Although the items here were of low grade and not the best quality, they were incredibly cheap—so cheap that even the most tight-fisted cultivators could afford to pick up a small bottle of Rejuvenation Pills and casually say, "Give me two bottles!"
No. 1 Street had only about twenty shops, but for those cultivators who hadn't had a proper market experience in a long time, this was already a treasure trove, full of things to explore.
Today was the official grand opening of No. 1 Street in the commercial district, and business was booming. The sight of this made many sects and royal families envious.
In fact, several high-ranking members of sects who had traveled from afar were intrigued when they saw the "For Lease" signs on some of the unused shops in the unopened parts of the commercial district.
Following the directions on the signs, they made their way to Xiushui City's Trade Affairs Center to inquire about leasing a shop.
When they heard that the first year's rent was free, many of them immediately decided that their sect would take ten shops!
However, Han Weishu, one of the officials responsible for shop rentals, had to clarify, "Each sect is limited to one shop, and you must confirm your shop's business focus and ensure a stable supply of goods."
With more than twenty shops already in preliminary cooperation, the commercial district framework was now stable. The Trade Affairs Center had set some requirements for future shop rentals. Although rent was still free, unlike the initial twenty shops, there were now conditions attached to leasing.
The high-ranking sect members didn't find these requirements unreasonable and immediately agreed, saying they would return to their sects to bring out their stock to fill the shops.
The function of these twenty or so shops was becoming increasingly evident.
With the successful opening of these shops and the variety of goods they displayed, others began to realize that many items stored in their sects' warehouses could now be taken out and exchanged for spirit stones. After all, in case of an emergency, they could always find substitutes in other stores.
As a result, spirit stones and goods began to flow, and no one hesitated to put their stock on the market.
Han Weishu told them that as long as their goods met the Trade Affairs Center's minimum requirements, they could secure a rent-free shop. She even presented them with the center's inventory list, informing them that the center also had a stable supply of goods.
The high-ranking sect members took one look at the extensive list and were amazed! If the inventory was that large, they had no reason to worry about running out of goods, even if they emptied their own warehouses.
"Our Trade Affairs Center has stable supplies, and you can preorder items in bulk. If you're interested, feel free to consult the External Trade Office next door," Han Weishu kindly suggested.
Hearing this, the sect leaders were a bit overwhelmed.
Not only did this place offer free shops, but it also provided affordable goods and bought items in bulk? If they put in the effort to produce goods, wouldn't it be just like receiving free spirit stones?
Their excitement mirrored the reaction of those sects and royal families who had first discovered these opportunities after the recent auction—they were ecstatic.
"Is this really true?"
"Of course it's true. If you don't believe me, ask Chixiao Sect or Luoshen Mountain," Han Weishu replied, casually naming two well-known sects. She silently marveled at how these sects, who had already benefited from Xiushui City's business district, were enthusiastic about spreading the word, yet secretive about how profitable the trade really was.
With this confirmation, the sect leaders had no more doubts. Seeing Chixiao Sect and Luoshen Mountain running successful shops on No. 1 Street made everything clear. They finally understood why these sects hadn't shared the benefits of Xiushui City's trade center—it was too good to reveal. If they were in the same position, they'd keep it quiet too.
Time was of the essence, and they all quickly left to arrange for the transport of goods. Then they rushed to the External Trade Office next door.
Li Zhouxuan, along with two assistants, had just finished dealing with a large group of clients and were hoping for a short break. But seeing the new crowd of sect leaders rushing in, they immediately straightened up, ready for the next round of work.
Meanwhile, many cultivators who had enjoyed exploring the commercial district also noticed the agricultural district next door.
They weren't sure what was sold there, and some, thinking it was just ordinary farm products, left without much interest. However, many others, driven by curiosity, decided to take a look.
Once there, they couldn't help but linger.
The spiritual fruits on the stalls smelled incredibly sweet!
The spiritual grains, too—why did they look so much plumper and more vibrant than what they grew in their own sect's fields? How could they be so full of spiritual energy?
Some cultivators couldn't resist and bought a spiritual fruit to taste it…
On the first day of the second month, Xiushui City made a big impression once again on the entire mortal realm with its unique offerings.
Many people had thought they had seen all that Xiushui City had to offer. But in the afternoon, a city-wide announcement was made—a piece of news that shook the low-level cultivators.
That night, Xiushui City would host a small auction in Underground Hall No. 5, with items specifically suited for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators.
However, the auction would have limited seating, with only 100 spots available, and registration would take place immediately at the Trade Affairs Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
As soon as the announcement ended, the entire city broke out into a massive race.
Of course, Foundation Establishment cultivators had an advantage, but not by much.
That was because most Foundation Establishment cultivators didn't even know where the Trade Affairs Center was and had to stop and ask for directions.
In contrast, many of the Qi Refining cultivators were rogue cultivators who had recently settled in Xiushui City. After moving in, the first thing they did was familiarize themselves with the city's layout and key locations, including the Trade Affairs Center.
Many of these Qi Refining cultivators didn't even bother running. Instead, they paid a single copper coin to take the public carriage straight to the center.
The carriage was much faster than running on foot.
This race between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators ultimately saw the Qi Refining rogue cultivators winning the majority of the auction spots due to their familiarity with Xiushui City.
But even those who didn't secure a spot weren't too disappointed. Another announcement soon followed, stating that small auctions would be held every month from now on.
Relieved by this news, the cultivators who didn't make the cut left, but many of them were already considering staying in Xiushui City for another month to attend the next auction.
Today was undoubtedly an unforgettable day for all the cultivators who came to Xiushui City.