Inside the secluded dwelling, a smiling face was directed towards the door.
This was Zhang Kuixian's territory, precisely his place of cultivation and receiving guests.
This place only welcomed those of noble status and those with whom he had beneficial dealings.
Although the immortal realm championed integrity and self-discipline more than the mortal realm, in truth, the mortal realm exerted a greater influence on the celestial realm regarding matters of profit.
It was all for the sake of "progressing with the times."
Zhang Kuixian had cultivated for many years. His Taoist arts were not exceptional, but he had the good fortune of aligning himself with the right people. Through constant promotion, in a mere hundred years or so, he rose from an obscure, fringe immortal to his current esteemed position.
One must understand that in the celestial realm, just as in the mortal realm, higher ranks afforded greater opportunities to extend lifespan and enhance cultivation.
For immortals, as long as they committed no errors, a position could be held for thousands of years.
As deities, barring unforeseen circumstances, their lifespans were infinite. This implied that in every position, there could only be one occupant.
The quickest way to replace someone was to force them out.
This level of insight was rare among ordinary immortals.
This summoned meeting was not only to maintain relationships but also to reclaim what was rightfully his, or rather, what the visitor was obligated to give him.
"Money," across heaven and earth, was the ultimate currency.
There were also cultivation treasures, such as auspicious fruits and roots, which could extend lifespan.
Furthermore, after a period without them, one would deeply miss them.
As he contemplated this, a voice sounded from outside the door.
"Director Zhang, Director Zhang!"
It was the visitor.
Zhang Kuixian's relaxed posture straightened instantly. Good fortune was at hand!
"My dear fellow! Come, come, please be seated inside!"
As he spoke, he ushered the visitor into the room.
The visitor made no pretense of ceremony and directly took his designated seat.
The seating arrangement was fixed, never varying, regardless of whether others were present.
Zhang Kuixian was not surprised. They were all discerning individuals, and apart from the exchange of benefits, everything else was merely superficial courtesy.
Given the visitor's status, it was best to maintain a certain distance.
"Your actions were swift. How long do you plan to detain them this time?"
The visitor suddenly inquired about Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai.
"Why? Do you have something on your mind, my dear fellow?"
Zhang Kuixian responded directly, posing a counter-question.
"No, no particular thoughts. But then again, it would be best if they could be completely removed from this matter. I wonder, Director Zhang, if you can achieve that?"
The visitor was direct, without unnecessary preamble. This was an exchange of benefits, and in such private settings, directness saved everyone time.
"This..."
Zhang Kuixian paused, then continued.
The visitor understood his meaning and said, "Rest assured, you will not be shortchanged. We've cooperated for so long; you know what kind of person I am."
"Hahaha, forthright! My dear fellow is indeed a man of character, so decisive and efficient. However, the price this time will be a bit steep!"
"How steep is the price? Tell me!"
The visitor pressed.
Zhang Kuixian did not reply immediately but held up two fingers.
"Double?"
The visitor ventured, testing the waters.
Considering they had already given him ample compensation each time, this fellow was still unsatisfied and demanding double.
Zhang Kuixian smiled and shook his head.
The visitor was perplexed and finally asked, "Director Zhang, let's be blunt. Guessing back and forth is truly putting me on the spot!"
"Add two auspicious roots!"
"What... Then what benefits will I receive? To be honest, you're only detaining Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai, not making them disappear entirely! This price is quite significant!"
The visitor directly objected.
Although Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai were somewhat troublesome and always seemed to oppose him, the auspicious roots were meant for the sustenance of his spirit legions. He was reluctant to even use them for his own cultivation, yet Zhang Kuixian was demanding two.
One auspicious root could sustain approximately a thousand spirit legions.
These two roots were...
To achieve great things, manpower was essential. Without sufficient auspicious roots for sustenance, there would be no adequate troop strength, and how could they then contend with the Celestial Court?
"Parasites, truly utter parasites!"
The visitor cursed inwardly.
It was precisely because of such parasites that the Celestial Court's system was in such disarray; yet now, these parasites were eyeing his auspicious roots. If he continued to demand such prices, even an abundance of auspicious roots would not suffice!
Though extremely reluctant, he had to shift the topic by focusing on the benefits.
Every expenditure must yield a return. Without one, even one root was too much; but if the return was more than worth it, then even twenty roots would be given!
"They are currently detained in the Celestial Court's fasting chambers. As long as the matter is not clarified, they will remain imprisoned!"
"Hahaha, Director Zhang, this is too unfair to me!"
"Hm? What do you mean by unfair?" Zhang Kuixian asked, bewildered, muttering to himself:
"How is it unfair? Isn't it enough that they are detained?"
"Heh, if the root of the problem could be eliminated... Detaining them for ten days or half a month is not cost-effective!"
The visitor said with a smile, offering Zhang Kuixian a cigar.
Zhang Kuixian reached out and took it. The visitor, at the opportune moment, lit his lighter and ignited the cigar.
"Heh heh, they... Oh, no, Fu Ruhai is a legitimate deity of the Celestial Court, with a position. He cannot be easily put to death. However, Liu Sandao can be considered!"
As the visitor was about to speak, Zhang Kuixian continued, "Furthermore, one day in heaven is equivalent to one year on earth! This period should be sufficient for you to accomplish some deeds, right? Don't push things too far. If it attracts the attention of the Celestial Court, the trouble will be immense! At that time, let alone myself, your position might also be in jeopardy!"
"Yes, yes, you are right, Director. Then I will bear some loss. I'll trouble you to take care of matters on their end!"
The visitor reluctantly agreed to Zhang Kuixian's terms.
The objective was, in essence, achieved by delaying Liu Sandao and Fu Ruhai.
With their speed of "extracting wedges," they could not compare to his own efficiency.
However, the fewer matters that required effort and labor, the better. In ten days to half a month, his spirit legion scale might increase by over ten thousand.
Rather than haggling with Zhang Kuixian, it was better to let him create more obstacles and delay them. The Sudan Novel Network.
One must remember that the Celestial Court operated by rules. Under these rules, no one could claim absolute authority.
Once everything was settled, he handed over the agreed-upon wealth and auspicious roots and fruits to Zhang Kuixian.
Zhang Kuixian, citing other work commitments, quickly dismissed the visitor.
Emerging from the secluded dwelling, the visitor let out a long sigh of relief. The transaction was finally concluded.
Everything was seamless, everything was perfectly timed.
"Just you wait. One day, what you took shall be returned to you in kind!"