"Old Guo, why the rush? If you wait a few more days, the price of that thing you want might drop quite a bit."
"Ah, there's no helping it. I've decided to leave today. I really can't stay any longer. We've been friends for so many years—do me a favor, will you?"
"Business is business. I'm not the shopkeeper, and I really can't give you any more of a discount."
"What's the point of guarding those few barren Spirit Fields? You've got that charcoal-making craft in your hands. You could make a living anywhere!"
"It's true that Dawan Village, where you've thrown in your lot, is now under the protection of the Shen Clan, and the Shen Clan of Tiannan certainly has a great reputation. But when you're traveling through the wilderness, reputation isn't always enough."
"After all, if someone attacks you out in the wilderness, then destroys all traces of what happened, even the Shen Clan's great name won't help them travel seven or eight thousand li to some desolate mountain forest, investigate the case, and find the culprits, will it?"
"Want protection? You'd be better off finding a stronger patron. I heard not long ago that the Shen Clan's current representative in Dawan Village is only at the third tier of Qi Induction. It's a wonder you've made it all the way here safely."
"I'd advise you to switch over to our side. The leader of our Mutual Protection Alliance is a skilled cultivator at the late stage of Qi Induction. With your craft, you could also sell through the alliance's distribution network. Who knows? You might have a much brighter future."
Somewhere in the market,
Guo Cheng was haggling with a stall attendant.
The attendant shook his head and wagged his tongue, earnestly explaining the pros and