Record of a Demon's Cultivation Chapter 1378: A Lion’s Share
Previously on Record of a Demon's Cultivation...
----------
Guys, if you are reading this, then please consider leaving a review, it really helps out. And if possible please give the story some powerstones as well. 🙏
🎁 12 Days Remaining until the giveaway begins!
----------
Translator: CinderTL
"Manager Duan, could you introduce me to Clan Elder Duan Huo of your esteemed clan?" Song Wen asked.
Song Wen wouldn’t have come here without a plan. Before visiting the Profound Medicine Pavilion, he had already investigated. The Duan Clan’s strongest cultivators were three Body Integration Stage cultivators: two at the early stage and one at the mid stage.
Duan Huo, on the other hand, had reached the Body Integration Stage over three thousand years ago, yet his cultivation had stagnated, stuck firmly in the early stage.
To Song Wen, Duan Huo and the entire Duan Clan posed no significant threat.
Thus, retrieving the information left by Gu Huang was not an impossible task.
Duan Qingwan’s face darkened with difficulty.
"Senior Feng, it’s not that I’m shirking my duty, but Clan Elder Duan Huo has given strict orders. The information regarding Gou Jun is priced at five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones, with no room for negotiation. If you can afford it, I will naturally arrange a meeting with the clan elder. If not, I regret to say I cannot comply."
"Five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones?"
Song Wen’s voice rose slightly, his expression stunned.
For a mere piece of intelligence, even one related to a Body Integration Stage cultivator, demanding such an exorbitant price was truly a lion’s share.
To avoid revealing any flaws, Song Wen had to feign a more exaggerated reaction.
"I’m curious, Senior Duan Huo, what exactly is in that intelligence that makes you dare to demand such a high price?" Song Wen asked, feigning ignorance.
Duan Qingwan replied, "I’m not sure either."
"If that’s the case, this deal might be difficult to make. five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones is no small sum. Even the Master I serve would need to consider it carefully. If Manager Duan refuses to reveal any details, who would rashly purchase this intelligence?" Song Wen said.
Duan Qingwan’s eyes flickered slightly, but she still shook her head.
"I truly don’t know the specific contents of the intelligence. If you’re interested, Senior, you could gather five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones and then visit Clan Elder Duan Huo. At that time, you can negotiate directly with him. Whether you buy it or not is entirely up to you. Our Duan Clan never forces sales."
"In that case, I’ll report back to my Master and see how he decides. If he’s interested in purchasing it, I’ll bother you again."
With that, Song Wen rose to his feet and walked toward the exit.
As he was currently disguised as a Void Refinement Stage cultivator, directly producing five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones would undoubtedly raise suspicion.
"We escort you out, Senior."
Duan Qingwan quickly rose, formed a seal with her fingers, and opened the secret chamber door.
Then, she added, "Senior, allow this junior to say one more thing. Clan Elder Duan Huo has possessed this intelligence for many years, yet he has never sold it to anyone. Only recently did he decide to put it up for sale. Senior and the Master behind you should make your decision swiftly; otherwise, you’ll lose the advantage."
Song Wen turned abruptly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "If what you say is true, five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones aren’t enough to secure exclusive rights. Does your Duan Clan still intend to sell it to others?"
"Naturally," Duan Qingwan replied with a faint smile. "If Senior desires exclusive rights to the intelligence, you must offer more spirit stones."
"How much does your Duan Clan truly want?" Song Wen asked.
"One million two hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones will suffice, Senior. In exchange, our Duan Clan will never reveal this intelligence to anyone else again," Duan Qingwan stated.
"Three days is the limit. If I don’t return within that time, the intelligence is yours to dispose of as you see fit. However, I trust your Duan Clan will refrain from mentioning this matter to anyone during these three days," Song Wen said.
"Very well, we shall abide by your terms, Senior," Duan Qingwan replied.
The next day, Song Wen returned to the Profound Medicine Pavilion and met with Duan Qingwan.
"The Master who entrusted me with this matter is very interested in the intelligence, but is unable to attend personally. He has authorized me to handle this matter fully. The spirit stones are prepared. Please take me to meet Senior Duan Huo."
Duan Qingwan’s eyebrows arched, her eyes curving into crescent moons, her gaze betraying her delight.
"If I may be so bold, Senior, how many spirit stones has the Master prepared?"
"Five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones are available," Song Wen replied.
"Does the Master behind you not intend to buy the intelligence outright?" Duan Qingwan asked.
"That depends on whether the intelligence is worth it," Song Wen said.
After a few more pleasantries, Duan Qingwan led Song Wen out of Thousand Blades City toward the Duan Clan’s territory.
Mount Taichuan, where the Duan Clan resided, was a collective name for the mountain range along the river.
A hundred li downstream from Mount Taichuan lay a market exclusively owned by the Duan Clan.
Song Wen stopped hovering above the market, refusing to proceed further.
"Manager Duan, I will not enter the Duan Clan’s territory. Please invite Senior Duan Huo here for a meeting instead."
"Why is that?" Duan Qingwan looked surprised.
Song Wen said, "I’m here on business, not to pay respects to Senior Duan Huo. If he wants to do this deal, he’ll have to make some effort, won’t he?"
Duan Qingwan’s brow furrowed slightly, but then smoothed out as she smiled. "Please wait a moment, Senior. I’ll report this to Clan Elder Duan Huo immediately."
With that, she took to the air and flew away.
The moment she was out of sight, Song Wen moved without hesitation, landing on the riverbank downstream from the market. The river here flowed swiftly, its waves crashing against the smooth, black rocks and coating them with a slick layer of water.
After waiting for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Duan Qingwan returned, accompanied by a gaunt, elderly man. They landed about three meters in front of Song Wen.
"Senior Feng, this is Clan Elder Duan Huo," Duan Qingwan said, positioning herself behind the elder.
"Greetings, Senior Duan Huo," Song Wen said, bowing slightly and cupping his fist.
Duan Huo’s weathered face creased with a smile, his wrinkles layering like the bark of an old tree. He bared his stark white teeth and spoke in a raspy voice.
"Little friend, you are our guest, and I regret making you travel so far. This place is filthy and noisy, truly not suitable for conversation. Why not accompany me to the market? I have a refined residence there, a tranquil and elegant place perfect for our discussion."
"Senior, you are too kind. Let’s discuss it here. There’s no need to waste time." Song Wen refused resolutely.
"Heh... Little friend is indeed straightforward," Duan Huo replied with his usual amiable smile. "Very well, let’s talk here."
With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a surge of spiritual power, forming an soundproof barrier that enveloped both himself and Song Wen, completely isolating them from Duan Qingwan.
Duan Huo produced a jade slip from his sleeve and held it up.
"Little friend, here is the information you requested. Where are the spirit stones?"
Song Wen produced a storage ring from his sleeve.
"Here are five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones. However, I must first verify the information to determine if it is worth such a price before deciding to purchase. I am acting on behalf of another, so I must exercise caution. I hope for your understanding, Senior."
(End of the Chapter)
---------------------------
📚 You are reading [292] Chapters behind.
🔥 Read up to Chapter [1670] now, only on 𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝕞.
🚫
---------------------------