Vol. 1 - Chapter 207 - The Transaction

Zhou Huaian wasn’t surprised. He simply said, “Let’s hear it.”

“I’ve heard that your clan possesses a rare item known as the Wind Immortal Vine. It’s said this vine can help Innate Realm martial artists gain insight into Gang Qi. If you’re willing to part with one, I’d like to purchase it in exchange for an equivalent amount of jade coins. Would that be possible?”

A flicker of surprise crossed Zhou Huaian’s eyes. He had assumed Chen Xingzhen’s offer of extra Blood Rice was meant to be exchanged directly for the vine, yet it was actually just to secure the right to purchase one.

After a brief pause for thought, Zhou Huaian replied, “The Wind Immortal Vine does indeed offer Innate Realm martial artists a chance to comprehend Gang Qi. But grasping even a trace of it at the Innate Realm is no easy feat. The vine is only an aid—among dozens of cultivators, not even one may succeed. Clan Leader Chen, you should think this through.”

He added evenly, “I haven’t agreed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and I won’t demand the extra Blood Rice.”

His calm gaze carried absolute confidence. Zhou Huaian’s word was iron—five measures meant five. Blood Rice might be a rare treasure to the Chen clan, but to the Zhou clan, it was far from scarce.

Chen Xingzhen didn’t hesitate. “You may rest assured, Clan Leader Zhou. Even if the vine offers only a slim chance, I still wish to purchase it.”

Zhou Huaian’s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. He had made his point perfectly clear, yet Chen Xingzhen showed no hesitation. Perhaps he had underestimated the Chen clan. In truth, were their positions reversed, he would have made the same choice.

Blood Rice was valuable, but high-level martial artists were the true pillars of a clan’s strength. Trading rice for even a slim chance at such a breakthrough was worth it—if one had the vision and resolve. The risk was high; failure was likely. Rice was certain, tangible, and strengthened the clan directly.

“All right,” Zhou Huaian said at last, a faint glimmer of interest in his eyes. “Next time Hong Lang comes, I’ll have him bring a Wind Immortal Orchid.”

He was curious to see whether this modest Chen clan could produce someone capable of grasping Gang Qi. From his perspective, young Chen Qingyu wasn’t the one. The vine’s effect, while unique, still required a deep foundation. Chen Qingyu was too young, his accumulation insufficient.

But perhaps… a miracle might happen.

“Clan Leader, the Blood Rice is packed. We can depart,” Zhou Hong Lang’s voice called from outside the hall.

Zhou Huaian rose slowly. Chen Xingzhen offered with a smile, “Why not stay in our Burial Mound Mountain for a few days? It’s small, but there are some sights to see, and we have rice wine worth tasting.”

Zhou Huaian chuckled lightly. “You jest. Affairs at the clan are many—I couldn’t possibly linger.”

Chen Xingzhen didn’t press the invitation. If Zhou Huaian had truly accepted, that would have surprised him.

Before long, they arrived outside the clan grounds. The prepared rice wine was handed to the Zhou clansmen. The Wind-Chasing Falcon was fully loaded with Blood Rice—more than last time.

Zhou Hong Lang leaned in to whisper a report. Zhou Huaian gave a small nod, showing he understood. If he hadn’t agreed to Chen Xingzhen’s request, he wouldn’t have taken the extra rice. But now that he had, he couldn’t refuse.

Clan resources were finite. The Wind Immortal Orchid might be a specialty of the Zhou clan, but it was far from plentiful, and each stalk was already allocated. Losing one meant compensating with other resources—such was the duty of a clan leader.

“Clan Leader Chen, until we meet again!”

Under the Chen clan’s watchful eyes, the Wind-Chasing Falcon soared into the sky.

…

In the plaza, Chen Tianlu and the others stood in quiet reflection. This harvest had yielded over 7,000 jin of Blood Rice. The Zhou clan took sixty percent, leaving forty percent—about 2,800 jin—for the Chen clan.

It was a good harvest. Without it, they wouldn’t have had enough to exchange for other cultivation resources. After expenses and daily needs, perhaps 800 jin could be sold.

Trading even a tenth of it for a Wind Immortal Orchid would be a fair deal—if one could afford it. Orchids were costly, beyond the reach of most. The clan would need to acquire more jade coins elsewhere.

Far off, atop the falcon, Zhou Huaian looked down calmly. “Next time you come,” he told Zhou Hong Lang, “bring a stalk of Wind Immortal Orchid.”

His nephew blinked in surprise. The orchid was a rare treasure, and though the Blood Rice might be worth several in coin value, no amount of jade could easily buy one.

“Uncle,” Zhou Hong Lang asked after a pause, “is the Chen clan truly that promising? Worth your personal visit a second time?”

Zhou Huaian smiled faintly. “I thought you’d ask why I’m giving them one in the first place.”

Zhou Hong Lang scratched his head. “Whatever you decide must have its reason. The Chen clan’s Blood Rice stands out among our subordinate families. It’s a valuable support. Giving them an orchid secures their loyalty—and their best efforts.”

Zhou Huaian nodded. “Some insight, at least.”

“As for my second visit, it’s not for the Chen clan. No matter their potential, they’re still a small family. The first reason is that our clan is preparing for the patriarchal election. Our influence in the region has weakened. News of my visit will spread quickly and remind others to keep their claws in check.” He leaned slightly, gaze fixed ahead. “The second reason… you’ll see soon. Tell them to veer left.”

Zhou Hong Lang looked thoughtful. Zhou Huaian, however, kept one more reason to himself.

He had always been a relaxed man—otherwise he’d never have stumbled upon the remote Burial Mound Mountain and discovered the Chen clan. But since becoming clan leader, responsibilities left little time for leisure.

He had no regrets. With gain comes loss, and leading the Zhou clan to new heights was an endeavor worth every sacrifice. As leader, he had more opportunities than ever to realize his ambitions.

The Zhou clan could—and would—grow even stronger.

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!