Chapter 206 A mere figurehead can command hundreds of billions? Visits from all sides!

As President Yun Xi’s words about the start of the "good show" landed, Jiang Yun followed him and Vice President Lin Yan out of the main hall of the Jianyun Residence and into the courtyard.

Dusk was deepening.

The mist condensed from Spiritual Qi on Tian Jian Peak was tinged with a faint layer of golden-red.

And at this moment.

The outskirts of this quiet place were already crowded with figures, their auras intertwining.

Led by Shi Potian, the Sect Leader of the War Beast Sect.

Qian Guangquan, Feng Xiao, Old Man Huang Mu, Fairy Liu Lan, and others were clearly present. Further back were figures with slightly weaker auras, but they also represented various factions. At a rough glance, there were no fewer than twenty of them!

Among them were several famous Clan Chiefs of families and presidents of large chambers of commerce in S Province. Jiang Yun even caught a glimpse of the Su Family Head, who had tried to recruit him from the audience earlier; he was now standing a bit further back with an eager and respectful expression.

When the crowd saw President Yun Xi and Jiang Yun appear.

They immediately stopped their low-voiced conversations.

One after another, they stepped forward to greet them with cupped hands. Their attitudes were quite polite, even carrying a trace of subtle fawning.

“President Yun!”

“Grand Tutor Dongxuan!”

“Congratulations to Grand Tutor Dongxuan on ascending to the position of Grand Tutor!”

The greetings rose one after another.

However, most of their gazes were focused on Jiang Yun.

They were incredibly fervent.

President Yun Xi wore a warm smile.

He nodded in response to each person, then said in a clear voice:

“Fellow Daoists, you are guests from afar. Elder Dong Xuan has undergone consecutive assessments today, and his mind and spirit are somewhat exhausted. How about this: I shall host you all for a moment on his behalf. Elder Dong Xuan can return to the hall to rest for a bit, and then you may enter one by one to converse with him. What do you think?”

His words were reasonable and fair. They gave Jiang Yun time to buffer and prepare, while also avoiding the chaos of everyone rushing in at once.

Jiang Yun nodded to President Yun Xi.

Without saying much, he turned and walked back into the hall.

He knew.

The upcoming negotiations were the key.

Once Jiang Yun's figure disappeared behind the hall doors, the smile on President Yun Xi's face faded slightly. His gaze calmly swept over the crowd, and he announced an even more shocking piece of news in a clear voice.

“There is something I must inform you all first.”

“Little Friend Dong Xuan has just accepted my request to officially serve as the Grand Elder of our S Province Appraisers Guild.”

“Grand Elder?!”

Shi Potian was the first to cry out in surprise.

His copper-bell-like eyes widened.

“Old Man Yun, you moved too fast!”

Surprise, realization, and a hint of complex emotion flashed through the eyes of Qian Guangquan, Feng Xiao, and the others.

They had guessed that Yun Xi would be the first to try and win him over.

But they hadn't expected him to directly grant such a transcendent status as Grand Elder!

This was equivalent to deeply binding Jiang Yun to the Appraisers Guild while also granting him immense freedom and privileges. It was the most brilliant method of recruitment.

President Yun Xi acted as if he didn't see the strange looks in everyone's eyes.

He continued calmly:

“Although Elder Dong Xuan is the Grand Elder of our guild, as I said before, he is not bound by the guild's daily affairs and is free to come and go. For any external cooperation or interactions, the guild will only provide support and convenience and will not interfere. If you wish to cooperate with Elder Dong Xuan, as long as both parties reach an agreement, the guild can handle the follow-up liaison to ensure fairness and smoothness.”

These words.

Not only showed the Appraisers Guild's advantage of being close at hand but also dispelled everyone's greatest concern.

They were afraid that Jiang Yun would be restricted by the guild, making deep cooperation difficult.

President Yun Xi was telling them.

The door to cooperation was wide open, but the initiative was in Jiang Yun's hands, and the guild would act as the guarantor and service provider.

Although everyone secretly cursed Yun Xi for being a quick-moving old fox, they had to put on smiles and offer their congratulations.

“Congratulations, President Yun! Congratulations to the Appraisers Guild for gaining another pillar of strength!”

“Grand Tutor Dongxuan... no, Elder Dong Xuan is a heavenly talent. He truly deserves the position of Grand Elder!”

“With the guild as his backing, Elder Dong Xuan will surely be able to show his full potential. This is truly a blessing for our province!”

For a time.

Flattery was heard incessantly.

Everyone knew what a sixteen years old Grand Elder meant; his future potential was simply immeasurable!

Befriending him now would bring immense benefits.

If they offended him, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Not to mention he now had the powerful backing of the Appraisers Guild!

President Yun Xi seemed to have anticipated everyone's reaction. He smiled slightly and made a gesture of invitation toward the hall.

“In that case, Fellow Daoists, who will go first?”

As soon as he finished speaking.

Qian Guangquan took a step forward.

He cupped his hands toward President Yun Xi and the crowd.

“Everyone, Little Friend Dong Xuan and I share a bond, and I have some questions regarding Five Elements appraisal I'd like to ask first. I shall take the liberty of going first.”

His excuse was high-sounding, and his movements were even swifter. Before he had finished speaking, he was already leading Qian Luoyun toward the hall with steady steps that carried an indisputable air of seizing the initiative.

“That Qian Guangquan!”

Shi Potian muttered, but he couldn't very well stop him.

The others also looked at each other, their eyes flashing with annoyance and urgency. But Qian Guangquan had seniority, great strength, and was at the Grand Tutor Level. Since he was the first to enter, the others could only watch.

“No matter, please wait a moment, everyone. Just enjoy some tea and wait quietly.”

President Yun Xi had already made arrangements, gesturing for the attendants to serve spiritual tea and fruit.

Tables and cushions were quickly set up in the courtyard. Although everyone was anxious, they had to restrain themselves, exchanging glances while calculating what kind of price they should offer later... Inside the hall.

Jiang Yun had already sat down in an armchair below the main seat, his posture relaxed but not sloppy.

Not long after he sat down.

The hall door was pushed open.

Qian Guangquan walked in with Qian Luoyun.

“Little Friend Dong Xuan, sorry for the intrusion.”

Qian Guangquan had a warm smile, and his attitude was even more friendly than during the assessment.

“Head of the Qian Family, please sit.”

Jiang Yun stood up and gestured, his tone calm.

The two sat down as host and guest, while Qian Luoyun stood respectfully half a step behind Qian Guangquan, his gaze falling on Jiang Yun with undisguised admiration and curiosity.

The maid served tea and withdrew.

Only the three of them remained in the hall.

Qian Guangquan didn't waste time on excessive pleasantries.

First, he again offered sincere praise for Jiang Yun's performance today.

“Your elegance today, Little Friend, is something I will never forget. A sixteen years old Grand Tutor, who also holds the status of Grand Elder—this is truly unprecedented. I have lived many years, but in the Dao of appraisal, I fear I must ask for your guidance often.”

Jiang Yun responded modestly.

“Head of the Qian Family, you overstate things. This Junior is merely relying on a bit of talent. In terms of experience and foundation, I am far behind you.”

Qian Guangquan waved his hand and smiled, “You are too modest.”

He then said to Qian Luoyun behind him, “Luoyun, come greet Elder Dong Xuan.”

Qian Luoyun immediately took a step forward.

He gave Jiang Yun a respectful deep bow, his voice clear and filled with heartfelt respect.

“Junior Qian Luoyun pays respects to Elder Dong Xuan! Seeing the Elder's divine skills today has benefited me greatly. I admire you immensely!”

Seeing this eldest son of the Qian Family—who was clearly older than him, had a steady temperament, and held an illustrious status—solemnly bowing to him and calling himself “Junior” and calling Jiang Yun “Elder.”

The corner of Jiang Yun's mouth under the mask couldn't help but twitch again.

This feeling... although strange, truly allowed one to clearly feel the change brought by status.

He nodded slightly and said calmly, “Young Master Qian, there's no need for such formality.”

Only then did Qian Luoyun straighten up.

He retreated behind his father, his posture still respectful.

After the simple pleasantries and greetings were over.

Qian Guangquan stopped beating around the bush and went straight to the point.

“Little Friend Dong Xuan, I have come this time first to congratulate you, and second to discuss... a matter of cooperation.”

“Cooperation?”

Jiang Yun's gaze narrowed slightly; he was finally reaching the core.

“I wonder what specific cooperation you are referring to, Head of the Qian Family? What would this Junior need to do?”

Seeing Jiang Yun being so direct.

The look of appreciation in Qian Guangquan's eyes grew stronger.

When dealing with smart people, there was no need to be indirect.

He leaned forward slightly.

He said sincerely:

“It's actually quite simple. I hope that you, Little Friend, can hold the honorary title of Chief Grand Tutor Appraiser Consultant within my Family's Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce.”

“Just a title?”

Jiang Yun was somewhat surprised.

This sounded... too simple?

“Correct, just a title.”

Qian Guangquan confirmed.

“You won't need to handle any daily affairs of the chamber, nor will you need to be stationed there regularly. It's just to associate your name with my Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce.”

He paused and continued to explain.

“In addition, I hope to invite you to the Qian Family's territory once or twice a month for some appraisal exchanges. If the Family collects some strange items that even I find difficult or impossible to judge, or if we encounter problems in some important commercial appraisals, I hope to receive your assistance.”

After Jiang Yun finished listening.

He quickly calculated in his mind.

Holding an honorary title and possibly helping out once or twice a month... it indeed didn't sound troublesome, even quite easy.

But effort and reward were usually proportional. With such an easy cooperation, the benefits the other party could provide might also be limited.

He participated in the assessment and became a Grand Tutor with the core goal of obtaining resources.

If the cooperation didn't bring many resources, he would need to weigh whether it was worth the distraction.

Thinking of this.

Jiang Yun directly asked: “Then by cooperating with the Qian Family, what... can I get?”

He didn't beat around the bush asking about conditions or compensation but directly asked what he would get, aiming straight for the core interests.

Qian Guangquan wasn't surprised by Jiang Yun's bluntness; instead, he appreciated it even more.

A meaningful smile appeared on his face.

He said slowly:

“As a reward for you holding the title of Chief Grand Tutor Appraiser Consultant for my Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce and for the appraisal support you may provide in the future...”

“I am willing, in my personal and Family name, to grant you a ten percent permanent stake in the Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce.”

“From now on, you can use these shares to receive a corresponding proportion of the profits from the Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce every month.”

Ten percent of the Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce's shares? Profit sharing?

Jiang Yun's heart stirred.

He had heard of the Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce.

It was a giant chamber of commerce in S Province, with business spanning multiple industries and an extremely large scale.

Ten percent of the shares.

Their value should be quite high.

But he wasn't very sensitive to specific business valuations and needed a concept.

So.

He followed up and asked: “I wonder how much ten percent of the Qian Sheng Chamber of Commerce's shares... is roughly worth?”

Upon hearing this, the smile on Qian Guangquan's face remained unchanged.

His tone was still flat.

As if he were talking about a trivial matter.

“Oh, that... based on a rough estimate from the chamber's asset liquidation at the end of last year and future earnings assessments...”

He picked up his teacup.

Took a light sip.

Only then, under Jiang Yun's calm gaze.

Did he speak the latter half of the sentence.

“The market value is about one hundred and twenty billion federal currency. Of course, this is just a static valuation; the actual value will fluctuate with the chamber's development. As for the monthly dividends, the chamber's annual profit has stabilized at the hundred-billion level in recent years, so ten percent would be around ten billion federal currency. I hope you won't find it too little.”

Pfft—!

Although Jiang Yun had a steady Heart-Nature and was no longer the worker from his previous life who worried about a few thousand bucks, when he heard the numbers “one hundred and twenty billion” and “ten billion monthly dividends.”

The hand holding his teacup.

Still gave a nearly imperceptible tremor!

The spiritual tea in the cup stirred up a circle of violent ripples!

How... how much?!

One hundred and twenty billion?!

Earning ten billion a month while lying down?!

He had originally thought.

The so-called benefits of cooperation.

Might be a few pieces of precious Eclipsing Moon Rank Materials or a consultant fee of several hundred million federal currency—that would have already been an astronomical figure he couldn't have imagined before.

But he never expected.

That as soon as the Qian Family spoke, they would directly give away a permanent one-tenth ownership of a commercial Empire worth hundreds of billions!

This could no longer be described as generous!

This was simply... world-shattering wealth!

Just because he had shown Grand Tutor Level appraisal abilities?

Just for holding a title.

And promising to help out when necessary?

At this moment.

Jiang Yun truly, shockingly realized what kind of terrifying energy and wealth-attracting power the two titles of “youngest Grand Tutor in history” and “Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild” represented!

Under the mask.

His breathing became momentarily erratic, and his heart beat violently a few times uncontrollably.

But his powerful willpower quickly suppressed this shock; only his fingers holding the teacup tightened slightly.

What kind of person was Qian Guangquan? How could Jiang Yun's minute movements and changes in aura escape his perception?

But there was no mockery in his eyes.

Only a hint of realization and satisfaction.

This was exactly the effect he wanted!

He wanted Jiang Yun to understand the value of cooperating with the Qian Family!

These hundred billion in shares and ten billion in dividends were not just compensation, but the Qian Family's greatest sincerity and their firmest investment in the future!

Seeing how quickly Jiang Yun regained his calm posture, Qian Guangquan secretly praised him.

This boy's Heart-Nature was indeed extraordinary!

If it were an ordinary youth.

Hearing this number, they would have likely lost their composure long ago.

He put down his teacup.

He added in a peaceful voice: “Of course, this is just a preliminary intent for cooperation. The specific equity transfer agreement, dividend details, and the scope of the obligations you need to fulfill can all be discussed in detail. You can even obtain other benefits; my Qian Family is full of sincerity.”

Jiang Yun slowly placed his teacup back on the table.

The bottom of the cup met the tabletop.

Making a soft and steady “clack.”

He raised his eyes, and through the mask

Looked at the smiling Qian Guangquan, who was waiting for an answer.

For a moment, it was silent in the hall.

Only the numbers “one hundred and twenty billion” and “ten billion monthly” seemed to still be buzzing in the air.

And outside the hall.

There were even more factions waiting eagerly, hoping to conduct their own cooperation negotiations with this newly risen, Midas-touch Grand Elder Dong Xuan.

The Qian Family had already offered such generous conditions.

It was hard to imagine.

What kind of sincerity would the other factions show?!”