"If we work together, you get a steady, endless supply of resources. You won't have to worry about gambling debts anymore, and you could even gain the strength to change certain rules.
"And I get your protection and support, along with that of some of the Spirit Sword Sect's forces, to realize my blueprint."
The quiet chamber fell silent for a moment, with only the steam from the spirit tea curling upward.
The teasing look gradually faded from Wang Wu's face. Rather than answer immediately, she picked up Su Chen's drawing and gave it a few seemingly casual glances.
The structures and concepts on it were so far ahead of their time that even her Golden Core realm Divine Sense stirred slightly. She suddenly realized that this young man, who had scraped his way to a False Core through "petty cleverness," probably had more than money-making ideas in his head. He had certain... "anomalies" that might stir up storms.
After a long while, she set the drawing down. Instead of directly answering Su Chen's proposal, she resumed that languid smile and held out her slender, jade-like hand.
"Let's not get that far ahead of ourselves. Double this round of 'sponsorship.' As for 'taking things further'..."
She blinked. "That depends on your sincerity, and whether your 'blueprint' is worth this elder's... investment."
Su Chen looked at that hand and knew their first formal negotiation had ended.
But he also knew the seed had been planted.
With a faint smile, he gently placed a Storage Ring he had prepared long ago, containing a large quantity of spirit notes and a list of scarce materials, into Wang Wu's palm.
"To a happy partnership, Elder Wang."
"Mm-hmm. Next time I come, I hope the tea will have been replaced with Drunken Immortal Brew."
A