Published: August 16, 2025
Chapter 146: The Deal
“Although I’ve never seen this foundation establishment pill with my own eyes, I’m perfectly clear on its value and importance!” Han Li thought to himself with a cold sneer. “Just think about it—in the ascension immortal conference at Heavenly Mist Terrace, nearly a thousand immortal cultivators fight to the death on the arena, all for what? Isn’t it mostly because of the temptation of this foundation establishment pill? And yet, this Uncle Ye actually intends to exchange it for some spirit stones and magical artifacts. Does he really think I’m just some inexperienced rookie fresh out of the mountains?”
Despite his inner thoughts, Han Li quickly restored a respectful expression, as if intently listening to what the elder was saying.
The Elder Ye was very pleased with Han Li’s behavior. After all, this future junior uncle hadn’t outright refused the offer upon hearing the foundation establishment pill was up for exchange, which meant there was definitely some room for negotiation.
From the start, the elder never intended to truly acquire the foundation establishment pill with the items he mentioned earlier. Because no one who isn’t foolish would exchange such a precious item so cheaply. His earlier words were merely probing the waters.
But seeing Han Li’s attitude now, it was clear he wasn’t completely opposed to negotiating, which made the elder’s heart leap with joy.
As long as the other party was willing to trade, the elder was confident he could meet their demands and obtain the pill. Thinking this, the smile on Elder Ye’s face grew wider, and Han Li even seemed somewhat more agreeable than before.
“Junior uncle Han, you must know the attribute of your spiritual root! Honestly, with your talent, even if you take this foundation establishment pill, the chance of successfully establishing your foundation is very slim! At best, this pill will only help improve your magical power, raising your basic cultivation technique by two or three levels. If that’s the case, then this pill is wasted on you! It would be far more practical for you to exchange it for some more useful benefits. If…” The elder began to talk relentlessly, frequently trying to lure Han Li.
On the surface, Han Li seemed to be listening carefully to Uncle Ye’s long speech, but in his heart, he was already analyzing and weighing the pros and cons.
To be honest, Han Li was well aware that, as the elder said, the chance of successfully establishing foundation after taking such a foundation establishment pill was indeed minuscule. But Han Li was still unwilling to just hand over the pill so easily. After all, no matter how slim the chance, wasn’t there still a possibility of success?
However, if he refused to give the foundation establishment pill to this Elder Ye in front of him, life in Yellow Maple Valley would certainly become very difficult. With an eighty to ninety percent chance, he would become an enemy to this man for no reason. And judging by the elder’s demeanor, it seemed he still held some real power within Yellow Maple Valley. If that were true, things would only get worse.
“Uncle Ye, may I ask who this foundation establishment pill is for? I suppose you have no use for it yourself!” Han Li considered for a long time and decided it was best to first test the other party’s intentions.
Although the elder’s speech was interrupted, he showed no sign of displeasure. After hesitating briefly upon hearing Han Li’s question, he finally revealed:
“Since junior uncle Han has asked, I have nothing to hide. This foundation establishment pill is being sought for a nephew of mine. I hope you can help me out.”
Han Li smiled bitterly in his heart and thought:
“Nephew, so it’s a relatively close relationship! And since this person is putting in so much effort, even bowing to a junior like me to get this pill, he must be very favored! It seems that if I don’t exchange it, I will definitely anger this elder, and living peacefully in Yellow Maple Valley will be impossible. I have no choice but to painfully agree! As for establishing my foundation, I’ll have to find another way later. After all, I still have that mysterious little bottle — as long as I have the formula and time, what pill can’t I concoct?”