"Ha ha, that Beast Soul Bead you provided last time was truly useful."
"Especially the one that sealed the remnant spirit of the 'Red Nine-Head'. It's extraordinary. That guy Lan Yuchang was originally just a slightly stronger mortal who knew some martial arts."
"But after absorbing it, his combat power skyrocketed. Even our ordinary Soul Transformation cultivators aren't his match in sparring."
"According to Lan Yuchang, he was still holding back."
"If he were to fight with all his strength... tsk tsk..."
Li Fan spoke without restraint, completely unguarded and talking endlessly.
Upon hearing the name 'Red Nine-Head', Xiao Qing's expression changed slightly.
Then, when she heard Li Fan say that someone had managed to withstand the overwhelming hostility of the nine-headed bird and successfully absorbed the Beast Soul Bead, she trembled and blurted out, "Impossible! How could a mere mortal endure that beast's vicious aura...?"
Li Fan immediately showed a look of disdain. "You're ignorant. Our Federation Of All World's has no shortage of talents. We have all sorts of extraordinary individuals."
"Just because your empire couldn’t find a suitable candidate doesn’t mean we can't."
"Do you really think that trading with us once puts you on our level?"
Li Fan, seemingly inexperienced and reckless, spoke whatever was on his mind, without a hint of subtlety.
He sneered, "Federation of All World's only trades with you to help you."
"There are countless small worlds around the Xuanhuang Realm, so one less of you makes no difference."
"You’re the one who needs the Federation of All World's, not the other way around."
...
Hearing Li Fan’s unbearably harsh words, Xiao Qing's face turned exceedingly dark.
But in the end, she held back and didn’t lash out.
Li Fan continued his rambling, but noticing her lack of response, he grew a bit embarrassed and eventually stopped.
Xiao Qing now looked at Li Fan with a hint of displeasure.
After this episode, however, she no longer doubted Li Fan’s identity.
Returning to the previous topic, she asked softly, "Since we all agree that our transactions are mutually beneficial, why did you decide to suddenly halt them?"
Li Fan sighed and spoke truthfully, "We encountered some insurmountable factors."
He leaned in closer and whispered, "According to our intelligence, a major war is likely to break out soon between the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and the Five Elders Association."
"As you know, the period leading up to a war is often the tensest for both sides."
"I really don’t have any more Beast Soul Bead with me, so please go, Daoist Friend!"
Li Fan's expression changed quickly.
Moments ago, he was all "Master Qing," but upon hearing her refusal, his face instantly darkened.
With a cold huff, he flew off without a word of farewell.
"How could someone like him even be in the Federation of All World's?"
"If he were in our empire, he’d have been fed to the Rift Whale by now!"
Xiao Qing gritted her teeth in frustration.
"That previous Daoist Friend was much better."
She recalled the earlier transaction, where both sides were highly satisfied.
The subsequent exchanges of resources also went smoothly.
"Too bad, he’s likely busy and unable to come," Xiao Qing thought with regret.
She collected her thoughts and began contacting the empire’s covert agents to inquire if there were any recent unusual activities in the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance.
Any signs of impending war?
Soon, responses came pouring in from her outlaws.
Everything was as usual; there was no word of any upcoming war.
Now, it was Xiao Qing’s turn to feel uncertain.
"Is it true or not?"
---
Meanwhile, He Zhenghao was busy counting money until his hands cramped.
Grinning from ear to ear, he recorded each contribution he received and promptly replied to the creditors.
"Rest assured, Daoist Qin, your contribution has been received. You just wait to get rich!"
"Wei, little brother, I’ve recorded your ten thousand contributions. Ah, I know it’s everything you own. Who isn’t in the same boat? Just relax. The Lord Envoy wouldn’t shortchange you!"
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