Fold after fold, this was the core essence of Gao Xian's bargaining at the street stall in his previous life.
If the other party disagrees, then so be it.
If the other party agrees readily, he would feel uncomfortable instead.
The owner of the Cloud Garment Shop obviously had never experienced such fierce bargaining skills from Gao Xian.
Gao Xian chuckled, "Sky-high prices, immediate payment. We have a fair deal, fellow Daoist, why the rush?"
The owner scowled, "Do you know what lotus silk is? It's strands pulled from lotus roots, each finer than hair by ten times."
"Do you know how much effort it takes to collect such fine strands? And how much effort it takes to weave these fine strands into material?"
The gritting owner looked like he was ready to pounce and bite at any moment, making Gao Xian a bit uneasy.
He whispered, "Then, how about a more reasonable price, boss?"
"It's eighty spirit stones."
The owner pointed to the door, "If you can't afford it, then leave, the door is right there."
Gao Xian's young body housed the soul of a middle-aged office worker.
He never felt ashamed of bargaining.
In his experience, not having money was the most uncomfortable feeling.
He forced a smile, "These boots are so expensive, few in the Flying Horse Market can afford them. I sincerely want to buy, and you sincerely want to sell, let's meet halfway."
After a moment of thought, the owner gruffly said, "Seventy spirit stones, that's the bottom line. If you don't buy, then get lost."
"Seventy spirit stones."
Gao Xian still felt it was expensive.
Considering his normal monthly wage was five spirit stones.
Without eating or drinking, it would take him a year to afford these boots.
With his income, he was already considered well-off in the Flying Horse Market.
Cultivators must purchase spirit rice, life-saving talismans, essential elixirs, just the basic expenses drained the spirit stones of lower-level cultivators.
Not exaggerating, even Huang Ying would have to think twice before buying these shoes.
Gao Xian had also recently come into wealth, saving up over a hundred and thirty spirit stones.
Spending most of it on a pair of shoes made him a bit reluctant.
The owner remained silent.
Business was not solely his, selling naturally was good, but if not, it was fine too.
After some contemplation, Gao Xian gritted his teeth, "I'll take the shoes. However..."
Before Gao Xian could finish, the owner waved firmly, "No bargaining!"
"I'm not bargaining, but for such expensive shoes, I should get something extra, right?"
"I don't ask for much, just a waist belt, two sets of inner garments, and outer robes."
The owner, somewhat impatiently, said, "Fine."
The Water-Fire Lotus Silk Boots had been on display for over half a year, seen by many but affordable to none.
The added clothing and belt didn't cost more than two spirit stones combined, making it a profitable deal.
Gao Xian took out seventy spirit stones from his waist pouch.
Seeing so many spirit stones, the owner's face revealed a hint of joy.
As a businessman, seeing spirit stones made his eyes light up, the joy in his heart was uncontrollable.
The owner helped adjust the boots for Gao Xian.
These boots had elasticity and could be adjusted in size using a formation.
Gao Xian chose a black python skin belt, a palm-width wide, without any inscribed formations.
The python skin still retained some spiritual power, repelling insects and providing a certain level of defense.
He actually liked a blue Daoist robe, but it was too expensive and eye-catching.
In a place like the Flying Horse Market, dressing too well could easily attract trouble.
With a pile of items, Gao Xian returned home content.
Changing into new clothes, shoes, and belt, Gao Xian took out the Mirror of Wind and Moon to admire himself, feeling much more handsome.
The wide python skin belt was perfect for carrying the seventeen-pound Stone-Cutting Sword.
Gao Xian slung the sword over his shoulder and circled the courtyard, striking anything that protruded with his sword.
Even the passing mosquitoes and flies were not spared.
His speed increased as he circled the courtyard at full speed, slashing with his sword from time to time.
Sharp sword lights flickered in the small courtyard, emitting sharp piercing sounds.
The rushing figure suddenly stopped, leaving two deep footprints on the ground.
After a bout of running, the new shoes were sturdy and snug, providing Gao Xian with stable support and comfort.
The boots had gathered some mud, but a rinse with water made them as good as new, repelling water.
Gao Xian then tested them with Fire-Control Technique, confirming their fire resistance.
At least, burning them wouldn't cause damage in the short term.
Wearing these boots, his speed could increase by at least twenty percent, without worrying about the shoes falling apart with a single exertion of force.
The Wind-Fire Lotus Silk Boots also had the Wind-Control Technique imbued within, extremely practical.
He could instantly activate it through Lan Jie.
The Wind-Control Technique could harness wind power, while minimizing wind resistance, further boosting his speed by another twenty percent.
In other words, wearing these boots increased his speed by nearly forty percent, a significant improvement.
Measured against Lao Wang as a benchmark, even mid-level Qi cultivators might not match his speed.
Although seventy spirit stones were expensive, it was still worth it.
Gao Xian calculated his expenses, still having sixty-seven spirit stones left.
With what Zhou Ye and Huang Ying owed him, he could now gather two hundred spirit stones.
This was a substantial amount!
Unfortunately, there was some trouble with Zhu's shop, otherwise, life would have been so much more enjoyable!
Having bought the shoes and sword, Gao Xian stayed indoors, practicing various techniques every day, refining elixirs when he was in a good mood.
However, he had something on his mind, making food less appetizing and sleep less sound.
After a few days like this, one night, Gao Xian suddenly woke up.
In the dim room, Gao Xian silently picked up his sword and went to the door.
He saw two burning Yang talismans affixed to it.
Through the door, Gao Xian could sense a dense and cold aura outside.
"Lao Wang is here again!"
Gao Xian knew Lao Wang was outside, his power had clearly increased, and the Yang talismans were barely holding him back.
After some contemplation, Gao Xian decided not to open the door to confront Lao Wang.
The Yin aura ignited two more Yang talismans, but eventually, Lao Wang left.
Mainly because there were over a dozen Yang talismans on the door, making it difficult for Lao Wang to break through forcibly.
After waiting for a while, Gao Xian finally opened the door.
In the cold moonlight, wisps of black smoke still rose from the door.
Gao Xian muttered to himself, "Take it slow, step by step..."
Finding Lao Wang at his doorstep again didn't surprise Gao Xian.
He was even a bit pleased; this old man had been obsessed with him despite being defeated time and again.
The Master-level True Yang Spear was too sensitive to evil Yin energy.
Whenever Lao Wang approached, Gao Xian would sense it strongly even in his sleep.
It was difficult for Lao Wang to launch a surprise attack.
Back in his room, Gao Xian used the True Yang Spear to examine himself and found the evil aura on him had intensified.
The brief confrontation with Lao Wang had clearly deepened the connection between them.
To prevent any mishaps, Gao Xian affixed more Yang talismans on the doors and windows.
Subsequently, Lao Wang visited every night, but each time, he was blocked by layers of Yang talismans.
After seven or eight days, Zhu Qiniang found Gao Xian, "Lao Zhu has found out, confirmed that it was you who made the Deer Horn Powder and Tian Gui Pill. This time, he sent me to bring you back to settle scores."
"How does Zhu Qiniang say?" Gao Xian asked.
"Lao Zhu is very pleased. He already sees you as a cash cow and wants to sign a hundred-year life contract with you again."
Zhu Qiniang shook her head slightly, "Once this contract is signed, you'll have to serve Lao Zhu as a slave for the rest of your life."
Gao Xian looked somewhat conflicted, "Zhu Qiniang really leaves me no way out..."
Zhu Qiniang looked at Gao Xian expectantly, "What do you plan to do?"
(End of this chapter)