Huang Qi said, "Wait a moment. We'll discuss it, then get back to you." With that, he closed the Ruyi Pearl.
Then he said, "This Xu Yi is clearly itching for a fight with the Church. What's all this talk about replacing the negotiator? Is there anyone better to negotiate with than Plum Blossom Seven? We want concessions; the only thing I'm afraid of is that he won't ask for any. Xu Yi really has a screw loose. Why not let me go negotiate instead?"
Gong Zhongcheng said, "At a time like this, you're still trying to snatch the credit? You'll spook them. If that happens, can you shoulder the blame?"
He couldn't take advantage of this himself, but he certainly couldn't let Huang have it either.
For a time, the crowd voiced their opposition.
Demon Lord Xie rapped on the table. "Stay on topic. Replacing a commander in the middle of a battle is a great military taboo. Huang Qi, tell Xu Yi to test their appetite. As long as their demand isn't outrageous, agree to it."
Soon, Huang Qi took out the Ruyi Pearl and contacted Xu Yi, passing along their decision.
Half an incense stick later, Xu Yi sent another request to connect. Once the two sides were in contact, Xu Yi angrily named his price. "He wants three seeds. He says he can accept our offer of forty thousand Heaven Wish Beads, and he's willing to hand over a satisfactory scapegoat, someone at the level of a Night Commander."
The entire hall fell silent. The negotiation seemed to be going far too easily, but the other side's appetite was simply too large. Three seeds—weren't they afraid of choking to death?
"One seed. One at most. If they refuse, we go to war!"
Demon Lord Xie declared