The news of the Earthworm Wyrm’s emergence exploded like a whirlwind towards Stone City.
Although this Phantom Spirit Egg looked unremarkable, Wu Ming still invested heavily, hiring several appraisers to authenticate it, and even obtaining official certification!
Combined with the Dongfang family’s reputation, everything seemed rock-solid, leaving no room for doubt.
Within just one day, a continuous stream of Spirit Taming Masters nearly overwhelmed the threshold of Yu Feng Studio, reverently gazing at the Earthworm Wyrm Phantom Spirit Egg, which was heavily guarded.
Of course, shortly after, they were shocked by the price tag to the point of wanting to spit blood: “Five million… why don’t you just rob us?”
Obviously, this exorbitant price was a deliberate ploy by Wu Ming to use this treasure as bait to attract more customers.
After viewing the Earthworm Wyrm egg, many Spirit Taming Masters saw the high-quality, affordable combat skill jade slips and other Elite Grade Phantom Spirit Eggs, naturally sparking a desire to purchase.
On the first day alone, the turnover exceeded five thousand Spirit Coins!
On the second day, seven thousand! On the third day, nine thousand!… By the fifth day, ten thousand!!!
By the sixth day, sales began to decline slightly due to the Elite Grade Phantom Spirit Eggs selling out, but combat skill revenue continued to rise steadily. The jade slips crafted by Wu Ming, with quality no less than the established stores and at a lower price, brought in many repeat customers, ensuring daily revenue remained above one thousand Spirit Coins!
It was said that the four senior executives of the Dongfang family responsible for business, known as “Ri, Jin, Dou, Jin,” had their expressions constantly shifting upon hearing these figures, their eyes practically turning red with envy.
Of course, such massive wealth, along with the Earthworm Wyrm Phantom Spirit Egg, also attracted many covetous glances.
However, Yu Feng Studio was a Dongfang family enterprise. Although the Earthworm Wyrm was rare, it was still an Elite Grade Spirit Beast. The major families in Stone City wouldn’t go so far as to provoke the Dongfang family over a single Phantom Spirit Egg. This was the benefit of Wu Ming flying the Dongfang family’s banner.
As for other petty criminals? His Soldier Grade strength was more than sufficient to deal with most issues.
By the end of the month, Dongfang Ri, staring at the report, had his facial muscles twitching repeatedly: “One million! Just Yu Feng Studio’s income alone equals half of the entire family’s monthly revenue?”
At this moment, recalling Dongfang Suoming’s proud expression back then, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: “Truly a business genius! Could it be he wasn’t lying back then? Dongfang Jin’s defeat was well-deserved…”
At the same time, a faint smile crept onto his face: “Tall trees attract strong winds. Young man, you’re being too conspicuous… Hehe… Just wait a few more months and see if the Second Elder can hold back…”
…
“The current situation is very dangerous now…”
Within the Dongfang family compound, Wu Ming handed over five thousand Spirit Coins, and was escorted out by Dongfang Ri, who wore a pleasant smile. However, his expression immediately darkened: “One million Spirit Coins! Already making him a wealthy individual among Soldier Grades, enough to tempt even General Grade Spirit Taming Masters. If this continues for a few more months… no matter how noble the cause, the family will eventually move to seize the fruits of his labor!”
“However…”
A faint smile appeared on his lips: “I originally only planned to do business for this one month. For a Spirit Taming Master, the most important thing will always be their own strength!”
Compared to one’s own strength, what significance do external possessions hold? Wu Ming has always been very clear about this and would never lose sight of priorities.
…
“Greetings, Brother Suoming!”
“Master Suoming!”
Inside the family compound, the young and adult family members he encountered along the way all greeted him with flattered smiles.
This was the power of both Wu Ming’s strength and the wealth he now possessed!
Everywhere he looked, he saw faces full of sycophancy; his ears were filled with endless praise. All of this would be enough to make any young person lose their sense of self. However, Wu Ming remained calm and composed, making his way directly to Dongfang Diewu.
“Ah Ming! I heard you’ve made a fortune. Can I see the Earthworm Wyrm egg?”
Dongfang Diewu was still as usual, her eyes filled with genuine delight—an expression of joy for her friend’s success, completely devoid of jealousy, making it especially rare.
“Oh!”
Wu Ming smiled, opening the bag on his back to reveal the Earthworm Wyrm egg inside.
“Ah… I was just kidding. You actually brought it?”
Dongfang Diewu’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Not only that, there’s this too…”
Wu Ming waved his hand, and a crystal card worth thirty thousand Spirit Coins appeared. He said seriously: “I borrowed three thousand from you, so here’s ten times that amount as repayment. Consider this Earthworm Wyrm egg as the interest!”
“I…”
Dongfang Diewu covered her forehead, feeling somewhat dizzy: “I thought you were just joking, and besides… this interest is terrifying! This is five million Spirit Coins! Moreover, you’ve just advanced to the Soldier Grade, isn’t it perfect for forming a contract?”
“Just a gimmick. Besides, even if I kept it, I wouldn’t be able to protect it, right, Third Elder?”
Wu Ming smiled toward the courtyard gate.
“Correct!”
Dongfang Tie’s tall figure appeared instantly, and his eyes also showed admiration as he looked at the Earthworm Wyrm egg: “The family’s reputation can protect you temporarily, but not forever. Even within the family, there are more than a few who covet this item. Your ability to let go and make such a decisive choice is truly commendable!”
He paused, then continued: “Starting today, the Punishment Hall will be your strongest backing! Go ahead and do whatever you need to do!”
“Thank you, Elder!”
Wu Ming’s face showed delight as he politely took his leave, though his eyes held a cold shadow.
Ever since he chose the commercial mission, many within the Dongfang family had criticized him for trying to do two things at once. As for Dongfang Tie’s current attitude, Wu Ming didn’t believe a single word!
The Punishment Hall as a backing?
More likely, they were preparing to let him go all out before swooping in to take the credit later.
In the face of potential profits measured in millions each month, what was the value of a mere granddaughter’s friendship?
Unfortunately, even the old fox Dongfang Tie only assumed that Dongfang Suoming offered the Earthworm Wyrm egg solely for self-protection and to secure the Punishment Hall’s promise, completely unaware that Wu Ming had already decided to quit the game.
While these elders planned to use him as a pawn, Wu Ming simply flipped the board and jumped out of the pond!
“So today’s actions are both a repayment of kindness and a smoke screen to confuse the enemy… making outsiders believe I still intend to keep profiting. After all, no matter how good the Earthworm Wyrm egg is, how could it compare to a hen that lays golden eggs?”
A cold smile curled his lips.
The timing was just right now.
First, his business was thriving like a raging fire, and no one could imagine he would give it up.
If he waited a bit longer, once the profits became too great, even General Grade Spirit Taming Masters would become envious, causing many more troubles.
Every move, every advance and retreat, demonstrated immense vision and decisiveness!
…
“What? One million Spirit Coins?”
In a nearby courtyard, Dongfang Rouxin listened to the report with deep jealousy etched in her brows: “This is just… too profitable…”
Even she, who had risked her life for the First Elder all this time, probably didn’t have that much wealth in total! Not to mention, this was only the profit from the first month! As long as it continued, Yu Feng Studio’s earnings would keep growing month by month!
“Phantom Spirit Eggs and combat skill jade slips…”
Dongfang Rouxin thought quickly: “The appraisers only look at innate talent, so one could say Dongfang Suoming has extraordinary talent, but the combat skills sold at Yu Feng Studio are of quality no less than that of the established stores, yet priced ten percent lower. Where are they coming from? Could he have some secret supply channel?”
This point was crucial. Without it, even if someone took over, Yu Feng Studio would remain as lifeless as before, serving no purpose.
“It seems… I shouldn’t rush to move in yet… Increase surveillance, I must dig out the network and people behind this boy!”
A cruel expression appeared on Dongfang Rouxin’s beautiful face.
“Reporting, Madam, Dongfang Suoming has just visited the Third Elder and handed the Earthworm Wyrm egg over to Dongfang Diewu!”
At this moment, another person entered to report.
“What?”
Dongfang Rouxin stood up, and after a long while, she sighed softly: “He can let go and abandon things, truly a decisive choice!”
Her heart relaxed somewhat: “The Earthworm Wyrm egg is worth at least one million. Dongfang Suoming gave it away directly, first to avoid disaster, and second, probably to continue reaping Yu Feng Studio’s profits… Hehe… I’m afraid you won’t take the bait…”
In her view, no matter how much Dongfang Suoming earned, without sufficient strength to protect it, once the amount reached a certain level and even the Elders’ Council became interested, how could he possibly retain it?
In fact, he might even be imprisoned to extract his secrets.
“He’s just too young…”
Dongfang Rouxin sighed, her eyes filled with a seductive smile: “Issue my command, immediately increase surveillance on Dongfang Suoming! Add two more Soldier Grade operatives…”
As for General Grade Spirit Taming Masters? That was beyond her current authority to mobilize.
After all, even within the Dongfang family, besides the First Elder Dongfang Ying being a General Grade Spirit Taming Master, Dongfang Xiong and Dongfang Tie were still both General Grades!
“Dongfang Suoming is merely a young boy, recently promoted to Soldier Grade, hasn’t even contracted his second Phantom Spirit yet. His strength is limited. This should be sufficient…”
She mused silently, and for some reason, suddenly felt a chill in her heart.
…
“Hmph? There are quite a few people secretly watching me?”
Wu Ming strolled casually out of the Dongfang family’s main gate, secretly smirking to himself: “Two at the street corner, three behind me, and one hiding in the shadows. Three different factions? Besides the family, there should also be spies from the established store…”
After all, the production of these combat skill jade slips was the secret craft of the jade slip artisans. Once leaked, the rabbit-eared girl and the fox-eared female shopkeeper from that day probably wouldn’t have a good time either.
Facing strong pressure and competition in business, resorting to various covert methods was only natural.
Wu Ming had no doubt that if he hadn’t been hiding under the Dongfang family’s protection, the opposing side would have come knocking on his door as early as the second day of selling combat skills.
“They’ve been holding back until now, probably still trying to investigate… Let them hesitate, thinking I have powerful backing! Once they’re hesitant, they won’t dare to act…”
He pondered, making his way to Yu Feng Studio.
“Master!”
Dongmen Fu and Ximen Qin, the two gatekeepers, immediately stepped forward with great enthusiasm, like two sycophantic henchmen.
“Alright! You two go do a few things for me!”
Wu Ming’s lips curled into a mocking smile as he waved his hand decisively.
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