Shang Xin Ci's job was to turn this 100,000 primeval stone nest egg into as large an amount as possible. It was more than what most people would see in their lives, but the goal of the contest was to see them multiply this wealth. The 100,000 primeval stones were not a 'gift' from their clan leader but rather a loan. If Shang Xin Ci somehow managed to lose all of them, she would have to repay them through her own personal fortune.
However, as stated in The Legends of Ren Zu the easiest way to acquire more wealth was to start wealthy in the first place. Without this seed to start her venture, there really would be no hope of her making any kind of real money in time.
The record was over a million primeval stones, but that was not necessary to win. If they managed to accumulate 800,000 stones, they could be said to have been successful enough.
"A good starting amount," Fang Yuan said. "However, now the question is, how are we going to multiply it? I can think of numerous ways that you could possibly win," Fang Yuan said. He had several tools to multiply this wealth with his foreknowledge and status as a Rank 5 Gu Master. A majority of them were against the rules of the competition, but that did not really matter - to break the rules and still get away with it could be considered a necessary skill. After all, the Shang Clan often dealt with demonic Gu Masters, didn't they? They just could not be caught doing such a thing; that was the important part. The only issue with that kind of subterfuge was the fact that Shang Xin Ci likely would not be on board with such a plan.
"I have several business ideas," Shang Xin Ci said. "One is using the arena. We could go ahead and start collecting information from there regarding the fighters and selling it to other parties."
Fang Yuan chuckled inwardly. Back when he had been in the Wu Clan, he had participated in their battle arena and had something of a similar plan. Back on Earth, in sports like baseball, people would often have score sheets regarding each of the individual players - their skill, how much they had done, etc. He had used that as a template to make money before he had been shut down by the Wu Clan.
Although this was technically not against the rules, it was only so because the rules had not been established yet. When Shang Xin Ci managed to actually make a good amount of money, she would, without a doubt, be shut down by the Shang Clan elders.
"Not a bad idea," Fang Yuan said. "However, by my estimation, I think we can only get about 500,000 primeval stones, even if our business goes well by the time of the deadline. That is a good result, but it is still a few hundred thousand short of what you would need. On top of that, I don't think the Shang Clan will be quite welcoming to that kind of business."
"Oh," Shang Xin Ci said, her face falling slightly. She had thought of this business idea for some time, and to see her mentor say that it could not be done definitely hurt her a little.
"But worry not. I do have a way that we can make a large amount of money in a very quick amount of time," Fang Yuan said. He almost sounded like a scammer the way he was talking. "We may even end up breaking the record, and the best part is that it is a fully legitimate route."
"Oh, and what is that?" Shang Xin Ci asked, intrigued by Fang Yuan's idea.
"It is simple," Fang Yuan said. "I will fight Liu Nan. We can set up and rent a coliseum and hold the fight in public, much like the official arena. Who wouldn't want to see two Rank Five Gu Masters duke it out?"
Shang Xin Ci's face immediately paled. "Teacher, I couldn't possibly do that! What about the risk to your life? What if you're hurt or worse, killed during the fighting? I could never forgive myself if something happened to you!"
Fang Yuan laughed and waved his hand. "It's not a problem. Liu Nan himself earlier agreed that he would not fight me using lethal means. We can both restrict our cultivation to Rank Five Initial Stage, and that will allow us to participate in the fight without causing a large amount of damage."
"Of course," he continued, "there are a number of things that we need to figure out first. We will need a large coliseum in order to seat that many occupants. You will need a team to get people to come watch the fight, and there are other small matters like refreshments and the like for those who are watching."
"Aren't you jumping the gun a little bit?" Bai Ning Bing asked. "Are you sure that he is going to go ahead and fight you? He seems quite antagonistic to anything that might help you."
Fang Yuan had only had a short time to evaluate what kind of person Liu Nan was. But his actions suggested that he truly wanted to go up against Fang Yuan. While this could be said to be benefiting Fang Yuan and Shang Xin Ci indirectly, he was giving the man what he wanted.
"Allow me to go see him," Fang Yuan said. "I'll be back if he is agreeable."
Fang Yuan went to go visit Liu Nan, who initially flew into a rage upon seeing Fang Yuan.
"Liu Nan, do you really want to fight? If so, I'm agreeable to it now," Fang Yuan said.
Liu Nan calmed down, but still looked wary. "What? Are you serious?"
An hour later, both of them went back to Nan Qiu garden. "All right, he is agreeable," Fang Yuan said.
"Yes, we can certainly have the fight on those terms," Liu Nan said. "The winner gets to choose a gu from the loser, much like with the ordinary arena. And we will avoid using lethal blows, and both of us will restrict our cultivation to Rank Five Initial Stage." It was important that they restrict their cultivation; otherwise, their blows would be so powerful that there was a good chance the arena or the viewers might get damaged.
"Well then, if you are agreeable, go ahead and give Shang Xin Ci 200,000 primeval stones," Fang Yuan said.
Lu Nan's face froze. "What? You want me to give her 200,000 primeval stones? What for?"
"Well, we need money to actually arrange for the fight," Fang Yuan said lazily. "We need an arena. We need Gu Masters, preferably those who are Rank Four, to control the arena as well. There are also various other costs involved. 100,000 primeval stones might not be enough. Didn't you say that you wanted to fight me? Consider this an entry fee from your end,"
Liu Nan growled. "You can't possibly think that this is fair! If there is a price of 200,000 primeval stones, you should pay half of it!"
"Why should I pay half of it?" Fang Yuan said. "You are the one who desperately wants to fight me. This entire fee should be paid by you."
"Why Fang Yuan you shameless scoundrel - you're the one who came to me now!"
"And now I'm saying the deal is off the table if you don't agree. Also, the reason that I lack funds is because of your meddling behind the scenes regarding my sale with Shang Ya Zi, isn't it? Consider this compensation for what you had taken from me."
"Why you-" Liu Nan then paused. He had already gotten a good measure of what Fang Yuan was like, and he knew there was little point in arguing with him. "All right then. 200,000 primeval stones," Liu Nan said.