Now that Jiaoyang Mountain had fallen into the hands of Dire Lion Ridge, the strategic importance of Tianxu Mountain had increased significantly. Rogue cultivators who previously hunted demons in Jiaoyang Mountain could only turn to Tianxu Mountain.
Yuyang Market, located between Tianxu Mountain and Bianzhou Region, was in an ideal position to replace Jiaoyang Market. In fact, it had the potential to become the central hub for both Bianzhou Region and Tianxu Mountain in the future.
Clearly, the revenue from Yuyang Market would rise significantly, providing a substantial boost to the dividends shared among the various families in Yu County.
"This matter has its pros and cons," Elian noted before continuing, "But if the Pan family wants to settle in Yu County and take a share of our profits, they can't just reap the benefits without contributing anything in return."
"Let's meet this Patriarch Pan and see what sincerity they bring."
…
Half a month later, Pan Boyuan accepted the invitation and arrived in Pingyang City. He brought only one Foundation Establishment cultivator and was warmly received by the Chen family upon arrival.
Elian poured him a cup of tea and said with a smile, "It is an honor for our Chen family to welcome you, senior."
"Not at all. We are practically equals already; let's interact as peers," Pan Boyuan, despite being a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, responded humbly and courteously.
Elian's growing reputation as a prodigy with potential to reach the Golden Core stage had spread throughout Chu Kingdom, earning him this respect.
After some polite conversation, Pan Boyuan took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "To be honest, fellow Daoists, I do have a request to make."
Patriarch Chen nodded solemnly and said, "We understand your intentions, but you must also understand that if your Pan family settles in Yu County, it will significantly reduce the profits of the local families."
"I have already considered this," Pan Boyuan replied.
"Let me assure you, we have come with genuine sincerity."
"In addition to the Pan family, seven other Foundation Establishment families and nearly a hundred Qi Refinement families also wish to relocate to Yu County. Together, we propose pooling resources to upgrade the spiritual vein of Yuyang Market to the lower third rank."
Hearing this, Elian's expression shifted slightly. Upgrading a second-rank high-grade spiritual vein to the lower third rank required a massive investment of 300,000 spirit stones, equivalent to the cost of a top-tier third-rank immortal sword—a treasure worthy of being a clan's heirloom.
If these families pooled their resources, even with the Pan family contributing the largest share, each Foundation Establishment family would still need to spend tens of thousands of spirit stones, a significant expense.
Once Yuyang Market's spiritual vein reached the third rank, it would create a siphoning effect, attracting more cultivators to buy resources, develop spiritual fields, and rent cave dwellings for cultivation.
In summary, the market's revenue could increase four or five times over. The annual tax revenue alone would exceed 20,000 spirit stones, far surpassing the current 2,000 spirit stones the Chen family received annually.
Elian and the Patriarch exchanged glances, their interest piqued. However, Elian remarked, "This is indeed an excellent proposal, but the Heavenly Sword Demon-Slaying Formation in Yuyang Market was established at the cost of 100,000 spirit stones by Yu County. Moreover, as outsiders, your group should bear the majority of the upgrade costs."
"I understand," Pan Boyuan nodded.
"My Pan family is willing to contribute 100,000 spirit stones. The Foundation Establishment families from Yang Region will provide 120,000, leaving the remaining amount for Yu County to cover. What do you think?"
Elian's expression softened slightly. After some thought, he said, "I can agree to this, but you must realize that your arrival in Yu County will most significantly impact my Chen family. Do you understand?"
Pan Boyuan nodded again. The Chen family was on the verge of ascending to Purple Mansion status, and in time, the entire wealth of Yu County would likely fall into their hands.
Even without the contribution from Yang Region families, the Chen family could eventually upgrade the spiritual vein themselves and enjoy the benefits exclusively once their two members reached the Purple Mansion stage.
Understanding this, Pan Boyuan produced a three-foot-tall sapling and placed it before them.
"If you allow the Pan family to settle in Yu County, I am willing to offer this as a token of goodwill. What do you think?"
"The Enlightenment Tea Tree!"
The Patriarch's eyes widened in shock upon recognizing the sapling, unable to suppress a gasp.
The Enlightenment Tea Tree was an incredibly rare and valuable treasure. Its fragrance enhanced the intelligence and potential of young cultivators in its vicinity.
For those in cultivation, brewing its leaves into tea could induce an enlightened state, temporarily boosting comprehension—priceless for studying advanced techniques and divine abilities.
The tea from a second-rank Enlightenment Tea Tree sold for about 200 spirit stones per ounce. The tree before them was of the second-rank high grade, capable of producing three pounds of leaves every three years, generating an income of over 6,000 spirit stones annually.
Even Elian hadn't expected Pan Boyuan to part with such a treasure. Without hesitation, he agreed.
"If you are willing to offer the Enlightenment Tea Tree, then we, the Chen family, welcome your Pan family to Yu County."
"From now on, we are fellow cultivators in Yu County," Pan Boyuan said with a smile.
"I hope we can support each other in the days to come."
…
After concluding the agreement, Pan Boyuan and his Foundation Establishment companion departed from Pingyang City. Not long after, the Pan family cultivator couldn't help but say, "Fourth Uncle, isn't offering the Enlightenment Tea Tree too much of a loss? After all, the Chen family is only a Foundation Establishment clan."
"I had no choice," Pan Boyuan sighed.
"After the deaths of two Purple Mansion cultivators and the majority of our clan's members, our foundation is nearly gone. Qingyang Sect has severed ties with us entirely and won't provide any reparations. If we want to rebuild and pass down our legacy, we must offer the Enlightenment Tea Tree as compensation."
His words carried a mixture of resentment and helplessness, a reflection of his dissatisfaction with Qingyang Sect.
To secure a foothold in Yu County, the Pan family would not only need to upgrade the spiritual vein of Yuyang Market but also enhance Green Ink Mountain to the third rank. Without these improvements, even their own cultivation would face difficulties.
...
65+ chapters ahead on patreon: patreon.com/David_Lord
I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D