vstars Chapter 30 Trading Breakthrough
Chapter 30 Trading Breakthrough
As the saying goes, "When you drink water, don't forget the well-digger."
As Fan Zhou ate the old blood chicken that Sang Gu had given him, he naturally didn't forget the people of Sangma Village.
Sangma Village is isolated deep in the mountains, and there is an extreme lack of living supplies. Fan Zhou wanted to help them improve their lives.
"So, you want me to buy the blood chickens from Sangma Village and exchange them for some grain or something?" Hou Yi asked.
"That's right, every household in their village raises a lot of blood chickens, which is enough to form a long-term supply." Fan Zhou nodded.
"That's not necessarily a bad thing."
Hou Yi stroked his chin and said that since he had opened a restaurant, he naturally needed a supply of ingredients.
"However, bartering is not very convenient, since I run a restaurant, not a grain store."
"Are you suggesting we buy it with money?"
Fan Zhou said with some difficulty, "But they don't have anywhere to spend money."
In these mountainous areas, bartering is the norm, and the value of gold and silver is ambiguous, since they are just villages and there is no government to stabilize the value of "money".
"Of course we have some! Isn't this market town a place where we spend money to make transactions?"
Hou Yi sat up straight and smiled:
"They sell me the blood chickens, I give them money, and they use that money to exchange for grain and silk at the market. Wouldn't that be better?"
"Besides, it's better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. With money, they can buy all sorts of things they want, which is much more useful than simply giving them food and cloth."
Fan Zhou instantly understood: Hou Yi was setting up a closed-loop trade system!
"Master Hou, no wonder you're so good at business, you're really smart!"
Hou Yi proudly waved the chicken cob bone in his hand:
"Now you understand what a 'money-grabbing expert' really means."
Fan Zhou smiled and continued:
"However, let's trade rice and cloth for now, as these are exactly the supplies they desperately need. We'll talk about money later."
Hou Yi did not object, only saying:
"All the grain is under Tian Youliang's control. If you want to trade rice with Sangma Village, you have to tell him first."
"This is easy, I'll go talk to him," Fan Zhou said.
The two discussed some details and agreed to go to Sangma Village together in a few days.
With the weight lifted from his heart, Fan Zhou was in high spirits. In no time, he ate the two old blood chickens, which made him feel hot all over. His vital energy surged and gushed into his dantian.
But this is not the point.
Fan Zhou inspected the Tiangong furnace.
The time for storing the essence blood of the Yin-Yang Four Phases Sword in the furnace is constantly decreasing, from one hundred and four days to eighty-six days!
"A full eighteen days less!"
Fan Zhou was shocked. He hadn't expected that the two blood chickens that Sang Gu had given him would be so powerful!
According to Hou Yi, these two chickens are probably fifteen or sixteen years old. Ordinary chickens don't live to that age. They must have been carefully fed with medicinal herbs and have already developed some characteristics of a different species.
"Old Man Sang really went all out."
Moved, Fan Zhou immediately set off to find Tian Youliang.
Today is the end of the year, and Tian Youliang is directing his servants to clean the market and prepare for the New Year.
Upon seeing Fan Zhou arrive, Tian Youliang quickly pulled him aside and anxiously asked:
"You've finally arrived! I'm asking you, how are you going to cultivate the four types of Qi within six months? You're only at the first level of embryonic breathing, and you haven't even cultivated internal energy yet. How could you possibly cultivate the four Qi transformations of hardness, softness, coldness, and heat within six months! If you can't do it by then, Qin Zhiyuan will get angry, and you'll never be able to enter the weapon forging workshop again!"
Tian Youliang had been worried about this matter since last night. He thought about it over and over again and couldn't believe that Fan Zhou could master the four types of Qi transformation within half a year.
That's simply impossible.
"I think we should go and discuss this with Boss Qin again, and postpone the time to a year later. That way, we'll have plenty of time."
Tian Youliang was prepared to lose face and was about to drag Fan Zhou to find Qin Zhiyuan.
Fan Zhou was taken aback, not expecting Tian Youliang to be so anxious about this matter, and confidently smiled:
"Master Tian, of course I'm confident."
"And I'm already at the second level of fetal breathing."
Tian Youliang turned around and took a closer look, and found that a point of spiritual light was condensed around him and did not dissipate, which was indeed a sign of the second level of fetal breathing.
He was surprised for a moment, then said in an even more annoyed tone:
"What good is the dual level of fetal breathing! I'm just asking you how you managed to cultivate four different qi transformations within six months!"
Fan Zhou calmly replied, "Not four, but three. You've forgotten, I've already mastered heat."
"Moreover, Master Huang taught me the dual sword technique of strength and gentleness. Once I reach the mastery level, I can cultivate both strength and gentleness."
"As for the last type of cold energy, I have been taking Blood Centipede Wine to aid my cultivation. I believe it won't be long before a cold energy is generated within my body."
Fan Zhou certainly couldn't say that he was blessed by the Heavenly Craftsmanship Furnace, so he could only make up an excuse that was probably 80-90% true.
Tian Youliang was half-convinced by him:
"You mean, if you master the dual-wielding sword technique of hardness and softness within six months, you can control all four types of energy?"
Fan Zhou nodded without changing his expression, "That's exactly right."
Tian Youliang looked doubtful; he didn't believe Fan Zhou could master a sword technique within six months.
But he mastered the Nine Styles of Sword in just three months, so he seems to have some real talent for swordsmanship.
Tian Youliang scratched his head and pondered for a long time before finally giving the instructions:
"If you're confident, that's fine. But if you feel like you're running out of time, remember to come find me. Don't be afraid of losing face."
"Yes, Master Tian." Fan Zhou knew he meant well and bowed respectfully.
Tian Youliang nodded slightly, temporarily setting the matter aside, and then asked:
"By the way, what do you want from me?"
"Well, I'd like to ask you for some food..."
Fan Zhou explained his intention to trade with Sangma Village.
When Tian Youliang heard from Fan Zhou that he had made acquaintances with the local villagers, he was overjoyed:
"I agree to this!"
"The market is in dire need of manpower right now, and I'm worried about where to find so many people!"
He instructed Fan Zhou:
"Bring plenty of grain and silk with you. Tell the villagers that the market is hiring. If they are willing to come and work, I will not only provide them with food and lodging, but also pay them wages or provide them with grain. It's up to them."
Fan Zhou asked curiously, "Master Tian, can we still have the villagers come and work?"
"Of course, we have a lot of work piled up right now, and we're short-staffed. You'll have to find a way to bring a few more people back."
Tian Youliang, worried that Fan Zhou might be too embarrassed to speak up, encouraged him further:
"If you can bring back ten people, I'll give you an extra grain of spirit sand every month; if you can bring back twenty, I'll give you two! The more the better!"
Fan Zhou's eyes lit up, and he immediately agreed.
"I will definitely do my best!"
"Alright, then go back and cultivate."
Tian Youliang nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave.
Fan Zhou reminded him from behind, "Teacher Tian, don't forget to increase my monthly allowance tomorrow!"
Tian Youliang waved his hand with his back to him.
…………
The New Year arrived in the blink of an eye, and the market town welcomed a three-day holiday. Everywhere was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Fan Zhou borrowed two donkeys, tied them with some daily necessities such as oil, salt, and cured meat, and also brought some wine, cloth, and other items.
Hou Yi packed several bags of rice, and the two headed to Sangma Village together.
The two led the donkeys one after the other, walking through the mountains and fields. Based on his memory, Fan Zhou found the path leading to Sangma Village.
Before long, a village gatehouse came into view.
"Stop immediately!"
"Who are you people?!"
The two guards pointed their makeshift spears at them and shouted sternly.
Fan Zhou stepped forward and said:
"I'm here to see Miss Sangmuya and Old Man Sanggu. I'm their friend. Could you please inform them?"
The two guards did not recognize Fan Zhou. After exchanging a glance, one of the men turned around to inform him.
Soon, Sangmuya, wearing a wolfskin coat, came running over and called out to the guards from afar:
"Open the door quickly! Young Master Fan is my benefactor!"
Only then did the guard realize who Fan Zhou was, and he hurriedly opened the gate, looking extremely uneasy.
Fan Zhou didn't mind and led Hou Yi into the village, leading the donkey.
Sang Muya ran up to Fan Zhou, her face flushed with joy:
"Young Master Fan, you've come at the perfect time. My father has been waiting for you."
Fan Zhou was also touched by her enthusiasm and asked with a smile:
"Miss Sang, is your leg injury healed?"
Sang Muya nodded and said, "This is all thanks to my benefactor's medicine. I was able to move around freely the day after I returned home."
"That's good." Fan Zhou was much relieved, then asked with concern, "How is your father's condition? Is he feeling any better?"
Sang Muya led him home and replied, "Father is much better now, but he still can't get cold, otherwise he would have come out to greet you."
Fan Zhou chatted with Sang Muya for a few more minutes, and a group of children gradually followed him, all staring longingly at the things on the donkey.
"Abang, come here."
Fan Zhou spotted Abang among the children and called him over.
Abang cautiously approached, looking at him nervously.
Fan Zhou took a bag of maltose from the supplies and handed it to him, "Abang, give these candies to the children in the village."
Abang was initially hesitant to take his things, but upon hearing that they were candy, he couldn't resist reaching out and taking them.
Sangmuya's eyes widened. "Abang, how could you take our benefactor's things? Sugar is very expensive!"
She was about to take the candy back when Fan Zhou quickly stopped her, saying, "It's okay, I have more."
He then took out a bag of maltose and stuffed it into Sangmuya's hand, saying, "This is for you."
"This is too valuable, I can't take it," Sang Muya quickly declined.
"It's nothing."
Fan Zhou patted the donkey's back, which was covered with bags and packages. "These are all things I brought to the village."
Sang Muya was taken aback and hurriedly said, "Young Master Fan, you are our benefactor, how can we take your things!"
Fan Zhou knew she was uneasy, so he smiled and said, "Don't be so quick to refuse. Actually, I came here because I need your help with something."
The group arrived at Sangmuya's house, where Sanggu and Sanglaba were waiting downstairs. Upon seeing Fan Zhou arrive, Sanglaba immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"Sanlaba had been negligent in the past and had not been able to thank his benefactor in person for saving his life, and he has always felt guilty about it."
Fan Zhou quickly helped him up, "Chief, there's no need for such formalities, please get up."
Sanlaba insisted on kneeling, but he couldn't resist Fan Zhou and was eventually persuaded by a group of people to go inside.
"Chief Sang, Elder Sanggu, I have actually come here this time to ask you for a favor."
After Fan Zhou sat down, he first recounted the matters that Tian Youliang had instructed him to handle.
"Our market is currently short-staffed, and we hope to recruit some people from your village. Of course, the wages will not be less."
Sanlaba and Sangu looked at each other, neither of them speaking for a moment.
Fan Zhou was feeling uneasy when he heard Sanglaba ask incredulously:
"Does our benefactor mean that we should select some people from our village to work for you, providing them with three meals a day, lodging, and wages?"
"That's right." Fan Zhou nodded seriously.
Sanlaba and Sangu exchanged another glance, then Sangu cautiously asked, "How many people are needed?"
Although Tian Youliang said the more people the better, Fan Zhou hesitated, worried they might refuse, and said:
"Is twenty people enough?"
Sang Gu cautiously offered his opinion from the side:
"Is fifty people acceptable?"
"Huh?" Fan Zhou was taken aback. He didn't expect that not only did they not refuse, but they even more than doubled their number.
Little did he know that small villages like Sangma Village were all heavily suppressed by the larger villages above them. Whenever there was any labor involved, the villages above would simply come and seize people to be enslaved, without paying them any wages.
Sang Gu had never heard of such a good thing in his entire life: being given food, a place to stay, and even wages.
If it hadn't come from Fan Zhou, their benefactor, Sanlaba and Sanggu wouldn't have dared to even think about it.
Seeing the two people's eager eyes, Fan Zhou hesitated and dared not agree immediately, saying:
"How about we select thirty people first, and if the market area still needs more people, I'll recruit more."
"Okay, okay!" Sanlaba nodded in agreement without hesitation and quickly instructed Sangmuya:
"Muya, quickly select thirty young men from the village; they'll go to the market with our benefactor later!"
Sang Muya responded and hurried downstairs.
Fan Zhou then brought up the matter of Hou Yi coming to acquire the blood chicken.
Sanlaba readily agreed, saying he would take as many blood chickens as he wanted, but he wouldn't take their things or their money.
"Our benefactor has already helped us so much; we can't be so shameless as to accept your kindness any longer."
Fan Zhou waved his hand and said, "Kindness is kindness, and business is business; they are two different things."
Hou Yi also said, "That's right, Chief Sang, we're doing long-term business, not using personal relationships to blackmail you."
The two persuaded them together, and in the end, both Sanlaba and Sangu agreed.
They went downstairs and distributed the things Fan Zhou had brought to the villagers. They also selected more than twenty blood chickens that were about three years old and gave them to Hou Yi in exchange for the grain he had brought.
The people of Sangma Village were overjoyed with the transaction and expressed their gratitude to Hou Yi and Fan Zhou. The children ran around the village excitedly, shouting, "It's New Year's Day! It's New Year's Day!"
Fan Zhou was very pleased, at least he had provided some help to the village.
Sang Gu was moved to tears, saying, "So many years, so many years, we have finally had a joyous New Year."
He grabbed Fan Zhou's arm and hissed, "Young Master Fan, you absolutely must stay for a meal this time, so our entire village can properly thank you."
This time, Fan Zhou didn't refuse, and said with a smile, "Okay!"
A grand banquet was held in the village, and everyone brought out fine wine and food to entertain Fan Zhou and his companion. Sanglaba, disregarding Sangmuya's advice, kept toasting them with cup after cup of wine.
The banquet finally ended in the afternoon.
Fan Zhou helped the drunken Hou Yi onto the donkey's back and led thirty young men from Sangma Village, led by Sang Muya, back to the market and handed them over to Tian Youliang.
Tian Youliang laughed heartily and appointed Fan Zhou as their inspector and Sang Muya as their leader, responsible for supervising and leading them in their work.
Of course, he didn't forget to keep his promise and gave Fan Zhou three spirit sands on the spot.
Everything settled down.
Fan Zhou returned to a peaceful life.
His main daily routine consisted of practicing swordsmanship, studying the sword manual left by Huang Yi, and occasionally visiting the people of Sangmu Village to help them with their problems.
…………
Time flies, and it's already the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
Fan Zhou's blood centipede wine is ready.
There were a total of twenty-four dried blood centipedes in the box that Sangmuya gave him.
There are ten seven-inch ones, six eight-inch ones, five nine-inch ones, and three one-foot ones.
Twenty-four blood centipedes, which is equivalent to twenty-four jugs of wine.
Fan Zhou estimated in his mind that all of these Blood Centipede Wines could reduce the time by about fifty or sixty days.
"In other words, once I finish drinking all this Blood Centipede Wine, my essence blood reserve period will be over!"
This result surprised Fan Zhou, who even doubted whether he had made a mistake in his calculations.
But the result was exactly as he had calculated.
Five days later, after he finished drinking all the Blood Centipede Wine, the essence blood reserve time of the Yin-Yang Four Phases Sword reached zero, and the Heavenly Crafting Furnace then sent a message:
[The forging of the "Two Elements and Four Phases Sword" has begun!]
Forging time: 120 days
There are still four months left.
Fan Zhou breathed a sigh of relief.
It will be May in four months, which is more than a month before his six-month agreement with Qin Zhiyuan.
It's safe to say that joining the weapon forging workshop is a done deal.
But Fan Zhou did not dare to slack off.
Swordsmanship is swordsmanship, and cultivation is cultivation.
No matter how much breakthrough swordsmanship can bring, the most important thing is to elevate one's realm of cultivation.
"During the time I'm forging the Yin-Yang Four Phases Sword, I will dedicate more of my time to cultivation, striving to break through to the third level of the Fetal Breathing Realm as soon as possible!"
The weapon forging workshop is the core of the sword furnace. The disciples inside are all selected talents. If he wants to continue to stand out among those apprentices, their cultivation level must also catch up.
"Ideally, I could break through to the third level of the Fetal Breathing Realm and reach the Bone Tempering Realm within four months!"
To break through from Yi Jin to Cui Gu, the most important thing is to use the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to temper the body, gradually permeating from the muscles to the bones.
The speed at which one can absorb spiritual energy from heaven and earth is basically determined by the aptitude of one's spiritual roots.
The better one's spiritual root, the faster one can absorb spiritual energy, and the faster one's body will be tempered.
With his spiritual root of only four inches and nine-tenths, it would be very difficult for him to temper spiritual energy from his muscles to his bones in four months.
But Fan Zhou wasn't entirely without options.
He took a grain of spiritual sand from the money pouch under the bed and held it in his hand.
"Inner qualities cannot be changed, but external resources can."
This is the most effective and convenient way to increase cultivation speed—spend money!
Or rather, it's burning money.
The spiritual sand contains abundant spiritual energy from heaven and earth, which can be drawn into the body in the blink of an eye.
This speed is much faster than his painstaking sword practice and mental perception.
Although Fan Zhou felt a pang of regret, the money still needed to be used.
Moreover, using spirit sand directly for cultivation is cheaper than buying spirit pills and elixirs, making it the most cost-effective option for him at the moment.
Once the spiritual sand in his palm turned into powder and scattered, Fan Zhou roughly estimated his progress.
"The spiritual energy contained in a single grain of spirit sand is almost equivalent to the spiritual energy I absorb in three days."
"If I can use spirit sand to aid my cultivation every day, then one month of cultivation will be equivalent to four months, and breaking through to the third level of the embryonic breathing stage will be just around the corner."
Thinking of this, Fan Zhou couldn't help but shake his head.
He himself only receives two spirit sands per month.
Now, with the addition of the people from Sangma Village, he can receive three more spirit sand grains a month, making a total of five grains.
"I need to think of a way to make money; relying solely on my monthly allowance isn't enough for my cultivation needs."
Fan Zhou frowned in thought; he didn't have any skills that could make money.
"How about we hire a few more people to work in the market?"
The market is still short of people, and this will be even more true after spring.
Not only Tian Youliang, but also the other stewards need manpower.
"We can recruit more people from Sangma Village, but we can't just take from them all the time, since the village needs to be guarded."
Fan Zhou thought for a moment, then picked up the wooden sword and walked outside.
He was going to ask Sangmuya if there were any other honest people in the nearby villages who could recommend him for work in the market.
Fan Zhou found Sang Muya working in the logging forest; she was wielding an axe and chopping down trees.
Fan Zhou explained his purpose to her, and Sang Muya happily said:
"Near Sangma Village, there is also a Green Bamboo Village. The people there are very simple and honest. For generations, they have made a living by weaving bamboo products and live a very poor life."
"I can persuade them to come and work in the market."