"Well, our youngest member here, Kari..." Keyana gestured toward the red-haired woman, who smiled at Kevin and Samira before Keyana continued, "...has a unique condition. She was born with a low Mortal-level physique, which recently progressed to the peak of the Mortal level. She's on the verge of advancing further, thanks to her cultivation technique. However, that's not the main reason we need your qi potions. We need them for something else." Keyana paused, a hint of weariness in her expression.
Kevin, having gathered some knowledge through readings, understood the significance of physique levels. Having a peak-level fire physique in a place like this was a considerable accomplishment for someone as young as Kari.
Continuing, Keyana said, "After her physique transformed to the high Mortal level, a powerful cultivator noticed her and granted us a token – an admission token for Agenya Academy."
Smaira looked at Kari with a hint of shock and remarked, "She got lucky."
Keyana, who seemed prepared for Smaira's reaction, remained composed and simply replied, "Indeed."
Kevin, however, displayed his confusion. "You don't know what Agenya Academy is?" Seeing his perplexity, Keyana asked, surprised.
Kevin shook his head, admitting his lack of knowledge.
"You can find it in the cultivation world. But to get back on track, to reach the academy, we have to traverse a perilous region. No transportation goes there, and even if it did, it would take at least a year to arrive. Unfortunately, we don't have that kind of time. However, if we travel through the region known as the Den of Chernobog, it will take us around 15 days at the least and up to a month at most, provided we survive," Keyana said with a faint smile.
"That's why I'm saying, Auntie, you don't have to go. I can stay with the party," Kari expressed, her face etched with concern.
"It doesn't matter; you're going there and returning only once you're more powerful," Keyana asserted, cutting off any further input from Kari. She then turned to Kevin, addressing him directly. "To ensure we traverse the region safely, our entire team needs a power boost. This can be accomplished if you supply us with the Immortal-level qi potions."
Kevin went deep in thought, his gaze shifting to the woman standing behind Keyana who was shaking her head in disagreement. He contemplated the implications of providing more potions than initially intended – revealing that he possessed more than initially agreed upon could lead to further complications. Considering how he had procured the extra five Immortal-level potions, he was unsure of how to explain their origin. His eyes then turned to Samira, who had remained silent. "How many?" he inquired.
Keyana responded, "The more, the better. But we are a team of seven, so we'll need at least seven potions. And, of course, the technique will be yours." And pulled out an old looking book.
Kevin looked at the book titled "Celestial Balance" that Keyana had pulled from her waist bag. As she began to explain the technique, "Celestial Balance," Kevin's thoughts were absorbed. "This dual cultivation technique focuses mainly on the female aspect. However, even using regular qi and borrowed yang qi from others, one can learn and cultivate it independently. You mentioned wanting a technique that enhances the yin aspect, making this perhaps the best option. It's a peak earth-grade technique, so its cultivation speed is commendable."
Kevin's eyes gleamed with excitement at Keyana's description. Her words struck a chord with him, and his mind was made up. Simultaneously, Samira observed Kevin's reaction, her face holding an understanding expression. Knowing that he was a dual cultivator who required yin qi, Samira realized that cultivating this technique could be a valuable resource for him. It would allow him to generate yin qi on his own terms, rather than relying on external sources. Suppressing his eagerness, Kevin took a breath, reminding himself to maintain composure. He spoke, "Miss Samira, do you also require some qi potions?"
Samira was caught off guard by the question, her confusion mirrored by the muscular women present. "I wouldn't mind," Samira replied, her tone laced with uncertainty.
"In that case, how about we keep this meeting confidential?" Kevin proposed, his gaze fixed on Samira. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he continued, "Sharing this information could lead to unforeseen complications."
Samira's serious expression shifted into one of understanding. "I swear on my cultivation if I uttered single about this, I will fall to qi deviation."
With Samira's affirmation, Kevin turned his attention to the two muscular women who had already gleaned his intentions. Both of them took the same vow of qi deviation that Samira had just agreed to. This wasn't a superficial oath that could be easily broken; it required strict adherence to prevent falling into the perilous state of qi deviation.
Having secured this agreement, Kevin eased into his next move. "Firstly, no one should question how I obtained these qi potions. Secondly, payment must be made for the potions, including you, Miss Samira. As for the cultivation technique, I am taking it as a discounted offer you at qi potions price, similar to the discount on the qi potions. Miss Samira, I can offer you three qi potions at 300,000 units each. However, for the discount, I'd request something of equivalent value, like a weapon or another item of significance."
His attention shifted to Keyana, his tone now business-like. "And as for you, how about 28 Immortal-grade qi potions?"
"Twenty-eight?" both older women exclaimed simultaneously, taken aback by the proposal.
"Yes, exactly 31 if we include you, Miss Samira. But let's keep the volume down, shall we?" Kevin said, his voice calm despite the shock his proposal caused.
The astonishment continued, with Kari looking at Kevin with wide eyes. Samira and Keyana exchanged glances, with Keyana inquiring, "Why aren't you using these for yourself?"
"I have my reasons, but rest assured, they are genuine. You're welcome to inspect them," Kevin stated, reaching into his fanny pack to retrieve the five glowing vials.
All eyes remained locked on the vials, and Samira voiced the collective thought. "They're genuine without even touching them?"
"Since you've witnessed their authenticity, perhaps we can adjust our terms slightly. Miss Keyana, initially, I sought a cultivation technique in exchange for five of these potions. Now, given the heightened stakes, I require more. So how about if you allow me to accompany at yours journey to Agenya academy?" Kevin's words resonated with intent, offering a revised proposal that better aligned with the circumstances.
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