Chapter 47, Golden Opportunity
by SilavinTranslator: Raznick
Pagoda Peak, within the Central Palace.
When Zhou Chun entered the room, he found that it was not only Clan Leader Zhou Daoyi present; there was also a Senior from his own Zhou Clan inside.
“Junior respectfully greets Clan Leader and bows to Sixteenth Uncle.”
With a respectful expression, he paid his respects and then stood quietly by, awaiting Clan Leader Zhou Daoyi’s instructions.
Judging from his appearance, the reason he had been summoned to the clan today must be something significant.
“Since Zhengchun returned to the clan, his cultivation has progressed rapidly and steadily, contributing greatly to the clan through his achievements. He has also established many merits for the clan by offering advice and strategies. With him and Jiasheng partnering at the market, I am confident you’ll succeed.”
Zhou Daoyi spoke up to this point and gave Zhou Chun, who was still in a daze, a faint smile. “I have called you here today because the clan has decided to send you and Jiasheng to manage the newly opened clan shop at Red Cliff Market. From now on, both of you will be stationed there.”
Head to Red Cliff Market to manage and tend to the clan store?
Upon hearing Zhou Daoyi’s words, Zhou Chun was initially surprised. Then, his expression quickly shifted to one of delight, and all his excitement instantly gave way to sheer joy.
If he could permanently reside in the market and obtain a store operating license, wouldn’t that mean he would often have the chance to acquire herbs from the market for purification and resale?
What luck!It seemed that fate itself was aiding him.
In fact, Zhou Chun had always deeply understood the value of the stone jar.
But he was fully aware that his own current cultivation abilities made it highly inconvenient to extensively utilize the purification stone jar for personal profit in order to earn spirit coins.
So, all along, he had always restrained himself from giving in to his desires and not frequently going to the market to acquire herbs for resale.
In his own plans, he would at least wait until his cultivation reached the Twelfth Layer of Qi Refining or above, and only then—when his progress slowed down and when he began to prepare and consider Foundation Establishment for the future—would he utilize the purification stone jar to earn spirit coins in abundance.
When it came time to venture out hunting demon beasts for herbs or journey to the market’s street vendors to acquire herbs for resale, he would possess sufficient strength to not fear most bandits.
But now, a safer and more stable shortcut appeared before him.
Heading to Red Cliff Market to manage the Zhou Clan’s shop there, acquiring and selling various herbs in Zhou Clan’s name, safely avoiding all potential dangers.
As long as he keept his greed in check and approached his actions with caution and prudence, this virtually eliminated the possibility of being discovered.
At this moment, if it were not for Clan Leader Zhou Daoyi being present, Zhou Chun would definitely be eagerly excited, shouting with excitement and clapping, “Providence!”
However, he forcibly suppressed his overwhelming joy and nodded firmly in response. “Yes, sir. I assure you, I will do my utmost to fulfill this task and not let Clan Leader down!”
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Jiasheng nodded slightly and said, “Since the Clan Leader holds him in such high esteem, he must undoubtedly possess exceptional qualities.”
Then, he respectfully cupped his hands toward Zhou Daoyi and said, “However, as a junior, I must still ask Clan Leader to clarify the primary and secondary roles between myself and Zhengchun in managing our shop. This is to prevent conflicts during operations that might cause losses to our clan.”
Upon hearing these words, Zhou Daoyi turned his gaze toward Zhou Chun and said: “You heard Jiasheng. From now on, when running the shop, Jiasheng will be the head, and you will be his assistant. All matters pertaining to the business operations shall follow Jiasheng’s decisions.”
Only an assistant?
Hearing these words, Zhou Chun’s joy faded considerably.
When he thought about how it was just the two of them, the apprentice would likely get a chance to attend to guests on his own, he felt a sense of calm settle over him once more.
He responded with respect: “Yes, I will certainly follow Clan Leader’s instructions and obey the orders of my Sixteenth Uncle!”
Zhou Daoyi spoke again at that moment: “You are usually intelligent and often have unique insights into some matters. Regarding the newly opened clan shop, if you notice any shortcomings, make sure to inform Jiasheng promptly. If you have any suggestions, feel free to draft a letter and submit it for my review.”
Upon hearing these words, Zhou Chun surreptitiously glanced at the nearby Zhou Clan elder. Sure enough, this clan uncle’s expression visibly shifted upon understanding the meaning of Clan Leader Zhou Daoyi’s words.
This statement seemed to be addressed to Zhou Chun, but it was actually a veiled warning to the Zhou Clan.
Although he was an overseer, store affairs were conducted according to his decisions. However, Zhou Chun, as an apprentice, also possessed the authority to monitor him and report directly to Clan Leader.
If he were to think that being in Red Cliff Market meant he could do as he pleased, safe from authority, he would surely meet with a poor outcome.
“Yes, I understand.”
Zhou Chun vigorously nodded, indicating he understood.
“Good, since both of you have now clearly understood your tasks, you may return today to get ready. I will personally escort you early tomorrow morning to the market.”
Zhou Daoyi was saying when he waved his hand, signaling for the two of them to leave.
After returning from Pagoda Peak, Zhou Chun also hurriedly went from place to place, informing his close relatives within the clan about his intention to establish a permanent presence at the market.
For most of the Zhou Clan cultivators, Zhou Chun’s position was undoubtedly a lucrative post.
Not to mention stationing at the market as a shop assistant, there would naturally be an additional allowance from one’s clan.
It was said that after being stationed at the market shop, one could no longer be burdened with guarding the Purification Pavilion or handling other clan chores, enough to make many clansmen envious.
Moreover, those residing in the market could come into contact with many known cultivators, and the various opportunities encountered were certainly more abundant than cultivation within the clan estate.
Upon learning that Zhou Chun had taken on this mission, those in the clan who knew about it congratulated him one after another.
“I knew, Thirteenth Brother, that one day you would be promoted and gain recognition by Clan Leader.”
Zhou Zhengyong learned about this matter, and it seemed he was even more excited than Zhou Chun himself.
He excitedly placed his hand on Zhou Chun’s shoulder and said with enthusiasm: “Thirteenth Brother, if you work hard this time, once that big opportunity comes, there shouldn’t be any problem in advancing to become a core clan member. When the time comes, you’ll have the qualifications to take over as the shop manager.”
The benefit he mentioned naturally referred to the reward for discovering the Scarlet Glow Iron ore vein.
Now, however, his Dao companion Sun Yujiao was right beside him, making it unadvisable to speak plainly about it.
Zhou Chun, however, didn’t think much about it and also didn’t want to ruin Zhou Zhengyong’s mood. Instead, he simply smiled faintly at them and said, “Brother Yong, you must remember to find me the next time you go to the market. I’ll treat you all to a drink and let you try some of the finest spiritual wines at the market restaurant!”
“Ha ha, that’s for sure! When that time comes, you’ll definitely have to shell out some cash, Thirteenth Brother!”
Zhou Zhengyong laughed heartily and readily agreed.
After leaving Zhou Zhengyong’s house, Zhou Chun pondered and paid another visit to Flying Stone Peak.
He arrived at Flying Stone Peak and first visited the library. There, he bid farewell to the Azure Giant Ape who was guarding it: “Ape Elder, tomorrow I will leave the clan to stay permanently at the market. It’s possible that for a long time I won’t be able to come see you again.”
“Be cautious while you’re out.”
The gigantic ape, holding a brush, wrote down this line of characters on the paper. Then, turning to him, it displayed a benevolent smile.
In recent years, Zhou Chun frequently came to the library to read, and each time he would bring it some fresh treats, keeping it company and chatting with it.
Therefore, compared to other members of the Zhou clan, its perception of Zhou Chun would naturally be far better.
“I will be careful. Next time when I return from the market, I will also bring you some spirit fruits to try.”
Zhou Chun smiled and nodded, chatting casually with the giant ape for a bit before proceeding to pay his respects to Third Elder Zhou Daoquan.
Ji Zhou Daoquan was also somewhat surprised that Zhou Chun came to say goodbye to him.
He looked at Zhou Chun before him, after a moment of silent deliberation, he finally gave Zhou Chun a faint smile and said, “It was thoughtful of you. As the Clan Leader has such high regard for you, do your best. Do not let him down.
“Also, since you are in the market, it should be much easier for you to obtain various resources. If you have enough money, you can keep an eye out for information on spiritual objects such as dragon blood grass and dragon blood stone for your Silver Thunder Python.
“Such spiritual items, when consumed by the Silver Thunder Python, would enhance its bloodline potential even if it cannot evolve into a Flood Dragon. They would strengthen its physical constitution and awaken certain draconic talents.”
He spoke those words merely off the top of his head and didn’t think Zhou Chun could manage to accomplish that right now.
After all, any material associated with dragon blood in the cultivation world was anything but cheap.
Even he, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, would bleed money to acquire such material.
But Zhou Chun took his words to heart and responded earnestly, “I shall surely keep Elder’s teachings in mind.”
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