Chapter Two Hundred Thirteen: Every Family Has Its Own Troubles
Floating Splendor Commerce needed muscle to back their business.
And the Demon Cultivators were in dire need of money, manpower, and commerce, making their notorious reputation quite the match for Floating Splendor Commerce’s needs.
Isn’t this a classic case of corporate collusion with organized crime to monopolize the market?
Seeing Bai Ming’s kind smile, Young Master Sang couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive.
To reach such a level of influence, no one could be a simple fool.
Fortunately, this was a world of cultivation where strength reigned supreme; otherwise, a person like Bai Ming would have been dragged out and executed several times over.
“Uh… I can’t decide this; I need to consult my superiors.”
Noticing Young Master Sang’s hesitation, Bai Ming chuckled, “I know what you’re worried about, Brother Sang.”
“Don’t worry; Floating Splendor Commerce conducts legitimate business. We don’t engage in illegal activities. There’s no need for that.”
“There are already plenty of profitable industries in this world. There’s no reason to commit acts that would make everyone resent us.”
“Just the monopolized entertainment industry of communication devices could earn us a fortune for a lifetime.”
“The reason I want to discuss cooperation with you Demon Cultivators is partly for self-preservation and partly to befriend your sect.”
Seeing Bai Ming’s smile, Young Master Sang finally understood.
After all, in the cultivation realm, strength ultimately speaks volumes.
Even though Floating Splendor Commerce seemed untouchable, it was merely a giant in the eyes of true powers with Ascendant Realm cultivators, who didn’t take them seriously at all.
Floating Splendor Commerce also yearned to climb the branches of a powerful Ascendant Realm figure to truly relax.
Yet, those old-school Holy Lands were proud and might not even bother with Floating Splendor Commerce.
Contrarily, the newly ascended powers like the Demon Cultivators were more willing to extend an olive branch and be diplomatic.
“Since that’s the case… I will relay your thoughts to our leadership.”
Young Master Sang clarified, “After all, I’m just an employee. The decision will still rest with the leadership.”
“Thank you, Brother Sang.”
Bai Ming’s smile widened as she raised her cup, “Come, we won’t return until we’re drunk!”
——
——
As a result, they kept drinking until nightfall.
When Yu Xia couldn’t wait any longer to check on Young Master Sang’s safety, both had already drunk themselves into a stupor, sprawled on the ground.
In the end, it was Yu Xia who helped Young Master Sang leave the room, following the Floating Splendor Commerce folks to the high-end suite they had prepared.
Not long after Yu Xia assisted Young Master Sang out, the previously drunken Bai Ming suddenly straightened up.
Apart from the servant tidying up, two stunning maidservants approached to help her remove the ludicrously funny Sad Frog headpiece and assist with her change of clothes.
Once the headpiece was off, her fresh, clean, ear-length bangs revealed a beautiful, fair face.
“Phew…” Bai Ming wiped the fragrant sweat from her forehead and, with the maidservants’ assistance, changed into a refreshing nightgown, heading straight for the rooftop.
Up there was her exclusive outdoor hot spring.
Sitting in the warm water, Bai Ming washed away the sweat of her attire and leaned against the pool’s edge, looking exhausted.
Water droplets slid down her neck, dripping onto her alluring collarbone. Her skin, freshly washed, appeared translucent and glistening.
“Socializing is exhausting…”
“Master has worked hard.” A maidservant poured tea while softly saying, “I wonder if this time’s partner will finally satisfy Master?”
“Maybe.”
Bai Ming casually said while splashing water onto herself, “Don’t be fooled by friendly banter over drinks. Words at the table are often the least trustworthy.”
“Who knows if the other side is playing tricks behind the scenes? We should be prepared for both outcomes.”
“Have the invitations to Sword Flower Palace, Holy Kingdom, and Thunder Domain been sent out?”
“They’ve all been sent,” the maidservant replied respectfully, “but only Sword Flower Palace has responded. Holy Kingdom and Thunder Domain have yet to reply.”
“…That’s fine. It’s odd that we received a reply at all.”
Bai Ming sighed softly: “Holy Kingdom is now wary of me. They’ve long been displeased with our control over Linzhou.”
“The current Empress of Holy Kingdom is ferocious and seems to want to kick us out of Linzhou. In such circumstances, of course, they wouldn’t care about our invitations.”
“The Demon Clan on the Thunder Domain side is only interested in their own affairs; they just want to continue living peacefully.”
“Right now… we can only pin all our hopes on this new Ascendant Realm figure of the Demon Cultivators.”
“Otherwise, if the Holy Kingdom decides to take action, we might really have to leave Linzhou and start from scratch.”
Seeing the lingering worry in Bai Ming’s eyes, the maidservant felt a little heartache and said, “Master, with so many concerns, be careful not to exhaust yourself.”
“Pfff, please. This is nothing.”
Despite being tired, Bai Ming forced out a smile: “Back in school, competing with those overachievers was way more stressful than this.”
“Besides, the Holy Kingdom will at most just want to take advantage of Linzhou, not wipe us out.”
“If worse comes to worst, we can always let go of Linzhou.”
“I want that woman to know it’s not the prosperity of Linzhou that supports Floating Splendor Commerce.”
“…But because of us, Floating Splendor Commerce gives Linzhou the qualification to be called the First State of Prosperity!” A spark of ambition flashed in Bai Ming’s eyes.
The maidservant knew her master always had a plan.
Only she could elevate Floating Splendor Commerce from nothing to a giant that spans the entire cultivation realm.
“Then, Master, are you satisfied with this Young Master Sang?”
” Him?” Bai Ming thought for a moment and shook her head, “I have no feelings. He seems somewhat uninspired but has good luck in getting involved with the Demon Cultivators.”
“Whether we can foster a good relationship with the Demon Cultivators depends on him.”
As she spoke, she glanced at the communication device containing the Demon Cultivators Sect Leader’s number she extracted from Young Master Sang.
However, the maidservant respectfully handed her a cup of tea while saying to herself, “But, I think Master seemed pretty happy today.”
“Isn’t this Young Master Sang quite talkative with you?”
“That… that’s just because we’re from the same hometown!” Bai Ming waved her hand and downed the tea in her cup.
The next moment, she choked slightly, causing the nearby maidservant to stifle laughter behind her hand.
“Alright, stop laughing or I’ll send you to the PR department to drink with clients every day!”
After giving the maidservant a fierce glare, Bai Ming slowly stood up.
Glistening drops of water flowed down her well-proportioned figure, the sparkling water reflecting her graceful silhouette.
“Let’s go.”
She inhaled deeply and said seriously, “Tomorrow’s meeting with the Sword Flower Palace’s Master will be a tough battle.”
“Rest early tonight and recharge.”
“Tomorrow, we must secure the deal!”
(Second Update)
