The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 433 - 551: Fang Hao Infiltrates the Celestial Commerce Guild

Chapter 551: Fang Hao Infiltrates the Celestial Commerce Guild

Moonwatch Tower’s lineup of spiritual wines was impressively diverse, covering every taste and price range imaginable. To fully take on his role as a brewmaster, Fang Chu had to ensure that he could reproduce each of these wines flawlessly. It wasn’t simply about following a recipe—it was about capturing the essence of each brew, understanding the subtle differences in aroma, flavor, and effect, and ensuring that the final product would satisfy even the most discerning patrons of Moonwatch Tower.

Steward Qiu had given him three to five years to study and master the recipes for all these wines. With Fang Chu’s skill, total immersion could have shortened the period to two years, perhaps even less. Yet, ever cautious and meticulous, Fang Chu chose a slower, steadier pace. Over four years, he studied each recipe in depth, conducting countless tests to ensure that every wine he brewed surpassed the standard level. By the end, he had gained an intimate understanding of every nuance, from flower selection to fermentation timing, from water quality to subtle modifications that could elevate a good brew to something extraordinary.

True to his word, Steward Qiu never doubted him. Once Fang Chu had proven that he could reliably produce all the wines Moonwatch Tower required, Qiu personally escorted him to the Tower for formal induction.

Fang Chu’s first impression was one of quiet satisfaction. Unlike the previous brewmaster, he didn’t meet with him directly; instead, he was introduced to a few branch managers and the staff responsible for delivering ingredients and collecting the finished wines. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

After understanding his duties in detail, Fang Chu could not help but marvel at how comfortable his new position was. First, the status and prestige were undeniable. Out of nearly a hundred brewmasters across Moonwatch Tower, he now held the title for Qingzhou—a position of significance and influence.

Second, the benefits were unmatched. Spiritual wine was the lifeblood of Moonwatch Tower. Brewmasters were given generous allowances and privileges, enough to support even a Saint King-tier cultivator comfortably.

A hidden perk particularly appealed to Fang Chu: any purchases made within Moonwatch Tower’s own establishments—be it wine, tea, or other services—came with a fifty percent discount. Qiu mentioned this casually, adding that most brewmasters frequented Moonwatch Tower’s pleasure houses and hinted that Fang Chu could enjoy them as he saw fit.

Third, beyond brewing, there was nothing else to manage. Fang Chu could remain largely invisible, stepping out only to submit his wines. For someone used to low-profile and solitary work, this arrangement was perfect.

Lastly, the workload was light. As long as the required volume of wine was produced to standard, the rest of the time was entirely free. The more skilled the brewmaster, the quicker the work could be completed, leaving vast swathes of time for personal pursuits or further mastery. For Fang Chu, who had once roamed freely in the Azure Dragon Secret Realm, this level of autonomy was almost indulgent.

"Had I known such a position existed, I would have come sooner," he thought privately, a faint smile touching his lips. But the comfort of his new role did not distract him from his true purpose. Fang Chu’s mission had always been about more than just brewing—it was a calculated path toward power and eventual revenge for the Fang family.

After explaining all aspects of the job, Qiu led him to an elegant courtyard, a residence designated only for senior Moonwatch Tower management.

"This will be your new home," Qiu said with a smile. "You’re entitled to the same privileges as our management staff."

The courtyard was spacious, suffused with spiritual energy, and among the most refined in Wolong City. The buildings were traditional yet practical, filled with all necessary furnishings, with several attendants ready to serve. Fang Chu could move in immediately, a bag in hand, and settle in.

"I should have come to Wolong City sooner," Fang Chu murmured, taking in the tranquil surroundings.

Qiu chuckled lightly. "Now is the perfect time."

With brief pleasantries exchanged, Qiu departed, leaving Fang Chu fully established as Moonwatch Tower’s brewmaster for Qingzhou. The Tower operated five establishments in the city—Moonwatch Wine House, Moonwatch Tea House, Moonwatch Inn, Moonwatch Restaurant, and the entertainment house known simply as Moonwatch. Each location, except the Tea House, required a constant supply of spiritual wines.

But with Fang Chu’s skill, the massive demand was no issue. Within three months, he had produced enough wine to supply all branches across ten continents for an entire year. Practically, this meant he only needed to work three months out of the year; the remaining nine months were his to use as he pleased.

Most of this free time was spent honing his craft further, preparing for the next brewmaster assessment, and strategizing for the challenge to become chief brewmaster. Every day spent refining his skills and experimenting with subtle improvements brought him closer to his ultimate goal.

Meanwhile, Fang Hao, working on a parallel track, had successfully infiltrated the Celestial Commerce Guild—a far more difficult task given the guild’s stringent standards. The guild was a powerhouse in the region, making entry a challenge reserved for the exceptionally talented or extraordinarily resourceful. Fortunately, Fang Hao possessed both.

Through careful planning and his impressive martial prowess, Fang Hao assumed a new identity and secured a position as a "Tribute Attendant" within the guild. These positions were reserved for individuals with either rare abilities or specialized skills, such as crafting, appraisal, or alchemy. Fang Hao’s combat skill made him a valuable asset.

The guild’s attendants were divided into three tiers: Heaven, Earth, and Human. Even among the elite, significant gaps existed between these tiers.

Heaven-tier attendants were pillars of the guild, indispensable and often possessing strength or talent comparable to the greatest masters.

Earth-tier attendants were the guild’s backbone and future, cultivated with extensive resources and training, and granted a high level of trust and responsibility.

Human-tier attendants were useful, but not critical, operating in a more conventional employment arrangement with monthly stipends and limited influence.

Fang Hao, initially joining as a Human-tier attendant, leveraged treasures and techniques brought from the Immortal Realm to accumulate sufficient contributions. Combining his talent and the guild’s resources, he eventually passed the evaluation to achieve Earth-tier status, gaining not only recognition but significant access to the guild’s inner workings.

This progression positioned him to gather intelligence, access valuable materials, and prepare for the pivotal steps that would eventually allow him to support Fang Chu’s broader plans.

Together, Fang Chu and Fang Hao were advancing their strategies on parallel fronts: one commanding the delicate art of brewing, the other infiltrating the financial and strategic heart of the Celestial Commerce Guild. Each move, each achievement, brought them closer to their ultimate objectives—the restoration and revenge of the Fang family, executed with precision and patience.