Chapter 273

Chapter 273: New Shop Opening

On its very first day, Yao Yuan Pavilion attracted many cultivators.

In truth, there were quite a few shops selling potions and talismans in this area. Though foot traffic was heavy, choices were plentiful too.

Originally, Zhou Luo felt unsure.

But seeing the endless crowd thronging the entrance, his worries melted away entirely.

Holding Lin Xi by the arm, he entered the shop through the side entrance.

"Shopkeeper."

The moment they stepped inside, a young attendant respectfully approached them.

Wang Lang had handled all the hiring for the shop staff; Zhou Luo hadn’t interfered.

That guy had been rooted in Immortal City all these years—surely, he knew what he was doing when it came to finding reliable people.

"How are things in the shop?" Zhou Luo inquired.

"Manager Wang is serving up front. The crowd was so overwhelming, he had to open the second floor early," the attendant reported truthfully.

The shop occupied a large plot. Zhou Luo’s blueprint divided it into two sections:

The front three-story pavilion was dedicated solely to sales, while the rear building served as living quarters, plus spaces for concocting potions, rune-making, and other daily work.

He and Wang Lang had originally planned to open the second floor only after the shop became more established.

Who would have imagined such a massive turnout on opening day.

"Mmm, summon Wang Lang over." Zhou Luo guided the gently pregnant Lin Xi toward the main hall of the rear building.

Soon after, Wang Lang, dressed head-to-toe in a bright red robe, beamed with joy as he floated into the hall like a spring breeze.

"Planning a wedding, are we?" Zhou Luo quipped, eyeing this guy’s outfit.

"Just spreading the celebration vibes, Boss Zhou," Wang Lang grinned, utterly thrilled.

Seeing such huge foot traffic on opening day delighted the shop’s co-owner deeply.

Had Zhou Luo not summoned him, he’d likely still be out front merrily tending to customers.

"Boss Zhou, that strategy of yours—really, it had something to it," Wang Lang sank into an armchair nearby, his face filled with approval.

Attracting so many visitors came down to two factors: Yao Yuan Pavilion’s grand reputation, plus the array of promotions Zhou Luo had rolled out—like spending thresholds for discounts, buy-one-get-one-free deals, and more.

These promotions bit deeply into their profits but also drew enormous crowds.

Not to mention, many potions sold in the shop were rare finds on the market, on top of offering mid-grade Gu insects.

Layered together, all these elements made the opening an outstanding success.

Zhou Luo nodded slightly and asked further, "Any words from the others?"

He referred to the competition: rival shop owners witnessing Yao Yuan Pavilion’s launch might well harbor their own schemes.

"Them?" Wang Lang’s grin turned self-assured. "They’re scrambling to send gifts, hoping to tap into our supply chain."

Many of the first-level potions Zhou Luo provided weren’t just uncommon—their quality vastly outstripped even identically named potions from other shops.

Naturally, rivals were itching to learn the source of these goods.

After all, in these times, people would always choose higher quality pills at the same price point.

"We can accept gifts, but as a new shop is opening, it’s not suitable to cooperate just now," Zhou Luo said.

Their Yao Yuan Pavilion would win with quality; that was its greatest strength.

"Rest easy, I’m the best at this aspect," Wang Lang said, blinking.

"Good, you go ahead. I’ll come take a look soon," Zhou Luo nodded.

After Wang Lang and the others left, Zhou Luo turned to Lin Xi. "I plan to have some children handle managing this business later on," he said.

Lin Xi didn’t refuse, only said sadly, "Do you really not intend to help the Lin Family?"

Today’s opening of the new shop also showed that Zhou Luo aimed to settle in the Immortal City, which made her somewhat worried.

After all, she belonged to the Lin Family and deeply hoped the family wouldn’t perish.

Especially since she alone knew Zhou Luo’s true cultivation level and understood that if he willed it, he could help the Lin Family reverse its decline.

"It’s not urgent yet. Rest assured, I won’t let the Lin Family be destroyed," Zhou Luo comforted her.

He had his own plans inside.

"Young Master Zhou is so calm today, sitting back here even as the new shop opens."

Then, a seductive voice drifted slowly.

Hong Xiu swayed her graceful figure, following a servant into the backyard hall.

Immediately, she spotted Lin Xi and chuckled lightly. "So that’s why Young Master Zhou has such high demands; he has such an unparalleled beauty by his side."

"Friend Hong Xiu, please take a seat," Zhou Luo said with a smile, inviting her to sit.

She was the proprietor of Yao Chi Pavilion with a significant background; forming more ties would be beneficial.

Hong Xiu sat down and with a wave of her hand, brought out a pile of gifts.

"For Young Master Zhou’s new shop opening, this concubine has modestly prepared some small presents."

"Friend Hong Xiu is too polite."

Zhou Luo stared at her, maintaining a peaceful smile the whole time, showing no trace of lewdness.

Hong Xiu offered a slight smile. "Young Master Zhou, this concubine actually came with a request today."

"Oh? Friend Hong Xiu, state it plainly. If I can help, I’ll do my very best," Zhou Luo queried.

"I heard Young Master Zhou also sells Gu insects here, so this concubine specifically came to inquire," Hong Xiu got straight to the point.

In her line of work, though she signed contracts with female cultivators, she couldn’t control the minds of the women she sold.

Resulting in Yao Chi Pavilion facing cases each year of women fleeing after reaching their employers’ homes; occasionally, suicides occurred upon arriving.

This caused Yao Chi Pavilion no small loss.

In past years, when Zhu Quancheng lived, she could buy some from other shops.

But since his death, those Gu insects’ effects nearly exhausted, leaving them unreplenishable at once.

So after learning Gu insects were sold here, Hong Xiu wanted to order a bulk batch of mid-grade Gu insects that could control people.

On the other hand, she also wanted to cultivate good relations with Zhou Luo, a top-level Pill Master.

"Friend Hong Xiu, I must consult the Gu Master in our shop about this," Zhou Luo said.

This type of Gu insect that controlled people required at least a mid-grade level to refine properly.

"No matter, I await Young Master Zhou’s good news."

After speaking, Hong Xiu looked at Lin Xi. "This concubine has a small item that might suit sister."

She opened her right palm, revealing a red crystal sphere.

"This is a fixed spiritual orb; although only a mid-grade magical artifact, its strength lies in nurturing the body and stabilizing the foundation," she said.

Hong Xiu’s beautiful eyes flickered slightly. "After all, bearing children inflicts serious damage on the body."

Lin Xi kept a gentle, serene smile. "Thank you, sister."

"Sister, come visit me next door whenever you’re free," Hong Xiu said with a light laugh.

"Certainly," Lin Xi nodded.

After a few brief exchanges, Hong Xiu left the gifts and departed.

Zhou Luo saw her out and intended to observe the situation outside.

He found an immense crowd outside, with barely any standing room.

Luckily, Wang Lang had recruited some professionals; otherwise, it would have been truly hard to manage…