In the world of commerce, forty thousand Dragon Palace Shells would, under normal circumstances, be quite familiar to Yu Ci, roughly equivalent to a one-to-one exchange with Ruyi Money. To put it more tangibly, this was akin to a high-quality magic weapon that had been refined through sixty layers, reaching the lofty heights of the tenth heaven. To be even more precise, it was the main battle magical instrument of a Vacuum Walking Cultivator!

Yu Ci began to grasp the meaning behind the warning he had been given about something being "a cut above the rest."

Even if this Mysterious Cave True Incense was one of the "Supreme True Eight Incenses," a marvelous item used for purifying the spirit and venerating the gods, the asking price was outrageously high.

Such is the downside of being a buyer. In the North Wilderness Territory, there was never such a thing as a fair deal. Since you urgently need this item, I will exploit your vulnerability, demand an exorbitant price, and make it clear that I intend to fleece you without fear of refusal.

Middlemen like those in the Three Families Market, who take a cut from such transactions, also encourage this practice. It's just that Yu Ci was at a slight disadvantage compared to Wan Quan; otherwise, the middleman would certainly take an additional cut, driving the cost even higher.

Yu Ci roughly estimated that with an asking price of forty thousand Dragon Palace Shells, the actual cost to acquire it would inflate by another ten percent.

In the past two years, the beast bones and demon elixir cores he had acquired from hunting in the Sky Rift Valley, once sold, amounted to no more than sixty or seventy thousand. Living in the "Hundred-Turns Pavilion" during this time also incurred significant expenses, and without a stable income, purchasing the Mysterious Cave True Incense would likely leave him destitute, perhaps even forcing him to sleep on the streets.

To be prepared is to be established; to be unprepared is to court failure.

Yu Ci couldn't help but sigh. Among these materials, the Mysterious Cave True Incense was an undeniable consumable, necessary for every ritual and ceremony, and by no means a permanent solution. One could foresee the dire straits that would follow. He thought to himself that if he were still with the Lichen Sect, even if he needed to engage in trade, he would never be in such a desperate situation.

Is this the hardship of being a Lone Cultivator?

Of course, no matter what, with resources at stake, he would never miss an opportunity. The question was: what should he do?

The next morning, Yu Ci summoned Wan Quan, and together they made their way to the Three Families Market. They were received once again by Steward Wen, a portly and tactful man who was particularly effusive in his welcome, especially upon seeing Yu Ci, a patron of substantial means.

At such a juncture, it was imperative for Yu Ci not to appear overly eager. Instead, he exchanged pleasantries with Steward Wen for a good quarter of an hour before casually broaching the main topic. "Has the Esteemed Shop just received a new batch of Mysterious Cave True Incense?" he inquired.

It was a question to which he already knew the answer. Steward Wen, smiling benevolently, replied, "Actually, another client saw the request you left with This Establishment and just so happened to have the item in question. They approached us, and we merely acted as the intermediary. Ha, I suppose we've stolen a bit of business from Little Wan!"

Wan Quan chuckled at this, and the mood appeared relaxed. But soon after, he gave Yu Ci a meaningful look.

Following their prior agreement, this was Wan Quan's signal that it was time to negotiate. Yu Ci understood at once, and his expression turned stern as he scoffed, "I presume the price was not set by the Esteemed Shop. I am someone who does not skimp in my dealings, but I'm no fool to be easily swindled. Forty thousand for the price? It's ludicrous that they even dared to propose it!"

Given that the Three Families Market was not deeply involved, Steward Wen was only too happy to play the good guy to both parties, chuckling, "In business, we often start with high demands and settle with actual payment. If the esteemed guest finds the price unsatisfactory, we can always negotiate further."

"A face-to-face discussion?"

"Meeting in person would be good. Mr. Changhua is, after all, a person of repute in Thousand Banner City. With thorough communication, we should reach a mutually satisfying agreement."

Steward Wen had anticipated this scenario and had done his homework well, arranging everything smoothly. In passing, he also imparted some inconsequential information to Yu Ci, as if to curry favor.

Yu Ci seemed unperturbed, but Wan Quan was somewhat taken aback. "Who? Jin Changhua?"

In no time at all, Yu Ci caught sight of Mr. Changhua.

In the North Wilderness, where nicknames were fondly given, to address someone as "Mr." was to conjure an image of refinement. Jin Changhua indeed fit this description. Of average stature with a well-proportioned face and a beard that branched into three long strands, he exuded a scholarly air. However, Yu Ci was not to be fooled by appearances, especially after having wielded such a ferocious blade. Moreover, having previously gathered information on the man's temperament and reputation from Wan Quan, Yu Ci had a clear understanding of his character.

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It was the first time Yu Ci had laid eyes on the actual Mysterious Cave True Incense. At first glance, it seemed no different from the incense sticks sold at ordinary Taoist temples and monasteries, all wrapped in bright yellow talisman paper and bundled together. However, its color had a bluish tint, and even when motionless, one could perceive a divine light shimmering around it, a clear indication that it was no ordinary item.

The Mysterious Cave True Incense was not a natural fragrance but rather a concoction made from a special recipe, through a series of complex blending and processing steps that were even more intricate than the crafting of magical instruments. While its value was indeed significant, it was not to the outrageous extent of forty thousand Dragon Palace Shells.

Jin Changhua presented two bundles, amounting to roughly a catty of the incense. If the transaction were to be successful, it would suffice for Yu Ci's use for a year or two. Both parties understood each other's intentions well and had no desire to form a personal connection. They got straight to the point.

"Forty thousand Dragon Palace Shells, in cash! Otherwise, it would have to be a defensive magical instrument refined to withstand the might of the ten heavens," Jin Changhua stated with conviction, his tone resolute, leaving seemingly no room for negotiation.

However, since he had agreed to meet, Jin Changhua was not entirely unassailable. Yu Ci glanced at him but remained silent, simply pulling out one stick from the neatly wrapped bundle and, with a bit of force, crushed its tip.

Jin Changhua's eyebrows twitched at Yu Ci's action, but he soon relaxed. After all, the incense was meant to be sold; if it were indeed sold, he wouldn't grieve over it, and if not, he could simply demand compensation from this man. He was curious to see what this young man was up to.

Yu Ci proceeded methodically, first pinching some of the powder and bringing it to his nose for a quick sniff—a necessary step to identify the fragrance. But what followed was rather peculiar; with a flick of his finger, he ignited a spark that set the scattered powder on the table ablaze. An azure and white light flame flickered and vanished in an instant, consuming most of the incense remnants and leaving behind a fine circle of ash.

The ordeal was not yet over. Yu Ci relit the remaining half of the incense stick, holding it in his hand while forming a seal with his fingers. He watched the flickering flame at the tip as he slowly modulated his breathing. Strangely enough, the incense flame began to flicker at the same rhythm as Yu Ci's breaths.

Seeing Yu Ci make such elaborate preparations, each seemingly with significant purpose, Jin Changhua finally grew restless. He shifted his position unconsciously, his gaze fixated on the half-stick of incense in Yu Ci's hand.

Yu Ci, however, refrained from any further theatrics. After a short while, he extinguished the incense flame and began to shake his head, "Let's not even talk about the price. The origins of this incense itself are likely dubious, aren't they?"

At this, Jin Changhua let out a relieved sigh and couldn't help but chuckle, "Worrying about such things in the Three Families Market would be laughable... Heh, it seems you have no intention of making this deal. So be it!"

He proceeded to take back the two bundles of incense from the table. As for the stick that had been drawn out, he did not hesitate to claim compensation, his tone turning stern, "Young man, you've made me come here for nothing. We'll let that slide for now, but you'll have to pay for the incense you've used, at the right price!"

Jin Changhua was a genuine Golden Elixir Cultivator, and his anger brought a formidable aura that made it difficult for Wan Quan, who was nearby, to breathe. Yu Ci, on the other hand, remained composed. He rested his elbows on the table's edge, fingers interlaced, and responded with a smile:

"You should know that to create Mysterious Cave True Incense, the formula is important, but it also requires the arduous cultivation of a Daoist sect's ascetics, who nurture and purify it with their pure Gang energy. Only by doing so can impurities be eliminated, and a Spiritual Response be attained. Such Mysterious Cave True Incense is then considered a truly supreme marvel... Daoist friend, when you acquired this incense, you may have acted too hastily."

He pointed to the remnants of the incense on the table and shook his head, "The impurities remain, the Spiritual Response intermittent. It appears that during the process of Gang Energy Nourishment, an external force interrupted it, resulting in this unfinished product. Moreover..."

"Moreover?" interjected Wan Quan. He was there to play off Yu Ci, their back and forth a display of tacit understanding.

"Moreover, the incense stored here has not been well-preserved. The Mysterious Cave True Incense, endowed with a pure essence, emits a divine light and should ideally be sealed during storage, lest its spiritual efficacy greatly diminishes. Now, this incense, 'preserved yet impure,' still retains its function for summoning spirits and calming the mind. However, should I use it to honor the gods, I cannot tell whether it would bring blessings or misfortune."

Jin Changhua stiffened on the spot.

He rose to make a gesture, a mere formality, not expecting that Yu Ci could deduce so much from a single stick of incense. Although his conclusions might not be entirely correct, the seventy to eighty percent accuracy was enough to send shockwaves through Jin's heart, leaving him momentarily speechless.

At the same time, he understood that this was the other party's tactic for bargaining, yet formulating an appropriate response would indeed require some ingenuity.

"Young man, you seem to have considerable insight into the art of incense?"

A raspy, unpleasant voice suddenly interjected. The quickest to react was Steward Wen, who had been spectating from the side. At the sound, he leaped up and hurried over, feigning assistance:

"Oh, Elder Zhang is here, why didn't you inform us in advance? I, Wen, would have prepared a welcome!"

At the entrance stood a black-robed elder, his frame lean and frail, his aged appearance suggesting he could be toppled by a mere breeze. He shook his head, declining Steward Wen's invitation to take a seat, and nodded towards Yu Ci, saying, "I sensed someone employing the Spirit-Prayer Technique to test the incense and came over to have a look. The young man is not wrong; honoring the gods is a matter of great importance and should always be approached with caution. However, being overly concerned with fortune and misfortune is not the right attitude..."

Yu Ci also stood up, unsure of what expression to adopt. The newcomer was none other than the Spiritual Witch Elder he had been wary of. Had the elder not left after all this time?

He couldn't help but regret showing off his newly acquired, sensitive knowledge. If the elder were to detect something amiss, his clever ploy could indeed backfire.

However, the elder did not seem to have any other thoughts. Steward Wen attempted to offer him a seat, but was declined. The elder's murky gaze swept over the Mysterious Cave True Incense on the table, and with his withered lips parting in a grin, he said, "Since I'm here, I might as well ask for a small favor. How about sharing one stick of this Mysterious Cave True Incense with me? Just one stick is enough!"

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