Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover -
Chapter 312 - 312 311 Island Distribution
312: Chapter 311 Island Distribution 312: Chapter 311 Island Distribution Bai Qingqian was very satisfied.
She did not ask for much, only to maintain a subtle connection.
Mirage was a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers lurked, with every merchant family backed by powerful forces; otherwise, they simply could not survive here.
Essentially, merchant families that took root here, aside from the numerous local powers, were supported by various national and influential entities; any disputes or entanglements could often be resolved more effectively by the sects’ influence than by the merchant families themselves.
Previously, Bai’s Trading Company had the support of Anhe Daoist Sect as its backing in Mirage, but the Anhe Daoist Sect was now in domestic disarray and could not take care of itself, let alone look after this place; thus, Anhe’s influence was waning here.
People are drawn to power, and the Cultivation World is no different.
The decline of Anhe Daoist Sect could not be hidden; either it would be absorbed into Wu Sect or struggle in vain.
Over the years, it gradually lost esteem and forced many Anhe merchants to seek out new patrons.
Many turned towards Wu Sect, the choice of most Anhe merchants, while others, like Bai’s Trading Company, sought their own path and refused to submit to Wu Sect at all costs.
Bai Qingqian had set two primary directions for herself: one was the local force of Wo Sect, and the other was Quanzhen Sect.
As for other powers, she was completely unfamiliar with the Buddhist Sect; Taihao was shrouded in mystery, and the small Demon Sect powers were too preoccupied with their own affairs to be considered good choices.
There was some progress with Wo Sect, but it was difficult to gauge the pace; this sect, because of its own strength, found it hard to stand firm when real issues arose.
After a round of searching, Quanzhen Sect remained the best choice.
On one hand, Elder Bai had been connecting with the right people in Jin City, and the next step might even involve a trip to Yujing; on the other hand, she was trying to establish closer ties with Quanzhen cultivators in Mirage.
Unfortunately, the cultivators of Quanzhen were elusive and mostly stationed overseas, presenting her with scarce opportunities.
Thus, Hou Niao’s arrival was undeniably a breakthrough.
Once Elder Bai received the news, he immediately used the swift communication method of Hongxin to inform her, urging her to absolutely secure this person’s cooperation.
The man was responsible, skilled in combat, and there was a certain fateful affinity—there couldn’t be a more suitable candidate.
In a soft and gentle tone, she said, “Sir, you’ll be in Linhai for at least seven years.
During this time, if there are any business dealings, feel free to let my Bai Family handle them.
I dare not boast much, but we can guarantee the basics—honesty and absolute confidentiality.”
Qingqian had only spent a little over a year in Mirage, but she felt the local business atmosphere was rather unhealthy.
Everyone was eager to make quick money as if they would never get another chance, thus giving rise to many underhand dealings; those not in the trade would likely end up being cheated or suffering losses.
That was no alarmist talk, Qingqian mused.
She figured that Sir, having been here a few days and looking around, must have sensed it as well.
Hou Niao sighed, “It’s said that there’s no business without deceit.
That hasn’t been too surprising.
But the people here have brought that nature to an extreme, almost as if they must make a big score, or they will never earn again.”
“The continent’s situation is tending towards more chaos, it seems that the merchant community is foresighted, seizing the last opportunity to profit massively.”
Bai Qingqian delicately raised her hand, “When the founding ancestor of the Bai Family established Bai’s Trading Company, he set one rule—’in trade, be shrewd, not shifty.'”
“In ancient times, merchants would give a little extra while trading; after the official weighing, they would add another scoop!”
“‘Shrewd’ signifies giving more, a difference of one word can lead to a grave error.
“But today’s way of doing business has long lost that simplicity.
Tricking and cheating have become pervasive—it’s the big trend, and Bai Family is powerless to change it.
“However, there is one thing: In treating friends, the Bai Clan will always adhere to its principle of being shrewd in business.
After spending more time together, Sir, you will come to understand.”
As they talked, the palanquin cart arrived at a secluded and tranquil courtyard in West City and stopped.
Bai Qingqian invited him with a gesture,
“This is the Archer’s Lodge.
Sir, please have some tea here.
The knowledgeable shopkeeper will arrive shortly.
If Sir has business interests in the future and does not wish to attract public attention by going to the market, you can come here directly, and Qingqian will personally attend to you.”
After pouring the fragrant tea herself, she took a jade box and pushed it towards him; Hou Niao opened it to find a panoramic map of islands overseas, with not only geographic locations but also detailed information about the inhabitants of each island.
“The maps sold outside differ from the ones merchants use for themselves; the so-called real-time updates are more of a marketing gimmick and lack practical value;
“Changes in the Lizhi Sea are ever shifting.
The situation is constantly updated, and by the time you receive the news and it manifests, the actual circumstances have already changed, which diminishes its significance.
“In truth, knowing the defenders of the fixed islands is sufficient.
For the rest, having a general idea is adequate, as it’s impossible to master all the factual details.
Instead of spending spirit stones on information, it’s better to travel around the island after arrival, getting to know your neighbors and gather everyone’s news.
That way, you can have a pretty clear understanding of the surrounding environment.”
Hou Niao sighed, knowing he had to accept this favor.
Being new to the place, he indeed needed guidance from someone more experienced.
During their casual conversation, two aging treasure appraisers who were shopkeepers arrived at the courtyard.
Hou Niao dumped all the odds and ends from the three Daoists for the two to examine and evaluate.
After concluding the trade, Hou Niao made a tidy sum.
“Does Sir have any needs?
Spirit stones must be spent to create value; if left in the Treasure Gourd, they are just inanimate objects without purpose.
If Sir has any requirements, please inform me in advance, so I can prepare early and make arrangements.
You know, in Mirage, the more impatient you are to buy something, the more expensive it becomes; if you can be patient, you can grind down all that markup,” Bai Qingqian suggested after the two shopkeepers had left.
Hou Niao knew this woman wanted to use this opportunity to establish a long-term connection with him.
Building a rapport over time naturally leads to a deeper bond.
This was a cunning move, and he wasn’t averse to it—he needed a channel like this and who was to say who else to turn to?
Better to opt for someone reliable like her.
“Alright, two things to pursue, one urgent and the other more leisurely.
“The urgent matter is that I need a set of Array Plates, primarily for early warning and sensing.
They don’t need to have much offensive or defensive capability.”
Bai Qingqian appeared unsurprised, “Understood.
Before Sir takes charge of the island, I shall have everything ready, at a fair price and with a focus on prevention…
Alone on the island, Sir will find such formations very useful, just like almost every Cultivator departing for an island would.”
Hou Niao nodded, “Another thing is that I need some materials for sharpening swords, or magic artifacts would also be fine.
Preferably related to thunder and lightning applications, of any kind.
“I know anything related to thunder is expensive, and my current wealth may not be enough to afford much.
Let’s try and see; perhaps not everything related to thunder is essential?”
If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.
Report