Young people love flattery and praise — Qian Tong figured that with his status and cultivation, lavishing a few generous compliments on Yang Kai would have the young man beaming with delight.
Yet Yang Kai sat there with an utterly indifferent expression, as though such praise were nothing more than what he deserved. There wasn't the slightest hint of modesty on his face. He lounged in his seat, perfectly still, not so much as twitching.
Qian Tong gave a light cough, his expression unchanged, and continued, "I wonder where Young Nephew Yang is currently employed?"
Yang Kai smiled. From the moment he'd arrived, Qian Tong had been so effusively warm toward him that he'd already guessed what the old man was after. Now, hearing the question, his suspicions solidified. He looked at Qian Tong and said, "Elder Qian, if you have something to say, you might as well speak plainly."
Qian Tong's face turned serious. "Please don't take offense, Young Nephew — I bear no ill intent. It's simply that when a young talent of your caliber appears before me, I can't help but feel the urge to recruit. If you're willing, I'd like to invite you to join my Shadow Moon Palace. I can guarantee you the richest cultivation resources and the finest cultivation environment. With your aptitude, you're bound to make a great name for yourself within the Sect!"
He'd realized that Yang Kai wasn't the type to beat around the bush — the young man was quite straightforward. So Qian Tong abandoned his probing and laid out his offer directly.
Qian Tong was old and shrewd enough to know that trying to recruit the Artificer standing behind Yang Kai right off the bat was probably a non-starter. An Artificer of that caliber would be proud and aloof — far too difficult to win over with a few words. That was why he'd set his sights on Yang Kai instead.
His thinking was simple: if Yang Kai could be brought into Shadow Moon Palace, then regardless of whether the expert behind him agreed to join, some sort of tie would inevitably form between that person and the Sect. Once everyone had grown familiar with one another over time, extending a formal invitation would come naturally.
Qian Tong's scheme was, it had to be said, quite well thought out.
After speaking, he quietly studied Yang Kai's reaction. To his disappointment, Yang Kai remained utterly unmoved.
Qian Tong sighed inwardly. This was someone who kept company with a Void-grade Artificer, after all. He didn't know whether Yang Kai was that expert's disciple, but years of close association had clearly given the young man very high standards. He didn't seem the least bit tempted by those hollow promises. Very well — time for something stronger.
"Oh, I should mention — our Shadow Moon Palace headquarters houses a Divine Stone of boundless wonder. Anyone who touches it has their consciousness guided into a wondrous world, where the mind can be purified and elevated. It's enormously beneficial for breaking through martial cultivation bottlenecks. Many of our disciples request to meditate beside it when they hit a wall in their training, but that privilege is reserved only for those who've made extraordinary contributions to the Sect. If you're willing to join Shadow Moon Palace, Young Nephew, I'll put my personal guarantee behind a visit for you. It won't take long — I'm certain you'll break through to the Saint King Realm."
Qian Tong finished and fixed Yang Kai with a burning gaze. He was certain this was a condition the young man simply couldn't refuse.
After all, Yang Kai's current cultivation was right on the verge of a breakthrough. With such a golden opportunity staring anyone in the face, who could possibly turn it away?
But moments later, Qian Tong's expression changed, because Yang Kai still showed no sign of being moved. Qian Tong could barely conceal his astonishment — was this brat unaware of the Divine Stone's value? He was about to explain the stone's wonders in detail when Yang Kai waved his hand, a trace of impatience creeping into his voice.
"Elder Qian, I appreciate your kind intentions, truly. But I'm used to living freely and casually. I have no plans to join any organization, so I'm afraid I must respectfully decline. Let's stick to business — no need to discuss anything else."
Qian Tong's cheek twitched several times. He stared blankly for a moment before forcing out a dry laugh. "Of course, of course — business, business. I'm getting on in years, and I do tend to ramble. Please don't mind it, Young Nephew."
Though this attempt at recruitment had failed, Qian Tong was nothing if not patient. He wasn't about to be discouraged. He felt that as long as his sincerity was genuine enough, the day would come when he'd succeed.
The two sat down and got straight to business.
Seven Saint King grade Artifacts, totaling fifty-nine thousand high-grade Saint Crystals! Qian Tong named his price without hesitation, and Yang Kai accepted it just as readily.
The deal was struck in no time at all.
"I also need to purchase some ores." Yang Kai pulled a list from his spatial ring.
Qian Tong's eyes lit up, and the faint disappointment in his heart vanished instantly. He called out, and the attendant who'd been standing guard outside stepped in at once, asking respectfully, "What are your instructions, Elder Qian?"
"Young Nephew Yang has a list here — pick out the ores he needs. And have fifty-nine thousand high-grade Saint Crystals drawn from the treasury."
"Understood!" The attendant took the list.
Yang Kai looked at him. "Deduct the cost of the ores from those Saint Crystals. Figure out how much you need and report back to me when you're done."
"At the most favorable price, understood?" Qian Tong added with an air of authority.
Sometimes, showing goodwill to others required making sure it was heard aloud.
"Understood." The attendant nodded and promptly left.
After he was gone, Qian Tong turned to Yang Kai with a warm smile. "Young Nephew Yang is practically a regular customer of ours by now. Is this arrangement satisfactory?"
"Satisfactory," Yang Kai replied with a nod and a smile. Whatever scheme Qian Tong might be cooking up, the old man hadn't tried to shortchange him in any of their recent transactions. Yang Kai had no complaints. "Elder Qian, I know you're a busy man — I'll just wait here on my own."