Vol. 1 - Ch. 320 - The Cui Clan of Qinghe

"Clan Elder Brother, by the way, is that man still in Yong'an City?"

Chen Tianjing asked, his expression turning solemn as he seemed to recall something.

Chen Tianyu knew exactly who he meant—the man who had stayed in the secret chamber earlier and merely observed without buying Blood Rice.

Though every family had provided basic information upon entering Hidden Mountain Pavilion, the clan name that man had written belonged to an obscure household that no one had heard of. The Chen Clan was certain the information was false.

Yet, the man’s cultivation was unfathomable. Ancestor Uncle Chen Changming had warned them to be cautious, estimating that the stranger was likely a martial artist in the Qi Manipulation Realm.

Fortunately, during the subsequent transactions, the man did not act. He did not purchase Blood Rice, nor did he interfere. He appeared only to watch the spectacle.

Now that matters were settled, however, it was necessary to keep a close eye on him. Allowing an unknown expert in the Qi Manipulation Realm to remain within the clan’s territory was risky—an uncontrollable variable.

"This man vanished after the Blood Rice sale concluded. It seems he has already left Yong’an City.

"That is good."

After hearing this, Chen Tianjing nodded slightly.

This man’s origins were shrouded in mystery and his cultivation was extraordinary. Most likely, he belonged to a powerful clan.

If he had a family, they would most likely possess the Innate Realm resources the Chen Clan currently sought.

Nevertheless, Chen Tianjing had no intention of making contact.

After all, the Chen Clan was still weak. Their Qi Manipulation Realm expert was forged through the combined efforts of a deceased elder and the Divine Tree’s power. Their strength could not withstand probing, which is why they chose to use the clan’s secret chamber and its special environment to intimidate others.

Any transaction between the Chen Clan and a stronger enemy would be fraught with risk.

Ultimately, it might not be a trade at all, but rather a form of tribute.

The clan had only recently escaped its former plight and achieved a degree of self-preservation. Even if they encountered another figure like Zhou Huai’an, they did not want to repeat past mistakes.

Fate must always remain in one’s own hands.

As for the words he had spoken to Zhao Qimeng earlier, they were merely meant to instill a sense of urgency, reminding him that the Chen Clan had more than just the Zhao family as potential trading partners.

Truthfully, there was no such family!

As the two were discussing what to do next, a clansman hurried in from outside the hall.

"Clan Leader, someone is seeking an audience. He claims his surname is Qing. Shall we receive him?"

As the clansman described the man’s appearance and clothing, Chen Tianjing and Chen Tianyu's relaxed mood instantly tightened.

This was clearly the man they had just been discussing.

"Invite this guest inside."

After exchanging a glance with Chen Tianyu, Chen Tianjing finally spoke.

What was destined to come could not be avoided.

Besides, the clan was not without means of resistance. At the very least, Ancestor Uncle Changming was still in Yong’an City, and the Divine Tree’s power could protect the family. There was no need for panic.

Furthermore, since the man had chosen to appear so openly, Chen Tianjing wanted to see for himself what his true purpose was.

Soon, both men composed themselves, ready to meet the stranger.

Soon, a figure was led into the clan’s grand hall.

He appeared to be in his forties. His eyes were dull and lifeless, as though veiled by countless layers of dust. He wore a plain azure robe; his attire was no more elaborate than that of a casual servant in Hidden Mountain Pavilion.

At first glance, he seemed like an ordinary man with nothing remarkable about him. If not for the prior warning from Ancestor Uncle Changming, Chen Tianjing would have seen nothing unusual.

When he saw Chen Tianjing and Chen Tianyu, the man smiled faintly and clasped his fists.

"Cui Yan greets Clan Leader Chen."

Chen Tianjing’s expression froze. Qing... Cui Yan? He could not help but exclaim in surprise, “Cui Clan of Qinghe?”

"Indeed!"

At the mention of the Cui Clan of Qinghe, light flared in Cui Yan’s eyes. The plainness he had shown moments before vanished, replaced by confidence born of family pride.

However, upon hearing the confirmation, Chen Tianjing’s face grew darker.

The Cui Clan of Qinghe... Qinghe was not a prefecture, county, or city, but a small town called Qinghe Town.

It lay far from Yong’an City—more than twice the distance between Yong’an City and Yunmeng City. Even for martial artists traveling swiftly, the journey would take around ten days. Moreover, Qinghe Town itself was small, perhaps even smaller than Yong’an City.

The Cui Clan of Qinghe Town was undoubtedly a mid-tier family, said to possess strength equal to that of the Zhou Clan.

Though the Chen Clan had Ancestor Uncle Changming, they were still lacking in comparison to such a family. A mid-tier clan far surpassed the Shi family, which had only one expert in the Qi Manipulation Realm.

Countless fragments of information about the Cui Clan flashed through Chen Tianjing’s mind, but he quickly regained his composure.

The two clans were separated by a great distance and had no prior dealings. Logically, there should have been no intersection at all.

Even so, Chen Tianjing smiled and asked politely, “So it is a distinguished member of the renowned Cui Clan. May I ask what business brings you here today?”

"There is indeed business."

Cui Yan nodded in response to Chen Tianjing’s inquiry before continuing: "Our family wishes to establish trade with yours. The items to be exchanged are precisely those you were just discussing with the Zhao Clan: Blood Rice and Blood Rice Fruit.

"As for what our family offers in return, it is this."

With that, Cui Yan produced an object from nowhere. It was plump and white, resembling an ant egg, but each one was about the size of a thumb.

When Cui Yan revealed the egg-like object, it twitched several times in his palm, making it even more unsettling.

Before Chen Tianjing could speak, Cui Yan continued:

"This is a specialty of my Cui Clan—the White Moon Ant Egg. It helps Innate Realm martial artists refine their Qi and Blood. In both efficacy and taste, it surpasses the Zhao Clan’s Bitter Lotus.

"Our family wishes to exchange this for your clan’s Blood Rice and Blood Rice Fruit. However, the terms cannot be the same as those offered to the Zhao Clan. For each White Moon Ant Egg, we require one hundred and fifty jin of Blood Rice and three Blood Rice Fruits.”

Having finished speaking, Cui Yan casually tossed the egg toward Chen Tianjing. Before it could reach him, though, Chen Tianyu intercepted it, grasping it firmly in his hand.

Cui Yan showed no displeasure, merely smiling. "Whether or not your clan agrees to the trade, consider this egg a gift from my family."

He stood calmly, showing no impatience, waiting quietly for Chen Tianjing’s reply.

As Chen Tianjing listened to the details revealed in Cui Yan’s words, however, his brows furrowed deeply.

Clearly, Cui Yan had learned about the Chen Clan’s negotiations with the Zhao Clan, even the details. Now, he sought to strike a deal of his own.

Chen Tianjing’s expression grew contemplative as he silently weighed the pros and cons.

At that moment, Cui Yan added, “In this transaction, our family will not impose excessive restrictions. Your clan need only supply a fixed amount of Blood Rice and Blood Rice Fruit each year. As for the White Moon Ant Eggs, you need not worry. We will ensure their steady provision.”

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