At this moment, Ye Tian thought of something and asked, "Do you know why the Eastern Islanders buy your Lingzhi?"
Bai Qi replied, "It seems to be for wealthy individuals. They process it into powder, which can extend life. Over there, several people who were on the verge of death have recovered and are now in good health after consuming Lingzhi powder. Therefore, the Eastern Islanders have been researching the effects of our Lingzhi recently, and it's said they've already made breakthroughs."
Ye Tian asked, "How many years have they been buying your Lingzhi?"
Bai Qi answered, "Including this year, it's been nine years. Initially, they bought a few catties annually, then over ten, then dozens. Last year, they bought one hundred and fifty catties from us."
Ye Tian then inquired, "Your Ghost Witch Sect was also established because of collecting Lingzhi, wasn't it?"
Bai Qi became vigilant and said, "Friend, please don't inquire about our Ghost Witch Sect's affairs."
Ye Tian responded, "Just asking casually. I only want to do business with you and am not interested in your Ghost Witch Sect."
Bai Qi stated, "I will give you a reply tonight or tomorrow."
Half an hour later, Ye Tian had healed the man's poisoned wound, and Bai Qi and his group departed.
After Bai Qi left, Ye Tian asked the elder, "Senior, can you tell me the location of that mountain cave?"
The elder looked at him and asked, "You want to go collect Lingzhi?"
Ye Tian replied, "Since I'm buying Lingzhi from them, there's no need for me to collect it myself. However, I'm interested in the environment there and would like to see it."
The elder said, "Come find me at midnight tonight, and I will take you there."
Ye Tian bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, senior."
The elder chuckled and added, "Just now, I took a pill you gave me. It's truly a good thing. I hope you can give me more in the future."
Ye Tian replied, "That's easy. I'll send you a bottle every one or two years. With this pill, it will be easy for you to live to a hundred."
After bidding farewell to the elder, Ye Tian arrived at Hundred Flower Valley below the mountain. Lin Ziyi and her group had already arrived. Some had already set up tents and were busy with their tasks, while only Lin Ziyi was waiting for Ye Tian to return.
"Brother Tian, did you meet the people from the Ghost Witch Sect?" Lin Ziyi asked curiously.
Ye Tian replied, "Yes, I did. They're nothing special, just ordinary people. Ziyi, let's quickly set up the tents."
After half an hour of work, the tents were set up. Lin Ziyi prepared food, while Ye Tian looked through the photos on his phone. The text on the cowhide was magical, and one particular passage particularly captivated him.
This passage described a method for absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, which, when combined with incantations, could absorb the energy of heaven and earth and strengthen the soul.
Before long, the moon rose, large and round, like a silver plate. The moonlight flowed like water. Ye Tian found a quiet spot, struck a peculiar pose, uttered strange syllables, and began to absorb the moonlight.
Initially, he felt nothing. After persisting for about ten minutes, he felt the moonlight pouring into his body through the Heavenly Gate on his head. His spirit was completely bathed in the moonlight, feeling extremely comfortable.
After this sensation lasted for half an hour, he stopped. The text stated that the first time absorbing moonlight should not be prolonged.
Subsequently, Ye Tian accompanied Lin Ziyi in participating in activities organized by the tour guide, which mostly involved games, singing, and dancing.
They played until past ten o'clock. Some people returned to their tents to rest, while others gathered in groups of two or three to chat.
Around ten o'clock, the sound of a bamboo whistle echoed from not far away. Ye Tian got up and went to the entrance of the valley, where he indeed spotted Bai Qi.
Bai Qi appeared with two sect members and said, "The sect leader says we can cooperate with you. However, you must purchase at least two hundred catties of Lingzhi from us annually. You can pay for a year in advance, and we'll discuss next year's price next year."
Ye Tian replied, "That's acceptable. If your Lingzhi is sufficient, I can buy more."
Bai Qi stated, "We have developed new harvesting areas, and this year's Lingzhi yield will be at least three hundred catties."
Ye Tian said, "Good, then I will pay for three hundred catties. The price is one hundred and twenty million per catty, which amounts to thirty-six billion."
Bai Qi added, "The Eastern Islanders have already prepaid for fifty catties. We are honorable people, so the fifty catties must be supplied to the Eastern Island trading company first."
Ye Tian responded, "That's fine. Please supply me with as much as possible. We will leave our contact information, and once you have gathered one hundred catties of Lingzhi, I will transfer the first year's payment to you."
Bai Qi insisted, "We only accept cash."
Ye Tian was astonished. Cash? Thirty-six billion in cash would be nearly forty-five tons, requiring two large vehicles for transport!