Han Cai found the suggestion amusing - a private room for their first meeting? Regaining his composure, he carefully appraised Xiaolian. Seeing a hint of shyness, he responded stiffly, "Alright, lead the way."
"Thank you for your understanding, Senior Han. Please, follow me," the veiled woman replied with evident relief, leading the way with graceful strides. The young woman, Lifen, trailed behind with a dejected look. She couldn't help stealing glances at Han Cai. Each time their eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze, her ears flushing a deep shade of red.
Upon observing this, Han Cai displayed a mysterious grin, chuckling to himself internally.
The inn was a short distance away, and soon enough, Han Cai found himself stepping into a pavilion marked by a prominent banner that read, "Refreshments."
At this time, several individuals were enjoying their tea. A middle-aged man, engrossed in his tea, spotted the two women entering and promptly approached them. "Martial Aunt, your room is prepared! You and your guest may proceed," he declared.
"Good, guide us there and stand guard at the door," Xiaolian responded indifferently.
"Understood."
The middle-aged man led Han Cai and the women to a tastefully decorated room on the second floor. Inside, a man clothed in green calmly brewed a pot of steaming tea. His expression remained unchanged as Han Cai and the others entered the room.
"Elder Wei, apologies for keeping you waiting! This is Senior Han Cai, the owner of the Spirit pills we discussed," Xiaolian introduced, addressing the green-clothed old man respectfully.
"Ah, so you are Fellow Daoist Han Cai! Please, sit. I have just brewed a pot of spirit tea. Do try it," Elder Wei responded.
Han Cai regarded him curiously. The old man seemed ordinary, except for unusually flushed cheeks, which suggested a recent recovery from a severe illness. Han Cai found this puzzling.
In a moment, he discerned that the old man was an early golden core cultivator. Han Cai did not object, taking a seat opposite the old man. He watched Elder Wei pour a cup of aromatic tea but did not reach out to take it.
This wasn't meant as a slight to the old man. Han Cai was merely exercising his habitual caution and chose not to accept food or drink in unfamiliar surroundings.
Elder Wei showed no sign of offence at Han Cai's guarded actions. Instead, he smiled faintly, poured himself a cup, and put aside all other concerns for the moment.
"Senior Han Cai, we, the representatives of the Eternal Grace Sect, would like to procure all your remaining Spirit pills. Let's negotiate the price," Xiaolian announced delicately as soon as she had settled herself.
Han Cai wasn't going to easily admit to having more pills, not knowing their true motives. After considering their words, he decided to respond evasively, "Indeed, I previously had a fair number of Spirit pills, but I just sold the last of them. I'm afraid I may disappoint you."
Xiaolian reacted to Han Cai's denial with a sweet smile and gently responded, a trace of amusement in her voice, "It appears Senior Han Cai is trying to mislead us. While we don't know the exact quantity of your Spirit pills, we're sure you have a significant stock. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so diligently approaching small merchants and stores to sell them. Moreover, each transaction was made in minimal quantities, and you always sought a different buyer."
"If our sect hadn't been collecting similar pills, we might have overlooked this unusual activity. Senior, you seem concerned about revealing your wealth! But you can put those worries to rest. Our sect may not be a great power, but we have a positive reputation in the Emerald Wind Grassland. If Senior sold us all the pills, it would spare us the hassle of buying them from multiple smaller traders!"
The woman maintained her pleasant smile and composed demeanor throughout. However, Han Cai scrutinized them once more. The realization that you've been under clandestine surveillance isn't a comforting thought!
Upon observing Han Cai's curious glance, Lady Xiaolian quickly changed the topic and offered an explanation. "Senior Han Cai, please pardon our earlier impertinence. This matter is of urgency, and we had to use most of our influence in Meadow City to locate you. We hope that Senior will lend us your aid, just this once!"
This time, she positioned herself as the weaker party, her words and gaze subtly implying a plea.
Han Cai merely nodded, not providing an immediate reply. Instead, he began to absentmindedly tap the table, his expression unchanging. His mind was racing through various scenarios, weighing the benefits and drawbacks at breakneck speed. He was not concerned about these minor players discovering him, but he didn't want to draw the attention of larger forces just yet.
He didn't know why the Eternal Grace Sect required such a massive amount of Spirit pills, but it was clear that they believed he had what they needed. Any further denials on his part would only incite unnecessary animosity. He hadn't heard of the Eternal Grace Sect before, but judging by Elder Wei's presence, they were not to be underestimated. Han Cai had no reason to antagonize them.
Moreover, he had an excess of Spirit pills. If he continued to sell them piece by piece, it would be a matter of time before he was exposed. Wouldn't it be better to seize this chance and resolve this issue once and for all? This was Meadow City, after all, with strict rules and regulations. He needn't worry about any missteps.
After another moment of silence, Han Cai calmly confessed, "Given your frankness, I see no reason to hide the truth. I do have some Spirit pills that your sect seeks, though I'm unsure if the quantity will suffice!"
At Han Cai's admission, the two women couldn't contain their joy. As for the old man, who was leisurely sipping his tea as though he was above worldly matters, he observed Han Cai with a more relaxed expression.
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