What Cui Zhi had described was, in truth, one of the principles by which ordinary people under the Human Dao sold their labor and traded goods: exchanging time for money.
The standard he had revealed was exceedingly crude. Everyone differed in labor, talent, and the scarcity of the resources they controlled. Far too many things defied a simple summary.
Yet however much the schools of classical immortal cultivation despised and rejected this path, it had stubbornly grown and become widespread.
Although Li Ling did not cultivate this path, as long as he still depended on cultivation resources, he would have to deal with it, and might even have to use it to measure his own Incense Path.
Understanding these things could only benefit him, never harm him.
Having lived two lives and been born with wisdom from his previous existence, Li Ling discussed some of what he knew with Cui Zhi.
His understanding of modern commercial operations was only superficial, but that did not stop him from blowing his own trumpet.
Who did not know how to chat?
All he needed was confidence, and he could hold forth on the world.
"Fellow Daoist Cui, to tell you the truth, no one in the Mystic Xin Kingdom understands the Money Dao better than I do!
"I came from Hua River Commandery, and through the business methods of ordinary mortals, I raised my Lineage from an impoverished household into a merchant house whose wealth dominated the region. I have already demonstrated the results.
"But I have no interest in money, nor do I want to make money. All I seek is the Great Dao.
"The Incense Path is my true path, and making incense is my true trade.
"Since you and I have hit it off today, I might as well share