It was the same council hall as three days ago.
Only this time, the atmosphere was entirely different.
Shangguan Lie sat in the seat of honor, his expression solemn.
Taia's elders stood in rows on either side. Even the collateral-branch elder who ranked last was among them, his head lowered, not daring to glance toward Zhou Xuan.
Zhou Xuan took his seat, with Lin Qingzhu standing behind him.
"I'll lay my cards on the table."
Shangguan Lie got straight to the point.
"Your four conditions—absolute secrecy, a tenth of our mineral materials, high-level cultivation techniques, and a hidden trade route—Taia accepts them all."
"I also accept your stipulation that the stones are only for rent, not for sale."
He paused here, as though bending a spine that had stood straight for many years.
"But I have one condition."
"The supply of divine stones cannot stop. As long as Taia honors the agreement, your side... must guarantee delivery on time."
Zhou Xuan nodded.
"As long as Taia keeps its word, so will I."
"This is cooperation, not charity."
He continued.
"You offer sincerity, I supply the goods. A fair trade."
At the words "a fair trade," Shangguan Lie's aged face, taut for three days, finally relaxed a little.
He waved a hand.
Several Taia disciples filed in from outside the hall, carrying large chests.
The lids opened, revealing heaps of mineral materials shimmering with flowing light.
"This is the first batch."
Shangguan Lie spoke.
"Three thousand jin of Taia immortal vein-grade mineral materials. As agreed, we will deliver a tenth of our annual output in full from now on."
Lin Qingzhu stepped forward to inspect them. One glance was enough to make her breath catch.
These materials were several degrees purer than even those sent by the Central Province Alliance Leader.