"I kind of agree with your assessment, Uncle Reman."
Aksai's fingers tapped on the surface of the worn-out table in a certain rhythm before he spoke further, a sophisticated yet slightly cunning smile hanging at the corner of his lips.
"To be honest, the price of 200 spirit stones should be fair for the barrier-bypass talisman these days."
Reman's expression changed from tense to a blooming smile when he heard Aksai's words. He was about to say something with a bright face but was stopped by Aksai's "But—"
"But you are forgetting something about the whole incident," Aksai spoke calmly as he looked Reman in the eyes.
"It is you who wants to back out from the deal while still holding onto the pre-wedding gift offered to your family. Twenty-five spirit stones are added to the fair price of 200 spirit stones as compensation for your back-tracking.
You also insulted me and my lineage just to get out of the deal you made with my aunt, so you also owe me fifty spirit stones as compensation.
The rest of the twenty-five spirit stones have been added to the sum so that you can buy silence.
After all, I'm sure the Lakir Family would not allow you to have such a precious talisman the next time they take you for another round of exploration into the inheritance ground.
You are a smart man. And unlike us, you also want to explore the inheritance grounds to strike big in one go. I'm sure you understand what would happen if the clan discovers you have such a sought-after talisman it needs.
So now you have only two options—either give us the barrier-bypass talisman or pay us 300 spirit stones. Choose between these two options, and our families will remain cordial.
Otherwise, we may have to ask the Lakir Family to intervene," Aksai said, shrugging his shoulders.
"And before you entertain the idea of giving us the barrier-type talisman and then informing the Lakir Family about its existence, let me make it crystal clear," Aksai spoke before Reman could even consider such a possibility.
"We have no interest in exploring the inheritance ground at all. Why would my aunt offer such a precious talisman to you instead of me or save it for her son?
Therefore, we will offer the talisman to the Lakir Family as soon as we obtain it. We might endure a slight loss in terms of the spirit stones we receive, but that's acceptable to us.
So you won't gain anything by attempting to sabotage us. Of course, this is merely a cautionary note based on a hypothetical scenario I imagined. Please feel free to disregard it if you hadn't contemplated such collateral damage between our families.
There's also another reason why I decided to ask for 300 spirit stones from you. If you succeed in obtaining some premium-grade resources from the inheritance grounds on your next expedition with the assistance of the barrier-bypass talisman, the potential profit you'd generate from such exploration could range from 400 to 600 spirit stones.
The 300 spirit stones you've invested will be insignificant if you manage to earn thousands of spirit stones worth of cultivation resources from the inheritance ground.
Lastly, the talisman is not something a cultivator like you can purchase from the market, even if you had 300 spirit stones to spare.
So why not consider this price as an investment in your and your daughter's future?"
Aunt Reta's expression turned dignified when she heard Aksai's words. She had to admit that Aksai was handling the matters better than her.
She might not have been able to see the big picture when her emotions were in such turmoil. However, Aksai was capable of setting aside his ego and selfishness and logically addressing the matter. She had nothing but praise for him in her mind.
"Lad, you're quite something."
Reman smiled wryly as he carefully processed Aksai's words. Although 300 spirit stones amounted to more than half of his total wealth earned through hard labor, he had to concede that Aksai's arguments made sense.
Reman deliberated for a moment, considering various scenarios in his mind before reaching a decision. With a certainty in his eyes, he addressed Aksai.
"Lad, I only have about 200 spirit stones with me right now. How about I pay you 200 spirit stones now and provide the remaining amount within a week?
I'm willing to offer a blood oath as collateral for the balance, provided you both agree to keep the existence of the barrier-bypass talisman hidden from anyone else," Reman offered sincerely.
"Deal," Aksai smiled and responded promptly.
Reman felt a wave of relief wash over him when Aksai accepted his proposal. With the formalities settled, Reman handed Aksai a sack full of spirit stones and rose from his seat.
Aksai and Aunt Reta also stood up, offering a salute gesture. Aksai looked at Reman and smiled as he spoke. "All the best for your future endeavors, Uncle Reman. Let's hold no grudges against each other and consider the matter closed between us."
"Certainly," Reman nodded, then glanced at Aunt Reta before taking his leave, leaving Aunt Reta and Aksai alone.
"I—I'm sorry for involving you in this mess, Aksai," Aunt Reta spoke regretfully. "If I had known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have approached that old fox on my own."
"It's okay, Aunt," Aksai spoke, smiling lightly.
"Although I'm a bit disappointed that my potential marriage was canceled even before the deal was sealed between our families, I hold no ill will toward you.
You were looking out for me, and I appreciate that. And thank you for retrieving such a precious talisman from my uncle's inheritance. I'm truly grateful."
Aunt Reta's smile returned at Aksai's words.
"I never realized how much you've grown, Aksai—both physically and mentally. Hehe. These spirit stones are for you. Consider them as my investment into your marriage. I had already let go of that troublesome talisman when I gave it to that old fox. No regrets," she said.
"No," Aksai shook his head.
"You might not have any interest in the talisman or the spirit stones, but you also need to consider your son's interests. He will grow up to be a cultivator in the future and could certainly make use of the spirit stones.
At most, I will take my 50 spirit stones as compensation. You can keep the rest," he spoke firmly.
However, Aunt Reta was Aunt Reta. In the end, Aksai was left with 100 spirit stones while Aunt Reta took the rest. The remaining amount would also be collected by her from Reman in the future. After discussing a few more things with him, she took her leave, leaving Aksai alone in his house.
"Hehe. That headache was resolved without me having to do anything. And it even gave me 100 spirit stones as a gift."
Aksai smiled as he looked at the 100 spirit stones spread on the table. He waved his hand and retrieved them into his storage ring before firmly deciding in his heart.
"Looks like I can get more of what I want from Wilben City with this additional income. Time to prepare for the trip."