The Eternal Way-Chapter 148: Negotiation

It was still the same street.

The atmosphere around them was very off-putting, as Li Qi had already set up the venue in advance, making it feel eerie and uncomfortable.

But Jin Bu Huan seemed oblivious to this, walking straight forward, cupping his hands in greeting with a smile on his face. "Ha ha, Brother Li, long time no see? You don't seem to be in high spirits? Have you encountered some troubles recently? Feel free to share; I have some influence here in Clear Mist City and might be able to help."

Seeing the other party, Li Qi also smiled, walked out, but did not bow, merely nodding in acknowledgment before responding, "It's nothing particularly serious, just something that has been bothering me internally."

Jin Bu Huan, however, was rather blunt. He led his entourage into the inn, looking around while speaking to Li Qi, "As the host in Clear Mist City, Brother Li, feel free to share any troubles. Even if I can't assist, listening might make you feel better!"

After entering, Jin Bu Huan surveyed the surroundings, finding nothing suspicious, and then sat down comfortably.

As soon as he sat down, he directly asked, "Why didn't you accept those gifts outside?"

Li Qi also entered.

He neither poured tea nor offered proper courtesies, almost as if he hadn't seen Elder Si and the attendants, not even greeting them, making it seem like he was the only one in the inn.

Li Qi didn't even sit down, making Jin Bu Huan's presence seem awkward.

This was extremely rude behavior, which could lead to animosity between two factions in a formal setting. However, both sides acted as if they were unaware, seemingly indifferent.

Hearing Jin Bu Huan's question, Li Qi replied in a relaxed tone, "Those gifts are too valuable. I don't feel worthy of such generosity from Brother Jin, so I dare not accept them."

"Ah, Brother Li, you misunderstand. My sudden attack on you last time was highly disrespectful. Properly compensating you is necessary to avoid others thinking that Jin Bu Huan lacks manners and upbringing," Jin Bu Huan said cheerfully.

Li Qi smiled upon hearing this.

Both men laughed heartily, creating a harmonious scene.

It was clear that Jin Bu Huan was displeased by Li Qi's rudeness, hence his blunt remarks.

For them, regardless of how tense things were behind the scenes, appearances must be maintained. If appearances falter, it means things have gone terribly wrong.

Li Qi's actions were akin to tearing off the facade.

However, they still held back, at least not fighting openly.

Breaking the awkward silence, Li Qi waved his hand and initiated the conversation, "Enough about unpleasant matters. Brother Jin, do you know why I invited you here?"

"Naturally, I don't know. Please enlighten me, Brother Li," Jin Bu Huan responded, showing interest.

"Brother Jin, you've run into trouble recently, but if handled well, you might turn misfortune into fortune," Li Qi said solemnly.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Jin Bu Huan asked, surprised.

"Do you know that Green Mountain recently unearthed another eighth-rank golden qi? And it's a long sword again," Li Qi explained.

Jin Bu Huan knew about this; it had been the talk of Clear Mist City for a while, with many people going to Green Mountain to search for treasures. The news had spread widely.

In fact, when Li Qi first arrived in Clear Mist City and stayed at Piaoxu's inn, she had inquired whether he was there for the golden qi. (See Chapter 135 for details.)

"I know about it, but what does it have to do with me? Golden qi emerges from Green Mountain every decade or so, not uncommon. Even my father doesn't monopolize it but leaves it for those who find it. This makes it even less relevant to me," Jin Bu Huan answered, waiting for further explanation.

He knew Li Qi was playing coy.

However, what he said wasn't entirely true.

Actually, Green Mountain's mountain spirit usually allowed only ordinary ninth-rank golden qi to emerge. For eighth-rank divine weapons, intervention would occur, though not enforced. If someone truly capable found it, it would be considered good karma.

As for seventh-rank and above, those were treasures to him, unlikely to be given away.

For example, the eighth-rank golden qi he gave Li Qi was originally his own, obtained after his father intervened. But during that time, a tiger demon seized it, breaking the tip of the blade.

Later, Jin Bu Huan hired experts to kill the tiger demon and retrieve the broken golden qi. Through divination, Elder Si discovered the tiger demon was still alive, leading to their current conflict with Li Qi.

However, these details were not shared with Li Qi.

He believed either Li Qi or the fox demon possessed the fragment of his golden qi.

They would return eventually.

Jin Bu Huan thought.

But Li Qi continued without knowing his thoughts, "Brother Jin, do you know that over a decade ago, Green Mountain also produced an eighth-rank long sword?"

Jin Bu Huan's gaze darkened, "Of course, but that piece of golden qi was damaged, greatly reducing its value. It was actually the one I gave you. Didn't you notice?"

Li Qi responded, "Yes, I noticed, which is why I refused. Normally, how often does Green Mountain produce an eighth-rank golden qi?"

Considering his treasure, Jin Bu Huan pondered and answered seriously, "About every two hundred years, but it's not fixed, similar to how trees bear fruit, depending on fate."

"Look, within fifteen years, Green Mountain has produced two eighth-rank golden qi pieces. Doesn't this seem unusual?" Li Qi asked.

Jin Bu Huan frowned, "What do you mean, Brother Li?"

"My point is, these two pieces were originally one! Heaven and earth, rooted in yin and yang, all things arise from yin and yang, which are inherently one. With Green Mountain producing two pieces, indicating separation of yin and yang, this is a grave omen. Hence, I say you're in trouble!" Li Qi asserted confidently.

Upon hearing this, Jin Bu Huan remained noncommittal, contemplating Li Qi's words.

At this moment, he ignored Li Qi's rudeness because what he said made sense.

After some thought, Jin Bu Huan bowed and asked, "What's your insight, Brother Li?"

He asked for insights first, considering other aspects later, as he wasn't concerned about the trouble itself.

If Li Qi was right, these two pieces were two halves of one whole. Combining them could significantly enhance their quality!

Perhaps even reaching half-step seventh-rank?

This couldn't be taken lightly, even if Li Qi was bluffing; he needed to verify carefully.

Given the significance, caution was necessary.

"My insight is as I said, separation of yin and yang, though ominous, presents opportunities. Between yin and yang lies central qi, the pivot of yin-yang exchange. If Brother Jin unites yin and yang and finds central qi to harmonize, this object will transform danger into fortune, becoming a sign of good luck," Li Qi said, bowing.

With Li Qi's words, Jin Bu Huan couldn't maintain his pretense anymore.

He stood up and approached Li Qi, "Since we've come this far, you must understand my intentions. I'm sure you understood after seeing the gifts outside."

"Of course, Brother Jin came for this reason," Li Qi smiled, taking out an irregular-shaped flying dagger.

"With this, Brother Jin will not only possess an upper-tier eighth-rank divine weapon but also enhance its power by uniting it with the other half. Even your father would appreciate it, possibly rewarding you with it. Gaining favor and a treasure in one move, quite beneficial."

Holding the flying dagger, Li Qi spoke.

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Clearly, this was enticing.

Even a slight possibility was significant to Jin Bu Huan, especially knowing the power of the restored golden qi.

"Yes, Brother Li knows about this, I thought you didn't," Jin Bu Huan smiled.

Li Qi returned the smile, "Initially, I didn't, but your hints made it clear. Refusing the gifts wasn't unwillingness but impossibility. Accepting would prevent us from discussing this matter now."

Jin Bu Huan realized, "So that's it, my misunderstanding. Since everything is clear, I won't act foolishly. Simply put, if you give me this item, Jin Bu Huan will reward you generously."

Li Qi agreed readily, "Naturally, why else would I call you here? Now that you're here, it will be returned. However, Brother Jin, I have one more request."

"Please tell me, Brother Li!" Jin Bu Huan responded quickly.

"I want to spar with Brother Jin using that weapon," Li Qi said.

"You wish to challenge yourself? Focusing on your path explains your peculiar behaviors. I assumed otherwise," Jin Bu Huan took the flying dagger from Li Qi, pointing.

The long sword moved slightly.

Then, a sharp buzzing sound rang out!

Sharp enough to shatter stones and ceramics, Li Qi felt the intense killing intent!

Frenzy, killing intent, excitement, rage, and joy surged from the divine weapon, a vortex of emotions.

Though lifeless, it emitted a living will, almost allowing one to visualize certain scenes.

Just a feeling, though.

Li Qi felt he saw something, similar to how music evokes feelings without visualizing anything.

Describing it, it was the 'atmosphere' conveyed by the metallic sound.

Li Qi covered his ears, silently reciting...

Again, it was sound.

First, the flute, then listening to inner voices, now the sound of metal clashing.

Even the opponent's Dao resonance involved sound.

Li Qi observed.

Indeed, the divine weapon was under control from the start.

Accepting the gifts would make him 'guilty' and vulnerable, possibly even targeted by the weapon.

Li Qi watched Jin Bu Huan, realizing the sword was a cover. His foundation was likely related to the White Snake Mountain Spirit's description of the eight sounds—'metal sound'.

Eight sounds include metal, stone, silk, bamboo, gourd, earth, leather, and wood.

Heaven has eight sounds, each with distinct natures, used by sages to create instruments, invoking qi through sound, aligning with the eight winds.

Metal sound is clear and refined, used in instruments like bells and cymbals, known for its clarity and use in battle, inspiring soldiers.

Now, Jin Bu Huan was reuniting the fragments into his blade.

Buzzing, the golden qi devoured its former shell.

The small flying dagger struggled but was powerless against the main body, merging completely.

Jin Bu Huan was satisfied.

Truly possessing this divine weapon secured his position at home.

Conflicts with Li Qi were calculated risks; even if Li Qi had a sixth-rank background, his own backing could handle it.

As a second-generation heir, maintaining status was crucial.

The possibility of Li Qi having a fifth-rank backing was slim. If so, warnings would have come earlier.

His father's lack of warning indicated control.

Another possibility was his father couldn't uncover Li Qi's background, suggesting it was just a lucky encounter.

Thinking about it made him laugh.

A background his father couldn't uncover would be fourth or third rank, impossible.

Strengthening his power and securing his position was more important.