Ethan arrived at the imposing gates of Black Rock City, the largest city near Rong and one of the most important commercial hubs in the region. Its name was no mere coincidence; the city had been built almost entirely from black rock, a special mineral extracted from the nearby Dark Mountains. Its resilience and unique dark hue gave it an imposing, almost oppressive air.
As the main city of the area, the flow of traffic was constant. Caravans of merchants entered and exited without rest, transporting exotic goods and raw materials. Among the crowd, figures dressed in adorned robes and carrying refined swords could occasionally be seen. Their presence was impossible to ignore. They walked with an elevated bearing, looking down on common passersby with disdain. They were immortal cultivators.
Thanks to its proximity to the Dark Mountains, Black Rock City had become a key gathering point for cultivators. Independents, heirs of prestigious families, and even disciples of great sects came to this place to hunt spiritual beasts and gain experience. Its flourishing market attracted not only immortals but also mortals.
The stone walls, dark as coal, rose imposingly, reaching dozens of meters in height. Marked by burns and deep scratches, they seemed to tell stories of past battles.
Crossing the city's massive gates, what appeared before their eyes was a grand landscape, as if they had stepped into a completely different world. The buildings, though not particularly tall, were built entirely of black rock, giving the city the appearance of an imposing fortress. The wide, bustling streets were filled with activity, with carriages moving through the crowd of merchants and passersby.
"Master, where should we head first?" Zhao Ren asked, observing the surroundings with evident nervousness. After all, it was his first time setting foot in a city dominated by cultivators.
"We need to find a place to stay first. After that, we need to change," Ethan ordered while looking out of the carriage window, evaluating the options around him.
After checking into an inn, the three headed to a clothing shop and changed into gray hooded tunics with simple masks. They did not stand out too much; in a city of cultivators, it was common for some people to conceal their identities for various reasons. Whether to avoid trouble, conduct discreet business, or simply maintain an air of mystery, hooded robes did not attract attention at all.
With their new attire, they walked firmly through the bustling streets of Black Rock City until they reached their destination: the Blue Lotus Chamber of Commerce. Ethan had already gathered information before his journey and knew that this was the most influential mercantile organization in the region. They controlled the flow of high-value goods, and their shops were spread across multiple cities. If he wanted to introduce his Dragon's Breath liquor into the market, doing so through them would be the best option.
The Blue Lotus Chamber of Commerce was a large building with an imposing yet elegant design. Its dark stone walls were decorated with intricate blue carvings depicting intertwined dragons and phoenixes. Two guards in light plate armor, their spears adorned with red tassels, stood at the entrance. They did not seem like mere mortals; their cultivation was at least high enough to deter any troublemakers.
Ethan and his companions entered without any issues. The lobby was spacious and luxurious, with polished marble floors and columns adorned with blue inscriptions. A few well-dressed individuals conversed in hushed tones, while attendants moved diligently, tending to the visitors.
A young assistant quickly approached them and offered a slight bow.
"Welcome to the Blue Lotus Chamber of Commerce. How may I assist you?"
Ethan responded calmly:
"I would like to meet with the manager of this branch to discuss a potential business deal. I have a product that may interest you."
The assistant examined them for a moment before nodding.
"Please, follow me."
He led them to a private room on the second floor, where a middle-aged man was reviewing some documents. His demeanor was imposing, exuding a natural aura of authority. He wore a fine silk robe embroidered with golden threads, and his sharp gaze reflected extensive business experience. There was no doubt—he was the branch manager.
Standing gracefully beside him was a young woman of refined beauty. Her sky-blue robe accentuated her slender figure, while her long dark hair was adorned with jade hairpins. Her amber eyes gleamed with intelligence and subtle curiosity.
The assistant quickly whispered a few words to the manager. He nodded calmly and gestured for them to take a seat.
"I am Lan Tianhua, manager of the Blue Lotus Chamber of Commerce in Black Rock City," he introduced himself in a polite yet devoid-of-unnecessary-cordiality tone.
Ethan slightly inclined his head in acknowledgment before sitting down. Without needing instructions, Shen Bao stepped forward with a wooden box, placing it on the table with precise movements. Upon opening it, he revealed an elegant matte black bottle adorned with intricate silver carvings of dragons and lotus flowers. Beside it, two small porcelain cups completed the set.
"This is Dragon's Breath, a specially crafted liquor. Similar to wine, but with a more... intense character. I am looking for a commercial partner for its distribution."
Lan Tianhua raised an eyebrow with slight interest, taking the bottle and running his fingers over its surface with the same attention a jeweler would give to a rare gemstone.
"The presentation is refined… But the essence lies in the quality of the product."
Ethan did not respond immediately. He took the bottle and filled both cups. The liquor emitted a strong, penetrating aroma that seemed to bite the air with its intensity. The young woman behind Lan Tianhua slightly furrowed her brow as she caught the scent, a spark of curiosity flashing through her gaze.
Lan Tianhua raised the cup and took a sip. He showed no emotion, but a quick glint in his eyes betrayed something more. He lowered the cup slowly, exhaling deeply as he felt the burning sensation spread through his throat and chest.
"Interesting... It starts off smooth but unleashes a searing punch that almost takes your breath away. The aftertaste is strong, lingering, and warms like a living flame." He paused, observing the liquor in the cup.
Ethan held his gaze without changing his expression.
Lan Tianhua drummed his fingers on the table in a slow rhythm, as if measuring Ethan's reaction.
"A product like this is certainly appealing. But introducing something new to the market is no simple task. What is your production capacity?"
"Enough to assess the market without risks. I am willing to offer an exclusive distribution agreement within Black Rock City, with the possibility of expansion based on demand."
Lan Tianhua gave the faintest of smiles, as if evaluating something beyond Ethan's words.
"Ambitious, yet reasonable. We will need a formal agreement and to test the market's reception."
"We could start with a trial batch," Ethan proposed without hesitation. "If the demand is favorable, we can renegotiate the agreement on a larger scale."
Lan Tianhua held the cup between his fingers, slowly rotating it before nodding.
"I like your attitude. If Dragon's Breath proves its worth, we won't just distribute it in the city… perhaps we can take it to other branches as well."
With the agreement sealed, Ethan stood up calmly. The first step was taken. Now, all that remained was to await the market's response. And perhaps, to see just how far Lan Tianhua's interest truly went.
----
After watching the people leave the study, the young woman who had remained silent throughout the conversation finally spoke.
"Father, are you sure about accepting that deal?" Lan Yueqing asked with doubt, her melodious voice tinged with skepticism. "It seemed like a mortal product, without even a trace of spiritual energy."
Lan Tianhua let out a faint smile, as if he had expected that reaction from his daughter. He leaned back in his seat and picked up the matte black bottle that Ethan had left on the table.
"Yueqing, tell me… what was the first thing you noticed about that young man?"
The young woman slightly furrowed her brow, mentally reviewing the encounter.
"He was calm. Even in front of you, his demeanor showed neither nervousness nor submission. He seemed confident, but not arrogant. And he wore no emblem of known clans or any sect markings."
Lan Tianhua nodded, pleased with her observation.
"Exactly. He is not just any merchant, nor a noble accustomed to squandering his family's fortune. He did not waver when discussing business, and each of his responses was precise and calculated. He did not try to impress us with empty words or force us into accepting. Rather, he acted as if he already knew we would be interested."
Lan Yueqing pondered his words, but her skepticism remained.
"Even so, this liquor is ordinary. Without spiritual ingredients, it has no value in the cultivation world."
Lan Tianhua let out a light chuckle.
"Do you really think that?"
Under his inquisitive gaze, he poured a small amount of liquor into a glass and held it up to the light.
"Observe. Its color is clear and uniform, without impurities. The aroma… intoxicating, yet not overwhelming. And as for the taste…" He took a small sip, closing his eyes momentarily before exhaling. "Smooth, with a pleasant burn that spreads through the body."
Lan Yueqing crossed her arms, still doubtful.
Lan Tianhua set the glass down on the table and looked at her patiently.
"If this product is improved with spiritual ingredients, it could become a coveted rarity. Something that low- and mid-level cultivators would desire. Remember, most spiritual elixirs and liquors are either too expensive or too potent for daily consumption. Not everyone can afford a cup of celestial nectar or golden wine from the Bai clan."
Lan Yueqing parted her lips to respond but hesitated. Her father was right. There was a significant gap in the market for beverages aimed at lower-level cultivators.
"If we manage to improve its formula…"
"It could become a lucrative business," Lan Tianhua concluded. "And if the product gains a reputation in the city, it will strengthen our position in the market."
His voice grew lower, more calculating.
"Moreover… this is not just a commercial matter."
Lan Yueqing felt a slight chill.
"Are you referring to the Patriarch's succession?"
Lan Tianhua narrowed his eyes.
"The Patriarch, has ruled wisely for decades. But the Lan family needs to renew itself, to expand beyond traditional businesses. If this liquor proves to be a real opportunity, it could give me a strategic advantage in the dispute for his succession."
Lan Yueqing then understood the magnitude of what was at stake. It was not just liquor. It was a bargaining chip in the complex family politics. She looked at the bottle on the table with a newfound spark of interest. Perhaps this liquor was not so ordinary after all.