Negotiation

It's still that same main street.

The atmosphere around them was very strange. Because Li Qi had arranged the venue in advance, it was gloomy and made people feel uncomfortable.

But Jin Buhuan seemed oblivious to everything, walking straight up to him, cupping his hands in a fist and bowing with a smile, "Haha, Brother Li, how have you been? You don't seem to be in a good mood. Is something bothering you lately? Why don't you tell me? I have some insignificant influence in Clear Mist City, and I'm sure I can help."

When Li Qi saw the other person, he smiled and came out. He did not bow, but nodded in greeting, and then replied, "It's nothing special, I just feel a little uncomfortable."

Jin Buhuan was quite impolite. He led his men directly into the inn, looking around as he said to Li Qi, "In this Clear Mist City, I am the host. Brother Li, if you have any troubles, feel free to speak up. Even if I can't help, I can at least listen to your concerns. It will make you feel better if you talk about it!"

After entering, Jin Buhuan around to make sure he didn't find anything before sitting down with Anxin.

As soon as he sat down, he said directly, "Brother Li, why don't you accept those gifts placed outside?"

Li Qi also walked in.

He neither poured tea nor showed any courtesy. He acted as if he didn't even see Elder Si and the maid, not even greeting them. It was as if he were the only person in the entire inn.

Li Qi didn't even sit down, making Jin Buhuan, who was sitting down, look very awkward.

This is a very impolite situation. If it happened in a formal setting, it could even cause animosity between the two factions. However, both sides seemed oblivious and didn't seem to care.

Upon hearing Jin Buhuan's question, Li Qi replied in a relaxed tone, "These gifts are too valuable. I don't think I have anything worth Brother Jin spending so much money on, so I certainly wouldn't dare to accept them."

"Hey, Brother Li, you're mistaken. Last time on the street, I suddenly attacked you, which was extremely rude. Logically speaking, I should make amends properly. Otherwise, people will think that I, Jin Buhuan, am ill-mannered and lack manners." Jin Buhuan said with a grin.

Li Qi smiled when he heard this.

The two of them laughed heartily together, creating a very harmonious scene.

It was clear that Jin Buhuan was quite displeased with Li Qi's rudeness, so he didn't hold back in his sarcastic remarks.

For them, no matter how embarrassing the situation is, they must save face. If they can't save face, it means that the situation is already rotten to the core.

By doing this, Li Qi had essentially torn off all pretense of civility.

They were just one step away from victory, so both sides remained somewhat restrained and at least didn't start fighting in person.

Just as the situation became awkward, Li Qi waved his hand and took the initiative to start a conversation. "Alright, let's not talk about those unpleasant things. Brother Jin, do you know why I invited you here this time?"

"Of course I don't know, Brother Li, why don't you tell me?" Jin Buhuan's expression changed again, and he leaned over with great interest.

"Brother Jin, you've been in trouble lately, but if you handle things well, you might be able to turn misfortune into good fortune?" Li Qi said in a serious tone.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Jin Buhuan with a surprised expression.

"Did you know that another piece of golden energy was recently unearthed in Green Mountain? And it's an eighth-grade item, and it's still a longsword," Li Qi said.

Jin Buhuan was certainly aware of this matter. It had caused quite a stir in Clear Mist City during this period, with many people going to Green Mountain to 'hunt for treasure,' and the news had spread widely.

In fact, when Li Qi first arrived in Clear Mist City, he stayed at Piaoxu's inn. At that time, Piaoxu asked Li Qi if that was why he had come. (See Chapter 135 for details)

"Of course I know about this, but what does it have to do with me? Green Mountain's golden energy only comes out once every ten years or so, which is not uncommon. Even my father wouldn't monopolize it, but would let those with the right destiny take it for themselves. In that case, it has even less to do with me," Jin Buhuan replied, waiting for Li Qi's explanation.

He knew that Li Qi was just keeping him in suspense.

However, what he said is not entirely true.

In reality, the Green Mountain Mountain God basically only allows ordinary ninth-grade golden energy to flow out. If it is an eighth-grade Innate Divine Weapon, he will mostly intervene, but he will not force it. If someone is really capable, he will give it away as fortuitous opportunity to form a good relationship.

As for those of the seventh rank and above, they are treasures to him, how could he possibly give them away to outsiders? He would never allow them to leak out.

For example, the eighth-grade golden energy he gave to Li Qi actually belonged to him. He only obtained it after his father intervened. However, his father did not take action personally that time, so a tiger demon took the opportunity to snatch it away.

Later, Jin Buhuan hired a master to kill him and bring back the golden energy, only to find that the golden energy was damaged and the tip of the knife was broken.

Then later, and now, he recruited Elder Si. Elder Si discovered through divination that the tiger demon was still alive. However, his curse to kill it unexpectedly provoked Li Qi.

However, he did not intend to tell Li Qi these inside stories.

Li Qi and that Fox Demon, one of them must have some fragments of his golden energy hidden on their bodies.

They'll come back sooner or later.

Jin Buhuan thought to himself.

But Li Qi was unaware of his thoughts and continued, "Brother Jin, you are unaware of this. More than ten years ago, didn't Green Mountain export an eighth-grade longsword?"

Jin Buhuan's gaze darkened, and he said, "Of course, but that golden aura was damaged, and its value has plummeted. In fact, it was the very aura I gave to Brother Li. Didn't you notice?"

Li Qi replied, "Yes, I've noticed that too. That's why I didn't accept it. Brother Jin, please listen to me. How long does it usually take Green Mountain to produce a single breath of Grade 8 Golden Qi?"

Since his treasure was involved, Jin Buhuan pondered for a while and replied seriously, "It takes about two hundred years to produce one, but it's not fixed. After all, the production of gold energy is like the fruiting of trees; it depends on Heaven's Will."

"Look, here it is. Green Mountain has produced two batches of Grade 8 Golden Qi in a row. In fifteen years, two batches have been Grade 8. Do you think this is normal?" Li Qi asked.

Jin Buhuan frowned. "What does Brother Li mean?"

"What I mean is, these two mouthfuls of Grade 8 Golden Qi were originally one mouthful!" Li Qi asserted.

"The heavens are round and the earth is square, which is based on yin and yang. All things are born from yin and yang, but yin and yang are originally one, just as there is yin and yang energy in all things, which are just two sides of the same coin. But now, Green Mountain produces two mouths of gold energy, which means that yin and yang are out of place and the two polarities are separated. This is a very ominous sign! That's why I said that Brother Gold is probably in trouble!"

Li Qi said with absolute certainty.

Upon hearing this, Jin Buhuan remained noncommittal at first, secretly pondering Li Qi's words.

At this moment, he no longer cared about Li Qi's rudeness, because what the other party said did make some sense.

After pondering for a moment, Jin Buhuan immediately cupped his hands and asked, "What are your thoughts, Brother Li?"

He asked for opinions first, and then looked at other things, because he was no longer thinking about any difficulties.

Rather, it's because if what Li Qi said is true, then these two wisps of golden energy are the two sides of yin and yang, originally one. If they could be combined into one, wouldn't their quality be greatly improved?

It might even reach the level of a half-step seventh rank?

This is not something to be taken lightly. Even if Li Qi is just making things up, he still has to carefully verify it.

This is a matter of great importance, so we must be careful.

"My understanding is what I just said. Although the separation of Yin and Yang is very inauspicious, there is also an opportunity within it. You see, between Yin and Yang, clear and turbid, is what is called the central Qi. The central Qi is the pivot of the rise and fall of Yin and Yang. If Brother Jin can unite Yin and Yang and then find a central Qi to harmonize them, then this thing will surely turn misfortune into good fortune and become a sign of good luck for Brother Jin." Li Qi said with his hands clasped.

Now that Li Qi had said all that, Jin Buhuan could no longer keep up the act.

He stood up decisively and walked towards Li Qi: "Since we've come this far, Brother Li must know why I'm here. I don't believe that after seeing the gifts outside, you still don't understand what I mean."

"Of course, Brother Jin must have come for this reason," Li Qi said with a smile, taking out an irregularly shaped throwing knife.

"Once you get this, Brother Jin will not only possess a naturally formed Innate Divine Weapon that is considered top-grade among eighth-rank weapons, but with the other half, yin and yang will be united as one, further enhancing its quality and power. Even for your father, it will be a treasure. If you can put it together and present it to him, he will be overjoyed and may even reward you directly. You will gain both his favor and a treasure, truly killing two birds with one stone."

Li Qi said this while holding a throwing knife in one hand.

Obviously, everyone knows that this is a very tempting thing.

Even the slightest hope is something Jin Buhuan values highly, not to mention that he already knew the power of his golden energy after it was repaired.

"Hmm, Brother Li does know about this thing. I thought you didn't." Jin Buhuan smiled.

Li Qi returned the smile with a friendly smile, "I didn't know before, but Brother Jin has hinted at it many times, how could I not know? So, the reason I didn't accept the gift before was not because I was unwilling, but because I really couldn't. If I had accepted it, how would I have had the opportunity to talk with Brother Jin here?"

Jin Buhuan suddenly realized. "So that's how it is. I misunderstood Brother Li. Now that everything is clear, I won't do anything that would only make me a laughing stock. In short, if Brother Li can hand this over to me, Jin Buhuan will definitely repay you handsomely."

Li Qi readily agreed, "Of course. If it weren't for this matter, why would I have called Brother Jin here? Now that you're here, you'll definitely return the item to its rightful owner. However, Brother Jin, I still have one more request."

"Brother Li, please speak!" Jin Buhuan replied readily.

"I would like to spar with Brother Jin and use that weapon," Li Qi said.

"Brother Li, do you want to challenge yourself? It seems you want to focus on the Dao Path. No wonder there are so many strange things. I thought it was something else. I guess it's just that Brother Li simply didn't pay attention." Jin Buhuan took the throwing knife from Li Qi's hand and then pointed a finger.

The long sword moved slightly.

Then, all that could be heard was a piercing buzzing sound!

The sound was as thin as silk, yet it could shatter rocks and pierce clouds! It was so sharp that it caused all the surrounding stones and porcelain to explode, and Li Qi could even feel the intense killing intent within it!

Madness, killing intent, excitement, rage, and exhilaration—all sorts of emotions surged forth from the divine weapon!

It was clearly an inanimate object, yet it seemed to contain an inexhaustible vortex of emotions, and its sharp screech even carried the will of a living being, as if it could reveal some kind of vision.

However, it was only an impression.

Li Qi only felt that he saw something, just like when people listen to music they have a feeling, but in reality he didn't see anything.

If I had to describe it, it would probably be the 'atmosphere' created by the sound of clashing swords.

Li Qi covered his ears, silently chanting in his mind...

It was a sound again.

The first time was the sound of the flute, then it was listening to one's inner voice, and now it is the sound of clashing swords.

Even the other party's Daoist aura was related to their voice.

Li Qi watched all of this.

Sure enough, that Innate Divine Weapon was in the opponent's hands from the very beginning.

If I accept these gifts, I will not only be in the wrong, but I will also be in a passive position from then on, and I may even be killed by the other party by activating their divine weapon.

Li Qi looked at Jin Buhuan in front of him. Although he was using a knife, it was probably just a disguise. His foundation in Cultivation Method should be the same as what the White Snake Mountain said, the 'Golden Sound' among the Eight Sounds.

The eight sounds are metal, stone, silk, bamboo, gourd, earth, leather, and wood.

Heaven has eight tones, which are different in nature and thus contradict each other. The sage used these to create eight instruments, which use sound to summon qi, and the eight winds follow the laws. The diagram of the eight tones is based on this.

The sound of metal is clear and refined, and its instruments include cymbals, bells, chimes, and flutes. As the saying goes, "The sound of metal resonates through valleys, its booming notes echo to the heavens; its meaning penetrates the profound and subtle, its principle resonates with the divine."

Furthermore, because of its clear and melodious sound, it was often used in battles and warfare, hence the saying "war breaks out at the sound of metal".

Now, Jin Buhuan is using this method to piece the fragments back into his knife.

With a resounding clang, the golden energy was continuously devouring the body it had once detached from.

The small throwing knife seemed to struggle, but it was powerless against the main body and soon completely merged into the long sword, the two becoming one again.

Jin Buhuan was very satisfied.

Only after he truly obtained this Innate Divine Weapon did his position in the family become truly secure.

His conflict with Li Qi was the result of careful consideration. Even if the other party was a sixth-rank official, he could keep him in check by his own powerful backer.

As a spoiled brat, all his goals should be based on this: maintaining his status is fundamental.

As for the other party's backer being a fifth-rank official, how could that be? If he were really that powerful, he would have received a warning long ago when he provoked him.

The fact that his father didn't come to remind him meant that his father could keep things under control.

Of course, there is another possibility: that even the father could not find out the other party's background, and could only find that the person actually had no background, had mysterious methods, and was perhaps just a lucky encounter.

But just thinking about it makes him laugh.

Who is this person whose background even their own father couldn't uncover? A fourth-rank official? A third-rank official?

Is that possible?

It's more important to consolidate one's own power and position than to take that tiny chance.