The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 12: Lifting a stone to drop it on one’s own foot

Lifting a stone to drop it on one's own foot . . .

Guan Wan-Shan understood the complexity of the situation and responded thoughtfully, "You're absolutely right. I do realize the immense honor it is to receive this proposition from the master dan-maker. Now, let's consider if there's a way to approach this in a more diversified and indirect manner. What are your thoughts?"

Cha Eun Xiao furrowed his brow, intrigued by Guan Wan-Shan's proposal. "Diversified and indirect? Can you elaborate on that?"

"The diversified and indirect approach is actually quite straightforward," Guan Wan-Shan explained. "We could offer you money for the dan beads first, and then you could use that money to participate in the auction or purchase treasures directly. This way, both of us can achieve our goals smoothly."

However, Cha Eun Xiao remained cautious. "But what if we fail to acquire the treasures at the auction?"

Guan Wan-Shan wore a bitter smile. "Brother Feng, you seem to be well-versed in how auctions work. These days, it's not as simple as it used to be. Nevertheless, some treasures may be tightly held by different groups. We, as a prominent presence in the capital, possess our own means to acquire them discreetly. Otherwise, how could we gather such an abundance of treasures from around the world?"

As Guan Wan-Shan spoke, he exuded a sense of pride.

Cha Eun Xiao was somewhat taken aback. "So, you're saying that you have the means to secure these treasures?"

Guan Wan-Shan nodded. "Indeed, I can assure you that we have the resources to do so."

Cha Eun Xiao contemplated this information. "I understand that you may be able to obtain treasures this time, but what about the next time or the time after that? I assume you don't intend for this to be a one-time deal?"

He pondered further, wondering just how many items could truly be considered treasures in this world. Could the salesroom really possess such vast resources?

Guan Wan-Shan, however, seemed to have a broader definition of treasures. "Stalactite and Starlight are unquestionably treasures. Ginseng and ganoderma can also be classified as treasures, wouldn't you agree?"

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but stare incredulously at the old man. If even a ten-year-old ginseng could be considered a treasure, then the concept of treasures in this world would be nearly boundless.

Nonetheless, he didn't expect to obtain a multitude of top-tier treasures all at once. He simply wanted to acquire as many as possible, so he concurred with Guan Wan-Shan's perspective. "Your viewpoint is reasonable. As for these dan beads, what price can you offer?"

Guan Wan-Shan's expression showed a hint of reluctance as he responded after a moment of contemplation, "For ordinary Pei-Yuan Dan beads, we usually acquire them for no more than 2,500 silver bars each, which we then sell at auctions. However, your dan beads, despite being Pei-Yuan Dan, possess unparalleled quality. They cannot be compared to ordinary ones. So, let's say... 25,000 silver bars each. How does that sound?"

Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback by the proposed value of the dan beads. He couldn't help but think, "Are these dan beads truly that valuable?" However, his facial expression remained composed as he replied, "100,000 silver bars each!"

Guan Wan-Shan's face displayed a sense of difficulty. "Brother Feng, it's true that dan beads produced by your master dan-maker, reaching the legendary grade 10, are undoubtedly worth 100,000 silver bars each, if not more. However, due to their exceptional value, we cannot sell them at auction. Instead, we intend to retain them. Regrettably, with our current financial situation, even 1,500,000 silver bars is beyond our budget."

Cha Eun Xiao remained steadfast. "If finances are an issue, you could purchase fewer of them. Take five for now, and the remaining ten can be sold at auction on my behalf. Regardless of the final selling price, all proceeds will belong to me."

Guan Wan-Shan was taken aback by Cha Eun Xiao's unorthodox approach. In standard auction scenarios, when there were multiple identical items, the final bid price typically decreased significantly. Yet, Cha Eun Xiao's suggestion of one for 100,000 silver bars and fifteen for 1,500,000 silver bars went against the conventional auction trade principles.

However, there were exceptions to every rule, and the supreme dan beads Cha Eun Xiao had brought were precisely such an exception. These Pei-Yuan Dan beads possessed an unparalleled quality that had pushed the boundaries of dan-making to its limits. Even if there were more than 15 pieces, their price would not decrease; it would only increase.

If these dan beads were to be auctioned, their price would undoubtedly soar well beyond 100,000 silver bars each. If Guan Wan-Shan wanted to acquire them after the auction, his budget of a mere 100,000 silver bars per dan bead would fall woefully short. He considered himself fortunate to secure five of them in advance.

"Very well, it's a deal," Guan Wan-Shan agreed.

He understood that whoever possessed these supreme dan beads was no ordinary individual. He believed that as long as he kept this person satisfied, there would be more opportunities for lucrative business in the future. However, if he failed to satisfy him, those opportunities might disappear.

As Cha Eun Xiao exited the salesroom, he had only carried a few grams of silver with him. Yet, as he left, he held a note for 500,000 silver bars, making him an instant multimillionaire. Guan Wan-Shan had kindly offered him a Skyline VIP Card, but he had promptly declined it.

"I will return here for future business, but I have no desire to be bound by such a card. Do I need a card to prove my status in this place?" Cha Eun Xiao had remarked.

Guan Wan-Shan watched Cha Eun Xiao's departing figure with a grave expression. "He doesn't want to be tied down," he mused.

It suddenly dawned on him that Cha Eun Xiao was a shrewd individual. He declined the VIP card because he valued his freedom and independence. While a VIP card could symbolize status and worth, it also imposed an obligation. Once Cha Eun Xiao acquired such a card, he would be compelled to return to this particular salesroom for his future needs. It was an invisible form of restraint, and clearly, Cha Eun Xiao was not fond of such constraints.

From the shadows, a figure quietly approached Master Guan and asked, "Master, should we tail this individual?"

"No," Guan Wan-Shan replied with a serious expression. "This person is not to be trifled with. Offending him would sever our connection with the supreme dan-maker and invite severe consequences. Inform the head office of this matter, and we will deal with him later."

"Yes, master. Regarding the auction..."

"Delay it," Guan Wan-Shan commanded, waving his hand decisively. "There were a few herbs that were meant to be the highlights, but compared to these supreme dan beads, they pale in comparison. Issue an announcement: the auction will be postponed by ten days. Notify the head office about the presence of these supreme dan beads and seek their guidance. We will follow their lead."

"Yes, master."

Cha Eun Xiao had left the salesroom and navigated a few back alleys before returning to a bustling street. He had effortlessly transformed his appearance into that of a young, handsome nobleman. His demeanor, stature, and aura had all undergone a remarkable change.

The once tall, strong, and unattractive Feng Zhi-Ling had disappeared.

As Cha Eun Xiao contemplated the upcoming auction, he was unaware of the delay imposed by Master Guan, the very man who wished for the auction to proceed smoothly. Ironically, Cha Eun Xiao's involvement had inadvertently caused the delay.

Nothing unusual occurred on his way home. Cha Eun Xiao spent his time practicing martial arts before immersing himself in reading. While he had gained insights into this mortal world through the memories of the departed Cha Eun, his knowledge remained incomplete. Reading would help him further acclimate to this world.

As night approached, a guard appeared before Cha Eun Xiao and delivered unexpected news. "Lord Lan and Lord Zuo have arrived together. They wish to meet with you, my lord."

"Why are they here together?" Cha Eun Xiao wondered, genuinely surprised.

Expletives and frustration filled the air before Zuo Wu-Ji and Lan Lang-Lang even entered the room. Their voices resonated throughout the mansion, leaving no doubt about their intense annoyance.

Cha Eun Xiao turned his attention to the commotion, furrowing his brow with curiosity. "What's going on? Why are both of you so upset?" he inquired.

Zuo Wu-Ji couldn't contain his exasperation. He took a deep breath and slumped into a chair. "The blasted Ling-Bao Salesroom is messing with us," he grumbled.

Lan Lang-Lang chimed in, his tone equally downcast. "Yes, they've really thrown a wrench into our plans," he lamented.

Cha Eun Xiao's confusion deepened. "Could you please explain what happened? I'm not sure why you're so angry," he requested, genuinely puzzled.

Zuo Wu-Ji, who had hoped to restore his family's honor by acquiring a jade ruyi, sighed deeply before sharing his grievances. "The cursed auction has been delayed!" he exclaimed, his frustration evident.

For Zuo Wu-Ji, every minute that passed without the jade ruyi in his possession felt like an eternity. He had painstakingly gathered enough funds to secure the item, only to learn that the auction had been postponed. The delay was an agonizing setback.

The news of the delay had hit him like a blow, leaving him feeling as if he might just burst a blood vessel.

"I can't endure this any longer," he lamented, his despair apparent. "I can't go on like this."

Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback by the severity of Zuo Wu-Ji's reaction. "Why has the auction been delayed? What's the reason?" he inquired, his eyes wide with disbelief.

The delay was not welcome news for him either. He had been eagerly anticipating the auction, hoping to acquire valuable treasures that would aid in his cultivation and further unlock the mysteries of the space within his mind.

Lan Lang-Lang chimed in, his tone filled with exasperation. "It's because of a complete imbecile!" he grumbled. "At such a crucial juncture, this person decided to produce several supreme dan beads. You can imagine how precious they are. The Ling-Bao Salesroom simply couldn't resist delaying the auction to create a buzz around these items. Frankly, several days wouldn't suffice for proper advertisement. Ten days is still rushed, considering the circumstances. It's truly infuriating. I had my eye on a cool-steel sword at the auction, and now I must endure an additional ten days of waiting. Curse that imbecile!"

Cha Eun Xiao was left speechless, his jaw hanging open. "So, they delayed the entire auction just because of a few supreme dan beads?" he asked incredulously. It seemed like an irrational decision, one that might backfire on the salesroom.

In his mind, it was akin to lifting a stone only to drop it on one's own foot—an act of self-sabotage that left him utterly baffled.

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