Vol. 1 - Ch. 318 - The Family's Invitation

"This Stalactite Spirit Spring enhances the physique and bone structure of martial artists in the Body Tempering Realm, allowing them to temper their bodies faster. I wish to exchange one jin of the Spring for fifty jin of Blood Rice!”

"Agreed!"

After a brief moment of thought, Chen Tianjing nodded with delight.

The transaction was swiftly completed. The Lai family member used five jin of Spirit Spring to obtain two hundred and fifty jin of Blood Rice.

Seeing that the remaining Blood Rice was limited, the other families no longer hesitated and spoke up one after another.

"Clan Leader Chen, my Liu family is willing to trade the Jade Willow Branches cultivated by our clan for Blood Rice!"

"My clan is also willing to exchange Cold Crystal Ice for Blood Rice!"

“..."

Many family representatives began offering their unique treasures. For instance, the Jade Willow Branches were no ordinary willow twigs. When used to whip a martial artist, they could accelerate Qi and Blood circulation within the body, thereby refining and condensing them.

Similarly, the Cold Crystal Ice was no ordinary substance. It was used to suppress the Qi and Blood of a martial artist, slowing the progression of injuries. In critical situations, it could even save the life of a clansman on the brink of death.

Although these items were used in somewhat peculiar ways, they were still considered rare resources. The families did not hesitate to exchange them. Even the Yu family offered high-quality iron ore in exchange for Blood Rice.

With so many families participating, the remaining thousand-plus jin of Blood Rice were quickly traded away.

Some clansmen who had not yet spoken could only watch the Blood Rice disappear, sighing in regret.

At the front, Chen Tianjing spoke once more:

"Everyone, the Blood Rice of my Chen family has all been sold this time. But do not be discouraged. In six months, our Hidden Mountain Pavilion shop will sell Blood Rice again. The quantity will still be limited, so if you wish to purchase some, you must act quickly.

“Afterward, you may stay or leave as you wish. If you don't want to leave right away, you can rest in Yong'an City for a few days and enjoy the scenery. My Chen family will always welcome you."

Hearing this, some family members’ eyes lit up. Soon, under the guidance of the Chen clansmen, they left the secret chamber.

However, many families did not linger in Yong’an City. Instead, they hurried back to their clans. Though they did not carry much Blood Rice, they could not guarantee that other families would not try to seize it.

For safety reasons, it was better to return to the clan sooner.

"Clan Uncle, let's hurry back to the family. There’s nothing worth seeing in Yong’an City, and it's too small. It would be better to return early."

Inside the Hidden Mountain Pavilion, a young Yu family member spoke to the elder beside him.

Although they had managed to purchase some Blood Rice, the young man considered it insignificant compared to the needs of his vast clan.

"Young Master, I believe we should wait a little longer. The Chen family likely has other moves yet to reveal.”

"Clan Uncle, I don't think there's anything worth waiting for. The Chen family thinks too highly of themselves. Isn't it only because they have one martial artist in the Qi Manipulation Realm? In time, our clan may produce one too. When that happens, we won't need to bow to anyone else.

" As for this Blood Rice, I’ve examined it. It's decent, but not extraordinary. If we can’t buy it in Yong’an City, then we’ll purchase it elsewhere. Our clan has plenty of Jade Coins!"

The elder frowned slightly, wanting to say more, but the Yu family youth had already finished speaking. Without lingering, he led several companions toward the exit.

"Ah..." The elder sighed softly.

The elder could only sigh in helpless resignation, but he still followed along.

As some families left, Hidden Mountain Pavilion became noticeably emptier.

However, some clans chose not to leave hastily. Instead, they remained within the pavilion. Zhao Qimeng was among them.

"Clan Elder, are we not returning now?"

Inside one of the pavilion’s rooms, Zhao Si asked, confused. The other clansmen turned their gazes toward Zhao Qimeng as well.

Zhao Qimeng looked exasperated, but since they were his people, he explained patiently:

"Do you truly believe the Chen family sold Blood Rice merely for profit?"

“Isn’t it for jade coins?” Zhao Si replied.

Hearing this, Zhao Qimeng took a deep breath and scolded,

“Foolish! The Chen family already has a martial artist in the Qi Manipulation Realm, and now they control Yong’an City. With such an important resource as Blood Rice, how could they possibly be doing this just to exchange it for ordinary jade coins?”

"The Chen family deliberately spread the word to attract so many clans here. I fear this is not simply about selling Blood Rice.”

“Clan Elder, then what is the Chen family planning?”

"I do not know. But if we wait a little longer, the answer will reveal itself naturally."

Zhao Qimeng spoke with clear irritation.

"Being a clan elder is truly exhausting..."

His clansmen were still puzzled when a knock sounded from outside the door. A voice called out, "Elder Zhao, the patriarch of my clan invites you to the family hall for a gathering."

Zhao Qimeng narrowed his eyes slightly and replied,

"I understand. Lead the way!"

At the same time that Zhao Qimeng was invited, several others who remained in Yong’an City received similar invitations.

Those invited were all representatives of powerful families. After purchasing Blood Rice, they did not rush to leave. Instead, they lingered as though waiting for something.

When the summons came, they readily accepted and were soon escorted into the Chen family’s hall.

Yet, not long after entering, several of them quickly departed. Some shook their heads repeatedly, their expressions dark, muttering under their breath.

"Resources that can enhance the Qi and Blood of the Innate Realm?"

Inside the grand hall, Zhao Qimeng, now seated among the invited guests, repeated the words in astonishment.

"That is correct."

Hello readers!

Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate!

Every review counts.

[Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading!