The Human Path

Li Qi walked through the jade shop.

The price is... unexpectedly low.

Most jade materials are much cheaper than heavenly materials and earthly treasures of the same grade.

Some ordinary items are almost identical to meat.

It seems they didn't intend to hoard or speculate.

It must be because the whole nation had the habit of wearing jade, so the Tang Kingdom made such a special adjustment?

Thinking about it that way, it's actually quite possible.

Oh, right...

Li Qi suddenly realized that he had already discovered something during his conversation with the officials of the Honglu Temple.

That is, in the transactions of the Tang Kingdom, it seems that they did not pursue 'profit', but only appropriate labor returns. That is, they only needed to pay the value of their labor, without paying additional commodity profit increments.

The idea that buying things always requires paying extra money to generate profit so that merchants can 'make money' was already etched into Li Qi's mind, leaving him momentarily stunned.

But here, everything I just bought was at cost price plus a small service fee!?

There is absolutely no room for redundant profits in the entire society. In other words, almost all commodities are essentially an exchange of labor and raw materials. This completely eliminates the financial crisis caused by hoarding and speculation and surplus value.

What causes cyclical financial crises?

The cost of a commodity is one tael, but in order to make a profit, it is necessary to exploit the laborers who produce these commodities to generate surplus value, thereby increasing the price in the market and eventually selling it for two taels, or even more.

If a commodity is worth one tael but is sold for two taels, the result is that the amount of money exceeds the amount of the commodity, to the point that people don't have enough money to buy all the goods on the market, leading to a large accumulation of goods.

After the stockpiles accumulate, prices will inevitably drop in order to clear the inventory, eventually leading to a price collapse and a financial crisis.

Of course, Li Qi also knew ways to alleviate this situation.

That is debt.

If a worker's money can't buy the goods they produce, that's okay. I'll lend you the money so you can afford them.

By encouraging consumerism and advance lending, allowing people to borrow money to buy goods in advance, it becomes possible for 'debt + income' to afford the goods they already own, thus enabling the market to continue functioning.

However, there is a limit to this. Once the limit of being unable to repay is reached, that is, when the debt becomes too much to bear, it will cause a second type of financial crisis, namely the 'subprime crisis'.

Therefore, Tang Kingdom devised a solution to the cyclical financial crisis, breaking free from the shackles of a private society. At the same time, it also regulated the devaluation of labor through the market.

How do automated large-scale industrial factories operate without profit, and how is the issue of worker motivation addressed?

How did they do that?!

Li Qi didn't understand. His knowledge of mathematics and economics was only enough for him to analyze this far. He couldn't imagine how the Tang Kingdom had managed to do it.

But one thing is certain: even jade, which is in high demand, will not see its price rise here.

These rules... they really do apply to everything, even this aspect?

Li Qi was deeply impressed.

The more I read about these things, the more I admired Human Path, but also felt a sense of fear.

In terms of integrating resources and reducing internal friction, I dare not say that other Dao Lineage are inferior, but at least the Shaman Path is not as good.

However, Li Qi was unaware of another matter.

That is, just by looking at the prices of jade and food, Li Qi had already discerned a part of the economic operating principles of Human Path.

His mind is sharper than before; as his cultivation level improves, he is becoming increasingly intelligent.

However, he didn't pay attention to that at the moment; he was simply summarizing the Human Path of finance while examining the jade materials in these shops.

After marveling at the Human Path methods, let's continue to consider what to buy for Shen Shuibi, since that's the important matter at hand.

However, although the jade here was cheaper than Li Qi had imagined, it was only relatively cheaper.

After all, jade is a natural treasure, and its essence naturally has different grades. High-grade jade will never be cheap.

The formation of jade is due to the presence of natural energy within the stone, which gradually influences and alters the stone's properties; this is the origin of jade.

For example, the 'Red Tiger Tablet' contains the Fire Qi, the 'Azure Jade Tablet' contains the energy of wood, and the 'Azure Jade Disc' contains the energy of pure heaven.

In Li Qi's sacrificial rites, a Red Tiger Tablet was used to worship the south, and Azure Jade Tablet was used to worship the east, which also originated from this direction.

What Li Qi was planning to buy this time was jasper, the same kind of jade mentioned in Shen Shuibi's name.

This is no ordinary item.

As the saying goes, "The emperor wears pure jade and a black ribbon, dukes and Xuanjing Jade Water Azure Jade and a pure ribbon, heirs wear jade and a red ribbon, and scholars wear jade and a dark red ribbon."

This Water Azure Jade is a type of jasper.

A poem says, "All nations flock to the royal assembly, and the nobles wear azure robes."

Even high-ranking officials in the imperial court would wear this kind of jade when meeting with people from all over the world, which shows its quality.

As for Water Azure Jade... Li Qi can't afford it, because this is an extremely high-quality jasper, but it's a second-rate one. Moreover, it's not carved, and he doesn't buy ready-made Law Artifact. If he just wants the jade material, he can still accept the price if he grits his teeth.

Walking into a shop, Li Qi saw a piece of raw stone that had not been opened.

Through True Knowledge Dao Charm, he can discern the jade hidden within.

A piece of sixth-grade jade, imbued with the spirit of mountains and rivers, forming a unified whole, of exceptional quality.

Li Qi walked to the side.

A female sales assistant approached and asked, "Sir, are you interested in this piece of raw jade?"

She immediately revealed that the raw stone contained jade.

That's true. In this kind of world, gambling on stones is basically impossible. Even the Earth can be scanned with X-rays to screen out excellent rough stones in advance.

In the Tang Kingdom, it's even simpler. Cultivators can detect what's inside the raw stone with just a glance. Trying to find a bargain is practically impossible. Don't treat others like fools.

Having figured this out, Li Qi asked, "Miss, what's the price of this rough stone?"

But the saleswoman didn't directly state the price. Instead, she waved her hand, her flowing sleeves fluttering, and a Mirror Flower Water Moon illusion appeared before Li Qi's eyes.

"Sir, please look. The formation of this jade is due to the merging of two sixth-grade mountain and water energies, creating a landscape where mountains and water depend on each other. This is how this piece of jade was formed."

"Within this mountain's atmosphere, there are the colors of the four seasons; the spring mountain is vibrant and smiling, the summer mountain is verdant and dripping, the autumn mountain is clear and clean, and the winter mountain is tranquil and sleeping. They complement each other in order of rank and status, overlapping and pressing, deep and profound even within a small space. The scenery is so exquisite yet faint and ethereal that it possesses the color of a learned gentleman!"

As she spoke, she demonstrated the nature of the mountain mist.

Then, the scene shifts to the water vapor surrounding the mountains, and the Mirror Flower Water Moon zooms in on the water encircling the mountains.

"Like this mountain, this water also has the colors of the four seasons, changing with the Qi of the Four Seasons. In spring, the water is slightly green; in summer, it is slightly cool; in autumn, it is slightly clear; and in winter, it is slightly desolate. The water flows smoothly and endlessly, shining with the mountains, presenting the atmosphere of clouds, mist, and haze, as if there is a hazy glow."

"The aura of this jade, when viewed from above, reveals overlapping boulders, surging waters, dense green mists, shimmering lake waters, and ever-changing Spirit Stone, with their interplay of light and shadow. The emerald green hues brush against the rocks, transcending the mortal realm. Its profound beauty is unparalleled, truly a top-tier sixth-grade jade."

"Moreover, this jade is still in its raw state, full of possibilities. It can be made into hairpins, wine vessels, jade bracelets, seals, and even custom-designed Law Treasure based on its shape. We can also help you contact professional craftsmen and alchemists."

To be honest, I have to say, professional salespeople are really good with words.

Li Qi sighed, realizing he certainly wouldn't have said those things if he were in Li Qi's shoes.

However, while he was impressed, he also had some doubts.

"Miss, I really want to buy it, but I have a question. There shouldn't be much profit in this, so why are you so enthusiastic in promoting it?" Li Qi asked, puzzled.

However, these words puzzled the saleswoman.

She tilted her head, looking at Li Qi curiously, wondering why this young man would say such a thing, but she still politely answered:

"Sir, you're joking. Of course, it's because it's my job. I chose this job because I like it, right? Don't you do things because you like them?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qi was stunned.

He froze on the spot, his heart filled with turbulent emotions!

I see!

I see!

Pure liking, pure passion.

Humans are born with the instinct to pursue what they love, but in other places, this love is bound by various difficulties in the real world, and can only become 'forced by life'.

The vast majority of these real-world predicaments stem from the pressure of shortages of daily necessities, while a smaller portion arises from the mismatch between inflated desires and one's own capabilities.

But in the Tang Kingdom, the shortage of supplies was no longer an issue.

In other words...

I dare not speak of the entire territory of the Tang Kingdom, but just referring to Chang'an, it is unlikely that anyone would be forced to do something they do not like due to a shortage of living supplies.

Moreover, they have enough resources and energy to pursue what they truly love.

In other words... pursuing one's own 'path'.

A true Dao Pursuer, constantly striving in the direction they love, generates motivation that is infinitely stronger than striving out of necessity for survival.

Don't think that hobbies like being a construction worker or a sales assistant are laughable.

Isn't the upward mobility of construction workers a branch of the industrial profession based on Reason Way or Human Path?

If you keep walking up the stairs from this saleswoman... aren't they just 'walkers' from a branch of the Shaman, or officials of various ranks from the Honglu Temple who communicate with foreign countries?

It comes from the heart to love something, and then you pursue it.

Is this the case throughout Chang'an?

Countless Dao Pursuer!

Li Qi broke out in a cold sweat.

It's both beautiful and terrifying!

Such a world is simply a perfect paradise; for those who live within it, it is an ideal land without flaws.

But Li Qi was also very clear about what such a wonderful thing was built on, which is why he broke out in a cold sweat.

On what is it based?

You don't think that the Human Path Silver Hegemony and its extremely strong desire for external expansion are just for show, do you?

Everything must be based on a material foundation.

Therefore, the conclusion is quite simple: the superior environment and beautiful vision of heaven within Human Path are entirely built upon the wanton invasion and crushing of the outside world.

Human beings are the foundation, yet they devour everything else.

This nature, this heaven and earth, all things in the world, and all the endless realms beyond, everything must serve humanity!

This is probably the fundamental logic of Human Path!

The way of man is to take from those who have little to give to those who have more!

Just as Li Qi was stunned by his own thoughts, he heard the voice of the saleswoman in his ear.

"Sir? What's wrong? Why are you stunned?" She looked at Li Qi with a puzzled expression.

This person is so strange. He asks nonsensical questions, then falls into deep thought, looking completely shocked.

I don't know how to put it... I just feel like there's something wrong with him mentally.

He can afford it, right?

However, Li Qi quickly snapped out of his shock and regained his senses, saying apologetically, "Sorry, I was thinking about something and got distracted. I'm very satisfied with this jade. How much does it cost?"

The sales assistant nodded and then said, "After all, it is a sixth-grade treasure. Although its divine charm is currently restrained and it has no special effects, if it is used as raw material to refine Law Treasure, then it can exert its divine power. Therefore, the price will not be too cheap. Two million taels of silver, or a ninth-grade B-level world, are both acceptable."

Because of its vast resources and continuous production, the world can generally be exchanged for items several grades higher than itself, depending on their specific form; these are very valuable resources.

For example, the unique cosmic light miniature world that Wushen Mountain had seen—although that miniature world had no grade, if we really considered its value, it could probably sell for the price of a fifth-grade or higher Law Treasure.

In worlds like the Earth Oil Realm, which have unique products, even a ninth-grade magic weapon can be easily exchanged for a sixth-grade Law Treasure.

Other places with nothing particularly special or unique will be slightly cheaper.

Now, a piece of jade can be exchanged for a whole world.

Li Qi couldn't help but sigh... What are these worlds' lives being treated like?

The Shaman Path does not occupy too many small worlds, nor does it enslave or seize large amounts of resources from them. The Shaman Path as a whole is not very aggressive, and even within the small worlds under its jurisdiction, it treats everyone equally.

It is what it is, without distinction of first, second, or third class, and it almost never uses the world as a currency for transactions.

Thinking about it this way, Li Qi suddenly realized that the Shaman Path was more about bartering, and there was no unified currency at all. Only among mortals did they have things like gold.

Even the Qi bead he used when browsing street stalls were actually items with practical uses, rather than silver, a valueless general equivalent.

The differences in values between the two sides are truly enormous.

It's not a matter of who's better or worse, but given this difference in values, it's only natural that they would fight.

The debate over the Dao Path probably arose from this.

While thinking about these things, he didn't stop working, but took out the outfit his teacher had given him before.

Actually, it's just that really nice outfit, a complete set of Seventh Rank Magic Treasure, plus the hundreds of thousands of Qi bead from before.

But at that moment, a voice suddenly called out from behind Li Qi.

"Wait a minute!"