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Ye Wen could tell that Ge Long was dead set on extracting the method for breaking through to Title Douluo from him tonight.
If Ye Wen claimed they had no more immortal herbs, Ge Long definitely wouldn't believe him.
As for the soul core method, they hadn't even brought it up themselves, let alone shared it with outsiders.
Thus, if Ye Wen wanted to convince Ge Long without offending the Tian Dou Empire, the only option left was to mention the immortal herbs.
But⌠immortal herbsâŚ
Though their Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well still had some stock remaining, Ye Wen had no intention of handing them over to a doomed empire like Tian Dou.
Suddenly, an idea struck Ye Wen. His eyes narrowed slightly, and a sly glint flashed in his gaze.
With a light sigh, Ye Wen said, "Marshal Ge Long, your methods are indeed impressive, but it's not that I'm unwilling to share the breakthrough methodâit's simply a matter of luck. Have you ever heard of immortal herbs?"
Ge Long, who had been feeling disheartened at the prospect of leaving empty-handed, suddenly perked up. Though he didn't know what immortal herbs were, he asked earnestly:
"Please enlighten me, Young Master Ye Wen."
Without hesitation, Ye Wen explained the concept of immortal herbs. The revelation left both Qian Renxue and Ge Long astonishedâthey never imagined such wondrous medicinal plants existed in the world.
Ge Long's eyes burned with excitement as he asked, "Then might the Medical Alliance still possess any immortal herbs? Regardless of the cost, neither I nor the Imperial family will hesitate!"
Ye Wen inwardly rolled his eyes. 'What nonsense is this old man spouting? How could we possibly give such treasures to you?'
Outwardly, however, Ye Wen feigned a disappointed shake of his head and sighed, "Marshal Ge Long, I've already said that these immortal herbs embody the essence of heaven and earth, containing profound mysteries.
Such a thing belongs in the heavensâit's rare to even hear of it in the mortal realm.
How could I possibly still have any? Even if I had seeds or roots, it would take thousands of years for such divine herbs to regrow."
A deep sense of frustration welled up in Ge Long's eyes.
At this moment, Ge Long was like a drowning man clinging to the last straw, unwilling to let go. Suspicious that the immortal herbs might be another scam, Ge Long cautiously asked:
"May I ask if Young Master Ye Wen has any records of these immortal herbs? I'd like to examine their secrets."
Ye Wen knew the old man wasn't about to give up, but such crucial inheritance manuscripts weren't something he could casually show others.
So, pretending to be troubled, Ye Wen replied, "Of course I have such manuscripts, but Marshal should understand how vital these inheritance records are to a faction. What, then, can you offer in exchange?"
Ge Long hadn't expected Ye Wen to pull this move, but it was perfectly logical, leaving him unable to argue. Tentatively, he extended one finger and asked:
"One million gold spirit coinsâwould that suffice for a viewing? After all, it's just a record of the immortal herbs, not the herbs themselves."
Ye Wen was now too tired to pretend. He rolled his eyes outright. 'What nonsense is this old man spouting? Even if it's just a record, doesn't he know that knowledge is truly priceless?'
'A mere million gold spirit coins barely covers my entry fee for the Soul Master Tournament. Who does he think he's fooling?'
By now, Ye Wen was genuinely starting to feel sleepy, so he boldly raised three fingers.
"Three piecesâthree ten-thousand-year soul bones, any part will do, and I'll let you take a look."
Ge Long's face instantly turned green. He only had six soul bones on him, and this brat dared to demand three? To think that even a single ten-thousand-year soul bone was considered a Blood River Relicâlet alone three!
Instinctively, Ge Long shook his head in refusal and countered, "No, no, three soul bones are far too much. I can offer at most ten million gold spirit coins."
---
Hearing this, Ye Wen couldn't help but inwardly sigh. 'The ancients were rightâindeed, the bold get fat while the timid starve.' He had merely thrown out a random condition, and the other party had offered ten times the original price. Thankfully, he hadn't agreed earlier; otherwise, he'd have lost out big time.
However, Ye Wen had no intention of making a deal in the first place. But the fact that the other side wasn't even willing to part with three soul bonesâand he had only asked for the minimum ten-thousand-year standardâmeant he could no longer afford to be polite.
Thus, Ye Wen said, "This is Marshal's fault. I've sincerely offered this exquisite knowledge for trade, yet you respond like this. Let me remind youâthe immortal herb manuscript I'm offering contains records of dozens of immortal herbs. Finding even one of them could grant a soul master the potential to break through to Title Douluo.
Such knowledge, and you're only willing to offer ten million? Allow me to speak franklyâknowledge is priceless. My offer is already a great courtesy to you and the Imperial family."
Ge Long, stung by Ye Wen's words, flushed red and purple in turn. Fortunately, it was late at night, and no outsiders witnessed his embarrassment.
But to Ye Wen's surprise, Qian Renxue suddenly spoke up:
"Young Master Ye Wen speaks the truthâknowledge is indeed priceless. However, its value involving three soul bones is also beyond what the two of us can decide.
Since Young Master Ye Wen is willing to trade, I'll return with Marshal Ge Long to consult with His Majesty. We'll come back tomorrow. Forgive the disturbance tonightâwe'll take our leave for now."
Ge Long suddenly remembered that he had repeatedly emphasized that he and the Imperial family would pay the price, but his mind had been entirely focused on his own wealth. Realizing his oversight, he quickly followed Qian Renxue out.
Watching Ge Long's foolish demeanor, Ye Wen shook his head slightly. With a marshal like this, no wonder the soldiers of Tian Dou would be doomed in the future.
With the matter temporarily resolved, Ye Wen exchanged a glance with Dugu Bo before retiring to rest.
Meanwhile, the Tian Dou Imperial Family was far from calm.
Qian Renxue had personally taken chargeâhow could the old emperor possibly sleep soundly? He remained seated on his throne, silently awaiting news.
Soon, a servant reported that Qian Renxue and Ge Long had returned. Emperor Xue Ye's expression tightenedâthis was the moment of decision. Whether the Tian Dou Imperial Family could once again secure a Title Douluo loyal to them depended on this.
Listening to the news brought back by Qian Renxue and Ge Long, Emperor Xue Ye's expression shifted between shock and disbelief.
Good news: They had found a method to break through to Title Douluo.
Bad news: The cost was far greater than anticipated, and there was no guarantee of success.
However, Emperor Xue Ye was a clear-headed man. He understood that no amount of wealth mattered without the strength to protect it.
In the end, Emperor Xue Ye agreed to pay the price of three ten-thousand-year soul bones in exchange for the knowledge of immortal herbs.
Qian Renxue suppressed a smile. Spending the Tian Dou Imperial Family's money to obtain knowledge of immortal herbs for free was simply delightful!
Little did she know that upon returning to Spirit City and sharing her joy, she would discover that Ju Douluo of her own faction also possessed knowledge of immortal herbs!
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