Old Yao had a good idea. Both sides would contribute funds: he would represent the school in obtaining this dragon skeleton, while Zheng Qing would have a chance to acquire a Small World that was most likely to advance into a mid-thousand world. It was a win-win arrangement.
The only problem was that he had somewhat overestimated the Young Legendary's wallet.
"—I don't have three Dao Seeds anymore."
A trace of embarrassment appeared on Zheng Qing's face.
"How is that possible?"
Professor Yao raised his brows, a hint of suspicion in his voice as he carefully counted. "When we divided up those Black Gems, I remember it clearly. One for you, one for the cat, one for the snake, one for Yuanshi, one for Ketu... wasn't that five? 'Anchoring an external object' only requires one. Leave two for yourself as extra room for error, and hand the remaining three Black Gems to the school so we can jointly purchase this Small World. That's not an excessive condition, is it...?"
His calculations were flawless, and his terms were perfectly reasonable.
"Not excessive. Not excessive at all."
The Young Legendary gave an awkward laugh. He first gestured with his eyes toward the cat on top of his head, then tactfully explained to the professor, "Old Huang's gem belongs to Old Huang. It isn't mine."
Mm—
The Flower Cat twitched its ears, drew out the sound, then snorted atop the young man's head, casting a sidelong glance at the two cricket-like wizards below who had designs on its treasure.
Professor Yao pondered briefly.
"—Then there are still four, right?"
He considered it, still unwilling to abandon that "win-win" plan. "Give three to the school and keep one for yourself to 'anchor an external object'... With the school's help, the chances of succeeding in