"Brother Li, holding a key position in the Market City Hall, commands great respect and authority. Regarding the matter of Gao Family’s Lingxiao Tower, could you possibly offer some convenience?"
"Indeed, if Brother Li could mediate and negotiate on our behalf, it would be a huge step forward for the Lin Family. Such kindness will certainly be etched in our memory. The Lin Family will spare no effort in any area where we can be of use!" Lin Shilu added.
Hearing the conversation of the two men, Li Xiuyuan fell into brief contemplation.
Despite having an extraordinary talent and having reached the Foundation Establishment Eighth Level Realm at a young age, along with his status as a core disciple of the Zhenyang Sect and the support of Golden Elixir Experts as his masters, he was still uncertain about his prospects of advancing to the Golden Core Stage.
Therefore, taking advantage of his position in managing the market city, he aimed to form as many good karmic bonds as possible, which might help him when he attempted to break through to the Golden Core Realm.
If anything, he was well aware that the sect could not always be relied upon— even ten thousand steps back.
Looking at Lin Tianming and considering the Lin Family’s growing strength, along with a talented clan member like Tianming, who was likely to reach the Golden Core Realm, it seemed prudent to have the Lin Family owe him a favor, which could help him out in times of need.
After musing for a moment, and despite having made up his mind, he still spoke with a troubled expression:
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"Given my friendship with Brother Ye, it is only natural that I offer my help when the Lin Family is in need. However, regarding the issue with the Gao Family’s Lingxiao Tower, other Foundation Establishing Families are involved, and not everything within the market city is decided by me alone. There are two fellow sect members who might have their own thoughts."
"As such, I need to discuss with the other two sect members before I can provide an answer!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Lin Shilu took out three storage bags and handed them over to Li Xiuyuan, then said:
"This represents a small token of my gratitude. I ask for Brother Li’s help in mediating this matter, and the Lin Family will certainly remember your assistance. Once the matter is settled, you will be amply rewarded!"
"This..."
Seeing the three storage bags, Li Xiuyuan naturally understood their implication. With his wealth and status, he did not care about spirit stones; what he valued more was the favor he would owe the Lin Family.
With an appearance of reluctance, he said:
"I must decline for myself, Brother Lin will have much need for spirit stones in the future. As for these two storage bags, I will keep them on behalf of my fellow sect members, and you may visit my residence again in three days."
Listening to Li Xiuyuan’s words and seeing him accept two of the storage bags, Lin Shilu breathed a sigh of relief.
"One does not thank for great kindness; rest assured, Brother Li, wherever you may need the Lin Family, we will not refuse!" Lin Shilu earnestly expressed his gratitude.
"Hmm...
"Let’s settle it then; we shall meet again in three days." Li Xiuyuan said.
Afterward, Lin Tianming and the other two wisely rose to their feet, exchanged salutes, and promptly left his residence.
Once outside the residence, the trio walked along a deserted cobblestone path.
With no one around, Lin Shilu took out another prepared storage bag and handed it to Ye Pinghai, then said:
"Brother Ye, your assistance has been invaluable this time. This modest gesture is not nearly enough to show my appreciation, but please accept it."
Upon witnessing this, Ye Pinghai’s expression turned displeased:
"What are you saying, Brother Lin? If I offer help, I do not expect anything in return. Besides, all I did was say a few words and didn’t provide any real assistance. Please, take it back!"
Seeing Ye Pinghai’s adamant attitude and the slight anger on his face, Lin Shilu had no choice but to nod and take back the storage bag.
"That’s more like it!" Ye Pinghai said with a chuckle.
Before they realized it, half a quarter of an hour had passed, and the three returned to Ye Pinghai’s residence.
Before parting ways, Ye Pinghai spoke:
"Brother Lin, rest assured, I know Li well enough to say that since he has accepted the other two storage bags and confidently invites you over in three days, he most certainly has a nine out of ten chance."
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Lin Shilu chuckled, clasping his hands in salute:
"Then I’ll take your auspicious words, Brother Ye. Once the matter is resolved, I will surely come to express my thanks in person!"
After speaking, the two exchanged salutes and turned to walk towards their respective rented residences.
Back at his residence, Lin Shilu called together the members of his clan and briefly outlined the results of the trip.
Upon hearing this news, Lin Tianfeng and the others were overjoyed.
In the past few days, they had been lingering in every corner of the Market City, running about and working hard for this very matter, and now they had another substantial breakthrough—how could they not be thrilled?
The matter of the store was finally about to be settled, and amidst their happiness, the group started with their compliments.
"Fifteenth Grandfather is mighty, Fifteenth Grandfather has worked hard..."
Lin Shilu smiled knowingly; he was very aware that even though Lin Tianming hadn’t said much, his role had been even more significant than Lin Shilu’s own.
Ye Pinghai and Li Xiuyuan were interested in the Lin Family’s potential, as well as Lin Tianming’s potential, which is why they helped so unreservedly, without even wanting any benefits.
If it were him, he would do the same.
After all, Lin Tianming’s talent was exceptional—for someone so young to have achieved so much, should he succeed in reaching the Golden Core Stage, the returns he could bring would be even greater.
Looking at the group beside him, bubbling with excitement, Lin Shilu smiled knowingly and sent them away.
Once the others had left, only Lin Tianming and Lin Shilu remained seated in the small courtyard. Then, Lin Shilu began to speak:
"Tianming, of the forty thousand Spirit Stones we prepared, we’ve only used twenty thousand. Ye and Li Xiuyuan did not take any compensation—what do you make of this?"
After pondering for a moment, Lin Tianming began to respond.
"Both of them are indeed cunning with age, not taking any compensation. Clearly, they see the potential in our family. Both are close to making a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm and will surely need substantial resources. Being on good terms with the Lin Family and putting us in their debt benefits them greatly. Once our family advances further, their gains will be immensely substantial..."
"Hmm..."
Hearing Lin Tianming’s reply, which understood the entire benefit relationship so thoroughly, felt profoundly reassuring to Lin Shilu.
"Be that as it may, whatever their reasons, a mutually beneficial relationship is also the best outcome for us."
"We will wait for news and then pay them a visit in three days."
Lin Tianming nodded, and after chatting idly for a while, they both returned to their rooms for a brief meditation.
...
Unbeknownst to them, three days passed quickly.
When the appointed time with Li Xiuyuan arrived, Lin Tianming and company once again left the small courtyard and headed towards his cave dwelling.
In a short while, the two appeared in Li Xiuyuan’s courtyard.
At this moment, only the three of them were present; Ye Pinghai did not join the gathering.
After they exchanged greetings with cupped fists and took their seats, Li Xiuyuan joyfully said:
"I have not failed in my task; after much cajoling and persuasion, I finally convinced two fellow Sect brothers to rent the Lingxiao Tower from the Gao Family to the Lin Family."
"Here I congratulate Lin on achieving his wish," Li Xiuyuan said with a fist salute.
Although they had been prepared on their way over, it was only upon hearing these words that Lin Shilu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Then Lin Shilu earnestly said:
"I’m at a loss for words, immensely grateful. Once the shop is up and running, I will surely host Li at the reception hall to show our appreciation and hope that Li will honor us with his presence!"
"Definitely, definitely..."
Li Xiuyuan accepted his invitation and then took out a Golden Token, handing it over to Lin Shilu. He said:
"This token is a symbol for the Market City; every individual or power with a store in the Market City has one. It grants free entry without paying Spirit Stones and allows you to bring up to five people at a time."
"After discussions with two other fellow Sect brothers, it’s been decided to entrust the Lingxiao Tower to the Lin Family. The Gao Family has not yet vacated the premises, we estimate it will take a few more days. In the meantime, remember to go to the Market City Hall to pay ten years’ worth of store rent and complete the leasing procedures."
"Good... I will take care of this matter as quickly as possible!" Lin Shilu responded.
Seeing that everything was now settled, they made small talk for a while before they felt it was time to leave.
The two of them stood up, cupped their fists in farewell, and left Li Xiuyuan’s cave dwelling.