Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Manager Chen personally accompanied him, his attitude quite respectful. Upon meeting, he quickly introduced them:

"Sect Leader Shen, this is the second-level manager of my Baibaoge Blackwater Marsh branch, surnamed Qian, named Qian Yongfu, Manager Qian. Manager Qian heard about your sect's affairs and has come to pay a visit."

The second-level manager of the Blackwater Marsh branch! This is a high-ranking figure in the Blackwater Marsh area of ​​Baibaoge, whose importance and status are much higher than those in Qingtai Market! His status and the resources he can mobilize are far beyond what Manager Chen can compare to.

His arrival signifies that the Baibaoge headquarters has elevated the level of importance it attaches to the Qingyun Sect to a new level.

Shen Mo's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect and saying, "So it is Manager Qian who has graced us with his presence. Please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner."

Qian Yongfu's eyes flashed like lightning as he carefully examined Shen Mo. He noticed that although Shen Mo was dressed simply, he had a composed demeanor and clear eyes, showing no trace of timidity or flattery. Qian Yongfu nodded inwardly.

He laughed heartily and returned the greeting, saying, "Sect Leader Shen, you are too kind. I have long admired your youthful talent and profound knowledge, and seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is indeed well-deserved! I hope you will forgive my unauthorized visit."

"Manager Qian, you flatter me. Please come inside for tea." Shen Mo stepped aside to invite him in, his demeanor composed.

The group entered the main hall. Although the hall was still simple, it was clean and tidy, with tables and chairs neatly arranged, and Su Xiao had already prepared tea.

The orderly scene surprised Qian Yongfu. This didn't seem like the behavior of a destitute person.

The guests took their seats according to their roles as host and guest. Qian Yongfu took a sip of tea, praised it as "good tea" (it was actually ordinary mountain tea), and then got to the point:

"Sect Leader Shen, let's not beat around the bush. I've come here today for two reasons. First, on behalf of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, I want to express my apologies for the trouble caused to your sect by the previous incident with the Pill Cauldron Pavilion. Second, I see the enormous potential for cooperation with your sect and hope to further deepen our relationship."

Although his tone was sincere, the weight of his words should not be underestimated.

Shen Mo smiled slightly: "Manager Qian, you're too kind. The slight disturbance has passed. As for cooperation, it is an honor for my Qingyun Sect to cooperate with a reputable merchant guild like Baibaoge. I just wonder, what exactly are you referring to as 'deepening relations'?"

Qian Yongfu put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and said with a burning gaze, "I've heard that your sect not only has unique elixirs, but also seems to have some unique insights into formations and even disciple training (referring to seeing through Wang Laowu's illness and the rumors about the Enlightenment Cave)."

"My Baibao Pavilion has extensive resources and channels, spanning several states. If your esteemed faction is willing, we can cooperate in a wider range of areas."

He further offered enticing terms: "For example, the price of your sect's 'special items' (elixirs and talismans) can be increased by another 20%! In addition, our organization can pay a partial deposit in advance to help your sect develop."

"Furthermore, our sect can provide your sect with the necessary cultivation resources, low-level cultivation manuals, and even support for your disciples' training expeditions!"

Manager Qian's offer was incredibly generous! It was practically a move to bring Qingyun Sect into the Baibaoge supply chain and provide it with key support!

Manager Chen, who was standing to the side, became breathless upon hearing this, feeling that Shen Mo had no reason to refuse.

However, Shen Mo did not immediately agree. He pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head and said, "I am deeply grateful for Manager Qian's kindness. But..."

He then changed the subject: "The Hundred Treasures Pavilion has a wide network of channels, which is certainly a good thing, but a tall tree catches the wind. Our Qingyun Sect is still shallow in foundation and our disciples are of low cultivation level. If we get caught up in too much of a vortex too early, it may be more of a disaster than a blessing. At present, our sect's top priority is to consolidate our foundation and cultivate our disciples."

He clearly expressed his stance of "not expanding the scale for the time being, and not getting too deeply involved."

A barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in Qian Yongfu's eyes, but he did not give up: "Sect Leader Shen's considerations are thorough. However, the cooperation method can be more flexible."

"For example, your faction can specialize in a few of the most distinctive and profitable items, which will be exclusively distributed by our organization, with strict control over the number released to create a scarcity effect. In this way, your faction can obtain stable income while avoiding excessive attention."

Shen Mo secretly praised Manager Qian, thinking that he was indeed a businessman who could come up with ideas very quickly.

"What Manager Qian said makes sense," Shen Mo agreed, but then immediately raised his core demand:

"However, I believe that cooperation is valuable in its long term and based on mutual benefit. Compared to a simple exchange of spirit stones, my Qingyun Sect hopes to obtain some 'resources' that are beneficial to the long-term development of the sect."

"Oh? What kind of resources?" Qian Yongfu asked with interest.

"Knowledge, channels, and... scarce 'seeds'," Shen Mo explained with clear eyes, "For example, certain obscure and rare rubbings of classic texts (history, geography, miscellaneous studies) collected by your pavilion, illustrations and information on exotic objects and special materials from various places, and..."

"More varieties and rarer spiritual herbs and even spiritual plant seeds. These are more important than spirit stones for broadening the horizons of our disciples and consolidating the foundation of our sect."

He reiterated the importance of "seeds," extending it to the level of knowledge and information. This is what truly enhances a sect's soft power!

Upon hearing this, Qian Yongfu gave Shen Mo a deep look. This young sect leader's foresight and meticulousness far exceeded his expectations!

He doesn't pursue short-term profits, but rather focuses on building a solid foundation. This is the mindset of someone who truly wants to achieve great things!

"Sect Leader Shen... has lofty aspirations!" Qian Yongfu sighed, then pondered.

Providing some rubbings and illustrations is inexpensive, but it involves information channels, so it needs to be considered. As for rare seeds, they are more valuable, but that's not out of the question.

A moment of silence fell over the hall. Manager Chen watched the power struggle between the two leaders with bated breath.

After a moment, Qian Yongfu raised his head, a smile on his face, and immediately made a decision: "Good! Sect Leader Shen is a man of great things! I admire him! We will do as Sect Leader wishes! The cooperation will continue as before, and the price will be based on the newly agreed price."

"Furthermore, our organization can provide your sect with three kinds of rare medicinal herb seeds every month, as well as the right to rub some non-core classics and illustrations!"

"But in exchange, the 'specialty items' provided by your faction must be prioritized for supply to my Treasure Pavilion, and you are prohibited from engaging in similar collaborations with other merchants for ten years! How about it?"

A ten-year exclusive agency right! This is Qian Yongfu's bottom line, and also the condition for deeply binding Qingyun Sect and Baibao Pavilion together.

Shen Mo quickly weighed the options in his mind. Ten years of exclusive ownership seemed like being at the mercy of others, but given the current strength and development stage of the Qingyun Sect, having the backing of the Baibaoge was more beneficial than harmful.

Moreover, ten years is enough time for a sect to grow.

"Alright." Shen Mo nodded in agreement, "However, the types of seeds and scriptures must be selected by us within a certain range."

"It's a deal!" Qian Yongfu laughed heartily and stretched out his hand.

"Let's make a vow with a high five!" Shen Mo gave him a high five.

A strategic cooperation that will have a profound impact on the future of the Qingyun Sect was officially concluded in this simple hall. The guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

After establishing a strategic partnership with Baibaoge, Qingyunmen gained a stable and lucrative source of revenue, as well as valuable knowledge and seed channels.