After Master Jin Ping was taken away, Patriarch Li and Manager Lian faced each other to deal with the aftermath.
She bowed ninety degrees to express her sincerity.
"Patriarch Li, I apologize for all the trouble you had to go through because of my negligence."
Though Li Lei still treated her with aloofness, he nodded his head to acknowledge her apology.
"Mere words are not enough, Manager Lian. My brother lost precious three months while trying to practice according to that defective manual. You need to compensate him."
Taken aback by his angry words, Lian Hua looked at him and smiled.
"Of course, Young Heir Li. Lotus Pavilion will refund the entire amount of the purchase to Li Family. We will also find the best High-Grade Technique and present it to the Second Young Master as our repentance."
Li Fan nodded in satisfaction. Patriarch Li was also pleased with her goodwill offering.
"I hope Lotus Pavilion keeps their word."
Li Lei cupped his fist and turned with a flair of his robes. Li Fan and Li Shen also cupped their fists and followed after their Patriarch.
Lian Hua's eyes followed the departing Li Family until they disappeared behind the crowd. She then scanned the crowd.
There were many people from various influences as well as commoners in the crowd gathered here. The Lotus Pavilion had lost its trust because of Master Jin Ping. She took a deep breath and came to a decision.
"I would like to apologize to all of you for whatever troubles you had to endure because of our ex-employee. In the wake of today's events, the Lotus Pavilion will be closed for internal restructuring. When we reopen, we hope to be the premier destination for all of you."
She bowed to the crowd and mouthed 'Thank You' to Ikasa. Then she took her people and left the scene.
Xin Ruo noticed her actions. Befuddled, she asked Ikasa.
"Did she just say thank you?"
Ikasa was equally confused by the Thank You.
"Maybe she is grateful that I exposed Master Jin Ping?"
Even he didn't believe what he said. But there was no other explanation. His attention was quickly drawn to the crowd gathered around his store. A thought passed through his mind.
'A Businessman never lets go of a single opportunity to earn money and advertise his product. If so, where would I find such a crowd for free?'
He attracted everyone's attention.
"Everyone! We defeated Old Man Jin Ping only because we were united! When we come together, many things out of our reach become accessible.
I know, for many of you, 100 Gold is a large sum. That's why you can get a chance to cultivate at a price as low as 10 Gold!
I present to you, the hundred-use Cultivation Manual! One of these manuals can be used by a Hundred people to instantly step into Path Forging Realm. And its cost? Only 1000 Gold!"
He finished the advertisement and looked at the hundreds of eyes glimmering with hope. On every head, he imagined a '+1', and it made him giddy with joy.
While he was happily counting his unhatched chickens, Xin Ruo arrived and added a sentence to his spiel.
"Even Commander Du has placed an order. What are you waiting for? Go, find yourself 99 other partners!"
That single sentence had much more persuading power than anything Ikasa could say to convince these people. Moment Xin Ruo uttered 'Commander Du', people frantically started searching for partners.
'This is like getting a Celebrity endorsement; That too, for free!'
He saw people forming groups and parties. Excitement was clear in their eyes as they searched for their acquaintances, friends, or even relatives in the crowd.
"Chu Feng, You are here too! Come, join our group."
"Ma Peng, don't you want a manual for your younger sister? Join us so we can all save money."
As more and more people started roping in people, he could clearly distinguish between the organized sector like Adventure groups and Mercenary organizations and the unorganized ordinary citizens.
"We already have 30 people. Need 70 more! Only those who can pay upfront should apply."
Mercenary groups and adventurers had already formed a system, and they quickly adapted and created Manual Sharing Parties. It was the commoners who were struggling to come together.
"I only have seven gold and need one place. Old Ba, can't I pay you the three gold coins later?"
"We already decided everyone pays for their own spot. So, why do we have to pay for Bu Fang's spot as well?"
"Hey, do you know anyone who would join our group? We still need 80 people."
Such scenes occurred in most of the groups formed by the ordinary peasants.
While watching, the two realized that Commoners were only teaming up with people they knew. Thus, they weren't able to gather enough people to form a group of a Hundred.
"Maybe, we should sell a single chance per person to commoners through our store. That way, they won't have to go through the trouble of finding groups to join."
Xin Ruo suggested. Ikasa agreed wholeheartedly with her observation.
"As soon as we deliver the Commander Du's goods, we will be considered City Lord's people. Then even if those from aristocracy come, we can make them follow the rules of our store."
Ikasa and Xin Ruo shared a grin. They waited for the first group to come and place their order. At this point, the crowd had thinned considerably, and it was getting harder to find suitable partners.
"By the way, what are the terms of our agreement with Commander Du?"
While Ikasa went out to deal with Master Jin Ping, Xin Ruo introduced Commander Du to their techniques. At first, Commander Du wanted to step out and lend Ikasa a helping hand.
However, when he realized that Lotus Pavilion and Li Family were also involved in the matter, he decided to stay in and talk terms of sale with her.
"We have received a large order. One Hundred-Use Cultivation manuals and two Hundred-Use Battle Technique Manuals. Commander Du even generously offered us 10% higher than the market price for priority privilege. Until…"
She looked at Ikasa with accusatory eyes.