Hong Qing was actually a little tempted. The prayer beads for ascension had limited effects on cultivators, but there was one function that they all liked: wearing the prayer beads could have a certain influence on their state of mind, allowing them to relax and calm down. This effect was beneficial for both alchemy and cultivation. However, if there was a prayer bead that was one level higher than one’s own, the effect would be even better. Han Chang had brought out a prayer bead that was at the same level as Hong Qing’s, so it would be less helpful for him. This was also the reason why Han Chang lacked confidence. If he had a prayer bead that was one level higher, he wouldn’t be hesitating and could simply exchange it for a Foundation Establishment Pill. Of course, he wouldn’t ask Hong Qing to exchange with him.
Hong Qing asked, “How many spirit stones do you want?”
Han Chang hesitated for a moment. He didn’t have many spirit stones, and cultivation consumed them quickly. He was currently striving for the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment and needed a lot of resources. So he was a poor guy and said, “Twenty low-grade spirit stones… um, thirty! “
Seeing the disdainful expression on Hong Qing’s face, he immediately increased the quantity by fifty percent.
Hong Qing said calmly, “One hundred low-grade spirit stones, fixed price.”
Han Chang paled and said, “Why don’t you just rob me!”
“I never rob. You’re the one who’s used to it,” Hong Qing said.
Han Chang said, “That’s too much. At most forty low-grade spirit stones.”
“One hundred!” Hong Qing insisted.
“Senior brother, don’t be like this… Fifty spirit stones. I really don’t have any more. That’s all,” Han Chang pleaded.
“One hundred!” Hong Qing repeated.
“Senior brother, senior brother, lower it a bit. You’re a master, don’t be so petty,” Han Chang said.
Hong Qing said expressionlessly, “One hundred!”
Han Chang wanted to punch him, but he didn’t dare. “Senior brother… we’ve been friends for many years. Can’t you help me a little? Sixty. The last price, sixty…”
“Deal!” Hong Qing said.
Han Chang was almost played to death by Hong Qing. He stared at Hong Qing in disbelief. Did he just agree?
In fact, when Han Chang said fifty, Hong Qing had already agreed in his heart. He just deliberately didn’t let go and wanted to see what Han Chang would do. When it reached eighty low-grade spirit stones, he knew that it was almost the limit. So he agreed without hesitation.
Han Chang felt extremely depressed. When it came to bargaining, he couldn’t beat Hong Qing even if he became three people. Since he started alchemy, he had never suffered a loss in any transaction. His pills were scarce items, and the price was either an exchange or a fixed amount. He didn’t care either way.
The transaction was completed, and Han Chang was unhappy, but Hong Qing was feeling refreshed. He had been wanting a prayer bead for ascension to assist in cultivation and alchemy, but he had never found a suitable one. Although this prayer bead was not his ideal one, it was better than nothing. Plus, he had also received a lot of low-grade spirit stones, making him feel that it was still worth it.
“I suffered a big loss this time. Senior brother is really amazing, forcing me to give in,” Han Chang said.Han Chang calmed his emotions. Although he was taken advantage of by Hong Qing, he was still quite satisfied. If it weren’t for his good relationship with Hong Qing, it would be difficult for him to be taken advantage of. In other words, even if you have something valuable, Hong Qing might not necessarily trade with you. This is the power of an Alchemy Pill Master; they don’t need to flatter others, as people naturally come to seek their help.
A medium-grade Foundation Establishment Pill could basically create a Foundation Establishment cultivator. In other words, Han Chang could exchange it for the friendship and gratitude of a potential Foundation Establishment cultivator. Of course, such a pill wouldn’t be given for free; a trade was required.
In the Heart Sect, such trades could be made on credit. For example, if Han Chang were to give a Foundation Establishment Pill to a Qi Refining Great Perfection cultivator, that person would have to trade something in return. If they didn’t have anything valuable enough, they could make a promise. Once their Foundation Establishment was successful, they would have to fulfill their promise to Han Chang, and such promises were often quite demanding.
Han Chang had several Qi Refining Great Perfection cultivators under him who were stuck at the Foundation Establishment stage. He could simply go back and let these cultivators propose their own conditions and choose one to give the Foundation Establishment Pill to.
In any case, Han Chang knew that he wouldn’t lose out in this transaction. Although it seemed like Hong Qing had taken advantage, the real winner was Han Chang. Not only could he gain a large sum, but he could also obtain some good promises, such as forming an alliance with the promoted cultivator. If he encountered any problems he couldn’t solve, that person would have to help him unconditionally.
Hong Qing stared at Han Chang and said, “Don’t talk about losing out; would you ever lose out? Stop talking nonsense… You’re not the type to lose out!”
Han Chang laughed awkwardly, stood up, and said, “I have something to do, so I’ll take my leave.” He got up and bid farewell, while Hong Qing nodded and didn’t bother him anymore.
…
Mi Xiaojing had already left the cliff and was heading home, with the others following him. Zhang Ke and Luo Bo were discussing the battle between cultivators with great enthusiasm. They were truly amazed and shocked by the battle, as they didn’t have Wang Weijun’s experience in combat. Seeing such a fight made them feel awe-struck.
Zhang Ke said, “If I had a magical sword, my strength would definitely increase significantly, and I could participate in battles too!”
Luo Bo laughed and said, “Forget it, you can’t even fight.”
Zhang Ke retorted, “Little guy, don’t underestimate me. I used to be quite tough, you know. I once fought off several strong men by myself!”
Wei Fu couldn’t help but curl his lip. He was also from the Western Evolutionary Sect, and although he was young, he knew a lot. Zhang Ke was actually quite a coward, the type who couldn’t accomplish anything even if he tried his hardest. He was very honest and loyal, and apart from talking a lot with acquaintances, he was very reserved with strangers. How could he possibly fight?
Mi Xiaojing laughed and said, “Forget it, he’s just joking.”
Ever since Zhang Ke came to Mi Xiaojing’s side, his body began to regain its plumpness, and a naive smile appeared on his chubby face. He said, “I can learn, you know. I feel like… my mind has become sharper since I started cultivating.”
Mu Xiaoyin giggled, “Fat uncle, were you really dumb before?”
Zhang Ke was rendered speechless for a moment, then waved his hand and said, “I was just honest, not dumb… Kids these days, they don’t have any respect… Let the wind blow it away!”
Everyone laughed.
A flash of sword light passed by, and a person landed. It was Han Chang, who had just parted ways with Hong Qing.
Mi Xiaojing and Zhang Ke caught sight of him, and their hearts almost stopped beating. This was the cultivator who had killed Master Zeng Li with a single sword strike.