24 Negotiations (1/2)

It was not without reason that Bai Yun decide to introduce himself to the couple. He had no choice. He quickly realized a major flaw in his plan.

Bai Qing was on the seventh stage of qi condensation. It was already at the upper end of what Bai Yun could handle. No matter how much better the techniques he trained in was, it was impossible for him to fight anyone else while he was handling Bai Qing. After all no matter how powerful his battle techniques were, other than the Simple Sword, which did not increase his pure battle power only battle insight, he was not proficient in any other techniques at all. On top of this, all three of his cultivation techniques were ones that focused on building a perfect foundation to improve his strength much later down the road. Finally Bai Qing was a prince, and would definitely not be as stupid as Bai Shan and be much more powerful at the same cultivation state.

Bai Qing would definitely bring some of his followers with him. And his followers would definitely be much stronger than the morons that followed behind Bai Shan. Even if he would leave behind most of them in order to confuse people, he would bring at least a few sixth stage or maybe seventh stage qi condensation cultivators with him. And there would also be that Bai Hao who would be there to guide him. Based on the two in front of him, Bai Hao would be at the seventh stage of qi condensation also.

Even if he could get his hands on the supreme weed fruit while they were fighting the lava spiders Bai Qing's group would definitely come after him. It was easy to ditch the slow lava spiders. His chances of escaping from them successfully was not high. It would only get worse if Bai Qing put someone to be on the lookout. Basically his chances of escaping after stealing the fruit was much lower than he would like.

That was why he was forced to work with these two. If he could get their help in distracting the group after he stole the supreme weed fruit then he could easily escape from their hands and get the fruit. And he was certain that they would be more than happy to help him. After all there were three fruits and each of them could have one. There were no other way for them to get the fruits. Also they could get revenge on Bai Qing.

Of course Bai Yun wasn't simply going to accept them. What was coming was not only a negotiation but also a test. Working with them was only an option. If they proved to not be capable enough then he still had methods to get to the supreme weed fruit. It would just be more troublesome and dangerous. Besides the supreme weed fruit was not only the only thing in his mind.

The moment Bai Yun stepped into the clearing the two of them stood up and drew their weapons at him. Bai Yun smield at them. Of course it was hidden beneath his mask. He even put on a hood for good measure, and to look mysterious. He stood at the edge of the clearing, part of his body hidden by the weeds, so that he could step back and escape if the two of them were to attack him.

”Who are you.” The woman asked.

Bai Yun was about to give his name when he stopped and realized that he was in disguise. He smiled. He knew what name to give.

”Call me Bai Long.” He replied creating a name out of his past and present names.

”What do you want.” The woman asked again.

Bai Yun understood their apprehension. If a stranger suddenly appeared while you were discussing such secrets you would be apprehensive too. Not only that there were stories of people being killed by strangers in the beasts garden recently.

”Don't you want to get the supreme weed fruit. You guys were talking about going there until just now.”

The two of them tensed up immediately. The man stepped forward with his sword raised. Bai Yun raised his hands and held them open to show that he meant no harm, chuckled and said, ”Hey I mean no harm. If I wanted to hurt you or find out the location of the fruit, I could easily do so, or simply follow you to the cave.”

”No.” The woman replied after a moment.

” I'm sorry.” He asked.

”No we don't want the supreme weed fruit.”

”Why not? Weren't you planning to to the cave to get you hands on the fruit.”

”We have no desire to get the fruit. The few months of cultivation a supreme weed fruit can help us save is not worth making enemy of a prince.” the man replied.

”Then why are you here. You were even thinking about going to the cave. Don't tell me all of that was for nothing.”

”We were simply curious.”

”Curious huh. Don't tell me your curiosity is bigger than you desire to live. The best thing to do would be to stay in the clan so that Bai Qing would not be able to kill you and you would be able to tell him that you had no desire to compete for the fruit.”

The man didn't know what to say. They just stayed there in silence for a moment while Bai Yun waited for their answer. Then the woman replied.

”It's because of hope. Hope that maybe something happens and we can get a chance. There is no reason to do nothing and simply sit back.”

Bai Yun grinned internally. This was what he was hoping for. He wanted someone who had the ambition as well as guts, but also had the self awareness to hold back when necessary.

”Then help me get the supreme weed fruits. There are three of them. We can easily split them between us.”