Chapter 402: The Chamber of Commerce caravan, the pillar of the Lu family!

Lu Changsheng looked at the peach wood spirit embryo in front of him, then at the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman in his hand, and suddenly realized a problem.

He couldn’t use this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

Now that Honglian, who controlled the Ancient Talisman, needed to fuse with the spirit embryo, what about his Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Soldiers, Azure Jade Luan Bird, Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, and Devour Iron Beast within the Ancient Talisman?

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

Lu Changsheng asked the peach wood spirit embryo.

For the Azure Jade Luan Bird, Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, and Devour Iron Beast, it didn’t matter as they could be kept in the Ancient Talisman for a long time.

But the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Soldiers needed to be fed regularly, and Bai Ling had to refine them using the Blackwater Flood Dragon Curse and Dragon magic power.

“Young Master, Chensha Cultivates a Beast Control Technique, which can activate this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.”

“If Young Master wants to release the Dao Soldiers and Spirit Beasts from the Ancient Talisman, you can have Chensha do it.”

Honglian’s clear and pleasant voice came from the spirit embryo.

“Beast Control Technique?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised to hear this.

Only now did he realize that cultivating the Beast Control Technique would allow one to use this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

According to this, if he converted his magic power into the Beast Control Technique through the Yin Yang Creation Scripture, wouldn’t he also be able to use this Ancient Beast Taming Talisman?

“However, cultivating this Cultivation Technique might be a bit difficult…”

Lu Changsheng’s brows furrowed slightly.

As a profound-Rank Cultivation Technique, this Beast Control Technique had a very high threshold.

Currently, among the entire Lu Family, only Lu Chensha had successfully cultivated this Cultivation Technique.

Lu Changsheng even suspected whether this Cultivation Technique had some hidden threshold.

Lu Chensha’s ability to Cultivate it might have some connection with Xu Ruyin.

“Alright, you can Cultivate in peace.”

Lu Changsheng said to Honglian and walked out of the Xumi Grotto-heaven.

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

“Husband.”

At this moment, Lu Miaoyun saw Lu Changsheng and informed him that Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong had returned.

“Oh? Have them come to see me.”

Lu Changsheng said immediately upon hearing this.

A moment later, a tall, imposing man in a green robe, around thirty years old with a heroic and dignified Face, entered the main hall, accompanied by a tall woman of twenty-eight or twenty-nine, with an above-average appearance and a hint of heroism in her brows.

“Greetings, Father, Aunt.”

Lu Qingsong and Lu Ruyi bowed to Lu Changsheng, who was seated at the head of the hall in a green robe, with a handsome and otherworldly appearance.

Perhaps it was just an illusion, but they instinctively felt that their Father seemed to possess a greater sense of transcendence than before.

He was clearly sitting right in front of them, yet he felt incredibly distant.

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

Lu Changsheng habitually leaned back in his chair, his long, jade-like fingers toying with the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

“Is Father referring to the merchant association matters?”

Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong exchanged glances and respectfully said.

Although their Father was usually very gentle and had never shown anger, his long-term life of ease and high position still gave him an undeniable authority.

Now that he was asking about serious matters, even though his tone was gentle, calm, and indifferent, it still made Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong a little nervous.

“Hmm, the Family’s business has long reached a Bottleneck. Now that Ping’an, Qingxuan, Ruyi, and Wangshu have all broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, in my opinion, we can establish a merchant association and expand the Family’s business.”

“I called you here this time to hear your thoughts and whether you have a rough plan.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile, toying with the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman with one hand and tapping gently on the armrest of his chair with the other.

Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong exchanged glances, then Lu Ruyi spoke, “Father, regarding the merchant association, Qingsong and I have a general understanding over the years.”

“If our Family establishes a merchant association, our main advantages will be the Puppet business, as well as Advanced Talismans and Medicinal Pills.”

“However, relying solely on Puppets, Talismans, and Medicinal Pills to open up business and support a merchant association might be difficult, so the main profit will still have to be focused on the merchant team aspect…”

Lu Ruyi’s voice was clear as she spoke.

Although Bihu Mountain had a considerable reputation and recognition in the Qingyun Territory.

This reputation was not directly linked to their products, and people might not necessarily buy them.

Even if the Lu Family’s Puppets were indeed cost-effective, it would still be challenging to compete and survive in large market towns.

Moreover, with business expansion, the Family’s workshops’ production lines would also need to expand, and both raw Materials and manpower would need to increase.

These matters could not be achieved overnight and required a gradual process.

Therefore, facing such a situation, Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong’s ideas were similar to most forces.

By forming merchant teams, planning trade routes, and trading with smaller families along the way, they could build the Family’s reputation and word-of-mouth.

Furthermore, during the process, they could earn Spirit Stones through buying low and selling high, and by engaging in simple cooperation with some smaller families.

This was also the operating model for most merchant associations in their initial stages.

After all, the Cultivation World was vast, and many Cultivators from small families might never travel far in their entire lives.

With no market towns nearby, if they wanted to purchase resources or Heaven And Earth Treasures, they could only passively accept the exploitation of merchant teams from afar.

“Merchant team…”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, knowing that this was how business was conducted in the Cultivation World.

On a daily basis, when traveling to various market towns or Immortal Cities, one could see many merchant teams composed of pack beasts.

They earned Spirit Stones by traveling around, buying low and selling high, or by finding bargains.

Once they had a certain amount of capital, they would purchase shops in large market towns or Immortal Cities and establish a merchant association.

“The only problem is that our Bihu Mountain rose too quickly and is feared by many Family forces. If our Family establishes a merchant association and forms a merchant team to start trading, I’m afraid there will be great obstacles.”

At this moment, Lu Qingsong said in a deep voice.

Although the Bihu Mountain Lu Family had a considerable reputation.

Its rapid rise to such a level in just a few decades made many Family forces wary.

These Family forces would certainly not say anything openly; they would still be harmonious and make money together.

But secretly, they would wish for Bihu Mountain to die early and would not sit by and watch Bihu Mountain continue to develop; they would certainly cause trouble in secret.

Especially the other merchant associations in the Qingyun Territory!

Not to mention distant ones, the Dragonlight Merchant Association, led by the Jin Family of Jinlong Ridge, would absolutely not want to see their own Family establish a merchant association.

Once the Family’s merchant team began trading, they would certainly be constantly targeted, even disguised as rogue Cultivators to harass them!

“Hmm, so facing this problem, how do you plan to deal with it?”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile.

He naturally knew about this problem.

At first, he didn’t let the Family expand its business precisely because he considered this aspect, believing that earning this little money was too dangerous.

However, times had changed.

Now, his children were gradually growing up and were capable of standing on their own.

Establishing a merchant association could provide his children with more opportunities for experience.

Moreover, from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment, he, as their Father, could arrange things properly.

After Foundation Establishment, his children would have to rely on their own efforts and capabilities.

Of course, another point was that as the cultivation of his children improved and the population increased, the Family’s expenses were becoming difficult to sustain, and income had to be expanded.

“Naturally, we fight. This is a problem that all merchant teams will encounter. We can only rely on our strength to open up trade routes one by one and establish the reputation of our Family’s merchant association!”

Lu Ruyi said coldly, her eyes revealing a hint of heroism.

Although most Family forces in the Foundation Establishment Stage valued Face and wouldn’t act too disgracefully.

When it came to interests, Face and everything else were nonsense; it still depended on strength.

As long as they relied on their hard strength to complete the first trade journey, these forces would gradually give them some recognition.

The main dangers afterward would be some Yao Beasts, rogue Cultivators, and other unexpected situations.

“Hmm, this kind of conflict is unavoidable. However, along the way, we can also gradually build good relationships with other Family forces and form cooperative interests.”

Lu Qingsong said.

“Haha.”

Lu Changsheng looked at his daughter’s spirited appearance, feeling a little amused.

Among his current children, this daughter had the weakest combat power.

If he relied on Lu Ruyi to lead the team, it certainly wouldn’t work.

However, he was still very satisfied that his daughter had this intention and courage.

“Alright, since it’s unavoidable, then let’s do it this way. Our Family won’t actively cause trouble, but we’re not afraid of it either.”

“However, for the first trade journey after forming the merchant team, let your elder brother and Nine Nether lead the team.”

Lu Changsheng said.

As the Old Ancestor, it was impossible for him to personally handle the merchant association matters.

If he showed up, it would probably only attract more targeting from other forces.

Moreover, he established the merchant association precisely to give his children experience.

If he did everything himself, this merchant association would be meaningless.

But he certainly wouldn’t feel at ease letting his daughter Lu Ruyi lead the team.

After much consideration, only his son Lu Ping’an could take charge.

Lu Ping’an had a broad and steady character, and he would also be able to convince people with reason along the way.

Furthermore, using this opportunity, his son Lu Ping’an could gradually enter the public eye and become the new pillar of Bihu Mountain.

After all, Bihu Mountain couldn’t always be supported by him.

Now that his children had grown up, he and Lu Miaoge could also gradually fade out of the public eye.

“Big Brother.”

Lu Ruyi pursed her lips upon hearing this, having thought that her Father would assign this task to her.

However, she also understood that her current combat power was somewhat lacking.

Her Big Brother Lu Ping’an had been able to defeat the Tao Family’s Old Ancestor at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment years ago, which was far beyond her capabilities.

“If Big Brother is in charge, our trade journey will certainly be foolproof!”

Lu Qingsong immediately said.

He knew his Big Brother Lu Ping’an’s combat power.

He had previously thought of inviting him to take charge of the first trade journey, to open up the trade route and establish the reputation of Bihu Mountain and the Family’s merchant association.

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

In this situation, other Family forces wouldn’t come to Bihu Mountain to cause trouble.

But to establish a merchant association and move out of Bihu Mountain, and to gain Face from other forces, they had to demonstrate sufficient strength!

And in his opinion, Big Brother Lu Ping’an was the perfect candidate.

However, he also regretted that his brother, Lu Qingshan, was not at Lu.

Although he had always been annoyed by his brother’s arrogant personality when he was young.

He had to admit that his brother was indeed extraordinarily talented.

If he were present, the Family would have another top-tier combat power!

“Alright, if that’s the case, then the merchant association matters will be handled this way.”

“You two discuss the specific details with Xingyang, then see who in the Family wants to join the merchant association and merchant team, and draft a plan and rules.”

Lu Changsheng sat up slightly and said.

“Yes, Father!”

The two bowed in response.

“Qingsong, you can also appropriately ease up on the Family affairs at White Tiger Mountain and focus your main energy on Foundation Establishment. Break through to Foundation Establishment sooner, so your Mother and I don’t worry.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at his son’s cultivation status and said.

“Thank you for your concern, Father. Your son will certainly strive to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible.”

Lu Qingsong clasped his hands and replied.

“Father, what will our Family’s merchant association be called?”

At this moment, Lu Ruyi asked Lu Changsheng.

“Hmm, it will be called… Peace Merchant Association.”

Lu Changsheng stroked his chin upon hearing this and said.

In his opinion, ‘Peace’ had a good meaning, signifying peace and safety, and coincidentally, his eldest son was also named Ping’an (Peace).

“…”

Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong’s mouths twitched upon hearing this name.

They felt that their Father was truly fond of this name.

Big Brother’s name was Lu Ping’an, their first Lingfu Shop was called Peace Talisman Hall, and now the merchant association was also called Peace Merchant Association.

“Father, too many people use this merchant association name.”

Lu Qingsong said in a low voice.

The Cultivation World was vast, and names like ‘Peace’ were very common.

Especially some small merchant associations, they liked to use such names, partly because of the good meaning, and partly because it was low-key enough.

After all, a name that was too high-profile could easily lead to undeserved status and displease others.

“Hmm? If that’s the case, then let’s call it… Ruyi Merchant Association.”

“…”

“Carefree Merchant Association, Great Love Merchant Association, Blessed Merchant Association… Forget it, let’s just call it Evergreen Merchant Association.”

After considering several names, Lu Changsheng finally decided on the merchant association’s name.

After Lu Ruyi and Lu Qingsong excused themselves, Lu Miaoyun, who was beside him, softly asked, “Husband, will this trade journey be too dangerous for Ping’an?”

Although she knew Lu Ping’an’s combat power was good, she wasn’t entirely clear about the specifics.

“Don’t worry, with Ping’an and Nine Nether, it’s enough.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled and said.

His son Lu Ping’an’s Hundred Refinements Treasure Body Technique had already been cultivated to the Peak of the seventh layer.

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

And the Nine Nether Mastiff, after being fed a bottle of Beast Origin Medicinal Pill, had grown to the Late Stage of the second Rank.

In this situation, unless a False Core True Person personally made a move, it would absolutely be impossible for them to be a match for Lu Ping’an and the Nine Nether Mastiff.

If any False Core True Person were so shameless, then he would personally pay them a visit at that time.

“Mhm.”

Lu Miaoyun felt relieved upon hearing her Husband say this and stopped worrying.

Subsequently, Lu Changsheng walked out of the main hall and found his son, Lu Chensha.

This son was twenty-six years old, and due to spending much time and energy on Beast Taming, his cultivation was still at the Qi Refining Sixth Layer.

“Father.”

Lu Chensha inherited the facial features of Lu Changsheng and Xu Ruyin, with a handsome Face that had a few more rugged lines.

However, due to his contracted Spirit Beast being a Thousand-legged Centipede, his skin was very fair, giving him a somewhat pale and sickly appearance.

“Chensha, try to activate this Ancient Talisman with your spiritual power.”

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

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Chensha didn’t know what his Father meant, but he took the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman with both hands.

He didn’t know why, but as he looked at the Ancient Talisman in his hand, which was neither jade nor stone, and was engraved with strange beast patterns, he inexplicably felt a connection, and his Cultivation Technique, the Beast Control Technique, seemed to become more active.

Without thinking much, he circulated the Beast Control Technique, and spiritual power flowed into the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

“Om–”

The Ancient Beast Taming Talisman glowed with a radiant light, and Lu Chensha saw a world with mountains, rivers, and vegetation.

In the rivers were numerous dark-bodied flood dragons and dragon fish.

Perched on a large tree was a beautiful, entirely Azure Jade Luan Bird.

Nearby, a mysterious turtle with a gleaming blue shell and emanating cold Qi, and a lovable black and white panda, lay prostrate.

“Isn’t this Sister Wangshu’s Little Ice, Rolling, and the Azure Jade Luan Bird?”

Lu Chensha immediately recognized the Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, Devour Iron Beast, and Azure Jade Luan Bird.

Although the Azure Jade Luan Bird was a gift from Lu Changsheng to Lu Miaoyun.

However, because Lu Miaoyun cultivated the Heaven and Earth Longevity Method and couldn’t go out, this Luan Bird had always been used as a mount by Lu Wangshu.

And the Devour Iron Beast was originally Lu Linghe’s pet, but it was also often held and played with by Lu Wangshu.

“It really works.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, seeing the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman glowing with colorful light in his son’s hand.

He asked, “Did you see anything in it?”

“Reporting to Father, your son saw many similarly shaped dragon fish and flood dragons, as well as Sister Wangshu’s Azure Jade Luan Bird, Little Ice, and Rolling.”

Lu Chensha still didn’t know what his Father wanted him to do.

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

Lu Changsheng said.

“Whoosh!”

Immediately, a black water snake, measuring a zhang long, covered in black scales, and with two whiskers, appeared.

It was precisely the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Soldier cultivated by Lu Changsheng.

However, the highest Rank of these Dao Soldiers was still Peak First Rank; none had Advanced to Second Rank.

“Put it back in.”

Lu Changsheng continued.

Lu Chensha, hearing this, obediently circulated the Ancient Talisman and put the black water dragon fish back into the Ancient Talisman.

“Try putting these Spirit Stones into the Ancient Talisman and converting them into energy.”

Lu Changsheng had his son try out each of the Ancient Talisman’s abilities.

After confirming that all these abilities could be used normally, he nodded and said, “This Ancient Talisman will temporarily be with you.”

“If your sister Wangshu asks you for Spirit Beasts, you can give them to her.”

“Then, every half a month, your Aunt Bai Ling will need your help to release these dragon snakes and dragon fish for a period of time.”

Lu Changsheng said.

“Yes.”

Lu Chensha, though puzzled, still nodded in agreement.

Moreover, he could feel that if he had this Ancient Talisman by his side, his cultivation speed would be a bit faster.