A Tier Two Low-Grade Artifact Refiner was a rare sight, even in Luoxia City. If Song Changsheng just put the word out, he shouldn’t be short on orders. At that rate, he could definitely scrape together some Spirit Stones before the auction.

The auction was still about a year away, so he had plenty of time.

Deciding to act at once, Song Changsheng was just about to take Song Qingluo back to the general store when a booming voice caught his attention.

"Hey, move it, move it! Let me get a look." A burly man shoved aside the people blocking his path with a few rough movements.

Such rude behavior naturally drew the ire of many, but once they got a clear look at the newcomer, they all wisely shut their mouths and stepped aside to make room.

’Isn’t that Elder Niu?’ Song Changsheng thought, frowning as he looked at the burly man.

Niu Dazhuang had once saved his life. Since they happened to meet here, it was only right for him to go and pay his respects. The only problem was that the man was incredibly hostile toward him, for reasons Song Changsheng couldn’t fathom.

’He did save my life, after all. It would be too rude to ignore him. Besides, private fights are forbidden within Luoxia City. Even as a disciple of the Second City Lord, surely he can’t take the lead in breaking the rules?’

After a moment’s consideration, Song Changsheng decided to go over and greet him.

Niu Dazhuang had just emerged from seclusion and was planning to find a tavern for a drink. Seeing the crowd, he had come over to see what the excitement was about. Just as he was getting absorbed in the scene, a voice spoke up beside him: "This junior greets Elder Niu. It has been many years, yet Elder, you are as impressive as ever."

The voice was all too familiar. He looked up and, sure enough, it was that face that always rubbed him the wrong way. His brow furrowed, and he growled, "Kid, you actually dare show your face before me again? You really think I won’t do anything to you?"

Song Changsheng managed a wry smile. "Elder, why do you hold such animosity toward me?"

"It’s because..." Niu Dazhuang started, but the words caught in his throat. He shot Song Changsheng a vicious glare. "In any case, just get lost. Don’t let me see anyone from your Song Clan ever again."

"I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Elder. I am here representing my clan to attend the Great City Lord’s birthday banquet. How could I abandon my duty?"

Song Changsheng was disappointed. He had hoped Niu Dazhuang might clear the fog of confusion for him, but instead, the man acted as if the topic were taboo, refusing to say a word.

’Grandfather... oh, Grandfather, what in the world happened back then? Why won’t you tell me?’ Song Changsheng sighed inwardly. Ignoring Niu Dazhuang’s fiery glare, he gave a cupped-fist salute and led Song Qingluo away.

"That kid is impossible to shake!" Niu Dazhuang felt his good mood evaporate. With a shift of his eyes, he stomped off in the opposite direction. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Young Clan Leader, was that Elder Niu Dazhuang, the disciple of the Second City Lord?" Song Qingluo only dared to speak after they had put some distance between them. The earlier scene had been too oppressive.

Song Changsheng nodded. "The very same."

"I felt like he was very hostile toward our Song Clan. Does our clan have some history with him?"

The question left Song Changsheng feeling frustrated. It was the very thing he couldn’t understand. If there truly was a grudge between their clan and Luoxia City, why establish trade routes with them? Why send an invitation to the banquet?

’Could it be Niu Dazhuang’s personal grudge? No, that’s not right. Given his power, Grandfather is the only one in the clan who could match him, but he hasn’t come down from the mountain in nearly a century. How could he have made an enemy of someone?’

’And if it were a personal grudge, why would Niu Dazhuang be so tight-lipped, as if speaking of it is forbidden?’ Song Changsheng had a feeling he was onto something. The grudge most likely stemmed from an older generation, perhaps... from the three City Lords themselves?

It was a bold thought. If true, it would explain why Niu Dazhuang and others like him were so secretive. But that only brought him back to the original question... why?

’Sigh, there’s no use overthinking it. I need to get some Spirit Stones. Getting that White Tiger Fang is the priority.’ Song Changsheng shook his head, a headache brewing from all the wild speculation. He stopped thinking in circles and went to the counter to find Song Xiantu.

"Clan Elder, I have an idea and was hoping for your input on its feasibility." Song Changsheng then explained his plan and his objective.

He finished by adding, "I’ll take seventy percent of the profits from the Artifact Refining, and the remaining thirty will go to the clan. Naturally, I will also personally cover the costs for any failures."

Song Xiantu smiled. "Since the shop won’t be providing materials and the clan won’t be responsible for any compensation, all that’s required is a little promotion."

"In my opinion, Young Clan Leader, you could easily take ninety percent. Ten percent would be more than enough for the clan."

Song Changsheng shook his head, his voice firm. "A seventy-thirty split is the clan’s rule. How could I be the one to violate it? Since you also think this is feasible, Clan Elder, let’s proceed as planned."

"Understood."

Song Xiantu complied at once, sending people out to spread the word. The news of a Tier Two Refiner specializing in Array and Artifact Dual Cultivation was a huge selling point. Combined with the reputation the general store had built over the years, it drew a sizable crowd. Even though they were all just Qi Cultivators, it was an excellent start.

Song Changsheng wasn’t picky. Even without orders for Tier Two Spiritual Artifacts, he readily accepted commissions for Tier One Top-Grade ones. With his current mastery of arrays and artifacts, failure was practically out of the question...