Of Uproar and Windfalls. (1)
1165 Words
After a long week of successful research and initial production, the Pellet Association officially dropped the huge announcement unto the Celestial Sky Continent. The news shook the whole continent to it's roots. Massive uproar ensued but many experts remained skeptical to the extreme, this was the dragon essence pellet they were talking about after all.
High level imperial envoys right away visited Red Eagle Town and the pellet association chairman was whisked away at once to the Northern Sky Province, home to the Imperial Palace. Everyone held their breath. After two days an imperial edict was announced that erased all the doubts.
Powerful emmisaries from all the top clans and sects as well as all the major merchant heavyweights from all the corners of the continent paid courtesy calls to the Red Eagle Pellet Association without a moment to spare. They all saw the huge, rare opportunity that had presented itself and they all wanted a share.
Within a mere week, Red Eagle Town became a bee hive of activity, the enviable center of attraction of the entire Celestial Sky Continent.
From his visit to the Imperial Palace, Chairman Zeng Xiao had received exclusive production rights for the wonderous pellet. This was of course after graciously gifting 40% of all future Dragon Essence Pellets produced to the Imperial Palace.
In the days that followed the chairman and his deputies were kept busy. With beaming smiles and extremely proud demeanors they received all the various great esteemed guests from all over the continent. They astutely and strategically sealed ernomously lucrative distribution agreements all the while graciously accepting numerous lavish gifts and confectures.
With each passing day the fame and prestige of the Pellet Association and Red Eagle Town grew by leaps and bounds. With prestige of course came allies and with the right allies of course came power and influence, heralding a new exciting era for the humble pellet refining town.Two names were however discreetly kept away from the hawk eyed eyes of the public.
Inside the 'Healing Essence Shop' Zhu Yuan was lazily sitting behind a small desk as he watched Old Man Yuan happily welcome and attend to the many new Red Eagle Town entrants who had made the journey to partake in the excitement of recent developments.
"That old fogey Zeng Xiao wasn't kidding. This Dragon Essence Pellet is really something..." He mused as he watched the town's excitement and influx of new faces.
He opened a small drawer by his side and two exquisite purple robes came into view as well as a carefully sealed letter that remained unopen.
Zhu Yuan shook his head dispiritedly. He had tried to so many times but he had so far been unable to break the bizzare news to his beloved grandfather.
Where would he begin? How would he phrase his words? The absurdness of the situation had left him exasperated and tongue tied. He could only sigh and close the small drawer shut again for the umpteenth time.
"Haha... The pellet association should really have more breakthroughs like this.! The business is thriving under such exciting times... Hoho..." Old Man Yuan laughed heartily after completing yet another big transaction.
He had of course heard all the rumours and he was over the moon due to the increased multitude of travellers who brought with them exciting tales from all over the world as well as deep loose purses.
"Especially the enhanced gray nut essence pellet.. It is simply flying off the shelves.! Hoho ... These hot blooded rascals, making sure to properly sample all our Red Eagle Town has to offer.."
Zhu Yuan rolled his eyes as he was forced to listen to his excited Old Man Yuan as he recalled the tales of his youth and of his womanly escapades. The sun was setting when the door to their shop opened once more.
"Ah.. Welcome to the healing essence shop. We are just about to close but we can make time for you esteemed guests." Old Man Yuan leaped up to usher in the two men that entered. Zhu Yuan lazily looked up and when he saw the familiar purple robes, he shot up visibly alert.
"Oh... So it's two esteemed guests from the Pellet Association. Welcome.. Welcome... " Old Man Yuan recognizing the conspicuous robes at once bowed respectfully and acted with more sincerity and awe.
The Pellet Association had truly grown in prestige especially amongst the locals hearts. They were the true pride of the town and he felt overwhelmed that they had recognized his small shop.The two association envoys had been sent directly from the chairman's office with an official invite for both Zhu Yuan and Old Man Yuan.
Before they came, they had been strictly reprimanded by the Chairman. The two invitees were extremely valuable individuals that the entire association was heavily dependent on. Any disrespect to them whatsoever would lead to their immediate disqualification from the association as well as the heaviest punishment inflicted upon them without reservation.
Upon seeing the amicable old man and disinterested young man, the two envoys shivered as they recalled the vehement chairman's instructions.
"These two monsters hide their abilities so deeply. Pretending to operate such a small shop!??"
"Just who are these people that warrant such treatment from the chairman himself!!??" A new fear grasped at their bones and sweat filled their flushed worried faces unconsciously.
Without sparing a single second the two envoys quickly approached the old man and knelt down with such force that the floor shook. With their heads down they each took out an exquisite sealed letter and presented it.
"Good eve.... good evening esteemed seniors. We deeply apologize for interrupting your important tasks."
"We.. we are mere messengers sent by esteemed senior Zeng Xiao of the Pellet Association. He cordially invites you esteemed guests for an official dinner to discuss various pertinent matters. Here . Please kind senior and junior kindly accept the invitation..." The first envoy stammered through his words not daring to look Old Man Yuan in the face.
"Sh*t.. that old fogey! Who told him to dare.... Damn it he just exposed me...that old fox." Zhu Yuan cursed deeply in his heart.
Old Man Yuan stood like an ice sculpture, his face pale at the sight of two deeply respected Pellet Association practitioners prostrated before him.
"Huh.. WTH kind of situation is this???"
Sighing Zhu Yuan stood up and walked slowly to the two kneeling figures.
"Get up. Stop creating such an unseemly scene. Go and report to that old fox that we have received the invitations. You are excused." He said in a calm voice.
The two envoys were visibly elated, breathing out long sighs of relief before excusing themselves to run to the door in an awkward sorry rush. Zhu Yuan shook his head bitterly before turning to look to Old Man Yuan who was still in a daze.
"Zhu Yuan what in the...."
"Sigh... Err... Grandpa Yuan. We really need to talk ... "
******
- Writer
