History's Strongest Senior Brother c1-1474
Page 618
If they kept the status quo but their opponents advanced, it would be equivalent to themselves regressing. There was no way the Luo Family could stay calm with this.
Meanwhile, everyone else who received the news was bubbling with excitement as well.
While the object in question was still nowhere to be seen, no harm could come in pre-ordering some.
This same principle applied for the Spirit Divinity Heavenly Brew and the Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talisman.
Moreover, as the one-year mark neared, the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion again broadcast that it would be selling Internal Crystal Furnaces on a large scale.
With that, everyone grew even more frenzied.
While those without sufficient materials would inevitably be unable to do anything, the acquisition of the Internal Crystal Furnace for those who did would greatly boost their artifact forging speed in ensuring that they would attain their desired artifacts much earlier than originally expected.
The same applied here: For any lineage that was striving for greater heights, what would they do if they ignored this, but their opponent acquired one?
While the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion had still yet to truly open, the area outside its door was like a marketplace as it was virtually trampled into by the droves of people who flocked there.
Still, the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion announced that it would temporarily not be accepting any pre-ordering due to limited stock.
Whether it was the limited stock available or their inability to reserve the items at the present time, people were troubled by both of these statements.
Rather than that, their moods were uplifted somewhat with how the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion had declared that when they officially opened their doors and sold those goods, it would be on a ‘first come first serve basis’ rather than a ‘to the highest bidder’ basis.
Along with that, the fact that they were only temporarily unable to pre-order their desired items left open the possibility that they might be able to do so in the future.
“Why not sell to the highest bidder, Young Master?” Xiao Ai asked curiously.
Nearing the date of the official opening, Yan Zhaoge had already left Dragon Butterfly Valley and come to the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion in Yuanzhou City.
“All this you see is merely the prelude,” Yan Zhaoge propped up his leg, sitting leisurely on a chair, “What they will have to compete for comes later, and are not some treasures or the like. Instead…”
He smiled, wagging a finger, “…Instead, it will be a sort of qualification.”
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1133: Limited stock, high demand
HSSB1133: Limited stock, high demand
Whether it was the Spirit Divinity Heavenly Brew, Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talisman, Internal Crystal Furnace, or Impending Rain Plate, all of them were extremely mighty and precious treasures.
While they might not be of use to Yan Zhaoge, they would surely be helpful to those with lower cultivation bases from Broad Creed Mountain, as well as the powers he was on better terms with like Jade Capital Crag and Golden Court Mountain.
While Yan Zhaoge had set some items aside for this very purpose, selling them would still partially diminish their advantage at the end of the day.
A large amount of other treasures could be obtained through his own items.
With that, the pros ultimately outweighed the cons.
More importantly, he aimed to spread an influence through his actions that would tie people to his Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion. He hoped to spread this influence to the extent that the pavilion would be essential to its patrons.
“As for how those who pay more will be able to obtain an advantage, that is another story altogether.” Yan Zhaoge shrugged, “The important thing is that while this privilege cannot be too overwhelming, it must still tempt those who are able to obtain it.”
While it might not sound nice, those who were able to spend more would correspondingly obtain more advantages.
Out of necessity, Yan Zhaoge’s intended targets were specifically those higher echelon experts who possessed those rare and scarce resources that simply were not obtainable with money.
For these types of treasures, it was not just a matter of their face value anymore. Instead, it would have to depend on the needs of the parties involved in the trade.
Many of the things that Broad Creed Mountain might consider treasures were now essentially useless to Yan Zhaoge, with the only things that could enter his eyes being incomparably precious in this world.
When following a first come first serve policy, nobody would know the exact contents of what each person bought.
If the Xia Family of Listening Thunder Peak had not accidentally let the news leak in the southeastern Yang Heaven Territory that year, no one would have even known to rob them.
In order to stay in business, the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion had considered ways to collect various valuable resources efficiently within a short period of time. Much of the time, it was status or privilege that would draw people in. It was with this in mind that Yan Zhaoge had gone with this capitalistic setup.
Still, there was much leeway for the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion to work around. With Yan Zhaoge’s vast knowledge from the records of the Heavenly Court’s Divine Palace, it would be difficult indeed for any power to shake the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion’s status.
If one were to speak of some massive power from the external world attempting to destroy the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion, the possibility of that was very low as well.
Qiu Jiahai and the other disciples of Jade Capital Crag were not just there for show, after all.
“Still, in opening our doors for business, peace breeds wealth, harmony breeds wealth, isn’t it?” Yan Zhaoge chuckled.
Qiu Jiahai had a strange expression on his face. It seemed as though this junior apprentice-brother Yan of his had been one of the least peaceful people in the World beyond Worlds in recent years.
“It’s time, Young Master,” Xiao Ai said after taking a look at the time.
Yan Zhaoge smiled, “I’ll leave it to you then. I await your good news.”
“You can count on me, Young Master,” Xiao Ai walked towards the front hall as Qiu Jiahai said, “I will go and keep an eye on things too.”
Yan Zhaoge nodded, “Thank you, senior apprentice-brother Qiu.”
Martial practitioners from all around the World beyond Worlds had flocked over for this long-awaited grand opening of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion. Even the disciples of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were here to observe and broaden their horizons.
Although there were many who had come just to enjoy the show, the presence of Qiu Jiahai and the other were a powerful deterrent for any troublemakers.
Besides the Internal Crystal Furnace, Spirit Divinity Heavenly Brew, and other treasures that everyone was already familiar with, there were also many other precious treasures to be found.
Still, they were limited in quantity.
“We can only buy three things at most?” Everyone looked on in puzzlement at Xiao Ai.
Xiao Ai nodded solemnly. “That’s right, just three. Also, it is three per lineage, not three per person.”
Thinking of how the quality of the goods would limit the quantity available, everyone was still able to accept this.
Yan Zhaoge had been relatively generous in deciding these prices. Still, with how rare and valuable the treasures were, they could surely not be sold at dirt cheap prices.
Knowing this, today’s customers would certainly have come prepared.
Luo Hai of the Tiger Leaping Peak’s Luo Family said, “In that case, give this old man three of the Impending Rain Plates and Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talismans. Then, an Internal Crystal Furnace, and two bottles of Spirit Divinity Heavenly Brew…”
Before he could finish, he was interrupted by Xiao Ai, “You misunderstand, Senior Luo. What this junior meant was that you can only pur
chase and take away three things from this pavilion in total today.”
“Huh?” Not just Luo Hai but everyone present stared in astonishment at Xiao Ai.
Xiao Ai smiled gracefully, “You can either choose three Impending Rain Plates, or one of that, one Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talisman and one Internal Crystal Furnace, or two bottles of Spirit Divinity Heavenly Brew and one Impending Rain Plate. You can decide on how to fill up the quota yourself.”
“Still, whatever you select, you can only purchase and take away three things from our pavilion today in total. It is the same for everyone else here as well.”
Dissatisfied, Luo Hai asked, “This old man has been here in Yuanzhou City for several days and was the first to arrive. Your side once said that it is first come first serve. Do those words not count?”
“Of course they do,” Xiao Ai smiled, revealing her white teeth, “The treasures to be sold by our pavilion today are indeed limited. Our supply is only sufficient to meet the demand of three per lineage for those who arrived earlier. Past that, we can only request that Fellow Daoists arrive earlier next time.”
“There is also no need for Fellow Daoists to worry. Our Pavilion will open for sales on the first of every month and will begin accepting orders afterwards.”
Everyone was rendered dumbfounded and speechless as they could only exchange looks. No matter your wealth or background, three treasures was the hard limit.
It was not that preferential treatment would not exist, it was just that it would have to wait until next time…and only for those who were able to pay for it as well!
Despite being greatly dissatisfied with this, there was nothing anyone could do about it.
The items on sale at the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion were truly valuable to the point where simply having money wouldn’t be enough to buy them.
In addition, Yan Zhaoge had set very decent prices for opening day and had no need to worry about the number of customers, hence raising the influence they acquired to the greatest extent.
“In that case, this old man will have three Impending Rain Plates this time!” Staring at Xiao Ai for a long time and glancing at Qiu Jiahai who was minding his own business and drinking tea by the side, Luo Hai could do nothing but helplessly give in.
The old man surnamed Zhong who had previously gone to Wind Thunder Manor to ask about things from Heng Xianda thought for a moment before speaking, “This old man will have three bottles of Spirit Divinity Heavenly Brew.”
Everyone began thinking about what they most needed before finally requesting for them.
Yan Zhaoge had previously specially asked Xiao Ai to give out number plates, strictly following the rule of first come first serve on their opening day.
Those lined up in front could acquire three treasures.
Some of those later ones could only acquire one or two.
In the end, half of those who had arrived left empty-handed.
Mournful faces filled the streets.
As compared to auctions where the highest bidder would get the treasures and the losers could only curse all those wealthy people, many people were now regretful that they had hesitated the least bit and had fallen behind as a result.
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1134: The unethical merchant Yan Zhaoge
The unethical merchant Yan Zhaoge
Following an entire year of accumulation, Yan Zhaoge actually had quite a bit of stock left. Still, he did not intend to release all of it at once.
After the batch of treasures allocated for that day had been sold, Xiao Ai immediately announced the closing of the pavilion.
Although the customers who wished to stay behind to drink some tea were all duly hosted by them, the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion would not be selling any more treasures that day.
In an attempt to make up for the dissatisfaction in their hearts, many people were already trying to place pre-orders for the pavilion’s opening a month later. In fact, even those who had been successful this time were doing the same; after all, only 3 items could be bought each time.
“We are not accepting reservations at present,” Xiao Ai smiled and answered, “It will begin ten days before our pavilion opens each time. Please return earlier next time, everyone.”
Hearing this, everyone felt dissatisfied yet again.
Xiao Ai was not flustered however, as she said graciously, “Please forgive us if our courtesy has failed to meet your expectations in any way.”
They all resentfully left, unhappy at having money but nowhere to spend it.
Yuanzhou City was a renowned major city of the central Jun Heaven Territory, with most major powers having businesses there.
Yan Zhaoge would certainly not stand idle and allow these potential earnings to be spent on the goods of others.
At his instructions, Xiao Ai had long since arranged for people to spread a certain piece of news in secret after their customers had left.
While the pavilion would not allow for blatant rule breaking or favoritism in order to retain fairness, it was rumored that the pavilion owner loved to befriend Fellow Daoists beneath the heavens. Naturally, these friends were able to enjoy certain benefits in secret.
As proof of status and identity, the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion had special token plates…
Just this was enough for most to understand Yan Zhaoge’s intention.
It was just that in order to avoid people maliciously obtaining the token plates by means of tomfoolery, many checks and restrictions would naturally be necessary. For example, these privileged customers would have to publicly attend the sales on the first day of every month.
At the same time that everyone was thinking of the pavilion’s second opening, they also began to look into how they would be able to obtain these special token plates.
After closing the pavilion, Xiao Ai reported the situation to Yan Zhaoge in the back hall.
“Just as you predicted, Young Master, besides a few exceptions like the Tiger Leaping Peak’s Luo Family, most of them used up two of their quota to buy other things while leaving the final one to purchase an Internal Crystal Furnace.”
While treasures like the Impending Rain Plate and the Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talisman were great and all, they were generally all consumables or treasures with restricted usage.
The Internal Crystal Furnace, however, was different. For many small and mid scale powers- and even some larger ones like Wind Thunder Manor, this was a treasure that could be passed down as the legacy of their lineage.
It had long been known that the Internal Crystal Furnace would have been the most popular item.
Yan Zhaoge shrugged, “It is within predictions. It may not be that the Tiger Leaping Peak’s Luo Family does not desire an Internal Crystal Furnace. It is just that they want to restrict Impending Rain Plates from flowing outside as much as possible, thus spending their entire quota on them today.”
“The one from the Tiger Leaping Peak’s Luo Family is indeed intelligent, Young Master.” Xiao Ai smiled as she handed over a jade talisman, “He directly handed over a complete set of their formation diagram, wishing to exchange it for a token plate.”
Qiu Jiahai asked, “What formation is that?”
“It seems to be called the Immortal Separating Harmonious Light Formation,” Xiao Ai answered.
“Oh? While it is one of the lower ranked ones amongst the Tiger Leaping Peak’s Twelve Formations, it can already be considered top-tier since it is counted amongst them,” Qiu Jiahai evaluated, “While you have the Nine Bends Yellow River Formation, junior apprentice-brother Yan, the requirements for setting it up are really too stringent. This Immortal Separating Harmonious Light Formation should be quite a good addition to your arsenal.”
Yan Zhaoge chuckled, “I must say, senior apprentice-brother Qiu, that the Nine Bends Yellow River Formation is not the only formation in my possession.”
“I should await with bated breath then.” Qiu Jiahai smiled.
“S
till, this Immortal Separating Harmonious Light Formation can be considered pretty good. It can be used to trade for something else,” Yan Zhaoge received the jade talisman from Xiao Ai, “Since the Luo Family is willing to hand it out, they should be mentally prepared for this.”
“We can let his Family have a token plate…just that lowest-grade one.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled in a very mercenary manner indeed.
Qiu Jiahai sighed, commenting, “Other businesses have numerous methods too. Yet, they are unable to be as successful and unconcerned as you, junior apprentice-brother Yan.”
“Those numerous methods are all excessive and unnecessary.” Yan Zhaoge said nonchalantly, “At the end of the day, our confidence lies with the quality of our products. With that, a couple of little tricks can help magnify our gains.”
“We set our prices very kind-heartedly this time, Young Master. While we earned quite a sum, it was still far from satisfactory.” Xiao Ai said rather regretfully.
Yan Zhaoge tapped her forehead lightly, “Look long-term, you little money-lover. The time will come when you get cramps from counting too much money.”
He waved the jade talisman in his hand, “Isn’t this something already? And this is merely the beginning.”
The token plates which they had just begun handing out were the lowest-grade ones.
It was fine if it was low-grade. One could slowly rise up the ranks, couldn’t they?
And how might they do so?
Everyone knew it without it having to be said…
The Tiger Leaping Peak’s Luo Family yearned for a token plate, even if it was the lowest-grade one.
A very important reason for this was that those with the token plates would no longer be restricted to three items each time they purchased treasures from the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion.
Although it was impossible for the limit to be removed entirely, it would certainly be higher than three.
Not only was the Impending Rain Plate beneficial in raising the strength of their own martial practitioners, the Tiger Leaping Peak’s Luo Family also had to consider that if other powers had a great amount of Impending Rain Plates, it would diminish their advantage in formations to a mighty extent.