Chapter 252: Things in the future

Li Qi controlled himself, no longer thinking about those things, and took out the food, arranging it one by one, formally starting breakfast.

The rabbit happily helped arrange everything, sniffing from time to time, seemingly very pleased.

The two began to eat, and it must be said that these cooked foods from various places indeed had their merits.

They were expensive for a reason; the craftsmanship was even comparable to that of the fox he met in Qingwu City.

The two ate happily, and while eating, Shen Shuibi also spoke about her future plans.

“Li Qi, you’re studying at the Imperial Academy. Although I’ve never left Mount Luofu and haven’t truly come to the Tang Nation, I’ve heard of the Chang'an Imperial Academy’s reputation.”

“I thought about it last night. Within the Imperial Academy, there are many children of the prominent and wealthy. Even commoners who are selected have their own sponsoring organizations behind them. They should control a lot of resources. If you study at the Imperial Academy, Li Qi, you can正好 connect with them…”

Li Qi was a little surprised listening to Shen Shuibi say these words.

The rabbit never considered these things before, but now she can actively think about them…

Is this heartbreaking, or is it ‘maturity’?

Perhaps it’s both.

However, Li Qi shook his head: “It’s not realistic. You also said that most Imperial Academy students have their own supporters. They won’t lack your Medicinal Pills or insights. Moreover, resources within the Tang Nation are likely planned and allocated, making it difficult to sell them at a premium.”

Yes, in Li Qi’s view, the trade regulations and methods implemented by the Tang Nation internally made it very difficult to generate profit. There wasn’t even a single large trading company, which showed that there was no fertile ground for such a system and profit to survive.

Li Qi took out his previous notebook and began to explain his analysis to Shen Shuibi.

“First, you see… in the Tang Nation, at least in Chang’an, most producers and buyers are individual operators, occasionally employing a small number of employees.”

Li Qi began his analysis.

This kind of one-on-one communication method is impossible to achieve elsewhere because communication and transportation have costs, and most people cannot afford these costs. They can only be handled by specialized trade associations, which led to the birth of the ‘merchant’ profession, facilitating mutual exchange.

People who do not engage in production but specialize in trade in the middle.

Afterward, some producers will emerge among these people, responsible for both production and trade, profiting from information asymmetry, and even seizing control of the means of production, becoming de facto large clans.

But in the Tang Nation, the responsibilities and authority of communication, the terminal, and the Dragon Vein fully bear this portion of the cost, directly leading to the current situation where most of the Tang Nation consists of individual merchants dealing with individual buyers. They don’t need to worry about the intermediate communication costs; aside from time, it’s almost zero cost.

Then there are the means of production; don’t even think about it. They are probably almost entirely state-owned. Private individual merchants can at most contract, but wanting to control them is truly wishful thinking.

Large companies and large trade associations, these middlemen who suck blood by getting stuck between both parties, have been directly abolished.

It sounds fantastical, and Li Qi doesn’t know how they did it, but they just did, and there seem to be no after-effects…

This is good for most people, but for those who want to accumulate wealth by relying on this, it’s probably not good news.

Because of this, Shen Shuibi’s desire to earn money by selling her knowledge and skills in this situation and market would likely be inefficient, and it would be difficult to open up sales channels.

“Is that so… Then I’ll have to think of other methods.” Shen Shuibi pondered along with Li Qi’s line of thought and found that it was indeed the case.

In such a society, relying on ‘selling’ to make money would only earn wealth equivalent to one’s ability, making it difficult to achieve high premiums and high profits.

High profit, in itself, is the exploitation and deprivation of the buyer’s value. In Chang’an, such deprivation has almost disappeared.

The things Li Qi bought at the morning market had almost no premium; except for labor, everything else was virtually at cost price.

It was a dreamlike world, but not very friendly to merchants who relied on sucking others’ blood to survive.

But for cultivators, such a world was the best.

The most important thing in pursuing the Dao is, of course, to conduct research and gradually find the true meaning of the Dao.

In this process, the more people, the better. More people mean more power and a higher chance of achieving results.

It now seems that the Tang Nation's upper echelons are expanding and vying for resources in this way, hoping that the Tang Nation will always be in a state of extreme material abundance, allowing all citizens to pursue spiritual Realms and devote themselves to the path of the Dao, so as to pool wisdom.

Knowledge can be disseminated. In the future, if the Dao advances further, it may rely on the wisdom of others. As for the annihilated merchants and those worlds exploited and drained by the Tang Nation?

They died, who cares?

Therefore, this path is not feasible.

Thus, Shen Shuibi could only continue to ponder other ways to earn more money with a distressed expression.

But Li Qi spoke at this moment: “I’ve also thought of some other methods. Although they’re not very honorable, they should be the fastest way to accumulate wealth right now.”

“What?” Shen Shuibi immediately looked up, gazing at Li Qi with surprise.

Li Qi was indeed better at these things than her.

“The Tang Nation won’t work; let’s develop in Boundless Outer Domain. We can just ride on the Tang Nation’s coattails.” Li Qi made his judgment.

He said, “The Tang Nation’s resources are so endless. I believe the fundamental reason lies in its plundering of countless Void Beyond. Since we’ve already come to the Imperial Academy, why not take advantage of this momentum and join the ranks of plunderers?”

Following the Tang Nation to plunder Boundless Outer Domain, this was probably the fastest way to make money.

“Killing… and robbing?” Shen Shuibi’s expression was a little hard to accept.

She had a natural Dao Heart, a peaceful Heart-Nature, and was transcendent. From birth until now, if she hadn’t accidentally wandered out, she probably would have stayed in the mountains for another ten thousand years, continuing to be a Fairy.

She was a true ‘Mountain Fairy,’ without any Mortal thoughts.

If it weren’t for the accident that turned her into a Mortal, Li Qi probably would never have been able to get involved with such a Fairy.

And now, for Shen Shuibi to directly resort to robbery, it was inconsistent with her long-held Heart-Nature, so she found it a bit difficult to accept.

However…

She suddenly clenched her fists.

Sometimes, some things have to be done. This is for Mount Luofu.

Seeing the rabbit suddenly become fierce, Li Qi suddenly tapped her head.

The murderous intent that had been brewing dissipated, and Shen Shuibi looked at Li Qi in confusion: “…W-what’s wrong?”

“What are you thinking? Killing and robbing? That’s too slow.” Li Qi shook his head: “Except for special circumstances, the Tang Nation probably won’t casually resort to force.”

“Look, the Tang Nation’s current method of plunder is to leverage its superior productivity and economic distribution, establish cultural dominance in countless worlds, and form a de facto suzerain state. Using silver as a medium and a complete set of ‘rules,’ it harvests from all the heavens and myriad worlds, without bloodshed, with higher efficiency, and most importantly, it’s sustainable development. Other places are probably very happy with it too.”

“This method is much more clever than killing and robbing.”

Yes, the Tang Nation’s choice can almost be called a ‘win-win.’

Because it not only plunders resources but also brings new opportunities while doing so.

Imagine, if a super civilization suddenly appeared on Earth.

It would plunder your resources and labor through irresistible financial means, but it would also provide you with opportunities and channels to contact other civilized worlds, and those resources you usually wouldn’t be able to obtain.

For example, mineral deposits 100 kilometers below the surface, which Earthlings could never extract with their own strength.

At this point, would Earthlings be delighted or terrified? Is this a benefit or a disadvantage?

Undoubtedly, this is a tremendous benefit, because it would gain unimaginably powerful technical support, directly taking a step to become a part of an interstellar civilization.

It’s just some resources that even Earthlings themselves couldn’t extract; if they’re given, then they’re given.

The Tang Nation plays such a role; this is information gathered from the terminal.

It’s hard to say whether it’s good or bad; each takes what they need.

“Then, Mount Luofu…” Shen Shuibi asked, her brows slightly furrowed.

If it was really as Li Qi said, then what about Mount Luofu? Wasn’t it plundered?

“So, I think there’s something fishy behind Mount Luofu. I’ve always felt that the matter of Mount Luofu shouldn’t be simple, and now that I’ve come to Chang’an, this feeling is even stronger. But these things are not for us to manage; that level of decision-making is beyond our reach. So, keep the problem in mind, and find the answer later if there’s an opportunity. For now, let’s find a solution.” Li Qi said.

He picked up a piece of small fish and put it in his mouth. The fish was tender and boneless, with a delicious taste, truly excellent.

“Is that so… Then you also said to join the trend of plunder…?” Shen Shuibi tilted her head.

“Yes, I’ve, of course, been considering your situation. According to the information I’ve gathered on the terminal these past few days, if you recover to the Fifth Realm, then you should be able to participate in many things in Boundless Outer Domain. For example, this, look.” Li Qi displayed his terminal, which showed a news article.

The news headline read: “Report on Accelerating the Development of Resources in the East Sea Occupied Zone”

“The Tang Nation is currently at war with the East Sea and has achieved continuous victories, also acquiring a Star Domain in Boundless Outer Domain that originally belonged to the East Sea, which is the Tail Constellation of the Azure Dragon.”

The Azure Dragon, which is one of the Four Symbols of the Heavens.

Now it seems… its tail is broken.

“The Tail Constellation of the Azure Dragon has just been occupied and needs a large number of people to develop it. After your injuries heal, you will be in the Fifth Realm. No matter how you put it, you are a high-ranking powerful cultivator. Participating in it will certainly secure you a place.” Li Qi said.

Shen Shuibi, however, was a little confused: “But, according to you, the Tang Nation is very cautious about resource control. It would probably be difficult to profit from it, right?”

“Of course, I’m not telling you to go now. How could the development of a Void Beyond be completed in two or three years?” Li Qi then patted his chest: “Don’t I have me?”

“Just as you said before, Shui Bi, there are many children of the prominent and wealthy in the Imperial Academy. Although the prominent don’t gain much benefit in the Tang Nation, they still have many channels due to their abilities.” Li Qi said.

At least from what he understood so far, the Tang Nation was fair.

What is fairness? Fairness is getting what you put in.

No one will exploit you, no one will take what you deserve; this is fairness.

Fairness has never been equality. Can an unranked Mortal and a Fifth Realm powerful cultivator be considered equal?

If they were truly equal, that would be too unfair.

Since Shen Shuibi can recover to the Fifth Realm, then if she has the corresponding channels, she should also be able to obtain the status she deserves as a Fifth Realm powerful cultivator and join the expansion into the newly occupied territories.

Coupled with some operations, leveraging the power of the Tang Nation, it is not impossible to establish a foothold in Boundless Outer Domain by borrowing its prestige.

“Then, we can use the chicken to lay eggs. We can’t directly steal and occupy the Tang Nation’s resources; that would definitely be discovered. But Boundless Outer Domain doesn’t only have the Tang Nation’s resources. With the Fifth Realm status the Tang Nation grants you, and my support, there’s a lot we can do in some ownerless worlds.”

“We don’t have to do business with Tang Nation people. The Tang Nation is powerful; borrowing its influence, combined with my diplomatic immunity, I think this plan is the most reliable one right now.”

“Of course, this is just a plan. During the time you’re recovering from your injuries, I’ll go to the Imperial Academy to conduct some research, then meticulously create a plan, listing its feasibility. Once it’s confirmed feasible, we’ll try this plan.”

“If the feasibility passes, then we’ll do it this way. If not, then we’ll think of other methods.” Li Qi put away his terminal and nodded to Shen Shuibi.

“So… we leverage the Tang Nation’s power to establish our own forces in Boundless Outer Domain, and then make money through these forces?” Shen Shuibi’s mind whirred, and she understood Li Qi’s meaning.

“That’s roughly the situation, but the execution will still need some deliberation. At the very least, we need to first check the situation at the Imperial Academy.” Li Qi nodded.

As he spoke, he picked up a piece of pastry, given as a freebie with the fish, and fed it to Shen Shuibi’s lips.

Shen Shuibi frowned, pondering, while instinctively biting the pastry.

However, because she tends to get distracted when she thinks, she bit Li Qi while eating.

Fortunately, Li Qi was also in the Eighth Realm, with a tough Physical Body, so a mere bite was no problem.

“Ah…” But Shen Shuibi was a little embarrassed and quickly licked the bite mark on his finger: “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Li Qi casually withdrew his finger from her mouth.

Actually, it was a big deal.

The sensation of his finger touching her tongue…

Oh no, his Dao Heart was in disarray; he couldn’t continue thinking about the next step of the plan!

“Then, Li Qi, what are you planning to do next?” Shen Shuibi asked Li Qi after she came to her senses.

Originally, Li Qi had a prepared speech.

Unfortunately, his mind was in disarray now, and for a moment, he didn’t know where to begin.

He coughed: “Ahem, the top priority is still your injury. Coming to the Tang Nation was for this. We rested yesterday, so today we’ll go for your scheduled treatment.”

“Okay, let’s leave after we eat!” With a concrete plan, Shen Shuibi stopped talking and began to focus on finishing her breakfast.

Only Li Qi remained, closing his eyes to calm his mind.

He possessed a Heart-Nature that remained unperturbed even when a mountain collapsed before him, capable of directly resisting Chan Zhi Monk’s demonic thoughts erosion.

But a mere lick from the person in front of him was more terrifying than any demonic thoughts.

Damn it, this rabbit’s flaw is this: she’s so tempting yet completely unaware of it herself.

It’s like a female classmate wearing sports shorts in gymnastics class; all the boys on the side have already ‘hmm’ed, but she still goes up and worriedly asks, ‘Classmate, why are you bent over? Are you okay?’

Forget it, eat!

Please give me a monthly ticket! We’re almost at a thousand; should I add an extra chapter when we reach a thousand?