Two updates today...
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"If you would be willing to join our Divine Religion as a Guest Elder," Duan Hai said, his expression earnest, "our Divine Religion can offer very generous terms." He was a Transcendence Realm expert, making him at least a generation Yang Kai's senior, yet he still addressed him cordially as 'friend.'
"Perhaps you could tell me these terms first, Brother Duan. It's always best to shop around," Du Lao said, knowing Yang Kai was completely clueless about such matters. He took the initiative to negotiate, considering it for Yang Kai's benefit.
Duan Hai smiled wryly and shook his head. "Elder Du, since he's your man, how could I possibly try to squeeze him?"
His expression turned serious as he looked at Yang Kai. "The Divine Religion will provide you with medicinal ingredients. Any pills you refine, you may keep twenty percent of their value as remuneration. In other words, if you refine a Spirit Pill worth a hundred Crystal Stones, the Divine Religion will give you twenty Crystal Stones."
Du Lao's expression shifted slightly, and he gave a small nod.
Yang Kai observed their expressions and understood that these terms were certainly not poor.
"That is only the basic condition. The Divine Religion will provide you with the most comfortable pill-refining environment and prioritize fulfilling your needs. As long as it doesn't harm our Divine Religion's interests, everything can be agreed to. What do you think?"
Duan Hai finished speaking, his face full of anticipation as he waited for Yang Kai's response.
To be honest, the conditions he offered were already quite generous. That twenty percent profit share wasn't something an average Pill Master could obtain. Even a Spirit Grade high-rank Pill Master hired as a Guest Elder typically wouldn't get such a favorable split.
If Yang Kai had any other requirements, he was willing to discuss them.
Yang Kai furrowed his brow slightly, thought for a moment, then looked at Du Lao and asked, "What do you think, Senior?"
"The terms are decent," Du Lao replied honestly. "But whether you go or not depends entirely on your own will, young friend."
"Since it's Elder Du's friend... then there shouldn't be any problem," Yang Kai said with a grin. He had already planned to rely on some organization for a time, and having Du Lao's guarantee made him feel much more at ease.
Hearing this, Duan Hai was overjoyed, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Our friend is truly easy to talk to."
"But the terms need a change," Yang Kai said, his tone shifting.
"I'm listening," Duan Hai replied, his expression serious.
"The twenty percent profit share... I don't want it. I'll only take ten percent!" Yang Kai held up a single finger.
Duan Hai and Du Lao were both stunned, but they didn't interrupt, waiting to hear the rest. Yang Kai voluntarily giving up his due share clearly meant he had other demands.
"I hope your Divine Religion can do me a favor. Of course, this favor won't harm you in any way."
"What favor?" Duan Hai asked.
"When the time comes, I'll tell you. Also, I won't stay at the Thunder Light Divine Religion forever. I hope that when I choose to leave, I won't encounter any obstacles."
"That can be arranged," Duan Hai quickly nodded. "Our Thunder Light Divine Religion has more Guest Elders than just our friend here. The comings and goings of these Guest Elders are entirely up to them; the Divine Religion never forces anyone."
"Then there's no problem," Yang Kai chuckled.
Duan Hai was immensely pleased. "Then it's settled?"
Yang Kai nodded seriously.
Du Lao laughed. "Congratulations, Brother Duan. Truthfully, I really don't want to see young friend leave just like this. But since he has matters to attend to, I can only reluctantly see him off."
Duan Hai said meaningfully, "Why don't you, Elder Du, also come to our Divine Religion as a Guest Elder?"
"Your appetite is a bit too big, isn't it?" Du Lao chuckled in disbelief. "You actually want to hire me as well?"
"A Saint Grade Pill Master. What faction wouldn't want one?"
"I'm afraid you couldn't afford the price," Du Lao said with a faint smile.
Duan Hai's expression turned wry. "That's also true."
He shook his head in distress, then looked at Yang Kai again. "When would be convenient for our friend to depart?"
"I can go anytime."
"Right now?" Duan Hai looked eager. Yang Kai found it amusing and gave a slight nod.
"Then let's not delay. We should leave now," Duan Hai said, standing up.
"Allow me to say goodbye to a friend first," Yang Kai said, then stood and walked outside to find Mina. They had spent this time together quite pleasantly, so naturally, he should inform her before leaving; it would be discourteous not to.
Inside the side room, Duan Hai and Du Lao sat in silence.
Suddenly, Du Lao spoke in a low voice, "Duan Hai, don't say I didn't warn you. This young friend likely isn't an ordinary person. When you get him to Thunder Light, don't neglect him."
Duan Hai looked startled and asked urgently, "What do you mean, Elder Du?"