Chapter 17

"What, the Liu family sword duel, lost?"

In the bustling morning of the ancient city of Wanggu, the news of the sword duel added a new layer of excitement to the streets, where everyone was talking about it.

"Is it true?"

"I saw it with my own eyes, how could it be false?"

"Is it that bad?"

The discussions were numerous, rising and falling, mainly due to the large crowd, with tea stalls and taverns all abuzz.

"Quick, the Liu family armory is open."

Amidst the chatter, a shout rang out.

However, the usual rush to the armory did not happen today, and no one was scrambling to buy.

Where did everyone go?

Clearly, they all went to the Zhao family armory. The weapons were just as good, but cheaper and of higher quality. Only a fool would buy here, where everyone acted like they were the lords of heaven.

"If you don't buy today, they'll be gone tomorrow."

Despite this, the servants of the Liu family armory still strutted around, shouting loudly.

"Buy your sister."

"He...tui."

The martial cultivators' response was sharp, their voices loud. They had long wanted to curse. Losing the sword duel and still putting on airs, no one was going to indulge them.

Indeed, before, people had to buy weapons from the Liu family because they had a monopoly on good weapons.

Now, things were different. With other options available, good service and better weapons, only a fool would go to the Liu family.

Well! A loud howl didn't bring in customers but instead invited a barrage of curses, making the situation quite awkward.

The scene was rather ironic.

While the Liu family armory was deserted, the Zhao family armory was bustling with people, a stark contrast.

"Good, very good."

In the upstairs room, Liu Canghai gritted his teeth, not only losing face but also losing business.

"Eighty percent off, everything eighty percent off."

In front of the Zhao family armory, Wu Er was still holding a copper gong, shouting loudly.

No need for him to shout, the crowd was continuous. Compared to the usual lack of interest, today's business was booming.

Inside the shop, Zhao Yun, the head clerk, was busy, collecting money, with plenty of silver.

"How will they counter?"

Zhao Yun thought, with their business being taken, the Liu family would not sit idly by.

Just wait!

Within three days, something will happen.

For example, they might lower the prices of their weapons to engage in cutthroat competition, something common among competitors.

Moreover, they might do something even more aggressive, like buying out all the weapons to create a monopoly. With the Liu family's wealth, it was entirely possible, though it was uncertain if Liu Canghai had the resolve, given the enormous cost, not just a few hundred taels.

Therefore, he needed to plan ahead.

"Should I go out for a stroll tonight?"

Zhao Yun stroked his chin.

The Liu family's apothecary had so many materials; the Liu family's bank had so much silver, which would go to waste if left untouched.

"Master Zhao?"

As he was thinking, a bearded man stood at the counter, smiling at him.

Zhao Yun refocused.

He recognized the man, who had bought a weapon from the Liu family before, a large ghost-head saber, which he had borrowed to examine.

"Can you give me a discount on this saber?"

The bearded man chuckled, pointing to the large saber he had just chosen from the Zhao family armory. It was of a higher quality than his, so he wanted a better one.

"Didn't bring enough money?" Zhao Yun smiled.

"Not really." The man looked embarrassed. He had spent all his savings to buy a saber from the Liu family armory, leaving him with no money.

"You can trade your weapon."

Zhao Yun smiled, thinking it was a good idea to get a ready-made weapon this way.

Afterward, he could refine it and sell it again, saving time and effort.

"Waiting for that."

The bearded man laughed, placing his ghost-head saber on the counter with a thud.

"This saber plus ten taels, and you can take mine." Zhao Yun estimated the price.

"I bought this for fifty taels."

The bearded man grimaced.

"Sabers are different."

Zhao Yun smiled, switching to his persuasive mode. In business, he would not miss a chance to make a profit.

"In that case, I'll come back another day."

The bearded man coughed and turned to leave, truly out of money. Ten taels was not a small amount.

"Tomorrow, it will be fifty taels."

Zhao Yun stood up, stretching.

"Don't!"

The man who had left turned back.

"If you don't have money, we can find another way." Zhao Yun beckoned the man closer, "I want ready-made weapons, of any quality, as many as you can find, and I'll pay for them."

"You sell weapons, why buy them?" The man scratched his head, confused.

"Just tell me if you have them."

"I do."

"In that case, leave your saber, take mine, no extra charge." Zhao Yun waved his hand, "When you find weapons, bring them here, the more the better."

"Aren't you afraid I'll run away?"

The man quickly took the saber, fearing Zhao Yun would change his mind.

"Would you run if there's money to be made?"

Zhao Yun casually picked up a wine jug.

"Got it!"

The man laughed, holding the saber and occasionally breathing on it, wiping it with his sleeve. The saber was indeed different, more powerful than the one from the Liu family.

"Find weapons."

The man quickly set out to collect weapons, as Master Zhao had said, regardless of quality, as many as possible, and he would pay for them.

This could make him rich.

Whatever he bought, he could resell to Zhao Yun for a profit.

Yes... reliable.

"Don't get too excited, I make more than you."

At the counter, Zhao Yun was clever. Refining ready-made weapons would multiply their value. He had a good business sense.

Collecting ready-made weapons.

This rule was soon made public, known as the "wild path." He needed people to help him collect weapons, and these people had wide networks.

In the future, the battle with the Liu family would be a long one, and a steady supply of goods was essential.

"I think you are more suited to being a merchant than a martial cultivator. What do you think?"

Moon Goddess, who had just woken up, glanced at Zhao Yun.

"Without money, how can I buy cultivation resources?"

Zhao Yun chuckled, not particularly interested in being a merchant. Money was a good thing; not having it to buy treasures would be awkward.

No problem.

Moon Goddess remained silent, her expression saying it all. Indeed, someone who had been a young master had a sharp mind. Money was not the issue; cultivation resources were what martial cultivators lacked.

Zhao Yun had already stood up and returned to the small garden.

The armory was now firmly established, and as the head clerk, he had fulfilled his role. It was time to find a place to cultivate. To shake the Liu family, this was far from enough; strength was the key.

Crack! Crack!

Another session of body refinement, the sound of bones colliding, now familiar.

Pop!

As night approached, this sound rang out, signaling his breakthrough to the sixth level of the Condensation Essence stage.

Oof!

At that moment, he let out a muffled groan, feeling a sharp pain in his head, as if his skull would split.

In a daze, he seemed to see a blurry figure, distant and dreamlike.

"This is interesting."

Moon Goddess, propping her chin in her hand, muttered to herself. What Zhao Yun could see, she could see as well.

Unfortunately, she only saw a blurry moment. The figure was indeed ancient.

"What's happening?"

Zhao Yun murmured, having returned to normal. The sudden intense pain had felt like he was at the edge of death, more painful than body refinement.

Helpless, he looked at Moon Goddess.

"The night is beautiful tonight."

Moon Goddess spoke softly, gazing into the distance.

"Yes... it is."

Zhao Yun looked up at the sky, then stood up, taking out his night clothes.

On a dark and windy night, what should be done?

For example, taking a stroll at the Liu family bank.