Chapter 878: Lottery Drawing

A new elixir shop suddenly appeared in the center of Beiyuan City. It was a very impressive establishment with three spacious shopfronts. It was well-known that this was the most expensive area in Beiyuan City, and even Foundation Establishment families would deliberate extensively before renting a single shopfront.

Later, it was discovered that these three shopfronts weren't rented but had been purchased outright, immediately causing a stir of astonishment. That would require at least a million spirit stones!

On this day, the plaque bearing the name "Danxia Pavilion" was hung, officially announcing the shop's grand opening. Located in the central plaza, it attracted many cultivators. The procession of guests arriving with gifts was a real eye-opener for everyone watching. Led by E Yun, virtually all the prominent figures from the Five Elements Sect attended, with several Core Formation cultivators personally gracing the event. Besides the Five Elements Sect, powers from outside the Eastern Wilds, such as the Tiancan Restaurant, the Xingtian Grand Merchant Association, and the Dongwu Merchant Alliance, also had their representatives personally deliver congratulatory gifts.

It was at this moment that the onlookers learned who the owner of the shop was: True Person Qing Nü, the Dao companion of Immortal Venerable Chen from the Five Elements Sect. However, Qing Nü disliked public appearances, so she was not present. If she wasn't going, Chen Mobai naturally wouldn't attend either.

Since Qing Nü wouldn't be staying in the shop for extended periods, a trustworthy person was needed to serve as the manager. Liu Wenbai was the most suitable candidate, but he had recently been practicing diligently, single-mindedly striving for Core Formation to uphold the honor of the Xiaonanshan lineage. Thus, Chen Mobai did not assign him to manage Danxia Pavilion.

Chen Mobai inquired with Luo Yixuan, but his usually obedient disciple expressed a desire to explore the ruins of the Fanhai Sect in Dongyi sometime soon, indicating she might not be able to manage both. Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai also remembered that Luo Yixuan was already handling liaison work with the Xingtian Grand Merchant Association and the Five Elements Merchant Association, so he decided not to burden her further.

After considering all the trustworthy people around him, Chen Mobai planned to send Gu Yan, who had been by his side for a long time. During the Dao companion ceremony, she had diligently assisted Qing Nü, being meticulous and reticent, and Qing Nü was very pleased with her. However, precisely because she was so satisfied, Qing Nü felt it better to keep Gu Yan by her side, as both she and Chen Mobai had grown accustomed to Gu Yan as their maidservant. Seeing this, just as Chen Mobai was about to suggest Xue Ting, Qing Nü made her own selection. She chose Wei Qiurong, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Five Elements Sect.

Wei Qiurong had been the Deacon Elder managing the Tianpeng Mountain Villa, holding that position when Qing Nü was there. She was an excellent spirit plant cultivator and was known for her open and forthright demeanor. There was also another reason: after Qing Nü left Tianpeng Mountain Villa, Chen Mobai transferred his third-generation disciple Han Zhiling there, replacing Wei Qiurong. Qing Nü was also compensating Wei Qiurong by offering her the position of manager at Danxia Pavilion.

As expected, Wei Qiurong, who had just lost access to cultivation in a fourth-tier spirit vein area, was greatly surprised and delighted upon being granted an audience with Qing Nü and learning that such a favorable opportunity had been arranged for her. Full of ambition, Wei Qiurong put ten sets of the "Three Foundation Establishment Treasures" up for sale on Danxia Pavilion's opening day. Among the onlookers at the opening were many wealthy individuals who immediately wished to purchase several sets.

However, Wei Qiurong soon posted a notice regarding purchasing requirements. It specified the conditions for purchasing the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures:First, purchasers must have a household registration in Beiyuan City.Second, each household was limited to one purchase every ten years, and it could only be used by cultivators registered under that household, with reselling strictly prohibited.Third, due to the limited production of the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures, purchases would be made through a lottery system.

The first two rules were clear, but the last one, the lottery, left everyone bewildered. Wei Qiurong then stepped forward to explain what the lottery entailed. This was primarily for the benefit of rogue cultivators. After all, their financial resources could not compare to those of cultivation families and sect powers. If purchases were based on bidding with spirit stones, the vast majority of Danxia Pavilion's Three Foundation Establishment Treasures would end up in the hands of others, not rogue cultivators. Therefore, Chen Mobai and Qing Nü discussed it and adopted the lottery procedure from the Immortal Sect.

Beiyuan City residents wishing to purchase the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures could pay one low-grade spirit stone to obtain a talisman from Danxia Pavilion, each bearing a unique number. Danxia Pavilion would make ten sets of the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures available each month, with the lottery drawing held on the first day of the following month. Those whose numbers were drawn could then purchase the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures from Danxia Pavilion. This policy surprised and delighted many cultivators, especially the rogue cultivators. They spontaneously bowed and offered heartfelt blessings towards the peak of Mount Beiyuan, feeling fortunate to be residents of Beiyuan City.

A month later, the number of Beiyuan City residents participating in the first lottery exceeded ten thousand. To increase their chances in the lottery, many cultivation families purchased numerous new properties that month. They knew that after the lottery policy was introduced, property values in Beiyuan City would only continue to rise.

On the day of the lottery drawing, Beiyuan City was completely abuzz. Danxia Pavilion was already packed with people; fortunately, the shopfront was located in the central plaza, allowing many to stand outside. Chen Mobai and Qing Nü stood atop the mountain, looking down. Seeing the dense crowds of cultivators, almost more numerous than on the day of their Dao companion ceremony, they couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. Indeed, nothing motivates people more than matters concerning their self-interest. As for the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures, once purchased, they would certainly not be a loss, as they could be passed down to family members in the future, even if not immediately needed. Therefore, nearly everyone in Beiyuan City with some financial means participated in this lottery.

Watching the waves of cheers and disappointment below with each number revealed, Qing Nü couldn't help but remark, "This place is becoming more and more like the Immortal Sect."

"Only then can there be order, and even the formation of the Fruits of Dao Law!" Chen Mobai replied.

Qing Nü looked puzzled, as she was unaware of the Immortal Sect's rules. Chen Mobai had nothing to hide from her and told her everything about the rules and the Fruits of Dao Law. Qing Nü was utterly astonished after hearing this, exclaiming, "So there's even a path to Spirit Transformation like this, no wonder..." It was only then that she understood the true significance of the Immortal Sect's existence.

"Once things here settle down, I'll return to the Immortal Sect to read the Dao Law Heavenly Scripture at the Heavenly Book Academy. Perhaps this will be my path to Spirit Transformation in the Eastern Wilds." As Chen Mobai spoke, he revealed his External Incarnation and the Crown of All Beings. This was also the first time Qing Nü had seen them. She had initially thought that over the years, she had gained a deep understanding of every aspect of Chen Mobai. Little did she know that after becoming Dao companions, she would make new discoveries every day. Her man was like an inexhaustible treasure trove! As Qing Nü thought this, her gaze towards Chen Mobai grew increasingly captivated.

Below the mountain, the results of the first lottery were announced: seven winners were rogue cultivators, and three were from cultivation families. This outcome was well within E Yun's expectations, as they possessed data on all participating household heads, allowing for a rough calculation based on statistical probability. Although cultivation families appeared more influential than rogue cultivators, in reality, rogue cultivators accounted for nearly 80% of Beiyuan City's households, excluding the Five Elements Sect.

After the lottery concluded, E Yun and Wei Qiurong came to report. Four of the seven rogue cultivators lacked sufficient funds to pay the full price for the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures. Danxia Pavilion would reserve their eligibility for three years; they could take the remaining elixirs once they gathered enough spirit stones within that period. If more than three years passed, the unclaimed Three Foundation Establishment Treasures would be re-entered into the lottery. This policy drew great praise from the rogue cultivators. In the days that followed, due to their interest in the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures, these rogue cultivators began frequenting Danxia Pavilion. Any elixir needs they had were also primarily fulfilled there.

Additionally, three rogue cultivators, already in their twilight years, decided to mortgage their dwelling caves in Beiyuan City to acquire enough spirit stones for a complete set of the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures, hoping to seize the heaven-sent opportunity to attempt Foundation Establishment. After all, all cultivators knew that if they successfully achieved Foundation Establishment, they could repay these spirit stones within a decade or so, even by working for the Five Elements Sect. This local mentality of always wanting to take a chance was something even Chen Mobai couldn't change. He could only hope to educate the next generation well.

"Hmm, well done. Continue with this approach going forward," Chen Mobai said to E Yun and Wei Qiurong after listening to the report.

"Sect Master, there's one more thing," E Yun added. "I've noticed that some cultivation families are already trying to exploit loopholes." E Yun further explained the intelligence he had gathered. Since the Three Foundation Establishment Treasures could not be traded but could be used by cultivators registered under the household, wealthy cultivation families were attempting to make deals with successful rogue cultivator lottery winners. They offered a sum of spirit stones to adopt or arrange marriages for their family members with the potential for Foundation Establishment. One rogue cultivator quickly reported this matter to the Five Elements Sect. As the acting sect master, E Yun felt this loophole could strengthen cultivation families in the future, so he considered whether it could be closed.

"Let it be," Chen Mobai said, shaking his head. "If all rules are set rigidly, it will lose vitality instead."

"This... Yes, Sect Master!" E Yun responded. Although E Yun had been mentored by Chen Mobai for decades, he still found it difficult to keep up with his thinking and didn't fully grasp the meaning of that statement. Nevertheless, he nodded in compliance.

"What you're worried about is nothing more than cultivation families growing stronger, threatening the sect's dominant position, or even higher-level Core Formation cultivators emerging from a larger base of Foundation Establishment cultivators. But you must understand that mergers and acquisitions, as long as society exists, will never cease," Chen Mobai explained. "What we need to do is maintain our own strength. As long as Brother Zhou and I are here, even if ten or even a hundred Golden Core families emerge, the Five Elements Sect will still have the final say in the Eastern Wilds. Furthermore, if the sect holds absolute dominance in the Eastern Wilds, it will quickly become arrogant and even lose the drive to improve. A little external pressure is actually quite beneficial."

After Chen Mobai finished speaking, E Yun had a sudden realization and wore an enlightened expression.