"I think since the Shen Yuan Continent needs crystals to help more people enter the ranks of cultivators, I can offer these crystals, but they need to be exchanged for magic crystals, as these crystals are not found lying around."
The next day, when Wuchenzi entered the small courtyard again, Lu Heng told him his thoughts, as some matters still required Wuchenzi's connections to be done quickly.
"Oh, how does young friend Lu plan to exchange them?"
"One level four magic crystal for one crystal."
"This... If it's like this, then children from families like Lu Daniu won't have a chance. Isn't this price a bit high?"
"Not high. You definitely won't see this thing on the Shen Yuan Continent. But you can rest assured, I've also thought of a corresponding method.
For those from ordinary backgrounds who temporarily cannot afford a level four magic crystal, we can sign a contract with them.
It's similar to a contract of servitude, except that the contract will have a time limit. For example, if they are unable to exchange for a crystal, they can sign a contract with the Danyang Sect. For the next five years, they must serve the Danyang Sect, and all their earnings will belong to the Danyang Sect.
I've also observed that ordinary cultivators, after entering the academy, can become level one Dao Comprehension cultivators in about three years. After that, they can go to various monster forests for training, and their earnings will be handed over to the Danyang Sect.
Of course, among the things handed over to the Danyang Sect, after deducting the expenses of those people in the Danyang Sect, we can split them fifty-fifty."
Wuchenzi pondered for a moment and felt that this was feasible. This would not only solve the problem for ordinary families who wanted to break through and become cultivators but also strengthen the power of their Danyang Sect. "Are there any other conditions?"
"Well, I hope the place for exchanging crystals will be in Jinyang City. We can set up shops there. For those who need to sign contracts, they can also sign them directly there, and then bring those students back to the Danyang Sect to study."
"Alright, I will have people rush to get the shop matters sorted out." Wuchenzi nodded. In this way, Lu Heng was truly tied to the Danyang Sect. He could already foresee the storm that would be stirred up once these crystals were officially launched on the Shen Yuan Continent.
The two discussed some specific details, and then Wuchenzi hurriedly left.
Lu Heng watched Wuchenzi's departing back and couldn't help but shake his head. This old man hadn't been focusing on alchemy much these past few days, being busy with these crystal matters.
Soon, Wuchenzi informed Lu Heng about the selected shop. Lu Heng looked at the disciple who came to notify him with some surprise, "So quickly?"
He remembered that it took them half a month to travel from Jinyang City to Qingcheng Mountain. He didn't expect Wuchenzi's efficiency to be so high when he was really working fast.
"Heh heh, Martial Uncle Liaowu, specifically dispatched Elder Du Feng of the Alchemy Dao to personally handle this matter. Elder Du Feng has selected several well-located shops in Jinyang City and would like to invite you to take a look personally."
"Hmm, alright. Call Lu Daniu back for me. We'll pack up and go in a moment."
"Yes, I'll go report to Martial Uncle Liaowu first."
"Mm."
...
Outside Jinyang City.
Lu Heng and Lu Daniu dismounted from their flying mount, the Eagle-beaked Beast. There was no place within the city for such large flying mounts to land, so special areas were set up outside the city for them.
Lu Heng glanced at the Eagle-beaked Beast. When they were choosing mounts outside the Danyang Sect, this Eagle-beaked Beast had jumped out on its own, insisting on carrying Lu Heng.
Lu Heng could tell that this was an Eagle-beaked Beast that he had fed a small piece of meat soaked in ancient well water. This fellow probably remembered the taste of that meat, so it squeezed in again this time, likely wanting another bite of that kind of meat.
Lu Heng smiled and took out another piece of meat from his embrace to feed the gluttonous fellow.
Along with the accompanying disciples, Lu Heng returned to Jinyang City.
The city was still as usual, neither hot nor cold. The shops on both sides of the street were open, with people occasionally entering and exiting.
Before they had walked far, they saw Du Feng leading a few people to greet them.
"Hahaha, finally, you're here. I've selected a few shops, all in good locations. Brother Lu, take a look and see which one you prefer."
"Hmm, thank you, Elder Du, for personally handling these matters."
"Not at all, not at all. It's all as it should be. Come, Brother Lu, let's talk as we walk. These few shops..." Du Feng very familiarly led the way, and as they walked, he introduced the situations of several shops to Lu Heng.
In fact, Lu Heng had already entered his spatial dimension and chosen the shop he fancied. That shop had a decent facade and consisted of three rooms. It was originally a place selling various medicinal herbs.
Behind the shop, there was a large courtyard with two rows of side rooms, which could be used for living or storing goods.
The most important thing was that the shop's location was excellent, situated at an intersection with a constant flow of people and significant foot traffic.
He just didn't know if Du Feng had found a shop like this.
After looking at two shops, their locations were also quite good, but they only had a storefront and no courtyard behind them for living. Lu Heng only took a brief look.
Du Feng looked at Lu Heng. Seeing that he wasn't satisfied with the two shops he had seen, he began to doubt if his taste in finding shops was poor.
"Hehehe, Brother Lu, I heard you are also from Jinyang City. Do you have any particular preference for a shop? If so, I can help you negotiate."
After all, in such a small city, shops wouldn't be excessively expensive, and because it was close to the Misty Forest, there was a beast tide every few years. If given some crystals, those shop owners would be willing to move.
"I'm looking for a shop with a courtyard in the back, I wonder if..."
"Oh, that's perfect. I've selected a few shops before, and one of them has a courtyard in the back. I was worried you might find the courtyard in the back difficult to manage, so..." he chuckled.
"Then let's go take a look."
Fortunately, this time it was the shop he had previously fancied. Lu Heng was very satisfied and promptly went to the City Lord's mansion with the owner to sign the transfer contract.
Lu Heng did not let the Danyang Sect pay for it. He had plenty of crystals in his spatial dimension. After completing the procedures, the shop, along with the small courtyard behind it, was transferred to Lu Heng's name.
Lu Heng was very pleased. However, the original owners of the shop, due to the good price Lu Heng offered, left all the medicinal herbs to Lu Heng, taking only their personal belongings with them.
"Uh, I'll have someone clean this place up. What do you think about redecorating the shop? Those herb cabinets, I don't think they're necessary."
"Mm, you can clean it up as you see fit. These counters and those herbs can be kept. If anyone gets a headache or a fever, we can still grab some medicinal ingredients."
"However, please clear out all the furniture in the backyard. I'm not used to any of it."
Lu Heng was thinking of placing comfortable furniture from the apocalypse in the future, as he didn't intend to let outsiders into the backyard anyway.