"Immortal Master jests! While some Immortals indeed possess storage rings, these items are exceedingly valuable. They couldn't possibly loan them to us mortals for carrying ordinary items. Besides, every transaction between the large plateaus involves massive quantities. An Immortal's storage ring, though marvelous, can only hold so much. And let's not forget, most Immortals wouldn't consider such menial tasks as hauling goods worthy of their status!" Liu Baihe offered a detailed explanation to Han Cai.
Han Cai, silent, simply nodded and fell into deep thought.
After a considerable pause, Han Cai said indifferently, "Lord Zhu wants me to represent him, but I'm afraid I can't comply. My cultivation isn't at a high enough level; accepting this would only bring him shame. Please relay to Lord Zhu that he should seek someone more capable. As for his kindness in offering me a ride to the Robust Bison Plateau, I can compensate him with a few spirit stones."
Han Cai's words were slow and measured, his tone indifferent.
Upon hearing Han Cai's refusal, the old man's face visibly blanched.
Then, with a hint of desperation, he pleaded, "Great Immortal, please help my lord! To venture into this business, Lord Zhu has already invested heavily in this caravan. Our clan's growth will stagnate if this continues. If we don't secure the trading rights between the large plateaus, the Zhu Clan will certainly face bankruptcy. We, the workers, will lose our jobs and will have to seek different opportunities."
"My cultivation level is indeed low. Besides, I do not wish to cause any disputes upon reaching the Robust Bison Plateau!" Han Cai rebutted, shaking his head resolutely without a hint of emotion.
Seeing Han Cai's firm refusal and strict tone, Liu Baihe didn't dare press further. He could only muster his courage and engage Han Cai in conversation about local customs and other useful information.
An hour later, noticing the old man's wandering attention, Han Cai suggested he retire for rest and return when his mind was clearer.
Liu Baihe, having been feeling fatigued for a while, gratefully accepted Han Cai's consideration and took his leave.
Once the old man had respectfully left, Han Cai let out a sigh. Though he had ample wealth and even many pills that could benefit mortals, he had no intention of offering any to the old man. Displaying his wealth in this unfamiliar territory could potentially attract unnecessary complications, even potential mortal danger. He could not use system. Besides he was never the one to do things for kindness.
With that thought, Han Cai sat cross-legged, consumed a "Spirit Pill," and began cultivating.
He had only been meditating for a brief time when he heard soft footsteps outside his room.
Although Han Cai didn't open the door, he had extended his perception beyond the room earlier and was aware of everything that was happening outside. Liu Baihe had returned, closely followed by a visibly worried Lord Zhu.
Han Cai's brows furrowed. Trouble was knocking at his door. It was clear that Lord Zhu hadn't given up yet and had come to pester him again.
Han Cai was tempted to stop them but decided against it. Being new to this area, he couldn't afford to come across as too domineering.
Without waiting for them to knock, he announced in a gentle tone, "Please come in! The door isn't locked."
Lord Zhu and Liu Baihe were taken aback, but quickly understood that the Immortal had invited them in. They hurriedly straightened their attire before respectfully stepping into the room.
At this point, Han Cai had risen from his bed and stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Great Immortal, Lord Zhu wishes to personally discuss this matter with you. Could the Great Immortal please grant Lord Zhu this opportunity?" Having interacted with Han Cai previously, Liu Baihe understood that this Immortal was not someone to be trifled with. Hence, he directly stated the purpose of their visit.
Han Cai glanced at the old man, then smiled indifferently, "He certainly may. But, I suggest you advise Lord Zhu not to set his hopes too high."
Liu Baihe looked slightly embarrassed but relayed the message to the middle-aged man nonetheless.
The middle-aged man appeared momentarily taken aback. However, he promptly said something that first surprised Liu Baihe, then caused him to sport a rather odd expression.
From the sidelines, Han Cai observed dispassionately, his face impassive.
"Great Immortal, our Lord Zhu proposes that, should you agree to assist, the Zhu Clan will reward you generously with spirit stones, regardless of whether we win or lose. If you do manage to secure the trading rights for the Zhu Clan, Lord Zhu is willing to act as your guarantor, allowing you, a foreign cultivator, to become an official resident of the Robust Bison Plateau. Furthermore, the Zhu Clan would be willing to offer one-third of the trading profits over the next five years to you, even if you choose not to take up an official position on the Robust Bison Plateau."
Upon uttering these words, Liu Baihe's expression turned dull, seemingly incredulous about Lord Zhu's offer.
Han Cai was slightly taken aback. Stroking his chin, he queried in a baffled tone, "What? One needs a guarantor to reside in the Robust Bison Plateau? Why didn't you mention this before?"
While Han Cai's tone remained mild, Liu Baihe felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly explained, "You've misunderstood, esteemed Master! On the vast Robust Bison Plateau, foreign Immortals fall into two distinct categories. The first group consists of temporary dwellers, who don't hold any significant positions and usually stay for a few years. Their arrival and departure are based purely on their personal preference. The other group, however, includes those supported by influential local clans, granting them the privilege to reside as they please.
The latter group not only enjoys reduced spirit stone tariffs during their stay on the plateau but can also follow the appropriate procedures to acquire permanent dwellings. More importantly, they are eligible to hold official positions and participate in the Grand Grassland Tournament, which takes place once every decade. Depending on one's performance in this tournament, they are awarded lands corresponding to the density of their Spiritual Qi.
I regret not explaining this earlier, but finding a guarantor for a foreign cultivator on a vast plateau like the Robust Bison Plateau is a complex task." Eager to avoid any misunderstanding, Liu Baihe explained everything all at once.
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