"Would you do me a favor? I only wish to take a moment of your time, Grandmaster Artisan, so we can speak openly."
Huang Zhonglü was skilled at reading expressions. Seeing the undisguised impatience on Li Chen's face, he immediately spoke.
Li Chen said, "Very well. Say whatever you have to say. But let me make the unpleasant part clear first: paltry mercantile profits and petty matters of scrambling like flies and skulking like dogs are beneath my notice. If you still intend to discuss those, then I'm afraid I must decline."
A helpless look crossed Huang Zhonglü's face. He shook his head and sighed softly. "Grandmaster Li, you're leaving no room for discussion. We only wish to ask you to give more consideration to the interests of our fellow practitioners and work together on a lasting plan. Surely that doesn't warrant such a response."
Li Chen said, "It certainly does. I've already said that I have no interest in money. Nor is making money my purpose."
Huang Zhonglü choked for a moment, then said, "Even immortals must partake of the smoke and fire of mortal life. That's rather an exaggeration, Grandmaster Li."
Without a change in expression, Li Chen said, "Grand Void Spirit Iron is not something meant for making money at all. It is a powerful tool for strengthening the entire Dao Path, and it should be properly distributed in my way."
"Fine, let's assume you truly have no interest in money, Grandmaster Artisan..." Huang Zhonglü said helplessly. "But we have an interest in money. Everyone has an interest in money!"
Li Chen said, "That has nothing to do with me."
Huang Zhonglü said, "How can it have nothing to do with you? Think about it, Grandmaster Li. All wealth in the Puppet Dao circulates through Talisman Coins