said I had several thousand tons of gold, you probably wouldn’t have absolute confidence, and convincing others might be even harder. So, it’s better to spend some of it and demonstrate some strength."

(End of the update. Only three hours left in April—don’t forget to vote for monthly tickets! There’s a bonus update scheduled for midnight, let’s kick off May strong with guaranteed votes!)