Chapter 361: Negotiation at Medicine Field Mountain
Wan Yao Valley, Medicine Field Mountain.
Ning Zhuo and Lin Shanshan walked side by side on the mountainside.
Looking far into the distance, the afternoon sunlight was warm, spreading across the mountain like a golden glow. Medicine Field Mountain was like a painting unfurling. The terraced fields were lush and green.
In the medicine fields, all kinds of herbs were flourishing and full of life.
There was Qingling Grass, as green as jade, with slender leaves that swayed gently in the breeze, glowing with a rich luster.
Clusters of Zixia Flowers bloomed like clouds, their petals giving off a fragrant aroma, attracting bees to dance around them.
Snow Lotus Seeds, pure white like jade, dotted the green fields like stars scattered across the ground, emitting a faint glow.
There were also Chilong Fruits, red like fire, with plump fruits hanging from the branches like small lanterns, adding bright colors to the landscape.
Golden Thread Vines coiled and twisted, their vines as thin as golden threads, shining brightly in the sunlight, their vitality overflowing.
Between the medicine fields, straight paths were well planned, paved with bluestones.
Many streams were specially arranged, diverting water from spiritual springs to irrigate the various sizes of the medicine fields.
As the breeze blew, the mixed fragrance of the herbs was refreshing to the soul.
Lin Shanshan led the way ahead, while the elder from the sect was responsible for explaining to Ning Zhuo.
At this moment, the sect elder was introducing the formations around Medicine Field Mountain.
“There is mainly the Eight Trigrams Formation, used to protect against external enemies and also to eliminate pests.”
“There is also the Green Mountain Stabilization Formation, which maintains the fertility of the land, keeping it unchanged.”
“Furthermore, there is the Spiritual Spring Gathering Formation, which extracts the spiritual spring water to irrigate the medicine fields, helping each herb to absorb and grow to its maximum potential.”
As the group walked further, they saw a commotion in a distant pavilion, where a crowd had gathered.
"Go and see what's happening," the sect elder frowned and immediately instructed a follower nearby.
The follower left quickly and returned just as fast: "Someone is causing trouble."
“It’s that merchant named Li Jingqing, who doesn’t have any money but wants to buy on credit. This is against the rules, so he was refused by the responsible fellow disciple.”
“Who knew Li Jingqing would start crying, making a scene, and even threatening to hang himself, claiming that all his money had been stolen and that Wan Yao Valley had a responsibility for inadequate supervision.”
“He carried a large amount of funds, not all of which were his own. If he doesn't bring back any herbs this time, he won’t be able to explain, and his fate will be worse than death!”
“He’s shouting that he's certain to die a miserable death and that buying on credit is his only lifeline. If Wan Yao Valley doesn’t allow it, he’ll just smash his head into the wall and die right here!”
The sect elder's face darkened, and he let out a cold snort: "A mere merchant dares to pressure my Wan Yao Valley."
Lin Shanshan glanced at Ning Zhuo: “This is truly a case of evil receiving its due retribution. That Li Jingqing previously schemed against you, my lord, but who would have thought karma would come so swiftly.”
Ning Zhuo shook his head slightly: “The wicked will meet their end through their actions!”
“However, since he has already apologized to me, the grudge between us has long been settled.”
“Letting him continue causing trouble like this isn't good either.”
“At this moment, it’s the crucial time for your sect to distribute medicinal goods for sale. Li Jingqing’s disturbance reflects poorly on the situation.”
Ning Zhuo smiled slightly as he spoke: “Miss Lin and your sect elder, due to your positions, cannot act.”
“Why don’t I handle this?”
As he spoke, he took out a pouch of spirit stones and handed it to a servant: “Go and tell him that I, Ning Zhuo, am lending Li Jingqing five thousand lower-grade spirit stones. Tell him not to make any more fuss. Let him use these five thousand lower-grade spirit stones to purchase some herbs and at least meet his immediate needs.”
The sect elder was moved upon hearing this and sighed: “Young Master is truly righteous!”
Lin Shanshan smiled: “Thank you very much. Later, we will repay the spirit stones threefold.”
Ning Zhuo also smiled: “It’s a small matter, done with little effort. There’s no need for the spirit stones. Five thousand lower-grade spirit stones are a small sum. Let’s focus on discussing our cooperation. That is more important.”
Lin Shanshan smiled without speaking.
The sect elder then spoke: “Here is the specific price list, Young Master Ning, please have a look.”
As he spoke, he handed Ning Zhuo a jade slip.
Ning Zhuo took it, holding it in his hand, and his spiritual sense penetrated into the jade slip, quickly reading through it.
He frowned slightly: “The prices on this list are only marginally different from what the merchants pay.”
“My clan and your sect are aiming for long-term cooperation, and the scale of our annual purchases will not be small. So, could there not be some discount?”
Lin Shanshan remained silent.
The sect elder shook his head and pointed toward the pavilion where the commotion had taken place: “Young Master Ning, you just witnessed it yourself. Our Wan Yao Valley’s herbs have never had trouble finding buyers. It’s always like this—our doors are flooded with people.”
“If we were to rashly lower prices, it would be difficult for our sect to account for it to the public.”
Ning Zhuo smiled slightly, knowing that Wan Yao Valley must be demonstrating its strength with this mountain tour.
He had anticipated this and remained calm and composed: “Your sect’s business is thriving, truly making others envious.”
“But my clan is different from these merchants.”
“Not to mention our Nascent Soul-level combat power, our clan hails from North Wind Country, where we hold the steadfast spirit of the northern lands in high regard.”
“If we form an alliance, we have never broken an agreement.”
“In the cultivation world, strength speaks. In case of future discord, can these merchants be a strong ally for your sect?”
For a moment, Lin Shanshan looked over, and the sect elder raised his eyebrows.
Neither spoke.
Ning Zhuo smiled and walked ahead, leaving time for the two to react.
Lin Shanshan and the sect elder exchanged glances, both feeling that Ning Zhuo’s negotiation style was like casting a spell—once it was activated, it surged forward with irresistible momentum, moving the heart.
The sect elder said nothing, only giving Lin Shanshan a look.
Lin Shanshan quickly caught up, walking alongside Ning Zhuo, both overlooking the beautiful scenery of Medicine Field Mountain.
She said, “Young Master Ning’s words just now truly struck a chord with everyone. But the alliance between our two sides is of great importance. Please forgive me for asking, can you make the final decision on this matter?”
Ning Zhuo smiled, still admiring the layered medicine fields: “Even if I said I could, Miss Lin, you might believe me, but your father wouldn’t.”
“We just need to wait a few days for your sect to return from Huoshi Mountain with the intelligence they’ve gathered, and the truth will come to light.”
“Before that, I just want to push things forward faster.”
“Though our clan and your sect are far apart, we complement each other very well. Your sect needs our clan’s military strength, and we’ve only been in Southern Dou Country for a decade or so since migrating from the north. We also need strong allies outside to stabilize our situation.”
“If we can form an alliance in the future, it would be mutually beneficial for both sides.”
“Since Miss Lin is present, I don’t think there’s a need to haggle over prices. It would sully the bond between us. So, I’ll speak frankly.”
“The prices on that list—my clan cannot afford them.”
“Our clan migrated from the north and has spent these years recuperating, only just beginning to recover some vitality.”
“Not long ago, Lava Immortal Palace emerged on Huoshi Mountain, and Huoshi Immortal City experienced several upheavals. There was even a point when the beast tide almost overran the entire city.”
“We can’t come up with that many spirit stones every year to buy herbs. I’ve been thinking, maybe we could trade goods instead.”
“Look at this, it’s a specialty of Huoshi Mountain—Huoshi Fruit. It has many uses; it can be used in alchemy, crafting, or even as fuel or explosive material.”
Lin Shanshan took the Huoshi Fruit but didn’t inspect it. She simply held it in her hand.
Her beautiful eyes stared at Ning Zhuo as she sincerely said: “Our Wan Yao Valley has long been aware of the Huoshi Fruit. When Huoshi Immortal City was being built, our previous elders went to investigate.”
“To be honest, we initially saw Huoshi Fruit as a competitor, fearing it would impact the medicinal herb market in Southern Dou Country.”
“However, after the investigation, most of our elders' worries were eased.”
“Over the years, facts have proven that the elders
’ judgments were not wrong. Huoshi Fruit hasn’t impacted our herb business.”
“Though Huoshi Fruit is versatile, the herbs in our medicine fields are specialized in their own way and are always highly praised by the public, making them a superior option.”
“If Young Master Ning doesn’t believe me, you can gather intelligence on Huoshi Fruit’s market share and see for yourself that I’m not lying.”
Ning Zhuo smiled: “I believe Miss Lin.”
“However, bartering isn’t just about Huoshi Fruit.”
“If your sect isn’t interested in this specialty, that’s fine. But the Crimson Flame Beasts in Huoshi Mountain are endless. Surely your sect would need the materials from these beasts?”
Lin Shanshan nodded: “Indeed.”
“Our sect excels in planting, alchemy, and healing.”
“For our alchemy materials, beast materials are always something we purchase in large quantities from outside.”
“If your clan can offer a price lower than the market rate, then the chances of our cooperation succeeding are very high.”
Ning Zhuo laughed heartily: “Since your sect is asking our clan to lower the market price, why can’t your sect reduce the herb prices?”
Lin Shanshan replied: “Of course, we can lower them.”
“But it depends on the scale of the transaction. If the scale is too small, it will be difficult to lower it to a level that satisfies you, Young Master.”
“After all, the sale of herbs involves many factions within the sect. While our sect leader could act independently, forcefully suppressing others over minor matters would greatly harm the sect’s reputation.”
“Young Master Ning, would you like to hear my suggestion?”
Ning Zhuo responded: “I know what you’re thinking, Miss Lin. You want me to follow Li Jingqing’s example?”
Lin Shanshan smiled: “Young Master is indeed wise, understanding with just a hint.”
“If you can secure one of the top spots in the cave estate competition, according to our sect’s rules, there would be a significant discount on herb prices.”
“By following the existing rules, you won’t infringe on anyone’s interests, and it’s the most accepted method.”
“For others, it might be challenging, but with your abilities, securing a spot in the top ten is highly possible.”
Ning Zhuo nodded: “I originally came to your sect seeking guidance, intending to use the Small Peak Competition to train my combat skills.”
“Now that it’s tied to a herb price discount, I must strive even harder.”
“Miss Lin, I’ll be counting on your guidance in the future, especially regarding martial techniques...”
Lin Shanshan nodded and winked at Ning Zhuo: “Aren’t we friends? Since I’ve already accepted your flower, as a friend, I won’t stand by and do nothing.”
This young lady of Wan Yao Valley had indeed received excellent training.
By the end of the negotiation, she had smoothly transitioned the discussion from sect and family cooperation to personal friendship, adding a warmth that greatly softened the previously tense atmosphere of the negotiation.
The elder of the sect standing nearby perked up his ears, catching a “key point”: “A flower? What flower? Ning Zhuo gave Shanshan a flower? And Shanshan accepted it?!”
For a moment, a trace of concern flashed in the sect elder’s eyes.
He reassessed Ning Zhuo.
Seeing this young man in white, with a tall figure, handsome face, sincere expression, and graceful demeanor, he silently praised him.
Upon further thought, he anxiously glanced at Lin Shanshan.
Seeing Lin Shanshan smiling as she chatted with Ning Zhuo, the elder’s worry grew, and he secretly decided to report this matter to the sect master.
(End of chapter)