Bargaining

The inner armor gave off a chilly jade-like aura, and a faint green light intertwined across its surface.

This inner armor looked quite extraordinary!

In the other box lay a pair of black boots, made of some unknown material—neither leather nor cloth—with numerous runes embroidered across them.

The runes were tiny and densely packed, some overlapping one another. Even Li Yunjing could make out only a rough outline.

Sensing the spiritual energy fluctuations from the two treasures, Li Yunjing nodded. "These two magical artifacts seem decent enough. I wonder what level of attack this inner armor can withstand?"

"Li Shidi, this Mystic Jade Inner Armor can be activated either actively or passively. If you're prepared and activate it yourself, it can block a single strike from a first-level Foundation Establishment cultivator! If someone ambushes you and you don't have time to activate it, even a seventh-level Qi Refining cultivator absolutely won't be able to inflict a fatal wound!"

Wang Weizhi said confidently.

"Oh? It's that effective?"

Li Yunjing raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

He had thought it would be impressive if it could withstand attacks from Qi Refining cultivators. He hadn't expected it to block a single strike from a first-level Foundation Establishment expert!

That was an unexpected boon.

"Of course! You can test it. If it doesn't meet the standard, we at Yue Ming Pavilion will give you a full refund, and you won't even need to return it!"

Wang Weizhi spoke with absolute certainty.

"Mm! What about these Gale Boots? How fast would I be after putting them on?"

Li Yunjing continued asking.

"The Gale Boots' effectiveness mainly depends on the user's strength. They're engraved with several spell runes, including the Gale Technique and Rainbow Transformation Technique. Under normal circumstances, they'll boost your speed by thirty percent within the Qi Refining Realm!"

Wang Weizhi paused for a moment before giving his answer.

Li Yunjing wasn't especially satisfied with that answer.

But he knew these were the highest-grade magical artifacts he could get his hands on.

Anything stronger, and his 2,000 contribution points probably wouldn't be enough.

"Senior Brother Wang, tell me how many contribution points the Mystic Jade Inner Armor costs first."

On the whole, Li Yunjing was pleased with both treasures and was considering paying for them. Now it was time to ask the price.

"Shidi, the market price for top-grade magical artifacts is quite transparent. Top-grade offensive artifacts usually cost between 500 and 700 Low-grade Spirit Stones, while top-grade defensive artifacts cost twenty percent more."

After studying Li Yunjing's face and apparently learning nothing from it, Wang Weizhi continued, "This Mystic Jade Inner Armor is the finest among top-grade artifacts. It's priced at 900 Low-grade Spirit Stones. Converted to sect points at a ten-percent discount, you only need to pay 810 contribution points to take it home."

"Mm! And the Gale Boots?"

Li Yunjing asked on, his expression unchanged.

Wang Weizhi couldn't read anything from Li Yunjing's calm expression.

For a moment, he couldn't tell whether Senior Brother Li thought it was too expensive or whether it matched his expectations.

"Although these Gale Boots aren't a special magical artifact and are technically classified as defensive, their ability to increase your speed makes them essential for travel or escape!"

"Just imagine: you're being hunted and are in dire straits. You slip on the Gale Boots, and you can escape in an instant. What a precious treasure!"

Seeing a hint of impatience in Li Yunjing's expression, Wang Weizhi gave an awkward smile and hurriedly named his price. "The Gale Boots are worth 1,000 contribution points!"

"Mm! Not bad. The price isn't beyond my expectations, but I still need to exchange some of my contribution points for spirit pills. I can't spend them all on two magical artifacts."

The thought flashed through Li Yunjing's mind.

Li Yunjing gently closed his eyes and tapped his fingers against the table, now and then. Only the rhythmic "thunk, thunk, thunk" echoed through the reception room.

Seeing Li Yunjing's placid expression and that he had no intention of testing the artifacts, Wang Weizhi couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

Still, he couldn't let a customer who'd come all this way leave empty-handed.

"Li Shidi, what do you think?"

Wang Weizhi finally asked.

Li Yunjing remained silent. Only when Wang Weizhi seemed to grow restless did he slowly open his eyes and say leisurely, "That price is too high."

The six simple words were spoken softly, yet with absolute firmness. There was clearly no room for argument.

Seeing Li Yunjing's expression, Wang Weizhi knew he wouldn't pay that much.

"Well... if you buy both artifacts, I'm willing to cover some of the loss myself. I'll only charge you 1,750 contribution points!"

Wang Weizhi offered a wry smile.

Whether what he said was true was open to interpretation.

"1,700!"

Li Yunjing met Wang Weizhi's gaze and spoke firmly.

Seeing the bitter smile deepen on Wang Weizhi's face, Li Yunjing added, "I'll also buy 300 contribution points' worth of pills!"

"Deal!"

Hearing the second part, Wang Weizhi finally smiled.

Earning a little less on the two artifacts was acceptable if he could make up some of it with the pills.

After all, this was a big order worth 2,000 contribution points!

Even among Outer Disciples, few made purchases on such a scale, let alone servant disciples.

After all, Outer Disciples had to cultivate and had all sorts of other needs. Contribution points were precious, and even they couldn't save up that many.

"Senior Brother Wang, could you recommend which pills would suit someone at my level best?"

Li Yunjing continued asking.

"With cultivation like yours? What the hell would you need spirit pills for? Those pills aren't even fit for someone at the mere second level of the Qi Refining Realm!"

Wang Weizhi cursed inwardly, but showed none of it on his face. Instead, he smiled warmly.

This was a big customer he couldn't afford to offend.

For the sake of those contribution points, Wang Weizhi answered every question Li Yunjing asked.

"There are several pills that restore magical power in the Qi Refining Realm, such as Qi Refining Pills, Qi Gathering Pellets, Qi Replenishing Pills, and Mana Pills. Most of these are suitable for the early and middle stages of the Qi Refining Realm."

After a pause, Wang Weizhi continued, "We at Yue Ming Pavilion have our own alchemist, and the Qi Replenishing Pills he makes are especially suitable for you, Li Shidi."

"Oh? How much does the Qi Replenishing Pill cost?"

Li Yunjing asked.

He knew little about these pills. The Divine Firmament Jade Records had mentioned their names, but seemingly because their effects were minor, it hadn't offered a detailed comparison of their merits and drawbacks.

It had only recorded the ingredients required and what the pills looked like.

Of course, there were countless kinds of pills to aid cultivation in the Qi Refining Realm. According to the Divine Firmament Jade Records, the various sects and schools in the Great Ming Dynasty alone had dozens of kinds.

Here at Yue Ming Pavilion, however, they apparently only carried four or five kinds of basic pills.

"These pills aren't expensive. Each one costs 10 contribution points, and since you have sect contribution points, you're entitled to the ten-percent discount."

Wang Weizhi explained with a beaming smile.