A Gentlemanly Qian Daoliu and Rewarding Himself

To be honest, Han Li was a little stunned when he heard that.

He knew Qian Daoliu was a gentleman; one could tell from his agreement with Tang Chen. Even though Tang Chen had been gone for so many years, and even though his son's death had only a slight connection to Tang Hao, with the title of the continent's strongest, if it had been Han Li, even if it were merely displaced anger, the Clear Sky Sect would have been wiped out hundreds of times over.

Qian Daoliu had once been Pope. Han Li had learned that clearly in his cultural studies, and he could even recite the dates when Qian Daoliu took office and stepped down. Yet Qian Daoliu had so directly said it right in front of him, claiming he did not know how to reward him. That was rather outrageous.

So the Qian Family really just relied on martial souls and strength to become Popes, huh? Why not bestow Qian Renxue upon me? Han Li really wanted to say that, but he did not dare.

Fortunately, he had long since prepared a reward for himself, so he would not have to take the blame himself. Not a loss, then. Han Li weighed it silently in his heart.

Then, just as he was about to speak, he froze. Could this also be the work of fate? Was that why, in the novels he had read, no matter what choices the protagonists made, there was always some old master who appreciated them? Well, it was not impossible. In any case, it was a good thing for him.

"Grand Uncle-Master, there's no need for any other reward. To be honest, before submitting this research report, I had already asked Master and Martial Uncle to collect quite a bit of Whale Rubber in advance. I definitely can't use all that myself, so how about this? Have the Martial Soul Research Institute buy it from me? Just give me a little compensation for my trouble. What do you think?"

Han Li raised his head, scratched the back of his head, and spoke somewhat sheepishly.

"Hm? You even knew to stockpile in advance? You really are a sly one." Qian Daoliu paused, then smiled. "Fine. I won't let you suffer a loss either. Let's say five times your purchase price. How does that sound? I just don't know how much stock you have."

"Really, five times?"

Han Li blurted out in delighted surprise. He had originally planned on asking for three times the price. Although that would still have meant losing out on quite a bit compared to Whale Rubber's eventual true value, Spirit Hall was his backer after all. He could not make his greed too obvious.

"Yes, would I lie to you? Five times. Whale Rubber will definitely rise sharply in price later on, so we cannot mistreat you." Qian Daoliu confirmed.

"Alright, Grand Uncle-Master. Then just have someone discuss it with my master afterward. Everything is with him."

Han Li answered eagerly, flashing his white teeth at Broad Hill and Azure Luan.

"Xiao Li, seeing how happy you are, tell your Martial Uncle—how much can you make? From the looks of it, you must have bought quite a lot in advance." Lion teased.

"I don't know exactly how much I'll make, but all the Whale Rubber that was easy to gather on the market should be with us," Han Li replied with a smile.

"Ah?"

Several elders stared, mouths agape, at Han Li's radiant smile. This kid was truly ruthless.

Qian Daoliu's forehead twitched involuntarily as well. Had he set the price too high just now? Could Spirit Hall really buy up this entire batch of goods? He sank into doubt.

Outside the Worship Hall, Broad Hill and Han Li exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter.

The master and disciple had been thrown out. After learning that Han Li had swept up all the Whale Rubber, and with Broad Hill making no effort whatsoever to hide his expression—

As Qian Daoliu prepared to discuss with the other elders how to control the news and prevent resources from leaking out, the two of them were kicked out. Black-hearted master and disciple—that was their new nickname. Azure Luan had not been implicated.

"Come on, good disciple. Let's head back and ignore them. Just as well, I can't be bothered to get involved in this sort of thing." Broad Hill looked equally unconcerned. He genuinely disliked it.

"Alright. Oh, right, Master, where have Grandfather Ma Xiunuo and Tao Ge been transferred to? When I obtain my Second Soul Ring, I'm planning to visit them on the way."

Han Li turned and asked. He had wanted to ask during the New Year, but Broad Hill had still been in seclusion at the time. By the time he came out, the New Year had passed, and Han Li never asked.

"You already know about that? Did your Martial Uncle let something slip?" Broad Hill glanced sideways at him as they walked.

"Hm?" Han Li looked at his master in confusion, then suddenly understood. "They're coming to Spirit City?"

"Tch, I thought you'd guessed it. I let it slip."

Broad Hill slapped his forehead. He had overthought it and anticipated too much.

"Yes, just as you thought. Your birthday is coming up, so I sent them a letter and had them come see you. They should arrive in another day or two. That city lord isn't coming, though. He was granted a higher noble title, and Notting City is now his fief. He can't just run around freely, much less come to Spirit City." Broad Hill rubbed his head and answered casually.

"Thank you, Master."

Han Li was still very happy. In this world, they counted among the few people he knew well. He had not expected Broad Hill to arrange this for him in advance.

"It was nothing. Once they get here, you can ask whether they're willing to stay in Spirit City. You'll have money soon enough, after all." Broad Hill teased him.

"Oh, right. Have the residence your Golden Crocodile Martial Uncle gave you cleaned up beforehand. They can't go up Elder Mountain, so hold your birthday there as well. It'll be more convenient." Broad Hill added another reminder.

"Alright. I'll have someone clean it up when I get back. I didn't even have time to look at it the last time I went down the mountain."

A ring of keys appeared in Han Li's hand.

"Show-off. Put those away first. We'll talk when we get back." Broad Hill tapped him on the head.

Once they reached their residence, the master and disciple parted ways. Han Li went back to continue cultivating, while Broad Hill headed toward the Martial Soul Research Institute. He was not truly leaving everything alone; he still needed to select sufficiently loyal personnel to ensure the news would not spread afterward.

Because he had informed Xiu'er in advance before leaving, Han Li heard a knock at the door not long after he began cultivating.

He did not need to look to know that Xiu'er was outside. More than that, she was probably carrying a food container. After nearly a year of adapting, he had gradually grown accustomed to the function of this External Soul Bone. He had to admit, it was truly useful.

"Come in, Sister Xiu'er."

As the door hinges creaked, Xiu'er entered carrying an enormous food container that looked quite heavy. Inside was their specially prepared dinner.

As Xiu'er took out the dishes from the container and arranged them on the table, she asked, "Xiao Li, did you have something you wanted to tell me?"

Han Li walked over as well, helping Xiu'er set things out as he replied, "I didn't originally, but Master just told me some good news, so I might as well tell you."

"What good news?" Xiu'er asked curiously.

"Grandfather Ma Xiunuo and Tao Ge are coming. They're coming to celebrate my birthday. It's been nearly a year since we last met, so we can have a good talk when they arrive. It's a pity Uncle Xiao can't come because of his fief." Han Li answered with a smile.

"Really? That's wonderful. It really has been a long time since we saw them." Xiu'er said happily.

Han Li smiled as he watched Xiu'er's delight. Although Xiu'er had said she only needed to stay by his side, after nearly a year of relatively closed-off cultivation, apart from him, she could only interact with the maids. It had to be somewhat boring.

It was not as though he had never considered sending her to Spirit Hall Academy. He had even considered a "Xiu'er diplomacy plan," sending her to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to get in touch with Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and the others ahead of time. But he had given up every time he saw her innocent gaze.

Well, they needed to tidy up the residence in Spirit City anyway. They could move into the city after a while. That way, Sister Xiu'er would not have to stay cooped up in her room every day. Han Li quietly made up his mind.

"What are you thinking about? Xiao Li, the food will get cold." Xiu'er waved a hand in front of his eyes, interrupting his thoughts.

"Alright. Sister Xiu'er, you should eat too."

Han Li returned her smile. The two began eating while chatting, just as they had in Notting City.

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