Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao-Chapter 277: Making A Deal With the President

Helia spoke up from her seat across from them. "Young Master, why are we going to the Alchemist Association?" she asked.

Her voice was polite and curious. She tilted her head slightly.

Arthur turned to look at her. His expression was calm. "I want to see the president," he explained. "I need to make a deal with him."

Anastasia’s interest was immediately caught. She straightened in her seat. "What kind of deal?" she asked quickly. Her eyes lit up with curiosity.

Arthur smiled but shook his head. "It’s a secret," he said simply. His tone was light and teasing.

Anastasia’s face showed clear frustration. Her eyebrows drew together. She reached over and pinched Arthur’s side again, harder this time. Her fingers found the same spot as before.

"Ouch!" Arthur exclaimed again. He laughed while rubbing the spot. "You’re getting violent today."

"That’s what you get for keeping secrets," Anastasia said.

But she was smiling now too. Her frustration faded quickly. "You always do this to me."

"Do what?" Arthur asked innocently.

"Make me curious and then refuse to explain," Anastasia replied. She crossed her arms again. "It’s not fair."

Arthur just grinned. "You’ll find out soon enough," he said.

The carriage soon arrived at the Alchemist Association building.

The structure was massive. Five stories tall with wide steps leading up to the entrance. It stopped smoothly in front of the main entrance.

The guards riding beside the carriage dismounted. When Arthur and his companions stepped out, they saw a group waiting for them at the top of the steps.

At the front of the group stood Ava, the president’s granddaughter. She was a beautiful young woman in her appearing to be nineteen.

Long dark hair fell past her shoulders. She wore the official robes of a high-ranking alchemist. The robes were white with silver trim. A badge on her chest marked her as a 6th Grade Alchemist.

Arthur noticed the badge for the first time and said to Cora in the inner world.

’It appears she had made good use of the inheritance you gave her.’

’Indeed,’ Cora replied. ’I told you, her special physique is the second best when it comes to Alchemy. In fact it can be called the best considering that the number alchemy physique has only appeared once.’

Arthur inwardly nodded and said, ’Asmir the God of Alchemy, right?’

’Yes...’

"Prince Arthur, Princess Anastasia, welcome," Ava said with a warm smile. She bowed politely. Her movements were graceful and practiced. "My grandfather is expecting you."

Arthur nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for receiving us, Miss Ava." His tone was respectful but friendly.

Ava’s smile brightened as she looked at Arthur. Her eyes showed clear interest. "It’s my pleasure," she said. Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment. "Please, follow me inside."

They climbed the steps together. Arthur walked beside Ava. Anastasia was on his other side. Helia followed a step behind. The other alchemists in the welcoming group bowed as they passed.

Inside the building was even more impressive. The main hall had high ceilings. Chandeliers hung from above.

The walls were lined with paintings and scrolls. The air smelled faintly of herbs and medicinal ingredients.

As they walked, Ava conversed naturally with Arthur. She asked about his journey and made pleasant conversation. "I heard you’ve been very busy lately," she said. Her voice was soft and pleasant. "The entire continent is talking about your achievements."

"People exaggerate," Arthur replied modestly. "I simply did what needed to be done."

Ava laughed lightly. "That’s exactly what a true hero would say," she commented. "But I was there live and I witnessed all of it."

Then she turned to Anastasia. "Princess, it has been a while and you’ve almost left me in the dust," Ava said warmly. Her attention shifted completely to Anastasia. "Congratulations on forging a Nine Star Foundation."

Anastasia seemed pleased by the attention. Her face showed surprise and happiness. "Thank you for noticing," she replied. "I’ve been working hard."

"It shows," Ava said sincerely. "Your father must be very proud."

Ava even spoke kindly to Helia. She turned and addressed the maid directly. "Peradventure you are tired from the journey," she said to Helia.

Her tone was gentle. "Please let me know if you need anything. Refreshments. A place to rest. Anything at all."

Helia bowed slightly. "Thank you, Miss Ava," she said. "You’re very kind."

Arthur’s impression of Ava’s character rose. Many nobles would ignore servants completely.

They would treat them as invisible. As objects rather than people. But Ava treated everyone with respect. She acknowledged each person regardless of their status.

They walked through several corridors. Turned multiple corners. Finally they arrived at a private meeting room.

The door was made of dark wood with brass handles. Inside, the president of the Alchemist Association waited alone.

He was an elderly man with white hair and sharp eyes. His face showed age but also vitality. He wore simple robes despite his position.

Arthur, Anastasia, Helia, and Ava entered the room together. The door closed behind them with a soft click.

The room was comfortable. Cushioned chairs surrounded a low table. Tea was already prepared.

The president stood and greeted them. "Prince Arthur, it’s an honor to meet you," he said. His voice was respectful but carried the confidence of someone with great authority. "I am President Aldric."

Arthur stepped forward. "President Aldric, thank you for meeting with me on short notice," he said politely. "I have a proposal for you. I believe we can help each other."

At that moment, Cora’s voice spoke in Arthur’s mind through their connection. The communication was instant and private.

She communicated from within the inner world of the Serene Palace Painting. "Arthur, the item I sensed during the tournament is here. I can feel it clearly now." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Arthur maintained his calm expression while using soul transmission to respond. His face showed nothing of the internal conversation happening. "Tell me about it," he thought back.

"That item will help me recover quickly," Cora explained. Her mental voice carried excitement.

Real enthusiasm.

"I can reach the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm from my current Martial Ancestor Realm. But in their hands, they don’t know its true value. They probably think it’s just an interesting artifact."

Arthur understood immediately. He turned his attention back to the president. "I’m interested in acquiring a specific item from your association," Arthur said aloud. His voice was casual but clear.

The president raised an eyebrow. His interest was caught. "What item?" he asked. He gestured for everyone to sit. They took their seats around the table.

Arthur described it clearly. He explained its appearance. Its size. Its markings.

The president’s expression showed surprise. Recognition flashed across his face. "That old artifact?" he said.

"We’ve had it for years but never found much use for it. It sits in our vault collecting dust."

"I have a use for it," Arthur said simply. "And in exchange, I can offer you something of great value."

The president leaned forward. His eyes showed interest now. "What are you offering?" he asked directly.

The negotiation began. Arthur and the president went back and forth. They discussed terms, conditions, and value.

The president was experienced and careful. He didn’t accept offers easily. Arthur was patient and strategic. He knew exactly what he wanted and what he could give.

Anastasia watched the exchange with fascination. She’d never seen Arthur negotiate like this before. His confidence was impressive.

Ava served tea while they talked. She poured for everyone with practiced grace.

Finally, Arthur made his offer. "I’ll give you a rare pill formula," he said. His voice was steady. "One that can help you breakthrough from mid-grade to peak 8th Grade Alchemist."

The president’s eyes widened. His tea cup paused halfway to his mouth. An 8th Grade Alchemist could make pills at the Martial Ancestor Realm level.

Peak 8th Grade Pills were extremely rare in the Southern Continent. Perhaps only two or three existed in the entire region, acquired from ancient ruins.

"You have such a formula?" the president asked. His voice trembled slightly with barely controlled excitement. His hands shook. Tea sloshed in his cup.

Even Ava had an incredulous and slightly excited look on her face.

Arthur nodded and pulled out a jade slip from his storage ring. "See for yourself," he said. He placed it on the table between them.

The president took the jade slip with careful hands. He examined it carefully. His spiritual sense entered the slip.

His expression changed from skepticism to shock to pure joy.

His mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. "This is real," he whispered.

"This is actually real."

"Do we have a deal?" Arthur asked calmly. He sipped his tea.

The president looked up at Arthur with new respect. With awe even. "Yes," he said firmly.

"We have a deal."