Chapter Twenty-Five: Selling at a Good Price (Contract Signed, Please Support)

The old man did not answer Master Liuguang's question directly; instead, he seemed somewhat melancholic, as if lamenting the hardships of cultivation. Though Master Liuguang could not fully comprehend his words, he nonetheless sensed that lonely and helpless mood. Still, he pressed on, saying, "My junior disciple has surely told you all about Wang Li's peculiarities. What do you think should be done with him?"

Returning to himself, the old man replied irritably, "There's nothing I can do about Wang Li. And you—don't keep invoking the future of the cultivation world every time. I still know what's important."

Master Liuguang protested, "But Wang Li may be an outsider. Aren't you at all concerned that people from those other worlds might flood into the Celestial Profound Realm?"

"The Immortal Gate has always let people out, never in. This world is not as fragile as you think. As for that presence inside Wang Li..." The old man broke off, then suddenly smacked the back of Master Liuguang's head. "Are you hoping I die even faster? My nirvana was for longevity—I'm not done living yet!"

"So, Master, are you saying that Wang Li is beyond our ability to provoke?" Master Liuguang looked utterly incredulous.

Liu Wanjin and Old Lady Zheng were equally shocked.

The old man before them—their master—was the strongest being in the Celestial Profound Realm. They could not imagine what power in this world could make him feel threatened.

The old man curled his lip. "There is no one in this world that I, Xujing, cannot handle."

"But Wang Li's case is a little different. I sensed a will in him far above 'It.' I'm not afraid of 'It,' but that will is something I cannot fathom. So, best not to provoke him if we can avoid it!"

"Cultivation is not just about strength and rank, but about understanding people and the ways of the world. The fewer enemies you make, the more friends you have. The Pure Yang School already has enough foes—there's no need to add another powerful one."

"Tsk... Is there truly such an existence in this world?" All three of them gasped.

Especially Liu Wanjin, who now felt a chill of fear and, at the same time, relief that he hadn't truly angered Wang Li.

"Ahem, enough about the distant future," Xujing coughed lightly. "Let's talk about your next plans. I've heard you intend to trick the other sects?"

Master Liuguang gave a wry smile. "That was our thought, but after your assessment of Wang Li, we can't possibly use him as our pawn anymore. The matter ends here."

Xujing laughed. "Heh, you've grown steadier since becoming sect leader—able to take and let go. That's progress."

Pleased by the praise, Master Liuguang beamed and quickly said, "It's all thanks to your guidance, Master!"

*Smack!*

Once again, a slap landed on the back of his head. He looked at his master in bewilderment.

"You rascal, did you really think I was praising you?" Xujing pressed a hand to his forehead. "From now on, stop using my name to throw your weight around outside. I can't bear the shame!"

Master Liuguang quickly pleaded, "Please, Master, if I've done anything wrong, just point it out and I'll change!"

Xujing said, "Fool. Haven't you considered that Wang Li had no need to exchange that artifact for his freedom at all?"

"Please enlighten me, Master!" Master Liuguang quickly reviewed every detail of Wang Li's possession in his mind, but found nothing he might have overlooked.

"Judging by the will inside Wang Li," Xujing explained, "he must have known you couldn't fathom his depths and would surely ask me to test him. Since I, too, couldn't read him, I wouldn't dare confront him rashly. His safety and freedom were never truly at risk. Why would he take unnecessary risks to drive up his own value?"

"Exactly! As long as he doesn't threaten the Pure Yang Temple, we wouldn't harm him. So why did he do it?" Liu Wanjin voiced the trio's doubt.

"Because that artifact is extremely valuable—or rather, it holds immense value for every sect!" Xujing replied.

The three shook their heads, indicating they did not understand.

"Utter fools!" Xujing snapped impatiently. "When he presented the item, he had no intention of keeping it secret, because secrecy was pointless. The other sects would learn of it sooner or later."

"Then, people will naturally come seeking this divine artifact. There's no such thing as a free lunch; if they want it, they'll have to pay. We profit, and he won't lose out either."

"You really thought your plan could fool him? You were playing right into his hands—just as he wished."

"In fact, even his dealings with Xiaoyue might have been anticipated, calculated so you would come to me—he was worried you were too dimwitted!"

Liu Wanjin asked, "Then why didn't he just say so directly?"

"Say it directly? Do you think a true powerhouse doesn't care about appearances?" Xujing replied angrily. "Did you ever consider sharing more of the benefits with him afterwards?"

Master Liuguang and Liu Wanjin nodded honestly.

They had planned to give Wang Li some benefits after the plan succeeded, but not too much.

"No wonder—it all makes sense now." Xujing turned and walked toward the thatched hut, muttering, "Perspective! One must have vision. Petty people never achieve greatness!"

As the door to the thatched hut closed, the three exchanged glances.

Master Liuguang said, "It sounds like Master wants us to... pfft! To sell the artifact for a good price, then give Wang Li a bigger share. Am I right?"

Liu Wanjin and Old Lady Zheng, recalling their master's past ways, nodded uncertainly.

"Junior Sister Zheng, since you're heading to Wang Li anyway, ask him if he can make another artifact for recording techniques."

"If he could simplify it to only play divine sense explanations, that would be even better."

"Junior Brother, go with her and tell Wang Li that if he can do it, Pure Yang Temple will only take half the profits—the rest are his!"

As he spoke, Master Liuguang's hands trembled. To hand over so much wealth—he was truly reluctant!

He felt as if his heart were bleeding...

Liu Wanjin paused, understood his brother's meaning, and nodded in agreement.

But Old Lady Zheng picked up on something else in his words.

"Senior Brother, why must Wang Li make another artifact? By your logic, isn't one enough?"

Master Liuguang flushed. "Well, there was a mishap during the reverse engineering—the artifact couldn't be put back together after we took it apart."

"Senior Brother, Junior Brother, you two are something else!"

...

"Master Sheng, it's been five days now—do you think the sect leader and the others are avoiding me on purpose?"

During his cultivation, Wang Li chatted with Master Sheng about the recent days.

Master Sheng replied, "Hardly. It's just an apology—they're not that petty, especially not Liuguang."

"But even Steward Liu and Old Lady Zheng haven't shown up. I can't help feeling uneasy."

"If it's meant for you, it won't run away. Maybe the compensation they'll offer will be beyond your wildest expectations."

"You really know how to joke. Never mind, I should focus on breaking through to the second level of the Foundation Establishment realm. This sudden slowdown in cultivation is really unsettling."

"Just keep that thought to yourself—if you say it out loud, you'll get beaten for sure."