Rise to God with Life Skill Professions-Chapter 487 - 476: Envoys from the Dragon Palace, Negotiations

Chapter 487: Chapter 476: Envoys from the Dragon Palace, Negotiations

A gentle breeze blew through the courtyard, coming in through the window and causing the oil lamp on the table to flicker.

The flame of the oil lamp cast shadows on the wall, making the mottled wall appear even more hazy.

After Zhu Xueshuang finished speaking, Qin An squinted his eyes and fell into deep thought.

Upon saying this, Zhu Xueshuang said nothing more and took the opportunity to pick up the tea on the table, taking a small sip.

After drinking this cup of tea, Zhu Xueshuang couldn’t help but smile a bit.

She suddenly found the man named Qin An before her somewhat interesting.

If it were anyone else, they would have long finished this cup of tea, trying to please her, doing everything to figure out her preferences, even talking a bit more with her, all to get close to her, the Silver Dao Marshal with considerable power in the Tianyun Realm.

But Qin An was different. He hadn’t even had time to drink this tea until now.

This made Zhu Xueshuang find it very peculiar.

Even with her cold personality, she developed a slight curiosity about Qin An.

But it was just curiosity, nothing more.

In Zhu Xueshuang’s view, no matter how strange Qin An’s character was, without corresponding strength, it would become a stumbling block in his path upward.

Just as she thought of this, Qin An finally made a move.

Qin An looked up and said, "Isn’t it said that the Black Market is jointly run by many forces, and the Evil Extermination Bureau can’t intervene? So why is it now that you want me to clear up the forces that take the Bureau’s items?"

Some things must be asked clearly, because if the specifics of a task are unclear before starting, Qin An felt that the task would face significant resistance.

Zhu Xueshuang nodded and said, "You are smart and know that there are various intertwined forces here, but I want to tell you that even if the Black Market is formed by various intertwined forces, it should submit to the authority of the Evil Extermination Bureau."

"The Evil Extermination Bureau allows its existence and won’t rashly destroy it, but it must not break the Bureau’s rules, like receiving the spoils of a defector from the Bureau—whoever dares to do so will face death."

As these words were spoken, a chilling killing intent echoed in the room.

Paired with Zhu Xueshuang’s cold eyes, it was enough to make one’s skin crawl.

Qin An tapped the table with his fingertips: "I see, then this task will be difficult."

Zhu Xueshuang slightly nodded: "A long time ago, this Black Market was already dishonest. Now it’s like killing a chicken to warn monkeys. You won’t be the only one on this mission; others will participate too. You won’t have to do it immediately, and I’ll notify you in due course."

At this point, Zhu Xueshuang poured another cup of tea, drank it down in one gulp, and then stood up with her silver spear.

"That’s all that needs to be said. Will you take this task or not?"

Qin An replied, "With significant merits and on Lord Zhu’s orders, of course, I’ll take it."

Zhu Xueshuang smiled, "You’re an interesting person, saying such beautiful words when you clearly want to take the task yourself. Sometimes your character is so straightforward that I can’t quite figure you out."

Qin An didn’t reply, indicating he didn’t want to answer.

Zhu Xueshuang didn’t mind, "As I’ve told you, there’s a major task coming."

She walked to the door and looked at the full moon in the sky.

"That task is approaching. Improve your strength as soon as possible; what you gain from this mission will be up to your ability."

With that, Zhu Xueshuang stayed no longer and disappeared into the vast night under the cover of darkness.

Watching Zhu Xueshuang’s figure disappear, Qin An shook his head, then closed the door, blew out the oil lamp, and went to sleep early.

...

Next day.

Qin An woke up early, went out to have breakfast, and then found the nearest butcher shop.

As per the usual arrangement, using his official robe and money, the shop owner quickly agreed to let Qin An slaughter livestock here on his behalf.

Qin An kept a low profile and didn’t cause any trouble.

He spent the whole day in the butchery.

During this time, although he ate twice, he didn’t waste much time.

The proficiency in butchery saw a slight increase.

It wasn’t until the afternoon that Qin An tidied up and walked toward the Evil Extermination Bureau.

He’s not planning to take on tasks recently.

As Zhu Xueshuang said, it’s better to improve his strength as soon as possible.

Although his Heart Method had reached the early Void Shattering Realm, his other Cultivation Techniques were still at the Great Success of Unity Realm, which for Qin An was somewhat lagging behind.

Therefore, Qin An decided to improve them one by one.

On his way back to the Evil Extermination Bureau, he encountered no obstacles or unusual occurrences.

As he returned, only a few faint beams of light flickered in the west.

The bureau remained bustling, with plenty of Tong Daoshuai coming and going.

Some were accepting tasks, others heading to the Music Bureau to relax.

Just as Qin An stepped into the courtyard, he saw several Tong Daoshuai curiously observing someone in the yard.

When Qin An saw who it was, he was slightly startled, then reacted and walked towards the person.

The person, with his back initially to Qin An, turned around as if sensing someone approaching.

When he saw Qin An, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"I didn’t expect you to reach the Void Shattering Realm so quickly; it really surprises me," Long Tianxing remarked with admiration.

Qin An asked, "Elder Long, you’ve come looking for me, is there something you need?"

Long Tianxing heard this and immediately waved his hand, saying, "There’s no need to call me senior now. Among us cultivators, we always judge by strength, so addressing each other as equals is fine."

"I do have matters to discuss this time. How about we find a quiet place to speak in detail?"

Qin An nodded, gesturing with his hand, "Let’s go, follow me to my residence; it’s quiet enough there."

For Long Tianxing to come personally to find him, Qin An had already guessed what it might be about.

This matter might be related to the Dragon Palace.

But indeed, as Long Tianxing said, this wasn’t the right place to talk.

His residence was sufficiently secluded, which was why he deliberately chose it, making it the perfect place to go.

Long Tianxing didn’t hesitate and followed behind Qin An, and the two quickly disappeared.

...

After reaching his residence, Qin An closed the door behind him and then lit the oil lamp on the table.

"Long, go ahead and state your purpose." Qin An directly asked, "I believe your visit this time is no small matter and should be related to the Dragon Palace, right?"

This question caused Long Tianxing to immediately fall silent, showing a conflicted expression on his face, as if finding it difficult to speak.

Qin An took note of Long Tianxing’s expression, speculating, "Could it be a very difficult matter?"

Long Tianxing came back to his senses and said with a bitter smile, "I’m going to tell you about a rather urgent matter, which you can decide on your own. If you’re unwilling, just don’t agree. I don’t want you to get stuck in the quagmire of Tianyun Dao because of it."

Qin An raised his hand and said, "Go ahead."

Matters need to be spoken about first to know if they can be handled.

For Long Tianxing to show such an expression, Qin An knew the matter was significant.

Nonetheless, Long Tianxing’s current expression piqued his curiosity, and he was indeed eager to hear what Long Tianxing had to say next.

Long Tianxing paused, organized his thoughts, and then slowly spoke, "The Dragon Palace has always had dealings with the Alchemy Master Alliance, where the alliance provides a large amount of elixirs, and in return, the Dragon Palace offers resources in exchange."

"However, the prices from the Alchemy Master Alliance are very high, so high that even the Dragon Palace feels strained. Therefore, the Dragon Palace has always been looking for an alternative. Recently, after Princess Long San returned to the Dragon Palace, she found the competition for the Dragon Crown Prince position becoming increasingly intense."

"And the time to appoint a Dragon Crown Prince is not far off. Thus, the princess seeks to gain considerable merit, and if she can establish an alternative to the Alchemy Master Alliance, this merit will be credited to Princess Long San."

Upon hearing Long Tianxing’s story, Qin An slightly raised his eyebrows, "So Princess Long San means for me to cooperate with the Dragon Palace, exchanging their abundant resources for providing a large amount of elixirs?"

Long Tianxing nodded, "That’s correct, that’s Princess Long San’s idea, though there might be danger involved."

Qin An rubbed his chin and asked, "What danger?"

Long Tianxing looked up and said, "If we truly cooperate with the Dragon Palace, they will sever ties with the Alchemy Master Alliance, creating a significant loss for the alliance. The result of this competition will be their animosity against you for cutting off exchanges with the Dragon Palace."

"Dan Wang Zhang Tianyi of the Alchemy Master Alliance is known for being narrow-minded. Mr. Qin, you might encounter some obstacles, maybe even their retaliation. Though as a Silver Dao Marshal of the Evil Extermination Bureau, Zhang Tianyi wouldn’t dare retaliate openly, but there could be some underhanded actions."

Hearing this, Qin An pondered for a moment, then looked up and said, "I’ll take this deal, but I need to know how many resources the Dragon Palace offers and exactly what kind of elixirs they need."

He had thought it over; if the Dragon Palace’s resources were sufficient, he might accept the deal.

As for offending the Alchemy Master Alliance, Qin An thought that if the returns are high, then so be it.

It’s more of a business deal: if I can provide something you can’t, then I should do the business.

In this world, everything relies on competition.

Competing for resources, for cultivation techniques, for everything.

Qin An wants to ascend to the peak, so he must strive for every obtainable resource.

But first, he must see if the Dragon Palace’s resources are tempting enough.

Long Tianxing pondered briefly, then said, "The Dragon Palace needs a large number of compound elixirs, like the one Mr. Qin once provided. The materials will be supplied by the Dragon Palace, and you just need to do minimal refinement. If you craft a thousand elixirs, it can match one demon spirit. What do you think, sir?"

Qin An slightly raised his eyebrows and shook his head, "Not quite."

Long Tianxing was momentarily stunned.

Qin An continued, "Five hundred elixirs per demon spirit; I can craft a thousand a day, and you provide me with two demon spirits a day. That seems fairer."

Though Qin An has mastered the fusion alchemy technique, crafting those kinds of elixirs in large quantities would take considerable time.

While crafting can enhance a Pill Master’s expertise, it would significantly reduce proficiency in Qin An’s other skills.

Thus, Qin An feels that five hundred elixirs per demon spirit is just right.

Long Tianxing fell into deep thought.

Qin An suddenly said, "Don’t you think five hundred elixirs per demon spirit matches the Alchemy Master Alliance’s offer?"

Long Tianxing smiled bitterly, "To be honest, the Alchemy Master Alliance offers two hundred elixirs per demon spirit. Even with vast resources, the Dragon Palace finds it hard to bear. If Mr. Qin asks for five hundred per spirit, I believe the Dragon Palace would agree, but I need to report back."

Qin An nodded, "Of course, it is a transaction requiring both parties’ agreement."

Given the urgency, Long Tianxing made things clear to Qin An before leaving without further words.

After Long Tianxing departed, Qin An extinguished the oil lamp and went to bed early.

...

At dawn the next day, Qin An rose, had breakfast, and went to the butcher’s shop.

By this time, Long Tianxing had returned to the Dragon Palace.

Within the Dragon Palace.

Princess Long San was sitting in a side hall, cross-legged, cultivating.

Although she had been schemed against, causing a significant drop in her strength, she was always working to restore her power.

Detecting someone approaching, Princess Long San opened her eyes.