"Three for two?" Li Yundong's eyes narrowed involuntarily, two sharp glints shooting from them. "Which two things are you trading for?"

Du Fei, fully confident and self-assured, held up two fingers. "The Renyuan Golden Elixir and the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique!"

Li Yundong's heart tightened. He thought to himself: It really is those two things!

At this moment, a soft gasp and sigh rippled through the disciples of the Fox Zen Sect. They all knew that the Renyuan Golden Elixir had already been consumed by Zhou Qin, making an exchange impossible.

Li Yundong stared intently at Du Fei, retorting, "Immortal Du, as the saying goes, one does not speak falsehoods before an immortal. This transaction cannot be made between us!"

Du Fei was greatly alarmed, his face instantly darkening. "Immortal Li, are you dissatisfied with these three items after all?"

Li Yundong shook his head. "No."

Du Fei spoke in a deep voice, "Then you look down upon these three items? Name whatever you desire. As long as our Quanzhen Dragon Gate Sect possesses it, or has the ability to obtain it, we will certainly deliver it to you!"

Li Yundong chuckled softly. "Not that either."

Du Fei's brows furrowed tightly. "Then, Immortal Li, what is your meaning?"

Li Yundong stated calmly, "It means nothing more than this: the things you desire, I do not possess."

Du Fei's expression shifted. "Immortal Li, I approach you with sincerity. Why do you not treat me with the same honesty? Do you perhaps look down on me, Du Fei?"

Li Yundong waved his hand. "No, Immortal Du, you worry too much. Since you treat me with sincerity, I shall do the same. Given that you have presented three such precious items for trade, I shall not hide anything. Indeed, I was the one who seized the Renyuan Golden Elixir, and I have truly cultivated the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique."

Du Fei looked utterly bewildered. "Then why won't you make the trade, Immortal Li? Could it be... that you have already consumed the Renyuan Golden Elixir?"

Li Yundong slowly nodded. "That is correct. However, it wasn't consumed by me, but by my disciple."

Du Fei looked up, his face betraying unconcealed disappointment and envy. "Which fortunate soul received such good fortune? May I meet her?"

Li Yundong smiled faintly. "She is not here. That will disappoint you."

Du Fei let out a long sigh, his expression deeply disheartened. He lowered his head and remained silent for a long moment. After a considerable pause, he took a deep breath, beckoned, and retrieved the Dao Fa Hui Yuan, the Finger-Burning Alms Bowl, and the Fa Qi Tu Jian.

Li Yundong watched the dejected Du Fei and offered comfort. "Immortal Du, there's no need to be so discouraged. Perhaps there is a third Renyuan Golden Elixir somewhere, who knows?"

Du Fei managed a weak smile and cupped his hands in return. "Immortal Li need not offer kind words. It seems Du Fei simply lacks that destined opportunity." His steps heavy, he walked to the doorway, then turned back, forcing a smile. "Immortal Li, I have one presumptuous request."

Li Yundong smiled faintly. "Please, speak."

"The Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique—can you promise not to pass it on to any other sect?" Du Fei looked at Li Yundong with earnest, almost pleading eyes.

Li Yundong replied, "That is only natural!"

Du Fei breathed a sigh of relief. "A gentleman's word is as good as gold. Immortal Li, if you ever come across another Renyuan Golden Elixir in the future, feel free to contact me."

Saying this, he pulled a gilded business card from his pocket and flicked it. The card floated lightly into Li Yundong's hand.

Li Yundong caught it with both hands and glanced at the inscription: "Du Fei, Asia President, Quanzhen Dragon Gate Co., Ltd." Li Yundong laughed. "Quite the imposing title. What sort of business does your Quanzhen Dragon Gate Sect conduct?"

Ever since discovering Li Yundong had taken the Renyuan Golden Elixir, Du Fei had been preparing these three items. But when he finally gathered them and came to Li Yundong, he was a step too late, especially upon hearing the Elixir had been consumed. He was disheartened, but out of politeness, Du Fei forced himself to speak with spirit. "You make me look foolish, Immortal Li. It's nothing more than a small enterprise. However, I am an outer disciple. Though I entered early, I have never managed to enter the inner sanctum or become an inner disciple. Thus, despite being the senior-most brother, my cultivation level is actually quite low within the Quanzhen Dragon Gate Sect."

Li Yundong asked with curiosity, "Then may I ask how many people are in your Quanzhen Dragon Gate Sect, and who would be considered experts?"

Du Fei pondered for a moment. "Immortal Li, that is our sect's secret and cannot be disclosed. But I can tell you this: our sect is teeming with masters, and there are countless individuals far stronger than I. You will see them all at the Lotus Gathering Festival."

Li Yundong understood and smiled faintly. "I see. Immortal Du, I shall not see you out."

"Farewell!" Du Fei cupped his hands, pushed the door open, and was about to step out when his gaze swept outside, causing him to suddenly halt. He turned back and said, "Immortal Li, there is something I am hesitant to say, but should I?"

Li Yundong smiled. "Please do."

Du Fei gestured subtly towards the surroundings outside the door. "Immortal Li plans to open a tea shop, but from what I know, quite a few people are waiting for the opening ceremony to teach you a lesson."

Li Yundong burst into loud laughter, his sound echoing, concentrated yet unfading, carrying out of the open doorway. "Teach me a lesson? Very well! I was afraid that day wouldn't be lively enough!"

Du Fei smiled slightly, cupping his hands in admiration. "Immortal Li's spirit is magnificent; I am impressed! Du Fei takes his leave!"

Li Yundong returned the gesture. "I won't see you off!"

The actions of these two men caused many pedestrians and tourists on the street to mutter to themselves: What era is this where people still speak so formally, even using hand gestures? They must have watched too many period dramas; they're truly insane!

But those cultivators mingling among the mundane mortals sneered inwardly. They cast a deep look at Li Yundong before vanishing into the crowd.

Zhao Yougen, standing opposite Li Yundong's shop, heard his words clearly. He let out a cold laugh, his mind racing furiously: That's right. If I can make his opening ceremony deserted on that day, hmph, it will certainly deal him a significant blow! Yes, that's what I'll do! Anyone who comes to congratulate him, I’ll find a way to drive them all away! Even if it's a grand feast, I'll ruin it for him!

Having hatched another plan, Zhao Yougen felt considerably relieved. He laughed heartily, even whistling a cheerful tune.

Inside Li Yundong's shop, however, chaos reigned. Ruan Hongling exclaimed loudly to Li Yundong, "Li Yundong, why didn't you trade him the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique? You could have traded it for the Dao Fa Hui Yuan!"

Li Yundong snorted with a smile. "The Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique is merely one type of Daoist cultivation method, whereas the Dao Fa Hui Yuan records nearly all Daoist techniques. You are suggesting he trade a sapling for an entire forest. Do you think Du Fei is as foolish as you?"

Just as Ruan Hongling was about to retort in anger, Su Chan jumped in, "Yundong, even trading for the Fa Qi Tu Jian would have been good!"

Cao Yi nodded in agreement. "Sect Master, since you already have the counter-book for the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique, why not use it to make a deal with Du Fei? Trading it for the Finger-Burning Alms Bowl would work too! That's a famous and powerful Buddhist artifact!"

Li Yundong laughed. "Some things aren't exchangeable just because I wish them to be. Du Fei clearly desires the Renyuan Golden Elixir and the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique; he won't trade without both. If all else fails..."

Li Yundong smiled at Su Chan. "I'll offer you as a sweetener and ask Du Fei if he'd trade his three treasures for the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Technique plus you."

Su Chan stuck out her tongue at Li Yundong, her small nose wrinkling into cute folds. She chided him with feigned indignation, "Hateful! Are you finally tired of me? I'm not merchandise!"

Li Yundong chuckled. "Merchandise doesn't have legs; you do. You can run back later!"

Su Chan blinked, looking at Li Yundong with innocent eyes. "But what if I don't know the way back?"

Li Yundong couldn't help but laugh heartily at the little girl's adorable appearance.

At this moment, Ziyuan, who had been standing nearby, suddenly gave Li Yundong a meaningful look and whispered, "Li Yundong, I have something I need to discuss with you privately."

Li Yundong nodded, and he and Ziyuan moved to a corner. Ziyuan spoke softly, "Li Yundong, if you had a Renyuan Golden Elixir in your possession, would you trade it?"

Li Yundong pondered briefly. "I would not trade."

Ziyuan asked with genuine interest, "Oh? Why not?"

Li Yundong smiled faintly. "This deal looks like I would be gaining the advantage, but in reality, I wouldn't be."

A hint of admiration flashed in Ziyuan's eyes. "Why is that?"

Li Yundong explained, "Since the Quanzhen Dragon Gate Sect collects so many Daoist techniques, why are they still no match for the Zhengyi Sect? There are a few reasons for this. First, the Dao Fa Hui Yuan might be fake; second, the Dao Fa Hui Yuan might be incomplete; third, the Dao Fa Hui Yuan might be genuine, but not as powerful as imagined."

Ziyuan nodded in praise. "Impressive. To come up with so many possibilities in such a short time is truly good."

Li Yundong, in turn, was curious. "Since you know these possibilities, why were you so shocked earlier?"

Ziyuan sighed softly. "Many Daoist scriptures have been lost over time, and even more Daoist techniques have vanished. The Dao Fa Hui Yuan is undoubtedly a great treasure trove of Daoist magic. As a cultivator, hearing that someone has restored the Dao Fa Hui Yuan naturally filled me with excitement. However, your points earlier aren't entirely correct."

Li Yundong smiled. "Then why did you praise me?"

Ziyuan smiled back, saying softly, "It's not like that; listen to me. There are thousands of Daoist techniques, but throughout history, no single person has mastered them all. Mastering a few great divine abilities is enough to be called a grand cultivator. As the saying goes, breadth is less important than depth; if you master the Five Thunders Jade Method, it is enough for you in combat. Don't try to swallow more than you can chew."

Li Yundong chuckled. "Thank you for the guidance. Is this the only reason you sought me out privately?"

Ziyuan sobered her expression. "Of course not..." Ziyuan lowered her voice. "Did you notice anything strange today?"

Li Yundong's eyes narrowed slightly. "What strange things?"

Ziyuan glanced toward Cao Yi, Zhuang Yating, and Liu Yuehong upstairs, then transmitted her voice: "Did you not notice that when Du Fei produced the Finger-Burning Alms Bowl, Cao Yi and Zhuang Yating seemed extremely shocked, while Liu Yuehong appeared rather indifferent?"

Li Yundong paused, his expression thoughtful, and he remained silent for a moment. Then, in a voice only Ziyuan could hear, he murmured, "I think I understand what you mean. However, it is highly likely that Yan Fang now knows we've found her whereabouts, yet she hasn't chosen to flee. This suggests she might intentionally be trying to sow chaos among us, encouraging mutual suspicion. Since that's the case, I'll play along slowly and see what she's up to."

A cold smile touched Li Yundong's eyes. "I want to see what tricks she's planning."

Ziyuan also smiled faintly. "I will help you keep an eye out. But I have one more thing to ask you."

Li Yundong inquired, "What is it?"

Ziyuan gave a mysterious smile. "If you handle this matter well, I believe she will surely expose her flaws!"

Li Yundong became intensely curious. "What exactly is it?"

Ziyuan whispered two sentences into Li Yundong's ear. Li Yundong immediately fell into contemplation, but after a brief thought, he raised his head and nodded slightly to Ziyuan. "Alright, but I have one suggestion." Then, Li Yundong whispered a couple of sentences into Ziyuan's ear as well.

Ziyuan's heart stirred, and she gave Li Yundong an appreciative look, nodding slightly. "Yes, I think the same way!"

The two exchanged a smile, feeling an instant kinship of true understanding.

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