noffsinger Chapter 176 The Deal is Done, A Win-Win Situation
Chapter 176 The Deal is Done, A Win-Win Situation
Chapter 176 The Deal is Done, A Win-Win Situation
"Fellow Daoist, please don't refuse."
Hongjun spoke again, his tone still calm, yet filled with a heartwarming sincerity.
"I know that the Qiankun Cauldron is a treasure of yours, which is related to your own path and foundation. How could I dare to lend it to you empty-handed?"
I am willing to exchange the Western Plain Cloud Banner and the Eastern Azure Lotus Banner, two of the Five Primordial Banners, for these two banners!
Upon hearing this, even with Zhen Yuanzi's composure, a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes!
Of the five innate flags, he has already obtained three (the central Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag, the southern Lidi Flame Light Flag, and the northern Xuanyuan Water Control Flag).
If we could obtain the Western Flag and the Eastern Flag, we would be able to completely collect this set of top-tier innate spiritual treasures!
At that time, the five flags will be deployed, and their defensive power will rival that of innate treasures. They will also help him perfect the cycle of the five elements and provide immeasurable assistance in the deduction of the chaotic way of the earth!
This was exactly what he wanted!
Hongjun observed Zhen Yuanzi's expression and continued to press the issue, his tone extremely sincere: "Moreover, this humble Daoist is not asking for the Qiankun Cauldron, but merely borrowing it! Once this humble Daoist has finished using it, I will definitely return it intact and personally return it to you, fellow Daoist!"
I will never break my promise!
He emphasized the word "borrow" and made a promise to return it, which greatly reduced Zhen Yuanzi's risk.
Zhen Yuanzi quickly weighed the options in his mind.
Hongjun's sincerity is indeed impeccable.
He traded two array flags, which were crucial to him and could be used to collect a set of top-grade innate spiritual treasures, for the "temporary right to use" the Qiankun Cauldron. It was a deal where everyone got what they wanted.
Although in absolute terms, two top-grade innate spiritual treasures (even if they could be made into a set) still seem inferior to a single innate supreme treasure, the key difference lies in:
First, this is a "borrowing," not a "gift," and the Qiankun Cauldron will eventually return to its own hands.
Secondly, what Hongjun sought was to repair the Jade Disc of Creation, which was related to his supreme path of aligning with the Heavenly Dao.
Obstructing someone's path, especially the path of an existence like Hongjun, is tantamount to courting death and creating a blood feud.
Now, the other party not only did not forcibly take it, but also offered such a valuable treasure in an equal exchange, which is already a sign of respect and consideration.
Third, he himself was indeed in dire need of these last two Five-Front Flags!
Gathering the five flags was of great significance to him in perfecting the Five Elements and evolving Chaos. In some ways, it was even no less important than Hongjun using the Qiankun Cauldron to repair the Creation Jade Disc.
After all, while the "Return to Origin" of the Qiankun Cauldron is wonderful, he doesn't need it urgently right now. The immediate improvement and long-term benefits brought by collecting all five flags are real and tangible.
Having figured this out, Zhen Yuanzi stopped tapping his fingers on the table.
He raised his eyes to meet Hongjun's deep and expectant gaze, and slowly spoke in a steady voice: "Fellow Daoist Hongjun's sincerity is evident, and he understands my needs. If I were to refuse these two flags in exchange, it would seem that I am unreasonable and would also be seen as hindering your path."
He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "The Qiankun Cauldron can be lent to you, fellow Daoist."
An uncontrollable joy flashed in Hongjun's eyes, though it was fleeting, it still revealed his excitement.
He rose and bowed deeply to Zhen Yuanzi: "Thank you for your kindness, fellow Daoist! I will remember this favor forever!"
Zhen Yuanzi also stood up and waved his hand, saying, "Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such formalities. This is a mutually beneficial matter."
With a thought, the Qiankun Cauldron, exuding an ancient and chaotic aura, with three legs and two ears, and containing infinite mysteries of creation, emerged from his body and hovered in the air between the two. The cauldron trembled slightly, revealing a close connection with Zhen Yuanzi's origin.
At the same time, Hongjun flicked his sleeves, and two dazzling lights appeared.
The flag is pure white, surrounded by auspicious clouds, exuding the power of tranquility, purification, and protection; it is the Western Plain Cloud Banner (Gathering Immortals Banner).
The other flag is cyan, gleaming with precious light. On its surface, there seems to be a chaotic cyan lotus phantom floating, exuding a profound and mysterious Taoist charm that is pure, immaculate, and impervious to all laws. It is the Eastern Cyan Lotus Treasure Flag.
The two flags shone brightly, their natural Daoist charm immediately creating a strong resonance and attraction with the other three Five Directions Flags within Zhen Yuanzi's body!
"Fellow Daoist, please." Hongjun pushed the two flags toward Zhen Yuanzi.
Without hesitation, Zhen Yuanzi reached out and took the two flags.
The moment his fingers touched the flag, the central Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag, the southern Lidi Flame Light Flag, and the northern Xuanyuan Water Control Flag all vibrated simultaneously within his body.
Five illusory flag shadows involuntarily appeared behind him, with five colors of light—gold (center), red (south), black (north), white (west), and cyan (east)—soaring into the sky. The five elements of energy instantly connected, circulating endlessly and regenerating continuously!
A defensive Daoist aura, far stronger than a single flag and seemingly capable of isolating heaven and earth and stabilizing the universe, spread out, enveloping the entire Wuzhuang Temple in a peaceful and stable five-colored halo!
"Good!" Zhen Yuanzi couldn't help but praise, his joy beyond words.
Collecting the five flags was of extraordinary significance to him. It not only provided him with a top-tier defensive treasure, but also completed a crucial link in his Five Elements Dao, laying a solid foundation for his future evolution into Chaos.
He then pointed at the Qiankun Cauldron, temporarily severing most of his connection with it, leaving only a trace of his mental imprint to ensure its location and ultimate ownership. "Fellow Daoist, the Qiankun Cauldron is here. I hope you will make good use of it and remember the agreement to return it."
Hongjun, with a solemn expression, bowed again: "Fellow Daoist, rest assured, I swear on my Dao heart that I will not break my promise!"
He carefully put away the Qiankun Cauldron, its ancient body disappearing into his sleeve, as if carrying his hopes for the future path.
The transaction was completed, and both men breathed a sigh of relief. Hongjun had gained a crucial glimmer of hope, while Zhen Yuanzi had finally collected the five flags he had longed for; both were satisfied.
"Since that's the case, I won't bother you any longer. I need to return to Jade Capital Mountain as soon as possible." Hongjun took his leave, eager to try to repair the Creation Jade Disc.
Zhen Yuanzi did not try to stop him: "Fellow Daoist, please take your time. I wish you a smooth journey on your path."
Hongjun nodded, his figure transforming into a beam of clear light, as if merging into the veins of the Heavenly Dao, and silently disappeared into the Wuzhuang Temple.
Zhen Yuanzi stood alone under the banana tree, looking at the two newly acquired treasure flags in his hands, feeling the immense power of the initial formation of the five elements cycle within his body and the perfect five-colored divine light around him. A genuine smile finally appeared on his lips.
Although Hongjun's visit was risky, the gains were also enormous.
Not only did he forge a good relationship with this future Dao Ancestor, but he also managed to collect all five innate flags, allowing his own foundation and strength to reach a new level once again.
He vaguely sensed that the five flags he had gathered might not be just a defensive treasure; they seemed to conceal deeper mysteries concerning the origin of the five elements and the evolution of chaos, waiting for him to discover them.
The primordial path is long and arduous, but every solid step he takes brings him one step closer to the ultimate realm of the Primordial Limitless Golden Immortal.