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Chapter 113: My Money Isn't That Easy to Take
Chapter 113: My Money Isn’t That Easy to Take
Though the vendor had broken a few unspoken rules of negotiation, this Azure Lotus was exceptional—its lush petals glistened with vitality, its fragrance subtle yet intoxicating, and its surrounding spiritual energy was dense enough to make any cultivator’s heart race.
Xiao Chen counted twelve petals on one blossom. Two together meant twenty-four: “Fellow cultivator, isn’t your asking price a bit steep?”
The vendor shook her head, her tone firm. “This item sells itself. No haggling. If you can’t afford it, step aside for someone who can.”
Blunt, wasn’t she? Xiao Chen nearly retorted, Who does business like that? But her confidence was unshakable. With his funds replenished, he decided not to let this treasure slip away.
He flicked out 3,000 spirit stones. “Fellow cultivator, count it.”
But the vendor picked up the Azure Lotus and eyed him coldly. “I’ve changed my mind. This double-blossom specimen is now 4,000 stones.”
Xiao Chen stiffened. Price gouging on the spot?
“You just tacked on 1,000 stones out of nowhere!” he snapped. “Trying to fleece a sucker?”
“My item, my rules,” she shot back. “Have you seen anything this rare in this valley today?”
She had a point. He’d spent the day searching and found nothing comparable. Reluctantly, he added another 1,000 stones. “There. Count it.”
The vendor handed him a single blossom.
Xiao Chen frowned. “This is a double-blossom lotus. Why only half?”
She feigned surprise. “You didn’t specify buying both. Take the other half for 3,000 more.”
He scowled but complied. “Here. Take your stones.”
As the transaction concluded, Xiao Chen stepped back, his expression darkening. He’d play her game for now—better to secure the herb before any chaos erupted.
The vendor pocketed the 6,000 stones, smirking beneath her veil. In Li Zhou, she’d never dare pull such a stunt, but anonymity here was her shield. She’d escaped the Divine Flame Cult’s clutches with her famed Sword Escape Art—Foundation Building cultivators, even late-stage ones, couldn’t catch her.
“Still want the other half?” she taunted. “I’ll cut you a deal: 2,000 stones. Hurry, or I’m gone.”
Xiao Chen tossed over another 2,000. “Hand it over.”
The moment the second blossom left her hands, the air tensed. Xiao Chen lingered nearby, his gaze fixed on her. He’d waited to strike until now—better to avoid a brawl in the valley, where too many Foundation Building cultivators lurked.
The crowd, too, had sensed the brewing storm. Dozens of vendors and passersby gathered, their eyes glinting at the spectacle: a buyer and seller poised to clash over 6,000 spirit stones.
Wen Shishi strolled toward the valley exit, unruffled. Xiao Chen followed, ten paces behind. One vendor, abandoning his stall, trailed them, soon joined by curious cultivators. Word spread like wildfire. By the time they reached the valley mouth, over 2,000 spectators had gathered, their murmurs a restless tide.
Wen Shishi finally glanced back. The sight of 4,000 pairs of eyes fixed on her sent a thrill through her. Time for a grand exit.
She drew her Flying Sword and executed a Sword Division Art. One blade split into two, then four—until sixty-four swords circled her. With a leap, she soared skyward, the swords trailing her like a comet’s tail.
“Fellow cultivators, no need to see me off!” Her laughter echoed as she vanished into the horizon.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
(End of Chapter)
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