After Shopkeeper Wei finished speaking, Ye Tian said flatly, with a hint of superiority in his tone:
"Thirteen thousand is already the limit of what I can offer. To you, this Fire Essence is merely a dead object to be exchanged for cultivation resources, but to me, it is a key opportunity to break through my realm. Your Excellency, consider it carefully. This deal is guaranteed profit, with no loss."
Qin Guan fell silent, sneering inwardly.
Although he did not know the Fire Essence's true price, it could not possibly be worth only thirteen thousand. These two people were clearly trying to fleece him.
Seeing Qin Guan hesitate, Ye Tian immediately smiled again.
"Your Excellency, although your piece of Fire Essence is exceedingly rare, there are very few major buyers on the market who can swallow it whole.
"Ordinary independent cultivators cannot produce so many Primordial Soul Stones, while major sects will press down the price layer by layer and investigate the origin of the treasure. Once they trace it back to its source, trouble will inevitably follow.
"As a direct descendant of the Mandate Temple, I am generous with my spending and discreet in my dealings. For you, it would be both worry-free and secure."
Shopkeeper Wei hurriedly chimed in from the side, nodding in agreement. "Every word Young Master Ye said is true. I can vouch for it. The Mandate Temple conducts itself honorably and will never investigate Your Excellency's identity or background. Once the transaction is complete, neither side will owe the other anything. Your Excellency may rest assured."
On the surface, these words urged him to make the trade, but beneath them lay probing intent. Every sentence was testing whether Qin Guan dared not reveal his tracks.
Qin Guan picked up his Spirit Tea and slowly