56. Rizzing Tactics 101
The news of Zhang Xin Ci solving Brother Monkey’s puzzle shocked others. The mortal servants grew envious. Although she helped them, they couldn’t help but let this envy fuel their hatred as several rumors insulting Xin Ci’s honor cropped up. However, other’s views and hate didn’t move Xin Ci. Her kindness and gentleness remained incorruptible under the pressure of human greed as she arrived on time the next day and set a stall in the mortal bazaar to collect the goods the Monkey Siblings needed.
Despite the sudden gain of ire, Xin Ci’s soft-spoken words and gentle demeanor allowed her and Xiao Die to collect several goods. Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing also came to understand the duo. Of course, it was primarily during Lo Jik’s time. After all, the Monkey Siblings took turns entering the market with Xin Ci.
Bai Ning Bing didn’t let Xiao Die to utter a word. Xin Ci also remained sensible. This made the duo feel more relaxed than usual around Monkey Brother. The chatty Xiao Die also unintentionally reported several things, allowing Monkey Brother to learn more about the caravan and Xin Ci’s past.
Zhang Xin Ci did not lie. She multiplied her mother’s estate by several times. But it also made the Zhang Clansmen jealous and cautious of Xin Ci. After all, she was a—
“Oh,” Monkey Brother muses. “You’re a bastard.”
Xiao Die pales as she nervously looks at Xin Ci. However, the girl bitterly nods. How can she take offense to facts?
“My mother departed before revealing my father’s identity,” Xin Ci sighs.
Lo Jik glances at her. He realized something about the girl. Her thoughts aren’t too different from the modern generation of his homeworld. Zhang Xin Ci is refreshingly broad-minded that way.
“But you don’t care who your father is, right?” His words make the girl’s eyelids jump in surprise. She looks at Monkey Brother before lowering her head.
“Indeed,” she whispers. “Such thoughts make this lowly one unfilial, right?”
“Why would you want to be filial to an absent parent?” Lo Jik shrugs, surprising the girl again. “Instead, I have a question.”
“Please.” She nods.
“I observed how you do business. Although your communication skills are topnotch, you still give a leeway during negotiations.”
“It’s only because young missy is kind, Lord Monkey Brother! We don’t have any intention to offend you.”
Lo Jik glances at the servant before looking at the calmer Xin Ci.
“That little loss is not what concerns me. How are you going to operate, Xin Ci?” He regards by name. “You listed the prices of goods I have to offer. But all these prices are for Shang Clan’s market.”
“Yes,” Xin Ci nods.
Lo Jik quietly stares at her.
Does she not get it?
His solemn stare makes Xin Ci consider her words as Xiao Die gulps loudly.
“Please advise me, Senior,” Xin Ci states after a while.
“Were you planning to sell your goods in Shang Clan?” Lo Jik questions. His market and trading experience mostly comes from crazy women who would sell their children for money. Those women were intense and always sniffing for opportunities—the kind that would fit in the Gu World. Xin Ci may share some similarities. But she isn’t a money-sniffing hound.
“Did you consider other losses?” Lo Jik tilts his head. “The loss of goods to beast groups.”
Xin Ci nods. “I did. But the goods I selected would have been sold for over seven to eight times the price. It would have covered the losses.”
“Do you still have your goods?” Lo Jik blinks.
“... no.”
She frowns and considers Lo Jik’s words again.
“Senior is trying to make me understand the lapse in my judgment,” she chews her lips once she realizes the flaw in her thinking. But it’s too late. Her goods are long gone.
“What do you mean, Missy?” Xiao Die lets out a surprised noise.
“I should not have planned for Shang Clan alone. A Caravan doesn’t exist to travel from one point to another. The hamlets and Clans on the way are just as important. It was wrong to plan for the destination without preparing for the checkpoints. Our losses would have been less severe had I taken goods more popular in the Clans on our way. It would have allowed us to unload some goods and retain profits. Thank you, Senior.”
“It’s nothing. Anyone from your Clan could have steered you right. They must really hate you, huh.”
Xin Ci smiles bitterly. “They do.”
“Well?” Lo Jik prompts. “How are you going to let me and my sister earn more? We will reach Huang Jin Mountain in a few days. Do you know about the Huang and Jin Clan?”
Xin Ci nods eagerly.
“I do. I didn’t think much about the information I collected before. However, you opened my eyes, Seni—”
“Monkey or Brother Monkey is good enough,” Lo Jik waves his hand dismissively, almost tired of hearing Xin Ci refer to herself in the third person for formalities. “You’re our employee. The growth in any employment is promotion. So, no need to waste each other’s time with formalities. You need money, and we Siblings need resources. Now I will have you a list of goods. Match them with your information and plan the business around acquiring more of these goods. Primeval Stones are secondary. Do you understand?”
Xin Ci nods, her skin slightly flushing as she thinks of various ways to maximize the profits.
‘At least she’s eager to grow,’ Lo Jik closes his eyes and cultivates.
Different Mountain presents different opportunities. There are stories of mortals in a caravan attaining inheriting Gu Legacies. If there are successful stories, Lo Jik can only imagine the number of failures killed by the local Clan and Caravan members.
‘I will remain alert for these fortunes. The probability is low, but won’t it be too pathetic to miss out on opportunities out of carelessness?’
He spends a few hours in the stall, observing and learning from Xin Ci.
What he provided to her was very basic. Even if he didn’t tell her, Xin Ci would have realized her mistakes after witnessing other Caravan members. But this is Lo Jik’s first time seeing a trader at work in the Gu World.
<<<>>>
The caravan reaches the foot of Huang Jin Mountain in the first week of February.
Huang Jin is a trove of gold mines and precious jewels. Its soil contains abundant traces of gold, called the Yellow-Gold Soil. A hazy golden sheen dances around the mountain reflected from these traces during the day, creating a sight of ancient glory. Thick golden pillars and beautifully carved golden walls surround the mortal hamlets. This Huang Jin would have caused wars in Lo Jik’s previous world. However, the gold in this world is mere decoration or Gu Refinement material.
As the mountain’s name suggests, it houses two clans—Huang and Jin.
These two clans are on bad terms. Since there have been instances where one Clan used the Caravans to attack the other, they left a strict rule.
The Caravan can only enter one Clan and will not enter the other one.
The Caravan already knows this. The Leader and vice leaders discuss a point of meeting beyond the Huang Jin Mountain before dividing into two groups.
The Huang Jin Mountain produces a variety of food for Ligh and Metal Gu. It also possesses food for Lo Jik’s Seven-Lights Lance Gu and the Rank 4 Rainbow Mist Gu.
So, Lo Jik’s group enters the Jin Clan.
He and Bai Ning Bing notice how golden chains, wrappings, pins, and anklets decorate the Gu Attire of the clan. Even mortal servants wear plenty of jewelry.
Since it’s Bai Ning Bing’s turn, she accompanies Xin Ci and Xiao Die to set up their stall. Xin Ci’s stall is plain compared to other bright and decorated tents. However, one of the products displayed instantly makes the Gu Master of Jin Clan fire up!
A Rank 2 Red Steel Relic Gu?
The news of this Gu even moves other vice leaders in the caravan. However, their hearts thump when they realize it is Sister Monkey’s turn to sit at the stall! Besides, the Red Steel Relic cannot be exchanged for Primeval Stones. Sister Monkey demands a list of items for a barter exchange.
Such a demand dampens the caravan’s interest since it's tailored for the Jin Clansmen.
“It’s Hu Faction’s Young Lord!”
“Ah, Lord Jin Hu Long has such an elegant disposition! To think he already gathered these materials.”
Rank 1 Golden Qi, Treasure Golden Soil, Seven-Colors Jade, Rainbow Ostrich Feathers, and many other items are exchanged for the Rank 2 Relic Gu.
If one considers the face value, Xin Ci managed to sell a Gu worth 7000 Stones for 9000 stones’ worth of products by stating how the actual value of the Gu in cultivation surpasses their risk of steadily selling other items.
After completing the transaction, Xin Ci reveals a contented smile. She didn’t have to try and earn extra. It’s not like she can pocket a commission from the profits. However, she feels indebted to the Siblings. The pressure from other lustful Gu Masters decreased to a negligent state.
Even if she had her goods and Zhang Zhu, Xin Ci would have to often use her words to get out of the situation. However, the mere presence of Peak Stage Rank 3 Gu Masters restricted others with evil intentions.
The difference is too massive!
But Jin Hu Long doesn’t move.
Due to the constant reflection of sunlight, most Gu Masters of Jin and Huang Clans possess an exotic dusky shade to their skins. Hu Long is a thin and effeminate youth with golden arm bracelets accentuating his charisma.
He couldn’t help but stop after looking at Xin Ci.
The youth beams, revealing his dazzling white teeth.
“How would you like to work for our Family’s shop, young girl?” He leans against the counter. “I won’t lie.” He stares into her eyes. “Your beautiful eyes reflect starlight—”
“It’s daytime,” a hoarse voice interjects as Hu Long glances at the woman using the Monkey Mask Gu.
“Leave.” Sister Monkey utters, letting a wisp of Snow White essence to remind the youth who he would be fucking with if he has any ideas.
“Y-Yes!”
<<<>>>
“Pfft! Hah, that’s how she is,” Brother Monkey chuckles. He has already attained most of the items he needs from this clan, so he doesn’t reveal another Relic Gu. In fact, the second Relic Gu will come from Bai Ning Bing.
She always had a Rank 2 Red Steel Relic Gu!
Still, Lo Jik got the food for his Rank 4 Gu, except the Rainbow Stream Gu. He also needs more Gu Food for the Rank 4 Gu inside the Earthen Pot. That’s why only one moves with Xin Ci, and the other stays in the tent with the pot. That pot is as precious as half a Rank 5 Gu!
“Yes, Lord Monkey!” Xiao Die gushes. “Your Sister was amazing. Others didn’t even dare look at Missy the entire day!”
“But my sister had a point,” Lo Jik muses idly, chatting with the duo to pass the time. “Who talks about starlight during the day. Sigh. Youths these days don’t know a thing about wooing a woman.”
Xiao Die’s gaze glimmers at the thought of such an ‘exciting’ topic as she bobs her head. “Indeed. Do you have some tricks, Lord Monkey? Will you teach us so Missy doesn’t fall for any man’s flowery words?”
“Xiao Die!” Xin Ci frowns. “I apologize for her, Brother Monkey. She can be—”
“Look at me.”
The voice from the mask deepens as Xin Ci looks at Brother Monkey. His round, bulging wooden eyes stare at her as he speaks. “Everyone’s eyes reflect light. But in yours, I only want my reflection.” The girl’s eyes widen as Xiao Die’s cheeks instantly turn rosy. “In your eyes, I want to drown.” He slightly leans forward as Xin Ci realizes for once just how broad their Brother Monkey is.
“But it’s those lips I desire. For but a moment. To leave you with my taste and mine with yours.”
Xin Ci’s brain shortcircuits as she cannot believe the words she is hearing! Her soft, pink lips are slightly open as he continues. “But Xin Ci, you deserve the truth. Your eyes or lips don’t make me toss and turn at night. It’s your smile. It’s brighter than the glorious beauty of Huang Jin and sweeter than a lover’s touch. Heaven made me to protect that smile.”
Xin Ci continues staring at Brother Monkey in a daze. Meanwhile, Xiao Die cups her steaming cheeks, constantly shaking her head. “Hawahawahawa!” She squeaks weird noises as Lo Jik leans back, tilting his head.
“That’s how you woo a woman. Of course, other factors are also at play. Now you know what NOT to fall for.”
Xin Ci snaps out of her daze. She quickly looks away while glancing at the most exciting table of her life.
“Oh, stop it!” The girl embarrassedly snaps at the cooing Xiao Die.
“Could you teach us more?” Xiao Die quickly requests.
“Enough!” Xin Ci rolls her eyes.
“Heh,” Brother Monkey scoffs in amusement. “I will teach you once you grow up. You’re not even of an eligible age to awaken your aperture, girl.”
Xiao Die pouts and works with soft mumbles. However, she keeps tossing smug and knowing glances at Xin Ci.
‘I also got more materials for the Yang Rotation Gu. One of the rare materials for the Yang Rotation was the Xuan Yuan Divine Pheasant’s heart. Golden Qi and other Gu are auxiliary materials. We also have the Yin Rotation Gu, so the chance of refinement success is above 60%! I only need three vats of Vital Yang Source. Vital Yang Source condenses in the shape of a formless aura. Huang Jin Mountain should have some. But they won’t sell it for Red Steel Relic Gu.’
He quietly activates his Heaven Piercing Eye and looks around.
Who knew his luck would be so good that someone contacted Sister Monkey about a Gu he’s looking for.
To think his luck can be good, too.
<<<>>>
Body refinement doesn’t stop with flesh, bone, and skin. There are still the organs and the nervous system.
Consider this—does bone become impervious if a Gu Master’s flesh is enhanced? No. But doesn’t it allow a Gu Master to use another Strength Gu? Yes.
A Gu Master uses, nurtures, and refines the Gu. The Body Refinement Path is rare, underexplored, and a sub-category of the Strength Path. But being negligent about it may cause the Gu Master’s death. Body Refinement permanently alters one’s body. If a Gu Master uses an Iron Bones Gu and continues to use the Essence Iron Bones Gu, his skeletal structure will be too heavy for its flesh. It may collapse on the spot.
If a Gu Master uses Steel Tendon Gu and the Rank 4 Cold Steel Tendon Gu, his flesh may break the bones and stab into the organs. Such a fate is too cruel!
So, a Gu Master must steadily set a foundation instead of rushing blindly.
For instance, Bai Ning Bing already used the Jade Bones Gu. She has Ice Muscles and Jade Bones. It’s a solid base that doesn’t require her to use Snow Skin before using the Rank 4 Variants. But the lack of complementary ‘Organ’ refinement Gu may cause her death due to her organ failure! But she also doesn’t need to go overboard with it.
Ice Muscles and Jade Bones is already a firm base to use Gu Worms like the Frost Demon Gu with minimal restrictions.
In this sub-expertise of the Gu Masters, Organ refinement is the most dangerous.
There are different ways to refine organs.
However, the steadiest process for Strength Gu Masters like Lo Jik is using a ‘conversion Gu.’
Such Gu mixes the consumable nature of Bone Refinement and the steady process of Flesh and Skin Refinement Gu.
Lo Jik’s most desired Rank 3 Gu will be the Blue-Blood Gu. It complements his set.
As one states in the legends, a nobility’s blood is blue.
This Rank 3 Gu refines the Blood flowing through the Gu Master’s veins. Of course, it doesn’t turn one’s blood blue. This Blue Blood is rich in value. It will flow through the Gu Master’s veins and arteries, refining the heart and other internal organs through its reach into Noble Organs. This is a slow process where a Gu Master CANNOT bleed. Losing more than 3% of your blood will fail the refinement and cause imperfect refinement, leaving Gu Masters with permanent injuries.
This Gu is extremely valuable. But it’s too painful to use.
As stated before, it combines the Bone and Flesh Refinement. Using this Gu will make Gu Masters experience sharp pain for a few minutes every hour for three months!
However, the benefits are nothing to scoff at.
The Gu Master’s vision, taste, hearing, sense of smell, and even memory retention increase due to the rich blood nourishing one’s brain. However, it does not boost reflexes and other aspects associated with the nervous system.
Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing sit across an Elder ‘carrying’ Jin Clan’s Leader will.
“Our clan does possess the Rank 3 Blue-Blood Gu, Sirs. It’s our understanding you entered the Caravan after Fei Hou Mountain. May I inquire if you have another Red Steel Relic Gu?”
Lo Jik thinks for a moment before replying.
“My Sister and I got lucky. We both obtained a Red Steel Relic Gu. The one sold today was mine.”
Unlike others, the Elder keeps calm. He smiles lightly. “I would like to initiate a trade, Sirs. Our clan is willing to part with the Blue-Blood Gu for the Relic Gu. Of course, the Jin Clan will accept Primeval Stones as the remainder.”
“Not possible,” Lo Jik concisely rejects.
The Elder’s gaze flashes as he nods with a smile.
“It was not my intention to force you. Truthfully, our Clan’s young lord is already 18, and the Clan Leader wants to gift him a Red Steel Relic Gu. Sirs travel alone and may not know how swiftly the Relic Gu Worms are consumed in a Clan. Hehe. I won’t lie. I’m only here to accomplish the deal and curry favor with the Clan Leader. I have a son, too. His name is Jin Hu Long. You can understand how a father feels, right?” The Elder glances at Sister Monkey.
“It’s not that I’m unwilling to part with the Relic Gu,” Brother Monkey sighs. “My Sister and I are the one person. The Relic Gu is already useless to us. However, this deal is fruitless. We cannot accomplish our purpose with the Blue-Blood Gu while traveling in a caravan. Our destination, the Shang Clan, will have several Blue-Blood Gu. Buying it now only adds to the cost of nurturing.”
The Elder frowns ponderously. He can see this is a blatant attempt to lower the price of the Blue-Blood Gu. However, he recalls the Clan Leader’s order.
—Get the Relic Gu at all costs. Our clan needs every bit of strength.—
‘We will unleash our attack on the Huang Clan in the coming year. There won’t be any caravans. The Clan Leader’s research for that Rank 3 Gu will skyrocket the Clan’s strength. But it’s sensible to grab at every means of growth. More power means fewer losses. But letting the Blue-Blood sell for low cost is unacceptable for my image within the clan.’
The two sides discuss things for a while.
The more they discuss, the more Brother Monkey realizes that the other party’s need for the Relic Gu is higher than his need for Blue-Blood Gu.
After all, Lo Jik cannot use the Gu during the Caravan. He won’t be able to fight and defend himself. The food for this Gu isn’t cheap either.
“What?” The Elder squawks after an hour. “You want to sell the Relic Gu for the Rank 3 Blue-Blood Gu and 5 months of its feed? Are you insulting our Jin Clan?”
“Ease your anger, Brother Hu. Aren’t we discussing things?” Lo Jik placates the Elder with soft words. It’s already evening. But only Bai Ning Bing feels tired of the negotiations despite not saying a word.
“How about this? The Rank 3 Blue-Blood is rare. But a good’s rarity is based on circumstances. I don’t need it now, and Shang Clan will have some in their store. After all, the Shang Clan possesses the largest market, followed by the Yi Clan. Due to its conditions, the Blue-Blood Gu is not sought after by others. Even I only need it for my Vital Gu Worm’s Fusion. But I will defer to your insistence and take this Gu Worm off your hands in exchange for the Red Steel Relic Gu. However, I hope Brother Hu takes pity on us Siblings and sells us the Gu Worm’s food for a 40% discount.”
Elder Hu grits his teeth.
“That can’t be done. 40% is too much. A Rank 3 Gu Worm’s price fluctuates between 2500–10000 stones. However, the Blue-Blood Gu is rare, and its price should be higher. However, you want it for the price of a Rank 2 Red Steel Relic Gu. Do you have no shame, Sirs!”
Lo Jik smiles.
“I’m sorry, Brother Hu. Shame? What’s that? We siblings lived with Bandit Monkeys for almost a decade! Sigh. I miss flinging my shit to other monkeys and mooning them. Heh. Remember when we taunted the thousand-beast King, Sister.”
Sister Monkey’s eyes twitch under the mask.
Flinging Shit?
Mooning?
Have you lost your mind?
She isn’t the only one to think that.
Elder Hu realizes the Sibling’s oddity, too. He grits his teeth before accepting to sell the Blue-Blood Gu. However, he refused to lower the price of the food.
“Fuck! I’m tired of listening to you two negotiating for hours!” Bai Ning Bing stretches her legs before narrowing her eyes. “You sold me Relic Gu. You owe me—”
“A sum of 15800, including the cost of Footless Bird,” Lo Jik smiles. “I know.”
Like Lo Jik, Bai Ning Bing also handed a list of materials to Xin Ci. It’s surprising how efficiently Xin Ci is helping them collect the necessary materials to safeguard their Gu.
“We need to increase our pace. Carrying that Earthen Pot will soon attract other’s attention,” Bai Ning Bing sighs.
“We will collect as much Gu Food as we can. Let’s open the pot before Xiao Yue Mountain. We still have a few months to procure the Food for the Gu we selected. The rest is based on luck.”
Bai Ning Bing nods calmly.
***
Alternate Title: Unmoved By Hatred and Doubt; Broad-Minded; Thought Process Similar to Modern World; Working Hard; Huang Jin Mountain; Collecting Materials; Sister Monkey’s Dominance; Food; The Golden Mountain; The Red Steel Relic Gu; Preparing for the Earthen Pot; The Dusky Prince?; There Are No Stars In The Day Time; Lo Jik: Let Me Teach You How To Resist Ancient Poetry Rizz *Also Lo Jik: Rizzes Using Monkey Mask*; Rard to Resist; A Taste; Sent To Protect That Smile?; Unfilial?; Lo Jik Bluntly Calling Bastards—Bastards; Lo Jik: You Know Nothing, Zhang Snow; Xin Ci: I Dun Wanit! You Muh King; The Organ Refinement; Preilious Path of Body Refinement; Blue Blood; Noble Organs; Lo Jik’s Aim To Refine a Banging Body; Shame? Can We Eat It?; Ruthless Negotiations; Purchasing a Gu for a Steal!; Preparing For the Earthen Pot; Food for the Rank 4 Gu
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