Chapter 32: Qian Daoliu the Gentleman and Han Li's Self Reward
To be honest, Han Li was a bit stunned when he heard Qian Daoliu's words.
He had always known that Qian Daoliu was an honorable man his agreement with Tang Chen was proof of that. Even though Tang Chen had been missing for years and his son's death had only a slight connection to Tang Hao, Han Li was sure that if he were in Qian Daoliu's place, even out of sheer spite, he would've wiped out the Clear Sky Clan at least eight hundred times by now.
Qian Daoliu had once been the Supreme Pontiff Han Li had memorized that fact in his cultural studies, including the exact years he had taken office and retired. But for him to just straight up admit that he had no idea how to reward him? That was… absurd.
Did the Qian family really become Supreme Pontiffs just by relying on their martial soul and brute strength? Han Li wondered. How about you hand over Qian Renxue to me instead?
…He really wanted to say that.
But he didn't dare.
Fortunately, Han Li had already prepared a self reward, which meant he didn't have to take the blame either. Not a bad deal, he thought to himself.
As he was about to speak, he suddenly hesitated.
Wait a minute… could this also be the power of fate? Is this why, in every novel I've read, no matter what choice the protagonist makes, there's always an old master who appreciates them?
Well, regardless of the reason, this was definitely a good thing for him.
"Grand Worshipper, there's no need for any extra reward," Han Li said, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. "To be honest, before handing over this research report, I already had my teacher and Senior Uncle stockpile a large amount of whale glue. I obviously can't use it all myself, so how about we sell it to the Martial Soul Research Institute? You can just give me a small labor fee how about that?"
"Hmm? You actually preemptively stocked up? You're quite the sly one."
Qian Daoliu paused briefly before laughing. "Fine. I won't let you take a loss. We'll buy it at five times the price you paid how does that sound? Just how much do you have in stock?"
"Wait, really? Five times?"
Han Li's voice shot up in surprise. He had initially planned to ask for three times the price. Though that would still be far less than what whale glue would be worth in the future, he couldn't afford to overreach. The Martial Soul Hall was his backer he couldn't afford to be too greedy.
"Of course. Do you think I'd lie to you? Five times it's only fair. Whale glue prices will skyrocket soon anyway, so there's no reason for us to shortchange you."
Qian Daoliu confirmed with a nod.
"Deal! Grand Worshipper, just have someone negotiate with my teacher later. He has all the stock."
Han Li immediately agreed, flashing a bright grin at Guang Ling and Qing Luan.
"Han Li, you seem really happy," Lion Douluo teased. "Come on, tell your Senior Uncle just how much are you going to make? Judging by your excitement, you must have stocked up a lot."
Han Li smiled slyly.
"I'm not exactly sure how much I'll earn, but… let's just say that most of the easily accessible whale glue on the market is already in our hands."
"…What?"
The Worshippers stared at the grinning boy, mouths slightly agape.
This kid was ruthless.
Even Qian Daoliu's forehead twitched involuntarily.
Did I… set the price too high?
Could the Martial Soul Hall even afford to buy all of it?
For the first time, the Grand Worshipper felt a sliver of uncertainty.
Outside the Hall of Worship, Guang Ling and Han Li exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter.
The two of them had been kicked out.
After learning that Han Li had monopolized the whale glue market and seeing Guang Ling's completely unrepentant expression Qian Daoliu had immediately sent them both away before starting a discussion with the other Worshippers on how to control the flow of resources and prevent leaks.
They had earned a new nickname: The Black Hearted Master and Disciple.
(…Qing Luan, thankfully, was spared.)
"Come on, my dear disciple, let's go home. No need to deal with them I was too lazy to participate in their discussions anyway."
Guang Ling waved his hand dismissively.
"Sure. Oh, right, Teacher where have Grandpa Matthew Nuo and Brother Tao been assigned? When I get my second spirit ring, I was thinking of stopping by to visit them."
Han Li asked suddenly.
He had originally planned to ask about this during the New Year, but Guang Ling had still been in seclusion at the time. By the time he came out, the New Year had already passed, and Han Li had forgotten to bring it up again.
"You knew about that? Did your Senior Uncle let it slip?" Guang Ling raised an eyebrow at him.
"Wait… Are they coming to Martial Soul City?"
Han Li blinked.
"Pfft, I thought you already figured it out. Guess I was overthinking things."
Guang Ling smacked his own forehead.
"Yeah, they're on their way. Your birthday is coming up, so I sent them a letter inviting them over. They should arrive in a day or two. The City Lord didn't come, though he got promoted, and Nuoding City is now his fiefdom. He can't leave freely, let alone visit Martial Soul City."
Guang Ling ruffled Han Li's hair.
"Thanks, Teacher."
Han Li was genuinely happy.
In this world, there were only a few people he could truly call friends and family. He hadn't expected Guang Ling to arrange all of this in advance it was a pleasant surprise.
"It's nothing. Since they're coming, you can ask them if they want to stay in Martial Soul City. You're about to be rich anyway."
Guang Ling teased him.
"Oh, right make sure you clean up the mansion that Golden Crocodile Douluo gave you. They can't stay on the Worshipper's Mountain, so your birthday should be held there. It'll be more convenient that way."
Guang Ling reminded him.
"Got it. I'll have it cleaned up when I get back. I didn't even have time to check it out last time I went down the mountain."
Han Li pulled out a set of keys.
"…You show off. Put those away and let's go."
Guang Ling smacked him lightly on the head.
Back at his residence, Han Li went straight into training, while Guang Ling headed toward the Martial Soul Research Institute.
Though he wasn't directly involved in managing things, he did need to hand pick some trusted personnel to ensure the information wouldn't leak.
Since he had already informed Qiu'er not to disturb him, Han Li wasn't surprised when he heard a knock at the door shortly after.
Without even looking, he knew it was her.
And judging by the faint clinking sound, she had brought a meal.
Over the past year, Han Li had fully adjusted to his external soul bone's abilities. He had to admit it was extremely useful.
"Come in, Qiu'er."
The door creaked open, and Qiu'er entered with a large food box.
As she set out the meal, she glanced at him and asked, "Did you need to tell me something?"
Han Li helped her arrange the dishes as he smiled.
"Actually, I didn't originally have anything to say… but my teacher just told me some good news, so I figured I'd share it with you."
"What good news?"
Qiu'er looked at him curiously.
"Grandpa Matthew Nuo and Brother Tao are coming for my birthday. It's been almost a year since we last saw them, so I'm looking forward to catching up. Too bad Uncle Xiao can't come he has to stay in his fief."
"Really? That's great! It's been so long!"
Qiu'er's face lit up with joy.
Seeing her excitement, Han Li smiled warmly.
Perhaps it was time to move into the city so she wouldn't be cooped up here all the time.
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