Chapter 35 First Deal

Grant, bolstered by Jasper's authority as the new Vice Headmaster, quickly ascended to a leadership role within the Admissions department. With his strong martial arts skills at the Practitioner stage and his distinguished background, he was swiftly promoted to the position of an Elder. His duties involved training new recruits on the path to acquiring their auras, a role he was familiar with from his time mentoring Jasper.

Capitalizing on his new role, he quickly grasped the ins and outs of the Admissions department, keeping an eye out for budding talents. Gradually, he began to cultivate a faction loyal to Jasper within the department.

Meanwhile, all of this information was dutifully relayed to Alexa, who swiftly brought it to Jasper. The past few days had been extraordinarily busy for Jasper. His new status as Vice Headmaster and son of the Spring Village Chief had garnered him the attention of numerous factions within the Martial Hall. From the strong to the weak, everyone sought a piece of the influence Jasper wielded.

However, that didn't mean Jasper remained idle. Heeding Grant's advice, he used these meetings as opportunities to build relationships with the factions, aiming to amass as many allies as possible. The larger factions proved difficult to sway, but the smaller ones were more readily convinced.

In addition to his political maneuvering, Jasper also provided the basic spirit qi circulation method to his team of six. He imparted the technique the system had taught him in the tutorial, while keeping the one from the beginner's package for himself. Fortunately, the basic method was sufficient to guide a practitioner to the third stage of the Qi Refinement realm. After this point, they would need more advanced techniques that also taught how to refine qi.

Today Jasper was meeting up with Grant and Alexa to discuss one of the deals presented by a small faction. This faction was in fact the family that recently rose to providence in the Spring Village. The child that graduated from the Spring Village came back to the Martial Hall and stayed as an instructor and used some connections to hold a meeting with Jasper. In the meeting he proposed to cooperate to set up general stores inside of the Martial Hall.

"So the Ironclad Clan wants to establish general stores inside the Martial Hall?" Alexa asked, her eyes wide with surprise. "That's quite ambitious. They do realize that setting up stores here isn't something just anyone can do?"

Jasper nodded, leaning back in his chair as he mulled over the proposal. "Yes, it's a bold move for sure. But, this could greatly expand our network within the Hall. Plus, their recent rise in status means they likely have resources and connections that we could tap into."

He glanced over at Grant, whose thoughtful expression mirrored his own. "I believe it's worth considering," Jasper continued. "Working with the Ironclad Clan could be beneficial for us in the long run, but I'd like to hear your thoughts."

As he looked between his two trusted advisors, the room fell into a thoughtful silence, each of them contemplating the potential implications of this new alliance.

"So the Ironclad Clan wants to establish general stores inside the Martial Hall?" Alexa asked, her eyes wide with surprise. "That's quite ambitious. They do realize that setting up stores here isn't something just anyone can do?"

Jasper nodded, leaning back in his chair as he mulled over the proposal. "Yes, it's a bold move for sure. But, this could greatly expand our network within the Hall. Plus, their recent rise in status means they likely have resources and connections that we could tap into."

He glanced over at Grant, whose thoughtful expression mirrored his own. "I believe it's worth considering," Jasper continued. "Working with the Ironclad Clan could be beneficial for us in the long run, but I'd like to hear your thoughts."

As he looked between his two trusted advisors, the room fell into a thoughtful silence, each of them contemplating the potential implications of this new alliance.

Grant, who had been silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke, "The Ironclad Clan's proposal is certainly an interesting one. Setting up stores within the Martial Hall would provide a significant boost in resources and influence for us. However, we should also consider the possible risks and repercussions."

He looked pointedly at Jasper, "We must remember that we're not the only ones looking to expand our influence within the Hall. Other factions, particularly the larger ones, may not view this alliance favorably and could attempt to obstruct our progress. Additionally, we must consider the Ironclad Clan's intentions. They may appear friendly now, but alliances can change."

Alexa nodded, adding, "Grant is right, we need to ensure our interests are protected. We can start by setting clear terms for this alliance, perhaps beginning with a trial period to gauge its effectiveness."

Jasper listened attentively to their insights, his gaze steady. "You both raise valid points," he affirmed. "We should indeed proceed with caution and not rush into any hasty decisions. Let's establish clear terms for the alliance and initiate a trial period, as Alexa proposed. I also have the sentiment that we shouldn't let the Ironclad Clan control the entire business venture. Since we currently lack adequate manpower, I suggest that we retain ownership of the buildings, while they can allocate their staff within. This way, we have a balanced power dynamic."

With Jasper's words hanging in the air, the trio nodded in unison. For the past few days, important decisions like these were being made during meetings such as this one. Even though Jasper had the final say in these matters, he greatly valued Grant's and Alexa's input.

With the main topic of the day addressed, Grant turned to Jasper and asked, "Young Master, have you considered distributing positions among your team yet?"

Jasper paused, deep in thought. He hadn't yet told Alexa or Grant about Spirit Qi cultivation or his intention to teach his team about it. "No, not yet," Jasper replied, shaking his head. He was planning to have them train until they reached at least the first stage of Qi refinement and the practitioner realm before entrusting them with significant roles.

Then, shifting his gaze to Grant, he asked, "Have you managed to identify any promising talents yet?"

Grant returned his gaze, saying, "I have a few potential candidates in mind, but it's still too early to say for certain. Two, in particular, have started to come close to sensing their aura, so it shouldn't be long before they make the breakthrough. I have also reached out to several other instructors, and they seem quite willing to assist us if we need anything."

After discussing a few more minor topics, they decided to lighten the atmosphere by sharing a meal together. Servants swiftly prepared a table laden with a variety of dishes from roasted meats to fresh, vibrant vegetables and bowls of fragrant soup. Over dinner, they chatted and laughed, the air filled with a sense of camaraderie and warmth.

Jasper found these moments to be precious, a welcome respite from the constant calculations and maneuvering of his position.

As the night grew deeper, they finally decided to call it a day. Grant excused himself first, expressing his need to rise early for training with the recruits. Alexa departed next, heading to her own quarters within the Martial Hall. She promised Jasper she would compile a report about their discussion and deliver it to him the following morning.

Left alone, Jasper moved to his private study. He needed to mull over their discussions, particularly about the Ironclad Clan's proposal and his future strategy for his team.

***

Jasper was sitting across from a middle-aged man, a representative from the Ironclad Clan. This man, known as Edric Ironclad, was quite an imposing figure. With a height that easily towered over many, broad shoulders and a stern countenance, his presence was overwhelming. However, beneath his intimidating exterior, there was an unmistakable sharpness in his gaze, revealing his keen intelligence.

"Master Jasper," Edric began, his deep voice echoing slightly in the meeting room. "I'm glad to see you're willing to entertain our proposal."

Jasper gave a respectful nod, returning the elder's formal greeting. "Elder Edric, your proposal holds potential for both of us, which is why it interests me. However, I do have certain conditions to put forth before we proceed."

Edric raised an eyebrow in curiosity, motioning for him to continue. "Please, Master Jasper, feel free to share."

Jasper cleared his throat, looking at the man directly in the eye. "Firstly, I propose we start with a trial period, giving both sides time to assess the success and benefits of our deals. Secondly, the buildings for the stores should remain under my control. The Ironclad Clan can manage the staff and operations inside them. This way, we can ensure a fair distribution of resources and profits."

The room was quiet as Edric considered Jasper's terms. A flicker of approval shone in his eyes. After a few moments of silence, he responded. "Master Jasper, I'm impressed by your wisdom and pragmatism. I agree to these terms, let's start the trial period and see how things progress."

As Jasper watched Elder Edric leave the room, he let out a sigh of relief, his thoughts running wild. 'First alliance established, and after this I have more meetings' Jasper thought sulking. 'I haven't had much time to cultivate recently. After establishing a faction I hope I get more time to cultivate or else I'm not sure how I will get stronger.'