Chapter 789 The True Face

"To be honest with you, Fellow Daoist, there is no issue with the quantity or quality you requested, but..." Black Wolf said, a hint of hesitation showing on his face.

"But what?" Han Li asked.

"It's just that this batch of Purple Sun Warm Jade is currently in someone else's hands, and they haven't yet..." Black Wolf stammered, looking hesitant.

"So you're negotiating a deal with me using someone else's property? And the other party doesn't even know about it, let alone whether they'd agree to the transaction." Han Li's expression darkened with displeasure.

"Of course not! Those things were partly mine to begin with!" Black Wolf seemed stung by the remark, a flash of fire in his eyes as he slammed his fist on the table.

With a clatter, the teacups on the table overturned, spilling tea across the surface.

"Sorry, I lost my composure." Black Wolf quickly regained control, suppressing the fire in his eyes.

"You're hinting at something. Why not speak plainly?" Han Li's heart stirred at the sight.

"I have a way to make that person agree to trade with you at this price, but I'll need your cooperation. If you agree, we can continue; if not, we'll stop here." Black Wolf tried to speak calmly.

"Such a favorable deal naturally interests me, but you mentioned 'cooperation.' How exactly? You don't expect me to take risks based on vague words, do you, Fellow Daoist Black Wolf?" Han Li frowned.

"You're overthinking it. There's no real danger—just some negotiation tactics to pressure the other party into agreeing. Just follow my lead during the meeting, and I guarantee no risk." Black Wolf said quickly.

"Even so, I can't just take your word for it. I have a condition if I'm to cooperate." Han Li said thoughtfully.

"Please, speak." Black Wolf paused, then nodded.

"You must know I'm not alone; I have a companion. We always act together. If you want my cooperation, he must come along." Han Li smiled, changing the subject.

"If that's the condition, no problem at all. The more trustworthy helpers, the better." Black Wolf hesitated briefly, then agreed.

Han Li's eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly recovered.

As long as he and Shi Chuankong acted together, even if there was some danger, he was confident he could retreat safely as long as no Daluo cultivators appeared.

For the Purple Sun Warm Jade, a little risk was worth it.

"In that case, let's go." Black Wolf stood up, eager.

Han Li didn't want to delay either, so he rose, and the two quickly left the teahouse.

Outside the teahouse stood a tall figure—Shi Chuankong.

"What's going on? Why the urgent summons?" Shi Chuankong glanced at Black Wolf and frowned.

Han Li's lips moved slightly as he transmitted the gist of the deal with Black Wolf.

"Sounds like a good deal! You must be Fellow Daoist Black Wolf. Lead the way, please." Shi Chuankong's eyes lit up with joy as he addressed Black Wolf.

"Certainly. Please follow me." Black Wolf nodded to Shi Chuankong, didn't call for a carriage, and strode off quickly.

Shi Chuankong followed closely, his eyes scanning around as if wary of any tricks from Black Wolf.

Han Li was about to follow when he remembered something and waved over Lu Xie, who was nearby.

"You've worked hard guiding us these past two days. Here's your payment." Han Li took out seven or eight top-grade demon stones and handed them to Lu Xie.

"Thank you, Senior, for your generosity!" Lu Xie was overjoyed at the sight of so many top-grade demon stones and repeatedly expressed his thanks.

Han Li waved his hand and quickly caught up with Shi Chuankong and Black Wolf.

After several twists and turns through a few streets, the three soon arrived at a somewhat shabby shop.

The shop was in a remote location but was quite large. Above the door hung a sign with three golden characters: "Heavenly Dome Shop," which looked impressive.

The shop seemed quiet, with no customers. Only a thin, forty-something man sat behind the counter, head bowed, reading something, and a young attendant organizing items on the shelves.

"Three honored guests, welcome to our humble shop. What can I help you with?" The thin shopkeeper looked up at the sound of their footsteps, putting on the usual merchant's smile.

Black Wolf ignored the shopkeeper and walked toward the shelves.

Han Li also glanced around the shop. Despite its unassuming appearance, it had some fine-quality items.

"Three honored guests, our shop mainly deals in materials. Though not the top shop in Black Weasel City, we have a complete range of goods. I'm sure you won't be disappointed." The thin shopkeeper wasn't offended; he came out from behind the counter and introduced the shop to Black Wolf while secretly sizing up Han Li and Shi Chuankong.

As the shopkeeper studied Han Li, Han Li also observed him, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Shopkeeper, besides selling, do you also buy items?" Black Wolf made a quick round of the shop, stopped at a corner, and asked in a low voice.

"We do, but not everything. It depends on what you have to sell." The shopkeeper paused, then replied.

Black Wolf unhurriedly took out a black jade box, opened it slightly, and a faint but alarming demonic energy emanated from within, revealing a section of black tree root.

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up, and he leaned in for a closer look, but Black Wolf closed the box and glanced outside, indicating it wasn't convenient to examine here.

"I see... Please follow me to the inner room for a private discussion. As for these two friends, please wait here for a moment..." The shopkeeper caught on and addressed Han Li and Shi Chuankong.

"My two friends also have items to sell." Black Wolf interrupted the shopkeeper.

Han Li's heart stirred as he took out a wooden box, and Shi Chuankong also produced a wooden case.

Even through the containers, one could sense the faint but extraordinary energy fluctuations within.

"In that case, all three of you, please follow me." The shopkeeper paused, then smiled and led them inside.

Han Li and Shi Chuankong exchanged glances before following.

They soon entered a sealed private room, spacious at about seven or eight zhang in size.

The shopkeeper made a hand seal and pointed, and a layer of water-like blue light禁制 appeared on the walls, completely isolating them from the outside world.

"This room has a unique禁制; even a Taiyi cultivator cannot eavesdrop on our conversation. You can rest assured." The shopkeeper invited them to sit.

"The禁制 here is indeed impressive, but before we discuss business, shouldn't you show yourself? I, Li, am not used to dealing with puppets." Han Li remained standing, looking directly at the shopkeeper with a faint smile.

Shi Chuankong and Black Wolf's expressions changed, then they understood and turned to look at the shopkeeper.

"Hehe, you have sharp eyes, Fellow Daoist. I'm even more interested in this deal now." After a moment of silence, the door to the private room opened again, and another thin, middle-aged man walked in with a smile.

The shopkeeper inside suddenly looked dazed, then mechanically walked out.

"Your soul-control technique is also quite exquisite. I only saw through it because I've practiced similar arts." Han Li studied the newcomer and smiled faintly.

This thin, middle-aged man had a Golden Immortal cultivation, but he wore some kind of concealing treasure that made him appear only as a True Immortal.

Han Li inwardly relaxed—a Golden Immortal posed no real danger.

"You flatter me. Please, sit." The thin, middle-aged man sat down.

Han Li and Shi Chuankong sat, but Black Wolf remained standing.

"Is there something else, Fellow Daoist?" The thin, middle-aged man frowned slightly.

"Nothing, really. I just think it took quite some effort to see you." Black Wolf suddenly smiled.

"You..." The shopkeeper's expression changed, looking at Black Wolf with suspicion.

"Brother Guan, long time no see." Black Wolf made a hand seal and waved, and black energy tentacles emerged from his body, writhing as if alive.

His appearance rapidly transformed into a dark-skinned, long-faced young man with fierce eyes, looking like a starving jackal.

Black Wolf's voice also changed, becoming hoarse and sharp.

Han Li and Shi Chuankong had already seen through Black Wolf's previous disguise, so they weren't surprised.

"Black Wolf? You're still alive!" The shopkeeper's body trembled, disbelief on his face.

"Of course I'm alive. I didn't expect you to still be in Black Weasel City, Brother Guan. Quite bold. The Black Weasel Army is searching everywhere for us, yet you hide right in the city. Truly, the safest place is the most dangerous." Black Wolf said with a smile.

The shopkeeper's expression shifted, a murderous glint in his eyes.

"I advise you not to try anything, Brother Guan. Your strength is considerable, but since I dared to appear before you, I've made full preparations. If I don't leave this shop within an hour, someone will inform the Black Weasel Army of everything about you. Besides, these two friends are here." Black Wolf pulled up a chair and sat down, looking unconcerned.

The shopkeeper narrowed his eyes, glanced at Han Li and Shi Chuankong, who remained calm, and soon regained his composure.

"Speak. What do you want from me?"