On Northsky Island's main island, Li Ling and Elder Shang followed a steward into an old-fashioned courtyard on the main street.
This was the Rare Treasures Tower's General Association. It looked utterly unremarkable, yet controlled more than half the North Sea's market for rare treasures. Yun Li and several senior members were already waiting inside.
"Elder Yun, fellow Daoists, we meet again." Li Ling cupped his hands.
"Elder Shang, Fellow Daoist Li, please." Yun Li spoke with composed dignity.
Once Li Ling and the others had taken their seats, he dispensed with pleasantries and went straight to the point. "We invited you both here today to resolve our recent misunderstanding and reach an agreement."
Li Ling nodded slightly. "Your letter already mentioned the relevant matters. I trust you have reached a final decision internally. Please speak freely, Elder Yun."
"Very well," Yun Li said. "First, let me reiterate that the trade in rare treasures and spirit materials throughout the North Sea has always been led by the Rare Treasures Tower. We hope to continue that tradition. On that basis, your sect will take the lead in the various emerging spiritual incense materials and aromatics. We can cooperate closely and maintain order here together...
"In short, we will define our spheres of influence, clarify our respective leading roles, and avoid pointless internal strife."
"I have no objection," Li Ling said. "But our definitions of incense materials and aromatics differ. Whose standards should we follow?
"Take Devil Finger Wood, for example. It was originally a wood-aspected spirit material possessing spirit resonance and a certain value, though traditionally considered a low-grade product. Once the incense path uncovered its uses, however, it gained an entirely new value and could be classified as agarwood. The same reasoning applies to gem salt."
"That is indeed a