The Supreme-Grade Trump Card

The next morning, just as Hao Nhien and Tieu Lan finished breakfast in the private courtyard, an attendant from Heavenly Treasure Pavilion was already waiting outside the gate. He bowed and reported that Manager Luu had finished preparing the medicinal ingredients and items the two of them had selected, though Luu Van himself was still dealing with the accounts from the previous night’s auction. For the moment, he wanted them to visit the high-level trading area and personally inspect the goods.

Hao Nhien nodded.

“Please lead the way.”

The three left the courtyard, crossed the rear grounds of Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, and followed a stone corridor lined on both sides with formation patterns. At the end stood a low building made of dark gray Mystic Stone, guarded by two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

After checking the attendant’s token, one of the guards released the restriction. The iron doors slowly separated, revealing a storage area filled with rows of wooden shelves, jade boxes, and preservation formations arranged according to different attributes.

More than twenty crates and containers of various sizes had already been placed in the center.

The attendant gestured toward them.

“Most of these items have already been deducted from the proceeds of the auction. Only a few additional purchases are listed separately. Manager Luu specifically instructed that the two of you inspect everything yourselves. If either the quantity or quality differs from what was agreed upon, Heavenly Treasure Pavilion will replace it immediately.”

Tieu Lan stepped forward at once.

She did not inspect every single item one by one. Instead, she took samples from the beginning, middle, and end of each crate, comparing vitality, medicinal power, and preservation condition. Two Ice Spirit Fruits whose stems were slightly drier than normal were enough to make her stop.

“The medicinal power has not declined much, but these two fruits were removed from a cold-preservation formation for some time. They should not be valued at the same grade as the others.”

The attendant checked his jade slip and immediately marked them for replacement.

Standing beside her, Hao Nhien smiled.

“It’s a good thing I brought you along. If I had to inspect these myself, I would probably only know which fruit looked greener.”

Tieu Lan pressed her lips together.

“Young Master only needs to be responsible for paying the spirit stones.”

Hao Nhien nodded solemnly.

“A very reasonable division of labor.”

Hao Nhien handled the beast cores next, examining them with Divine Sense. He did not spend too long on each one, focusing instead on the stability of the energy within, the amount of residual yao qi, and any signs of internal damage. Four cores with small fractures were rejected, while several containing too much yao qi were sent back for further purification before delivery.

Finally, Tieu Lan inspected the seedlings. Any plants with weak roots were rejected even if their leaves still looked healthy, and only those retaining enough vitality for continued cultivation were kept.

The entire process took less than one double-hour.

After checking the jade slip against the goods, Hao Nhien separately paid for several additional tools and stored the items they could carry in his storage pouch. Tieu Lan kept the seedlings inside jade containers equipped with formations designed to preserve vitality.

Hao Nhien felt no regret as he watched the amount of spirit stones on his card decrease.

Spirit stones only became truly meaningful when transformed into medicinal ingredients, tools, pills, and things that could be used when needed. Leaving them untouched on a card merely preserved wealth. Returning them to circulation was what allowed them to create new value.

The attendant put away the jade slip and bowed.

“Manager Luu is waiting for the two of you in the reception room.”

When Hao Nhien and Tieu Lan entered, Luu Van was already seated beside the tea table. There were no auction ledgers in front of him this time, only a freshly brewed pot of tea and three jade cups.

Seeing the two of them, he stood.

“How did the inspection go?”

Tieu Lan answered,

“Most of it was very good. Only two Ice Spirit Fruits, four beast cores, and several seedlings need to be replaced.”

Luu Van raised an eyebrow slightly.

“You inspected all those beast cores in less than one double-hour?”

“Young Master handled that part,” Tieu Lan replied. “I only checked the medicinal materials and seedlings.”

Luu Van looked between the two of them and laughed.

“One understands medicinal ingredients, while the other checks spiritual energy and yao qi. You truly work well together.”

Tieu Lan lowered her head slightly.

Luu Van invited them to sit, then briefly mentioned the response from the guests at the previous night’s auction. Some who had failed to obtain any pills had already discreetly asked when Heavenly Treasure Pavilion might receive another shipment, but Hao Nhien did not continue pursuing that topic.

After drinking half a cup of tea, he set it down.

“Manager Luu, the goods have been received and the auction has concluded. Now I would like to discuss something more important.”

The smile on Luu Van’s face slowly faded.

“This old man is ready to listen.”

Hao Nhien took out a map and spread it across the table.

It showed the border region between the Eastern Plains and the Western Wastes, including Tam Thành, the forward military camp, several transport routes, and the location where Hoa Van Town was currently being built.

His finger stopped over one marked point.

“I want to propose that Heavenly Treasure Pavilion establish a branch in Hoa Van.”

Luu Van did not answer immediately. He lowered his gaze to the map, traced the route from Thanh Van City to Tam Thành, then stopped at Hoa Van.

“How far has Hoa Van developed?”

“It is still in its early stages.”

Hao Nhien did not hide anything.

“The outer walls are only partially complete, the water-gathering formation is already operating, the Medicine Garden has begun planting, while the residential area, warehouses, and market are still under construction. The population is not yet large, and security currently relies on the Fire Qilin Clan, allied groups, and support from Tam Thành.”

Luu Van looked up.

“Then why does Young Master Hao believe Heavenly Treasure Pavilion should enter now?”

“Because if we wait until Hoa Van is fully developed, other merchant associations will see the opportunity as well.”

Hao Nhien replied.

“Those who arrive early will take more risk, but they will also be able to choose better locations, establish their network first, and build relationships with the tribes of the Western Wastes from the beginning.”

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He pointed to the routes drawn across the map.

“Trade between the Eastern Plains and Western Wastes already exists, but most of it still moves through small caravans. Costs are high, risks are significant, and prices depend heavily on middlemen. If Heavenly Treasure Pavilion establishes a collection and distribution point at Hoa Van, beast cores, minerals, drought-resistant spirit herbs, hides, and tribal goods could be gathered there before being transported east, while pills, basic artifacts, talismans, tools, and daily supplies could travel in the opposite direction.”

Luu Van stroked his beard lightly.

“What does Heavenly Treasure Pavilion receive?”

“Hoa Van can reserve a good location for your building and warehouse during the initial construction phase. Rent on the land will be waived for the first two years, after which it will be charged according to terms agreed upon by both sides. Heavenly Treasure Pavilion will also be able to participate early in the central market and gain early access to goods from allied groups before other merchant associations establish themselves there.”

Hao Nhien paused before making the limits clear.

“But there will be no exclusive purchasing rights. Sellers will remain free to trade elsewhere, and Heavenly Treasure Pavilion cannot use its position to suppress prices against people who lack bargaining power.”

Luu Van nodded slightly.

“What about security?”

“Within Hoa Van, we will be responsible for maintaining general order. Heavenly Treasure Pavilion may hire its own guards, but their number and identities must be registered. Once caravans leave the protected area, they bear responsibility for their own safety. If they require escorts, that can be negotiated separately.”

Luu Van continued,

“And if Heavenly Eye attacks?”

“Hoa Van will defend itself alongside everyone inside, but we cannot compensate for wartime losses beyond our ability to control. Heavenly Treasure Pavilion must have its own plans for protecting its people and property.”

Hao Nhien looked directly at him.

“I have no intention of hiding the risks just to obtain an agreement.”

Luu Van remained silent for a moment before asking,

“Then what does Young Master Hao want from Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?”

“A stable supply route from the Eastern Plains, especially for medicinal ingredients, basic artifacts, production tools, and construction materials. I also want caravans strong enough that the trade route cannot be cut off easily, along with a transparent pricing system that allows both sides to trade over the long term.”

Hao Nhien paused before continuing.

“There are also several rules that are not negotiable. Heavenly Treasure Pavilion may not engage in slave trading, may not secretly provide war resources to Heavenly Eye, and may not establish its own laws inside the town. Everyone who enters Hoa Van must obey the same rules.”

Luu Van raised an eyebrow.

“Even Heavenly Treasure Pavilion?”

“Even Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.”

Hao Nhien answered.

“Hoa Van wants to cooperate with a merchant association. It does not want to invite a major power inside and let it build a small city of its own within the town.”

The room remained quiet for several breaths.

Luu Van slowly turned his teacup in his hand.

“The conditions are not generous, but neither are they unreasonable. If Hoa Van truly has Tam Thành’s support, can maintain its water supply, and preserve security, then establishing a branch there is worth considering.”

He paused before adding,

“But this old man does not have the authority to make that decision. Opening a branch so close to the front lines would require approval from at least the regional leadership.”

“I know.”

Hao Nhien replied.

Luu Van continued studying the map for a long time before speaking again.

“I can submit this proposal through the fastest communication channel available, but location and favorable terms alone may not be enough to make the higher levels decide quickly. They will ask one very simple question.”

He looked up.

“What does Hoa Van have that other places do not?”

Hao Nhien did not answer immediately.

Instead, he turned toward Tieu Lan.

Understanding his intention, she took out a small jade box and placed it on the table.

Luu Van’s gaze changed at once.

“Young Master Hao…”

“This is part of the answer.”

Hao Nhien said.

Luu Van reached toward the box but stopped before touching it.

“May this old man open it?”

“Yes.”

The lid slowly opened.

A layer of pure medicinal fragrance spread through the room. It was neither overwhelming nor accompanied by any burst of spiritual pressure, yet the moment it appeared, the atmosphere of the room seemed to change.

Resting on a layer of Spirit-Nourishing Cotton was an orange-red Mystic Yang Pill. Its surface was translucent like jade, and a pale golden pill pattern circled its body in an almost complete loop.

Luu Van immediately took out a jade lens and an appraisal needle.

He did not touch the pill directly. Instead, he examined it for a long time, studying the pill pattern, medicinal qi, and the circulation within. The moment the jade needle approached, it emitted a clear ringing sound.

Hao Nhien saw the hand holding the jade lens pause slightly.

After a long while, Luu Van finally looked up.

“The medicinal qi circulates on its own, the pill pattern is stable, and impurities are almost impossible to detect…”

His voice had lowered.

“A supreme-grade Mystic Yang Pill?”

“Correct.”

This time, Luu Van’s expression truly changed.

He had worked for Heavenly Treasure Pavilion for many years and had certainly heard of, or even seen, supreme-grade pills through records and goods transferred from major branches. Even so, a Foundation Establishment pill reaching this level of quality was enough to make him cautious.

Luu Van closed the box and looked at Hao Nhien.

“Did the two of you refine this?”

Hao Nhien’s expression did not change.

“That question goes beyond the scope of our current discussion.”

Luu Van nodded immediately.

“This old man understands. I will not ask again.”

Hao Nhien rested a hand on the jade box.

“Supreme-grade pills are not part of our public supply, nor can they be produced consistently at present. This pill is only here to show Heavenly Treasure Pavilion that the high-grade pills from yesterday are not the highest level we can potentially reach.”

Luu Van stroked his beard.

“Young Master Hao intends to use it to accelerate the decision regarding the branch?”

“I intend to use it as proof that Hoa Van has enough potential value to justify entering early.”

Hao Nhien replied.

“If Heavenly Treasure Pavilion agrees to establish a branch, maintains a stable medicinal supply, protects confidential information, and conducts business fairly, then you will be the first partner informed whenever special pills become available for trade.”

“Exclusive rights?”

“No.”

Hao Nhien answered immediately.

“I will not place all of Hoa Van’s lifeline in the hands of a single merchant association. But Heavenly Treasure Pavilion can have priority in negotiations.”

Luu Van slowly nodded.

Hao Nhien continued,

“There is one more matter. If the branch proposal is actually approved, I would like you to participate in the initial team, whether as branch manager, adviser, or the person responsible for connecting supply channels.”

Luu Van paused.

“This old man?”

“Yes.”

Hao Nhien looked at him.

“We began trading when we were still very weak. You know how to respect boundaries, and you have never tried to force us to reveal things we did not wish to discuss. I would rather work with someone I have already dealt with than a complete stranger assigned solely because of rank.”

Luu Van remained silent for quite some time.

Hao Nhien could not know everything the manager was considering, but from his expression, it was clear that Luu Van understood both the risks and the opportunities contained in the proposal.

At last, Luu Van stood and cupped his hands.

“Young Master Hao, Miss Tieu Lan, this old man does not have the authority to approve a new branch on behalf of Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, nor can I guarantee that I would be chosen to oversee it if the proposal passes. But I can promise that the existence of this supreme-grade pill will remain confidential, and I will personally submit the Hoa Van proposal to the higher levels through the fastest channel available.”

He looked toward the jade box.

“Even if the higher levels have not yet reached a decision, the Thanh Van City branch will continue supplying medicinal ingredients to the two of you under our current agreement.”

Hao Nhien stood and returned the gesture.

“That is enough.”

Luu Van asked,

“Would Young Master Hao like to take the pill back, or leave it here as an appraisal sample?”

“It can remain here, but only for appraisal and presentation to your higher levels. If Heavenly Treasure Pavilion chooses not to continue negotiations, the pill must be returned intact.”

“Of course.”

Luu Van immediately took out a blank jade slip and recorded the pill’s name, grade, present condition, the identity of the person receiving it, and Heavenly Treasure Pavilion’s responsibility should the item be lost or damaged.

Hao Nhien read through the entire record before leaving his spiritual imprint. Tieu Lan also checked the pill one final time before giving a slight nod.

Luu Van placed the jade box inside a black iron case and sealed it behind three layers of restrictions.

“We will remain in Thanh Van City for another two days.”

Hao Nhien looked at the sealed iron case in Luu Van’s hands.

“I want to wait for an initial response.”

Luu Van thought for a moment before nodding.

“Two days should be enough for a preliminary answer. This old man will send the proposal and the appraisal results for the pill through the fastest communication channel, but opening a new branch near the Western Wastes exceeds the authority of the Thanh Van City branch.”

He paused, as if something had just occurred to him.

“If the message follows the proper route, Manager Ling Xue may have an answer by then as well.”

Hao Nhien paused slightly.

A figure immediately surfaced in his memory.

The woman whose mere appearance seemed enough to draw the attention of everyone in Heavenly Treasure Pavilion’s main hall. What had made Ling Xue difficult to forget during their previous meeting was not only her beauty, but also the way she spoke and the look in her eyes, as though she always saw one layer deeper than whatever others chose to reveal.

More importantly, before leaving, she had given him a private communication jade token.

Hao Nhien had barely touched it since.

The thought had barely appeared when his Divine Sense swept through his storage pouch. Among the jade slips and items that had been carefully arranged long ago, the token still remained untouched in one corner.

Luu Van seemed not to notice the thought that had passed through Hao Nhien’s eyes and simply continued,

“If Manager Ling personally reviews this proposal, what comes next may proceed much faster than following each ordinary layer of approval.”

Hao Nhien withdrew his Divine Sense.

“For now, please send the message according to Heavenly Treasure Pavilion’s normal procedures.”

“Very well.”

Luu Van cupped his hands and left the room carrying the black iron case.

Hao Nhien stood outside the doorway and watched the old man disappear down the corridor, though his thoughts were no longer entirely focused on the proposal they had just discussed.

Two days.

He had originally intended to use that time to wait for Heavenly Treasure Pavilion’s answer and continue waiting for news of Quan Nha.

But now there was another path inside his storage pouch that could make the matter move much faster.