This was the first time Su Xiaobai encountered a high-ranking martial general face-to-face.
Although the elderly man merely sat with his eyes closed, motionless as if meditating, Su Xiaobai could still feel that the man was 'watching' him!
This was the exclusive power of martial generals: spiritual perception.
Upon stepping into the martial general realm, one would develop a mental sea of consciousness… similar to Su Xiaobai's spatial awareness, which allowed him to keenly perceive everything around him. However, unlike spatial awareness, the mental sea of consciousness could only roughly identify its surroundings and lacked the depth of penetration Su Xiaobai's ability provided.
The Pavilion Master greeted him warmly. "Would you like some tea? Pu'er* or Tieguanyin*?"
[*Names of Tea] Google seaʀᴄh novel-fire.ɴet
"Pu'er, please," Su Xiaobai replied as he walked over and sat on the sofa beside the woman.
The woman glanced at Su Xiaobai, scanning him up and down.
However, as Su Xiaobai wore a mask, a black cloak, and covered every inch of his body, she couldn't discern anything about him.
The only thing she could confirm was that Su Xiaobai was an advanced warrior.
Su Xiaobai had deliberately hidden part of his strength… after all, the black market was a lawless place, and keeping a low profile was paramount.
"All right, since you're here, Mr. Su, I won't beat around the bush!"
The Pavilion Master got straight to the point. "There are two matters for which I invited you today."
The Pavilion Master continued, "Regarding your activities, our Beast Treasure Pavilion's acquisition team has briefed me. Every week, you provide a significant amount of beast materials, and you've progressed from D-grade to B-grade. I can't help but be curious—how formidable is the team backing you?"
Weekly deliveries of beast materials are rare.
Most warrior teams operated on a monthly cycle… such as some of the family teams they collaborated with.
Yet Su Xiaobai not only delivered weekly but also increased both the quantity and grade of beast materials each time.
This naturally piqued the Pavilion Master's interest.
Of course, no one would have guessed that Su Xiaobai didn't have a warrior team at all. What he did have was a shadow army that tirelessly hunted monsters 24/7, growing stronger by the day!
"So, for the first matter, I want to formally invite you and your warrior team to join our Beast Treasure Pavilion!"
The Pavilion Master spoke earnestly. "You're likely somewhat familiar with our strength, Mr. Su. If you and your team join us, we promise generous compensation and treatment!"
"In addition, you'll gain access to all exclusive privileges within the Pavilion!"
"For instance, any materials you seek to acquire in the future, we'll provide them immediately!"
"The purchase price of beast materials will also rise from the current 70% of market value to a full 100% of market price!"
The Pavilion Master elaborated on the Pavilion's many benefits in detail.
Su Xiaobai wasn't surprised by any of it.
Before coming, he had already anticipated something .
However, one particular point in the Pavilion Master's proposal caught Su Xiaobai's interest.
If he joined the Beast Treasure Pavilion, the Pavilion would guarantee the safety of all warrior team members and their families under its name.
And what Su Xiaobai desired most right now was ensuring Su Ling'er's safety.
The Beast Treasure Pavilion is a colossal chain organization, and with its protection, no one will dare to provoke me, at least within Base 18!
Even the prominent families will think twice before acting.
"Mr. Su, what do you think?"
After finishing, the Pavilion Master sought Su Xiaobai's opinion.
The woman beside him also glanced at Su Xiaobai with curiosity.
"I'm sorry. The Pavilion's offer is indeed generous, but I need to discuss it with my team before making a decision."
In the end, Su Xiaobai chose to decline.
He knew that immense benefits often came with immense risks.
Joining a major power would undoubtedly draw significant attention… and once that happened, it would be nearly impossible for him to maintain any secrets!
There's no wall that doesn't leak.
It's only a matter of time.
Su Xiaobai's goal was to increase his strength to the point where, by the time others noticed him, he would already possess overwhelming, fearless power!
Moreover, Su Xiaobai's situation was far too unique.
Once any information about him spread, the repercussions would be unimaginable!
After weighing the pros and cons, Su Xiaobai decided to refuse.
"All right, I respect your decision, but I urge you to discuss it thoroughly with your team. This is truly a rare opportunity!"
The Pavilion Master sighed. "Now that the first matter is settled, let's move on to the second."
"Mr. Su, I hope to establish an agreement with you: from now on, all your beast materials should only be sold to the Beast Treasure Pavilion!"
"In return, we'll purchase all your beast materials at full market price!"
The Pavilion Master's tone was serious, with a hint of earnest pleading.
Clearly, the Beast Treasure Pavilion had encountered a competitor.
And this competitor was formidable enough to force the Pavilion to personally reach out to a "mere advanced warrior," inviting him and earnestly seeking a deal.
For Su Xiaobai, however, this development was favorable.
Previously, the Beast Treasure Pavilion had monopolized the bulk acquisition of beast materials, and Su Xiaobai, aiming to stay low-profile, had no better option than selling at 70% of the market price.
But with a competitor's emergence, the Pavilion now offered full market value—a 30% increase in profit!
"I've worked with the Beast Treasure Pavilion for some time now. We've developed a degree of understanding and rapport."
"All right, I can make this decision on behalf of my team—I agree."
Su Xiaobai answered decisively.
"Wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Su!"
The Pavilion Master finally smiled. "By the way, let me introduce this lady. She's your biggest buyer—she's purchased a significant amount of the beast materials you've provided through our Pavilion!"
At this point, the Pavilion Master seemed to catch himself and stopped speaking.
"Oh? She's the one buying them?"
Su Xiaobai cast a curious glance at the woman.
So, all the beast materials he had supplied had been purchased by her!
The woman looked over as well, and their gazes met briefly. Both nodded slightly as a silent greeting.
"All right, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
He had already purchased all the alchemy materials he needed.
He had also secured the 30% profit boost from the Beast Treasure Pavilion.
Aside from not finding the micro level cultivation technique he sought, it was a fruitful trip overall.
"Pavilion Master, I'll also take my leave now."
"Please continue persuading the seventh-grade alchemist on my behalf."
The woman also rose to leave.
Her voice was clear and melodious—a unique pleasure to hear.
"Of course! You can count on me!"
The Pavilion Master nodded confidently.
Hearing this, Su Xiaobai's mind stirred.
"You're… looking for an alchemist?"