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Chapter 319: Negotiations (Part 2)
🕑 Added 2024-10-10 06:38:56 +0000 UTCFor those cultivators struggling within the mortal realm, resources for cultivation and combat were always scarce. If the Lingxian Sect could indeed provide what they needed... this could be a pivotal opportunity to improve their cultivation lives.
Li Zhouxuan's confidence in Qin Jianghe's words, believing that they could truly provide such resources and that the quality was assured, stemmed largely from the reports sent back by the royal ancestor, Li Zhanying.
Li Zhanying had witnessed firsthand the battle between the Lingxian Sect and Wei Hai upon arriving at Xiushui Village. Later, he observed many advanced techniques and formations, such as their protective mountain array and the "Path of Heart Inquiry," all of which were either non-existent in the mortal realm or only available in extremely diluted forms.
The grand fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, the cultivation techniques subtly applied by Lingxian Sect members in the fields late at night, and even the spiritual food sold at Lingxian’s food stalls—these were all clear indicators of the sect's wealth.
However, Li Zhanying had wisely refrained from boasting about Lingxian Sect’s riches or attempting to turn them into enemies. After all, he had witnessed Wei Hai's demise with his own eyes. Even if he informed other sects and they united against the Lingxian Sect, what benefit would that bring to the Li royal family? It could very well empower those other sects while making the royal family appear weak.
Rather than risk such outcomes, it was far more beneficial to maintain a stable and positive relationship with the Lingxian Sect. Even if they couldn't extract free benefits, simply gaining access to resources that could open up new avenues in cultivation would already be a tremendous advantage.
After observing the Lingxian Sect for some time, Li Zhanying concluded that it was not an arrogant or domineering sect. On the contrary, it was friendly, approachable, and highly trustworthy.
It was for these reasons that Li Zhouxuan believed Qin Jianghe's words almost entirely.
Prime Minister Meng, upon hearing how much the Emperor trusted the Lingxian Sect, was somewhat surprised. However, having heard rumors about the royal ancestor's stay in Xiushui Village, he began to understand.
It seemed that the Lingxian Sect had indeed earned the royal family’s trust. Given that the royal family's Nascent Soul ancestor had vouched for them, Prime Minister Meng had no further reason to doubt.
When Emperor Li Zhouxuan inquired about the available resources, Liu Yunan, who had been signaled by Qin Jianghe with a tug on the sleeve, took over the conversation.
“Your Majesty need not worry. Our sect’s supply channels are absolutely reliable,” Liu Yunan assured. After all, most of the goods were produced by their own sect. Even if they were too busy, they could always procure items from the cultivation world. This arrangement would also make the trips between realms more cost-effective, as they could facilitate trade both ways.
He continued, "We can provide a wide range of resources. We can draft a list of available goods, and if there’s something you or the three major sects require that isn’t listed, we can attempt to source it... As for the quality, you have our guarantee that your spirit stones will be well spent."
With a standard smile, Liu Yunan finished speaking and subtly tugged Qin Jianghe’s sleeve under the table, signaling it was his turn.
Qin Jianghe cleared his throat and quickly picked up the conversation, “Moreover, if the royal family and the court demonstrate sufficient sincerity, we can allow you to manage all transactions with the three major sects. The Lingxian Sect need not be involved publicly, and there would be no need to disclose the source of the goods to the sects.”
Li Zhouxuan and Prime Minister Meng were both stunned by this offer. After a few seconds of shock, their surprise turned into excitement.
Prime Minister Meng’s eyes widened as he looked at Qin Jianghe, “Is the esteemed cultivator serious?”
Li Zhouxuan also fixed his gaze on Qin Jianghe, as if afraid the offer would be retracted the moment he looked away.
Even Liu Yunan was somewhat surprised by the proposal, giving Qin Jianghe a curious glance. However, he knew that Qin Jianghe wouldn’t make such an offer without considering the benefits to their sect, so he remained silent, waiting for the discussion to continue.
If the Lingxian Sect truly agreed to stay hidden while the royal family and the court handled negotiations with the three major sects, it would effectively place the royal family in control of the sects’ supply chains. This would significantly increase the royal family’s influence.
Seeing the incredulity in Prime Minister Meng's question, Qin Jianghe nodded, "Of course, but as I mentioned, this will depend on the sincerity shown by the royal family and the court."
Suppressing his eagerness, Li Zhouxuan's eyes gleamed as he asked, "What kind of sincerity would your esteemed sect require?"
Qin Jianghe, however, did not answer immediately. Instead, he leisurely picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then smiled slightly, "Such important matters deserve careful discussion. There’s no need to rush. We will be staying in the capital for some time. For now, why don’t we first discuss the specific terms of the low-cost assistance we’re offering the court and the three major sects?"
Realizing they had been too hasty, Li Zhouxuan and Prime Minister Meng calmed down, recognizing that Qin Jianghe had skillfully taken control of the conversation.
The two men, usually sharp and quick-witted, could only inwardly smile bitterly at the situation. But there was no helping it—this was an opportunity too great to pass up, especially given the royal family’s long-standing struggle for influence against the three major sects.
With their cultivation resources controlled by the Lingxian Sect, it was inevitable that they would be at a disadvantage in the negotiations.
Li Zhouxuan composed himself, adjusting his posture as he took a deep breath, "The esteemed cultivator is right; the matter of dealing with Huan You Kingdom is pressing. We should address that first."
Prime Minister Meng quickly regained his composure and added, "May I ask what resources your esteemed sect can provide, and at what prices? We will gather the representatives of the three major sects tomorrow for further discussion."
In response, Liu Yunan produced a carefully prepared list of goods, which a eunuch respectfully received and presented to the emperor and the Prime Minister.
No one knew the sect’s inventory better than Liu Yunan, who handled the daily administration and record-keeping. He had spent the past few days compiling this list during their stay in the capital.
——
The next day, the leaders responsible for the three major sects' outposts in the capital made their way to the imperial palace.
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