Even though [Star Lord Clear River] had already mentally prepared himself, he was still shocked by the "price" Zhu Xuanhao mentioned.
"Three ancient method scriptures are fine; this is no problem."
"But [Five Elements Star Essence] and [Sun Moon Profound Fluid]... Even this master only received one portion from the Star Palace the year I attained Perfected Lord status."
"He actually wants three portions?"
"What kind of joke... hmm?"
[Star Lord Clear River] was originally cursing angrily, but suddenly his expression changed. Looking at the well-behaved Zhu Xuanhao, his expression also became profound:
"Hao'er..."
"Disciple is here." Zhu Xuanhao hurried forward.
"Tell Master the truth." [Star Lord Clear River] placed his hand on Zhu Xuanhao's shoulder, saying softly: "Did you take a 'cut'?"
"Absolutely not!"
Zhu Xuanhao hurriedly swore to the heavens: "How could Disciple be that kind of person? Star Lord above, if I, Zhu Xuanhao, took a 'cut', let me die a horrible death."
Regarding such words, [Star Lord Clear River] naturally scoffed. After all, everyone was a Perfected Lord, always going against the principles of heaven and earth, unrestrained and carefree. A mere oath, who would take it seriously? Who would believe it? In the end, it still depended on strength. Strength was the truth.
But the next second, he rolled his eyes.
"...Alright, I believes you."
"But you are also clear about my situation. I definitely don't have these rare treasures in hand... How about this, I will contact the Zhu Xuan Clan for you."
Zhu Xuan Clan, one of the four great noble clans of the Star Palace.
Inherited through generations, controlling the Supreme Star Chart [Azure Dragon Constellation]. And in the entire Azure Dragon Constellation, five of the seven great Star Lords were disciples of the Zhu Xuan Clan.
[Five Elements Star Essence] and [Sun Moon Profound Fluid] were "priceless treasures" to him, but to the Zhu Xuan Clan, they were only "very precious," belonging to things that could be taken out by gritting teeth. Thinking of this, [Star Lord Clear River] immediately operated his divine intent, projecting it towards a certain star field.
Azure Dragon Constellation, Zhu Xuan Clan.
This great clan was huge in scale, directly hollowing out a star comparable to a World Realm as the clan land. The clan population was counted in hundreds of millions.
At this moment, inside the main hall of the Zhu Xuan Clan.
On the head seat, a middle-aged man with a solemn face suddenly sensed something. With a thought, he already saw the figure of [Star Lord Clear River].
"Asking to see me suddenly, what is the matter?" The middle-aged man frowned.
"Clear River greets the Clan Head."
[Star Lord Clear River] didn't hide anything, directly explaining the situation.
"...To sum up, the other party asked for eight [Five Elements Star Essence], eight drops of [Sun Moon Profound Fluid], and eight top-grade ancient method scriptures. I am truly powerless."
The Zhu Xuan Clan Head was dumbfounded listening. His eyes stared straight at [Star Lord Clear River], sneering in his heart: He's been extorted by the Immortal Nexus demon and wants to take a cut from me? Hmph... Never mind. After all, it is to fight for an opportunity for Hao'er. Indulging him a little is not impossible.
With this thought, he immediately spoke:
"I don't have eight portions. Cut everything in half. Four portions of [Five Elements Star Essence], four drops of [Sun Moon Profound Fluid], four top-grade ancient method scriptures. This can also be considered your remuneration."
"This is also good."
[Star Lord Clear River] revealed a bit of difficulty upon hearing this, finally gritting his teeth: "I will try to make up a little more from my side; it should be enough."
Make it up! Continue making it up!
The Zhu Xuan Clan Head dismissed this completely. After all, according to his experience, the other party at most asked for three portions. Four portions were already giving extra.
That was why he said that just now. This extra portion was the remuneration. After all, he was a Star Lord. Although his cultivation was currently still at the early stage, no one could say for sure about the future. If getting this portion of [Five Elements Star Essence] and [Sun Moon Profound Fluid] could help him break through to the middle stage, it would also be a good thing.
"It's done!"
Opening his eyes, a smile appeared on [Star Lord Clear River]'s face. Looking at Zhu Xuanhao: "Rest assured, Master has fought for and obtained all the things for you!"
After speaking, he took out the items.
Zhu Xuanhao looked over excitedly instantly, but saw one [Five Elements Star Essence] and one [Sun Moon Profound Fluid]. The expectation in his eyes dimmed instantly.
"This... Master, its not enough."
Not enough?
Hearing these words, [Star Lord Clear River] sneered in his heart instantly. The look in his eyes towards Zhu Xuanhao also quietly became unfriendly.
Make it up! You continue making it up!
Do you really think your Master got to where he is today by relying on his perfected lord daddy? Playing tricks with me, young man? The other party wants three portions of such precious treasures?
Immortal Nexus demons asking price always at the limit. You are a mere early stage Star Lord; how could that Immortal Nexus demon ask an exorbitant price from you? Asking for one portion is the max; absolutely impossible to ask for three. Eighty percent chance this kid is greedy, wanting to take a fucking cut from me!
Thinking of this, [Star Lord Clear River] spread his hands directly.
"Hao'er, Master also has no way. There really isn't more. You take these things to talk to the other party first. If not working, then think of other ways."
Zhu Xuanhao: "..."
This old thing… exactly how many portions did he bring back from the Zhu Xuan Clan? Could it be using my name to hoodwink the Clan Head and taking my cut?
Thinking of this, he suddenly sighed.
"I knew it, Master still does not trust me... Since that is the case, why don't Master enter with me and talk to the other party personally?"
"Oh? Together with you?"
As soon as these words came out, Star Lord Clear River immediately narrowed his eyes, sizing up Zhu Xuanhao: This kid, he doesn't want to secretly kill me, does he?
After all, going to [The Mortal World], he must rely on Zhu Xuanhao to use the [Azure Dragon Constellation] to cover his Golden Core stature. Once Zhu Xuanhao withdrew the cover, the rules of [The Mortal World] would immediately strike him into fragments. This method of killing could be said to leave no trace like a swallow passing over water; investigating would be futile.
But soon, his brows unknitted.
"Alright. But I will invite a good friend to watch here."
"In this way, even if something unexpected happens to one of us and we don't come out smoothly, my good friend can testify for you and me, proving it wasn't intentional harm."
Hearing this, Zhu Xuanhao's face changed instantly.
You old thing, he is guarding against me?
What's wrong with letting you die for me? The path of cultivating immortality is so difficult; if you don't die and drop something value, how can I cultivate properly? Truly lacking any spirit of sacrifice!
Pity, in this way I can't pit him to death... No, I can't hand over the things just like this. At worst, I'll change the plan. I'll join hands with the old thing and see if we can kill that Immortal Nexus demon. Anyway, now that the items are in my hands, I absolutely will not give them up!
Zhu Xuanhao gritted his teeth secretly.
He had no choice, [Five Elements Star Essence] and [Sun Moon Profound Fluid] were too precious. Although the opportunity of [The Mortal World] was better, it hadn't been obtained yet after all.
Compared to that, naturally what was in hand was more important.
For this, any sentimental feelings should be decisively thrown to the back of the mind.
Master and disciple? Friends? Dao companions? All can be sold!
This is also the valuable experience the Star Lord absorbed from the Immortal Nexus demon after learning from the painful defeat back then. Star Palace struggles have always been like this!