Got a great bargain

"Robbery?!"

"If we seize this mine, we’ll inevitably provoke an open conflict with the Black Dragon Divine Guards!"

"Indeed. Although our Divine Path Sect does not fear the Heavenly Dragon Divine Guards, waging a full-scale war over this mine might give other sects an opportunity to strike!"

"Hmm, this plan requires further deliberation."

"In my opinion, robbery is the worst strategy. Bloodshed is never wise. Why don’t we reveal our identities and see if we can negotiate a purchase of the Starfall Crystal Sand from this mine?"

By the end of the discussion, the elderly men exchanged subtle nods of agreement.

"That seems like a feasible approach."

"Starfall Crystal Sand is undoubtedly precious, but everything in this world has a price. If we offer enough, there might still be room for negotiation."

"Indeed. Even if the chances are slim, it’s worth a try."

These weathered elders, having weathered countless storms, quickly saw through the situation and devised the most reasonable course of action in just a few words.

Yet, as they contemplated the impending transaction, none of them felt confident.

After all, Starfall Crystal Sand was a treasure coveted by every sect. Even with a generous offer, the Black Dragon Divine Guards might still refuse.

As they exchanged uneasy glances—

Suddenly!

The void before them rippled!

Several figures stepped forward leisurely.

Everyone tensed, their eyes locked onto the emerging silhouettes.

But when the newcomers came into view, not a single elder spoke first. Instead, their eyes flickered with surprise—things had taken an unexpected turn!

These were not the Black Dragon Divine Guards but unfamiliar faces.

At a glance, their cultivation levels seemed unremarkable.

Only the young man at the forefront stood out. His aura was utterly undetectable, exuding an unfathomable profundity that instantly seized the attention of the Divine Path Sect elders.

A powerhouse.

This stranger was an unprecedented supreme expert!

Even as they whispered among themselves, maintaining a distance of several zhang, the elders dared not move a muscle. An overwhelming pressure weighed on them, tightening their nerves further!

The atmosphere grew tense, and a standoff ensued.

On the other side—

Yi Feng was equally baffled.

He had expected to face the elite forces of the Black Dragon Divine Guards, only to be met with a group of elderly men and their entourage, whose attire didn’t quite match his expectations.

Blinking in confusion, he decided to break the silence.

"May I ask… what brings you here?"

The Divine Path Sect elders responded immediately, their tone dripping with caution.

"Esteemed Daoist,"

"We apologize for our abrupt intrusion."

"Our purpose here is solely to purchase some of the mine’s resources. Name your price—no matter how high. If you decline, we will bear no grudge and humbly ask for your understanding."

These elders were shrewd.

Facing an unknown expert, they tread carefully. Not only was his cultivation unfathomable, but the Starfall Crystal Sand was also far too precious to demand outright. Better to leave room for retreat.

They had assumed the mine’s owner was a Black Dragon Divine Guard captain, capable of such a grand operation while keeping it under wraps.

Yet, it turned out to be a stranger!

For a lone individual to achieve this…

He was even more formidable than a captain backed by a major faction!

Though they spoke of buying the mine, they held little hope. This was merely a test—their offer and attitude were deliberately humble.

Whether the deal succeeded or not, they absolutely could not afford to offend this man!

Such was the art of diplomacy.

Hearing this, Yi Feng was stunned.

Buy the mine?

What in the world?

Their attire had already hinted at something unusual, but this was beyond his wildest expectations.

He had been ready for a fight…

Yet here they were, proposing a business deal!

Instantly, the inexperienced Yi Feng found himself at a loss.

"Well…"

Seeing his hesitation, the Divine Path Sect elders inwardly marveled.

This man was truly extraordinary.

Even his act of driving up the price was executed so naturally that they almost felt obliged to comply, lest they disrespect his performance.

Impressive!

After a silent exchange, they gritted their teeth and upped their offer.

"We understand your position and won’t waste time with empty words. Our final offer: one billion Celestial Crystals. How does that sound?"

Starfall Crystal Sand was priceless, but among major factions, it was tacitly agreed that a single grain was worth one billion Celestial Crystals—an exorbitant yet reasonable price.

After all, even the richest mines might yield only a few grains. Scarcity dictated value.

Yi Feng’s heart skipped a beat at the figure.

Holy—

He had stumbled upon a mine for free, and now it could be sold for one billion?

That was a billion!!!

In his entire life, Yi Feng had never even heard of such wealth, let alone possessed it!

Who knew the heavens would drop such a massive pie right into his lap?

But after a brief surge of excitement, he quickly regained his composure.

If they offered one billion so readily, it must be a standard price. The mine was clearly worth far more—there was room to haggle!

What kind of seller didn’t inflate the price?

He wasn’t a fool!

Even if the mine was free, he couldn’t just sell it at the first offer.

Determined not to be shortchanged, Yi Feng steeled himself.

"One and a half billion! Not a single crystal less!"

No matter what, he’d start high. Haggling was inevitable, so why not aim big?

Sure enough—

His demand left the elders reeling.

They exchanged stunned, aggrieved glances.

This man was ruthless! A fifty percent markup on Starfall Crystal Sand?!

Such brazen price-gouging…

He must have seen right through their desperation!

With his profound insight and cunning, he was clearly no ordinary figure!

Though furious, the elders also sensed a glimmer of hope.

If he was willing to negotiate, the Starfall Crystal Sand could be bought. For such a treasure, they’d swallow the markup—no amount of Celestial Crystals could compare!

Moreover—

Securing the crystal sand might also forge a connection with this rising powerhouse. A favorable impression now could pay dividends later.

After a hushed discussion, the lead elder stepped forward with a clenched fist.

"Deal! One and a half billion it is!"

Their swift agreement made Yi Feng feel like he’d lowballed himself!

But it was too late to backtrack.

Fifteen billion for free? He could live with that!

This was a windfall by any measure.

With a grin, Yi Feng strode forward and sealed the deal with a clap.

"Done!"

"Payment on delivery. Hand over one and a half billion Celestial Crystals, and the mine is yours!"

His words left the Divine Path Sect elders utterly dumbfounded, frozen in place.

Wait—

Wasn’t this price for a single grain of Starfall Crystal Sand?

How did it become the entire mine?!

Had they misheard? Since when did such bargains exist?!