At that moment.
Inside a quiet chamber at the Ling Xiao Main Store.
The Lingxiao Business Alliance was holding its monthly review meeting.
All the alliance's elders had gathered there.
Ling Wantong, the alliance's leader, arrived soon after.
After everyone briefly reported on business at the alliance's various shops, the elders each produced an exquisite gift box and handed it to Ling Wantong.
"Fellow Daoist Wantong, your proposal to establish the alliance was truly wise. We sincerely admire you."
"And by doing so, you led us to earn Spirit Stones. We are deeply grateful."
"These are some fine things we've acquired recently. Please accept them as gifts of thanks, and don't think too little of them."
Seeing how much the alliance had benefited them, the elders spoke their gratitude from the heart.
Their words made Ling Wantong curious about the boxes they had offered him.
Since the boxes bore no special concealing restrictions, he easily saw the spirit items inside.
Each held valuable Fifth Rank Low- or Mid-Grade spirit items.
The contents of every box were worth at least a dozen Fifth-tier Spirit Crystals—a considerable sum.
With so many elders presenting gifts, their combined value came to at least a hundred crystals.
Ling Wantong could not help being slightly startled.
These sly fellows certainly know how to give generously.
A smile spread across Ling Wantong's face.
He had no reason to refuse benefits delivered to his door.
Besides, accepting them would not bring any serious consequences.
He took the boxes one by one and said with a smile,
"You are all too kind."
"Now, business at our alliance's shops has found its footing and is doing quite well."
"But it isn't enough. I intend to stay true to our original purpose and find ways for the alliance to earn more