บท 685: Chapter 685: The Unexpected Arrival of Zixun
"A giant merchant of the world? The overlord of commerce? Your Majesty, are you speaking of someone from tens of thousands of years ago?" Yi Yan asked.
Zhong Shan shook his head, smiling but not answering.
"This person must be closely monitored!" Zhong Shan ordered.
"Yes!" Shui Wuhen responded immediately.
"The great Qin dynasty, home to so many heroes," Zhong Shan sighed softly.
"Your Majesty, the first step of the Grand Whale Swallowing Plan, spreading the net across the world, is nearly complete. The various branches of the Da Rong Chamber of Commerce have been established in all cities of the twenty-four imperial dynasties. The net has been cast!" Yi Yan reported.
"Hmm, it's good that the net is cast. The product will be the 'Scenic Jade Discs,' specially crafted by the Da Rong Chamber of Commerce. They allow people to enjoy countless scenic views from the comfort of their homes, a rare and elegant item!" Zhong Shan said with a faint smile.
"Scenic Jade Discs cost ten top-grade spirit stones to produce. What will the selling price be?"
"The price will be set at one thousand top-grade spirit stones," Zhong Shan stated.
"Understood!"
"The second step, the multi-level marketing across the world, will now officially begin. The system will have nine levels and three tiers. Anyone who purchases a 'Scenic Jade Disc' will become a primary member and can sell to others as their downline. For each sale, they will earn a fifteen percent commission. If they have two downlines, and those downlines recruit their own, one becomes two, two become four, four become eight, and so on. In half a year, they could be earning ten thousand spirit stones a day. As the number of members increases, so does their level, and with each level, their commission increases. Coupled with the cumulative number of sales, it will drive people mad with excitement," Zhong Shan explained, smiling.
"Yes! Once entangled in this net, there will be no escape!" Yi Yan nodded, impressed.
"Hmm, remember, our goal is to undermine the dynasties, not to make money. Start with high-ranking officials and offer them sufficient profits," Zhong Shan emphasized again.
"Understood!"
"Also, hold frequent meetings and continuously instill hope in them to keep their passion alive!" Zhong Shan added.
"Brainwashing?" Yi Yan chuckled.
"Ah, well understood! Hahaha!" Zhong Shan laughed heartily.
"An item that costs ten spirit stones to produce can be sold for a thousand top-grade spirit stones? Won't others be able to replicate it?" Shui Wuhen asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Of course, it can be replicated, but the Scenic Jade Discs will only be available for purchase at designated Da Rong Chamber of Commerce locations. There will be a rush to buy them, causing upheaval in the imperial dynasties," Yi Yan said confidently.
"Ah!" Shui Wuhen's eyes were filled with curiosity.
Shui Wuhen didn't fully understand the entire process of the Grand Whale Swallowing Plan, but he couldn't imagine why people would spend so much money on what seemed like worthless items.
Of course, Shui Wuhen didn't ask further, as the results would soon be evident.
"Reporting to Your Majesty~~!" a soft call came from outside Tianyuan Pavilion.
Liu Wushuang, the chief commander of the Dazhi Jinyiwei, had arrived.
"Wushuang? Come in," Zhong Shan called out.
"Yes!"
Liu Wushuang quickly entered the room.
"What happened?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.
After all, no one was allowed to interrupt Zhong Shan's meetings unless it was something important.
"Your Majesty, a woman just broke into the palace, saying she wants to see you. Fearing that she might be someone you know, I didn't make things too difficult for her and let her wait outside while I came to report," Liu Wushuang explained.
"Oh? A woman? Someone familiar? Who is it?" Zhong Shan asked, slightly surprised.
"Former elder of the Kaiyang Sect, Zixun!" Liu Wushuang replied.
"Zixun?" Zhong Shan's pupils contracted.
"Yes."
Zixun, a former elder of the Kaiyang Sect, had a significant history with Zhong Shan. Before Zhong Shan joined the Kaiyang Sect, Zixun had been framed and subsequently shared a night with Zhong Shan, during which he obtained the "Red Luan Heavenly Scripture." During his second visit to the Kaiyang Sect, Zixun had defied opposition to grant him a position to serve in the Da Luo Heavenly Dynasty. The third time they met, a remnant of a celestial being resembling Bao'er gave Zixun a rose. The fourth time was during the commemoration of Gu Shentong, when Nu Qinghui intended to harm Zhong Shan, but Zixun intervened.
Why has she come? Taking a deep breath, Zhong Shan looked at the others and said, "You all may leave. Let her in."
"Yes!" The others nodded and exited the room.
Soon, Zixun walked in gracefully. Her purple silk robe accentuated her perfect hourglass figure. Her bare feet hovered an inch above the ground, adorned with an exquisite purple crystal anklet on her right foot. The long ribbons that draped around her slender waist added to her elegance. Although her neckline wasn't low, it couldn't conceal her ample bosom. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, enhancing her regal and beautiful appearance.
Gu Shentong and Nu Qinghui's daughter in a past life? Nu Qinghui was no longer the same, but Zixun remained unchanged.
She was still as beautiful and dignified as ever!
Looking at Zixun, Zhong Shan felt a mix of reverence, gratitude, and a hint of an impulse.
Zhong Shan stared at Zixun, and she stared back at him, a fleeting look of panic in her eyes.
"Elder Zixun, what brings you here?" Zhong Shan asked.
Out of principle, Zhong Shan maintained a respectful tone with Zixun.
Looking at Zhong Shan, Zixun bit her lip, a complex expression in her eyes, as if she had something to say but couldn't.
Zhong Shan didn't rush her, patiently waiting. After a moment of silence, their eyes met, and Zixun blushed before regaining her composure.
Zhong Shan continued to watch her, puzzled by her behavior.
With a slight frown, Zixun finally spoke, "I ask you, do you remember the day outside Longmen Valley?"
Longmen Valley? Zhong Shan's heart tightened, then he became extremely surprised. Longmen Valley? The Dragon Gate Assembly? When he was eighty years old, he led his adopted sons to the Dragon Gate Assembly and encountered Zixun on the way back. Through a twist of fate, they shared a night together?
Why is Zixun suddenly bringing up that day?
After asking, Zixun's expression became somewhat unnatural.
"I remember it vividly, as if it happened yesterday," Zhong Shan replied truthfully.
Realizing his words might be too forward, Zhong Shan added, "Apologies, I meant no disrespect."
Zixun took a deep look at Zhong Shan, nodded, and said, "Hmm."
"I ask you, you ruined my innocence. How do you plan to make amends?" Zixun asked.
"Uh?" Zhong Shan was slightly taken aback. Why would Zixun ask such a question? It didn't seem like her character, or maybe he didn't know her well enough?
However, Zhong Shan didn't intend to evade the matter. Despite both of them being in a passive state at the time, it was he who ultimately took advantage. He knew he had to face it head-on and not shirk responsibility.
Taking a deep breath, Zhong Shan said, "I am willing to take responsibility for my actions. What would you like me to do?"
Zixun's eyes softened slightly, seeing his sincerity. "I don't need you to take responsibility for that night, but I do have a request," she said.
"Please, tell me," Zhong Shan replied earnestly.
"I need your help to resolve a matter that is of great importance to me," Zixun said, her voice steady but her eyes showing a hint of vulnerability.
"Whatever it is, if it is within my power, I will help you," Zhong Shan promised.
Zixun looked into his eyes, seeing the determination and sincerity. She took a deep breath and nodded. "Thank you, Zhong Shan," she said softly.
"If you don't mind, you can stay here. This can be your home from now on," Zhong Shan said sincerely after some thought.
Despite having shared a night of passion, Zhong Shan's feelings for Zixun didn't extend beyond that fleeting moment. However, since she had become his woman, he didn't want her to end up with someone else, even though his emotions weren't deep.
"My home from now on? Does that mean we will become Dao companions?" Zixun asked, looking at Zhong Shan.
"Dao companions? Yes, Dao companions!" Zhong Shan confirmed with a nod.
Hearing Zhong Shan's affirmation, Zixun's expression softened, but she frowned slightly. "Do you already have other Dao companions?"
"Four," Zhong Shan said firmly.
His four empresses were his Dao companions.
Zixun's brows furrowed, and she bit her lip. "I can't accept you having other women. In the past, it didn't matter, but once we become Dao companions, you can only have me!"
Zixun's demeanor was gentle, but her eyes radiated determination. Similar to Nu Qinghui in the past, who couldn't accept Gu Shentong having other empresses, Zixun was resolute.
"Impossible!" Zhong Shan replied decisively.
It was naturally impossible. He couldn't abandon Gan Bao'er, Tian Ling'er, Gu Qianyou, or Bei Qingsi. They were irreplaceable, and as long as Zhong Shan lived, no one could tear them apart.
Hearing Zhong Shan's refusal, Zixun's eyes showed a hint of panic. "If you let them go, I will be your woman for life, never regretting it!"
After speaking, Zixun looked at Zhong Shan with a mix of urgency and hope.
Shaking his head, Zhong Shan sighed. "I'm sorry, I can't do that, and I never will."
Zhong Shan's straightforward rejection left Zixun's eyes filled with a mix of sorrow, disbelief, and resentment.
"Are you really that heartless?" she asked.
"It's not about being heartless. The bond between us is unbreakable. I am deeply grateful for your affection, but I must apologize," Zhong Shan said with a sigh.
"Am I not beautiful enough?" Zixun asked, her voice tinged with a need for validation.
"You are very beautiful, exceptionally so. Even my four empresses don't match your perfection in appearance. But my love for them goes beyond looks," Zhong Shan explained.
"You...!" Zixun's eyes flashed with anger.
Zhong Shan remained silent, resolute in his stance.
"I've come to the wrong place!" Zixun said with a hint of bitterness, turning to leave.
Watching her departing figure, Zhong Shan felt a slight pang of regret but didn't waver.
Just as she reached the door, Zixun paused. Zhong Shan looked at her in surprise.
Without turning back, Zixun said, "Nu Qinghui intends to harm you. Don't fall into her hands."
With that, Zixun stepped out of the hall and disappeared from Zhong Shan's sight, leaving behind a lingering scent and a melancholic farewell.
Watching her leave, Zhong Shan's brows furrowed deeply.
Why had Zixun come so suddenly today? Why had she been so impulsive in expressing her love?
Zhong Shan didn't fully understand Zixun, but he knew she was very reserved. It was uncharacteristic of her to boldly confess her feelings like this. Something significant must have happened to push her to this point.
Her final warning—Nu Qinghui intended to harm him. Had she come to save him by offering herself as his Dao companion, hoping to deter Nu Qinghui?
"Unfortunately, you don't understand me," Zhong Shan sighed softly.
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