ebookland Chapter 393 An Invitation from an Old Friend
Chapter 393 An Invitation from an Old Friend
A woman dressed in luxurious clothes entered the temple, led by Hu Xiaoli.
"I've heard that you were also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. What position do your elders hold in the Chamber of Commerce? I've never heard of them before."
Jin Mengqiao sized up the petite and charming girl in front of her and asked a question that seemed casual.
"Reporting to Elder Jin, I am indeed a member of the Chamber of Commerce. However, my father was limited by his aptitude and his cultivation level was not high. He was unknown in the Chamber of Commerce and naturally could not catch Elder Jin's eye."
Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaoli stopped, bowed respectfully, and responded truthfully.
Although he is now following Lin Changsheng, he is still from the Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce, so he inevitably feels nervous when facing powerful elders like Jin Mengqiao.
"I see. You are quite lucky to be serving under Fellow Daoist Lin. You should make the most of this opportunity."
"As for the branch here, I will take care of things and will not interfere with you too much. From now on, you only need to serve Fellow Daoist Lin wholeheartedly and must not be negligent."
Jin Mengqiao spoke slowly, giving her instructions.
Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaoli's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Since following Lin Changsheng, her status has risen accordingly, and even Foundation Establishment cultivators treat her with great courtesy.
She naturally knew that all of this was because of the 'Lin Fu Master' behind her, so she devoted all her energy to the affairs of the dojo, big and small.
The only thing that bothered her was that the local branch's "Master Wu" was always concerned about her but would also inquire about "Master Lin's" private affairs.
On one side is the merchant guild that nurtured her from childhood, and on the other side is a late-stage Golden Core cultivator who brought her opportunities.
She could only avoid the important points and talk about some trivial matters to repay the Chamber of Commerce for its support, so as not to reveal too much of Senior Lin's secrets.
"Thank you, Elder Jin. I will obey your instructions."
Hu Xiaoli breathed a sigh of relief and immediately thanked him respectfully.
With Elder Jin's promise, there's no need to be as conflicted as before.
Thinking of this, Hu Xiaoli felt even more grateful to Elder Jin and held him in even higher esteem.
……
"My name is Jin Mengqiao. I greet Fellow Daoist Lin."
Inside the reception room, Jin Mengqiao gracefully bowed, her gorgeous attire radiating brilliance, her makeup exquisite, exuding nobility and elegance, and radiating an aura of nobility.
"Fellow Daoist Jin, you're too kind."
"It's been many years, and you seem to have become a bit distant, fellow Daoist."
Lin Changsheng sat upright, casually sipping the spiritual tea in his cup, and smiled calmly.
Looking at the gentle and refined young man in front of her, Jin Mengqiao was still shocked, even though she was prepared.
The man before her looked almost exactly like the talisman master Lin from back then, giving her the illusion that it was just yesterday.
However, the faint yet undeniable aura of pressure emanating from this white-robed youth was unmistakably that of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.
For a moment, Jin Mengqiao couldn't help but feel a faint sense of jealousy and defeat.
Back then, Lin Changsheng was just a rogue cultivator who used his decent skills to improve his own cultivation, and he had worked with her for a while.
However, as her status in the Chamber of Commerce rose, Lin Changsheng's help to her diminished. Businessmen are profit-driven and naturally wouldn't linger with someone who had lost their value.
Therefore, upon learning that Lin Fushi, who had cooperated with her in the past and was abandoned by her, had now become a late-stage Golden Core cultivator and was proficient in third-order talismans, with his skills being unparalleled in the region, she couldn't help but be astonished and incredulous.
"Fellow Daoist Lin is too kind. The changes you have undergone are truly astonishing, making it difficult for me to recognize you."
Jin Mengqiao smiled sweetly and said half-jokingly, the surprise in her eyes had already subsided.
However, this fellow Daoist Lin sat calmly in the hall, showing no intention of getting up, which made her sigh inwardly.
Although it wasn't explicitly stated, Lin Changsheng's impolite attitude clearly indicated that he wasn't very interested in her or the Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce.
This matter may be related to that transaction from back then.
A pang of regret rose in Jin Mengqiao's heart.
Back then, she was young and impetuous, and in her eyes, Lin Changsheng had lost his value for cooperation. The final deal between the two was somewhat unpleasant.
Back then, who could have predicted the situation we have today?
Now, the sea creatures have invaded Jiuze Continent, and have also dragged the cultivation world of Gunzhou into war.
Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce lost all its markets in Jiuzezhou and had to move its center to Gunzhou.
As a foreign chamber of commerce, it faced significant exclusion and a harsh competitive environment.
In addition, several senior Tier 3 craftsmen in the Chamber of Commerce left one after another or were poached by other forces due to various internal and external factors.
It nearly shook the very foundation of the Chamber of Commerce.
At this moment, a third-tier talisman master appeared, who was also a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.
Inviting them to join the chamber of commerce would greatly stabilize the current situation.
But this person happens to be Lin Fushi, whom Jin Mengqiao had once given up.
"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Jin, you are too kind. I have only made some progress in cultivation by chance. Naturally, I am not comparable to you, Fellow Daoist, who holds a core elder position in the Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce."
Lin Changsheng exchanged a few pleasantries with a half-smile, then got straight to the point:
"May I ask what brings Fellow Daoist Jin here today?"
"Fellow Daoist Lin is indeed straightforward. I was passing through this place on business with the Chamber of Commerce when I happened to learn that an old friend of mine had advanced to the Golden Core stage. So I came here specifically to congratulate him and trouble him. I hope you won't be unwelcome?"
Jin Mengqiao smiled upon hearing this and tentatively inquired.
"Oh? Just for this?"
Lin Changsheng glanced at Jin Mengqiao indifferently, his expression amused.
"It seems that Fellow Daoist Lin is as wise as he was back then."
"I have observed that Fellow Daoist Lin has been practicing independently for many years and is now residing at the 'Cangming Mountain' Daoist temple, but he has no intention of joining. I suppose he has his own reasons."
"If there is no suitable force, my Xuanmiao Chamber of Commerce is willing to invite you to settle here and discuss cooperation matters."
At this point, Jin Mengqiao observed Lin Changsheng's reaction, only to find that the latter was expressionless, merely raising his hand to drink tea, unmoved by her words. So she then took out the prepared remarks.
"I have heard that Fellow Daoist Lin was hunted down by True Man Yu Huai and True Man Green Snake back then, and has since disappeared from Jiuze Continent. I suppose there is a deep grudge between you."
"However, these two had already joined the Nascent Soul level power, the Ghost Valley Sect. Yu Huai Zhenren died many years ago in a battle against the Sea Clan, while Qing She Zhenren, for some reason, was taken as a concubine by Ghost Valley True Monarch, and now lives a comfortable life. This Ghost Valley True Monarch is incredibly powerful, but also has an eccentric and unpredictable personality..."
At this point, Jin Mengqiao observed Lin Changsheng's expression, her eyes sparkling as she said:
"However, Fellow Daoist Lin need not worry too much. I have some connections with several elders in the Ghost Valley Sect and am willing to act as a mediator to resolve this matter. Regardless of the final outcome, I am confident that I can guarantee that True Monarch Ghost Valley will not take his anger out on Fellow Daoist Lin because of this."
After saying that, Jin Mengqiao smiled and, imitating Lin Changsheng, took a sip of spiritual tea, seemingly confident and waiting for Lin Changsheng's reply.