The Luo Family had quite a few enemies too.
“Xiao Ai, you will be in charge of this place from now on. You should grasp things properly yourself. It’s fine if you make a few mistakes as long as you keep the main principle firmly in mind.” Yan Zhaoge instructed Xiao Ai, “Look long-term. What is most pressing right now is grasping the hearts of others.”
“Let everyone constantly have our pavilion’s opening every month on their minds. When they finally begin to see us as their sole source of these items, we will have gained long-term hegemony.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled in a mercenary manner, “While our items are the best, it hasn’t reached the point where everyone must buy them. That said, after we have left our imprint on people’s hearts, they will always remember our pavilion. The products will be secondary, with only the fact that the producer is our pavilion fueling their wish to buy whatever we offer. Only having done so will they be able to sleep soundly at night, rather than be hounded by thoughts of the opening of our pavilion the following month.”
The open-door sales of the pavilion were generally normally priced.
Yan Zhaoge’s true profits would actually come from the token plates that would circulate in secret. In order to facilitate the interest in these token plates, a greater number of customers was naturally best.
Only with that would the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion have influence.
The privileges from the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion would become a status symbol that people aspired towards.
Soon, a month had passed. The much-awaited second opening of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion finally arrived.
This time, something happened which left the customers dissatisfied.
The quantity of one of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion’s most popular items, the Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talismans, was half of what it had been the last time.
This issue, however, was soon completely pushed out of people’s mind by another matter.
The Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion was selling a new treasure this time, one which had not been there on their opening day.
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1135: The bastard’s a no-show!
HSSB1135: The bastard’s a no-show!
The last time the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion had opened, around half of the customers had left empty-handed.
Those who had managed to buy stuff had felt dissatisfied and unhappy too.
They had all not been satisfied with the result.
Still, it might not be the case that they yearned for those treasures just so very much.
This was because the worth of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion’s treasures had still yet to be confirmed at the time.
While the spiritual qi overflowing from the treasures had allowed them to confirm their authenticity on the spot, people could not be that certain if they were truly as effective as in the legends.
After all, these treasures had previously ceased to circulate for a long time as no one had witnessed them in action before this.
Most of these items were consumables and expensive too as nobody was rich enough to needlessly go for a test run.
Over the past month, many people had actually been waiting for news to see if the treasures of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion were really as powerful as was said in the legends.
Coincidentally, someone truly did personally experience the treasure’s effects before spreading the news.
Of course, in truth, that someone had actually been arranged for by Yan Zhaoge long beforehand…
Whatever the case, some guy was the first to use the Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talisman. In doing so, he successfully warped away beneath the encirclement of multiple enemies and escaped.
As for treasures like the Internal Crystal Furnace and the Spirit Divinity Heavenly Brew, they were all convenient to try out.
Thus, the truth was really clear as day.
The products of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion were all high in quality.
Everyone who had bought some were satisfied while everyone who had not were jealous.
Therefore, they were this dissatisfied upon hearing that not only would the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion not be selling a greater quantity of treasures this time, it would instead be reduced.
This was within Yan Zhaoge’s predictions. Still, he was not worried about it.
While he did not lack these treasures, he would definitely not release them all in a single go.
He would simply reveal something new from time to time. Only then could he preserve the interest of his customers in the long-term.
While exhibiting everything from the get-go might make for a greater impact, there was actually no need to do so.
As the items of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion were mostly reproductions and quite a few good ones had been exhibited during their official opening, the intended impact was already achieved.
Any more and it would be excessive, and that would be effectively a waste.
If he unceasingly reproduced those items of legend, even as their influence persisted, it would also continually raise the anticipation of his customers, causing the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion to hold greater sway in their minds.
Therefore, after their initial dissatisfaction at how the number of Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talismans available had halved during the pavilion’s second opening, the customers had instead become even more excited.
A new treasure was being sold by the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion.
Substitution Paper Figure.
When its owner would take damage from an attack, it could help to bear the force of the blow for them.
If they had prepared this substitution treasure beforehand, when they were attacked, the treasure would automatically react and help them to block a strike even if they were unaware of it.
Substitution Paper Figures were not omnipotent as they could be dispelled by others.
Still, generally speaking, enemies who could dispel them would be able to kill the treasure’s owner easily anyway.
Thus, this treasure was primarily meant for martial practitioners beneath the Immortal Bridge Martial Saint stage to use against opponents of the same cultivation level.
Meanwhile, it would indeed be very useful when facing opponents of the same level.
It was exceptionally great when used to guard against sneak attacks and ambushes as the treasure would automatically react even if its master was oblivious to the enemy’s presence.
This might be a life-saving treasure in some crucial scenarios and could even help to turn the tables in a fight.
If their enemy did not know about their Substitution Paper Figure, they might even fall into a trap.
While its usage might be restricted as compared to the Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talisman, guarding against sneak attacks was its selling point.
The Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talisman was a treasure that its owner had to consciously control and utilise at the end of the day.
“It’s intentional, right?” Everyone gradually realised, “It is no wonder that only half the amount of Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talismans is being sold this time. It should be to make space for this Substitution Paper Figure, right?”
While their respective uses were different, both could be considered precious protective treasures.
“How could it be?” Xiao Ai smiled, replying, “Our Pavilion is indeed lacking in Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talismans this time. It is precisely because of this that we have specially introduced these Substitution Paper Figures for Fellow Daoists to select from and purchase.”
Someone asked doubtfully, “While this Substitution Paper Figure is good and all, it will be depleted after suffering an attack. Wouldn’t it be totally wasted if one strikes it with a normal-strength blow beforehand? In that case, this treasure might just be on the impractical side.”
“That is not the case,” Xiao Ai imitated Yan Zhaoge in raising a finger and wagging it lightly, “Only when its
owner is oblivious to an incoming attack and cannot react in time will this Substitution Paper Figure automatically react and be utilised.”
If the enemy really used a extra blow to waste and deplete the Substitution Paper Figure before launching their true offensive, that would also be equivalent to alerting the treasure’s owner of their presence as the sneak attack would have become meaningless then.
Meanwhile, when facing enemies normally, the treasure’s owner could decide themselves whether to make use of the Substitution Paper Figure.
If they were still fooled by a feint in that situation, it would naturally be their own fault then.
At the end of the day, it was people controlling treasures and not the other way round.
“Oh, in that case, this treasure really is remarkable…” Hearing Xiao Ai’s explanation, that person nodded slightly.
Still, before he could continue, a voice had already resounded beside him, “This Substitution Paper Figure-I want three of them!”
Regaining his wits, that person could not help but curse inwardly as he hurriedly said as well, “I want three Substitution Paper Figures too! Eh…no, I want two Substitution Paper Figures and one Internal Crystal Furnace!”
The customers grew lively again as the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion’s business continued to flourish.
It was just that due to the limited number of treasures available, some were still left disappointed in the end.
On the first of the following month, the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion opened its doors for the third time…
“There aren’t any Substitution Paper Figures anymore?” Everyone stared quizzically at Xiao Ai.
Xiao Ai said, “Our pavilion has no Substitution Paper Figures left at present and is in the midst of preparing more. Perhaps there will be some next time. We hope that everyone can understand this.”
Everyone’s minds drifted somewhat at this.
The minority who had previously bought Substitution Paper Figures rejoiced greatly inwardly.
The majority who had not purchased any felt exceptionally disconsolate for some reason.
It was like the various other treasures before them were no longer so enticing, all being incomparable to the Substitution Paper Figures that they had just barely missed out on.
While they were currently right in the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion, the minds of some were already on the next opening of the pavilion.
Would there be Substitution Paper Figures then?
“Are there really no more, junior apprentice-brother Yan?” Qiu Jiahai asked Yan Zhaoge in private.
Yan Zhaoge chortled, “Of course there are.”
Qiu Jiahai was rendered speechless as he just pointed at him, finally exclaiming after a long time, “This unethical merchant!”
“Remember, Xiao Ai. In situations like that with the Substitution Paper Figures, do not supply them to those with the ‘yellow’ token plates. Maintain the stance that we have no stock at present,” Yan Zhaoge accepted Qiu Jiahai’s disparaging remark without a thought before continuing to teach Xiao Ai, “The special provision of treasures is something that only those with higher-ranked token plates are entitled to.”
“Even the entitlements themselves must be split according to rank. Only then will the higher ranks be more valuable, understand?”
“Understood!” Xiao Ai exclaimed as it was like there were two massive dollar signs flashing in her eyes.
During the pavilion’s third opening, quite a few people finally managed to obtain treasures from them in varying amounts.
Still, the fourth opening of the pavilion was instead even more looked forward to.
So everyone waited and waited for this once-a-month special occasion.
And on the first day of the new month, everyone happily came only to find that this Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion was actually not open!
The bastard’s a no-show!
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1136: No lack of customers
HSSB1136: No lack of customers
An uproar immediately arose at the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion not opening its doors.
Heng Xianda, the old Wind Thunder Manor Lord who had helped promote the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion, immediately rushed over after hearing this news.
When he arrived at Yuanzhou City and could not see Qiu Jiahai, his heart immediately fell.
Besides Yan Zhaoge’s own reputation and the allure of the Vajra Thunder, a significant factor for his trust of Yan Zhaoge was that someone of the Sword Sovereign’s lineage was acting as the young man’s guarantor.
Fortunately, he managed to spot a disciple of Qiu Jiahai who had remained at the pavilion.
After greeting Heng Xianda, Xiao Ai next alleviated his doubts, “Mister Qiu from Jade Capital Crag has gone to look for my Young Master.”
Heng Xianda thought, ‘Yes, that’s definitely what he should be doing!’
“It is already the start of the month. Why has your pavilion not opened?” Heng Xianda just had to ask.
He had already been able to see no shortage of people in the crowd outside who were purposely inflaming the crowd. Without even having to think, he knew that they were from the stores whose business might have been stolen by the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion.
With how rare the treasures sold by the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion were, these businesses could only tolerate the loss in customers. After its quality and reputation had been ascertained, the pavilion was just too powerful of a competitor.
Now, however, there was finally a chance for them to vent. Since the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion had done something dumb on their own, they naturally would grasp this chance.
Heng Xianda forced a smile, “Business is established on trust!”
Trust was especially important in the world of martial practitioners.
“Relax, Senior Heng,” Xiao Ai seemed wholly unconcerned, “Young Master said earlier that everything is within his grasp.”
Going outside and facing the stirred up crowds, this young lady’s expression did not change even in the face of those people who looked like they wanted to gobble her up, “Our pavilion really should not have changed our opening day last minute this time. We apologise to Fellow Daoists here. Still, there is an underlying reason for this. Please calm down, everyone.”
“What underlying reason? Don’t try looking for excuses!” One of the troublemakers yelled in dissatisfaction.
Xiao Ai did not give them any chance to speak as she raised her voice, replying, “Firstly, the various treasures prepared by our pavilion for this month are actually already ready. The reason for why we have temporarily delayed our opening day is that there is a matter we have still yet to completely settle.”
“Last month, many Fellow Daoists wanted to purchase Substitution Paper Figures, but could only return home with regrets. Thus, our pavilion specially planned for a batch of these Substitution Paper Figures this time.”
“It is just that with how difficult this treasure is to come by, a delay has occurred. We hope that everyone can understand this,” Xiao Ai smiled, “Our pavilion will be opening as soon as the Substitution Paper Figures are ready, not lacking any of the treasures that we have sold previously either.”
Before anyone could say anything, Xiao Ai continued, “Besides that, our pavilion will be adding on yet another treasure that was previously not on sale!”
An uproar resounded again. This time, however, instead of a questioning droll, an excited and enthusiastic atmosphere penetrated the crowd.
The reason many people looked forward to the opening of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion this time around was that they had been greatly disappointed by the lack of Substitution Paper Figures last month.
Although it wasn’t even a certainty that the pavilion would be carrying the same items this month, the worked up crowd would still have come to try their luck.
Yet, from what Xiao Ai had said, there would definitely be some available this time.
Most peopl
e gradually lost their dissatisfaction as they instead looked forward to the opening of the pavilion’s doors this time even more.
It was just a delay and not a cancellation.
One had to say that the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion had accrued a considerably high reputation from its previous openings as even though people had been left dissatisfied, their horizons had been broadened greatly as well.
At the very least, not only could a single no-show not tarnish this golden signboard, it instead made people look forward to it even more.
This was especially so due to Xiao Ai having previously mentioned that besides those original treasures like the Substitution Paper Figures, Internal Crystal Furnaces and Heaven Fleeing Seven Rotation Talismans, their Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion would actually be adding on yet another new treasure this time.
How could people not be thoroughly hooked by this?
While most of them could only buy three items per lineage each time, they had full freedom in their selection of these treasures. Everyone was naturally curious as to what this new treasure might be.
Seeing that the disciples of Jade Capital Crag were already paying close attention to them, those who wanted to cause trouble could only give up lest they stand out too much in the current environment.
“The new treasure that our pavilion will be selling this time is known as the Formation Breaking Pestle,” Xiao Ai continued.
Everyone was slightly taken aback as they heard this.
Then, some people unconsciously gazed at the representative from the Tiger Leaping Peak’s Luo Family, the latter’s facial expression quickly deteriorating.
After three consecutive successful transactions, the representative of the Luo Family this time was already no longer Luo Hai. Still, as the Luo Family had already collectively received the entry-grade token plate of the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion, a representative of theirs had to come over while bearing it.
“If I may ask, what are the effects of this Formation Breaking Pestle?” The representative of the Luo Family attempted to grasp that final bit of hope.
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