"I didn’t expect His Highness the Buddha Prince to come for this item. What a coincidence."

Hearing Qing Kong’s words, a look of joy appeared on Yang An’s face.

’So there really is some left. He didn’t use it all up.’

"Zen Master, if you have no use for what remains, might you spare the rest of the Fox Wolf Wood Heart for Yuan Ji? Consider it a loan. Yuan Ji will be sure to repay you in the future."

Even though he was the Buddha’s Son, that title didn’t hold much sway with these Zen Masters.

Besides, the two of them had never crossed paths before, so it was only natural to speak of borrowing and repaying.

Of course, if Qing Kong had no intention of lending it, Yang An couldn’t force him. He would just have to give up.

It all depended on Qing Kong now.

Faced with Yang An’s request, Qing Kong neither agreed nor refused. He simply smiled.

’Unsure of what this guy was plotting, Yang An could only force a smile and wait for his response.’ 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Then, Qing Kong let out a soft sigh.

"His Highness the Buddha Prince, since you’ve been to the Buddha’s Hall of Destiny, you must know that the Fox Wolf Wood Heart cannot be found within the Great Virtue Temple’s domain. It can only be gathered in the State Territory of the Golden Thread Pavilion. This item is exceedingly precious."

"That is precisely why Yuan Ji has come all this way to call on you, Zen Master. Please, speak your mind."

Yang An replied, the smile fading from his face.

’This guy had clearly opted for a transaction.’

’He started by explaining how precious and difficult to obtain the item was, driving up its value.’

’If he wanted to get the Fox Wolf Wood Heart, Qing Kong’s next words would inevitably involve some kind of condition.’

’Yang An’s meaning was also clear: state your conditions, just say it directly, and stop beating around the bush.’

’He was starting to understand. Whether it was the monks from before, Hai Shu Bodhisattva, or this Qing Kong...’

’...every single one of them was a master of talking in circles and keeping you in suspense.’

’Dealing with these bald donkeys was truly exhausting.’

Hearing Yang An’s words, the smile on Qing Kong’s face grew even wider.

"As expected of His Highness the Buddha Prince. Your talent is exceptional, and your Wisdom Root has reached Perfection.

In that case, Qing Kong won’t beat around the bush. If the Buddha’s Son wishes for Qing Kong to part with the Fox Wolf Wood Heart in his possession, it is possible!

However, the Buddha’s Son must offer something in exchange. A trade, item for item. Fair and square. What do you say?"

"What item?"

Yang An didn’t waste any words, asking directly.

Qing Kong smiled, then fixed his gaze on Yang An and began to speak slowly:

"It is something His Highness the Buddha Prince certainly possesses. A bit of your own flesh and blood!

His Highness the Buddha Prince saw it just now. What Qing Kong cultivates is the Sacrificial Meat Zen, one of the Thirty-six Zen..."

"Absolutely not!"

Before Qing Kong could even finish, Yang An cut him off, rejecting him flatly.

’He wants my flesh and blood? What a joke!’

’He had wondered why the guy had bothered to explain what Sacrificial Meat Zen was.’

’It turned out this bastard had his eyes on him from the moment he walked in, already scheming to use him.’

’Never mind the fact that Yang An’s Cultivation Level was currently suppressed by a Concealment Seal, making it incredibly difficult to recover from giving up his flesh and blood.’

’Even if he weren’t sealed, he would never give his own flesh and blood to anyone.’

’As for why?’

’In this world, you didn’t need a reason!’

Upon receiving Yang An’s answer, Qing Kong made no sudden moves, merely showing a look of regret on his face.

The Buddha’s Son before him was the reincarnation of a True Buddha. Although this physical body might not have a significant connection to the True Buddha, for Qing Kong, who cultivated Sacrificial Meat Zen, it still held a powerful allure.

However, Yang An’s reaction also seemed to be within his expectations, and he could only offer a helpless smile in response.

Yang An’s attitude was resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

Furthermore, this was the Great Virtue Temple. As a Zen Master, he could attack others without cause or reason, but he could not make any rash moves against a Buddha’s Son.

"Zen Master, please forgive Yuan Ji for being unable to accept such a condition. Yuan Ji will take his leave."

Yang An said no more. His expression cold, he immediately stood, gave a bow, and began to walk toward the doorway.

’But even as he acted so decisively, he already had a guess as to what would happen next.’

’Three!’

’Two!’

’One!’

"Buddha’s Son, please wait!"

Qing Kong immediately stood and called out to stop him.

Yang An scoffed inwardly. ’Just as I expected.’

’This guy was pulling the same old trick.’

’First, state an incredibly harsh condition that he’s guaranteed to refuse.’

’That way, when he proposes a second condition, it will seem much more acceptable in comparison, no matter how difficult it might be.’

’These bald donkeys were all as cunning as monkeys. Good thing he was familiar with all their little ploys.’

Yang An stopped and looked up at Qing Kong.

’So, what would this guy’s other condition be?’