Chapter 236: Chapter 233: 233: Wealthy and Capricious

Feng Jun felt that Tian Yangni had quite sharp observation skills, and he had no intention of concealing the flaws in the surveillance.

He nodded, “That’s right, not only will the formation make use of Thunderous Power, even the materials used to set it up will experience wear and tear.”

Upon hearing this, Tian Yangni grimaced, “The materials… will also wear out?”

Actually, he wasn’t surprised by this piece of news; what doesn’t wear out? Walk a little more, and even the soles of shoes break down faster.

But such expensive items wearing out was something he was reluctant to face head-on.

The average person might not feel too pained by scuffed shoe soles, but try asking them to wear down a Prada bag and see?

However, as a clan elder, Tian Yangni considered more than the average person. When he realized that the Divine Doctor didn’t seem to mind if the formation design leaked, he couldn’t help but probe, “Divine Doctor, is this formation something that can be sold just like that?”

“Sold just like that?” Feng Jun looked at him as if he were an idiot, “Are you deliberately trying to insult me?”

“The Divine Doctor forgives my improper choice of words,” Tian Yangni immediately cupped his hands in an apologetic gesture and put on a smile, “Items from the Divine Doctor are certainly precious, what I meant to ask was… my Tian Family has esteemed relatives who would have a need for this item.”

“Heh,” Feng Jun scoffed disdainfully, “What do your Tian Family’s esteemed relatives have to do with me?”

He let the Tian Family members come to view the surveillance because he, of course, wanted to cement his “magical” reputation. This monitoring system was also something he could sell, not just the surveillance alone, but as a whole solution package—it had to be sold as a whole.

But as to how to sell it and to whom, that was up to him, just like when he sold jade on Earth.

Only he could shuttle between two realms to conduct business. If he couldn’t monopolize such a trade and do as he pleased, he’d be doing a disservice to this adventure.

He had a good cooperation with the Tian Family now, so he didn’t mind selling to them, but as for others wanting to buy, that would depend on his mood.

“The Divine Doctor jests, of course, it’s not related to you,” Tian Yangni spoke with a forced smile, “It’s just that those people have met you, they are individuals of status and abide by the rules, like Brother Bao from the Lord Beiyuan Family, Second Young Master Yu from the Yu Family…”

Feng Jun had indeed met those two, and his impression of them was not too bad. Brother Bao was a bit arrogant and presumptuous, which stemmed from being pampered since childhood. After being snubbed by Feng Jun twice, he didn’t react much.

Second Young Master Yu was even more interesting; he insisted on charging a fee to board his boat and conducted himself with dignity and propriety, striking a balance in his approach. Feng Jun liked dealing with such sensible people.

So, knowing the Tian Family was referring to these two, he nodded slightly, “It’s them, huh? Well, they could be considered, but let me make one thing clear upfront. I decide how to sell this item, and if they want to haggle, they can save it!”

Tian Lewen heard this and felt troubled, “Divine Doctor, this formation is indeed a fine item, but its price has to be agreed upon after others have seen it… After all, there’s no trade where bargaining isn’t allowed.”

His words were certainly reasonable; hounding someone wasn’t a proper transaction. In that moment, he even began to disregard the other person’s status a bit.

Feng Junbai gave him a cold look, and didn’t mince his words, “I never intended to sell it. I’m only considering it out of respect for your Tian Family, do you understand?”

That’s just how it is with a monopoly; I’ll sell if I want. Take it or leave it!

Seeing Feng Junbai’s stance, Tian Yangni quickly spoke with a smile, “There’s no way we can bargain, but… before purchasing, they must be allowed to come and see it, right?”

Feng Junbai didn’t even want the other party to see it. I let your Tian Family come because everyone around here is part of your clan; you help me mine jade, build my house, and even patrol for me. It’s because of such interactions that I let you two have a look.

Thus, he turned his head to glance at Tian Yangni, his question half-mocking, “Why don’t you explain to them, or don’t they trust your words?”

“Of course, they trust my word,” Tian Yangni was confident about this point. As one of the only two High-Rank Martial Masters in the Tian Family, he could almost speak for the entire clan.

However, he still had other concerns, “But the key issue is, Brother Bao and the Second Young Master are just juniors in their families. They can’t make big decisions about silver coins on their own. They need to see with their own eyes first, then it would be convenient to discuss with their clan.”

The logic was clear; Tian Yangni could convince those two, but to get the families behind them to spend real gold and silver, it was best to let them see for themselves first.

Feng Junbai knew this made sense, but he didn’t plan to agree. He only conceded slightly, “Since you say they aren’t the decision makers, then why bother having them look? Have those who can decide come and see.”

Tian Lewen felt in his heart that the Divine Doctor was being a bit pushy. Not letting the parties see anything or discussing a price, yet expecting Lord Beiyuan and the Yu Family to send someone with authority, isn’t this not how business is done?

Do you know what status those who can make decisions in those families hold?

—We admit, Divine Doctor, you too have status, but the Tian Family’s role as mediator hardly seems sufficient.

That’s what he thought, but fortunately, there was still a clan elder present. Tian Yangni smiled and said, “Exactly, the Divine Doctor is absolutely correct… it seems I was the one who thought wrong.”

“It’s fine,” Feng Jun waved his hand dismissively and spoke lightly, “My formation can be observed by Tian Family members, but others who wish to look won’t be allowed to do so for free, do you understand what I mean?”

“Understood,” Tian Yangni smiled and nodded, “Before they examine the formation, they must surely show some sincerity.”

After looking a while longer, the two bid farewell and left.

On the way back, Tian Lewen spoke sullenly, “The Divine Doctor is quite fair to our family, but don’t you think he is a bit harsh on others? He’s demanding gifts before any transaction has taken place?”

“Our status is not equal; hence, the need for a visiting gift,” Tian Yangni replied nonchalantly, “Had our Tian Family not formed a marriage alliance with Lord Beiyuan’s family, would you be able to enter his residence without bringing a gift?”

Tian Lewen couldn’t help admitting that he didn’t see things as clearly as the Elders, so he could only smile sheepishly, “I didn’t think of that, but now I’m curious… How much should be prepared for the Divine Doctor’s visiting gift?”

“How can you be so dull!” Tian Yangni glared at him irritably, “Le Wen, eventually the Tian Family will be under your management; you must learn to think more when confronted with such matters!”

“It’s not something one can figure out by just sitting around and thinking, right?” muttered Tian Lewen under his breath, then fell silent. After taking a couple more steps, he exclaimed in shock, “No way! Don’t tell me we have to present him with a Cultivation Technique?”

“I knew you weren’t that dense!” Tian Yangni pointed at him and then shook his head with a wry smile, “What puzzles me is why you wouldn’t put that fine brain to use more often… Is it just for wearing hats?”

“Uncle, you’re making fun of me,” said Tian Lewen with another sheepish smile, “I was thinking… Cultivation Techniques are ultimately very precious.”

“That’s for ordinary people to say!” Tian Yangni glared at him with irritation, “We won’t even mention the Divine Doctor’s other statuses now, just consider that he is already a High-Rank Martial Master… What kind of Cultivation Technique can’t he see?”

The reason why Cultivation Techniques are closely guarded is mainly due to the monopoly of related knowledge. In this realm, it isn’t just any person who wishes to cultivate that can do so.

Take Lang Zhen as an example, he started with the most common type available, but even that wasn’t cheap.

These things can’t be cheap. With such secrecy, there are still cultivators all over Donghua Country. If everything were made public, let’s not discuss anything else, just ask one thing—how would the Cultivation resources be managed?

However, once one becomes a High-Rank Martial Master, that barrier no longer exists. Aside from rare and unique Cultivation Techniques, acquiring ordinary Cultivation Techniques is actually very simple for them.

In fact, many Martial Artists would bring their Techniques to seek guidance—asking how to practice in the most suitable way.

At that time, High-Rank Martial Masters could not only see others’ Techniques for free but would also be paid for it.

Take the deceased Elder Zhao from Zhao Family Fort as an example—even though he was just a Low-Rank Martial Master, he still charged for teaching others Cultivation in Dongmu Province.

After the two returned to their quarters, they sent for Brother Bao and Second Young Master Yu and recounted the events of the day.

“Does your Yu Family require someone in charge to come over?” The Second Young Master’s brow lifted, clearly somewhat displeased, “I’ll go and inquire how much his formation is worth first.”

“Why must you make things difficult for us?” Tian Yangni’s eyes widened as he spoke sternly, “I’ll tell you this, kid, this was originally a favorable opportunity for my Tian Family. We couldn’t afford it, so we merely asked on your behalf, thinking to keep the chance within the family…”

“If you aren’t interested, you might as well pretend you never heard about it—don’t offend a distinguished guest of our family.”

Second Young Master Yu argued defiantly, “Since he’s your distinguished guest, I should try out its worth as a mark of filial piety from the younger generation.”

It was crucial that Tian Lewen stood up at this moment, declaring firmly, “The Tian Family’s distinguished guest need not be tested by your Yu Family.”

Despite his whiny demeanor in front of Feng Jun, at heart, he was quite decisive—the rising talent of the Tian Family wasn’t just flattering talk, he really was very capable.

Second Young Master Yu glanced at him sideways, “If your own family wishes to consider him a distinguished guest, my Yu Family may not necessarily want to.”

“Then your Yu Family needn’t send anyone,” retorted Tian Lewen with a cold snort, sharp-tongued, “If it weren’t for my Tian Family encountering some difficulties and being short on funds, how could such a golden opportunity fall to your family?”

Tian Yangni nodded in agreement upon hearing this, “If the Yu Family does decide to send someone, the choice of what to give is no concern of yours, right? Your job now is simply to relay the message.”

Second Young Master Yu stubbornly clung to his point, turning to Brother Bao, “If the message is passed incorrectly, it could lead to embarrassment… isn’t that so?”

But Brother Bao just shook his head, “It’s just a matter of some greeting gifts, isn’t it? Uncle, you tell me, what should I offer? I’ll have a look first, and if it really matters, my family can send an additional gift when they visit.”

Truly fitting for the youngest son of Lord Beiyuan—to the wealthy, being willful is the norm, the same on Earth as it is here.

(Updated to call for monthly tickets.)