Chen Shi'an wore a faint smile. "I promised Shopkeeper Zhang back then that if I had any demon cores, I would come to your pavilion first. Today happens to be my chance to fulfill that promise.
"Provided, of course, that Shopkeeper Zhang offers a fair and reasonable price."
Zhang Gui thumped his chest. "Rest assured, Commander Chen. Here in Windrise Stronghold, our Four-Way Treasure Pavilion definitely offers the highest prices."
"That I certainly believe." Chen Shi'an smiled faintly.
Zhang Gui considered for a moment. "How about this? Three Marrow-Washing Pills for one Level One Demon Core?"
Chen Shi'an raised his eyelids slightly. "When I was in Desolate Suppression City, I asked about the prices too. One Level One Demon Core could fetch at least six Marrow-Washing Pills.
"Isn't your offer a little low, Shopkeeper Zhang?"
Zhang Gui smiled ingratiatingly. "Commander Chen, my offer is already the highest in Windrise Stronghold.
"If you don't believe me, you can ask elsewhere. I can guarantee with absolute certainty that the most they could offer would be two Marrow-Washing Pills.
"You're right about the prices in Desolate Suppression City, Commander Chen.
"But for our Four-Way Treasure Pavilion to bring Marrow-Washing Pills over from the Sacred Martial Dynasty, Northern Liang, and Southern Qing, we have to smooth the way through layer upon layer of connections, and take enormous risks on the road.
"Naturally, our prices can't be the same as those in Desolate Suppression City."
Chen Shi'an nodded. "I agree with that.
"But I'm different from other sellers too. I have plenty of demon cores, and my supply is steady.
"If your price satisfies me, I can maintain a long-term partnership with your pavilion."
Zhang Gui looked troubled. "Commander Chen, three Marrow-Washing Pills is already the highest price I can offer."
Chen Shi'an smiled slightly.