Chapter 399: Merchant Guild, Lu Family Backbone!

Lu Changsheng looked at the Peachwood Spirit Embryo in front of him, then at the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman in his hand and suddenly realized a problem.

He can’t use this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

Right now, Hong Lian, who controls the Ancient Talisman, needs to merge with the spirit embryo. But what about the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon, Green Jade Luan Bird, Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, and Iron-Eating Beast in the talisman?

“Hong Lian, what should I do if I need to use this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman in the future?”

Lu Changsheng asked the Peachwood Spirit Embryo.

The Green Jade Luan Bird, Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, and Iron-Eating Beast could be kept in the talisman long-term; that’s no issue.

But the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon needs constant attention, requiring Bai Ling to refine it with the Black Water Flood Dragon Curse to maintain its power.

“Young Master, since Chensha cultivates the Beast Scripture, he can activate this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.”

“If you wish to release the Dao Weapon or spirit beasts from the talisman, you can have Chensha do it.”

Hong Lian’s sweet, melodic voice came from the spirit embryo.

“Beast Scripture?”

Lu Changsheng was a bit surprised upon hearing this.

He just found out that cultivating the Beast Scripture allows one to use this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

So, if he converts his Qi using the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra into the Beast Scripture, wouldn’t he also be able to use this talisman?

“Might as well try.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

The only problem is that the Beast Scripture, being a profound-level technique, has significant entry barriers.

Even with his current talent and insight, mastering this technique to fluently convert Qi into the Beast Scripture would take considerable time.

“Alright, you take care of the spirit embryo.”

Lu Changsheng told Hong Lian and left the Sumeru Cave Heaven.

He planned to find his son, Lu Chensha, and have him try activating this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

“Husband.”

At this moment, Lu Miaoyun approached Lu Changheng, informing him that Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong had returned.

“Oh? Bring them to see me.”

Lu Changsheng responded immediately.

Moments later, a man in his thirties with a majestic and commanding presence, dressed in a green robe, and a tall woman around twenty-eight or twenty-nine, with average looks but radiant spirit, entered the hall.

“We greet Father and Aunt.”

Lu Qingsong and Lu Ruyi looked at Lu Changsheng, seated at the head of the hall in his simple green robe, appearing ethereal and handsome, and bowed.

They couldn’t help but feel that their father seemed more transcendent than before, as if he were distant despite being right in front of them.

It felt surreal.

“Hmm, you should know why I called you back, right?”

Lu Changsheng leaned back in his chair out of habit, playing with the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman with his elegant fingers.

“Father, are you referring to the matter of the merchant guild?”

Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong exchanged glances and respectfully responded.

Although their father was usually warm and never lost his temper,

Over the years, his status and privilege developed a sense of undeniable authority.

So when he asked about these serious matters, even in a calm tone, it made Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong a bit anxious.

“Yes, our family’s business has long reached a bottleneck. Now that Ping’an, Qingxuan, Ruyi, and Wangshu have all broken through to the Foundation Establishment, I think it’s time to establish a merchant guild to expand our family’s business.”

“The reason I called you back is to hear your thoughts. Do you have any plans?”

Lu Changsheng continued to play with the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman, resting his other hand lightly on the armrest, tapping it casually as he spoke with a smile.

After exchanging another look, Lu Ruyi spoke up: “Father, regarding the merchant guild, Qingsong and I have some understanding.”

“If our family establishes a merchant guild, our main advantage would be in the puppet trade, as well as advanced talismans and pills.”

“But solely relying on puppets, talismans, and pills to expand the business and sustain a merchant guild might be difficult. Therefore, the main profit should come from forming a merchant caravan.”

Lu Ruyi spoke clearly, her voice crisp.

Although Bihu Mountain was well-known in the Qingyun region,

This reputation didn’t necessarily lead to product sales.

Even if Lu Family’s puppets have excellent value, competing in the major Markets will still be challenging.

Moreover, expanding the business requires scaling up the family’s production lines, which means more raw materials and manpower.

These things can’t happen overnight and will require a gradual process.

Considering these issues, both Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong believe, like most forces,

That building a merchant caravan, planning trade routes, and trading with small families along the way would best promote their family’s reputation.

Additionally, they could gain profits through buying low and selling high, working with smaller families along the way.

This is the typical initial strategy for most merchant guilds.

After all, in the vast cultivation world, many small family cultivators rarely travel far in their lifetimes.

If there’s no Market nearby, they have no choice but to rely on distant merchant caravans for resources and Natural Treasures.

“Merchant caravan.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly. He knew this was how trading worked in the cultivation world.

Regularly, caravans made up of pack beasts head to major Markets or Immortal Cities.

They trade for Spirit Stones by buying low, selling high, and picking up opportunities.

Once they’ve accumulated enough capital, they establish shops in major Markets and Immortal Cities and form merchant guilds.

“The only problem is that our rise at Bihu Mountain was too quick, making many other families wary. If we establish a merchant guild and set up a caravan, we might face significant obstacles.”

At this point, Lu Qingsong spoke up, his tone serious.

Although the Lu Family at Bihu Mountain became a significant name,

Their rapid rise in a few decades made other families wary.

These families might still act friendly on the surface, pretending everything is fine,

But in reality, they would love to see the Lu Family at Bihu Mountain fail and wouldn’t stand by as it continues to develop. They would secretly try to cause trouble.

Especially other merchant guilds in the Qingyun region!

Take the Longguang Merchant Guild led by the Jin Family of Jinlong Ridge as an example. There’s no way they would want to see us establish a merchant guild.

If we start trading with our caravan, they will definitely target us constantly, possibly even disguise themselves as rogue cultivators to harass us!

“Hmm, so how do you plan to deal with this issue?”

Lu Changsheng asked with a smile.

He naturally understood this problem.

He hesitated to expand the family’s business initially because of these concerns, thinking the risk wasn’t worth it.

But that was then, and this is now.

Now, with his children growing up and able to handle matters on their own,

Establishing a merchant guild would provide them with more experience.

Besides, managing through to the Foundation Establishment stage, he could still make appropriate arrangements as their father.

After this stage, they would have to rely on their own efforts.

Moreover, with the family’s growing cultivation levels and population, supporting its expenses is becoming challenging, and they must increase their income.

“Of course, we must fight. These are common issues for every merchant caravan, and the only way to open trade routes and establish our guild’s reputation is through strength!”

Lu Ruyi’s eyebrows exuded a heroic spirit as she spoke coldly.

Although most family forces start paying attention to appearances when they reach the Foundation Establishment stage,

When interests are involved, appearances become trivial, and power speaks loudest.

Once they establish themselves with hard strength on their first tour, the other forces will gradually give them some face.

Afterward, the main risks will come from wild beasts, rogue cultivators, and other unexpected situations.

“Yes, such conflicts are inevitable. But along the way, we can gradually form alliances with other families and forces, creating mutually beneficial collaborations.”

Lu Qingsong added.

“Heh.”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but smile at his daughter’s energetic stance.

Among his children at present, she was the weakest in combat.

It definitely wouldn’t work to have Ruyi lead the team.

However, he was pleased with her spirit and determination.

“Alright, since it’s unavoidable, let’s proceed then. Our family won’t pick fights, but we won’t back down from them either.”

“However, for the first trade tour with the caravan after we establish the merchant guild, I will have your elder brother and Nine Abyss Mastiff lead the team.”

Lu Changsheng announced.

There’s no way he, as the elder, could personally take charge of the merchant guild.

If he were to step forward, it would only draw more attention and targeting from other forces.

Besides, the whole point of establishing a merchant guild was to give his children a chance to grow.

If he handled everything himself, there would be no point in the guild.

But letting Ruyi lead, he definitely wouldn’t be at ease.

In the end, his son Lu Ping’an was the only viable option to take charge.

Lu Ping’an’s calm and patient demeanor would allow him to reason through any challenges along the way.

And this opportunity would also bring Lu Ping’an into the public eye, establishing him as the new pillar of Bihu Mountain.

After all, Bihu Mountain couldn’t rely on him forever.

Now that his children had grown up, both he and Miaoge gradually planned to fade out of the public eye.

“Elder Brother.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Ruyi pouted slightly. She had thought their father would entrust this task to her.

But she understood that her current combat ability was a bit lacking.

Her elder brother Lu Ping’an could defeat the Tao Family patriarch in mid-Foundation Establishment early on, a feat beyond her reach.

“With Elder Brother in charge, the first trade tour should be guaranteed!”

Lu Qingsong immediately added.

He knew very well how strong his elder brother Lu Ping’an was.

He had already thought of inviting him to oversee the first trade tour and open the trade routes, establishing Bihu Mountain’s merchant guild’s reputation.

After all, Bihu Mountain’s current reputation was built by his father and Aunt Miaoge.

Under these circumstances, no other family forces would dare mess with Bihu Mountain.

But if they were to establish a merchant guild and expand beyond Bihu Mountain, they would need to display enough power to gain respect!

In his opinion, no one was a better fit than his elder brother Lu Ping’an.

Though it was a pity that his brother, Lu Qingshan, wasn’t around.

Although he had always found his elder brother’s arrogance annoying as a child,

He had to admit that his elder brother was incredibly talented.

If he were around, the family would have another Top-Tier fighter!

“Alright then, let’s proceed with the merchant guild as discussed.”

“You two should work out the details with Xingyang, then see who in the family wants to join the guild and caravan and come up with some rules and guidelines.”

Lu Changsheng adjusted his posture slightly and spoke.

“Yes, Father!”

The two responded with a bow.

“Qingsong, you should also ease up on the White Tiger Mountain family affairs and focus on reaching the Foundation Establishment stage since your mother and I are concerned about you.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at his son’s cultivation then spoke.

“Thank you for your concern, Father. I will definitely strive for an early breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Qingsong replied with a clasped fist.

“Father, what do you intend to name our family’s merchant guild?”

At this point, Lu Ruyi asked Lu Changsheng.

“Hmm, let’s call it… Ping’an Merchant Guild.”

Lu Changsheng replied, stroking his chin.

He felt that the name Ping’an had a nice ring to it. Safe and sound, just like his eldest son’s name, Ping’an.

“.”

Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong’s lips twitched when they heard the name.

They realized their father was really fond of the name.

Their elder brother’s name was Lu Ping’an, the first talisman shop was named Ping’an Talisman Hall, and now the merchant guild would be Ping’an Merchant Guild.

“But Father, many people use that name for their merchant guilds.”

Lu Qingsong whispered.

In the vast cultivation world, names like Ping’an were quite common.

Especially among small merchant guilds, they loved names like that. The meaning was good, and it was low-key.

After all, a high-profile name could easily invite trouble if the reputation didn’t match.

“Hmm? In that case, let’s call it… Ruyi Merchant Guild.”

“.”

“Wuyou Merchant Guild? Da’ai Merchant Guild? Duofu Merchant Guild… Never mind, let’s go with Changqing Merchant Guild.”

After considering a few names, Lu Changsheng finally settled on Changqing Merchant Guild.

After Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong left, Lu Miaoyun softly asked, “Husbnd, do you think this trading journey will be too dangerous for Ping’an?”

Though she knew her son Lu Ping’an was strong, she wasn’t very familiar with the specifics.

“Don’t worry, with Ping’an and Nine Abyss, they’ll be fine.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a light laugh.

His son, Lu Ping’an, had already cultivated the Hundred Refined Body Technique to the peak of the seventh layer.

He was just one step away from breaking through to the eighth layer.

And the Nine Abyss Mastiff had grown to the later stage of the second rank after being fed a Beast Origin Pill.

Thus, unless a False Core expert personally intervenes, there’s no way anyone could be a match for Lu Ping’an and the Nine Abyss Mastiff.

If some False Core expert dared to stoop that low, he would personally pay them a visit at that time.

“Alright.”

Hearing her husband’s words, Lu Miaoyun was reassured and sopped worrying.

After that, Lu Changsheng left the hall to find his son, Lu Chensha.

His son was twenty-six years old and had spent much of his time and energy on insect taming, which left his cultivation at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining.

“Father.”

Lu Chensha, who inherited his looks from Lu Changsheng and Xu Ruoyin, had a handsome face with some sharp features.

However, since his contracted spirit beast was a Thousand-Legged Centipede, his pale complexion gave a somewhat weak and sickly aura.

“Chensha, try channeling your spiritual energy through this Ancient Talisman.”

Lu Changsheng handed the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman to Lu Chensha.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Chensha didn’t understand his father’s intention but took the talisman with both hands.

For some reason, as he looked at this talisman, which seemed like neither jade nor stone and was engraved with strange beast patterns, he felt an unexplainable connection. It even made the Beast Scripture he cultivated feel more active.

Without overthinking, he activated the Beast Scripture, and his spiritual energy flowed into the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

“Buzz—”

The Ancient Beast Taming Talisman emitted a radiant glow, revealing a vast world of mountains, rivers, and vegetation to Lu Chensha.

In the rivers swam numerous black flood dragons and dragon fish.

On a giant tree coiled a magnificent bird with jade-like feathers.

Nearby lay a Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle with a blue shell that exuded chill, and an Iron-Eating Beast with black and white fur, looking adorable.

“Aren’t these Sister Wangshu’s Little Bing, Rolling, and the Green Jade Luan Bird?”

Lu Chensha immediately recognized the Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, Iron-Eating Beast, and Green Jade Luan Bird.

Though the Green Jade Luan Bird had been a gift from Lu Changsheng to Lu Miaoyun,

Because Lu Miaoyun practiced the Heave and Earth Longevity Technique and couldn’t go out, Lu Wangshu often used it as her mount.

And although the Iron-Eating Beast originally belonged to Lu Linghe, Lu Wangshu often played with it.

“It really works.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, seeing the colorful glow of the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman in his son’s hands.

He asked, “What did you see inside?”

“Father, I saw many dragon fish and flood dragons, as well as Sister Wangshu’s Green Jade Luan Bird, Little Bing, and Rolling.”

Lu Chensha still didn’t understand what his father wanted him to do.

“Try releasing one of the flood dragons for me to see.”

Lu Changsheng instructed.

“Whoosh!”

Immediately, a large black water serpent, about ten feet long with black scales and two whiskers, appeared.

It was one of the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapons Lu Changsheng cultivated.

But so far, none of these Dao weapons had advanced beyond the first rank; they were still Top-Tier first rank.

“Now put it back.”

Lu Changsheng commanded.

Following his father’s words, Lu Chensha promptly activated the talisman and returned the Black Water Dragon Fish into the talisman.

“Now try absorbing these Spirit Stones into the talisman and convert them into energy.”

Lu Changsheng had his son test the various functions of the talisman one by one.

Once he confirmed that everything was working properly, he nodded and said, “Keep this talisman with you for now.”

“If your Sister Wangshu asks you for a spirit beast, give it to her.”

“Also, every half month, your Aunt Bai Ling will need your help to release the dragons and dragon fish for a while.”

Lu Changsheng instructed.

“Understood.”

Although still puzzled, Lu Chensha nodded in agreement.

Moreover, he felt that having this talisman with him would increase his cultivation speed.