“Indeed, while there seem to be many choices, there are actually only two: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall.” Russell was filled with distrust toward major factions.
“The best choice is to build a good relationship with Ning Rongrong at Shrek Academy and smoothly establish a connection with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.” “With limited benefits at stake, Ning Fengzhi wouldn’t target his daughter’s friend, especially a talented friend of the opposite sex.” “But I can’t wait five years.
If the risks are controllable, then decisive action must be taken.” Russell made his decision.
In truth, there was another path: simultaneously contacting both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Qian Renxue, who was disguised as the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou.
It seemed like playing both sides, but in reality, it was playing three sides.
However, Heaven Dou City was a high-level dungeon—that would be a plan for later.
Taking out a bottle of ordinary-quality Mind-Clearing Potion, Russell left Nuoding Academy and arrived at the Seven Treasure Commerce Guild.
In the low-key shop, there was still only the middle-aged man.
Seeing Russell, he remembered him and said with a smile, “Welcome back, young guest.
Are you here to buy another Soul Tool?” “No.” Russell got straight to the point.
“I want to do business with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.” The middle-aged man chuckled, thinking Russell was just a child playing around.
“Little one, you shouldn’t joke about such things.
The sect is not something to be taken lightly.” “I’m not joking.” Russell placed the potion on the table, explained the effects of the Mind-Clearing Potion, and gestured invitingly.
“If you don’t believe me, you can drink it and experience it for yourself.” What a joke!
How reckless would one have to be to casually drink an unknown liquid?
The middle-aged man thought to himself.
But looking at Russell’s unnaturally calm expression, his eyes as still as water, deep and cold, unwavering under his gaze, the man’s resolve wavered first.
“Does it really work?” he confirmed.
“It works,” Russell nodded.
Under Russell’s watchful eye, the middle-aged man cautiously took a sip of the potion.
The pale blue liquid entered his mouth, as if placing his brain in a snowy wilderness—cold but not frozen, allowing for rational thought.
“An excellent potion.” The middle-aged man made his judgment in a single breath.
He drank it all in one go, and feelings of disdain, boredom, and curiosity were temporarily erased.
His lazy eyes suddenly gleamed with sharpness.
“How do you want to cooperate?” “Two options.” Russell raised two fingers.
“First option: you provide the materials, and I handle the alchemy.
I’ll sell the potions to you based on their final quality.
There are five quality grades, but I can only achieve four…” The middle-aged man neither agreed nor disagreed, simply nodding.
“Tell me the second option.” “Second option: I sell you the formula outright for a lump sum.
Additionally, you must provide me with all the medicinal herbs you can find for my research into new potions.” The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was as wealthy as a nation—literally.
The wealth they could mobilize likely surpassed even the Spirit Hall’s public funds.
Yet, as a Support System sect, they were incredibly eager to enhance their strength, making them an ideal collaborator for any researcher.
Russell continued, “In return, if I develop new potions, I will prioritize cooperating with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.” “Additionally, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect must keep my identity confidential and refrain from interfering with my research or monitoring me.” “The first option is simple; the second has more requirements.
Which one will you choose?” The middle-aged man was quite rational.
“It seems you want us to choose the second option.
You have great confidence in yourself.” “Indeed.
After taking the potion, you’ve become more like a merchant—much sharper.” Russell responded bluntly, releasing his Blue-Scaled King Spirit and stating the reason he had prepared long ago: “My Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul has undergone two mutations, granting it the precise ability to detect the medicinal properties of herbs.
I believe the future of Douluo Continent will be changed because of me.” When seeking investment, one must be bold.
The more ambitious the project’s prospects, the more interest it would attract from influential figures.
Russell took out the newspaper containing his thesis and two bottles of Mind-Clearing Potion—one of ordinary quality and one of premium quality—and said, “When you contact the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, you can send these back.” He explained everything in detail.
After listening, the middle-aged man nodded seriously and carefully stored the potions and the newspaper.
“You are very talented.
I believe the sect leader will definitely agree to cooperate with you.” Russell gave a hum of acknowledgment.
Now, all that was left was to wait for the reply.
“I’m leaving now.
Please settle the bill—two bottles of potions, thirty gold coins in total.” The middle-aged man wanted to express surprise but found himself unable to.
“I thought those were samples you were giving away.” Russell replied, “Samples don’t cost money?
Researching these potions has exhausted all my savings.
Otherwise, why would I need to cooperate with you?” The middle-aged man nodded, took out one hundred Gold Soul Coins, and placed them on the table.
After a moment’s hesitation, he took out another five hundred Gold Soul Coins and pushed them toward Russell.
“Thank you for being willing to cooperate with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.” Especially for contacting the sect through him.
Russell unhesitatingly accepted the coins.
“You’re welcome.
I’m at Nuoding Academy.
If there’s a reply, come find me there.” The middle-aged man gave a faint nod and watched Russell leave.
This was how two absolutely rational people communicated—direct and uninteresting.
Russell returned to the academy and was about to go read when Xiao Wu stopped him.
“Russell, what have you been busy with these past few days?” Xiao Wu blinked her deer-like eyes and asked curiously.
Before Russell could answer, she noticed something off about his expression.
“You…
why have you become so cold too?
Just like Xiao San a few days ago.” Russell stopped in his tracks, realizing what he had overlooked: What if—no, Ning Fengzhi would definitely bring either the Sword Douluo or the Bone Douluo to discuss the cooperation.
At that time, Xiao Wu’s identity as a Humanoid Spirit Beast might be discovered.
His rational mind worked quickly, instantly recalling the Mind-Clearing Potion.
By taking the potion to improve control over Soul Power, could Xiao Wu conceal her spirit beast aura?
The coldness in Russell’s eyes faded, replaced by a flicker of curiosity.
“This is a potion I’ve been researching.
I gave Tang San a bottle some time ago.
If you’re interested, I can give you one to try.” “Is it tasty?” Xiao Wu’s concern was different.
Russell fell silent for a second before nodding.
“It’s quite tasty—refreshing and cool.
Drinking a bottle on a hot day is very refreshing.” “Then I want to try it!” Xiao Wu immediately reached out her hand.
Russell took out a bottle of premium-quality potion.
Xiao Wu eagerly grabbed it, curiously examining it as she held it up.
“It looks quite pretty—the same color as Blue Silver Grass leaves.” Without any hesitation, she gulped it down.
Instantly, her cheerful and curious mood settled into calmness.
Her pink eyes no longer radiated foolishness but instead held a trace of the wisdom befitting a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast.
In a calm voice, she said, “It is indeed tasty.” “As long as you like it.
This bottle sells for twenty gold coins.
I plan to collaborate with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—perhaps even their sect master and a Titled Douluo will come.
You’re getting one for free, a huge bargain.
When you have money in the future, you can come buy from me.” Russell spoke rapidly, yet Xiao Wu could clearly catch every word.
When she heard “Titled Douluo,” her pupils contracted slightly.
Then she realized that with her current control over Soul Power, she could likely conceal all traces of her Soul Beast aura.
As long as she didn’t take action, she wouldn’t be discovered.
But why was Russell telling her this?
Xiao Wu wasn’t afraid now, but the urge to flee still stirred within her.