C97 Trade with the Alchemist

Yu Kun decided to approach the Alchemist with the Demonic Beast Skeleton, reasoning that an Alchemist's deep pockets wouldn't pinch pennies like the Chamber of Commerce might.

Yet, there was no way Yu Kun would actually part with the Demonic Beast Skeleton to this particular Alchemist. Such a valuable item needed to be traded for something far superior to truly realize its worth. Selling it to this Alchemist simply felt like a bad deal.

With a respectful gesture, Yu Kun addressed the Alchemist, "I'm a disciple of the Flying Cloud Sect. I've hunted some mutated beasts in the past. I understand you're interested in Demonic Beast Skeletons, so I've come to negotiate a trade."

The Alchemist gave Yu Kun's attire a once-over. "Ah, a disciple from the Inner Sect of the Flying Cloud Sect! You must possess considerable skill. Well then, come inside and let's discuss."

Stepping aside, the Alchemist gestured for Yu Kun to enter. Yu Kun strode into the cluttered room with a mix of confidence and resignation, choosing not to comment on the disarray.

Yu Kun had concluded that the Alchemist's preferences were conventional, at least.

The Alchemist, clearly indifferent to the state of his surroundings, dismissed the Chamber of Commerce's attendant and took a seat across from Yu Kun. "I am Alchemist Peng Li. Show me the Demonic Beast Skeleton you've brought."

Despite Peng Li's readiness to transact, Yu Kun detected a distinct coldness and haughtiness in his tone. It was evident that Peng Li had low expectations for what Yu Kun could offer.

Yu Kun nodded, casually rubbing his ring as if activating a Space Ring.

Simultaneously, he retrieved a Mutated Beast Bone from the Leviathan-roc Space.

Peng Li examined the bone for a moment before shaking his head. "This bone is passable, but not what I'm looking for. You've battered it too much; it's useless for my alchemy."

With his arms folded and chin tilted upwards, Peng Li declared, "Above all, the quality of this bone falls short of my standards!"

Dismissing Yu Kun with a wave towards the door, Peng Li concluded, "You may leave. I have no use for such an item."

Yu Kun chuckled and remarked, "What's the rush to send me off? I've got a Mutated Beast Skeleton still up my sleeve."

He proceeded to retrieve a Dog Beast Skeleton from his Leviathan-roc Space. Yu Kun had specifically selected this one, knowing it transcended the rank of a typical Mutated Beast, bordering on the status of a Demonic Beast, which undoubtedly made it quite valuable.

The most crucial aspect was that the skeleton was perfectly intact, despite the outer flesh having sustained damage.

Peng Li had seemed intent on dismissing Yu Kun, but his demeanor shifted instantly upon seeing the skeleton.

He hurried over to inspect it, and under Yu Kun's watchful eye, Peng Li unceremoniously licked the bone, causing Yu Kun's eye to twitch in disgust.

"Do Alchemists always conduct themselves in such a revolting manner?" Yu Kun asked, clearing his throat to halt Peng Li's unsavory actions. "Alchemist Peng, what do you make of my Mutated Beast Skeleton?"

"It's excellent!" Peng Li exclaimed. "This Mutated Beast Skeleton is precisely what I've been searching for. The bones are impeccably preserved and of superior quality!"

Peng Li's candidness about his needs suggested he wasn't one to haggle. Luckily, Yu Kun wasn't inclined to barter either.

Knowing Peng Li's interest in the skeleton, Yu Kun cut to the chase, "Well then, no need for further ado. I'm willing to sell you this Mutated Beast Skeleton."

Peng Li eagerly nodded in agreement, "Good!"

With a faint smile, Yu Kun extended two fingers, though he was clueless about the true value of the skeleton. He trusted Peng Li to offer a fair price.

As expected, Peng Li's face fell at the sight of the two fingers, and he began frantically pulling at his hair, nearly reducing it to a bird's nest. After a torturous pause, Peng Li conceded, "Two hundred Spirit Stones might be steep, considering it's not a Demonic Beast Skeleton. But I'll take it."

With that, Peng Li wiped his Space Ring, produced a pouch of Spirit Stones, and handed it over to be stashed away in the Leviathan-roc Space.

"Alchemists sure make for smooth transactions! It makes sense, given how lucrative their profession is. Looks like I can offload any unwanted items to an Alchemist in the future!"

Yu Kun chuckled under his breath and added, "I have another skeleton on hand. Could you use it?"

Peng Li nodded, signaling for Yu Kun to bring it out for inspection.

From the depths of the Leviathan-roc Space, Yu Kun produced the skeleton of the Human-snake Beast.

Upon seeing the skeleton, Peng Li paused, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

"No way!"

Peng Li murmured to himself before examining the skeleton closely under Yu Kun's watchful eye.

Suppressing his revulsion, Yu Kun inquired, "What do you think of this skeleton?"

Peng Li nodded vigorously, "It's exceptional! But I'm afraid it's out of my price range!"

With a wry smile, Peng Li said, "However, I have some friends who might help me gather the Spirit Stones. If you're willing to trust me, I can have the stones for you in a few days."

Yu Kun wasn't worried about Peng Li disappearing; the Chamber of Commerce was there, and Peng Li had nowhere to run.

"Fine," Yu Kun agreed. "I'll take the skeleton back with me for now. Once you've collected enough Spirit Stones, come find me in the Inner Sect."

Peng Li nodded, then inquired, "What's the name of where you're staying?"

Yu Kun was momentarily taken aback.

Peng Li continued, "Each Inner Sect disciple's room has a name. For instance, the Little Prince practices at your Flying Cloud Sect, and his quarters are known as the Yellow Dragon Pavilion. What's the name of your place? How will I find you in the Inner Sect?"

Yu Kun gave a bitter smile. This was something he hadn't considered.

Since Yu Kun had only recently joined the Inner Sect and was sharing accommodations with Hee Dongqing, whose place was unnamed, he had to think for a moment. "I've not been in the Inner Sect long, and my room hasn't been named yet. Just look for the unnamed room when you arrive."

Peng Li nodded in understanding. He then courteously escorted Yu Kun out of the room. As Yu Kun was about to leave, Peng Li waved earnestly and reminded him, "If you come across more high-quality Mutated Beast Bones, remember to sell them to me!"