The next day, Li Mu controlled his Flying Sword, his figure transforming into a streak of light, cutting across the sky, flying out of Crescent Moon Island, and speeding towards Thousand Leaf Island.
About an hour later, Li Mu landed steadily in front of the Steward Hall on Thousand Leaf Island.
The Steward Hall was bustling and lively at this time, with a cacophony of voices.
Li Mu paused briefly at the entrance, his gaze sweeping through the crowd, and he quickly found Ji Hanyan, who was entertaining guests.
Ji Hanyan, dressed in a pink palace gown, gracefully dealt with the arriving guests. When she saw Li Mu's figure, a look of pleasant surprise appeared on her face.
Ji Hanyan quickly finished with the guests at hand and elegantly moved to greet Li Mu.
"Senior Li, long time no see. How may I help you?" Ji Hanyan walked up to Li Mu, bowed slightly, and asked enthusiastically.
Li Mu looked at Ji Hanyan and said with a frank smile, "Indeed, Miss Ji, I came this time to ask for your help."
Li Mu looked at Ji Hanyan, a somewhat helpless smile on his face, and asked apologetically, "Actually, I wanted to ask Miss Ji to help recommend some channels for acquiring Spiritual Materials. The quantity and scale I need are quite large. If I were to buy them at Wanxing Island, where your Sect is located, I really don't want to go through the process of obtaining that pass. So, I wanted to ask Miss Ji if you have any good recommendations?"
Upon hearing Li Mu's request, Ji Hanyan smiled slightly and nodded gently, saying, "So that's it. I can certainly help with this."
"Wanxing Island is located on an important shipping lane between Central Continent and Southern Wilderness. Its geographical location is uniquely advantageous, making it the commercial center of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. Most of the Spiritual Materials carried by surrounding merchant ships gather on Wanxing Island for trade and exchange. Various rare, exotic, and High Grade Spiritual Materials can be found there. Wanxing Island is a good place to buy and exchange Spiritual Materials."
Ji Hanyan pondered for a moment, then looked at Li Mu and continued, "However, to go to Wanxing Island, you must have a pass or an invitation letter to enter. Senior, if you are unwilling to brand your Divine Soul, you can only go through the invitation letter route."
Li Mu nodded, indicating understanding. Although an invitation letter was relatively more difficult to obtain than branding one's Divine Soul, it was not something one could get casually. He looked at Ji Hanyan, waiting for her to continue.
"There's also a way to get an invitation letter." Ji Hanyan smiled slightly and continued, "Now, Senior, since you have already rented Crescent Moon Island, you are a distinguished guest of our Wanxing Sect. If Senior is willing to invest in some valuable properties on Wanxing Island, obtaining a permanent invitation letter should not be a problem."
Upon hearing this suggestion, Li Mu's heart stirred. This was indeed a good idea; it could solve the issue of passage and allow him to establish a presence on Wanxing Island.
Li Mu looked at Ji Hanyan, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes, and said gratefully, "Miss Ji has truly helped me a great deal. So, does this mean I need to operate a shop or establish a force on Wanxing Island?"
Ji Hanyan nodded and said, "Precisely. Senior can open a shop or establish a force on Wanxing Island. This will not only grant you permanent access but also allow you to secure a foothold in the commercial center of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region. It will be much more convenient to buy and exchange Spiritual Materials in the future."
Upon hearing this, Li Mu was overjoyed and suddenly realized that this was an excellent proposal. If he were to open a shop, he could not only resolve his current predicament but also conveniently deal with the Spiritual Artifacts, Talismans, Puppets, and other items he refined. Furthermore, he could use the shop's resources to acquire a large quantity of Spiritual Materials, controlling the channels for incoming and outgoing goods himself, and no longer having to worry about his secrets being leaked.
Thinking of the many benefits of opening a shop on Wanxing Island, Li Mu's heart was stirred, and he immediately decided to adopt Ji Hanyan's suggestion to open a shop on Wanxing Island.
Seeing Li Mu's joyful expression and the subtle changes as he thought deeply, Ji Hanyan's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately realized this matter had potential.
"Senior, do you have any thoughts?" Ji Hanyan asked cautiously, fearing to interrupt Li Mu's train of thought.
Li Mu looked up, his eyes sparkling, and he took a deep breath, saying, "Miss Ji, your suggestion is excellent! I've decided to open a shop on Wanxing Island. Do you have any good suggestions or recommendations?"
Seeing that Li Mu had made up his mind, Ji Hanyan's heart was filled with joy. She pondered for a moment and then reminded him with a serious tone, "Senior, there are many shops on Wanxing Island, and the competition is very fierce. To my knowledge, the large existing commercial establishments on Wanxing Island include Wanbao Pavilion, Tianji Building, Sihaihang, Tongbao Pavilion, and numerous Spiritual Shops opened by Cultivation Families. Without very good channels for Spiritual Materials, and without unique goods and services, it will be difficult to survive in the fierce competition among the many merchants on the island. Senior, you must consider the matter of opening a shop carefully beforehand and not act impulsively."
"Li has his own assurance, thank you, Miss Ji. Please provide some options for renting a shop. How many Spirit Stones do I need to invest to obtain this permanent residency?" Li Mu thanked Ji Hanyan gratefully and indicated.
"Senior Li, obtaining permanent residency is not difficult. As long as the shop you operate achieves an annual turnover of 500,000 High-Grade Spirit Stones after three years, that's enough. Most medium-sized shops can achieve this." Ji Hanyan looked at Li Mu and explained in detail:
After speaking, Ji Hanyan immediately took out a detailed map of Wanxing Island, pointed to several marked locations, and said, "There are a few vacant shop locations here that are very good. They are all in prosperous areas of Wanxing Island, with high foot traffic, and are also very close to the island's main transportation hubs, making transportation very convenient."
Li Mu took the map and examined it carefully. He noticed that the locations of these shops were indeed very good, and there were many other shops and Cultivation Family establishments nearby, forming a relatively mature commercial district.
"What are the approximate rent and taxes for these shops?" Li Mu asked.
"Rent and taxes depend on the size and location of the shop. Generally speaking, the annual rent for a medium-sized shop is around several hundred thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones, and taxes are collected as a certain percentage of the turnover..." Ji Hanyan looked at Li Mu and began to explain in detail.
When renting a shop and doing business on someone else's territory, Wanxing Island would certainly collect rent and taxes.
Li Mu nodded, indicating understanding. Such rent and taxes were not an issue for him; the key was to choose a shop with a good location and appropriate size.
"Currently, there are a few shops of average strength that are just about to transfer ownership. Shall I take you to see them now?" Ji Hanyan looked at Li Mu and suggested.
"Alright, let's talk as we go!"
Li Mu nodded, indicating his agreement.
Ji Hanyan nodded joyfully, then followed Li Mu as he flew away from Thousand Leaf Island, released a third-tier Spiritual Boat, and flew towards Wanxing Island.
About an hour later, their Spiritual Boat slowly flew into Wanxing Island. At this moment, sunlight scattered across the Spiritual Island, reflecting a golden hue. Li Mu looked out and saw large and small Spiritual Ships rising and falling on the island, like countless stars, adorning the entire island like a picturesque painting.
The commercial atmosphere of Wanxing Island was rich, and its bustling degree was no less than that of Barren Ancient City - Floating Air Port. Shops lined both sides of the streets, with a dazzling array of goods, making it impossible to take everything in. People flowed like a river, with an endless stream of pedestrians and Cultivators, including many Soul Transformation Cultivators and Nascent Soul cultivators.
Li Mu even saw many Sea Race and Half-Yao swaggering through the crowd, their uninhibited demeanor drawing attention. These Alien creatures exuded a strange aura, clearly having cultivation methods and cultures vastly different from Human cultivators.
Ji Hanyan observed Li Mu's changing expression and explained, "Senior, Wanxing Island has a strong free trade atmosphere. The Sea Race, Yao Race, and other Alien all possess some rare resources that we Human cultivators do not have. Therefore, they also have a certain market here."
Li Mu nodded, indicating understanding. He looked around and found that the types of shops here were diverse, not only offering various Spiritual Artifacts, Talismans, Medicinal Pills, and other cultivation supplies but also rare creatures, Spiritual Plants, and immortal medicines.
"It seems the commercial competition here is also very fierce!" Li Mu exclaimed.
"Indeed, Senior. If you are not fully confident, opening this shop should be carefully considered." Ji Hanyan looked at Li Mu and advised him thoughtfully.
Ji Hanyan had helped the Sect with many shop rental matters for powerful Cultivators and Cultivation Families, and she had also witnessed many shop owners losing everything and suffering heavy losses under the fierce competition on the island.
Li Mu had just rented a Spiritual Island and had only just begun operating it, yet he was already going to rent another shop. Ji Hanyan was certainly surprised by his financial prowess, but she was even more worried that he wouldn't be able to sustain the shop in the end, losing everything.
“Miss Ji, please rest assured. Li is an Alchemist, and additionally, I have some special procurement channels. I am confident in operating a shop. You just need to find me a good shop!” Li Mu smiled slightly, explaining with a grin.
“So that’s how it is! Good! Good!” Ji Hanyan suddenly understood, looking at Li Mu with surprise, and immediately felt relieved, nodding repeatedly with joy.
“Senior, please follow me. There is an empty shop just ahead.” Ji Hanyan quickly gestured for Li Mu to follow, walking ahead to lead the way.
Li Mu quickly followed, and the two soon arrived in front of a closed shop.
“This shop is moderately sized, fully equipped, and its location is excellent, situated in the most prosperous part of this street. The rent is reasonable, perfect for opening a Medicinal Pill shop.” Ji Hanyan pointed at the shop, introducing it in detail: “This shop was originally a regular business, but it’s being re-leased due to poor management. If you’re interested, you can consider taking it over.”
Li Mu glanced around, then looked at the street’s location, frowning. He said dismissively, “The storefront and shop area are too small. Something several times larger would be more suitable. Let’s find another one!”
The shop area was only about sixty or seventy square meters, far from meeting Li Mu’s needs.
Ji Hanyan had originally intended to introduce the rent and fees in detail, but seeing Li Mu speak like this, she immediately stopped and changed her words: “Alright, Senior, please follow me. We’ll go see another large shop, not far from here.”
Li Mu nodded, closely following Ji Hanyan’s footsteps.
Subsequently, Ji Hanyan took Li Mu to see several more shops. These shops varied in size and location; some were in bustling commercial districts, while others were hidden in quiet alleys. Although each shop had its unique features, they also had various flaws, none of which particularly satisfied Li Mu.
Seeing this, Ji Hanyan couldn't help but feel a bit troubled. Li Mu’s requirements for a shop were quite high, and finding one that satisfied him was not easy.
Suddenly, Ji Hanyan remembered something and looked at Li Mu, asking, “Senior Li, there’s another shop that should meet your requirements. However, this shop is still in operation, but due to poor management, they intend to transfer it, but it requires taking over the inventory as well. Do you mind?”
Li Mu smiled slightly, saying indifferently, “If I like it, taking over everything is not a problem!”
Ji Hanyan was surprised to hear this. She knew Li Mu was financially powerful, but she hadn’t expected him to be so generous, taking on all the Spiritual Objects of a large to medium-sized shop, which was no small sum.
However, this also made Ji Hanyan admire and appreciate Li Mu even more, and her gaze towards him grew hotter.
Soon, under Ji Hanyan’s enthusiastic guidance, the two arrived at the most prosperous location on the main street.
Ji Hanyan pointed to a Spiritual Materials shop ahead and said to Li Mu, “This Spiritual Materials shop is operated by the Liu Family on Wanxing Island and has a history of over two hundred years. Thirty years ago, after the Liu Family Old Ancestor perished, the Liu Family Spiritual Island experienced a major ground upheaval, and the main Spiritual Vein disappeared, causing the entire Family to face many misfortunes and be unable to continue operating this shop…”
The shop’s location was very prominent, at a corner of the main street, with a constant flow of people.
Ji Hanyan paused, then continued, “The front area of this shop is one and a half acres, it’s three stories high, and there’s a two and a half acre backyard…”
Along the way, Ji Hanyan talked endlessly, introducing the situation of the Liu Family Spiritual Materials shop in detail to Li Mu.
Listening to Ji Hanyan’s introduction, Li Mu also began to consider the pros and cons of this shop. From its location, this shop was in a prosperous area of the main street, with a large flow of people, which was beneficial for the shop’s operation. Moreover, the shop area was not small, and there was a backyard for storage or rest, all of which were excellent conditions.
“Hmm, this shop’s location is very good. Let’s go in and take a look.” Li Mu nodded, feeling tempted.
Ji Hanyan nodded, leading Li Mu towards the Liu Family Spiritual Materials shop.
As they entered the Liu Family Spiritual Materials shop, the antique and grand decoration immediately caught their eyes. The shop walls were hung with ancient Spiritual Materials and Artifact Refining Spiritual Materials, showcasing the shop’s history and heritage. The shelves were filled with various Spiritual Objects, including rare Spiritual Plants, Yao Beast Materials, Ore, and so on. These Spiritual Objects were carefully selected and categorized, allowing one to instantly see the shop’s abundant inventory and superior quality.
However, compared to the shop’s grandeur, the deserted scene made the entire shop seem somewhat desolate. With no customers, only five young women were busy organizing Spiritual Objects. They wore unified uniforms and white gloves, carefully handling the Spiritual Objects, working meticulously.
One of the older women saw Ji Hanyan and Li Mu enter the shop, immediately put down her work, and came forward to greet them. She smiled and said, “Welcome, two guests. Is there anything you need?”
The Store Owner’s attitude was warm and friendly, making people feel very comfortable and welcome.
The two followed the woman into the shop. Li Mu’s gaze was like a mirror, scanning everywhere, not missing a single Spiritual Material in the shop.
Suddenly, Li Mu’s eyes lit up slightly. Under the Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, he truly discovered a few good items.
Seeing Li Mu’s interest in these Spiritual Objects, Ji Hanyan took the initiative to speak to Liu Yalan, “Shopkeeper Liu, do you still recognize me!”
“You, you, it’s Steward Ji! Welcome!” Liu Yalan recognized Ji Hanyan and immediately felt very surprised and delighted. She quickly greeted her warmly, then asked curiously, “May I ask, what brings you here today?”
“This is Senior Li. I brought him today to find a suitable shop. Your shop is for transfer, right! I specifically brought him over to take a look. You haven’t changed your mind, have you!” Ji Hanyan explained with a smile.
Liu Yalan suddenly understood, and then a look of melancholy appeared on her face. She responded with a somewhat unpleasant expression, “Oh! So that’s how it is! No! We haven’t changed our minds.”
After a pause, Liu Yalan looked at Ji Hanyan and emphasized, “If you want to take over this shop, you must take over all the Spiritual Materials in the shop as well, otherwise, we have nowhere to sell these Spiritual Materials.”
Liu Yalan’s words revealed a sense of urgency, anxiety, and reluctance. Clearly, she very much hoped that this shop could be transferred, and at the same time, she was reluctant to transfer it, but she also clearly understood that given her Family’s situation, transferring this shop was an unquestionable decision.
However, transferring it along with the inventory was not an easy task. Therefore, Liu Yalan specifically emphasized this condition, hoping to gain the attention of Ji Hanyan and Li Mu.
“I have already discussed this condition with Senior Li beforehand, and he agreed.” Ji Hanyan glanced at Li Mu, nodding with a smile.
Ji Hanyan’s words brought a trace of relief to Liu Yalan. Since Ji Hanyan had already discussed this condition with the other party, and he still came to see the shop, it seemed he was a very sincere person.
Li Mu’s gaze moved away from the shelves, and he looked at Liu Yalan, nodding, “Indeed. May I know how many Spiritual Objects your shop has, and if there are other warehouses? If the price is suitable, Li is willing to take them all.”
Li Mu’s words greatly surprised and delighted Liu Yalan. She hadn’t expected him to agree to this condition so readily.
This condition was a very large financial burden for the lessee, and Liu Yalan was also a bit uneasy, worried that he would go back on his word later.
“Senior, is that true?” Liu Yalan looked at Li Mu, asking for confirmation.
“Of course it’s true! I, Li, always keep my word!” Li Mu replied very affirmatively.
“There are two more warehouses in the backyard. I can show you the inventory list and price list. If there are no problems, I will take you to the storeroom during the transaction.” Liu Yalan’s spirits lifted, and she quickly suggested.
After speaking, Liu Yalan took out two Jade Slips from her storage ring, looked at Li Mu, and presented them with both hands. (End of Chapter)
