Chapter 67

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Compared to the Stone Cauldron Hall in Donglin City, the Stone Cauldron Hall in Qingyang Tribe seemed insignificant.

Upon entering, it was like stepping into a magnificent palace. Not only was the space vast, but the decorations were all ancient and elegant, with great attention to detail.

Beautiful attendants, like butterflies flitting among flowers, walked beside each guest, maintaining a dignified and respectful demeanor with warm smiles on their faces.

Even when serving Lin Xun, who was dressed plainly, they were courteous and impeccable in their manners.

The attendant led Lin Xun to the treasure exchange area.

Soon, a self-proclaimed appraiser named Wang Lin came over, conversed with Lin Xun for a moment, and then carefully examined the Bursting Flame Blade.

After a long while, Wang Lin raised his head and praised, "This Bursting Flame Blade is excellent, with a fine quality. It can be considered a good item among lower-grade human-level spirit weapons. Sir, do you really intend to sell this treasure?"

Lin Xun nodded with a smile.

Wang Lin thought for a moment and said, "This treasure is worth forty silver coins. I wonder if this price is satisfactory to you, sir?"

Lin Xun had previously checked the prices of lower-grade human-level spirit weapons at the Stone Cauldron Hall's counter, which generally ranged from thirty to ten silver coins.

From this, it was clear that the price Wang Lin offered was not particularly high, but it was not low either.

Lin Xun did not care much about this. He came here to establish a long-term cooperation with the Stone Cauldron Hall as a way to repay a favor.

However, at this moment, a servant hurried over and whispered something to Wang Lin. Soon, Wang Lin returned and said apologetically, "Sir, please wait a moment. There is an urgent matter I need to attend to."

Lin Xun nodded.

Wang Lin hurried away and did not keep Lin Xun waiting for long before returning. However, he seemed preoccupied and somewhat distracted.

Lin Xun thought for a moment and said, "Brother Wang, this spirit weapon—"

Before he could finish, Wang Lin waved his hand and said, "I apologize, but our Stone Cauldron Hall will not be making this purchase. I hope you understand, sir."

"Not making the purchase?" Lin Xun raised an eyebrow, feeling somewhat surprised. How could this person's attitude change so drastically after just a short absence?

"I'm sorry, I hope you understand, sir."

Wang Lin's expression became cold and distant, making Lin Xun's heart sink. He vaguely guessed what was happening and, suppressing his displeasure, stood up and said, "If that's the case, I won't disturb you further."

"Sir, please take your time, no need to see you off." Wang Lin's voice was distant and cold.

Lin Xun suddenly asked, "Is this what Mu Wansu asked you to do?"

Wang Lin was taken aback, then his expression changed slightly, and he said, "Sir, what do you mean by that?"

Lin Xun noted his reaction and already had his answer. He shook his head and said, "Forget it, forget it."

Without any hesitation, he left in large strides.

Wang Lin sat in a daze for a long time, then sighed deeply and got up to leave.

On the bustling street, Lin Xun turned and glanced at the grand and imposing building of the Stone Cauldron Hall, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Mu Wansu had always looked at him unfavorably, and Lin Xun was well aware of this. Especially after suppressing the Wu Family Trading Company through Yan Zhen, Mu Wansu had become even more intolerant of him.

But regardless, he owed the Stone Cauldron Hall a favor, which could be attributed to Shi Xuan or Mu Wansu.

Therefore, Lin Xun would not resent them for today's rebuff. It was just a business transaction, and if they didn't want it, he could sell it to someone else.

"Mu Wansu is really holding a grudge. Doesn't she worry that I might lose all my dignity and use Shi Xuan's token to harass her repeatedly? What could she do then? Unfortunately, my face isn't thick enough."

Lin Xun shook his head with a touch of self-mockery, "Forget it. From her attitude, it seems she wants to draw a clear line with me. If that's the case, I'll stay away from the Stone Cauldron Hall in the future."

Lin Xun stopped thinking about it and began to stroll down "Hundred Great Street," observing the various shops on both sides of the street.

However, soon, someone approached Lin Xun on their own initiative. It was a plain-looking man with an unremarkable appearance but a very composed and steady demeanor.

"Sir, if I'm not mistaken, you just went to the Stone Cauldron Hall to sell a treasure, right?" The man smiled and bowed, his voice warm and clear, giving a comfortable feeling like a spring breeze.

This was a person's demeanor, casually revealed through his words and actions, making the unremarkable man seem more approachable and hard to dislike.

"Exactly." Lin Xun nodded.

"Let me guess, you must have felt that the price the Stone Cauldron Hall offered was unsatisfactory, so you didn't finalize the deal, right?" The man continued, speaking clearly with a warm smile.

"Correct." Lin Xun nodded again. He had entered the Stone Cauldron Hall with a bundle and left with the same bundle. Anyone paying attention would have noticed this.

The man smiled and introduced himself, "I am Gu Yanping. I now own a shop called Jin Yu Tang. If you don't mind, would you like to come to my shop for a chat?"

Lin Xun also smiled, "Mr. Gu's kind invitation, how can I refuse?"

Both of them smiled brightly.

Jin Yu Tang was located at the west end of "Hundred Great Street." Compared to the bustling central area, this region was relatively quiet.

Jin Yu Tang was not a large shop, just a two-story green-tiled building. However, upon entering, one could see that although it was far from matching the Stone Cauldron Hall, it was clean and elegant, with many thoughtful touches.

The only awkward thing was that when Lin Xun entered, he found that there was not a single customer in the entire Jin Yu Tang besides himself.

Gu Yanping remained calm and said with a smile, "My shop has only been open for a few dozen days, so the customer base is still small. I apologize for the inconvenience, sir."

Not only was the customer base small, but from Lin Xun's perspective, the items for sale in the shop were also scarce and sparse.

Some counters were even empty, with only the names of the items for sale marked.

If an ordinary person entered this shop, they might doubt whether it was just a shell.

From this, Lin Xun roughly deduced that Jin Yu Tang, in terms of financial resources and background, could not compare to other trading companies. The only advantage it had was its location on "Hundred Great Street."

However, the next words from Gu Yanping surprised Lin Xun.

Gu Yanping said calmly, "Sir, I know you have many questions. To be honest, even this shop is rented by me, and with my financial resources, I can only afford to pay the rent for half a year."

Lin Xun was stunned for a moment and then said, "Why are you telling me this, Mr. Gu?"

Gu Yanping said seriously, "Honesty is the foundation of business. The only advantage I have now is honesty. To develop Jin Yu Tang in the future, I also need to maintain honesty, so I cannot hide anything from you, sir."

Lin Xun nodded. He suddenly found that Gu Yanping was a remarkable person. From the beginning, he had shown exceptional observational skills, and his approach to customers was also very impressive, sincere but with a sense of propriety, making it impossible to dislike him.

"Since that's the case, please take a look at this blade." Lin Xun casually took out the Bursting Flame Blade and handed it over.

Gu Yanping gladly accepted the task, carefully examined the Bursting Flame Blade for a long time, and then nodded, "A high-quality item among lower-grade human-level spirit weapons, worth between two hundred and three hundred silver coins."

Lin Xun recalled Wang Lin's evaluation at the Stone Cauldron Hall and nodded, confirming that Gu Yanping's appraisal skills were also excellent.

He casually said, "Forty silver coins, and the blade is yours."

Gu Yanping did not expect Lin Xun to be so straightforward. After a brief thought, he decisively said, "Thank you for your trust, sir, but in business, we must be fair. If I were to price it, it would be fifty silver coins."

As he spoke, he took out a money bag, counted out fifty silver coins, and handed them to Lin Xun, "Please accept them, sir."

Lin Xun silently put them away and said, "Mr. Gu, I now believe you are sincere in your business. If I have more spirit weapons to sell in the future, I will consider Jin Yu Tang as my first choice."

Gu Yanping smiled and bowed, "Thank you for your support, sir."

Lin Xun nodded and took his leave.

"Father, we don't have much money left in our account,"

As soon as Lin Xun left, a young man came out and said helplessly, "How can you still spend so much? I think it won't be long before our shop goes bankrupt."

The young man was named Gu Liang, the only son of Gu Yanping. He responded indifferently, "Liang, remember, in business, you need not only courage and a long-term vision but also the courage to make a bold move."

Pausing, Gu Yanping said resolutely, "With the resources we have now, if we maintain business as usual, we have no chance of survival. We must take a bold risk. If we succeed, Jin Yu Tang can firmly establish itself on Hundred Great Street."

Gu Liang couldn't help but ask, "What if we don't succeed?"

Gu Yanping was silent for a long time before saying calmly, "Then we will pack up and leave. Since being expelled from Zijin City by those old men, I have learned that to achieve anything, we must rely on ourselves."

As he spoke, he picked up the Bursting Flame Blade and walked into the inner room.

Mentioning the expulsion, a fiery anger flashed in Gu Liang's eyes but quickly disappeared, leaving him calm.

In the inner room,

Gu Yanping's expression was focused and composed. He stood casually, holding the blade in his left hand, as if he had transformed into a different person. His eyes were filled with absolute confidence, giving his plain appearance a strange charm.

Suddenly, Gu Yanping's right hand fingers spread like a blooming lotus, layer upon layer, forming a strange hand seal, which he gently pressed on the surface of the Bursting Flame Blade.

A clear hum sounded, and a boiling flame like molten lava suddenly appeared on the surface of the blade, burning brightly and dispelling the darkness in the inner room, casting a red glow on Gu Yanping's face.

"Good blade,"

Although it was a compliment, his expression remained calm and indifferent, as if he had seen this scene many times before.

At the same time, his right hand fingers changed, tapping the surface of the Bursting Flame Blade in a unique rhythm, like playing a zither.

A sharp and brilliant blade aura, like a crimson ray, suddenly burst from the sharp tip of the blade, flickering with an extremely dangerous aura.

"Good blade,"

This time, Gu Yanping exclaimed in surprise. His originally calm and composed face suddenly changed.