Chapter 81: Gu Yan's Shock
Several days later, as the Wang family's situation became increasingly perilous, the Xiao family also made a premature return, opening multiple shops simultaneously. Xiao family's intervention at this time undoubtedly added insult to injury for the Wang family.
The Wang family's businesses had already been suppressed to the point of near desolation, and their tarnished reputation meant that no cultivators visited. Now, with the Xiao family fully reopening their shops, many people in Fengyue City were eager to visit them.
The reopening of Xiao family's shops caught the attention of many cultivators in Fengyue City. After all, the Xiao family had mysteriously disappeared for almost three months and was now finally reappearing in public view.
"The Xiao family shops are open? Weren't they all closed down? Do they still have capital?"
"Strange, I thought the Xiao family was finished. How are they making a comeback now?"
"With the Wang family in crisis and no longer suppressing them, the Xiao family's comeback seems aimed at delivering a fatal blow to the Wang family."
"The Wang family has been despicable and malicious, and now they're getting their comeuppance. The Xiao family is smart to seize this opportunity."
The people of Fengyue City started discussing fervently. Many gathered at the entrances of the Xiao family shops, curious about what the previously closed Xiao family had to offer now.
In the largest Xiao family shop, Xiao Changfeng, Xiao Chen, and others were discussing something. The crowd outside was eager to know what the Xiao family was planning to sell.
"Patriarch, this Heavenly Spirit Wine is very powerful. I think we should sell it for ten medium-grade spirit stones," Xiao Yuntian suggested, feeling that even ten stones were a bargain.
"I also think we should sell it for ten. Our Heavenly Spirit Wine is not simple. Once word spreads, it will be snatched up like crazy. In the meantime, Uncle Zhong has brewed a large amount of it. This is a great opportunity for our Xiao family to develop quickly," Xiao Lei agreed.
Xiao Changfeng raised his hand, signaling them to be quiet, and then said, "Heavenly Spirit Wine was brought back by Chen'er. Let him decide the price."
Everyone looked at Xiao Chen, who hesitated and then smiled wryly, "I'm not good at selling things, but I think we should lower the price for stability in the long term. Five medium-grade spirit stones should be fine. We'll still make a lot."
"What? Only five? Xiao Chen, isn't that too little?" Xiao Kui immediately objected. He felt that selling such a precious Heavenly Spirit Wine for just five stones was heartbreaking.
"Xiao Chen, isn't five medium-grade spirit stones too little?" Xiao Yunfeng also felt the price was too low.
"Yeah, five stones are too little."
"…"
The Xiao family disciples started to clamor, not understanding why Xiao Chen wanted to sell at such a low price. In their view, even at ten stones, people in Fengyue City would go crazy for it.
The cultivators outside the shop saw the commotion inside among the Xiao family leaders and became even more curious.
"Alright, everyone calm down. Chen'er must have his reasons. Let him explain," Xiao Changfeng gestured for silence, inviting Xiao Chen to speak.
Xiao Chen smiled and said, "Fengyue City is not wealthy. If our Xiao family wants to establish a permanent foothold here and even surpass the Yang family, we need the support of everyone in Fengyue City. So, selling at a lower price is appropriate. If it's too expensive, people will think we're greedy."
Hearing this, Xiao Changfeng nodded in agreement, "Hmm, Chen'er makes a valid point. We can't rush our family's growth."
Xiao Yuntian and Xiao Yunfeng fell silent, unable to refute Xiao Chen's reasoning.
After a moment, Xiao Yuntian laughed and said, "Xiao Chen, I admire you more and more. You think further ahead than any of us. Five stones it is. Heavenly Spirit Wine is a treasure; we won't fail to profit."
"Also, each shop should only sell 100 bottles daily. Except for Wang family members, everyone else can buy. After selling, we'll all focus on cultivation. This way, our family not only earns income but also strengthens our power," Xiao Chen suggested with a smile.
"Isn't this what Brother Xiao Chen mentioned before, about rarity increasing value?" Xiao Ling nodded in understanding.
Xiao Chen nodded with a smile, "That's right. Father, we can start now. Xiao Lei and the others can distribute the Heavenly Spirit Wine to the other shops for sale."
"Good!" Xiao Changfeng nodded with a smile, and no one opposed Xiao Chen's suggestion. Xiao Changfeng then headed towards the shop's entrance, with everyone following closely behind.
"Hey, they're coming out. The Xiao family patriarch is coming out!" a cultivator said excitedly.
Outside, Xiao Changfeng cupped his fists and greeted the crowd with a smile, "Haha, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Patriarch Xiao, what is the Xiao family selling? You discussed for so long," a curious cultivator asked.
Xiao Changfeng happily replied, "Haha, we're selling wine."
"What? Wine? Patriarch Xiao, are you joking? The Xiao family selling wine?" a cultivator asked in disbelief, eyes wide.
"The Xiao family has really fallen, turning to selling wine now."
"No way? Selling wine? Can the Xiao family make a living from that? They can't compete with the inns and taverns!"
"Forget it, let's go. I thought they were selling something good, but it's just wine."
Hearing Xiao Changfeng say they were selling wine, the cultivators shook their heads in disappointment and left. In an instant, the crowd that had surrounded the shop disappeared.
However, Xiao Changfeng was not in a hurry, nor did the Xiao family care. They felt those people just didn't recognize the value. Xiao Changfeng laughed, "Bring out the tables and chairs. We'll sell at the entrance today. And we'll only sell 100 bottles. Those who left earlier won't get any today. When I'm in a good mood, I'll sell to them!"
"Haha!" Hearing this, the Xiao family members laughed heartily.
"Patriarch, I didn't expect you to be so petty!" Xiao Lei laughed.
"You rascal, get out of here! Who told them not to recognize the value?" Xiao Changfeng laughed and scolded, kicking out but missing.
At that moment, a middle-aged man walked down the street towards the Xiao family shop. Xiao Kui quickly said, "Patriarch, Auctioneer Gu Yan from the auction house is here."
"Haha, what brings Auctioneer Gu Yan to our shop?" Xiao Changfeng laughed.
"The change in Xiao Changfeng is remarkable. Such a spirited smile must be related to the reopening of the Xiao family. And Xiao Changfeng's cultivation has broken through. Not only that, but the strength of the Xiao family disciples has also improved. In less than three months, the Xiao family has grown so much. Xiao Chen, what exactly did you do?" Gu Yan, known for his keen observation, was shocked and couldn't help but glance at Xiao Chen, who stood beside Xiao Changfeng. Then, with a faint smile, he said, "I heard the Xiao family is reopening, so I came to offer congratulations and see what treasures you're selling. But why is there no one around?"
"Auctioneer Gu Yan coming to congratulate us is an honor for our Xiao family. To be honest, we're selling wine this time," Xiao Changfeng said, unable to hide his excitement.
"Oh? Wine? What kind of wine?" Gu Yan asked in surprise, taken aback by Xiao Changfeng's words.
"Heavenly Spirit Wine, this one. Five medium-grade spirit stones per bottle," Xiao Changfeng replied, handing a small jade bottle to Gu Yan.
Gu Yan took it and examined it for a long time but couldn't see anything special. He asked, "Patriarch Xiao, what's special about this Heavenly Spirit Wine to sell for five medium-grade spirit stones?"
"Since Auctioneer Gu Yan is the first to come and congratulate us, this bottle is a gift to you. Drink it, and you'll know," Xiao Changfeng said, smiling genuinely.
"Thank you, Patriarch Xiao. I won't be polite then," Gu Yan said, opening the bottle and drinking it in one gulp.
The jade bottle could hold only one mouthful, but as the Heavenly Spirit Wine entered his throat, it transformed into a surge of power that flowed through his meridians, ultimately becoming true essence and entering his dantian.
"What?" Gu Yan's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe it. His cultivation had improved instantly.
"My cultivation improved instantly! Am I dreaming? This is incredible!" Gu Yan exclaimed, looking at the jade bottle in disbelief, feeling like he was dreaming.
The Xiao family members smiled at Gu Yan. Xiao Changfeng asked, "Auctioneer Gu Yan, do you see what's special about it now?"
After a long moment of shock, Gu Yan quickly said, "Patriarch Xiao, you're selling this Heavenly Spirit Wine for only five medium-grade spirit stones? This wine can improve cultivation and should be sold for fifty stones!"
"Auctioneer Gu Yan, you're underestimating Heavenly Spirit Wine. It not only improves cultivation but also heals injuries," Xiao Kui said proudly.
"What? It also heals injuries?" Gu Yan was even more shocked, his breathing becoming rapid, nearly causing him to stumble.
Heavenly Spirit Wine not only could enhance cultivation but also had healing properties. The value of this Heavenly Spirit Wine was undoubtedly greater than all the pills in Fengyue City.
"Of course, this is a treasure developed by our Xiao family! And it's all thanks to Xiao..." Xiao Ling also happily chimed in. She almost let the secret slip but fortunately caught herself in time.
Hearing this, Gu Yan glanced at Xiao Chen. Without needing Xiao Ling to say it, he could already guess. Before Xiao Chen's return, if the Xiao family could have developed Heavenly Spirit Wine, they wouldn't have been suppressed so severely. But with Xiao Chen's return, the Xiao family not only developed Heavenly Spirit Wine but also grew stronger. This was definitely no coincidence.
"Heavenly Spirit Wine is truly miraculous!" Gu Yan thought in shock. Although he couldn't fully imagine the storm Heavenly Spirit Wine would bring to Fengyue City, he was certain that this storm would sweep through the entire Fengyue City and even the entire Tianzhou region!