180 Hoarder (1/2)

”How much is everything?”

”T-That will be 500,000 raw spirit stones, sir.”

”Will 500 refined stones do?”

”O-Of course, sir! You can pay with the refined stones!”

After Cao Mao had left the Ma Clan's resident, he went straight to the local market and bought all the cheap plants, leaves, flowers, and everything that he could use as pill ingredients. He also ordered spiritual food, which could be potentially brewed into spirit whiskey or modern liquor with spiritual power, such as Yang Barley, Sun Grapes, and Blood Sugarcanes.

Predicting that Ma Moxi would start a business soon, Cao Mao snatched all cheap ingredients, sabotaging the protagonist's future.

Currently, Cao Mao was at the largest herb market in the central business district of Xuan City. As this place was one of the Qiang Clan's main businesses, this shop contained a wide variety of medicinal herbs, rare plants, and exotic food ingredients.

Aside from this store, other herb shops had already closed down as the Qiang Clan either destroyed them or took over their businesses. This place was one of the two places that could legally distribute medicinal herbs.

Yet, a hundred giant crates of basic herbs were gathered at the center of the market to deliver to the biggest customer today. A total of 50 tons of various herbs and rare ingredients belonged to Cao Mao now.

”Do you have a spatial ring for sale? My rings are full at the moment.”

”W-We don't have one, but we can provide spatial rings for you for free.”

”Ah, that's very nice of you.”

”Hehe, you're welcome, great sir!”

After taking everything, Cao Mao left the Qiang Clan's store. However, as he had left a good impression with the clansmen of the Qiang Clan. The store clerks immediately reported to their bosses. Soon, Qiang Han learned what had happened.

While Cao Mao was walking on the street, one of the shop clerks rushed to him and bowed, ”S-Sir. Our city lord wishes to invite you to discuss businesses.”

”Oh, I'm sorry. I'm quite busy at the moment. I need to buy some more stuff.”

Since meeting with a major antagonist while carrying a lot of money and goodies wasn't a good idea, Cao Mao declined the invitation. Instead of meeting the city lord, he asked the clerk.

”Say, is there an auction house nearby?”

”Y-Yes. There is one. It's run by the Tang Merchant Guild, though.”

”Oh, a merchant guild?”

Cao Mao might have a friendly smile on his face, but his heart sank to his feet. The existence of a merchant association or a guild might give Ma Moxi a way to make money, which would make the Ma Clan stronger.

Such a merchant guild should not exist. Even if it existed, Cao Mao couldn't afford to let them be Ma Moxi's ally.

Because of the guild's potential threat, Cao Mao now had a reason to meet this city lord.

”O-Of course! Right away, sir!”

For the sake of ruining Ma Moxi, Cao Mao returned to the city hall to meet with Qiang Han again.

.

”Welcome back, young master Mao. I've heard about your recent business deals. I must say, thank you for your patronage.”

At the throne room in the city hall, Cao Mao faced Qiang Han and the elders of the Qiang Clan again.

This time, Cao Mao didn't have to kneel and show his utmost respect since Qiang Han prepared a seat for him. He got to sit at the center of the throne room, having a staring contest with the city lord, who was sitting on the throne.

”No, I must thank you instead. With so many herbs, my master will be pleased. He can concoct more pills, and we can have more products to sell and raise our war fund.”

”Ah, so your master can make pills. Would you mind telling us what kind of pills is your master planning to make?”

”I'm sorry. I'm not well-versed in alchemy. I'm only an errand boy.”

”That's unfortunate.”

Cao Mao referred to a master alchemist to intimidate Qiang Han not to take silly actions against him. As an antagonist might betray Cao Mao at any moment when they got too greedy, he took an initiative to bluff this villain lord, stopping him from doing something stupid.

Unbeknownst to Cao Mao, Qiang Han had never planned to rob Cao Mao. The former was sincerely trying to get to know Cao Mao so that he could get more business deals. Instead of robbing him and making more enemies, he would rather make friends and get a business partner. There was no way that a city lord would harm a potential business partner, who could import expensive aphrodisiac pills to their city.

”Well, you seem to collect a lot of herbs and various food supplies. Do you need any specific herb, food ingredient, spirit plants, spirit vegetable, or other supplies? I'm just asking since you seem to buy a lot. It will be easier if you ask me directly, so I can prepare it for you, and you can get it cheaper than the market.”

Qiang Han was good at businesses. He came up with this upsell scheme when he heard that Cao Mao had a deep pocket.

”Oh, sure. Are you planning to import herbs and other items from other cities?”

”Of course. If we lack something, we can get it from other cities.”