A major acquisition
Zhao Chenggong was about to refuse, but Ma Benming held him down firmly, saying, "Sir, the First-to-Third-Rank Soul Tool can be bought easily on the market. We'll give you this part for free."
"The theories and Soul Tool blueprints are usually priceless, but they can be obtained at some Auction House. We'd like to befriend you; this entire set is worth 10,000 gold coins, and we'll give it to you in a package. How about it?"
"Of course, it's just a copy; what we can guarantee is that there won't be any errors in the copy."
Wu Qi felt the price was acceptable, so he didn't haggle further.
Ma Benming continued, "We don't have a single blueprint for Ninth-Rank Soul Tool; Dean's Ultimate Weapon is theoretically eighth-tier, and whether we're willing to part with it depends on his wishes. Besides, we don't have any other Eighth-Rank Soul Tool blueprints."
"We only have the blueprints for Seventh-Rank Soul Tool; we don't have the related theories. The academy has about twenty of these, but we can't guarantee their quality. These blueprints are worth two thousand gold coins each. What do you think?"
For Wu Qi, the more the better. But the prerequisite is that the other party is willing to sell, to ensure that there will be no problems with the drawings.
Seeing that Zhao Chenggong was caught in a dilemma, Ma Benming apologized and pulled him outside to try and persuade him.
"Old Zhao, take my advice. Get the money first. As long as you can advance to Level Seven Soul Master, it'll all be worth it."
"Besides, even if that person takes the blueprints, they might not be able to manufacture it. Don't be so stubborn. Although these blueprints were obtained by the academy, we don't sell the original copies, so it doesn't count as betraying the academy's interests."
"It's clear that the magistrate admires your talent. If you befriend him this time, you might be able to ride this wave and advance your career smoothly."
How many times in life can you encounter a benefactor? You'd better seize the opportunity!
In the end, Zhao Chenggong made a choice.
If you want to advance to a higher level of Soul Engineer and obtain more resources, simply pretending to be aloof won't work.
If he doesn't blend in with the world, he'll probably be stuck at the Level Six Soul Engineer for the rest of his life, unable to make any progress.
Back in the reception room, he took out all the blueprints for Seventh-Rank Soul Tool that were stored in the academy.
Both parties were very satisfied with the transaction.
After a pause, Wu Qi added, "The more high-level Soul Tool blueprints the better. I wonder if the two Dean have any connections to obtain more? Of course, I won't treat the two Dean unfairly."
As he spoke, he casually waved his hand, and two High-Rank Medicinal Herbs slowly appeared. The rich aroma of the herbs filled the guest room, making it intoxicating.
It's true that Ma Benming is somewhat greedy, but he knows he should act within his means.
In a city on the edge of the continent like Sea Plunder City, it's already a stroke of luck to be able to get about twenty blueprints for Seventh-Rank Soul Tool for the academy. Getting more or higher-level blueprints is basically impossible.
Zhao Chenggong added, "Sir, Seventh-Rank Soul Tool blueprints are manageable, but for eighth or even ninth-tier blueprints, simply paying money might not be realistic. These advanced blueprints are either passed down from ancestors or the result of countless hours of research. Unless it's a barter arrangement, it's unlikely a deal can be struck."
If they're willing to agree, the rest should be easy, right?
Wu Qi smiled inwardly. With his strength and status, he had no shortage of treasures. Not to mention High-Rank Medicinal Herbs, he even had Immortal Herb and Soul Bone.
"Oh? So Dean has connections? No need for Dean to worry about the transaction. If you can find a suitable seller for me, regardless of the outcome, Dean will definitely get a share."
Ma Benming quickly nudged Zhao Chenggong's sleeve and whispered, "This is the closest we've ever had to become Level Seven Soul Master. Seize the opportunity!"
There's only the option of breaking the bottom line zero times or countless times.
Ma Benming's previous persuasion had already led Zhao Chenggong cross his own bottom line. Crossing it again wouldn't be a big deal.
"My lord, I can introduce you to my Mentor gave me enlightenment. However, he lives in Mingdu. If you don't mind, we can go there together."
"In addition, I have a personal request."
Having received an affirmative reply, he continued, "After arriving in Mingdu, I need to complete the Advancement Assessment for Level Seven Soul Master. I hope you can protect my safety and provide me with the necessary assistance."
On the Sun Moon Continent, the highest-ranking Soul Engineer is only level eight. Reaching level seven means one has already crossed the threshold of becoming Advanced Soul Engineer.
You should know that official positions in the Imperial Court are filled by a single person, one radish per position.
His sudden appearance as a disruptive force suggests that many people intend to harm him.
Zhao Chenggong once refused to take the assessment for Level Seven Soul Master, partly because he didn't have the money, but more so because he was worried about his personal safety.
Wu Qi never refused such requests. He smiled and said, "I agree to your request. So, when shall we set off?"
That evening.
Zhao Chenggong and Ma Benming had a private conversation in the study.
Ma Benming's idea was to go to Mingdu with the other party and then to the Royal Academy to report to the academy's leaders, and take the opportunity to resign from his position as the Dean of the Changde Academy and stay at the Royal Academy.
But Zhao Chenggong explicitly refused, "Dean, this trip is dangerous. That sir is only Earl. In Mingdu, there are quite a few Marquis and Duke. Those high-ranking officials and nobles may not give the Earl face."
"I'll go alone; it doesn't matter if I die there, but you have a wife, children, and elderly parents. You shouldn't take the risk."
In order to research Soul Tool, Zhao Chenggong always remained alone, without any ties to him.
For the sake of his career advancement, he could be reckless and even risk his life in pursuit of higher goals.
Ma Benming was finally persuaded and said, "Alright. Old Zhao, if you stay in Mingdu, don't forget me. Changde Academy is good, but it's a pity it's too remote, there are no opportunities for promotion."
Meanwhile, at the Hotel where Wu Qi was staying.
Both parties have agreed to travel to Mingdu in Wu Qi's carriage early tomorrow morning.
On their last night before departure, both sides were making preparations.
Before long, Wu Qingtian entered Wu Qi's room and reported, "Sir, the City Lord Mansion of Sea Plunder City has sent a visiting card and a map. Would you like to meet them?"
Wu Qingtian felt that everything before him was unreal.
Just a few days ago, he was a brat who could be bullied by everyone. But now, even a heavyweight like the city lord has to be respectful and bow down in front of him.
In Sea Plunder City, the strongest individuals are Ma Benming and Zhao Chenggong from the Changde Academy. The city lord is only Soul Emperor, which is why he did not appear when they were at the Changde Academy.
Wu Qi didn't plan to stay in Sea Plunder City permanently, or even on the Sun Moon Continent for too long, so naturally he didn't need to get to know people from all walks of life.