Chapter 311: The Clever Chubby
In the Immortal Realm, the Star Picking Pavilion was considered a second-rate power.
However, in the eyes of many wandering cultivators, gaining entry into the Star Picking Pavilion was akin to obtaining a spot among the disciples of a first-rate power, regardless of the exchange.
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Unlike typical sects and powers, the Star Picking Pavilion's entry quota didn't consider talent or background; as long as you had the ability, you could receive support, just like Ling Xuzi of the Forbidden Mountain Range.
Even in remote areas, as long as one made contributions, immediate support and promotion were granted.
The Star Picking Pavilion imposed few constraints on its disciples, and its rules were not as stringent as those of other powers.
Combined with the absence of hostile forces, one's life and assets were quite secure within its walls.
Many wandering cultivators refrained from joining sects or powers simply to avoid the restrictions imposed by their rules.
Hence, the Star Picking Pavilion held great appeal for such individuals.
In such a sect, as long as one assisted in managing the Star Picking Pavilion well, unimaginable resources could be obtained, resources that were difficult for ordinary wandering cultivators to even dream of.
For the majority of wandering cultivators, their lack of talent, background, and birth were precisely why they remained as such.
Ironically, these were qualities that the Star Picking Pavilion valued the least, making its entry quotas highly sought after.
During this time, Tianqi City buzzed with activity, as many wandering cultivators flocked to vie for the three entry spots into the Star Picking Pavilion.
Gu Lan was surprised to witness the great prestige that the Star Picking Pavilion held among wandering cultivators.
This newfound impression further elevated his opinion of this second-rate power in the Immortal Realm.
After waiting in line, Gu Lan and Mu Yuyan chose a winter-themed private room. Upon the snowy mountain, they indulged in a romantic dinner under the stars.
The delicacies of the Immortal Realm were quite exquisite; from spicy dragon hatchlings to palace-style rock sparrow cubes, and even the seasonal prosperity Spirit Fruit platter, they sampled them all.
Compared to the cuisine of the mortal realm, these dishes possessed a unique charm.
With their cultivation level, they didn't need to constantly indulge their appetites. However, an occasional feast was quite enjoyable.
After satisfying their hunger and admiring the stars together—yes, the proper kind of admiration—Mu Yuyan felt as if she had returned to the time just after their wedding.
Doing anything with Gu Lan felt exceptionally romantic, even something as simple as stargazing.
For the majestic Empress, engaging in such childish activities never felt dull.
Lost in their own world, they stayed on the snowy mountain until the stars faded from the sky.
Leaving the private room, Gu Lan prepared to reserve a cultivation cave at the inn. Since arriving in the Immortal Realm, even without scholarly pursuits, Gu Lan felt a subtle change within himself.
Although his cultivation realm hadn't advanced, his strength steadily improved.
This peculiar sensation prompted Gu Lan to consider purchasing some Immortal Realm books to study and enhance his cultivation.
Of course, the cultivation cave was intended for his beloved wife. She could study alone during the day and cultivate in seclusion at night.
With both of them diligently cultivating together, their progress would undoubtedly be rapid.
On their way to reserve the cave, a corpulent Taoist, adorned in gold and silver, accompanied by two graceful Taoist disciples, respectfully approached Gu Lan.
"I am Sheng Xuzi, I greet the senior," the corpulent Taoist greeted warmly.
Sheng Xuzi was none other than the master of the Star Picking Pavilion in Tianqi City.
Having received Gu Lan's true appearance through the VIP card of the Star Picking Pavilion, Sheng Xuzi felt privileged to welcome Gu Lan to Tianqi City.
If Ling Xuzi hadn't discreetly shared Gu Lan's VIP card number with him, he wouldn't have known so quickly that Gu Lan was in Tianqi City.
With such a big opportunity before him, he couldn't resist embracing it. It wasn't just him; the entire Star Picking Pavilion wished to ally with this unparalleled figure.
Unable to even gauge the senior's cultivation level with the spirit testing plate, Gu Lan was truly a figure everyone in the Star Picking Pavilion wanted to ally with! And then there was this immortal beside him.
The corpulent Taoist dared not meet the Empress's gaze directly, afraid of angering the senior.
However, even a sidelong glance was enough to see that she was stunningly beautiful, with an equally unfathomable strength.
Indeed, she was the senior's Dao companion, worthy of utmost respect!
"Sheng Xuzi?" Gu Lan inquired.
"What is your relationship with Ling Xuzi?"
Gu Lan hadn't expected to reveal his identity so soon, but he didn't mind. He had anticipated this situation when using the VIP card of the Star Picking Pavilion.
It just so happened that he wanted to purchase some Immortal Stage books and resources from them to save himself another trip.
"Senior, I am Ling Xuzi's junior brother and also the master of the Star Picking Pavilion in Tianqi City."
"My junior brother has spoken highly of the senior's deeds. I am deeply admiring and will surely entertain the senior well, making your visit to Tianqi City worthwhile."
Sheng Xuzi smiled obsequiously. Even if there was an element of acting, his performance was top-notch.
As the saying goes, never refuse a smiling face.
Gu Lan graciously accepted.
"I've heard that the Star Picking Pavilion has acquired a Heart of the World. Can you confirm this?" Accepting the golden card, Gu Lan inquired about the Heart of the World.
Upon hearing the mention of the Heart of the World, a slight tremor passed through Sheng Xuzi's plump cheeks.
Seeing Gu Lan arching his eyebrow with a subtle smile, Sheng Xuzi immediately realized that Gu Lan had seen through the Star Picking Pavilion's scheme.
Without hiding anything, he laid bare the details of the Star Picking Pavilion's plan.
The Star Picking Pavilion had prepared a shattered Heart of the World, convincing enough to deceive others.
Moreover, they planned to inflate its price by arranging for someone to bid extravagantly, raising the shattered Heart of the World to a terrifying price.
This would create a buzz for the auction, enhance the reputation of the Star Picking Pavilion, and avoid detection.
Having learned the truth about the Heart of the World, Gu Lan nodded in acknowledgment.
He wouldn't interfere in the methods of businessmen; as long as there was no deceit or robbery involved, such marketing strategies were acceptable.
After all, compared to the marketing tactics of his past life, this was relatively benign.
Gu Lan then inquired about the entry quota for disciples of the Star Picking Pavilion. "Indeed, it is true," the corpulent Taoist immediately nodded, admitting openly, "Each branch of the Star Picking Pavilion can recruit a maximum of ten entry-level disciples per year, a source of complaint among the wandering cultivators of Tianqi City."
"I came up with a compromise, which is to auction off entry quotas for disciples during the auction. This provides capable wandering cultivators with an opportunity to enter the Star Picking Pavilion while also bringing in revenue and fresh blood for the Star Picking Pavilion," Sheng Xuzi explained earnestly.
He spoke without deceit. This was indeed his idea, one that had greatly increased his reputation among wandering cultivators.
Regardless of the circumstances, compared to major powers that only select disciples based on talent, this could be considered a benevolent act.
At the very least, it offered ordinary wandering cultivators an opportunity.
Upon hearing this, Gu Lan glanced at Sheng Xuzi. No wonder this fellow was just Ling Xuzi's junior brother, with a cultivation level similar to Ling Xuzi's, yet he could serve as the master of the Star Picking Pavilion in Tianqi City.
He certainly had some tricks up his sleeve.
A shattered Heart of the World, auctioning off disciple entry quotas for the sake of wandering cultivators... If this chubby fellow were placed in the past life, he would be at least a marketing director!
Leading Gu Lan and Mu Yuyan to register, Sheng Xuzi generously assigned the best cave residence in the inn to them.
Afterward, he thoroughly explained the functions of the purple crystal VIP card, emphasizing that the purple crystal VIP holders could make unlimited purchases in all Star Picking Pavilions.
He particularly emphasized that the purple crystal VIP holders could settle their bills afterward, either in spirit stones or by pledging items such as magical treasures, elixirs, and cultivation techniques, with the value of these items determined by the highest market price.
Of course, if one chose not to settle the bill, the Star Picking Pavilion would be even happier.
The Star Picking Pavilion was confident in its judgment, believing that all owners of purple crystal VIP cards would undoubtedly become major figures in the future.
To have their favor was worth much more than a few pieces of silver.