Chapter 323: The Leader of This Sect and Yunzhi of Wentao Sect Have Even Cultivation Levels

Shihuagu was utterly shocked. Even Huohuashen, who had been silently maintaining his facade as a master, could no longer keep it up.

The barbecue shop's booming business was evident to all. Demand far outstripped supply, and it seemed to make money faster than outright robbery. Even after closing, people were still queuing outside, a clear sign of its incredible popularity.

As a powerful Integration Stage cultivator, Shihuagu had tasted every conceivable delicacy. He had eaten food far more exquisite than mere skewers, dishes made from ingredients so rare they were almost impossible to obtain, even with spirit stones. Yet, this barbecue shop used ingredients readily available in any market. Despite common ingredients, it commanded exorbitant prices, generating geometrically expanding profits.

The profit from a single barbecue shop wouldn't typically entice cultivators at the Soul Transformation or Integration Stages. But what if such barbecue shops were opened throughout the Central Continent? The potential profits would be immense, enough to tempt anyone. And most crucially, he was still burdened by a billion-coin debt, with the monthly threat of being struck by lightning if he failed to repay it. This was precisely when he needed money the most!

Fortunately, Shihuagu was seasoned and composed, managing to suppress his excitement. He stated, "Your sect's barbecue business is, of course, exceptionally good. My Jiuyou Sect also operates various ventures, but they pale in comparison to this establishment." Neither smuggling nor operating a zoo could rival the barbecue shop's extraordinary profits, which were dozens of times greater. Crucially, it was a legitimate business, immune to investigations, unlike their Jiuyou Sect, which had virtually no legitimate operations, save for the funeral industry.

Even the funeral industry carried risks. One high-ranking Jiuyou Sect member, skilled in corpse refinement, once had a bizarre idea: to dig up and refine the bodies of deceased clients. It's unclear how, but the clients eventually discovered this and promptly reported them. Fortunately, the Jiuyou Sect acted decisively, disowning the foolish individual and severing all ties.

"However, I'm curious how you plan to expand this across the entire continent. I've sampled many barbecues myself, yet none match what I tasted today. I presume your sect possesses unique grilling techniques, secret recipes, and, most importantly, that potent aphrodisiac secret. Can these also be widely implemented?"

Sect Master Shihuagu, with his astute judgment, instantly grasped the challenge of continental-wide expansion.

Lu Yang chuckled lightly, "Our barbecue recipe originates from ancient times, so it's quite normal that Sect Master Shihuagu hasn't encountered it before."

"Please follow me."

Lu Yang stood up and led Shihuagu to the backyard, where he demonstrated an automated barbecue grill and an automatic skewer-threading formation. Shihuagu was utterly astounded. Truly befitting the Young Sect Master of the Heavenly Court Sect; his preparations were remarkably thorough.

"The automated barbecue grill was refined by Protector Duobao. As for this automatic skewer-threading formation..." Lu Yang offered a knowing smile.

"Where did this automatic skewer-threading formation come from?"

"This formation was refined by several Integration Stage familiars under our sect master," Lu Yang revealed, delivering a piece of news that utterly stunned Shihuagu.

Shihuagu's pupils subtly constricted. Integration Stage familiars were the highest cultivation level known among their kind. One could only refine familiars if their own cultivation was a major realm higher. This implied that the "sect master" Lu Yang spoke of was a powerful Tribulation Stage cultivator! The Heavenly Court Sect indeed possessed a Tribulation Stage cultivator!

"May I inquire about your esteemed sect master's identity...?"

Lu Yang did not answer directly. Instead, he smiled and asked, "Sect Master Shihuagu, have you ever heard of Yunzhi from the Wendao Sect?"

Shihuagu had secretly compiled considerable intelligence regarding the Five Great Immortal Sects, including Yunzhi, who had effectively surpassed the sect masters of all five. According to his estimations, Yunzhi of the Wendao Sect had already reached the late Tribulation Stage. To achieve such a realm at such a young age made her a significant and formidable obstacle in the competition for ascension during the Great Era.

"Our sect master once sparred with Yunzhi of the Wendao Sect, and their cultivation levels were evenly matched."

"What?!"

Shihuagu's eyes widened abruptly. This Heavenly Court Sect Master's cultivation was truly extraordinary. Indeed, only a cultivator of such caliber would be worthy of leading the Heavenly Court Sect. Shihuagu had initially believed that the Heavenly Court Sect, despite its numerous dormant members, had seen its power diminish. However, this encounter completely overturned his previous assumptions. While the Heavenly Court Sect might not rival the ancient Heavenly Court, it was undoubtedly superior to the Jiuyou Sect. His decision to approach the Heavenly Court Sect was indeed a sagacious one!

"Furthermore, this fire seed is a completely new True Fire developed by our sect. It not only enhances the flavor of the skewers but also possesses invigorating, aphrodisiac properties!"

Lu Yang cupped a flame in his hand—a fusion of Three-Flavor True Fire and Pure Yang True Fire. Shihuagu scrutinized the flame with his divine sense, confirming it was an entirely new True Fire, distinct from the known 108 types. It bore faint resemblances to both Three-Flavor True Fire and Pure Yang True Fire, but these were merely shadows. Pure Yang True Fire, in particular, lacked any invigorating properties. It appeared the Heavenly Court Sect, despite its quiet demeanor and seeming inactivity, had secretly orchestrated a grand strategy, waiting for its plans to unfold. Why else would they have specifically developed a True Fire solely for barbecue?

"Young Sect Master, these matters should not be divulged to outsiders. These are fundamental to our Heavenly Court Sect's expansion and intelligence network!" the Fifth Elder interjected, frowning.

Lu Yang, displeased by the Fifth Elder's words, countered, "It's harmless. In ancient times, the Heavenly Court and Jiuyou Sect had a close relationship. It's only natural for us to assist the Jiuyou Sect in reclaiming their ancient glory now. Even if the Sect Master and Master learn of this, they will not fault me. Besides, the Heavenly Court Sect has limited personnel. Even if everyone were deployed, how many barbecue shops could we possibly manage?"

The Fifth Elder fell silent. Since the Young Sect Master was willing to shoulder all responsibility, there was nothing more he, as a Heavenly Court Protector, could say.

Shihuagu was deeply moved, surprised that his Jiuyou Sect had such a generous ally. This Young Sect Master, a man of noble character, was willing to risk reprimand from his own Sect Master and Dou Tianzun to aid the Jiuyou Sect.

Lu Yang turned, a smile replacing his earlier expression, as if no disagreement with the Fifth Elder had occurred. He said, "Sect Master Shihuagu, you've heard it yourself. While I am a Tianzun's disciple, there are some matters I cannot fully decide on. However, this will not hinder our cooperation. I can provide your sect with the barbecue seasoning recipe and the blueprint for the automatic skewer-threading formation, free of charge."

The principles behind the seasoning and the automatic skewer-threading formation were easily discernible with a quick sweep of divine sense. Lu Yang saw no need to conceal them; it was better to extend a gesture of goodwill and simply offer them to the Jiuyou Sect.

"Regarding the automated barbecue grills and the fire seeds, I can provide them to your sect regularly and in specified quantities. However, our Heavenly Court Sect will require sixty percent of the profits." The automated barbecue grills had been enchanted with restrictions by the Fifth Elder, making them impossible to replicate. The fire seeds, on the other hand, could only be supplied through Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou.

Since the Heavenly Court Sect initiated the idea of establishing barbecue shops, it was understandable that they would claim the larger share of profits, a point Shihuagu readily grasped. However, owing to his position, he couldn't immediately accept Lu Yang's proposal. "Forty percent for you, sixty for us!" he countered.

"Our Heavenly Court Sect will take sixty percent," Lu Yang calmly reiterated.

"A fifty-fifty split!"

"Our Heavenly Court Sect will take sixty percent."

Lu Yang remained unyielding, leaving Shihuagu no room for further discussion. Knowing he held no advantage, Shihuagu gritted his teeth and ceased negotiations, accepting Lu Yang's proposed profit-sharing arrangement.

The two then ironed out some of the finer details and swiftly finalized a contract.

"A pleasant cooperation," Lu Yang said, smiling as they shook hands.