Upon seeing the token Lu Yang presented, the previously composed True Person Qi He immediately narrowed his eyes, then stood up solemnly and saluted:
"Qi He greets fellow Daoist."
He then appeared contemplative but soon shook his head, saying, "Apologies, fellow Daoist. There has been no recent news of the emergence of the Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiend."
Hearing this, Lu Yang furrowed his brows. After his transaction with Hong Ju, his fortune had increased, allowing him to clearly sense the opportunity of the [Metal of Shen] within the mass grave. This indicated that this particular Earth Fiend had indeed manifested there and should have already appeared in the world.
However, he quickly regained his composure.
"In that case, I would like to acquire some superior spiritual materials. Please assist me in gathering them," Lu Yang said, then directly listed a comprehensive inventory.
Although he had not yet obtained the [Metal of Shen], it did not prevent him from preparing in advance.
Most of the spiritual materials on the list were intended to nourish the Shen metal spirit of his immortal essence, while the rest were for cultivating the [Dry Heaven All-Encompassing Dharma Body].
"This…"
True Person Qi He glanced at the list and then narrowed his eyes, saying, "These spiritual materials… are not impossible to find, but they cannot be handed over to you without compensation."
Lu Yang nodded, understanding.
In fact, if True Person Qi He had offered them for free, he would have been more suspicious. After all, the Primordial Saint Sect never provided benefits without a price; if they did, it was undoubtedly a trap.
"How much time do you need to gather them?"
"Three days will suffice."
At this point, True Person Qi He displayed a kind smile. "Jiangnan is rich in talent; collecting spiritual materials here is much more convenient than in the Primordial Saint Sect."
Lu Yang raised an eyebrow at his words. "Oh?"
True Person Qi He seemed to become more enthusiastic, stroking his beard as he spoke, "Under the rule of the Primordial Saint Sect, there are indeed some unwritten rules."
"For talented disciples, while they can be utilized, there must be limits. We cannot truly exhaust all our disciples. For some truly outstanding talents, the Primordial Saint Sect is not stingy in nurturing them. Therefore, many True Persons in the Sky-reaching Sea of Clouds are somewhat restrained and dare not act too ruthlessly."
"Is that so?"
Lu Yang opened his mouth, recalling his arduous experiences over nine lifetimes, and was momentarily speechless: So, the Primordial Saint Sect's talent system has indeed shown some restraint?
What other tricks can you possibly come up with?
As they conversed, True Person Qi He led Lu Yang into the inner part of the shop. With a wave of his hand, dozens of jade tokens floated in the air.
Each jade token bore a name.
"These were all personally selected by this old Daoist. They are the children of fortune created by Foundation Establishment True Persons who have opened halls in the [Secret Hall Street], manipulating karma."
"Oh?"
This method immediately reminded Lu Yang of the past Yinshan True Person, who had used such a technique on him to lure out the Witch Ghost Secret Realm.
However, the cost of doing so was significant. The children of fortune created in this manner could only exist for one lifetime, essentially borrowing future fortune for the present.
Thinking of this, Lu Yang suddenly had an insight. "Fellow Daoist uses these children of fortune to collect spiritual materials?"
"Exactly!"
True Person Qi He nodded. "Basically, whenever someone places an order, I use these jade tokens to manipulate karma, sending those children of fortune to gather the materials."
He continued, introducing them as if enumerating his family treasures: "This one has inherited a sword cultivator's legacy; if you want metal-element spiritual materials, I use him. This one belongs to the aquatic race; if you desire water-element materials, he is the top choice. And this one… hmm, this one is also good…"
Through his explanation, Lu Yang quickly understood the entire operational chain.
First, someone approaches True Person Qi He with a request.
Then, True Person Qi He manipulates karma. Whatever spiritual material is needed, he customizes a child of fortune to obtain it. Once they acquire it, he reaps the benefits.
The harvesting method was straightforward.
"In my [Secret Hall Street], these children of fortune, having obtained their opportunities, need to offload their gains. Under my manipulation, they come here, effectively delivering the goods to my doorstep."
Impressive!
Lu Yang listened in amazement. This was practically a one-stop delivery service. True Person Qi He, using this method, could effortlessly collect a vast amount of spiritual materials without leaving his home.
Indeed, the Primordial Saint Sect has shown restraint!
At least, as far as Lu Yang knew, unless it concerned their own cultivation, no one within the Primordial Saint Sect would create children of fortune on a large scale solely for spiritual materials.
"But this isn't the most ingenious part," True Person Qi He said with some pride. "The most ingenious part is that by casting such a wide net, there are bound to be some who slip through."
"Oh? And how does fellow Daoist handle those?"
Lu Yang immediately grasped his meaning. After all, with so many children of fortune, some were bound to achieve Foundation Establishment by sheer luck.
"Why handle them?"
True Person Qi He shook his head. "Those who achieve Foundation Establishment are talents worth cultivating. Our Primordial Saint Sect has always been people-oriented and would naturally not turn them away."
"And with the Primordial Saint Sect's influence, which rogue cultivator would refuse?"
"In this way, not only do I collect spiritual materials and make a hefty profit, but I also help the Primordial Saint Sect cultivate Foundation Establishment True Persons. It's a win-win situation!"
"I see."
Although Lu Yang had already anticipated this development, he couldn't help but ask, "But after they achieve Foundation Establishment, don't they mind your actions, fellow Daoist?"
"They are far more ruthless than this old Daoist!"
True Person Qi He grinned. "With such lucrative profits, who would oppose spiritual materials? At least I am willing to give these children of fortune a chance at survival."
"They, on the other hand, offer no chance at all!"
"After all, [Secret Hall Street] is only so big. When they open halls and reap others' benefits, if they allow others to open halls, it will be their turn to be reaped."
Hearing this, Lu Yang couldn't help but shake his head:
'Beasts indeed.'
However, he quickly realized, "But fellow Daoist mentioned gathering the spiritual materials I need within three days. Can the children of fortune accomplish this so quickly?"
"Of course not."
At this, True Person Qi He smiled meaningfully. "This brings us to another service offered in my [Secret Hall Street]."
"This service is exclusively for True Persons of the Primordial Saint Sect."
As he spoke, True Person Qi He took out a formation disk and began setting up formations within the shop right before Lu Yang's eyes:
"My [Secret Hall Street] isn't very large."
"If every so often a Foundation Establishment True Person opens a hall here, the street would be overcrowded, making business impossible."
"Therefore, periodic cleaning is necessary."
At this point, a murderous intent flashed in True Person Qi He's eyes.
Lu Yang understood his implication: relying solely on those children of fortune, it would indeed be impossible to gather the required spiritual materials within three days.
But if they targeted Foundation Establishment True Persons, it would be a different story.
Especially those who had opened halls in this [Secret Hall Street]. While not necessarily wealthy, they certainly had substantial resources, and importantly, they were rogue cultivators.
In Jiangbei, it was well-known: rogue cultivators were the easiest to rob!
"I have selected two Foundation Establishment True Persons from [Secret Hall Street]. When they arrive and fall into my formations, you and I will join forces to capture them."
"By then, the spiritual materials you require will be complete!"
After hearing True Person Qi He's plan and observing the formations sealing off the entire shop, Lu Yang sighed sincerely, "As expected of the old Primordial Saint…"
Then, he looked at True Person Qi He:
"So, this is the reason fellow Daoist wants to ambush me?"