Chapter 149: Golden Armored Warrior Army, Path to the Cloud Peak Sect

After arriving at the inner city, Lu Changsheng didn’t immediately start purchasing or handling his belongings.

Instead, he first found a large inn and booked a room, then disguised himself and changed his attire.

After all, he had been in Jiulong Market for quite some time, and this outfit had garnered some experience to avoid being noticed.

At this time, Lu Changsheng also recalled the ‘Golden Armored Bean Mother’ in his system space.

Because he had been with Xiao Xiyue all this time, he hadn’t extracted it.

“Extract.”

Lu Changsheng opened the system space, and his mind moved slightly.

Immediately.

A golden bean, the size of an egg, appeared before him.

Simultaneously, detailed information about this ‘Golden Armored Bean Mother’ appeared in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

The Golden Armored Bean Mother can transform into a second-tier Golden Armored Warrior and can also be planted to breed spirit beans.

The information about this Golden Armored Warrior was similar to what he had expected.

It had some similarities to puppets and spirit beasts.

Or rather, it is something between a puppet and a spirit beast.

Compared to puppets, it has a bit more autonomy.

It doesn’t need divine sense control, able to follow simple commands.

But compared to spirit beasts, it has less autonomy.

It only does what’s commanded and cannot adapt spontaneously.

But this Golden Armored Warrior doesn’t consume Spirit Stones like puppets or require food and drink like spirit beasts. It absorbs and stores spiritual energy on its own, and once depleted, it can slowly recover if placed in spirit soil.

“This Golden Armored Warrior formed by the Golden Armored Bean Mother has the strength of a late second tier.”

“Even though its autonomy isn’t high and it doesn’t have many techniques and divine abilities, it is equivalent to a second-tier superior puppet.”

“It can handle mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators easily.”

Lu Changsheng had a general understanding of the combat power of this Golden Armored Bean Mother.

Its combat power is quite singular.

It tends to be in the close combat tank class.

Similar to puppets.

If it goes all out, ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators won’t be able to withstand it.

“However, as I guessed, the main function of this Golden Armored Bean Mother is to plant and cultivate.”

A faint smile appeared on Lu Changsheng’s face.

He understood about planting and breeding the Golden Armored Bean Mother.

It takes three years to sprout, three years to grow leaves, three years to blossom, and three years to bear beans.

In other words, it takes twelve years to complete one cycle of breeding and bear results.

Each time it can produce five to ten Golden Armored Spirit Beans.

All these Golden Armored Spirit Beans can transform into Golden Armored Warriors.

However, their strength is not as great as the Golden Armored Bean Mother.

They only have the strength of a late first-tier.

Roughly equivalent to a superior first-tier puppet.

“Bearing results every twelve years, the cycle is somewhat long.”

“And the Golden Armored Spirit Beans can’t be planted and bred like the Golden Armored Bean Mother.”

“Otherwise, if beans kept producing beans, I could completely form a legion of Golden Armored Warriors.”

Lu Changsheng felt a little regret inside.

When he gained second-tier puppetry skills, he thought of creating a puppet army using a sea of puppets tactic.

But the cost of making puppets was too high, and since he had to control them himself, he had to abandon the idea.

But since these Golden Armored Spirit Beans can be cultivated, and all that is needed is a simple command to make them work, it reignited his interest.

Unfortunately, even these Golden Armored Spirit Beans have their flaws.

“Unless necessary, this Golden Armored Bean Mother shouldn’t be used for combat.”

“Otherwise, if it gets damaged and can’t blossom or breed spirit beans, it would be a huge loss.”

“After all, Golden Armored Warriors from these Golden Armored Spirit Beans, whether in fighting, reclaiming spirit fields, crafting puppet parts, or doing simple chores, are extremely convenient.”

“They don’t require human control or need rest, and as long as there’s enough spiritual energy, they can work tirelessly indefinitely.”

“If spiritual energy is depleted or they are damaged, as long as it isn’t too serious, they can be buried in spirit soil to recover.”

Lu Changsheng mumbled to himself.

Realizing that to him, the Golden Armored Bean Mother wasn’t about transforming into a Golden Armored Warrior for combat.

It was to keep breeding labor force.

In the future, when he establishes his family, many tasks, such as the puppet factory he envisions, can be handled by Golden Armored Warriors from the spirit beans.

“I wonder if I can ever draw another Dao Soldier like this Golden Armored Bean Mother.”

Lu Changsheng felt a growing interest in such Dao Soldiers.

He also planned to check out any bookstore at Qingyun Market Town that might have introductions on Dao Soldiers.

After storing the Golden Armored Bean Mother in his Spirit Pet Bag, Lu Changsheng headed out.

He first found two Artifact shops, exchanging unused Artifacts for Spirit Stones.

There were four top-tier Artifacts and three superior Artifacts altogether.

These Artifacts were of good quality and barely used, so they sold for six thousand three hundred Spirit Stones.

As for the three Spirit Tools acquired from the Red-Robed Youth, Lu Changsheng didn’t sell those.

Having now reached Foundation Establishment, naturally, the Artifacts needed updating.

The opponent’s bone-white flying sword was good.

It’s a mid-tier Spirit Tool.

So he kept it for personal use.

Although the crimson scissors were worn, they could still be used.

As for the Red Luan Pearl, being the opponent’s Life-bound Spirit Tool, its power was greatly reduced when used by him.

However, considering it was a Life-bound Spirit Tool, it was quite conspicuous, and should a familiar person spot it, Lu Changsheng decided not to sell it for now, waiting to see how things go.

Thereafter, Lu Changsheng inquired about the location of the Cloud Peak Trading Company.

He changed his disguise and attire and headed towards the Cloud Peak Trading Company.

For materials needed to forge the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp, he had some common ones.

But the rest were rarer materials.

They are hard to find in regular shops.

They could only be purchased from such large trading companies or big shops.

Besides buying materials for the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp, Lu Changsheng also planned to purchase a second-tier Talisman Pen and materials for crafting second-tier superior and top-tier talismans.

At the peak of Qi Refining, he could only craft second-tier lower talismans and barely manage mid-tier talismans.

Now having reached Foundation Establishment, crafting second-tier top-tier talismans should be feasible.

Naturally, he needed to craft some talismans to keep on him for protection.

“Welcome to the Cloud Peak Trading Company. May I ask if the guest needs to buy or sell?”

As soon as Lu Changsheng walked into the Cloud Peak Trading Company, a beautiful female cultivator dressed in the company’s uniform approached him for reception.

“Both buying and selling.”

Lu Changsheng replied casually.

After being invited to sit on the side and given tea, Lu Changsheng placed a Storage Bag on the table and said, “These materials I want to sell, please appraise them.”

“Please wait, comrade.”

The female cultivator replied with a polite smile and began the appraisal process.

Being a receptionist at the Cloud Peak Trading Company wasn’t simple.

They not only had to be cultivators but also adept at material appraisal.

After a while, the female cultivator respectfully said: “Senior, I have appraised the materials you are selling, and the purchase price is three thousand three hundred and ninety-one Spirit Stones. What do you think?”

“If you need, I can list the individual prices for each item.”

The female cultivator crouched to the side, her tight uniform accentuating her graceful and alluring figure.

“No need, that price is fine.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He had also roughly appraised these materials himself.

They were valued at about five thousand Spirit Stones.

But value is value.

In his hands, they might not be sold at that price.

Purchasing them was quite troublesome too.

Places like the Cloud Peak Trading Company often buy at sixty to seventy percent of the value.

“Alright, then I’ll set the price for you.”

The female cultivator took out another Storage Bag and placed items inside.

But she did not rush to settle the Spirit Stones, instead asking: “Previously, sir, you said both buying and selling. What else do you need to purchase?”

“Check these materials.”

Lu Changsheng did not say more and handed over a list.

“Please wait, sir.”

Glancing at the list, the female cultivator’s eyes lit up.

She could tell this was a big business deal.

She took out a Jade Scroll to check the stock information of the materials on the list.

“Sir, I have checked the materials you need. We only have Star Sand, Heavenly Blue Silk, Dragon Blood Soil, and Heavenly Silver.”

“Currently out of stock with Rainbow Copper and Earth Fire Stone. If you need them, our Cloud Peak Trading Company can commission a purchase on your behalf.”

The female cultivator said, taking out a Jade Scroll and handing it to Lu Changsheng.

It displayed images of the materials he wanted, along with stock, prices, and descriptions.

Star Sand, one thousand Spirit Stones per tael.

Heavenly Blue Silk, two hundred and fifty Spirit Stones per strand.

Dragon Blood Soil, five hundred and thirty Spirit Stones per portion.

Heavenly Silver, one hundred Spirit Stones per tael.

Lu Changsheng looked at these prices and couldn’t help but click his tongue.

A lower-tier spirit tool costs about three to four thousand Spirit Stones.

For crafting a Life-bound Spirit Tool, some materials alone cost nearly ten thousand Spirit Stones, which he found a bit painful.

“Five taels of Star Sand, nine strands of Heavenly Blue Silk, two taels of Dragon Blood Soil, and one pound of Heavenly Silver.”

Lu Changsheng sighed silently and spoke.

He could only say that as one’s cultivation level rises, so do expenses.

If it were not for his second-tier talisman crafting skills and occasional generous donors, he wouldn’t be able to sustain such expenditure.

“Okay, if there’s nothing else, I’ll get your purchased items.”

The female cultivator said respectfully.

“Show me your second-tier Talisman Pens.”

Lu Changsheng continued.

“Second-tier Talisman Pens?”

Hearing this, the female cultivator was somewhat surprised and said: “I didn’t expect that the elder is a Talisman Master. I apologize for my rudeness.”

She immediately took a Jade Scroll and quickly turned to the page for second-tier Talisman Pens.

Introducing the different styles of Talisman Pens to Lu Changsheng.

A second-tier lower grade Talisman Pen is around three thousand Spirit Stones.

A second-tier mid-grade Talisman Pen is around five thousand Spirit Stones.

A second-tier superior Talisman Pen is approximately ten thousand Spirit Stones.

A second-tier top-grade Talisman Pen is about fifteen thousand Spirit Stones.

“Tut tut tut, so expensive.”

Looking at the prices of the Talisman Pens, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but shake his head.

Previously, he bought a first-tier top-grade Talisman Pen for only about one thousand four hundred Spirit Stones.

This second-tier top-grade Talisman Pen was ten times more expensive.

“Give me a second-tier superior ‘Cloud Peak’ Talisman Pen.”

Lu Changsheng briefly examined the various options and chose the most popular style.

Nine thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones.

He originally planned to purchase a second-tier top-grade Talisman Pen all at once.

That way, not only would he not need to change Talisman Pens again, but crafting second-tier top-tier talismans would also be more stable.

He didn’t expect second-tier Talisman Pens to be so expensive.

Partly because when Xiao Xiyue broke through to Foundation Establishment, due to the lack of external spiritual energy, he crushed mid-tier Spirit Stones to replenish her heaven and earth spiritual energy.

He spent over eighty mid-tier Spirit Stones.

Which was over eight thousand Spirit Stones.

Leaving him with just over ten thousand Spirit Stones, even after selling the nine thousand in Artifacts and materials today.

Plus, he had to purchase materials for crafting second-tier talismans.

“Certainly, allow me to retrieve that for you.”

The female cultivator saw Lu Changsheng not only purchasing so many materials but also a second-tier superior Talisman Pen.

Realizing she had encountered an important customer, she was very pleased and spoke respectfully.

After all, as receptionists, they also received commissions.

“No rush, I assume your Cloud Peak Trading Company buys second-tier talismans as well?”

Lu Changsheng continued.

Now having reached Foundation Establishment.

The second-tier lower talismans he carried were not very useful to him anymore.

He considered selling some in exchange for Spirit Stones.

After all, it’s always good to have some Spirit Stones on hand for emergencies.

It’s impossible to spend all the Spirit Stones completely.

Moreover, he planned to visit a few other shops to see if he could find the Rainbow Copper and Earth Fire Stone he needed.

“Of course, we do.”

The female cultivator nodded with a sweet smile.

She paused for a moment, her tone cordial and tactful: “However, our Cloud Peak Trading Company only buys high-quality talismans. If the appearance of the talisman is poor, we won’t purchase it.”

“You can assess the quality of these talismans.”

Lu Changsheng produced ten second-tier lower talismans.

“Please take a seat in the VIP room. I don’t understand talismans very well, so I’ll need to ask a manager to evaluate them.”

The female cultivator said, receiving the talismans with both hands.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He knew that these receptionists were merely ordinary cultivators.

It was already impressive they could identify and appraise many kinds of heavenly materials.

Evaluating the quality of second-tier talismans would be demanding for them.

He followed her to a VIP room upstairs to wait.

Before long.

A gray-haired but energetic elder in his fifties, along with the female cultivator, entered the VIP room.

“Mr. Hu here is the manager of the Cloud Peak Trading Company. Having seen the talismans you wish to sell are all high-quality, I took the liberty to come and pay respects.”

The elder politely cupped his hands toward Lu Changsheng.

“Mr. Hu, you’re too kind.”

Lu Changsheng replied modestly, bowing slightly: “In that case, your company should be willing to buy these talismans.”

“Naturally, with such quality talismans, however many you have, we’ll purchase from you.”

“Moreover, we’re willing to buy at seventy-five percent of the market rate.”

Manager Hu said with a grin.

“Seventy-five percent.”

Lu Changsheng nodded: “Thank you, Manager Hu.”

He knew that usually, the Cloud Peak Trading Company purchased talismans at sixty percent.

Seventy percent at most during good times.

So, offering seventy-five percent was quite generous.

“Aside from the ten talismans just now, I have fifteen more talismans. Manager Hu can take a look.”

Lu Changsheng produced fifteen more second-tier lower talismans.

Altogether, he had fifty-nine second-tier lower talismans.

But he wasn’t in a rush to sell them all at once.

Also, he felt that Manager Hu didn’t come just for a simple visit.

“Let me see.”

Manager Hu took the fifteen talismans and scrutinized them thoroughly.

He saw they were all top-quality talismans.

“These fifteen talismans, just like the previous ten, if sold at the market price, they would equate to ten thousand four hundred Spirit Stones. At seventy-five percent, our company is willing to offer you seven thousand nine hundred Spirit Stones.”

“What does Mr. Lu think?”

Manager Hu inquired.

“There’s no problem. Thank you, Manager Hu.”

Lu Changsheng nodded at this offer.

The price of these second-tier lower talismans averaged four hundred Spirit Stones each.

Although his high-quality talismans could fetch ten to twenty percent more on the market.

But the price offered wasn’t unreasonable.

Besides, each of his talismans only cost twenty-six Spirit Stones to make.

Thus, a slight reduction wasn’t a concern.

“Does Comrade Friend need anything else?”

Manager Hu asked.

“I still need to buy some Talisman materials.”

Lu Changsheng said after a brief thought.

“Certainly, Bie’er.”

Manager Hu beamed at the confirmation of his suspicion.

The receptionist, named Bie’er, took out the Jade Scroll, selecting second-tier Talisman materials for Lu Changsheng to view.

Then, Lu Changsheng selected thirty each of ordinary, high-grade, and top-quality talisman paper and spiritual ink.

A total of five thousand two hundred eighty Spirit Stones.

“I presume Comrade Friend is a second-tier Talisman Master. I dare ask if you have joined any forces.”

“If not, would you be interested in becoming a guest of our Cloud Peak Trading Company? We’ve always sought talents like Comrade Friend.”

After Lu Changsheng finished buying, Manager Hu extended an invitation.

That was also why he came personally.

Having seen the second-tier talismans before, he realized Lu Changsheng had remarkable expertise in talisman crafting.

At least a second-tier mid-tier Talisman Master.

Seeing Lu Changsheng buy so many Talisman materials further confirmed his hunch, prompting the invitation.

“Oh? What responsibilities and benefits would come with becoming a guest of your company?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

When Manager Hu approached, Lu Changsheng suspected it wasn’t merely a social call.

He didn’t anticipate an invitation to join the company.

Previously, when he bought second-tier Talisman materials at Jiulong Market from the Cloud Peak Trading Company and Wanbao Pavilion, receptionists did ask him similar questions.

However he didn’t reveal much back then, so no manager queried further.

Now receiving another invitation piqued his interest.

He wanted to know the responsibilities and benefits of joining the Cloud Peak Trading Company.

“If Comrade Friend is willing to become a guest of the Cloud Peak Trading Company, all that is required is crafting talismans for us occasionally or providing urgent supplies when needed.”

“The benefits include a high monthly salary, internal pricing for your purchases, and discount benefits.”

“Moreover, if you need any materials, our company can collect or purchase them on your behalf.”

“We also hold an annual Hundred Arts Conference for guests to exchange ideas, facilitating mutual growth.”

“Comrade Friend may know, our backing is the Azure Cloud Sect.”

“For those contributing significantly to our company, we have internal recommendations to enter the Azure Cloud Sect.”

“In the sect, you receive guidance from core elders, with the potential to be taken as disciples.”

Manager Hu explained.

“Joining the Azure Cloud Sect.”

Lu Changsheng raised his eyebrows.

He realized the greatest benefit of joining the Cloud Peak Trading Company.

Apart from enjoying various benefits, entering the Azure Cloud Sect through this channel was advantageous.

For many wandering cultivators, joining a renowned sect like the Azure Cloud Sect later in life was a dream come true.

“I see, thank you, Manager Hu, for the information.”

“Currently, I have no intention of joining other forces.”

“I will consider it. If I decide, I’ll certainly reach out to Manager Hu.”

Lu Changsheng said with a slight bow, showing an apologetic expression.

He felt joining the Cloud Peak Trading Company backed by the Azure Cloud Sect could be beneficial.

Not only could he rely on strong support, but acquiring materials would also become much easier.

As for responsibilities, crafting a batch of talismans monthly wasn’t difficult for someone with nearly a hundred percent success rate in talisman crafting.

It’s just a matter of spending a little more time and effort, albeit a bit cumbersome.

But since his identity was currently false, joining the company wasn’t an option.

Perhaps when he reveals himself as a second-tier Talisman Master, he might consider it.

“Of course, if Comrade Friend has any intention, don’t hesitate to come to me.”

Manager Hu wasn’t disappointed by Lu Changsheng’s response.

This was very normal.

To reach such a level of expertise, many had already extended similar invitations.

He might even be working informally for another force.

There’s no way a single invitation would result in immediate agreement.

He just wanted to extend the invitation, leave a good impression.

Hoping that when Lu Changsheng has the intention, he’d consider their company.

“Elder Lu, here are your items.”

“In total, twenty-four thousand eight hundred eighty Spirit Stones. After deducting eleven thousand two hundred ninety-one stones for your sold materials and talismans, you still owe thirteen thousand five hundred eighty-nine Spirit Stones.”

The female cultivator brought the purchased items for inspection.

“Alright, no problem.”

Lu Changsheng checked the materials in the Storage Bag and nodded.

“Comrade Friend, pay thirteen thousand stones.”

Then Manager Hu chimed in, waiving the small change.

“Thank you, Manager Hu.”

Lu Changsheng knew this was a gesture of goodwill, expressing his gratitude immediately.

He paid with Spirit Stones, then took his leave.

After leaving the Cloud Peak Trading Company, Lu Changsheng returned to an inn and routinely checked the items once more.

Although a large store like the Cloud Peak Trading Company wouldn’t do such things.

It’s always wise to be cautious.

After confirming everything was fine, Lu Changsheng changed his disguise once again and prepared to explore other shops.

To see if he could purchase the Rainbow Copper and Earth Fire Stone he needed.