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Chapter 75: I Need Someone I Can Trust
Chapter 75: I Need Someone I Can Trust
The setting sun cast a golden glow over the streets.
The neatly arranged houses shimmered in the light, turning a warm, golden hue.
Luo Chen stood at the entrance of a small courtyard, taking a deep breath as the golden light enveloped him. His negotiations with Old Yuan had been a preliminary success.
Perhaps it was because of the Huangli Wine business they had together, or perhaps it was because he had found a safe and profitable job for Little Yue. Whatever the reason, when he brought the wheelchair to Old Yuan, the old man didn't refuse after hearing what Luo Chen had to say. Instead, he promised to try and talk to Long Pan Hu, the new master of the Mining Hall.
Whether it would succeed or not, he couldn't guarantee.
Behind him, a soft, gentle voice broke the silence.
"Big Brother Luo, this is what Grandpa asked me to give you."
In Yuan Xiaoyue's palm was a greenish-blue gourd.
"He said he likes the wheelchair very much!"
Luo Chen took the gourd and examined it, his eyes widening in surprise. The material of the gourd was quite extraordinary, and it had to be at least a hundred years old. If it had been inscribed with an array, it would easily qualify as a low-grade magical artifact.
Was Old Yuan really this generous?
The thought made Luo Chen chuckle. After all, Old Yuan wasn't like Daoist Chen Xiuping, who was known for being stingy. He was a generous man, both inside and out, which was why he had raised two hall masters, Yuejian Hu and Long Pan Hu.
Shaking the gourd, he heard the sound of liquid inside.
"Xiaoyue, how was your stall today?"
Yuan Xiaoyue's fingers intertwined, her face glowing with excitement.
"The business was pretty good. I tried your method of calling out, and a lot of people came to buy the snacks. But..."
When Luo Chen first met her, she was like a little cub who had never seen the world. Later, when she mustered the courage to set up a stall, she was always timid and afraid to face people. Now, in just one day, though she was still gentle, she had gained a bit more confidence.
Of course! When Luo Chen was in college, selling socks had made him more confident after he earned some money. Effort and achievement often brought people confidence.
He smiled and asked, "But what?"
"A lot of people said you were a heartless boss and warned me to be careful not to have my wages cut."
Yuan Xiaoyue's voice was a bit softer, and she looked at Luo Chen with a hint of nervousness.
"Ah, let them say what they want. Your Big Brother Luo isn't that kind of person."
Luo Chen waved his hand, looking quite generous. However, as he turned to leave, his face twisted in frustration.
I've worked hard all my life, contributing to the country, society, and this world of cultivation. How did I become a heartless boss?
If I catch the person spreading those rumors, they won't have any good fruit to eat!
When he returned to the courtyard, he was greeted not only by Gu Caiyi but also by Qin Liangchen and Murong Qinglian.
They were gathered in his side house, pointing and discussing.
Seeing Luo Chen, Murong Qinglian smiled.
"Your house is much better now! It looks really good!"
"Really?"
Luo Chen's eyes lit up as he entered the house. At first glance, he was extremely satisfied.
The old side house, though spacious, had been dark and damp because it faced north and had no windows due to its proximity to the alley. However, the newly rebuilt house now had two skylights on the roof, covered with the glazed tiles from Xianzhuju, allowing natural light to flood in.
Moreover, the construction team had been thoughtful enough to divide the bedroom, living room, kitchen, and alchemy room with thin walls, giving the house a more normal layout.
In high spirits, Luo Chen waved his hand grandly.
"Today, we celebrate moving into our new home. I'll personally cook a feast for everyone!"
The others all smiled and readily agreed.
During dinner, as Luo Chen poured wine from the green gourd, Qin Liangchen and Murong Qinglian exchanged a meaningful glance and nodded slightly.
That was a specialty gourd from the Yuan family. It was a vine that Yue Jianhu had transplanted from a spiritual site in the Ancient Yuan Mountains years ago. While it wasn't a true spirit plant, it had a subtle spirit-imbuing effect if it was old enough.
This was why the old man Yuan's Huangli Wine, made from ordinary ingredients, tasted so exceptional. He used a few large gourds to infuse the wine, giving it the qualities of a spirit wine.
Now that Luo Chen had obtained a green gourd over a hundred years old, it was clear that the old man Yuan was willing to support him.
This was a good thing! If Luo Chen could truly take control of the Alchemy Hall, it would provide additional support for them within the gang.
The Broken Mountain Gang was no longer as pure as it once was, and they needed allies. Of course, perhaps this gang, formed by itinerant cultivators, had never been pure to begin with. They had just been misled by Uncle Mi Shuhua, and now they were gradually realizing the truth.
After downing a cup of wine, Luo Chen brought up his proposal.
"Would there be any trouble if Sister Caiyi joins the Broken Mountain Gang?"
Beside him, Gu Caiyi looked a bit nervous. This would determine her source of cultivation resources moving forward.
Qin Liangchen replied without hesitation, "There will be some trouble, but not much. The main issue is your intention to place her in the Alchemy Hall."
Murong Qinglian explained, "The Broken Mountain Gang has always welcomed itinerant cultivators from the Great River Market to join. For early-stage cultivators, they aren't that important, but mid-stage cultivators are our primary focus."
"For late-stage cultivators, the process is more cautious and requires a recommendation."
Luo Chen smiled, "With the recommendation of Brother Qin and Sister-in-law, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Murong Qinglian shook her head, "That's only for ordinary late-stage cultivators. For a Qi Condensation Ninth Layer cultivator, the approval of the gang leader is required. When Xu Renke of the Broken Blade joined, it was his decision."
Seeing Gu Caiyi's nervousness, Murong Qinglian's expression turned serious.
"Moreover, the personnel structure of the Alchemy Hall is still unclear after its establishment."
"If you try to secure a position for Caiyi now, Uncle Mi Shuhua might not agree."
The atmosphere grew somewhat tense after this statement.
After a moment, Luo Chen softly said, "I need a trustworthy Qi Condensation Ninth Layer cultivator in the Alchemy Hall!"
Qin Liangchen sighed. He was already a nominal elder, and his newly attached right hand was still in the recovery and adaptation phase, making it unlikely he could join the Alchemy Hall.
However, to ensure the hall had a certain level of self-defense, the Broken Mountain Gang would definitely send in experts.
Of course, these experts could also be seen as monitors, supervisors, and overseers.
Given the circumstances, Luo Chen's request was quite reasonable.
"This matter will require some careful negotiation."
"Brother Qin, I'm sorry to trouble you," Luo Chen sighed.
Gu Caiyi also raised a cup to him, "Brother Qin, you'll have to put in extra effort."
As they were about to finish their meal, Luo Chen suddenly asked about the gang's internal affairs.
"How is the establishment of the Alchemy Hall progressing?"
"The location has been determined, in the Crescent Moon Valley near our Medicine Hall. For personnel, the late-stage cultivators are still undecided, but the Medicine Hall will send ten mid-stage cultivators. The main headquarters is also considering forming transport and sales teams."
Murong Qinglian added uncertainly, "You'll have to attend the gang's general assembly within ten days at most!"
Ten days?
That should be enough!
Luo Chen thought to himself.
(End of Chapter)
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