Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 91Book 5: : Won big! I want it all!

……

The figures that arrived were respectively the Deputy Chief Manager of the Rising Sun Bank, True Lord of Wealth; the Third Pavilion Master of the Headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion, True Lord of Three Treasures; and the Lingxu Ancestor of the Han Yue Yao Clan, Ancestor Yao Yongwen.

These individuals were the three main creditors from whom the Wei Clan had borrowed the most funds.

The Rising Sun Bank, Treasure Pavilion, and Yao's Air Transport were all well-known large commercial organizations in the Immortal Dynasty. Especially the Rising Sun Bank and Treasure Pavilion, which had complex networks of relationships with more than one clan behind them.

Many top clans held shares in these organizations, and even the Immortal Emperor's lineage and the Immortal Palace had significant stakes.

As a result, the operations of the Rising Sun Bank and Treasure Pavilion were relatively independent, with their own set of internal rules, not much constrained by the clans or even the royal family.

In these organizations, shareholders only enjoyed the right to dividends every hundred years and the right to sell shares, without decision-making power.

The Wei Clan was also one of the shareholders, owning a small portion of shares. During the clan's peak, they had many business dealings with these organizations. Without such connections, they couldn't have borrowed so much money at once.

As soon as the three appeared, they began to demand repayment from Wei Dongyu.

Seeing that Wei Dongyu was about to faint from anger, the second ancestor of the Wei Clan, Wei Deming, hurriedly stopped the disaster relief efforts, flew up to support Wei Dongyu, and cupped his hands to the visitors, saying, "Deming greets True Lord of Wealth, True Lord of Three Treasures, and Ancestor Yongwen. The money was borrowed by Mingyu and me, so let me handle this matter."

True Lord of Wealth was a chubby middle-aged man, dressed in a splendid long robe, with kind eyes and a benevolent face, looking completely non-aggressive.

He smiled amiably and said, "Exactly. It's best for Brother Deming to handle this matter. Previously, your Wei Clan borrowed 1.2 billion immortal crystals from our Rising Sun Bank, with some of your clan's mineral resources as collateral. Normally, we wouldn't be in such a hurry to ask for repayment, but given the current situation with your Wei Clan, we're also worried."

The True Lord of Three Treasures from the Treasure Pavilion was a middle-aged man in a scholar's robe, looking gentle and elegant, with considerable demeanor.

Hearing this, he also sighed and said, "Our trial equipment maker has studied the new model of black armor from the Black Armor Department, and it's truly ingeniously designed with limitless potential. According to our pavilion's estimates, the future price fluctuation of black iron ingots should be between one hundred to two hundred immortal crystals, and it's unlikely to return to its original price. Brother Deming, a loss is a loss, it's better to lose with dignity rather than being laughed at for being shameless."

"True Lord of Wealth and True Lord of Three Treasures have already said what I wanted to say." Ancestor Yao Yongwen nodded and continued, "Our Yao Clan only lent your Wei Clan sixty million immortal crystals, a small amount. Brother Deming, why not repay us first?"

Wei Deming's face turned extremely grim, and he repeatedly cupped his hands, saying, "Why must the True Lords be so aggressive? For the sake of our long-standing relationship, please grant us some more time. Our Wei Clan will certainly not owe you a single immortal crystal."

"Brother Deming, it's not that I don't want to give you face. But given the current situation of your Wei Clan, what meaning is there in granting more time?" True Lord of Wealth sighed and said, "Let me help you calculate. Your Wei Clan lost at least three to four billion immortal crystals this time. Even when the price of black iron ore was high, it would take two to three hundred years to repay this debt after deducting family expenses."

"Now that the main project of your family, black iron, has plummeted in price, and the overall trend is very unfavorable, the annual income in the future will barely cover your family's frugal expenses, and repaying the debt is a distant prospect."

"Brother Deming, don't go against the trend." True Lord of Three Treasures also showed a helpless expression on his gentle and elegant face, "According to the contract, we can take your family's mineral collateral, but I suppose your family also relies on the minerals for livelihood. We are all businessmen, and we may still need to cooperate in the future, so we don't want to tear faces with you."

"In my opinion, instead of stubbornly holding on, your family should admit defeat, honestly sell some fixed assets, such as Divine Spirit Artifacts, Dao tools, and Divine Realm inheritance grounds, to repay the debt. When you turn things around in the future, you can repurchase them."

"Alas!"

Wei Deming let out a mournful cry.

The old saying "When the wall falls, everyone pushes" perfectly described the current situation.

Having lived for over two thousand years, he naturally understood the actions of True Lord of Three Treasures and the others. Similar things had been done by the Wei Clan in the past.

But understanding was one thing; the fact that his family had to pay the price was another. Whether it was Divine Spirit Artifacts, Dao tools, or Divine Realm inheritance grounds, they were the foundation accumulated by the family over generations and couldn't be sold first.

"True Lord of Wealth, True Lord of Three Treasures. We have six hundred thousand units of black iron ingots. How many immortal crystals can they offset? Can the unit price be three hundred immortal crystals?" Wei Deming asked, cupping his hands with a pitiful expression.

"Difficult!" True Lord of Wealth shook his head and said, "Remember two hundred years ago, the unit price of black iron ingots was only two hundred immortal crystals. Now the price is too inflated. Especially with the new model of black armor significantly reducing the use of black iron, and your family hoarding a large amount of ore, the inventory is greatly overflowing. It's expected that in the next hundred years, the price of black iron will be very low. Moreover, your Wei Clan will inevitably increase the mining of black iron ore for survival..."

At this point, he shook his head again. There was no need to say more; everyone present understood.

In the past, the supply of black iron ingots was less than the demand, so the overall price naturally continued to rise. Now, the supply exceeds the demand, and increasing the supply will only cause the price to fall further.

In a few years, the price of black iron ingots might not even hold at one hundred immortal crystals per unit.

"We can buy your six hundred thousand units of black iron ingots at a unit price of eighty immortal crystals." True Lord of Three Treasures proposed, "This price is already quite risky for us. After all, who knows when such a large inventory of black iron ingots will be sold, and what changes might occur in the future."

Eighty immortal crystals?

Wei Deming was on the verge of collapse.

The black iron ingots, which had a highest bid of one thousand three hundred immortal crystals, had plummeted to eighty immortal crystals! The ups and downs of life were truly exaggerated.

But he also understood that True Lord of Three Treasures was not deceiving him.

Wei Deming had personally witnessed how the price of black iron ore was gradually raised, and the Wei Clan had contributed significantly to it. Now it was just the wheel of fortune turning.

"Eighty immortal crystals? The risk is not small. Brother Three Treasures should reconsider." True Lord of Wealth's chubby face showed some doubt, frowning as he advised, "If the Wei Clan is willing to significantly reduce the output of black iron ore every year, this deal can still be done. Otherwise, the price could easily fall below eighty immortal crystals."

Even lower?

Wei Deming's face changed, and he quickly gritted his teeth and said, "A package price of fifty million immortal crystals, I hope True Lord of Three Treasures can help."

"If that's the case, then let's offset your fifty million immortal crystals." True Lord of Three Treasures thought for a moment and nodded, then looked at him and earnestly advised, "Deming, your Wei Clan is a family of ten thousand years, and it hasn't been easy to develop to this point. Remember this loss, and in the future, be sure to do things steadily and be honest, and don't think about taking shortcuts."

Wei Deming's face turned red from his words, and he quickly said, "Thank you, True Lord, for your guidance. But I wonder if the True Lord could first provide the fifty million immortal crystals... For the remaining debt, our Wei Clan is willing to offer some Divine Spirit Artifacts and Divine Realm inheritance grounds for auction at the Treasure Pavilion."

After speaking, Wei Deming glanced somewhat embarrassedly at the True Lord of Enlightenment, who had transformed into a giant Tree of Enlightenment and was watching from afar.

"Very well." True Lord of Three Treasures sighed, "Give me the list of the inheritance grounds you want to auction. I'll start preparing for the auction when I return. As for the True Lord of Enlightenment... well, let him come with me."

True Lord of Three Treasures had considerable influence. When the True Lord of Enlightenment initially demanded a compensation of one billion immortal crystals, it was through the connections of True Lord of Three Treasures that the demand was reduced to fifty million.

"Junior thanks the True Lord."

Wei Deming bowed deeply, grateful to True Lord of Three Treasures.

"Since the matter is resolved, the Enlightenment Senior should no longer linger in someone else's top-grade spiritual farmland." True Lord of Three Treasures laughed and called out to the True Lord of Enlightenment, "Come, come, come, be my guest at the Treasure Pavilion, and I'll entertain you well."

"Alright, since Three Treasures has spoken, this True Lord will certainly give face." The True Lord of Enlightenment graciously withdrew his roots, transformed back into human form, and flew into the air, saying to Wei Deming, "Deming, as a Lingxu Realm cultivator, you are still young, and the road ahead is long. Take the time to rectify the conduct of your Wei Clan and avoid bringing disaster to the family."

"Thank you, Enlightenment Senior, for your guidance." Wei Deming bowed, "After this, our Wei Clan will certainly learn from this lesson and improve ourselves."

"Alright, alright, everyone disperse." The True Lord of Enlightenment waved his hand, "Yuntai An, stop watching the fun. Come, come, come, accompany this old man to the Treasure Pavilion for some free food and drink."

After the matter was settled.

The True Lord of Enlightenment and King of the South, Yuntai An, followed True Lord of Three Treasures to the Treasure Pavilion as guests.

Half a month later.

In the Spirit Bamboo Garden of the Northern Territory Wang Mansion.

Wang Fugui and the King of the South sat opposite each other, engaged in an intense battle of black and white stones.

Compared to Wang Fugui's calm demeanor, the King of the South looked serious, with beads of sweat faintly appearing on his forehead.

After a period of absence, Wang Fugui's chess skills had noticeably improved, and his strategies had become more cunning and elusive, making it difficult for the King of the South to cope.

"Your Highness has lost again." Wang Fugui placed a stone with precision, decisively capturing a large dragon from the King of the South, creating a scene of utter devastation.

"I won't play anymore." The King of the South tossed the stone in his hand onto the board and rolled his eyes at Wang Fugui, "Fugui, don't you know how to respect the elderly and the wise? Must you make the board look so ugly?"

"As they say, the chessboard is like a battlefield; how can such things be conceded?" Yun Mengyu, who was accompanying them, blinked her big eyes and innocently added, "Besides, Ancestor Yuntai, you're only over two thousand years old, not exactly old, nor..."

"Alright, alright." The King of the South hurriedly interrupted her slander, took out an account book, and handed it to Wang Fugui, "Fugui, this is the summary of the battle against the Wei Clan. Go over the accounts yourself."

Mentioning this matter, the King of the South became excited, for no other reason than the fact that this victory was too significant.

"Compensation for mistreating the Tree of Fortune: fifty million immortal crystals." Wang Fugui began to tally the accounts, "By leveraging the Helan Han Clan's path, we short-sold fifteen thousand units of black iron ingots for one billion seven hundred million, of which five thousand units were acquired in the early stages, costing three hundred million immortal crystals in total, with this item being privately funded by the King of the South."

"Through purchasing from some clans and individual investors, we spent two hundred fifty million immortal crystals, with a selling price of five hundred million immortal crystals, resulting in a net profit of twenty million immortal crystals after deducting benefits."

"Through True Lord of Three Treasures at the Treasure Pavilion, we repurchased sixty-one thousand units of black iron ingots, costing six hundred million immortal crystals, including one hundred million as a benefit fee."

"In other words, after deducting various expenses, we made a net profit of one billion five hundred million immortal crystals, plus a black iron ingot inventory of sixty-one thousand minus thirteen thousand units." Wang Fugui quickly extracted the data from the accounts.

Since black iron ingots were considered strategic materials, the Immortal Dynasty encouraged their trade and circulation, exempting them from taxes in this area, only taking a thirty percent tax when they were mined.

"We actually made so much?" Yun Mengyu, who was beside him, was astonished by the final results.

Even with her background and never lacking money, she was shocked by these figures.

"Have you contacted the Han Clan? Do they want the thirteen thousand units of black iron ingot inventory, or do they want immortal crystals?" Wang Fugui remained calm, as if it were just a routine matter.

"They're cursing you..." The King of the South chuckled, "The Han Clan is in a very awkward position now. Whether they take the inventory or the immortal crystals, they're at a loss. No matter how they calculate it, it's a loss."

"Then give them the thirteen thousand inventory. After this incident, the price of black iron ingots in the Immortal Dynasty will never rise again." Wang Fugui said leisurely, "For the sake of Mengyu's reputation, we promised to return thirteen for every ten borrowed, so we can't short them even half a black iron ingot."

"Then let's do that. Later, I'll negotiate with them on behalf of the Immortal Armament Division, slightly overpricing the purchase of those thirteen thousand black iron ingots to expand the inventory accumulation of the Immortal Armament Division." The King of the South was invigorated.

His Immortal Armament Division's black iron inventory hadn't been this rich in a long time.

Wang Fugui nodded, "According to the previous agreement with Your Highness, once the plan succeeds, I will donate fifty thousand units of black iron ingots to the Black Armor Department."

"Only fifty thousand?" The King of the South's face darkened, "Fugui, you just got a windfall. Only fifty thousand, isn't that too little?"

"Wasn't Your Highness already very happy when you heard about the fifty thousand donation earlier?" Wang Fugui glanced at him, "I still clearly remember that Your Highness was almost drooling at the time."

"That was then, this is now~" The King of the South, with a thick skin, wasn't bothered by the disdain and continued to plead, "It's all my fault for being too young and inexperienced back then, thinking fifty thousand black iron ingots was astronomical! Fugui, let other departments have a taste too~"

"Alright, then a total donation of one hundred thousand." Wang Fugui waved his hand generously.

Since the black iron ingots were acquired for free, he wasn't distressed. On the contrary, building a good relationship with the Immortal Armament Division would be beneficial for the future development of the Wang Clan.

The Immortal Armament Division was probably one of the wealthiest departments in the Immortal Court.

"Fugui, you still have thirty-seven thousand units of black iron ingots left. Why not sell them to the Immortal Armament Division?" The King of the South eagerly suggested, "I can offer a unit price of one hundred twenty immortal crystals."

"Not selling." Wang Fugui flatly refused, "Among them, ten thousand units must be reserved for crafting new black armor to fulfill the Black Armor Department's order. The rest will be transported back to the Wang Clan. Our Wang Clan and the Great Qian also need to craft new black armor and various spiritual tools, and the demand for black iron is not small."

When he was at home, he had unintentionally heard Ancestor Grandfather mention the shortage of black iron. Although he didn't know the exact shortfall, this batch of black iron should be enough when sent back.

"Fugui, don't fool me." The King of the South almost spat out a mouthful of old blood, "Your little Eastern Qian Kingdom, how much black iron ingot can it consume? That's a full twenty-seven thousand units of black iron ingots, enough to craft seven to eight hundred thousand sets of new black armor!"

"Just because it's not needed now doesn't mean it won't be needed in the future." Wang Fugui remained unmoved, confidently and expectantly saying, "One day, our Great Qian Kingdom's army will also become an army of pure Lingtai Realm and above, and by then, we will be the strongest ally of the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty."

An army of pure Lingtai Realm? How could that be so easy!?

The King of the South didn't believe it at all.

However, Fugui was now a wealthy tycoon, and out of respect for a tycoon, the King of the South still laughed and said, "Alright, alright, I look forward to it."

"There's one more thing." Wang Fugui said, "The auction held by the Treasure Pavilion is about to start, right? I heard that the Wei Clan is selling more than ten Divine Spirit Artifacts and three Divine Realm inheritance grounds this time?"

"Fugui is interested in these too?" The King of the South asked curiously, "Are you eyeing a particular Divine Realm inheritance ground? Planning to bid for one for your Wang Clan?"

"No, I want them all." Wang Fugui said, biting into a spiritual fruit, speaking as if it were nothing.

"..." The King of the South was speechless.

Which family's Divine Realm inheritance grounds weren't accumulated over years? Didn't the Eastern Qian Kingdom's royal family only have eight Divine Realm inheritance grounds?

Don't be fooled by the seemingly large number of the Wei Clan's Divine Realm inheritance grounds; they were accumulated over ten thousand years. Losing even one would be painful, and selling three at once was already a significant blow, shaking their foundation.

Fugui's intention to take all three at once was truly bold.

What the King of the South didn't know was that the Changning Wang's Clan had a genuine shortage of Divine Realm inheritance grounds.

With geniuses and prodigies gathering at home, it was certainly a good thing on the surface, but without enough Divine Realm inheritance grounds, it would inevitably hinder the cultivation of the clan members.

Wang Fugui was well aware of Ancestor Grandfather's concerns in this regard. As the most cherished descendant of Ancestor Grandfather and the new generation heir of the family, Fugui felt it was his duty to alleviate the family's worries.

Another half month passed.

At the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion, located in the most prosperous area of the Immortal City, a temporary auction was held today.

The Northern Territory King and the King of the South, accompanied by Wang Fugui and Yun Mengyu, entered a luxurious private box to await the auction.

This was a high-end auction, requiring at least the core figures of fourth-grade families to participate. Those qualified to sit in private boxes had to be at least in the Divine Realm, and those in the luxurious boxes were all big shots.

Soon, various distinguished guests and big shots arrived one after another.

The host of this auction was none other than the Third Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, True Lord of Three Treasures.

Seeing that everyone who should be there had arrived, he began the auction with a calm demeanor, "Distinguished guests, you must already know that this auction is a temporary one, with most of the items coming from the Jing'an Wei Clan. Let's start with the first Divine Spirit Artifact."

"This is a dagger-type Divine Spirit Artifact, named 'Shadow'... The starting bid is two million two hundred thousand immortal crystals, with each bid not less than fifty thousand immortal crystals."

"Two million two hundred fifty thousand."

"Two million three hundred fifty thousand!"

With each bid, the price quickly rose to two million eight hundred thousand, and then the bidding slowed down.

"Three million two hundred thousand!" Wang Fugui decisively raised his paddle, successfully acquiring "Shadow," adding a Divine Spirit Artifact to the family.

"The second item is the Divine Spirit Artifact [Butterfly Dance], a willow-leaf saber..."

"Three million five hundred thousand!"

After a round of competition, Wang Fugui once again secured the item.

The third item... the fourth item... the ninth item... the twelfth item!

All twelve Divine Spirit Artifacts were acquired by Wang Fugui with "abundant financial resources."

During this time, no one dared to deliberately inflate the prices. First, they couldn't gauge Wang Fugui's wealth, and second, sharing the same box with Wang Fugui were the Northern Territory King and the King of the South. Who would dare to cause trouble in front of these two?

However, Wang Fugui spent approximately fifty million immortal crystals for this.

"Next, we are auctioning a Divine Realm inheritance ground, the [Xuanhuang Hall], which is an inheritance ground for an earth-element true law." True Lord of Three Treasures introduced, "It currently has one opportunity left to inherit the true law. The starting bid is three million nine hundred thousand immortal crystals, with each bid not less than fifty thousand immortal crystals."

Because the Wei Clan had accepted the care of True Lord of Three Treasures, they had completely conceded this time and didn't dare to use energy-depleted Divine Realm inheritance grounds to deceive the Treasure Pavilion.

"Senior Three Treasures." Wang Fugui's voice was clear, "If I win this inheritance ground, how can it be transported back to Eastern Qian?"

"Young master, our Treasure Pavilion offers a service to dismantle inheritance grounds, with a fee of one million immortal crystals for dismantling and installation. For transportation to Eastern Qian, you can use Yao's Air Transport." True Lord of Three Treasures responded courteously.

"Alright, I'll bid five million immortal crystals." Wang Fugui offered a direct bid.

"What?"

This statement caused a stir at the Treasure Pavilion auction site.

A legitimate inheritance ground's final transaction price was indeed around this figure, but no one would directly bid five million in one go, right?

In a normal auction, wouldn't people bid cautiously, trying to get it for a bit less if possible, even if it was just fifty thousand less? After all, this was spending their own family's money.

Who bids like this?

Wasn't your immortal crystal blown in by the wind?

……