Chapter 402 - 309: Caliber
Watching their fluid, seamless movements, Yu Changsheng’s expression flickered. He was inwardly speechless and a little surprised.
’Does this Ten Thousand Beasts Tower VIP card really have this much power?’
Yu Changsheng murmured to himself, his thoughts stirring as he grew pensive.
He had originally assumed the Spirit Card from Li Minghan would, at best, hold significant sway only at the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower near the Wanxiang Sect. He figured its influence would be greatly diminished anywhere else.
But now, just like that, it had saved him a million Spirit Stones.
Yu Changsheng shook his head. With a serious expression, he looked at Chenyang, clasped his fist, and bowed. He then took out two Spirit Tickets, each worth one hundred thousand Spirit Stones, and offered them to Chenyang.
"Let’s settle on one million two hundred thousand Spirit Stones. I’m already taking too much advantage of you, Elder. I can’t possibly trouble you for the rest."
Yu Changsheng could, with some difficulty, have produced the remaining one million Spirit Stones. However, since Chenyang had made his position clear, he knew it would be inappropriate to refuse the gesture.
Hearing this, Chenyang nodded without protest. He accepted the Spirit Tickets and handed the crated Thunder Eagle to Yu Changsheng, saying with a smile:
"There’s no need to be so formal. As a valued guest of the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower, it is our duty to provide you with the best hospitality. Should you require anything else in the future, please don’t hesitate to return."
Despite having just waived a million Spirit Stones, Chenyang’s tone was casual. He showed no sign of regret.
Yu Changsheng nodded, giving Chenyang a subtle, deep look. A slightly sheepish expression appeared on his face as he chuckled. "Alright, then I must thank you, Elder Chen."
"Mm." Chenyang chuckled. He looked at Yu Changsheng, his gaze wavering for a moment before he suddenly asked, "Young friend... are you also here for the Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm event held by the Profound Yin Sect?"
"Yes."
Yu Changsheng nodded in confirmation. It wasn’t much of a secret, after all.
"Hmm..." Chenyang mused, letting out a slow breath. His expression turned serious as he produced a Jade Tube and offered it to Yu Changsheng, saying softly:
"I feel a certain kinship with you, young friend. To be honest, Li Yuntao, the master of the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower in your Wanxiang Sect’s territory, is a very dear friend of mine."
"Since that fellow appreciates you so much, Changsheng, you must have some extraordinary qualities. Here, this contains detailed information about the Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm. It might be of some help to you."
Yu Changsheng raised an eyebrow. He took a deep breath, then bowed his head and clasped his fist in a salute to Chenyang, his voice full of gratitude.
"Thank you, Elder. This junior is eternally grateful."
"It’s nothing, just a small gesture. If you happen to see that fellow Li Yuntao, be sure to send him my regards."
Chenyang waved his hand dismissively and chuckled, patting Yu Changsheng on the shoulder.
"Understood. In that case, this junior will take his leave. Thank you again for everything today, Elder." Yu Changsheng nodded, took three steps back, and offered another clasped-fist bow.
"Yes. Go and prepare well. The Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm is fraught with peril. I’ve mentioned these dangers in the Jade Tube I gave you, so be sure to study it carefully."
Chenyang nodded, offering a final word of advice.
Yu Changsheng inclined his head, stored the Thunder Eagle away, and with light steps, headed for the exit of the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower.
"Oh, right," Yu Changsheng said, turning back. He glanced at the smiling Chenyang, hesitated for a moment, but still asked in a low voice:
"Elder, if it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me... what is the basis for determining the discount amount for this Spirit Card?"
Chenyang paused, then smiled. He gave Yu Changsheng a deep look, uttered a single word from the corner of his mouth, and then said no more.
Yu Changsheng nodded. Without asking any further questions, he left the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower.
’Cultivation...’
Glancing back at the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower soaring into the clouds, Yu Changsheng let out a long, pensive breath. After a moment, he shook his head and gave a wry smile.
’That explains it. Truly worthy of a merchant guild renowned across the continent. To have built a business of this scale, they must have their own unique methods.’
Yu Changsheng murmured to himself. Connecting Chenyang’s word with everything else, many things instantly became clear to him.
’The so-called discount for Ten Thousand Beasts Tower VIPs... to put it bluntly, it’s just a form of investment.’
’Presumably, the people who receive these Spirit Cards are either renowned Great Powers or prodigies with limitless potential. These favors may seem like a loss on the surface, but what they’re betting on isn’t present value—it’s future value.’
Yu Changsheng swallowed hard, his eyes filled with a new understanding. He stretched, his spirits lifting, and continued his walk through Celestial Killer City, observing his surroundings while his mind kept turning.
’This is how the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower befriends a whole network of powerful individuals. Having accepted this favor, these people will naturally feel inclined to return it if the Tower ever needs them. This is the very foundation that has allowed the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower to stand strong on the continent for so many years...’
’It’s an investment... And in this unique kind of investment, the Cultivation of the person they’re investing in is the sole criterion for determining the size of the discount...’
After turning these thoughts over in his mind, Yu Changsheng shook his head to clear the distractions and resumed wandering through Celestial Killer City.
’Ah, well. Since I’ve accepted his favor, a karmic link has been formed. A mutually beneficial relationship isn’t a bad thing. Chenyang, the Thousand Beasts Supervisor, is already at the Golden Core Cultivation level. The Tower Master, then, must have already reached the Purple Mansion realm.’
Yu Changsheng muttered, patting the Storage Pouch that held the Thunder Eagle. In the end, he simply smiled.
’In any case, the outcome is good. As long as I have the Thunder Eagle, that’s what matters.’
Over the next few hours, Yu Changsheng explored the better part of Celestial Killer City. Unfortunately, aside from his visit to the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower, he didn’t find anything else that caught his interest.