Ling Tian saw Elder Zhuo again and noticed that the old man's complexion had improved significantly, with a rare flush of color on his face.
The entire Zhuo family was filled with joy. After being tormented by illness for so many years, they had finally shed their heavy burden.
At the dinner table, the Zhuo family members repeatedly toasted Ling Tian, who also drank heartily, accepting every offer.
Nowadays, for Ling Tian to get drunk, one would probably have to force-feed him several pounds of industrial alcohol.
After a satisfying meal, the Elder invited Ling Tian to his study. Zhuo Gang and Zhuo Tie also followed them in.
"Ling Tian, have things been completely settled?" Zhuo Wujin asked.
"There are still a few loose ends to tie up, but you don't need to worry about them. The officials have already taken over. Elder, as I said before, it is imperative to keep this matter confidential! These people are all crooked and are targets of the official special departments. If the matter leaks out and people know that it is related to the Zhuo family, and if they have accomplices, it would be terrible."
"Hmph, so what if they have accomplices? Is our Zhuo family afraid of them?" Zhuo Tie said indignantly.
Ling Tian's expression instantly turned serious. "Brother Zhuo Tie, your thinking is very dangerous! The opponents you are facing are not ordinary desperate criminals! For specifics, you can ask Zhuo Ying to come and ask. Even the officials have to be extremely cautious when dealing with them!"
Elder Zhuo glared. "Second son, why so much nonsense! Just do as Divine Doctor Ling Tian says!"
"Yes, Father!" Zhuo Tie was very afraid of his father and lowered his head tremblingly.
Zhuo Wujin smiled at Ling Tian and spoke again. "Ling Tian, how should we handle that property of our family?"
"My suggestion is to demolish it. It is not suitable for human habitation! Although this will cause your family significant losses, if that house remains, the consequences will be endless!" Ling Tian said seriously.
"Alright, since Divine Doctor Ling Tian says so, we will demolish it!"
"Elder, it would be best to burn or bury the building materials salvaged from the house on-site. Additionally, I suggest planting a patch of trees where the house originally stood."
"Oh, and why is that?"
"Plants prefer shade. Your property is the focal point of a Nine Yin Gathering Sha feng shui formation. If you plant vegetation there, it will grow very well and luxuriantly. These plants can also neutralize a lot of the Yin energy and improve the feng shui of the area. If you can obtain the necessary permits, I suggest you contract a forest there and plant some valuable trees. In over a decade, those trees will be worth a fortune!"
"Okay, we'll do that. I, Old Zhuo, have been mining everywhere these years, and I have indeed damaged quite a bit of forest. It's time to give back to society. Once the house is demolished, I will immediately have people plant trees!"
They chatted for a while longer. Ling Tian glanced at the time and realized it was getting late, so he got up to take his leave.
"Wait, Ling Tian, don't leave yet. You have saved our family's lives! Tell me, what do you want?"
"Elder, I just came to help. Curing your illness was just a small gesture. As for the consultation fee, please give it directly to Teacher Lan."
"Alas, that's not right. The consultation fee is one thing, but you have saved our family's lives this time. This is more than just a consultation fee. If I don't repay you properly, outsiders will think our Zhuo family is ungrateful."
"Exactly, exactly!" Zhuo Gang and Zhuo Tie echoed in agreement.
"Ling Tian, our Zhuo family has money, mines, real estate, and connections. Whatever you want, just ask!"
"Elder, does your family have any jade mines?" Ling Tian asked.
"Haha, you've asked the right question. Let me tell you, sixty percent of the jade mines in the country are under the control of our Zhuo family."
"That's great. I need a large quantity of raw jade. It doesn't have to be the precious Hetian jade or jadeite. Xiu jade or green jade will do, as long as the jade is pure in quality."
Ling Tian had been making a lot of formations and jade pendants recently. The jade he brought down from the mountain had been completely used up. Ling Tian wanted to buy some jade himself, but the prices were exorbitant, and it was difficult to obtain sufficient quantities. He heard that the Zhuo family was involved in mining and decided to inquire, which unexpectedly yielded a fruitful result.
Zhuo Wujin clapped his hands, and a trusted family member walked in. Zhuo Wujin whispered a few words into his ear. The family member nodded and turned to leave.
Before long, several family members carried four large wooden chests into the room. When the chests were opened, Ling Tian was stunned. The chests were filled with jade.
"See if these are suitable. If not enough, I'll have my subordinates send more."
"Elder, there's no need for so much. Some of this jade is too precious, and it would be a waste for me to use it."
Ling Tian stood up and began to select jade from the four chests. He picked out the large pieces and precious jade, setting aside the palm-sized, ordinary quality ones in a separate box. Of course, "ordinary quality" was only relative to the extremely high-grade jade; on the open market, they were not cheap at all.
In the end, Ling Tian selected a whole large box of raw jade. He estimated that the value of these raw jade pieces was at least a hundred million.
"Alright, Elder, I've made my selection. This jade is very suitable. Please name your price! Rest assured, I can afford this amount!"
Zhuo Wujin's eyes widened. "Are you looking down on me, boy? Are the lives of our family members not worth this much jade? I'll give you all four boxes of these stones! Just take them with peace of mind!"
"Elder, I really can't use those precious ones, and besides, I won't only use them this time. I want to establish a long-term purchase and sales relationship with you and buy jade from you!"
"That's no problem, but you must accept this jade!"
After a long back-and-forth, both parties compromised. Ling Tian accepted the box of jade he had selected. As a reward, this batch of jade was given to Ling Tian for free. At the same time, Ling Tian also left his contact information with Zhuo Tie. The Zhuo family would provide jade to Ling Tian every two months, processed to the size and shape Ling Tian required. As for the price, the Elder originally said he would give it to Ling Tian at cost, but with Ling Tian's repeated insistence, the Elder finally agreed to add a 10% markup to the cost price.
Ling Tian left the Zhuo family. This trip was very rewarding for him. With the source of jade solved, Ling Tian could now go all out and achieve great things!