"These are the items you requested, honoured guest," Manager Hong said, her voice only slightly strained as she gestured to the trays with a graceful hand.
"Allow me to explain each one and offer some suggestions for your consideration."
Manager Hong shifted uncomfortably in her seat, then gestured to the first tray where several jade boxes were neatly arranged.
"Let us begin with the spirit rice seeds you requested." Her fingers moved with practiced grace as she opened the first jade box, revealing green-hued grains that seemed to shimmer with internal light.
"This is Tier-1 Jade Spirit Rice, the most common variety cultivated throughout the region. Each grain contains basic spiritual energy suitable for Qi Refining cultivators' daily consumption."
She held up one of the lustrous green grains between her delicate fingers, tilting it so the light caught its surface.
"The yield is excellent approximately 300 to 400 jin per mu of land with proper care and adequate spiritual soil. Under optimal conditions with spirit formations and careful tending, yields can reach even higher."
I nodded.
She opened a second box containing slightly larger, more lustrous grains with a faint blue tinge that seemed to swirl like trapped clouds.
"This is Tier-2 Azure Cloud Rice. Each grain contains dense spiritual energy that far surpasses ordinary Tier-1 varieties one bowl provides as much nourishment as three bowls of Jade Spirit Rice, making it ideal for Foundation Establishment cultivators."
Manager Hong's voice carried genuine appreciation as she continued, clearly knowledgeable about her products.
"The yield is approximately 250 to 300 jin per mu, though each grain is worth significantly more due to its concentrated spiritual potency and the difficulty in cultivation."
Then she opened a third box containing deep crimson grains that seemed to pulse with vitality and a faint warmth even through the jade container.
"And this is Tier-2 Vermillion Blood Rice a specialty variety for body cultivation. Each grain is infused with blood qi and yang energy, specifically nourishing muscles, bones, and physical constitution."
She handled these with extra care, as if aware of their precious nature.
"The yield is modest at 150 to 250 jin per mu due to its demanding growth requirements, but it's highly sought after by body refinement practitioners and martial cultivators. Many would pay premium prices just for a few jin of this rice. But the supply is always in low"
I leaned forward slightly, my gaze fixed on her face rather than the rice. "And the prices, Manager Hong?"
A faint blush crept up her neck at my intense stare, but she maintained her professional demeanour admirably.
"The Tier-1 Jade Spirit Rice seeds are priced at eight spirit stones per jin." She paused, glancing at me to gauge my reaction. "For the Tier-2 Azure Cloud Rice, the price is fifty spirit stones per jin."
She gestured to the third box with the crimson grains, her fingers trembling slightly whether from my attention or the rice's yang energy, I couldn't tell.
"The Tier-2 Vermillion Blood Rice seeds are sixty spirit stones per jin due to their specialized cultivation requirements and higher demand among body cultivation practitioners."
'So its original cost was 60 but senior Wu sold me that one pound for such a low price knowing about my situation. I owe him a favour'
"And the seed condensation methods?" I prompted, leaning back again.
Manager Hong reached for a jade slip on the tray, her movements causing her to wince slightly as she shifted her weight. The discomfort in her expression was fleeting but unmistakable.
I smiled behind my mask. Still feeling that, aren't you? Those red handprints must be quite vivid by now.
"The Tier-1 seed condensation method costs three hundred spirit stones," she explained, her cheeks still carrying that delightful rosy hue. "It covers proper seed selection, storage techniques, and methods to preserve the seeds' spiritual potency across generations."
She set down the first jade slip and picked up another, this one with more complex inscriptions.
"However, the Tier-2 seed condensation method costs twelve hundred spirit stones. It includes not only preservation techniques but also methods for enhancing seed quality, Cultivation and Storage methods."
She set down the jade slip and moved to the second tray, where several thick manuals bound in spirit beast leather rested. Each one looked ancient and well-maintained, their covers inscribed with protective formations.
"Now, regarding the legacies you requested." Her voice grew more confident as she fell deeper into her sales pitch, the professional mask settling more firmly over her earlier embarrassment.
"We have a comprehensive Tier-2 Spirit Farming Legacy compiled by Master Chen Baihu, a renowned agricultural cultivator who spent sixty years perfecting sustainable spirit plant cultivation."
She opened the manual carefully, revealing pages filled with detailed diagrams, cultivation charts, and dense text written in elegant calligraphy.
"This legacy covers everything from soil preparation and spiritual energy circulation in farmland to advanced grafting techniques and elemental balancing for different plant types."
Her fingers traced the diagrams as she spoke, showing me illustrations of root systems, energy flow patterns, and seasonal cycles.
"It also includes catalogue for all known Tier-1 and Tier-2 spirit plants and pest management techniques."
I raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. "Quite comprehensive. And the price?"
"Two thousand five hundred spirit stones," she said without hesitation, meeting my eyes directly. "It's one of our premium offerings. Master Chen's work is considered foundational reading for any serious spirit farmer."
Steep, but if it's as thorough as she claims, it could be worth every stone..
Manager Hong then picked up a smaller, more elegant manual with silver inscriptions on its cover that seemed to shimmer with alchemical energy.
"For the Tier-1 Alchemist Legacy, we offer the 'Foundation of Ten Thousand Pills' compiled by Alchemist Wen Yaoshi.
This legacy is perfect for beginners and includes the theoretical foundations of alchemy, fire control techniques, and detailed instructions for refining twenty-three different Tier-1 pills."
She opened it to show me illustrated pages depicting cauldrons of various designs, flame patterns in different colors and intensities, and meticulous ingredient preparation methods.
"The associated pill formulas include essential medicines such as Qi Gathering Pills, Healing Pills, Detoxification Pills, Spirit Restoration Pills, Beauty Pills, and Body Tempering Pills, among others."
Her enthusiasm was genuine now, clearly passionate about the quality of the products she sold.
"Each formula has been tested and refined over generations. Alchemist Wen's methods are known for their high success rates even for novice refiners, and the pills produced are of consistent quality."
"Price?" I asked, though I kept my eyes on her face, watching the way she bit her lower lip nervously when she noticed my attention hadn't wavered from her.
She's trying so hard to stay professional. It's adorable.
"Twelve thousand eight hundred spirit stones for the complete legacy and all twenty-three pill formulas," she replied, her voice wavering slightly under my gaze.
That's significant, I noted. But pill formulas are jealously guarded secrets. Having access to twenty-three different recipes could establish a foundation for an entire alchemical career.
I nodded slowly, letting my approval show. "Continue, Manager Hong. You're doing wonderfully." My tone was deliberately ambiguous was I praising her sales pitch or something else entirely?
Her blush deepened, spreading down to her collarbones. Does she realize how appealing she looks when flustered?
But she pressed on, moving to the third tray where several metallic plates inscribed with complex formation patterns lay arranged in neat rows.
"The defensive formation array plates you requested." She picked up one carefully, its surface covered in intricate runic patterns that seemed to shift and pulse in the light. "This is a Tier-1 Earth Spike Formation plate. When activated, it creates a defensive perimeter that summons earth spikes from the ground to impale intruders."
She traced a finger along the inscriptions. I couldn't help but admire how her slender fingers followed the complex patterns with practiced familiarity.
Then she looked up at me while still holding the array plate, a hint of mischief flickering in her eyes despite her embarrassment.
"This is one of our best-selling defensive items," she said, her voice taking on a slightly pointed tone. "It's particularly effective against those who might intrude where they're not welcome... or harbor inappropriate thoughts about the property owner."
Her eyes met mine meaningfully, and I caught the subtle threat behind her words.
Oh? Is that a warning, Manager Hong?
I just gave her a smile with my eyes, the corners crinkling with amusement behind my mask.
I know exactly what you're thinking. You want me to get pierced by those earth spikes for what I did earlier. But we both know who will really ended up getting 'penetrated' by something, don't we?
The double meaning hung in the air between us, and her blush returned with a vengeance.
"This formation covers an area of approximately one to twenty zhang in diameter and can be triggered either manually or through detection arrays," she continued quickly, looking away from my knowing gaze. "It's effective against Qi Refining cultivators up to the ninth layer and can even slow down early Foundation Establishment cultivators for some time."
Twenty zhang radius... that's substantial coverage for a Tier-1 formation, I calculated. Good for protecting a decent-sized compound or farmland.
"Impressive," I murmured. "And the cost?"
"Six hundred spirit stones per plate," she said, regaining some composure. "You requested two, so that would be one thousand two hundred spirit stones total."
I nodded thoughtfully. "And the Illusion Mist formation?"
Manager Hong set down the Earth Spike plate and picked up another, this one with more flowing, ethereal patterns that seemed to drift like smoke across its surface.
"The Tier-1 Illusion Mist Formation creates a disorienting fog that confuses intruders' senses and spiritual perception. It covers approximately one to thirty zhang in diameter and can maintain itself for up to two days on a single spirit stone as fuel when used at three zhang coverage."
She looked up at me, her professional mask firmly in place despite the lingering embarrassment in her eyes.
"This formation is particularly effective when combined with the Earth Spike Formation the mist hides the spikes until it's too late to dodge. Many of our clients purchase them together for exactly that reason."
Smart woman, I thought with genuine admiration. She's upselling even while squirming on a sore ass. That's dedication to the craft.
"Well reasoned, Manager Hong," I said with an approving nod. "You certainly know how to... handle your clients."
The double meaning wasn't lost on her. She shot me a quick glare before recovering her composure.
"The Illusion Mist Formation plate is priced at eight hundred spirit stones," she continued, determinedly ignoring my innuendo.
Then she added, as if feeling obligated to be thorough, "Just know that increasing the area covered by the array plate also increases the spirit stone consumption significantly. What might last three days at 4 zhang could be depleted in one day if expanded to 10 zhang."
Honest advice, even when it might discourage a sale.
I nodded.
"Do you have," I said, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees, bringing my attention fully to bear on her, "the Tier-2 spirit-gathering formation plates suitable for plant cultivation."
Manager Hong hesitated, and I caught a flicker of uncertainty in her expression the first genuine reluctance I'd seen in her sales pitch.
"We do carry Tier-2 Spirit-Gathering Formations," she began slowly, choosing her words carefully, "but I must be honest with you, honoured guest. They're quite expensive, and there are some limitations you should be aware of."
Fascinating. Most merchants would push the expensive item regardless of after sales issue but she was upright and honest about it.
"Explain," I said simply, curious to hear her reasoning.
She set down the formation plate and folded her hands in her lap then immediately shifted again with a barely suppressed wince as the movement reminded her of her tender backside.
I couldn't help but smirk behind my mask. "Uncomfortable, Manager Hong? Perhaps you should stand for this explanation."
Her eyes flashed with indignation, pride warring with discomfort. "I'm perfectly fine, thank you," she said through gritted teeth, refusing to show weakness.
Stubborn woman. I like that.
"If you say so." I gestured for her to continue, my tone magnanimous. "The limitations?"
Taking a calming breath that did interesting things to her chest, she explained, "Tier-2 Spirit-Gathering Formations are powerful enough to concentrate spiritual energy to levels comparable to small spirit veins.
However, they consume spiritual stones at an alarming rate approximately ten medium-grade spirit stones or one hundred low-grade spirit stones per week."
She paused to let that sink in, watching my reaction.
That's... substantial consumption, I acknowledged mentally. Five thousand low-grade stones..huhh.
"Additionally, while they can certainly benefit spirit plant cultivation by enriching the ambient spiritual energy, they're not specifically optimized for agricultural purposes but rather for cultivation practice."
She leaned forward slightly, her business acumen overriding her embarrassment.
"You might find better results using a Tier-1 Spirit Gathering Array combined with a Spirit Soil Nourishment Array and manual watering using spirit spring water or a Spirit Rain technique."
Then she added, almost as an afterthought, "If you let the Tier 1 spirit gathering array work at normal operation conditions, it will slowly gather and accumulate spiritual energy over time, which is also beneficial for the long-term enrichment of the land."
I studied her face, genuinely curious now. "And why are you telling me this? Wouldn't it be more profitable for you to simply sell me the expensive Tier-2 formation?"
Manager Hong met my gaze directly, and for a moment, I saw the calculating, intelligent businesswoman beneath the flustered, embarrassed facade.
"Because, honoured guest, I prefer to build long-term relationships with my clients rather than make a quick profit on a single bad sale."
Her voice was steady now, confident in her business philosophy.
"If you waste spirit stones on an inefficient formation and your crops fail, you won't return to do business with me again. But if I guide you to the right purchases and your endeavours succeed, you'll come back and you'll recommend me to others."
I nodded
She shifted once more, wincing slightly. "Besides, given our... earlier interaction... I have a feeling you'd come back to complain quite forcefully if I cheated you."
The way she said "complain" suggested she was thinking of something far more physical than words.
I laughed a genuine, surprised laugh that echoed in the room. "You're not wrong about that, Manager Hong. I do appreciate honesty. And I have creative ways of expressing displeasure."
She's learning quickly. Smart girl.
Leaning back, I considered her words seriously. "So what would you recommend instead?"
Her eyes lit up with professional enthusiasm that momentarily overshadowed her discomfort, her passion for her work shining through.
"If your primary goal is spirit plant cultivation, I would suggest the Tier-1 Spirit Soil Nourishment Array. It's specifically designed to enrich soil with balanced spiritual energy, prevent depletion, and maintain optimal growing conditions."
She gestured expressively, warming to her subject.
"It costs only four hundred spirit stones and consumes merely five low-grade spirit stones per month for normal operation. The array works by drawing earth-attribute spiritual energy and distributing it evenly through the soil, maintaining fertility indefinitely."
Then she moved to another formation plate, her enthusiasm growing.
"And to create a concentrated cultivation environment, I would recommend the Tier-1 Large Spirit Gathering Formation Array. It's designed to draw ambient spiritual energy from the surroundings and concentrate it within a designated area, typically covering three to five mu of land."
She held up the plate for my inspection, pointing out specific inscription patterns.
"The array creates conditions comparable to a minor spirit vein. It costs one thousand two hundred spirit stones and consumes approximately thirty low-grade spirit stones per month for continuous operation."
Manager Hong set down the plate and looked at me earnestly.
"Together, they'd cost you only sixteen hundred spirit stones total and provide better results for farming than a single Tier-2 Spirit-Gathering Formation that would cost five thousand spirit stones and drain your resources continuously."
She's good, I admitted internally. Really good. No wonder she's the manager here despite her young age. She combines product knowledge with genuine customer care.
"However," she continued, not wanting to limit my options, "if you still want the Tier-2 Spirit-Gathering Formation for other purposes perhaps for a cultivation chamber or to create a small training ground we do have them available. The price is three thousand spirit stones for a standard radius of five zhang."
Five zhang on Tier -2 for three thousand stones versus twenty zhang for twelve hundred stones on the Tier-1.
I calculated. Diminishing returns on area coverage but much higher energy concentration.
"I will take both tier 2 standard and tier one large"
"I also need a formation plate for purifying water in a small spirit fish pond," I added, thinking of future plans.
Her face brightened at the additional request. "Yes, we have a Tier-1 Water Purifying Formation which costs three hundred spirit stones. It can cover up to five zhang in radius and will continuously purify and spiritually enhance any water within its range."
She pulled out yet another formation plate, this one inscribed with flowing water patterns.
"It's perfect for spirit fish ponds, as it not only purifies but also infuses the water with gentle water-attribute spiritual energy that benefits aquatic spirit beasts. The consumption is minimal only three low-grade spirit stones per month."
I nodded slowly, genuinely considering her advice and feeling satisfied with the comprehensive explanations.
She's earned her commission today, that's for certain.
Professional, knowledgeable, and honest. A rare combination. A bit naughty I suppose.
"Your recommendations are sound, Manager Hong," I said finally. "I'll take your advice."