Everlasting Immortal Firmament

Infinite Wealth, Spirit Mountain City:

Gu Qin sat in the host’s seat in a large hall at the back, drinking tea. An old man stood beside him.

“Your Highness, why…why are you here in person? This is Spirit Mountain City!” the old man said with an anxious expression.

“There’s no need to worry. Father once said, ‘the most dangerous place is the safest place.’ This is the opening of Infinite Wealth’s first store. How can I not be here for something so important?” Gu Qin said with a smile between sips of tea.

“Yes!” the old man said respectfully.

“Senior Manager, you are from the earliest batch of people who followed Father. Father kept you hidden all the while for this day. Please do not blame him for this,” Gu Qin said seriously.

……

“Why would this old man blame Master—no, His Reverence—for what he did? He gave us various medicinal pills. Unfortunately, this old man’s physique is too poor, unable to make a breakthrough. However, His Reverence still gave my children and grandchildren respectable positions. This old man is content,” the old man said with a rueful smile.

“No, it is not a problem of physique. Father said he would help you all cast off your old selves and undergo a transformation after this. If that still does not work, he will help you change bodies,” Gu Qin said gravely.

“What?” The old man’s eyes lit up.

“Father said you are the brothers who followed him the earliest. Now that the Han Imperial Dynasty is flourishing, he does not want to become a lonely person. Father said if he lived for ten thousand years, he would help you all extend your lifespan to the greatest extent, regardless of the cost,” Gu Qin said.

“Many thanks, Master—No, many thanks, Your Reverence!” The old man teared up as he kneeled and kowtowed in Borderless Heavenly Capital’s direction.

“Alright. Senior Manager, there’s no need for this. Right now, we need to manage this financial management store well. You are one of Father’s old brothers; he trusts you the most. That’s why he assigned the first store to you,” Gu Qin said seriously.

The old man wiped his eyes, feeling moved. Then he stood up and smiled. “Your Highness, rest assured. Everything will go according to plan. There will be no mistakes.”

“Right. There’s no problem with Eastern Forest Temple’s Number 3 Spirit Stone Mine, right?” Gu Qin asked.

“The Eastern Forest Temple had nearly mined out the Number 3 Spirit Stone Mine. To think they asked for five million superior-grade spirit stones. However, we purchased it at three times the asking price, as per Your Highness’s request, so a total of fifteen million superior-grade spirit stones. The Eastern Forest Temple’s people practically cried from laughter. They agreed to all our requests, even guaranteeing them,” the old man reported, smiling.

“Oh? Will they leak the information?”

“Your Highness, rest assured. We did not pay the fifteen million in one go. We first paid a deposit of five million superior-grade spirit stones, and we told them the price was fixed, no matter how many spirit stones remained in the mines. After that, we will pay them in monthly installments of one million superior-grade spirit stones. All they need to do is help us get rid of anyone who interferes and deal with any trouble. In short, the remaining ten million is a protection fee,” the old man said, smiling.

“Giving them one million superior-grade spirit stones will seal their lips. They will be full to the point of bursting.” Gu Qin narrowed his eyes as he nodded.

“Have many people come to buy?” Gu Qin asked again.

“There have been quite a lot. The Eastern Forest Temple collected such a large protection fee from us. They will help us advertise. We have fully drawn on the Eastern Forest Temple’s reputation. Now, it is time to recoup our investment,” the old man replied, smiling.

“That is good. Remember to keep bringing up the Eastern Forest Temple. My Infinite Wealth’s kick-off will truly start only after the first month ends and the investors get their first interest payment,” Gu Qin said seriously.

“Yes! We have already started preparing ten Infinite Wealth branches in the city in secret. We can open them simultaneously one month later and get the entire city to invest,” the old man said.

“The Eastern Forest Temple’s Number 3 Spirit Stone Mine will not be enough. Continue buying more mines and bringing in more temples. Let all the investors know that my Infinite Wealth has the Spirit Mountain Holy Land’s support and will not renege on the money. We have to be fast, and we need more. At the same time, keep bringing people to tour our spirit stone mines. Also, buy mines for materials used in forging enchanted treasures; give them three times the asking price. Make sure the various large temples go crazy over our protection money,” Gu Qin said.

“Yes!”

“Also, we must recruit people to expand the shop. Start by selecting the direct relatives of the Spirit Mountain Holy Land disciples. You should know what kind of people we need to pick, right?” Gu Qin instructed gravely.

“Yes! Your Highness, rest assured!” the old man answered solemnly.

------

After one month, a sizable portion of people in Spirit Mountain City knew about the Treasure Gathering Pot, Mark 1.

This was a new style of financial management, an investment that posed a supreme temptation. Everyone could see the benefits and where the money went. They just needed to collect the money and nothing else.

This immediately attracted countless people.

At the same time, many people waited for feedback from the first batch of people.

One month passed in a flash. On this day, many people filled with anticipation crowded outside Infinite Wealth.

“Here is your principle sum: one hundred superior-grade spirit stones; and here is your interest: five superior-grade spirit stones. Keep them carefully.”

After the first person received his interest, countless people in the surroundings became excited.

“It’s true! Five superior-grade spirit stones! That’s fifty thousand inferior-grade spirit stones in one month doing nothing! One month?” someone cried out excitedly.

On the other side, Infinite Wealth’s people continuously paid out spirit stones. They followed the contracts, not giving even a speck less.

This scene lit a fire in everyone’s heart. Those who invested and made a profit had wide grins. However, those who did not showed regret on their faces.

“Had I also invested one month ago, wouldn’t I have an additional fifty thousand inferior-grade spirit stones now? How great would that be?!” someone said anxiously.

“Then…can we reinvest?” someone who earned a profit asked eagerly.

“You can. Treasure Gathering Pot, Mark 1, is not sold out yet. Quickly buy and sign the contract. Oh, that’s right! We now have the Treasure Gathering Pot, Mark 2, and Treasure Gathering Pot, Mark 3. You can check the details,” an attendant answered with a smile.

“I want to buy! I want to buy!”

More people rushed over anxiously. Only a fool would not buy such products. How could they let this opportunity slip by?

A sea of people filled Infinite Wealth’s entrance immediately. On this day, they opened ten branches in Spirit Mountain City. Those branches also got swamped.

Of course, not everyone felt entranced by this. Some remained skeptical.

------

A group of people discussed the financial management store at a restaurant.

“Old Wang, you went to Infinite Wealth that day. Did you buy the Treasure Gathering Pot, Mark 1?”

“I did not. I thought it was a scam then.”

“Oh?”

“How can there be such a good thing, five percent interest per month? What if I spend my money on the financial product and they don’t return it in the end?” Old Wang said skeptically.

“Don’t return your money? Hahaha! Old Wang, are you stupid? Would Infinite Wealth covet your little bit of money? Just one brick from their shop is more expensive than everything you own.”

“But where does their money come from? Can their money last if they are paying out so much interest?” Old Wang frowned.

“You saw it for yourself. There’s the Eastern Forest Temple’s Number 3 Spirit Stone Mine, the Western Gate Temple’s jade mine, and many other large mines. Would they lack money? You have been poor for too long and have no idea how the rich live.”

“But since they are already rich, why do they still want our money?”

“Here’s where you lack understanding. Why are the wealthy rich? It’s because they know how to make money beget more money. They don’t need to use their money to earn money. Why spend their own money? Furthermore, do you think that rate of earning is fast? They are earning even faster. We earn five percent interest buying their financial products, but they use our money to turn a ten or twenty percent profit. They do not care about this bit of interest.”

“However, why have I never heard of this before?”

“Your way of thinking is outdated. There’s a new book published recently. Have you read it?”

“Huh?”

“I have a copy with me now. You can borrow it.”

Old Wang moved closer and looked. “If You Don’t Manage Your Wealth, Wealth Will Ignore You!?”

“That’s right. Why do the rich get increasingly richer? Are they lucky? No. It’s because they know how to manage their finances, using money to earn more money. Look here; the book is very well written. I’ll read it out for you.”

“Chapter One: Financial Management Needs to Start Early.

“Chapter Two: Blueprints for Designing Financial Management, Learn the Ways of Financial Management.

“Chapter Three: Financial Management Is Simple. Nine Techniques to Manage Your Finances.

“Chapter Four: Build Up Funds; Make Money Beget Money.

“Chapter Five: Start from One Inferior-Grade Spirit Stone and Grow It to One Hundred Thousand Superior-Grade Spirit Stones. It’s That Simple!

“Chapter Six: Just a Lad a Year Ago, But He Has Ten Stores Two Years Later.”

…

Old Wang looked at the various chapter titles and read a few chapters. After that, he felt like his blood was boiling with excitement. The book cited several examples of people with nothing to their names. However, they quickly became millionaires after learning financial management. He felt like he was in a similar position to these people at the start.

“Look. Why are you stubbornly clinging to the old way of thinking? This is a great way to earn money. Why are you hiding from it? Haha! You don’t know this, but I have already invested half my life savings. I will double it soon!”

Old Wang gulped. “Can we really earn that much? It’s not a lie?”

“Why would they lie to you? Does Infinite Wealth lack your money? Look at the nephew of the Eastern Forest Temple’s abbot. He is now working in Infinite Wealth’s store. What are you worried about? Even if a problem occurs with Infinite Wealth, isn’t there still the Eastern Forest Temple? Don’t tell me you doubt the Eastern Forest Temple? The Eastern Forest Temple represents the Spirit Mountain Holy Land. Would they scam you of so little money? Even if there’s still a problem, aren’t there still the spirit stone mines? Just pluck a few Night Pearls from the store, and you will gain more than your net worth. Why do you still disdain it?”

After hearing what the other person had to say, Old Wang wanted to rush home and invest all his savings.

“Brother, thank you. I’ll go home immediately. I’m going to Infinite Wealth!” Old Wang said excitedly.

“You can borrow this If You Don’t Manage Your Wealth, Wealth Will Ignore You! to read.” That person handed over the book.

“Ah? You’ll lend it to me? Why would you…”

“All the stores in Spirit Mountain City are selling this book. I can do without it; I’ve already finished reading it. I heard there’s a new book on success. It talks about reaching the peak of wealth. I’m going to buy that book,” that person said, shaking his head.

“Reaching the peak of wealth? What?”

“I’m not sure about the details. It’s called Carnegie or something. No matter what, I’m buying it to take a look. You go to Infinite Wealth first. If you are too late, Treasure Gathering Pot, Mark 1, might be sold out.”

[TL Note: Carnegie is likely a reference to Dale Carnegie, an American writer who developed courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Here’s the Wikipedia entry on him: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Carnegie.]

“Oh! Right! Right! I’m not chatting anymore. Many thanks, Brother!” Old Wang rushed back, holding the book.

Things that affected wealth needed no advertisement. People quickly thronged the ten Infinite Wealth branches, which translated into phenomenal sales.

------

In a small courtyard:

Gu Qin drank tea while Infinite Wealth’s senior manager stood beside him. The senior manager felt so excited that his face flushed a deep red.

“Your Highness, did you see that? Did you see that? This is the first time this old man has seen such a thing! There are no goods, just a few pieces of paper, and the money poured in like floodwater. It’s simply too fast! This is even faster than robbery. His Reverence is divine! His Reverence is divine!” the old manager exclaimed in incredible excitement.

Ten branches? That was insufficient. They clearly had to expand further.

“How goes the printing of the books?” Gu Qin asked as he sipped tea.

“If You Don’t Manage Your Wealth, Wealth Will Ignore You!? It seems to have a strange attraction to it, and it works very well with our financial management store’s appearance. The books quickly sold out. Many pirated copies have already appeared everywhere. Furthermore, the Carnegie that Your Highness brought along is incredibly profound. Even this old man feels reluctant to put it down when I read it,” the senior manager said as he held up a Carnegie book.

However, Gu Qin showed a faint sneer. “Carnegie? That is just a scam. You believe that?”

“Ah?” the senior manager said in shock.

“These books I gave you summarize some knowledge that Father taught us previously. They are all general principles and truths. They are truths, but they are useless. If just anyone could become wealthy from reading a book, everyone would be wealthy. These books are just our tools for advertising Infinite Wealth,” Gu Qin said indifferently.

“Huh? Alright!” The senior manager showed a faint, wry smile.

He had been excited over the book’s content, but the crown prince unexpectedly said it was all a scam.

“You should know we printed all those books to support our financial products, to brainwash everyone and make them willingly help us advertise and persuade more people to buy our financial products. This is just a method of creating hype and discussion. Aside from printing books, we also have to hire people to explain the books and spread the ideology to everyone. Remember, everyone!” Gu Qin said gravely.

“Yes!

“By the way, Your Highness, I forgot to mention something. There’s good news.”

“Oh?”

“Remember, we purchased Eastern Forest Temple’s spirit stone mine and gave them five million superior-grade spirit stones as down payment? The Eastern Forest Temple’s abbot saw our high interest rate and wanted to invest in our store and buy our financial products,” the senior manager reported, smiling.

“Oh? This is a good thing. Hahaha! The money we spent returned!” Gu Qin laughed.

“Perhaps! I accepted all of them!”

“Excellent. Don’t just sell him the Treasure Gathering Pot, Mark 1. Sell him the Treasure Gathering Pot, Marks 2, 3, and 4. The larger the buy, the more they will protect us. Our relationship will become even tighter.” Gu Qin’s eyes gleamed.

“Yes. Right now, we pay a premium, no matter where we buy. All the surrounding temples are inviting us over!” the senior manager said, smiling.

“That’s right. However, a tall tree will feel more pressure from the wind. It is about time. We cannot add more Infinite Wealth branches in the city. We need to expand to other cities.”

“Yes, but now that Infinite Wealth has gained a reputation, more people are coming to invest every day. I worry our stores cannot handle the volume,” the senior manager objected.

“It’s fine. Besides Infinite Wealth, a Bodhi Finance, Sincere Wealth, Arhat Wealth, and many other stores for a total of twenty will open three days later. They are all financial management stores but different from yours. They will divert the traffic flow, as they all deal with financial products.” Gu Qin smiled.

“Oh? Twenty? Competitors?” The senior manager frowned.

“Their managers are all here. Do you want to meet them?” Gu Qin clapped.

Twenty people immediately came out from a side room.

“Huh? Hahaha! Old Li! Old Zhang! Old Mao! His Reverence sent you as well?” the senior manager said excitedly.

“This involves two thousand cities. His Reverence was worried you couldn’t handle it alone, so His Reverence sent us. Each of us will handle one brand.” Everyone immediately smiled.