The Happy Farmer Wanderer-Chapter 760: The Conditions for the Ninth Game_1

In Li Qing’s conception, the Ninth Bureau had always been the absolute force’s leader, the coordinator of all the cultivation sects under heaven.

But after listening to Dian Chunqiu, Li Qing suddenly realized that compared to those deeply rooted sects and noble families that had existed for hundreds, even thousands of years and had always stayed hidden from the world, the Ninth Bureau was more like a newborn infant, not yet grown.

Although he represented the national machine, the personnel within the bureau still relied heavily on the disciples sent by various sects and noble families.

This dual identity resulted in the Ninth Bureau being unable to become the absolute leader. When facing some major issues, it would be restrained by various forces, and just the initial coordination would take a lot of time.

"Now you should understand the situation we are currently in," Dian Chunqiu said to Li Qing with a faint stare, "Since your Nine True Palace sent out a message, I have received who knows how many calls in just one day."

"Director, I think you shouldn’t indulge them. Can our formidable national machinery really be afraid of them? If it really comes down to it, just blast the hell out of them. Even if the cultivators’ sects are formidable, they definitely can’t compete with planes and cannons, and that’s the Ninth Bureau’s force," Li Qing said.

Dian Chunqiu looked at Li Qing with a speechless face, "If things were really as simple as you say, then that would be easy, I’d first have blasted the Nine True Palace which is being a thorn in our side. It was a matter on which everyone originally had a unanimous opinion, and then they suddenly started singing a different tune."

Li Qing touched his nose, damn, he thought, the bad idea has come back to bite me.

"Director, I think you are biased against the Nine True Palace. It’s much better to prioritize harmony, why do we need to covet others’ things so eagerly?" Li Qing said.

Dian Chunqiu let out a sneer, "Stop playing dumb with me here. I actually agree with the approach of your Nine True Palace. Since King Qi’s Underground Palace has an owner, we can’t commit acts of aggression and looting. However, the attraction that King Qi’s Underground Palace brings to the cultivation sects in the world is indeed too great, it’s nearly an irresistible temptation."

"A bunch of those old undead have been enduring for one or two hundred years, just waiting for the chance to step into the Nascent Soul stage, to advance from the tip of the pole a step further and become Terrestrial Immortals. Although now they don’t have the opportunity for Divinity Transformation, King Qi’s Underground Palace has given them a chance to extend their lifespans, how could they not give their all?"

"Before I came here, I also spoke with your senior brother a bit."

At this point, Dian Chunqiu suddenly stopped, his gaze turned strange as he stared at Li Qing for a moment, speaking in a mocking tone, "The stance of the Nine True Palace this time is very tough, even outright stating things like ’The Nine True Palace’s edge has been dormant for so long that all peers under heaven have nearly forgotten the sharpness of the past’."

"Director, don’t play these dark and sinister games with me. The actual strength of the Nine True Palace, I’m afraid I’m not as well informed as you," Li Qing muttered with his head down, "You should say this to my master. In the Ninth Bureau I’m but a small shrimp, and in the Nine True Palace... well, I’m only a tiny bit higher in rank due to seniority, but I’m actually useless."

"Me, just in the Qi Cultivation Stage, where do I get the chance to speak? I feel like I have the destiny of a eunuch but harbor the worries of an emperor, and still get misunderstood by others."

Dian Chunqiu gave an irritated glance at Li Qing, "Shut up, what are you complaining to me about. I’m asking, how good is your relationship with the Master of the Underground Palace?"

"Relationship..." Li Qing pondered for a moment, "It should be considered okay."

"Since it’s okay, then convey the Ninth Bureau’s intention for me," Dian Chunqiu said gravely, "We hope she can relinquish a Magic Artifact that allows people to sleep without their bodies decaying, to pacify the great noble families. Of course, we wouldn’t take it for nothing."

"The Ninth Bureau will come forward to take the same stance as the Nine True Palace on this matter and will also treat King Qi’s Underground Palace as an independent force. As for other issues like money, status, and some additional conditions, you can let her come up with any. As long as we can negotiate, we are willing to deal with it."

Li Qing knew Dian Chunqiu was referring to the kind of Bronze Coffin in which Jing Yan’s flesh had slept. There were many such Bronze Coffins on that cliff; Li Qing had not counted them carefully, but there were definitely at least twenty or thirty.

"I will speak to her about this," Li Qing nodded as he thought, "But, Director, how do you plan to use that one Magic Artifact to appease so many people?"

"Auction with competitive bidding!" Dian Chunqiu declared.

Li Qing tentatively said, "Director, do you think it’s possible for us to rent it to them instead?"

"Lease the Magic Artifact for a number of years through a competitive bidding auction, for instance, this family for so many years, that family for so many years," Li Qing proposed.

Dian Chunqiu paused, "You really have the mind of a merchant, not a bad idea. But whether it’s feasible or not, ultimately depends on the will of the Master of the Underground Palace. If she is unwilling to trade, it’s all pointless thinking."

"I think she might agree," Li Qing said with a light laugh, "After all, she has now reemerged, and she might not need that item temporarily. Better to get through the current troubles first. If she needs it later on, she could borrow it from the Ninth Bureau again then."

"That’s just wishful thinking on your part, it’s an extremely rare treasure, and no one would easily give it up," Dian Chunqiu said.

Li Qing nodded, "That’s true, I’ll go back and talk to her earnestly. I don’t want to see things suddenly escalate into conflict."

"I know this condition is hard to ask for, you can tell her that she’s free to propose any terms, as long as the Ninth Bureau can manage it, we’re willing to agree," Dian Chunqiu advised seriously.

Li Qing nodded again, "Alright."

"Stop drinking and go settle this matter first. I’ll wait for your news," Dian Chunqiu added, "If possible, I’d like you to arrange a meeting between her and me, to discuss these matters in detail. She is the first ancient cultivator to awaken, and we would like to understand more."

"Alright."

Li Qing took out a Godspeed Talisman, pasted it on his leg, and silently recited the spell, turning into a gust of wind shooting straight off the rooftop. In an instant, Li Qing disappeared among the steel forest, rushing in the direction of Sanhe Village.

A journey that would normally take over half an hour on a tricycle, he managed to reach the entrance of the village in just a few breaths.

The barbecue stall was brightly lit, bustling with voices, another busy night ahead.

Li Qing swept his gaze over the crowd and spotted Jing Yan, who was assisting there.

"Yan’er, put aside what you’re doing, I have something to tell you," Li Qing took Jing Yan’s hand and went directly into the convenience store.

"Husband, what is so urgent?" Jing Yan asked anxiously.