mesbooks Chapter 462 The Rise of the Star Pavilion, Iron-Blooded Expansion (2)
Chapter 462 The Rise of the Star Pavilion, Iron-Blooded Expansion (2)
This Foundation Establishment realm envoy dared to come alone, so naturally he was followed by a Nascent Soul cultivator; otherwise, he would have been slapped to death long ago.
The Zhang family head's face turned deathly pale instantly, cold sweat poured down his back, and he trembled as he said, "We...we are willing to submit!"
His biggest backer was just a guest elder at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, while the other side had nine Nascent Soul realm cultivators, leaving him no room to resist.
Ultimately, the signboard of the Zhang Family Chamber of Commerce was removed and replaced with a plaque that read "Xingge Tianshu Branch".
In Luoshui City, the Luoshui Merchant Alliance is holding an auction, and the atmosphere inside is lively.
Suddenly, a terrifying Nascent Soul aura enveloped the entire area, and Lie Tian himself descended, his voice booming like a bell: "The Fallen Water Merchant Alliance, from this day forward, submits to the Star Pavilion! Those who resist, die!"
The Nascent Soul guest elder of the Fallen Water Merchant Alliance was about to step forward, but sensing the ferocious aura emanating from Lie Tian that far surpassed that of his peers, and glancing at the two other Nascent Soul cultivators glaring menacingly behind him, he immediately fell silent, trembling with fear.
The Luoshui Business Alliance thus changed hands.
Similar scenes were playing out simultaneously in dozens of cities.
The nine Nascent Soul cultivators of the Star Pavilion were divided into several teams and crushed the enemy with their absolute strength.
Some chambers of commerce put up a stubborn resistance but were uprooted, their leaders killed on the spot, and their industries forcibly taken over; some chambers of commerce changed their tune and surrendered; others tried to unite in resistance, but in the face of the absolute power of the nine Nascent Soul cultivators, any alliance was as fragile as paper.
Although Shen Rugo did not attend the acquisition in person, she remotely directed and strategized through the transmission talisman.
She instructed Lietian on how to identify valuable industries, how to appease those who surrendered, how to deal with the die-hards, how to quickly integrate resources, and how to use public opinion to create momentum...
His shrewd methods and ingenious plans impressed even the Nascent Soul cultivators, including Lie Tian, who were all born from ferocious beasts.
In just two months, Xingge expanded at an astonishing speed, like wildfire.
Apart from Wanbaoge, which has the deepest foundation and mysterious background, and four other powerful merchant guilds such as Baicaotang, Shenbingge, Qiwuzhai, and Linglongfang, which were temporarily preserved, the rest of the small and medium-sized merchant guilds were either swallowed up or destroyed under the cruel suppression of Xingge.
The name of Star Pavilion swept through all the cultivation trading cities in the Northwest Region like a hurricane, causing a huge shock and panic.
The Star Pavilion's aggressive expansion finally aroused the vigilance and hostility of the remaining four major merchant guilds.
The presidents of Baicaotang, Shenbingge, Qiwuzhai, and Linglongfang held a secret meeting.
The head of Baicaotang was a ruddy-faced old man. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Just who is this Xingge? How dare they disregard the rules! If we let them continue like this, how will we survive?"
The Pavilion Master of the Divine Weapon Pavilion was a muscular burly man who sneered, "Nine Nascent Soul cultivators? Hmph, what a grand gesture! But to think you can dominate the Northwest business world with just this? You're underestimating us!"
The owner of Qiwuzhai was a lean middle-aged man. He squinted and said, "According to reports from our spies, Xingge acts domineeringly and seems to be guided by a master behind the scenes. Their methods of annexation are precise and shrewd."
Moreover, they don't seem satisfied with ordinary business..."
The owner of Linglongfang was a beautiful woman who still retained her charm. She frowned and said, "The strangest thing is the attitude of Wanbaoge. They turn a blind eye to this, as if they tacitly approve of Xingge's expansion."
"Wanbaoge is a large and powerful company, and may not care about this small market, but we cannot sit idly by and wait for our demise!"
The head of Baicaotang said in a deep voice, "We must join forces and teach Xingge a lesson! Let them know that they can't control the Northwest business world!"
The four chambers of commerce quickly formed an alliance and decided to use the most common business tactic: a price war, to squeeze out Xingge.
They jointly announced a 30% price reduction on all their elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, materials, and other products, determined to steal all of Xingge's customers.
When the news reached the Star Pavilion headquarters, Lie Tian immediately reported it to Shen Rugo.
"A price war? That's to be expected."
Shen Rugo remained calm upon hearing this, instead revealing a cold smile. "Since they want to play, let's play big! Lietian, unleash our trump card!"
The following day, explosive news spread from the Star Pavilion like a thunderclap, instantly igniting the entire Northwest Region and even radiating to more distant places:
"The Star Pavilion Chamber of Commerce will hold its first large-scale auction in Longhai City in ten days!"
Two rare treasures will be auctioned off: a communication talisman enabling instant communication within a 50,000-mile radius, and a level-five rune that is simply unavailable on the market!
The news caused an uproar throughout the cultivation world within a 100,000-mile radius of the Northwest Region of Tianyuan Continent!
Transmission Talisman!
This wondrous object, which existed only in legends and could completely change the way the cultivation world communicated, has actually appeared?
And it's a bulk auction?
Level 5 rune!
This is a strategic resource!
The highest-level runes available on the market are only level four, and they are extremely rare.
Level 5 runes are usually only held by a few major sects and top rune masters, and they never leak out. How could Star Pavilion put them up for auction?
In an instant, from Qi Refining junior cultivators to Nascent Soul elders, from rogue cultivators to sect disciples, all cultivators went crazy for it.
Countless gazes were cast toward Longhai City and toward the suddenly rising Star Pavilion Chamber of Commerce.
Excitement, anticipation, doubt, greed...
A mix of emotions made Longhai City the focus of attention in the entire Northwest Region and even a wider area, even before the auction was held.
Upon hearing the news, the four major chambers of commerce were initially incredulous, followed by intense jealousy and unease.
"Impossible! It's absolutely fake! It's a smokescreen put up by the Star Pavilion to reverse their declining fortunes!"
The head of Baicaotang roared.
"A level-five rune! If such a thing truly exists, our Divine Weapon Pavilion is willing to give up everything to obtain just one!"
The head of the Divine Weapon Pavilion had a burning gaze.
"Send men to Longhai City immediately! Find out the truth at all costs! If it's true..."
A fierce glint flashed in the eyes of the owner of Qiwuzhai. "We absolutely cannot let the auction proceed smoothly!"
The owner of Linglongfang's beautiful eyes sparkled: "Notify all our undercover agents in Longhai City to be ready at any time and act according to circumstances!"
The undercurrents began to surge and converge towards Longhai City.
The Star Palace naturally received this news as well.
"A sound transmission talisman? A level five rune? What's the background of this Star Pavilion?"
Xingchen Daoist looked surprised and turned to Qinghe Daoist.
Master Qinghe stroked his beard, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "You brat, don't you think this sound transmission talisman and the level-five rune look a bit like the work of that girl Ruge?"
"Ru Ge? Martial Uncle, you suspect Ru Ge did this?" Daoist Xingchen was taken aback. "Although she is exceptionally talented, isn't it a bit too astonishing that she can refine a level five rune?"
"Ru Ge cannot be judged by ordinary standards; she is a child who has repeatedly created miracles."
Have you forgotten how she established her foundation?
Having established a foundation in the Heavenly Dao, one possesses abilities beyond the comprehension of gods and demons!
Moreover, we have both witnessed her talent in the art of talismans. Now that her realm has greatly improved, her skill in the art of talismans must have also advanced.
If anyone in the Northwest Region could produce a large quantity of level-five runes, the first person I would think of is her; there will be no one else!
As they were discussing, a figure flashed by, and a petite figure appeared in front of them. It was none other than Shen Rugo.