The Sect Leader's Bizarre Recruitment Chapter 138: Keeping Secrets from Me? (Part 2) - Novel Cool

Chapter 138: Keeping Secrets from Me? (Part 2)

Chapter 138: Keeping Secrets from Me? (Part 2)

"Go and play."

"I'll be staying at the Moonseizing Sect for a while. As for you... sigh, I know it's been tough for you before, but this time, you can play for as long as you like. Just remember not to neglect your cultivation!"

Huo Kunlun responded with a hearty laugh.

"Ah?!"

Huo Yun'er was completely bewildered, and for a moment, her mind seemed to lose its ability to think.

This...

What exactly is going on here?

Xiao Ling'er felt puzzled and asked, "Why have you come, Uncle?"

"It's a minor matter." Huo Kunlun smiled, "Later, I'll go find your Master and have a good chat with Lin Sect Master."

"So that's it." Xiao Ling'er realized, "Then I wish you a successful conversation with Uncle Huo."

"Of course, hahaha. You guys go and play. We old folks have some matters to attend to, so we won't hold you up."

Huo Kunlun waved his hand and flew towards Jin Zhen and the other two behind him.

The three of them had peculiar expressions on their faces as Huo Kunlun pulled them away.

Huo Yun'er was still bewildered.

But she couldn't bring herself to say those words.

She could only let Xiao Ling'er pull her, feeling dazed, towards the Pill Furnace Pavilion.

...

"Sect Leader, what are you doing here?"

Ma Canzhan couldn't help but ask.

"What?"

"What's wrong with me?"

The smile on Huo Kunlun's face vanished.

Seeing their bewildered expressions, Huo Kunlun became angry, "Don't you know why I'm angry?"

"Why?" Zhao Tiezhu didn't respond to the question.

"Why?" Huo Kunlun asked again.

Huo Kunlun laughed in anger, "With such good news, why didn't you guys tell me?"

"Don't you have me, your Sect Leader, in your eyes?"

"Don't you have the Fire Virtue Sect?"

"A guaranteed Fifth Rank!"

"If we can establish a cooperative relationship, will the Fire Virtue Sect still have headaches over pills? If we do, everyone in the Fire Virtue Sect, from disciples to the higher-ups, will experience a surge in cultivation speed!"

"Even if we can't establish a cooperative relationship, even if Xiao Ling'er alone can't keep up with the demand..."

"Can't I be added to the team?"

"Ah?!"

"Or do you think I, as the Sect Leader, don't need this?"

"I think you guys don't have me in your eyes at all!"

Huo Kunlun was furious!

Just now, he had hesitated and wavered.

But in the end, he had let it go.

What was there to hesitate and waver about?

The pills smelled so good!

"You guys go about your business, I'll go find Lin Sect Master and see if we can cooperate."

"Sigh, this is so infuriating."

"And you're even one of us. I think you're worse than outsiders, which is enough to make me furious!"

Huo Kunlun flew away.

He left the three of them staring at each other.

What the heck was this sudden twist?

They had already prepared to be forcibly taken back, but then you pull this stunt?

"In the end, it's still a good thing," Zhao Tiezhu muttered.

The other two nodded in agreement.

But suddenly, Jin Zhen's expression changed, "No! No!"

"I haven't returned my pills! Sect Leader, don't run away!"

"Sect Leader!"

"..."

...

"Hmph."

"You old fools."

Huo Kunlun disappeared in a puff of smoke, muttering to himself, "You want me to return your pills?"

"Wait until I've discussed it."

"If everything goes well, I can return some to you. If not, why should I? Hey, I, as the Sect Leader, have never had these good things in my life. Can't I enjoy them a little?"

"At worst, I'll allocate some materials for you when I return."

Thinking of those five Seventh Rank pills, Huo Kunlun's eyes lit up.

The Immortal Martial Continent was great in every way, but it had developed too well and was too dazzling.

There were simply too many people!

Whether ordinary or cultivators, they were like cow hair, and the path of immortal cultivation had developed to an extreme.

This led to a shortage of resources.

With so many people, the resources were naturally scarce when divided.

Even medicinal ingredients were in short supply, and their prices had been rising year after year.

This caused more and more people to be unable to afford pills.

When the prices reached a certain height, the opportunities for alchemists to practice would decrease, and as a result, the skills of alchemists would decline with each generation.

Although this decline was slow, over the years, it had indeed led to a decrease in the quality of pills.

This also meant that high-quality pills became even rarer.

Another reason was that as materials became more expensive, to reduce losses from furnace explosions, the pill formulas had undergone 'optimization' time and again.

Adding more ingredients, making the medicinal properties more balanced, and reducing the failure rate, but the new formulas also made the finished pills more mediocre.

The success rate had indeed improved, but the rate of producing high-quality pills had decreased.

At the same time, as more spirit herbs were added, it further drove up the prices of medicinal ingredients...

It was a vicious cycle.

For this reason, when cultivators chose auxiliary cultivation items, most of them relied on Essence Stones, occasionally indulging in a few pills.

And these pills were mostly Third Rank or around that level.

Fifth Rank pills were already rare.

The higher the rank of the pill, the rarer it was.

So, even Huo Kunlun, up until now, had never tasted a high-grade pill like the Seventh Rank Dao Fusion Pill.

Now that he saw five of them, he was naturally extremely envious.

Of course, he wouldn't covet Jin Zhen's pills, but...

He would see how things went.

If the cooperation went well, everything would be fine. If not, he wouldn't let things get awkward between them; instead, he would choose to leave and send some materials to Jin Zhen, asking him to request Xiao Ling'er's help in refining...

Ahem.

"In the end, it's a case of too many people and too few pills."

At this moment, Huo Kunlun sighed.

"No matter how expensive the pills are, if you can't afford them and I can't afford them, there's always someone else who can. The high-quality pills that occasionally appear on the market are impossible to get."

"I'd sell everything I own, but it's not worth it."

For some unknown reason, this thought suddenly occurred to him.

Fire Kunlun couldn't help but realize that he was feeling a bit 'resentful towards the rich.'

"However, the opportunity is right before us. As long as the upcoming conversation goes well, I, and even our Fire Virtue Sect, will be able to obtain this great benefit!"

...

Lian Bo withdrew his divine sense, and his eyebrows furrowed in response.

"Fire Kunlun, the Sect Leader of the Fire Virtue Sect?"

Just now, he didn't dare to take a closer look, fearing he'd be discovered.

If he were caught peeping, it would be so embarrassing.

So, he just watched from a distance and didn't know what they were talking about. But from their behavior before and after, and now seeing Fire Kunlun happily heading towards the Moon Holding Palace, he could guess...

"These three old guys are too shameless!"

"It's already three against one, and they still feel it's inappropriate, even calling their own Sect Leader?"

"This Fire Kunlun is also shameless!"

"After all, he's the leader of a top-tier second-rate sect. The Fire Virtue Sect controls the lifeblood of so many sects' artifact crafting. How many people envy them for their inner and outer strengths? Yet, he's come to flatter a third-rate sect like ours and a little girl."

"He's really shameless!"

"Pfft, how shameless."

After cursing silently, he took out a communication talisman.

"Hurry up!"

"Faster!"

"Where are you? If you're late and miss this heaven-sent opportunity, I won't care about you!"

"...

...

"They're here."

Lin Fan had a smile on his lips as he withdrew his gaze.

He had naturally noticed Fire Kunlun's arrival and was aware that he had been asking around, gathering most of the current situation of the Moonseizing Sect.

However, Fire Kunlun's intentions were still a mystery to him.

But he could guess a thing or two.

Of course, he had to act as if he knew nothing.

This was no problem for this guy.

He was a professional.

"I've got to act like I don't know anything."

...

"Lin Sect Leader!"

"Lin Sect Leader, oh dear, oh dear."

"Meeting you in person is even better than hearing about you. As expected, you're a handsome and talented man, a dragon among men and a phoenix among women!"

He pretended to be unaware of anything, standing at the peak of the Moon Holding Palace, gazing into the distance.

Then, a voice of 'surprise' and delight reached his ears.

Immediately, Fire Kunlun ascended the mountain and performed a Daoist salute, "I, Fire Kunlun, have come uninvited, and I ask that you not take offense, Lin Sect Leader."

This guy...

The famous Sect Leader of the Fire Virtue Sect was praising a 'little guy' like him and even using such a tone. Wasn't he embarrassed?

Lin Fan couldn't help but feel amused and surprised, but at the same time, he was certain that this was a done deal!

Even more stable than catching a hook-billed fish.

"So it's Fire Sect Leader."

"Oh dear, oh dear!"

Lin Fan 'acted surprised' and then 'delighted', appearing in front of Fire Kunlun in a flash, grabbing his hands and not letting go for a long time.

"I've long heard of the great reputation of Fire Sect Leader and Senior Fire. Today, I finally get to meet you, Fire Sect Leader. This life is without regrets, without regrets!"

???

Fire Kunlun's heart skipped a beat, and he became cautious.

I'm praising you because I have a request of your Moonseizing Moonseizing Sect.

As for face, well, I'm also half a businessman. I know how to speak to people and ghosts, and I'm well-versed in human relations. I'm not embarrassed or ashamed.

But why are you even better at flattering than me?

It's as if not meeting me would leave you with lifelong regrets.

This kid...

He's a little fox!

I must be careful; he might have other intentions. Both of them held hands for a long time, even though Fire Kunlun didn't know the handshake before.

But in their hearts, they were sure the other was a fox, yet on the surface, they were all smiles and laughter.

Soon, they began a competition of flattery, each trying to praise the other higher and belittle themselves.

The higher they praised the other, the lower they put themselves, the better the negotiations would go!

Fire Kunlun used all his strength, but in the end, Lin Fan was still better.

"Fire Uncle, my admiration for you is like the endless river, and like the overflowing Yellow River, unstoppable! Listening to your words is like reading the books of sages, and among the heroes of history, you're the best, Fire Uncle!"

!!!

Fire Kunlun almost convulsed with the praise, feeling like he was about to ascend.

"Oh no!"

He knew he had lost this round and quickly changed the topic. "Why are you calling me Fire Uncle? Lin Sect Leader, I'm not saying this to offend you, but you're such a talented person, and we're both Sect Leaders."

"Also, my useless daughter is like sisters with your direct disciple, Xiao Ling'er. No matter how you look at it, we're of the same generation, the same generation!"

"Oh, Fire Uncle, you're a famous figure of the last generation. I'm just a small fry of this generation. How can I be on the same level as you?"

"If it's really not possible, from now on, we'll each address each other differently."

"I'll call you Uncle, and you call me Brother?"

Fire Kunlun: "???"

What kind of talk is this?

Isn't this messed up?

Fire Kunlun couldn't help but feel amused, but he also knew that when it came to words, he couldn't beat Lin Fan. So, he ended the first round.

Knowing Lin Fan's 'strength,' Fire Kunlun was extremely cautious after sitting down.

But unfortunately, he had a request of the other party, and after three rounds of tea, he had no choice but to make the first move.

"Lin Brother."

"Oh, my dear brother, I won't hide it from you. Actually, our Fire Virtue Sect wants to form an alliance with the Moonseizing Sect!"

"If you're willing, Lin Brother..."

(End of Chapter)In the evening, Lin Fan and Huo Kunlun discussed their next steps.

"From now on, I, a Fire De Sect disciple, will be your Moon Holding Sect's supplier."

"Our Fire De Sect's materials are yours, and yours are ours."

"Our Fire De Sect's library is your library, and yours is ours."

"Our alchemy skills are at your disposal... Use them as you wish."

"Whatever we create, we'll deliver without fail, no excuses!"

Lin Fan was startled, momentarily stunned.

But his thoughts, were elsewhere.

"Oh? Is this your answer?"

"It's not a bad idea."

"However, perhaps this is the only condition you can offer?"

Lin Fan seemed surprised, but was deep in thought.

"Uniting... Overall, it's more beneficial than harmful. But my ambitions are even greater."

"However, Fire Uncle, I fear..."

"You need our help, don't you?"

Lin Fan's eyes widened.

From this moment, follow my rhythm~

Becoming your indispensable supplier is indeed a good idea.

But, directly controlling your lifeblood is my goal!

Lin Fan wasn't afraid of Fire De Sect's potential retaliation. In fact, he was confident they were 'upright' people.

Otherwise, Lin Fan wouldn't have chosen to accept Jin Zhen and the others, nor would he have revealed Xiao Ling'er's near-divine alchemy skills.

Having repeatedly accepted them and to some extent, revealed this secret, he was certain they wouldn't retaliate against Moon Holding Sect.

However, these words couldn't be spoken directly.

He had to 'tread carefully'.

"That's naturally a great idea."

After the initial surprise, Lin Fan eagerly said, "I'm willing, but our Moon Holding Sect is so weak, and your Fire De Sect has many strong disciples... I fear they might not be up to the task."

"How so? We're not unworthy." Huo Kunlun's heart leaped, but he remained calm, "Well, I was thinking of exchanging our alchemy skills and mutual assistance for your high-quality pills."

"Your Xiao Ling'er's alchemy skills are rare in this world."

"As long as..."

"She can help us create pills for our Fire De Sect."

"Huh?"

"I see." Lin Fan understood, but frowned, "I'm naturally willing, but you know, Xiao Ling'er is exceptional, but she's just one person."

"As her master, I'm also concerned."

"She's already busy creating pills for your sect. If she has to handle a hundred times more for our sect, she'll be overwhelmed."

"She's still a cultivator, so..."

"It's not appropriate."

"I swear..."

"Right, you can't sacrifice a disciple's future for the sake of the sect. Let her be a pill-making machine."

"So, Fire Uncle, I can't agree."

Lin Fan refused, and his refusal was reasonable, leaving no room for criticism.

Huo Kunlun sighed inwardly.

He knew things wouldn't be this simple.

But...

He had to try.

"I might have been too hasty." Huo Kunlun apologized, then pondered, "Lin, what if we do this?"

"It's like... Xiao Ling'er, in her free time, can help our Fire De Sect's upper echelon create some pills. This way, it won't interfere with her main tasks, and our sect can benefit too."

"Of course, we're not asking for free."

"We'll provide the ingredients and cover the costs..."

"This is easy!" Lin Fan smiled, "It's just a small group, so it should be fine. Costs? Money doesn't hurt, does it?"

You're talking money, which hurts emotions, and emotions hurt money.

Free things are the most precious, right?

Huo Kunlun wanted to persist, but Lin Fan said, "I think this is better."

"Fire Uncle, your Fire De Sect urgently needs high-quality pills for your upper echelon... and your talented disciples, yes, those in dire need of pills can come to our Moon Holding Sect.

"How about it?"

"This is naturally a great idea."

Huo Kunlun was pleased.

This proposal was excellent.

He was eager, yet unsure of the potential pitfalls.

"I also think it's good."

Lin Fan smiled, but then frowned, "But our Moon Holding Sect is too weak, and your Fire De Sect has many strong disciples. This safety issue..."

"Easy to solve!"

Fire De Sect agreed, "I'm fine with it, and so are they. They'll swear an oath, not to harm a single person from your sect or destroy anything, unless they face unfair treatment."

"How did you... meet Moon Holding Sect and make so many enemies?" Lin Fan asked, his eyes wide.

Huo Kunlun took a deep breath, "Our Fire De Sect can't stand those who act unjustly."

"I often tell them, as cultivators, we must stand up against injustice!"

"As long as our people are here, if Moon Holding Sect faces any crisis, we won't stand idly by. I swear!"

Lin Fan nodded, "But our strength is weak, and this high-quality pill news might bring disaster..."

"I swear..."

"Right, and your talented disciples, during their time here, should have enough secret techniques and cultivation arts to practice, or it might be inconvenient..."

"Easy!"

"About that, I'll copy and duplicate all the secret techniques and cultivation arts from our library, and bring them over."

Huo Kunlun's thoughts raced, solving problems at an astonishing speed.

But he didn't realize, he was 'hooked'.

He ate more than anyone else.

(End of Excerpt)

Chapter end

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