Chapter 1131
Chapter 1131 - 1117: Social Gathering
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8 min read
"...Is this the legendary Trading Land?"
When the doors of nothingness opened, the Trading Land appeared before the high-level professionals of Lin Nu’s Church in a semi-public way.
No one could, or rather, no one wanted to refuse.
Lu Ping’an had passed the phase where possessing a jade makes one guilty, and now that he had certain deterrent power, he needed to showcase more of his "value."
"Legendary might be an overstatement, but honestly, I haven’t seen anyone who’s been here once and doesn’t want to come back..."
As the host, Lu Ping’an issued VIP Platinum Cards (Name Cards) to these high-level individuals and also kindly informed them that the business hours were limited to when he was present... Immediately, they wished Lu Ping’an would never leave, some even issued invitations on the spot for him to settle locally.
"Life can be traded?"
Elder Deer, upon entering the Secret Realm and witnessing everything, was utterly shocked.
A layman watches the entrance, but he truly understood what was happening before his eyes... He even had a natural speculation about the source of all this, which made him even more bewildered as to how Lu Ping’an managed to successfully assimilate and transform it.
Because of this, he slipped up and mentioned the "rules" he perceived...
"Of course, since it is neither sacred nor special, it is no different from any other object, and of course, it can be traded."
Lu Ping’an answered the question warmly and enthusiastically.
The spectators saw it merely as a simple Q and A, unaware that what Elder Deer was asking was actually about Lu Ping’an’s "doctrine"... When it is fourth-tier, it is Decree; when it is above seventh-tier, it is Rules; when it is Deity, then it indeed becomes doctrine.
The Throne of God that Lu Ping’an inherited simply made some things arrive sooner and faster, and more tangible.
"...I think I understand why your advancement has been so rapid. Your future is clear, your goals are set, and all you need to do is climb... and also..."
Elder Deer was considered the "strongest outsider" in this Courtyard, as well as a test for Lu Ping’an.
At this moment, the old man’s face wore an unmistakable envy... To him, the excessively fertile Land of Life was irresistible.
Every individual has their own "Self Cognition," which forms their self-consciousness, shapes their life values, their pursuits, their "path."
In other words, each high-order professional’s path is different, and a developed "Land of Rules," even if given to others, can only be dismantled and used like parts, a waste... If Lu were a newbie, he would naturally become someone else’s nutrition, but now, this advanced Land of Rules is an untouchable treasure.
What’s more important is...
"...This does not conflict with My Lord’s... the Girl in the Forest’s rules, in fact, it’s quite compatible."
The calm words came without any emotional fluctuation, as if everything was normal.
But the old prophet didn’t know that he had just skirted the edge of life and death... Lu Ping’an had confirmed that the current Courtyard was relatively safe and could comfortably expand its openness.
And since trading was possible, there were things Lu Ping’an could now discuss openly.
"So that’s how it is, you have quite an affinity for that city..."
"Not necessarily, I do owe quite a few favors, and I have many friends living there."
Rather than scheming privately, standing at Lu Ping’an’s height, it was better to discuss openly.
Since he had already asked for favors, it was worth continuing... Previously, Lu Ping’an didn’t have any trading chips, relying only on his presence and limited persuasive power, but now it was a different story.
"Orders... that’s a small matter, I will take care of it properly, but the quality of the goods..."
"I cannot guarantee on my end, but I will do my best to ensure it."
"Fine, I will prioritize your products of the same grade, and as long as there’s no significant discrepancy in quality, even if it’s slightly inferior, we can talk. Uh, regarding the price, I can increase it by another 10%."
Don’t think it’s just ten percent; considering the total volume, that’s quite significant.
Lu Ping’an paused for a bit, pondered, then came to an understanding and figured out how to respond.
"...Would a 3% kickback be enough for you? I’ll also take a 3% cut."
Lu Ping’an negotiated shrewdly like an old hand, as frank as someone who had weathered many storms.
Watching Lu Ping’an grasp the unspoken undertones of his words in an instant and respond so aptly, the old man couldn’t help but break into a smile.
"Then I’ll add another 10%, a 20% discount is within my authority. Let’s not overdo it, a 5% each is already almost too much."
Alright, that’s outrageous. Lu Ping’an thought that 3% was already ridiculous, but compared to some people, it was nothing.
But after thinking about it, the one who seems to end up overpaying is Lin Nu... Uh, OK, no problem at all.
As "Rule-level Big Bosses," both had transcended some mundane constraints, so their "negotiation" was too direct, leaving the clerk beside them staring agape, clueless on how to record it.
Both men smiled, closing the distance between them... In Old Lu’s view, at their level, "money" had lost all significance; it was just a way for young people to build rapport.
For beings above the Rule-level, not only is ordinary material desire nearly non-existent, but money is probably unable to buy what they truly desire.
And what they were about to trade for real, that was the key point...
"Are you here to trade for rules..."
The basis of trade is equality, and the prerequisite for equality is the self-protection ability of both sides.
When "Fei’er" appeared, causing a wave of gasps, it conversely made the atmosphere even more amicable.
If previously Lu Ping’an was merely a suspected Decree-level combat power facade, the real "Rule-level" presence under his command was enough to prove his confidence.
"It’s the Saintess... the Black Saintess of the Mother Goddess cult..."
Well, it seems Fei’er has been recognized.
"And the White Saintess... Although the information is a bit off, since they claim to be sisters... A really good hide, for at least a dozen years..."
An appropriate display of force was necessary, and the invited "Gym" tour also played its role.
Of course, Big Cat did not present a Beastmaster... mainly out of fear that too much intimidation would turn into oppression and despair.
Meanwhile, Lu Ping’an also opened up his own "Garden"... a Land of Life of this caliber was not found even locally.
By letting them "farm" here, the Magic Plants’ seeds (gene modules) would naturally be left behind when they depart.
"Not bad, this Land of Rules can sustain Rule-level magic plants..."
But even though some were tempted, no one moved.
After all, Rule-level Magic Plants are too rare and precious for high-level Gardeners, it was too soon to leave them in someone else’s "house".
But just the part of the rule building that was open for sharing made these high-level professionals go crazy.
"You can actually buy and sell Professional Abilities? I’ve been lacking that core abnormal ability for a long time..."
"The Library can not only help you plan your Advancement path but also buy and sell Knowledge! As long as you have the points, you can even custom order high-level Professions! With points, you won’t hit a bottleneck!"
What has happened countless times before, happened again. As professionals who are infinitely eager to "Advance," none could resist the "Courtyard".
Deeper levels of trade require mutual trust, and trust needs time and experience to build.
After several trades and dinners, Lu Ping’an also casually put forward his small request...
"We’ve also scheduled a visit to Mercury 42, could you help train our warriors a bit?"
"I have a few projects here, Beastmaster and Gardener series included, could You spare some time to give some guidance? Or perhaps, invest together, and we develop it jointly?"
"I can provide Enchantment services here... I can customize Taboo items, but I need a lot of materials. I heard you have plenty of Sea Monsters here, and the treasure of the Ocean isn’t scarce, right...?"
One by one, prepared "invitations" were brought up, and this time, Lu Ping’an truly came to "discuss cooperation."
— End of Chapter 1131 —