Chapter 84: Negotiation (I)

"I won't waste any more time so tell me what do you know about those people that use true qi as cultivation instead of the so-called mana in this world," Zen said directly.

Madam Evie raised her eyebrow in surprise by his questions. Swirling her hair gently with her fingers, she smiled at Zen.

"It seems like you know more about this world than some people here. I was expecting questions regarding your little lover, Angela." Madam Evie said afterward.

'As expected of an intelligence agency, she already knew about Angela the moment she saw her face.' Zen couldn't help but admire these kinds of people.

To be able to gather secrets and intelligence when they are extremely difficult. In this world where formations are used to prevent eavesdropping, they still managed to find a loophole.

Clapping his hand lightly, Zen said, "Since you know about Angela, you should have already gotten the news of the event happening yesterday. An unknown man with power that surpasses logic and lustful at the same time."

"Indeed I have obtained the news already which is why I'm not surprised you'll be coming here. Any strong being will still lose if they lack information regarding their enemies so we prioritize this more than anything else." A shrewd smile appeared on her face.

'Truly a businesswoman here. Sigh, she's the type of person that I hate to have an enemy with.'

Zen scratched his head a bit before taking another sip from the cup to calm down.

To have a negotiation against someone proficient in dealing with these every day, being impulsive is never the correct decision.

Taking a deep breath, Zen stood up as he got close to Madam Evie where their lips were about to touch.

Madam Evie remained still but she was prepared for a counter-attack if Zen dared to try something.

"You don't have to worry about me harming you in any way. I just want to come closer to smell your perfume a bit and ask you to tell those hidden guards to leave us alone." Zen said slowly as he backed a little away.

"You have some extraordinary senses," Madam Evie complimented before giving a slight nod.

Afterward, there was some wind impact from the movement of those hidden guards.

'Their concealing ability is truly frightening. Thanks a lot, Cecilia, now I should look more mysterious and powerful.' Zen sent a mental transmission to Cecilia. 

'As long as you know there is always a stronger person in this world then it is fine. Just don't be overconfident thinking that you'll be unstoppable just because you have me, Freya, and Silence. Although we haven't said anything, our power is restricted by the laws of this world.' Cecilia calmly replies to Zen.

'I understand Cecilia, this world is getting more puzzling as we move closer to our goal.' Zen sighed inwardly from all these mysteries.

He was planning on having a carefree life and enjoyed the embrace of his women together. But it keeps going further away as he stays in this world longer.

It was like everything is destined as it lays every path for Zen to walk on. Whether he wants to or not, there will be all kinds of reasons to make him go into this path only.

"Now that we're finally alone at last, how about we have a deal?" Zen said while being close to her.

"What kind of deal are we talking about?"

"A deal that is a win-win situation for us. You will tell me everything you know about those true qi cultivators and how much influence they have. In return, I will offer my assistance when you require them." Zen sits at the table and calmly drinks another sip.

"How would I know you can provide me any assistance at all. Given the fact that you kept drinking my lipstick mark in the cup. I don't have much confidence in you." Madam Evie said teasingly.

'You didn't have to call me out like that. The tea was also exceptionally good, ok, but the lipstick gives it more flavor.' Zen twitched his mouth a bit for being exposed.

Without saying much, Zen snapped his hand as the essence flame appeared and it started to intensify.

"Since you're knowledgeable, you should know that this essence flame is different from those pathetic flames in the street. Although my cultivation may not seem strong in your eye, I have only cultivated in less than a year." Zen shared some of his secrets with Madam Evie.

To establish trust in a negotiation, it is inevitable to reveal each other's secret to know that betraying each other would show no benefits.

It would only harm both of them as a third-party swoop in to obtain every benefit there is.

"Besides your flashy essence flame, is there any other thing you're capable of?" Madam Evie asked when she knew about his unordinary flame already.

A pondering look appeared on Zen when he was expecting more of an awe expression from Madam Evie.

'Cecilia, what other valuables do we have with us?' Zen asked Cecilia for advice.

'Have you not checked a single thing in the treasure we got from Karl?' Cecilia was speechless when he didn't even know his wealth.

'I-I did… the massive mountain of spirit stones right.' Zen said to Cecilia while sweating nervously.

Madam Evie was suspicious of the sudden change in Zen's behavior when she asked if he got anything else.

'Why is he suddenly sweating? Does he truly have nothing else to show besides the essence flame?' Madam Evie questioned inwardly when she thought her eyesight was wrong about him being mysterious.

Sensing Madam Evie's suspicion, Zen hurriedly recomposed himself as he begged Cecilia to bring out something valuable to bargain.

"It's nothing Madam Evie, I have too many valuables in hand so I was pondering which would be the best one to show it," Zen said cheekily.

"Hoh, is that the case. Here I was thinking you got nothing else to offer." Madam Evie said enchantingly. Her mature aura and charming appearance made Zen swallow some saliva.

'Such a beautiful and mature woman. I would have lost control of myself if I didn't know Cecilia is staring at me chillingly in the mysterious space.' 

Zen sighed when he couldn't do anything to Cecilia whereas she can thrash him as she pleased. 

"Before I can come up with something impressive, are you currently a single woman Madam Evie?" Zen said slowly as he caught Madam Evie off-guard.

"I-I'm single," Madam Evie replied unconsciously as she wasn't expecting Zen to be extremely bold.