Chapter 443: The Trade
Wang Hong emerged from his secluded chamber, sweeping his Divine Sense across his surroundings, gaining complete awareness of everything around him.
The Divine Sense range of a Foundation Establishment cultivator could extend up to two miles. At this moment, Wang Hong's Divine Sense had already spotted Little Peng on the mountaintop, feasting with a group of Demonic Beasts.
Initially, his plan had been to eliminate these Demonic Beasts right here, even going as far as lacing their wine with poison. However, he now harbored different intentions and decided to spare their lives for the time being.
As he exited the chamber, the cultivators who had been hiding in various rooms emerged and greeted him, offering their congratulations.
"Congratulations, Senior Brother Wang, on reaching the Golden Core stage!"
"Ha-ha-ha! Congratulations!"
Wang Hong had finally successfully formed his Golden Core, and his mood was relatively good. He distributed some spirit fruits to everyone as a celebratory gesture.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Wang!"
"Thank you!"
These people had been hiding for several years, and their resources had long been depleted. Moreover, when the Demon Clan had captured them, they had not experienced pleasant days. Now, each of them held a pile of spirit fruits in their hands, and their hearts were brimming with joy. Even within the sect, acquiring these second-tier spirit fruits wasn't an easy feat.Among the crowd, Shui Ruo'er stood, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She was happy for Wang Hong's successful Core Formation, but at the same time, she worried about whether the gap between them would widen after his breakthrough, making it impossible for him to look at her the same way.
Accepting the spirit fruit Wang Hong distributed, she didn't pay much attention to the fruit in her hand.
"Stay inside for now and don't leave the cave mansion," Wang Hong instructed before heading outside.
When he appeared outside the cave mansion, he had transformed into a green, second-tier humanoid Demonic Beast. He hurriedly approached Little Peng and the other Demons who were drinking, carrying a jug of Spirit Wine.
"Hello, esteemed seniors! Our master is busy with matters inside and couldn't come out to greet you in person. So, he has sent me to present a jug of fine wine to all esteemed seniors."
As Wang Hong spoke, he broke the seal on the jug, releasing a delightful aroma that intoxicated the Demons.
Initially displeased at the thought of not meeting Qing Fox, their mood was instantly lifted by the aroma of the wine.
As Wang Hong poured wine for these Demonic Beasts, he cursed inwardly, "I'm doing you animals a favor. It's a shame for my five-hundred-year-old vintage. If it weren't for detoxifying you, I wouldn't even consider letting you have it."
After pouring the wine, Wang Hong stood aside and transmitted some messages to Little Peng, instructing it on various matters.
Having enjoyed a cup of fine wine, the Demonic Beast's cravings were somewhat alleviated, and it suggested, "Since all the fellow Daoists are present today, how about we make some trades for items we no longer need?"
Little Peng's proposal received immediate approval from the other Demonic Beasts.
After countless battles, they had acquired numerous items from the Human Clan, most of which they had no use for. Carrying these items with them was cumbersome, and leaving them to gather dust in storage was wasteful. Trading them away now was a welcome idea.
Thus, a small-scale trading session among these Demonic Beasts began.
Little Peng displayed several bottles of Essence Core Pills and various other Human Clan Pills in front of them.
Seeing this, the other Demonic Beasts eagerly sought to make trades with Little Peng. Most of their remaining possessions consisted of Spiritual Weapons, various materials, and some Spiritual Herbs and Pills they had already consumed.
"It seems this eagle isn't very bright," they secretly sighed as they exchanged their items for Pills.
Though a bit costly, exchanging items they didn't need for something useful was still a worthwhile deal.
Soon, Little Peng's items were quickly sold out, and it had also acquired several items as per Wang Hong's instructions.
"Do you have more of these Pills, Little Peng Fellow Daoist? I have plenty of items in my cave mansion that I can trade with you," inquired one Demonic Beast after taking an Essence Core Pill and feeling its tremendous benefits.
"Are you referring to these? I have plenty. I recently raided a warehouse filled with these Pills, and I usually snack on them," replied Little Peng. He took out a pill bottle, poured out a few and swallowed them in one gulp. "Come, everyone, have a taste. They're quite delicious."
Little Peng generously tossed the pill bottle to the other Demonic Beasts, exuding an air of generosity. Some Demonic Beasts who had missed out on the Essence Core Pills before eagerly requested to purchase them after tasting them.
Little Peng agreed to all their requests and promised to visit them personally for the trades.
After the trade was completed, all the Demonic Beasts dispersed, and Wang Hong and Little Peng returned to the cave mansion.
"East Master, they were already poisoned. Why didn't you just kill them all? Wouldn't that have been more convenient than trading?" Little Peng asked with some confusion.
"Well, it's not difficult to exterminate them, but the profit wouldn't be as good. We didn't acquire many items from this trade, and I suspect there are still many more hidden in their cave mansion. We can visit them again next time. If there are any troublesome ones or ones with valuable items, we can keep them for now. We can always eliminate them later if they're worthless. We need to squeeze more profit from these Demonic Beasts," Wang Hong explained.
He also wanted to keep these Demonic Beasts around to facilitate introductions and connections with other Demonic Beasts for future trades. Mainly, he was currently in a dire financial situation. Equipping over a thousand Foundation Building cultivators with Spiritual Weapons was no small feat. Moreover, his Space continuously consumed Spirit Qi, requiring a large supply of Spirit Stones, all of which had been used during his Core Formation.
"To prevent any troubles, everyone should leave this place now," Wang Hong declared to everyone after returning to the cave mansion. "As for your accommodations, you can find a place on your own. My Mountain Valley doesn't accommodate outsiders. However, as fellow sect members, I can allow you to stay temporarily."
If the rescued individuals were willing to join his Mountain Valley, he would gladly welcome them. The more people, the more power he would have. However, these people were still Qingxu Sect disciples, and he didn't plan to force them to join. Nevertheless, his Mountain Valley would not host outsiders permanently.
"I'm willing to follow Senior Brother Wang!"
"I am too!"
Everyone quickly expressed their intentions. At this moment, having such a powerful ally, they didn't want to let this opportunity slip away.
"Senior Brother Wang!" Shui Ruo'er timidly approached him.
"You can still call me Senior Brother Wang, just like before," Wang Hong smiled. They had known each other for many years, and some bonds still remained.
"Okay! Senior Brother Wang!" Shui Ruo'er beamed with happiness, seeming like a different person from a moment ago.
"Senior Brother Wang, I want to join your Mountain Valley. From now on, I'll be your follower! Hehe!" Shui Ruo'er joyfully exclaimed.
Wang Hong could only pretend not to notice the hidden meaning in her words.
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