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With such a significant conflict of interest, how could Xuanfa Pavilion possibly agree to cooperate with Southern Edge Comrce Association?
Unless the Li family can make the cake big enough, big enough to surpass the losses incurred by Xuanfa Pavilion!
But obviously, this is impossible, even if the Li family produced a Nascent Soul True Lord like Li Zhirui, and he is also likely to beco a fourth-order Alchemy Master, it's still impossible to generate such huge benefits.
And the elders present couldn't co up with any good ideas either, the grand hall was deathly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Li Dayuan sighed helplessly and said, "Everyone go back and think it over well, and you can also ask other clan mbers. Maybe they have so good ideas."
"Yes!" Everyone stood up and took their leave.
And Li Dayuan also stood up and walked towards Li Shiqing's cave dwelling where Li Shilian and Li Zhirui were also there, hoping to hear good news after pooling ideas.
Unfortunately, the results did not et expectations.
"Maybe we can do as we did before, on the surface only do business with Xuanfa Pavilion, while secretly maintaining ties with Southern Edge Comrce Association," Li Dayuan hesitated for a mont before putting forth a not-so-great idea.
As the clan leader of the family, Li Dayuan of course knew about the private dealings with Southern Edge Comrce Association; after all, many such matters required his intervention to cover them up to prevent discovery by other clan mbers.
"That's impossible," Li Shiqing shook his head and said, "Xuanfa Pavilion actually knows very well about the previous private dealings with Southern Edge Comrce Association; they just never caught the family in the act."
"But the most important thing is that back then, the family was rely a Golden Core force. Although the profits were not insignificant, they did not reach a level that would tempt Xuanfa Pavilion, it wasn't worth their effort to investigate the matter, so they turned a blind eye."
"But now, with Nascent Soul True Lord Zhirui presiding over the family, our earnings will far exceed those of the past, and Xuanfa Pavilion will not agree to share such a large profit with their rival, Southern Edge Comrce Association."
"Unless the family publicly declares the cessation of all interactions with Southern Edge Comrce Association!"
In Li Shiqing's view, if they really did that, the friendly relationship that the family and Southern Edge Comrce Association had maintained for so many years would vanish into thin air.
After all, as a top cross-regional comrce association, they value their reputation highly. To sever relations publicly like this, wouldn't it be a complete loss of face for them?
Hearing this, Li Zhirui couldn't help but laugh and say, "Uncle, have you forgotten? Southern Edge Comrce Association is a coalition of rchants."
"To them, what does face count for? I fear it's not even as important as a single Spirit Stone." And once they partner with the Li family, the profit brought to them each year would be no less than several hundred thousand Spirit Stones!
Of course, these several hundred thousand Spirit Stones are nothing when you look at the entirety of Southern Edge Comrce Association, rely a drop in the ocean.
But for the Store Manager of Green Mountain State, it would be quite an achievent.
"You're right! It was I who thought wrong," Li Shiqing said, stunned for a mont before smiling.
Li Zhirui did not continue this conversation but said, "I will personally go and speak with the Store Manager from Southern Edge Comrce Association, and once we have confirmation here, I will then go talk to Xuanfa Pavilion about cooperation."
For him, a Nascent Soul True Lord to personally make a move was giving enough respect to that Store Manager.
"Let's do as you say."
That very day, Li Zhirui left Wanxian Island via the secret undersea passage.
In less than half an hour, he appeared at Southern Edge Comrce Association and t with the Store Manager.
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"I have seen True Lord!" the Store Manager began with joy in his heart when he saw Li Zhirui, thinking that the Li family was ready to establish a partnership with the Southern Edge Comrce Association.
But upon closer consideration, he felt sothing was amiss!
Because if it were just for that, there would be no need for Li Zhirui, a Nascent Soul True Lord, to personally show up. Sending a Golden Core cultivator, or even a Foundation Establishnt cultivator with a ssage, would have been fine.
So, was Li Zhirui's personal visit ant to reject the Comrce Association and choose the Xuanfa Pavilion, but also worried about offending the Comrce Association, so he sent this Nascent Soul True Lord to show enough apology?
Speaking of which, he and Li Zhirui were old acquaintances. When they first t, Li Zhirui was just a junior who had recently broken through to the Golden Core.
But who could have thought that now he would have to offer a junior's courtesy to the other party?
Seeing the change in expression on the other's face, Li Zhirui guessed what he was thinking, and to prevent him from spiraling into further wild guesses, imdiately spoke, "This ti, I co on behalf of the Li family to reach a private cooperation agreent with the Southern Edge Comrce Association."
"Private?" the Store Manager was startled upon hearing this, but then shook his head and said, "We don't mind that, as long as it brings sufficient profits to the Comrce Association. But the Xuanfa Pavilion definitely won't agree to it."
"How does the elder plan to resolve this?"
Li Zhirui smiled slightly and said, "We will publicly sever ties with your Comrce Association. I believe the Xuanfa Pavilion will no longer fuss over this matter then."
"Elder, this would damage the reputation of the Comrce Association; I cannot agree to it!"
"Don't be in a hurry to refuse. I'm sure you are aware of the value of a fourth-grade Spirit Pill." Li Zhirui confidently shook his head.
This value wasn't just about the high price but also about the relationships brought about by the sale of Spirit Pills!
One must know, those who need to purchase fourth-grade Spirit Pills are at least Nascent Soul True Lords, and their status and position could bring imnse potential benefits to the Southern Edge Comrce Association.
"Moreover, on top of fourth-grade Spiritual dicine, we are willing to give your Comrce Association a ten percent profit share!"
Li Zhirui smiled confidently, "May I know if you are now willing to agree?"
The Store Manager was tempted; the conditions offered by the Li family were simply too enticing! All they needed to do was to sacrifice so inconsequential face to make this deal happen!
"This..." the Store Manager paused for a mont and said, "This is a significant matter; I need to discuss it with the headquarters."
"Of course!" Li Zhirui said with a smile, then prepared to stand up and leave.
As he was about to exit the room, Li Zhirui suddenly stopped and asked with an enigmatic tone, "May I know when the next supply fleet of the Comrce Association will arrive?"
"In five months." The Store Manager didn't give it much thought, assuming Li Zhirui was concerned about the lengthy exchange ti and couldn't wait, thus he explained, "Elder, rest assured, I have a Magical Treasure that can make direct contact with headquarters. I shall receive a response in a few days."
"Good! You have my thanks, sir." Li Zhirui did not explain his true intentions. It was not yet ti, and he still needed to prepare so things.
After leaving behind several bottles of quality Essence-Enhancing Pills, he pushed the door open and walked out.
The mont he stepped outside, Li Zhirui changed his appearance and aura completely, looking nothing like his original self, so no one would associate the two identities with one another.
Regarding the offer from Li Zhirui, the Store Manager naturally would not refuse. After scanning with his Divine Sense, he sincerely sighed, "Worthy of the na 'genius'! He truly has the potential to beco a fourth-grade Alchemy Master!"
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