Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 600 Unexpected Changes (Part Two)

The sky was bright and clear, without a single cloud in the sky.

Golden rays of light pierced through the glass, making the greenhouse warm as springtime. Many flowers that only bloom in spring were in full bloom, freely releasing their fragrance.

Click!

Tao Qingtang took out a sharp silver carving knife, gently carved off a piece of excess wood, and began carving.

Her decade-long passion for wood carving has honed her to an unparalleled level of skill.

She had already created a model in her mind, with each cut having a different weight and angle, but all having one thing in common.

That was very steady and accurate, without a single mistake. Soon, a majestic lion with a flowing mane and roaring to the sky slowly appeared.

"Qingtang, you still have the heart to play this?"

Bang!

The door was suddenly opened, and a slender woman rushed in.

"The situation outside is changing rapidly, it's different every day. If you casually invest in some assets, you'll make a fortune once the situation stabilizes!"

Several guards stepped forward, just about to stop the newcomer.

But upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Yue Hongying, the head manager's best friend who was practically a sister to him.

She had a small, pretty face with a red mole between her eyebrows, which made her skin appear even whiter and more delicate. She wore a sheer, floral dress that revealed her beautiful figure.

"Make money? What's there to make money from?" Tao Qingtang remained unmoved, continuing to carve the wood in his hands. "You don't know?" Yue Hongying said exaggeratedly. "Now that the new policies are in effect, everything is being rebuilt. As long as you have a little business sense, you can buy low and sell high, and you'll definitely make a fortune."

Jingtianzhuang and the Green Robe Alliance, the two largest forces of the Huayang City government army, were suppressed and wiped out by Fang Jiulian.

The new policies have been implemented smoothly, and various reform measures are changing rapidly.

In this process, a number of traditional industries were overthrown, while emerging industries flourished.

Many people were even forced to sell their businesses at a loss and quietly exit the market during the implementation of the new policy.

Of course, as some fall from grace, others will rise to prominence.

Yue Hongying seized this opportunity and decisively took action, acquiring several shops in prime locations. She also managed to acquire several well-known businesses, making a fortune in the process.

"No. Plum Blossom Pavilion is making a lot of profit now, there's no need." Tao Qingtang shook her head and refused. "Hey... I say, Qingtang, you're not going to take this money that's being handed to you for free? Are you stupid?" Yue Hongying was speechless. "I heard that Plum Blossom Pavilion's old rival, Seven Fragrance Pavilion, went bankrupt and is now up for sale at a bargain price. If you take it over, won't Plum Blossom Pavilion be the only one dominating the market in the future?"

"Hey, I'm talking to you! Are you listening?"

Seeing that Tao Qingtang was still focused on carving the wood in his hands and was ignoring her completely, she became even more furious.

Snapped!

Yue Hongying snatched the wooden carving from Tao Qingtang's eyes: "Stop this. We sisters agreed to share the good times and the bad. If you're short of money, I'll give you the money, okay? We must buy Qixianglou. It will definitely take Meihuage to a higher level."

“Hongying, I don’t need it.” Tao Qingtang wasn’t angry. After more than ten years of getting along, she had long understood Yue Hongying’s personality and knew that she wouldn’t give up without giving a reason.

She said earnestly, "I don't have such big ambitions. I just want a peaceful life. Plum Blossom Pavilion is neither too big nor too small now, but it's enough for my brother and me to cover our daily expenses."

"Is that all the explanation? I don't believe it!" Yue Hongying pouted.

"Of course there are other reasons," Tao Qingtang explained. "Brother Han told me not to be too ostentatious. If I make too many moves, it will attract attention and others will covet it, which will only bring trouble upon myself."

After deducting store operating expenses, the remaining profits of Meihua Pavilion are divided into two parts.

The majority of the money went to Han Yi, and the rest was what she kept for herself.

Although Tao Yaohui's expenses for practicing martial arts are not small, her share is already enough.

Moreover, Han Yi was not a stingy person. As his disciple and the person in charge of the Shadow Hall, Tao Yaohui would never lack any of the various cultivation resources he received each month.

So for Tao Qingtang... her life is pretty good right now. She can take over the Plum Blossom Pavilion left by her father and develop it step by step. Her younger brother is also working hard to learn martial arts and has a bright future.

She didn't crave great wealth or status; she only hoped her family would be healthy and free from illness and disaster. Once her younger brother matured, she would hand over the Plum Blossom Pavilion to him, giving her time to pursue her own hobby.

"Han Yi, it's Han Yi again!" Upon hearing this, Yue Hongying became annoyed.

From the very beginning, she had a very bad impression of the unknown martial artist whom Tao Qingtang had signed a contract with.

He was an unknown figure, merely a new disciple of Jingtian Manor, yet he made arrogant remarks, demanding an exorbitant reward.

Although Han Yi did play a significant role in helping Tao Qingtang regain control of the Plum Blossom Pavilion later on.

But deep down, she believed that Han Yi was just lucky; he happened to run into Mad Lion Lin Zhenwei who had been injured, and thus got lucky. Otherwise, with his mediocre skills, who could he possibly beat?

It was Tao Qingtang, this great traitor, who trusted this outsider with no connections whatsoever without reservation. She even went so far as to give Han Yi a portion of the Plum Blossom Pavilion's shares, despite his objections.

If it weren't for the fact that she happened to hear that Han Yi had broken through to the fourth level of True Skill and become the external inspector of Jingtian Manor, she would have actually gone to his door and spent money to buy back the commercial shares.

Now, Jingtian Manor is in disarray, and its former domineering power has long since vanished. It's time to change the dynamics.

Thinking of this, Yue Hongying earnestly advised, "Qingtang, I heard that Han Yi is now in the Nine-Bend Sect. The Nine-Bend Sect was formerly the weakest branch of Jingtian Manor, the Nine-Bend Academy. To be honest, the treatment you've given him is too high."

Where is the Nine-Bend Gate? It's in Wangshan, a remote, desolate place. Even if you needed help, he couldn't possibly arrive in time like before. Therefore, the so-called cooperative relationship no longer exists.

My father recently made the acquaintance of a big shot in the Imperial Guard. How about I recommend him to you? You know, the Imperial Guard is much stronger than Jingtian Manor or anything like that. It's good to have a powerful backer.

I'll cover the breach of contract fee for you, and we'll find a new partner to avoid any future trouble from Plum Blossom Pavilion.

Tao Qingtang's smile gradually disappeared, and he said seriously, "Hongying, I appreciate your kindness, but you don't need to get involved in this matter."

"If I don't care about you, who will?" Yue Hongying laughed. "You and I have supported each other for many years. We are closer than blood sisters. Uncle Tao treated me no differently than his own daughter. This little thing is nothing."

It's just money, Yue Hongying has plenty.

At worst, we can buy back Meihua Pavilion's shares at double, triple, or even quadruple the price.

As for the contract with Han Yi, at most it would just be a matter of paying more gold notes and unilaterally breaking it.

Of course, she knew that too.

Tao Qingtang is concerned about his image and has a soft heart, so he is incapable of doing many things.

Tao Qingtang couldn't bring herself to refuse acquaintances, but Yue Hongying had no such scruples.

What does reputation matter when it comes to my best friend's future development?

Upon hearing this, Tao Qingtang took a deep breath, threw down the carving knife in his hand, and stood up.

She approached Yue Hongying, looked her straight in the eye, and said solemnly, "Yingying, I know you mean well, but... please don't get involved in this... I'm begging you."

The relationship between Han Yi and Tao Qingtang is no longer a simple cooperative employer-employee relationship.

The key factor in Meihua Pavilion's growth from one or two shops to its current widespread presence throughout the city and even extending beyond.

Tao Qingtang has already benefited greatly from his many ideas and imaginative product concepts alone.

Tao Qingtang could also sense that as Plum Blossom Pavilion continued to expand its market, whenever trouble arose, someone would take the initiative to help resolve it, or even eliminate it before it even appeared.

The smooth progress of the project was made possible by Han Yi's connections with officials, gangsters, and people from all walks of life.

Moreover, Han Yi is not only Tao Yaohui's teacher, but also Tao Qingtang's good older brother.

To put it another way, Han Yi is her family.

The bonds between family members cannot be simply measured by money.

"Ah... Qingtang..." Seeing Tao Qingtang's solemn and serious appearance, Yue Hongying panicked.

Yingying is her nickname, the nickname she and Tao Qingtang used to call each other when they were children, a nickname only the other knew. It's also the name she only uses when something truly important happens after she becomes an adult.

The last time I saw Tao Qingtang with this expression, this tone, and this way of addressing him was before Uncle Tao passed away…

"I...I don't care..." she stammered.

"No, you have to swear it." Tao Qingtang's tone was solemn.

Seeing the determination in Tao Qingtang's eyes, Yue Hongying was clearly flustered.

“I…I…”

Yue Hongying yelled, "I swear, I promise you! I'm doing this for your own good! Why are you being so fierce!"

Watching Yue Hongying leave in a somewhat angry manner, Tao Qingtang couldn't help but reveal a slight smile.

Although Yue Hongying has a bad personality, is willful and eccentric, and has the temper of a spoiled young lady, she has one excellent quality: she will absolutely keep her promises.

Tao Qingtang naturally knew that Yue Hongying meant well and didn't have any bad intentions, but there were some things she couldn't explain.

But that’s okay.

Although Yue Hongying left in a fit of anger, given her easygoing personality, it's estimated that the two will reconcile soon.

With that in mind, Tao Qingtang picked up her carving knife again and continued her wood carving.

……………

……………

"Lord Wen, welcome! Your presence truly honors my humble abode."

At the main gate of the Yue residence, Yue Chengshun, dressed in a wealthy man's robe, with a large belly and a fawning smile on his face, stood.

"Well, I was just bored, so I came to take a look." Wen Xi looked down at people and stretched out an arm.

A beautiful maidservant naturally stepped forward and gently helped him down from the carriage.

"Hey, Master Yue...you're living a good life, aren't you? You must have made quite a bit of money lately."

Wen Xi glanced at the bulging robes stretched out by Yue Chengshun and said something indifferently.

"This..." Yue Chengshun smiled and flattered, "Isn't this all thanks to you, sir? Your arrival is just in time, and I happen to have a rare item here for you to appreciate."

Although he didn't know why Wen Xi had suddenly come to visit, it didn't stop him from approaching her, giving her a small gift, and trying to build a closer relationship.

With the new policies and reforms underway, everything is flourishing and many industries are gradually emerging. A series of policies are being introduced, and corresponding personnel are needed to implement them.

Wen Xi, the Prefect Wen, is a newly promoted official in Huayang City, in charge of wealthy merchants like Yue Chengshun. Therefore, for Yue Chengshun, currying favor with Wen Xi means a bright future.

"Lord Wen, have a drink! This is a special white jade wine from the Western Regions. I went to great lengths to get even a little bit of it."

Yue Chengshun sat with Wen Xi in the main hall on the second floor, while maids continuously brought up dishes of fine wine and delicacies.

"It tastes good...Master Yue truly has excellent taste." Wen Xi took a sip and said with a smile.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere was very pleasant.

"My lord, I didn't know you came here this time..." Yue Chengshun asked tentatively, taking advantage of the lively atmosphere.

But before he could finish speaking, Wen Xi interrupted him: "Drink, drink, this wine is really good."

Helpless, Yue Chengshun could only force a smile and raise his glass in response.

He couldn't do anything about it; after all, they were in charge of him. They went back and forth like this for three or four rounds, with Wen Xi consistently dodging the question.

"Oh, right, didn't the master say he had a rare item? Let me take a look."

In the end, Wen Xi awkwardly changed the subject.

"Oh...you mean that thing..." Yue Chengshun paused, his face full of smiles, "Please wait a moment, sir."

A moment later, a beautiful woman gracefully stepped forward, carrying an exquisite silver plate with a red cloth on it.

On top of it was a small square box.

The box is square, dark red, and over 20 centimeters thick; it's quite sturdy.

"Come, come, Lord Wen, this is the rare item I was talking about, the Cave Heaven Box!" Yue Chengshun smiled as he picked up the red box and handed it to Wen Xi.

"A Cave Heaven Box? What an impressive name!" Wen Xi was taken aback, then immediately took it and examined it carefully. "Does this mean there's a hidden cave heaven inside?"

"Your Excellency has excellent judgment!" Yue Chengshun flattered. "You only need to open the box and shake it gently."

Upon hearing this, Wen Xi lifted the top cover and shook it gently.

Click.

A crisp sound came from the inside of the box, as if there was a mechanism. Suddenly, a picture of a white tiger climbing a mountain appeared inside the previously empty box.

"Huh?" Wen Xi was immediately surprised.

Look closely at this painting; the white tiger is incredibly lifelike, with meticulous attention to detail, as if there really is a white tiger struggling to climb.

He had seen many paintings by famous artists, but this was the first time he had seen one so realistic and with such vibrant ink.

Wen Xi shook the box again, and there was another crack.