109: Negotiation and Threat

Gu Yuchuan looked at the cat demon before him, unsure of her intentions. In truth, quite a few people had come knocking these past few days; some to scout for information, some to buy goods in advance, and others to seek cooperation. However, Gu Yuchuan clearly sensed that this woman was not one of them—she radiated malice.

He became cautious, and his Golden Light Incantation began to circulate even more rapidly, prepared for the possibility of a fight at any moment. However, as long as the other party did not make a move or overtly display malice, he would absolutely not strike first.

He looked at her, forcing his tone to remain neutral: "That's right, I am the Artifact Refiner here, the Azure Scale Demon General, Gu Yuchuan. May I ask for this Fellow Daoist's name? And why have you come here today? If you are here to buy something, please come back in a few days; we have not officially opened for business yet."

The other party's gaze held a hint of scrutiny as she cleared her throat: "Listen well. I am the Artifact Refiner of the Artifact Refiners Alliance, Bixian Demon General. I have come today on behalf of our Alliance to discuss a few matters with you."

Gu Yuchuan had actually encountered this Artifact Refiners Alliance in his Simulations. They detested the establishment of Linlang Pavilion and had used various methods to try and stop it, though to no avail. Now, in reality, they had finally arrived, which could be considered the resolution of a lingering concern.

Seeing Gu Yuchuan remain silent, Bixian Demon General's expression shifted, and she became somewhat annoyed: "Is this the hospitality of your Linlang Pavilion? Do you just stand here at the entrance with your guests?"

Gu Yuchuan knew she was an unwelcome guest, but he was curious to see what she actually wanted to say. He decided to play along; after all, even in his Simulations, they had never been able to take him down. Now, he was far stronger than he had been in the Simulations, with both his cultivation and Bloodline enhanced, making it even easier to deal with them.

"Very well, please come in. I was just pondering some matters and was a bit negligent. Song Chuan, I will be heading to the private room on the third floor with this Demon General. Serve us some high-quality spirit tea and spirit fruit."

Since they were meeting, the standards had to be maintained; otherwise, it would make him appear petty. In business, the worst thing was a stingy demeanor. Only by being generous and magnanimous could one win people over.

They strolled slowly into the private room. Along the way, Bixian Demon General constantly observed Linlang Pavilion. Her inner shock was like raging waves; the decor was grand and opulent. From this alone, it was clear that Gu Yuchuan was extremely wealthy. In an instant, she felt that the mission she had come for would not be completed.

After sitting down, Gu Yuchuan did not speak, opting to drink his spirit tea first. She followed suit and took a sip. This was second-grade spirit tea, and the spirit fruit on the table was also second-grade. With her net worth, it wasn't that she couldn't afford such things, but she would never use them to entertain guests. She did a quick calculation; the Linlang Pavilion must be spending a significant amount every day just on these refreshments for guests. Her confidence waned even further.

Seeing that the other party remained silent and was just devouring the spirit fruit, Gu Yuchuan's expression turned somewhat ugly. "Good grief, so you're the glutton, aren't you? Just eating and not saying a word."

"Bixian Demon General, what is the matter today? Speak directly. My time is quite tight, and I really don't have much time to spend here."

Bixian Demon General's face flushed slightly as she realized her recent behavior had been a bit improper. However, she instantly composed herself: "Fine, then I will speak plainly and stop beating around the bush. Let me ask you this first: when you established this shop to sell Magical Artifacts, did you obtain the permission of our Artifact Refiners Alliance?"

Gu Yuchuan laughed outright: "Oh? Artifact Refiners Alliance? What is that? I haven't heard of it. Is it some kind of official organization?"

Bixian Demon General stood up, her face full of arrogance: "Listen well. Our Artifact Refiners Alliance has five Second-Grade Artifact Refiners. It is the sacred ground for all Artifact Refiners in the outskirts of the Cloud Sea Marsh. All matters related to Artifact Refining are under our jurisdiction. You have already committed a taboo, and I advise you to be sensible."

Gu Yuchuan continued to play dumb: "Ah, is that so? But the Black Shark Demon King didn't tell me that. I'll go find the Black Shark Demon King right now and have him handle this matter."

How could Bixian Demon General dare to let him go? She immediately blocked him: "How about this, I will give you a chance. As long as you do as I say, I will allow you to join our Artifact Refiners Alliance. At that time, with our Alliance backing you, your shop's business will certainly improve significantly."

Gu Yuchuan was complaining internally, but verbally, he wanted to hear what kind of whimsical conditions the other party had: "Then tell me."

Upon hearing this, Bixian Demon General acted high and mighty; she knew the other party must be fearful and longing for their approval: "Good. First, you must hand over ten percent of your shop's revenue. Second, the pricing power belongs to us; you cannot sell things too cheaply. Just these two points. If you agree, you can join us."

Gu Yuchuan burst into loud laughter. This was the funniest joke he had heard since his Transmigration. What a joke! If you want to dream, go home and dream. Don't come here to be funny; you're just thinking too wishfully.

Gu Yuchuan took a deep breath. The other party's shamelessness made him somewhat angry: "These are your demands? They are simply insane. Are you all sick in the head? Do you really think I don't know you're just a bunch of amateurs? All of you combined can't refine as well as I can alone. What is there to be arrogant about? You can't even be called Second-Grade Artifact Refiners, and you want my consent? What are you? And this revenue—you actually dare to ask for it? Why don't you go ask the Black Shark Demon King for it? After all, I already give him ten percent of my revenue. Why don't you swap his share for yours? Let's see if you can handle that."

Gu Yuchuan's blunt words made Bixian Demon General's face turn deathly pale. She knew she had been toyed with.

"What a snake demon! To think you are so unrepentant. With this attitude, there is no need for us to continue talking. Just remember, your fate will be caused by your own attitude. Our Artifact Refiners Alliance will not let you off easily. When the time comes, don't come begging on your knees for us to spare you."

Having said that, she got up and left. Gu Yuchuan didn't even bother to acknowledge her. What was she, to dare speak to him like that? As for her retaliation, it wasn't that he looked down on them, but they were truly incompetent. A few illegitimate Second-Grade Artifact Refiners could not stir up any waves. However, regarding this, Gu Yuchuan still planned to run a Simulation; caution was paramount. It would also be a good opportunity to cultivate within the Simulation and see if he could advance to the Fourth Layer of Foundation Establishment. That would be the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage, and his strength would be completely different.

He got up and headed to his place of seclusion; this private room was certainly not a place for cultivation.