It had been a full seven days with a new episode being released each day, and Jade Dynasty was quickly becoming popular among the pod cafe guests. When Fang Shi looked at the daily business report, he saw that visitors would watch the new episode first before going to their favored activity. Also, the customers would start practicing the methods, techniques, and spells with some success.
Thanks to the rapid growth in popularity of the pod cafe, Fang Shi had purchased more light screen and placed them around the property. Now, other customers who were shopping would see trailers for Monster Slayer, Team Battle Arena, Jade Dynasty, Fairy and Sword, and teasers for the upcoming film 'The Duel'. If one of those trailers weren't being shown, a saved recording of someone's session that had been edited to keep spoilers out could also been seen.
When Fang Shi purchased 'The Duel', he had contemplated show the original version, it after looking through the average level of the customers who came to the shop, he instead paid to increase the level of the movie to the late Qi Gathering realm. After viewing the film privately after the change, he was satisfied because he felt it still displayed two masters in combat. What he hoped to accomplish was to inspire his visitors to not only learn methods, techniques, and spells, but also gain a higher mastery of them. In this world, strength was king, so cultivators would try to increase their levels as fast as safely possible (most of the time). Fang Shi wanted them to realize that investing more time into other practices not only strengthened their foundation, but could also increase their comprehension of themselves.
If he set the level of the cultivators of the movie at the Foundation Establishment realm, it might be too profound for most the core audience. Fortunately, he felt he made the correct decision when he would walk through the different halls and hear the conversations about the upcoming film.
Meanwhile on the same day, several people were meeting together. Mayor Chen and a retinue from the eight families and the sect leadership of the three sects of Blue Moon city just arrived at the arranged meeting location, and it didn't take long for the mayor to sense his expected guests to arrive.
To the mayor's surprise, he sensed more people than expected and felt that the additional people were at realms above his own. He quickly sent a message mentally to all the cultivators standing next to him.
'The leaders of the top forces have arrived', he instructed them, 'This is unexpected, but remember your courtesies. Once you finish your greeting, don't speak unless spoken too.'
This sent a shock through all the young cultivators but they nodded before kneeling down a moment before Mayor Chen and the leaders of the three sects knelt down.
"We welcome the masters of the Profound Sword and Azure River sects", the mayor led the group in greeting to new arrivals.
"Please everyone stand", a man said before he turned to his right, "Sect Master Yun, I didn't expect you to see you today."
A beautiful woman in azure robes responded, "I could say the same, Sect master Liang. To what should I attribute today's meeting?"
"Elder Jian was coming to investigate if anything new arrived at the Heaven & Earth pavilion", Sect master Liang chuckled, "Those new cultivation artifacts have been amazing, and I was also curious if there was a way to safely install more into our cultivation room."
"I had a similar purpose", Sect master Yun laughed, "But we are intruding on Elder Chen's city, shall we continue this discussion at the pavilion?"
Sect master Liang was about to accept when another voice suddenly could be heard, "I haven't seen you two in a very long time, do you mind the company of one more?"
The two sect masters turned around to see the flying ship of the Rui family, and after checking, sensed the Rui family ancestor on board.
"Rui Xiansheng, have you finally gotten tired of your mansion and decided to wander outside?", Sect master Liang laughed.
"Hmph!", Rui Xiansheng huffed, "I only came because my son described such an improbable place that I had to see it for myself."
The flying ship disappeared as it was stored leaving an old man, Rui Zhong, Rui Lan, and the family servants standing behind the first three.
"Welcome to the Rui Ancestor", Mayor Chen quickly adapted to another unexpected visitor.
"Ah, young Chen", Rui Xiansheng replied, "Sorry for not notifying you beforehand, either way, let's all go together."
Mayor Chen wanted to curse, but he did his best to smile as he moved towards the Heaven & Earth pavilion. The group advanced with the mayor leading the three Nascent Soul realm cultivators, followed by Rui Zhang and Rui Lan and the sect masters of the three 3rd order sects: Sect masters Feng Guo, Hua Lian, and Tie Han. The elders of the different sects politely spoke to each other in the rear of the group as the servants of the Rui family went to arrange a courtyard for the ancestor.
Soon, everyone arrived and entered through the pavilion's gate, but before the mayor could lead them inside, the three Nascent Souls had stopped.
"This place", Liang Tian looked around, "It's very odd, when I came here I had already decided I wouldn't stay for long. The 3rd class spiritual vein would be affected by my presence, but just standing here I feel comfortable."
Yun Qian nodded in agreement, "I definitely checked, there isn't a powerful vein here but as you've said, I could stay here without worrying about my realm decreasing."
"Zhong'er", Rui Xiansheng called his son, "It appears your judgement was correct. Whoever's managing this place is definitely a mysterious and powerful backer."
"Father, let's head inside", Rui Zhong suggested, "I should say now that the owner has a habit of changing things around, so anything I told you before might no longer be true."
Everyone walked inside, and immediately started looking at what goods were available. Earlier, when they stood outside, they tried using their senses to learn more only for their senses to be blocked. Several groups were made as cultivators of the same realm split off to investigate on their own with the exception of the Nascent Souls asking Mayor Chen to stay with them. The Nascent Souls noticed the 2nd order spiritual plants and herbs on display, and went to inspect them when they saw a signs by each one. After reading each one, their mind reeled, every stalk, leaf, or blossom was of the highest quality. Also there was a separate section labeled premium, that held a very small amount of the same types of plants except the descriptions included additional benefits a cultivator would receive.
All three Nascent souls wanted to immediately buy, but couldn't find a way to take the jade boxes holding the spiritual plants until they read a sign.
[Make a request at the counter if you wish to purchase 2nd Order spiritual plants. Limit: 5 orders of 2nd Order spiritual plants and 1 order of premium products. The Heaven & Earth pavilion advises customers who purchase these items use our alchemists or refiners to guarantee top quality products.]
The trio turned towards the checkout counter and quickly walked over. Before they could inquire about the herbs, a light screen positioned on the wall caught their attention.
On the light screen, they saw a team of four cultivators working together as they fought against an earth dragon like creature that had tiger stripes and powerful roars. The three leaders were mildly impressed when they saw the teamwork of the four, and the proficiency of their spells and techniques. The trailer continued as it showed beautiful or decrepit environments, and a plethora of different creatures. A logo for Monster Slayer could be seen as the trailer finished and the trailer for 'Fairy and Sword' began. A world that looked much like this one appeared as the three Nascent Soul saw watched a cultivator riding a sword appear on the screen. A battle between the man and a divine beast started, and even the three of them felt shocked by this sight.
"Could you fight a beast with such strength?", Yun Qian broke the silence.
"I think I would have to quietly hide if a divine beast like this appeared", Rui Xiansheng uncomfortably murmured.
Liang Tian didn't say anything but Yun Qian knew his response. Several more scenes played showing combat, landscapes, and cities before ending with 'Fairy and Sword' appearing on the screen.
The screen changed again as voiceover could be heard, "In a changing world where the old ways are slowly fading, two masters face each other one last time."
The three masters began to understand the story: in a different world, the cultivation world had changed as advances in artifact refining brought peace to the land. Two masters, who were both known as the strongest in the land set up a duel to the death at the forbidden city. The trailer continued with snippets of conversations and quick shots of a sword fight before it ended with the title 'The Duel'. Yun Qian and Rui Xiansheng looked interested, but Liang Tian had an intense look in his eyes when he saw a sword fight.
"Excuse me", Liang Tian approached the puppet at the counter, "How can I view what was on the screen?"
"It is available in the cultivation hall", the puppet clerk responded, "Just rent a cultivation pod artifact, and you can access the theater."
Liang Tian looked as if he was about to leave when a hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Friend Liang, we came here for the spiritual herbs", Rui Xiansheng said, "Don't forget that before you run off."
"Ah, Thank you Patriarch Rui", Liang Tian put his hand on the side of his head and smiled, "I nearly forgot."
"Clerk, we would like to purchase those 2nd order spiritual plants", Yun Qian ignored the men and made her request first.
"I'm calling the manager", the puppet replied, "He is the only one that has access to the products. Please wait for a few minutes."
The three Nascent Souls were not used to waiting, but since they got a strange feeling about this store, they nodded without saying anything. Since they had to wait, they turned their attention back to the screen. On it, a series of images of different people were shown until two appear on the top of a high plateau where they starting fighting. The fight causes damages the environment before the scene changes to another pair fighting. Each time the scene changes, a different pair of combatants in a different environment are shown fighting with background music and an announcer. Rui Xiansheng wasn't impressed with the fights but he had to admit the music being played and the action on the screen made his blood boil a little bit.
Fang Shi had arrived, but since he saw the three Nascent Souls entranced with the TV, he decided to wait. He looked at the screen as well, and felt proud when he saw the people on it. They were not real people, instead he had created amalgamations of certain video game fighting characters to battle cultivators if they didn't want to fight each other.
The solo battle arena now renamed 'Ascendancy', showed off its changes and announced seasonal and yearly tournaments where the winners would win prizes from the pavilion before the trailer ended.
"This is strange", Liang Tian said, "I haven't seen most of these things on the artifacts we have in the sect."
"The elders did warn us that this store changed quickly, but this is faster than expected", Yun Qian added.
"Both of you have these artifacts in your sects?", Rui Xiansheng was upset, "How come he didn't sell to us?"
The Rui Ancestor was slightly agitated, so he looked back at the screen. A new trailer played as the scene showed a huge plain next to a city wall. Guards were standing watching but the viewers could tell they were bored, and slacking off a little. Suddenly, the ground rumbled as a huge beast tide appeared over the horizon causing the guards to sound the alarm. The guards manned giant crossbows and shot arrows towards the approaching hordes, as the screen shifted to show flying ships. The ships stopped before several groups of cultivators exited the boat, and engaged the beasts. Each group faced different threats: swarms of insects, packs of wolves, giant bears, or earth dragons as they tried accomplish missions. The flying boats would also engage flying threats as they provided support to the cultivators on the ground. Spells were cast, techniques killed in droves, and arrays and talismans were used often as the cultivators and warriors faced the enemies with intense music playing. After a great battle, the tired fighters were cleaning up the battlefield when another rush of enemies appeared. The city defenders smiled before picking up their weapons and charging forward as the title of the game appeared, 'Sentinel'. That was followed by information that competitions would be held with prizes awarded to the most outstanding. Another trailer played as a new scene appeared that showed several battlegrounds. Horns were blown as massive armies rushed forward to conquer the land in front of them. The three seniors quickly understood the gist of the game as players acted as officers in the army. Not only did they command troops, but they also engaged in battle against other players as they tried to conquer the enemy's territories. Victory was decided by total conquest or by owning the most territory before time ran out and a peace treaty was signed. The title finally showed up, 'Legends of the Empire'.
"Pardon me seniors", Fang Shi interrupted the three Nascent Souls attention, "I was told you were here to buy 2nd order spiritual herbs."
All three looked embarrassed when they realized they had been watching the screen.
"Yes", Liang Tian answered promptly.
"Please follow me", Fang Shi said as he walked towards the shelves that held the herbs.
The sect masters and the family patriarch looked at Fang Shi strangely, they weren't used to a mere Qi Gathering realm cultivator acting unbothered in front of them. They knew it was improper for them to check the realm of a junior, but this young boy didn't try to hide it. What they saw confused them, his realm was at the mid Qi Gathering realm, but it felt like it was falling. The strange thing was that his Qi appeared to be thick, pure, and condensed.
Fang Shi fetched the spiritual plants the three requested before taking payment.
"Seniors, if you bought these in the hopes of refining pills", he advised, "Take them to our pharmacy for the best results. Please remember there are two lines: one to make orders, and the other is to pick orders up."
"Kid", Liang Tian spoke, "I have several things to inquire about."
"I will do my best to answer then", Fang Shi replied.
"How do you have so many cultivation artifacts here but my sect can only have 51?", the Profound Sword sect master asked.
Yun Qian stopped to pay attention because this was her original reason for coming as well.
"I can't speak about how this shop operates, so I hope the senior excuses me", Fang Shi replied, "But from what I remember when I was at your sect, there are several differences between this store and your sect. Perhaps things not the right place to discuss this, if you wish we can speak about this in a private room in the tea house."
"Yes, that's a good idea", Liang Tian said.
"I'm glad to hear it", Fang Shi responded, "Since the the house has 2nd order tea, you can also taste the leaves you just bought as well."
"Ol' Liang", "Sect Master Liang", Rui Xiansheng and Yun Qian said, "Shouldn't you invite us as well?"
Liang Tian looked troubled because he didn't want to share sect secrets with outsiders but Fang Shi spoke up, "Sure, no one has to worry about secrets being stolen, so let's head up now."
Liang Tian relaxed and the four of them went upstairs, and were guided to a private room upon arrival. After pots of tea were delivered and cups were poured, Fang Shi returned to the previous topic.
"Now, it's a very simple why there is a difference in number of cultivation artifacts between my shop and your sects", he explained, "First, consider the size of my shop and the size your sect. How can the size of several field for growing crops compare to a sect with several hundred peaks or a river with many bends. Second, my store has several hundred people inside, but how many people call your sects home? Thousands, tens of thousands? Not only do you have to have an array formation to protect all that land and all those people, but you need workshops for your artisans, cultivation rooms for your elders and disciples, and fields of spiritual plants to tend. The final reason is that you're very inefficient in your use of the Qi that comes from your spiritual vein."
"What does that mean?", Liang Tian became flustered.
Yun Qian frowned as well when she heard the last reason from Fang Shi.
"There is no reason to be upset with me", Fang Shi calmly said, "When the artifacts were installed into both your sects, we had to do an initial scan, remember? If you went back to your sects right now, and looked at the Hub artifact that is monitoring your spiritual veins, you would see what I mean. There is a number on the light screen that says efficiency, and on the day I installed those artifacts I believe it said around 40 something percent. That means that over half the Qi that comes from the vein just disperses into the air."
The three Nascent Soul cultivators couldn't understand what Fang Shi meant, so he gave them a quick explanation about Qi, how it flows through the ground and air, and how spiritual veins form and operate.
"If you need further proof, look at this shop", Fang Shi stated, "If you step outside the gate, you don't feel Qi, but when you step inside, you're supplied with enough to maintain your realm."
"So if we manage our land better, we can add more artifacts", Yun Qian said.
"Yes, but you will still have a limit to how many can be added if you wish to keep your sects the same size", Fang Shi, "The choice is ultimately yours in the end. Since I don't have much to add to this, and I noticed that the seniors were interested in our new games and films, shall we go to the pod cafe?"
The three instantly agreed, and Fang Shi guided them to the cultivation hall. Upon entry, the group saw all the mortals, warriors, and cultivators who were using the artifacts, and noticed that they recognized the games being played were the same as the ones they saw on the light screen.
Hong Li walked over to Fang Shi, "Owner Fang, we have three pods ready for the seniors, please follow me."
The group followed Hong Li to the open pod artifacts, and Fang Shi and Hong Li watched as the three entered the pods.