Chapter 114: Ginseng Polygonatum

Lin Yi had not expected that Gu Chuan would actually manage to capture it. He said, "Send me a couple of photos first."

"No problem," Gu Chuan agreed immediately.

Before long, Gu Chuan sent a few photos to Lin Yi. The background of the photos was deep in the mountains. Hanging from a large tree was a birdcage, and inside the cage was a ginseng root the size of an infant, with its limbs fully formed. It was tightly bound with red rope, wrapped several times over.

Looking at the ginseng in the cage, Lin Yi immediately recognized its name: a Ginseng Essence.

This was a type of sentient celestial treasure capable of automatically transforming the surrounding soil into spiritual soil suitable for survival. Simply put, with a Ginseng Essence, one would never have to worry about the quality of spiritual soil again. Moreover, the Ginseng Essence itself was a rare treasure that could replace the main ingredients for many medicinal pills.

In the world of cultivation, most Ginseng Essences were controlled by sects, used specifically to tend to spiritual fields, while others were used for alchemy. They had a very affectionate nickname: "Spiritual Field Farmers." However, that was back when the world was rich in spiritual energy and Ginseng Essences were abundant; unlike today, they were nearly extinct.

Lin Yi replied to Gu Chuan, telling him he would head over immediately. He did not intend to bring Angel along this time.

Less than twenty minutes later, Lin Yi boarded his flying vessel and crossed over a thousand kilometers to Wuxi City in Shan Province. He had arranged to meet Gu Chuan at the Shangri-La Hotel. When he arrived at the private room, Gu Chuan was already waiting.

Unlike his previous slovenly appearance, Gu Chuan had dressed up, wearing a suit and trousers. He looked much more energetic.

"Mr. Lin, you certainly move fast," Gu Chuan said with a smile.

Lin Yi went straight to the point: "Where is the ginseng?"

Gu Chuan picked up a birdcage from under his feet and placed it on the table. He lifted the red cloth covering the cage, and inside was the Ginseng Essence. It looked just like a human, thrashing its limbs wildly in a fierce struggle.

Lin Yi stepped forward to inspect it and said, "What is your bank card number? I’ll transfer the money to you directly."

Gu Chuan was suddenly in no hurry. He took a slow sip of his drink and said leisurely, "Mr. Lin, don't be in such a rush. You aren't the only one who wants this."

Lin Yi frowned, realizing Gu Chuan wanted to hold him for ransom.

"We had an agreement," Lin Yi said coldly. "You find the ginseng, and I pay ten million to buy it."

"That was then, Mr. Lin. You have seen how miraculous this ginseng is. Forget ten million; I imagine even for one hundred million, there would be plenty of people vying for it." Gu Chuan chuckled. "Mr. Lin, we didn't pay a deposit, nor did we sign a contract. I'm not a wealthy person like you who can treat money like waste paper. I'm just a small-timer, so naturally, the highest bidder wins."

Lin Yi did not speak.

At that moment, the door to the room opened, and a middle-aged man walked in. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit and appeared elegant, carrying a briefcase—clearly a successful man.

As soon as Gu Chuan saw him, he greeted him with a beaming smile: "Boss Ma, I’ve finally been waiting for you."

"Hm," Ma Youxian nodded.

Gu Chuan didn't mind Ma Youxian's cold attitude. Ma Youxian was the head of the Jiabao Group, a Fortune 500 company with assets exceeding one hundred billion; he was a true titan. Gu Chuan was just a ginseng seller; he didn't harbor hopes of befriending such a person. Being able to exchange a few words was already enough. He had only managed to contact Ma Youxian after accidentally seeing him post a high-price request for medicinal ingredients.

"Boss Ma, this is the ginseng I told you about. Take a look." Gu Chuan obsequiously placed the Ginseng Essence in front of Ma Youxian.

Ma Youxian squinted. It was just as Gu Chuan said—the ginseng was actually moving. Interesting.

Ma Youxian picked up a pair of chopsticks from the table and poked the Ginseng Essence. Immediately, the creature's reaction became even more violent. Furthermore, the Ginseng Essence emitted a unique medicinal fragrance that made one feel drowsy. Ma Youxian’s eyelids began to droop.

Gu Chuan, having prepared for this, clapped his hands, and Ma Youxian snapped back to alertness, praising, "Good, that’s a good item."

Immediately, Ma Youxian asked, "Give me a price. I’ll take it."

Gu Chuan smiled and pointed at the silently seated Lin Yi: "Boss Ma, this Mr. Lin wants it too."

Ma Youxian turned to look. The more he looked, the more familiar Lin Yi seemed. Suddenly, his heart jolted, and he hurried over to Lin Yi’s side with small, quick steps.

Gu Chuan watched the drama unfold, hoping these wealthy men would argue as much as possible so he could profit from the situation. However...

Ma Youxian stood before Lin Yi and said cautiously, "Mr. Lin."

This single phrase startled Gu Chuan. What was going on? Ma Youxian was a Fortune 500 CEO; why was he being so subservient to such a young man? In his eyes, Lin Yi was just a rich second-generation kid. Could it be that this man's background was even greater than Boss Ma's?

Lin Yi raised his eyelids and asked coldly, "Who are you?"

"Mr. Lin, I am the Chairman of the Jiabao Group. It is only natural that someone as insignificant as me would be unknown to you," Ma Youxian said respectfully.

After seeing Lin Yi’s display of power at the Zhang family residence, complete with that ferocious black python, no one dared to provoke him. His assets might be in the billions, but if he were dead, what good would the money be?

"Hm. So, did you come for this ginseng as well?" Lin Yi asked indifferently.

Cold sweat broke out on Ma Youxian’s forehead. He shook his head like a rattle and said, "Not at all, Mr. Lin. I came here specifically to pay my respects to you."

Before Lin Yi could speak, Gu Chuan grew anxious and hurriedly said, "No, Boss Ma, we had an agreement! You said you wanted to buy this ginseng!"

Ma Youxian had previously hinted at a price—as long as the goods were real, one hundred million was no issue. If Ma Youxian didn't buy it, wouldn't he lose out on a fortune? Greed is a powerful motivator; he had suffered for half a life and wanted to seize this opportunity to make a killing.

"Get lost. I'm talking to Mr. Lin; who gave you permission to interrupt?" Ma Youxian glared at Gu Chuan, cursing internally at how oblivious the man was.

"I..."

Gu Chuan wasn't one to read the room, and being scolded by Ma Youxian made his face fall. But he didn't dare talk back, given Ma Youxian's status.

After scolding Gu Chuan, Ma Youxian eagerly poured a cup of tea for Lin Yi: "Mr. Lin, if you like this ginseng, I will buy it for you right now."

As he spoke, Ma Youxian secretly observed Lin Yi’s expression. Seeing that he wasn't angry, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"No need," Lin Yi shook his head. He didn't have the habit of accepting gifts, and besides, he wasn't short on money.

"I see," Ma Youxian said, looking disappointed. If he could use this ginseng to earn Lin Yi’s favor, it would be an absolute bargain.

Lin Yi turned to Gu Chuan and said, "If you are willing to sell, I can add another ten million."

"Are you joking? I’ve had offers of over a hundred million from several other people," Gu Chuan said with great dissatisfaction.

Lin Yi said calmly, "That was the price we agreed upon. I’m already being generous by adding ten million."

Ma Youxian realized what was happening and sneered, "Be content with what you have. If Mr. Lin doesn't buy it, believe me, no one in all of Yanxia would dare to take it."

Gu Chuan’s face changed. If anyone else had said that, he wouldn't have believed it, but this was a Fortune 500 CEO. Besides, Ma Youxian wasn't short on money; he had no reason to lie to him over a few tens of millions.

Gu Chuan remained silent for a long time. Lin Yi wasn't in a hurry, and Ma Youxian continued to hover like a subordinate.

"Mr. Lin, I heard the 'Dragon and Phoenix Prosperity' at this hotel is excellent. Shall I order it for you?" Ma Youxian asked.

"Hm," Lin Yi replied.

Before long, a table full of dishes was served. Gu Chuan suddenly stood up and said, "I'll be right back."

Once outside the room, Gu Chuan called a businessman: "Hello, Boss Sun? May I ask, do you know a Mr. Lin?"

An impatient voice came from the other end: "Which Mr. Lin?"

Yanxia was huge; there were many "Mr. Lins." However, the only one that left an impression on him was the Mr. Lin from the Zhang family incident. But he didn't think it likely that someone like Gu Chuan would know such a person, so he didn't think much of it at first. Still, to be cautious, Boss Sun asked, "The Mr. Lin you're talking about—is he very young and quite ordinary-looking?"

Gu Chuan’s heart sank. He nodded and said, "That's him. Boss Sun, do you know him?"

Boss Sun gave a bitter laugh: "I wish I did. Mr. Lin is a true titan; even the ten great families have to treat him with extreme caution. Gu Chuan, why are you suddenly asking about Mr. Lin?"

Gu Chuan was stunned. If even the ten great families had to be careful, he had been a fool to provoke him. He said absent-mindedly, "It's nothing, Boss Sun. I'll hang up now."

After hanging up, Gu Chuan returned to the room. He took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Lin, about that... I don't want any money for the ginseng. Consider it a gift to you."

Lin Yi shook his head: "No. Twenty million. Give me your account number."

Gu Chuan hesitated. Before, he would have taken it, but after learning about Lin Yi’s influence, he was terrified.

Ma Youxian urged, "Hurry up. Do you really think Mr. Lin cares about that bit of money?"

"Fine."

Gu Chuan provided his account number, and Lin Yi had Angel transfer the twenty million immediately.

After the meal, Lin Yi didn't intend to stay in Wuxi City any longer. He boarded his flying vessel and soon returned to Villa No. 8.

In his room, Lin Yi removed the red rope from the Ginseng Essence. The moment it regained its freedom, it began shaking its legs to run away.

Lin Yi smiled faintly. His divine sense directly suppressed the Ginseng Essence as he said, "Little one, do you see that alchemy furnace? If you don't want to be refined into a pill, you'd better stand still."

Xiao Qian’s eyes lit up as she said, "A Ginseng Essence—what a treasure."

The Ginseng Essence was a sentient celestial treasure; it possessed intelligence and knew how to avoid danger. Hearing Lin Yi and Xiao Qian’s words, it immediately steadied its body and stood perfectly still.

Lin Yi knew the little creature had only stopped out of fear; if he left, it would undoubtedly try to escape without hesitation. However, Lin Yi wasn't worried. He directly imprinted a slave seal onto the Ginseng Essence. The slave seal was a method of forced control, and while the Ginseng Essence possessed intelligence, it was still too primitive to resist.