Song Luhuai stroked his beard and said from the bottom of his heart, "Sunx Tributor, now there’s a truly remarkable man..."

After Song Luhuai’s long and detailed explanation, Song Changsheng finally understood just what kind of person this Sunx Tributor was.

It turned out the Tributor’s name was Sunx Chuanming, and he was the clan’s Chief Tributor.

One had to understand that the position of Chief Tributor for the Song Clan was not something just anyone could hold. Although many Tributors hired by the Song Clan over the years had left one after another, his position had never wavered. As the Chief Tributor, his status was comparable to that of an Elder.

However, in terms of cultivation, he was only at the Qi Refining Great Perfection stage, merely middle-of-the-pack within the clan.

In terms of aptitude, the clan had once given him a chance at Foundation Establishment, but he failed, barely managing to keep his life.

In terms of seniority, he had only been with the clan for thirty or forty years, which wasn’t considered very long among the many Tributors.

But this very man—who lacked cultivation, aptitude, and seniority—had firmly held the position of the clan’s Chief Tributor from the very beginning, and no one had been able to challenge him for it to this day.

This was because he was an exceptionally rare "Treasure Appraiser"!

Treasure Appraising was also one of the Hundred Arts. As the name suggested, it involved discerning the authenticity of treasures, but very few people could master its essence.

This Sunx Chuanming possessed true skill. He had a pair of "Eyes of Golden Flame" and had identified countless treasures and fakes for the clan over the years.

It could be said that his contributions were no less than any Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s—and perhaps even greater. That was why Song Luhuai held him in such high regard and respected him from the bottom of his heart.

However, Song Changsheng had no impression of this person. This was because, like Song Xiantu and the others, he had spent nearly twenty years in this small general store.

Twenty years ago, Song Changsheng hadn’t even had his Spirit Root tested yet, so he naturally had no memory of the man.

After Song Luhuai’s introduction, Song Changsheng developed a keen interest in this Chief Tributor whom he had never met, and he began to look forward to their meeting the next day...

The accommodations Song Xiantu arranged for them were of the highest quality. Not only were the rooms spacious, but the furnishings were also exquisite. There was even an Array to block Divine Sense, preventing anyone from easily prying.

To be honest, it was much better than Song Changsheng’s own courtyard on Vast Mist Peak.

Moments after they entered, someone brought hot water, wine, and food. Although it wasn’t an extravagant feast, everything was infused with Spiritual Qi. Even with his status, such food wasn’t something he could eat whenever he pleased, which showed how thoughtful Song Xiantu had been.

After eating and drinking his fill, Song Changsheng sat cross-legged on a soft couch and began to cultivate. His cultivation had been advancing rapidly recently, and he needed to strike while the iron was hot.

The night passed uneventfully. After finishing the breakfast that Song Xiantu had arranged to be delivered, Song Changsheng walked out of his room and into the courtyard, where he happened to see Song Luhuai chatting with a thin, wiry old man.

Song Changsheng’s heart stirred. ’Could this be the Sunx Tributor?’ he thought.

He focused his gaze and saw the man was dressed in an ordinary gray robe with a crown on his head. His posture was upright, and his bearing was extraordinary.

His gaze was not the least bit concealed, and the other man quickly noticed. He turned to look at Song Changsheng. The moment their eyes met, Song Changsheng felt a jolt run through him, as if he was being seen through completely. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

It was as if nothing could hide from those sharp eyes.

"Changsheng, you’re here. This is the Sunx Tributor I mentioned to you last night," Song Luhuai called out with a chuckle, oblivious to the subtle atmosphere between the two.

"Junior Song Changsheng greets Sunx Tributor." Suppressing the shock in his heart, Song Changsheng greeted him respectfully.

"So, it is the Young Clan Leader in person. Truly a dragon among men, with exceptional talent," Sunx Chuanming said pointedly as he accepted the greeting and stroked his beard.

Song Changsheng was startled. ’Did he see something?’

"The Elder and the Young Clan Leader must have much important business to attend to on this visit. I won’t take up any more of your time. We can talk again after you’re finished," Sunx Chuanming suddenly said to Song Luhuai, before Song Changsheng could speak.

Song Luhuai, suspecting nothing, nodded. "Very well. After we finish the tasks assigned by the clan, I will come back for a long talk with you, Sunx Tributor."

After Sunx Chuanming had left, Song Changsheng said, "That Sunx Tributor’s eyes are truly like blazing torches. How incredible."

"A Treasure Appraiser’s skill is all in their eyes. With Sunx Tributor’s level of attainment, his eyes are naturally extraordinary. It’s a pity he still hasn’t found a successor to inherit his mantle. If all this skill is lost, it would truly be a great loss for the clan."

Song Luhuai sighed with a bit of emotion, then called for Song Changsheng to go with him to the appointed place to meet with the Wang and Li Clans.

Song Luhuai probably never imagined that his casual remark would be silently committed to memory by Song Changsheng...

The place the three clans had agreed to meet was in a private room of a restaurant in the southeastern part of the city. Here, they were to meet a person in charge of Luoxia City’s foreign trade.

Since Song Changsheng and his party were the ones asking for a favor, they arrived very early. After waiting for about an ancient hour, they were finally greeted by a pot-bellied, middle-aged man.

Song Changsheng couldn’t quite see through his cultivation, but he roughly estimated it to be at least Late-stage Foundation Establishment. The man’s aura was restrained, and his face was all smiles. As soon as they met, he said apologetically, "I, Qian, have arrived late. I’ve made you all wait."

Song Luhuai chuckled. "We only just arrived ourselves. Please don’t worry about it, Steward Qian."

After they had all taken their seats, Song Luhuai secretly sent a voice transmission to Song Changsheng: "This man’s name is Qian Duoyu. He is a Named Disciple under the Second City Lord and is in charge of Luoxia City’s foreign trade. Whether or not the clan can restart its trade with Luoxia City this time is in his hands."

Song Changsheng immediately understood. ’He’s basically the grand financial steward. No wonder we had to come so early.’

"Fellow Daoist Song, it has been some years. You sought me out today, so is there something I can help you with?" Although Qian Duoyu’s cultivation and status were high, he didn’t speak with an overbearing attitude. On the contrary, his words were as pleasant as a spring breeze.

"To be honest, I, Song, have come with my two fellow Daoists from the Wang and Li clans to trouble the Grand Steward today because we wish to establish a long-term trade relationship with Luoxia City," Song Luhuai said with an obsequious smile.

Qian Duoyu had a sudden "epiphany." He smiled at Song Luhuai and said, "Now, those words of yours, Fellow Daoist Song, leave me a bit confused. Our trade relationship has been ongoing for over a hundred years. Why speak of ’establishing’ it?

If you’ve brought goods this time, we’ll take them all according to the old rules."

Hearing this, Song Luhuai was overjoyed. ’He’s agreed!’ He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you very much, Steward Qian."

As he spoke, Song Changsheng saw him discreetly pass a Qiankun Bag under the table. He didn’t know what was inside, but seeing the ever-widening smile on Qian Duoyu’s face, he figured it must be quite valuable.

’It’s all about connections and favors. Even cultivators can’t escape these worldly customs,’ Song Changsheng couldn’t help but reflect. Some principles were applicable no matter which world you were in.

With the Song Clan’s matter settled, Wang Lizhou and Li Tianyou exchanged a glance and quickly asked, "Steward Qian, we were wondering if our Wang and Li Clans might also have the honor of opening a trade channel with your city?"

Qian Duoyu beamed. "The Li and Wang Clans are both renowned families in Ling Province, so of course you are qualified. It’s just that..."

His tone suddenly shifted. "What can your two families offer?"

Wang Lizhou immediately stood up. "I am aware that the three City Lords require a large amount of Five Elements Essence Qi to refine their Magical Treasures. We can provide a batch every year.

Furthermore, our Wang Clan cultivates a large amount of Spirit Rice and can supply Luoxia City with a great quantity of it annually."

Not to be outdone, Li Tianyou added, "The Li Clan may not have much else, but we have no shortage of Spirit Medicine. We can provide your city with a large amount of Spirit Medicine every year."

Since both clans had followed the Song Clan to participate, they had naturally done their homework.

Although Luoxia City was large, it didn’t have much land suitable for growing Spirit Medicine and Spirit Rice. And yet, these were basic resources consumed in vast quantities, so there was always a significant shortage.

This proposal scratched Qian Duoyu right where he itched...

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