Chapter 448: True Leaf Conceals the Manor

The price of Puxian True Leaf Grass had always been stable. It had even, on occasion, exhibited the peculiar phenomenon of falling against prevailing market trends. Furthermore, when the Heavenly Profound Mirror's decree settled the market turmoil, causing the prices of most herbs to crash due to the Spirit Mist Grass incident, Puxian True Leaf Grass remained resilient, showing no significant fluctuations from beginning to end.

"Puxian True Leaf Grass..."

As the blue light of the Dao-Transforming Stone crystal flickered in his mind, Li Fan began to search for information about its later developments. A moment later, a look of interest appeared on Li Fan's face. According to Li Fan's subsequent memories, after the Spirit Mist Grass incident, the abundant by-products from the Five Elements Grand Cavern were continuously extracted and released into the market. This led to a significant price drop for almost all spiritual plants and herbs.

However, Puxian True Leaf Grass was once again an exception. Over the next few decades, its price steadily rose. Yet, it remained so obscure that few cultivators paid attention to it. Consequently, Li Fan, who had made a fortune by speculating on the Spirit Mist Grass and later focused most of his energy on constructing the Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Array, naturally overlooked it.

Now that the Spirit Mist Grass incident seemed unlikely to occur, Li Fan needed to find an alternative, and thus he clearly noticed the unusual aspects of Puxian True Leaf Grass. "In my previous life, I recall that after the Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Array became widespread, the Sage Discernment Talisman was gradually phased out. Yet, the price of Puxian True Leaf Grass remained high, indicating it must have other, unknown uses."

"All these unusual signs suggest that someone is manipulating the market behind the scenes."

Li Fan meticulously considered the feasibility of two methods: either finding a way to attack Spirit Mist Island and artificially inflate the price of Spirit Mist Grass, or using Puxian True Leaf Grass as a substitute. "No matter which method, the ultimate outcome will certainly cause significant upheaval. The Heavenly Secret Hall will undoubtedly intervene to investigate."

"Judging by the previous life's final handling of such matters, operating within the free market by buying low and selling high is permissible under the rules. However, if one intentionally and maliciously disrupts the market and destabilizes the economy, it's a different story. One might even be charged with undermining the stability of the Myriad Immortal Alliance."

"Even with my Sky-Shrouding Secret Art, I might not withstand such an investigation." After careful deliberation, Li Fan vaguely made a decision.

"However, I still need to see if this Puxian True Leaf Grass will truly work."

He wasted no time. Li Fan unreservedly offloaded all the Spirit Mist Grass he had previously acquired, regardless of cost, and began purchasing Puxian True Leaf Grass instead. Within the Heavenly Profound Mirror, the current price of Puxian True Leaf Grass was generally stable at 280 contribution points per piece. Li Fan immediately invested a million contribution points, buying up stock frantically.

Soon, the available supply in the market visibly dwindled. Simultaneously, its price slowly began to recover, erasing its earlier declines and returning to a normal level of around 300 contribution points. Li Fan remained calm, continuing to increase his purchasing efforts. Another million contribution points were poured in. The price of Puxian True Leaf Grass was on the verge of breaking 305.

Just then, its price visibly plummeted, instantly dropping from over 300 to 292 contribution points.

"This situation indicates that someone has dumped a large quantity of Puxian True Leaf Grass onto the market."

"The Heavenly Profound Mirror has determined that supply exceeds demand, which is why the price plummeted in such a short time."

"Interesting," Li Fan muttered, a gleam flashing in his eyes. He paused his buying, beginning to ponder the situation carefully. "Someone holding a large amount of Puxian True Leaf Grass is actively manipulating the price downwards? Why?"

"Furthermore, during the Spirit Mist Grass incident in my previous life, when most spiritual plants and herbs saw general price increases, Puxian True Leaf Grass remained highly controlled."

"It's almost certain that the other party has nearly established a monopoly."

"Do they feel completely in control...?" Before long, recalling a certain operation from his previous life, Li Fan vaguely conceived of a possibility.

Li Fan suddenly stood up, exited the Heavenly Profound Mirror, and headed directly for Qilian Hall. Outside, he heard Jiao Xiuyuan's disgruntled complaints: "Didn't you say you wanted this Flying Star Disk? I went to all that trouble to dig it out, and now you don't want it?"

"Can people even conduct business with integrity these days?"

Li Fan interrupted him with a smile, "No one wants it? I'll take it!"

Jiao Xiuyuan, who hadn't realized he was speaking to Li Fan, immediately brightened at the sound of his voice. He quickly exclaimed, "Deal! Fifteen hundred contribution points, non-negotiable price! No backing out!" With that, he directly handed over a rusty copper disk. Li Fan glanced at it, seeing nothing extraordinary. However, based on his experience from his previous life, he paid for it and still placed it into his storage ring for safekeeping.

"Fellow Daoist Jiao, let's put these small matters aside. I've come to you this time with a big business opportunity!" Li Fan said seriously.

At this point, Jiao Xiuyuan recognized Li Fan. Assuming he was there to inquire about the sale of the Illusion-Breaking Stone Eye, a hint of awkwardness appeared on Jiao Xiuyuan's dark face. "Ah! It's Fellow Daoist Li Fan! I'm truly sorry, that Illusion-Breaking Stone Eye, it might have..."

Li Fan waved his hand to cut him off, pulling Jiao Xiuyuan closer and stating in a low voice, "Never mind that for now. Fellow Daoist Jiao, what I just said, I was serious."

"If you miss this opportunity, I'm afraid your Dao heart will shatter, and most of your puppets will be damaged!"

Seeing Li Fan's alarmist words, Jiao Xiuyuan's expression instantly changed. He dropped the playful look on his face, scrutinized Li Fan with a serious expression, and then closed the door of Qilian Hall. "Fellow Daoist Li, where are these words coming from?" he asked.

"Puxian True Leaf Grass, are you familiar with it, Fellow Daoist Jiao? Its price has been a bit unusual recently. You'll see for yourself," Li Fan replied.

Upon hearing this, Jiao Xiuyuan closed his eyes in thought. A moment later, his brows slightly furrowed. Then, Li Fan recounted his recent probing actions to Jiao Xiuyuan. "What do you make of it, Fellow Daoist?" Li Fan asked, his tone implying a test.

Jiao Xiuyuan pondered for a moment before saying, "If my guess is correct, the other party must have borrowed a certain quantity of Puxian True Leaf Grass from somewhere. They also happen to have some surplus stock themselves. So, they intend to profit by flooding the market with a large amount of Puxian True Leaf Grass to temporarily lower the price, thus repaying less." Jiao Xiuyuan offered his assessment.

Li Fan clapped his hands. "Great minds think alike; that's exactly what I was thinking."

Jiao Xiuyuan frowned, a little displeased. "Is this what you call big business? I don't see it."

Li Fan revealed a mysterious smile. "Suppose, and I mean suppose..."

"When the other party is compelled to return the Puxian True Leaf Grass, what would happen if the total circulating quantity in the market isn't enough for them to repay?"

Jiao Xiuyuan suddenly failed to grasp the meaning of Li Fan's words. He paused, bewildered. After a moment, a glint flashed in his eyes.