"Six million?" Li Yuan was taken aback by this figure.
Before, when the figure of three million was brought up, he thought it was already sky-high, after all, it was just for a show that lasted a few hours. So, in his heart, he expected around two hundred thousand at most. He never imagined that Wan Qinghe could negotiate up to six million Blue Star Coins, it was simply shocking.
"Uncle Wan, you’re impressive," Li Yuan said sincerely. He realized he still had much to learn from Uncle Wan.
"You underestimate your own worth," Wan Qinghe said with a smile in their V-Comm conversation. "The first rule of negotiation is to know your value, and the second is to understand the opponent's bottom line."
Wan Qinghe didn’t say it outright, but if he had opened with ten million Blue Star Coins, it was likely that Song Yi would ultimately give in. However, in doing business, it’s always wise to leave a way out for people. Unless one was prepared to deliver a crushing blow, it was best not to force someone into a corner.
"Uh-huh," Li Yuan nodded. "So, Uncle Wan, what about the money..."
"Don’t worry, it’s all arranged," Wan Qinghe replied in a low voice. "We’re going on the program tomorrow, and regarding the money... this is the general plan."
He briefly outlined the arrangements to Li Yuan.
"Guanshan District Red River Street Martial Genius Development Fund Association?" Li Yuan paused, finding the name rather unrefined. He couldn’t help but ask, "Uncle Wan, is this association reliable? Don’t get scammed."
"Of course it’s real," Wan Qinghe said lightly. "It’s registered, and Song Yi is voluntarily sponsoring the association. It has nothing to do with me or you; taxes have been paid."
"In the end, the association was moved to support your martial arts training because it was touched by your deeds, and has nothing to do with Song Yi. It’ll pay personal income tax, too."
"Understood."
"The six million you receive has no relation to Song Yi; it complies with every rule of the Seven Star Alliance. So feel free to spend it," Wan Qinghe reassured him.
"Got it." Li Yuan’s mind was clear as day.
In fact, regarding these private financial transactions, receiving direct funds was not a problem. But if Song Yi had to endure scrutiny from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, there should be no obvious traces left behind.
"Uncle." Li Yuan naturally dropped the 'Wan' and shifted to just 'Uncle'.
"What's up? Is there something else?" Wan Qinghe asked with a smile.
"Shouldn't there be costs involved in these operations? I know there are some rules," Li Yuan said quietly. "How about sticking to the original plan and just giving me three hundred thousand?"
"After all, the operating management and personnel expenses of an association are substantial. It might easily exceed ten million a year," Li Yuan said seriously.
It was important to handle matters according to the rules. Uncle Wan could choose not to mention it, but he couldn’t ignore it.
"No need. If you still call me Lord Wan, it would be according to the rules," Wan Qinghe said lightly. "But once you call me Uncle, I can’t let you do that for free."
"Alright then."
"Focus on your training for now." Wan Qinghe urged, "Remember, these are small matters; your power is what truly matters."
"Oh right."
"The day after tomorrow afternoon, please ask your teacher for leave and come with me to Jiangcheng City’s Martial Hall; the city hall master 'Old Fei' wants to see you."
"Okay, thank you, Uncle."
...
"Six million? Just like that?" After hanging up the V-Comm, Li Yuan was still in disbelief.
"It really is as Uncle said. The richer they are, the fiercer they are in making money; the hardest thing for ordinary people is earning the first million," Li Yuan whispered to himself.
Through Wan Qinghe’s actions, he also realized that Uncle Wan was not as simple or kind as he appeared.
After all, how long had he been in office? Even such a registered association was set up so thoroughly.
"Everyone has their own path."
Li Yuan tightened his grip on the long spear, muttering to himself, "But the strongest means is always through violence."
Take Dongfang Ji, for instance. His 'Starfire Martial Hall' had penetrated through all seven major planets and nations within just a few decades, almost entirely altering massive regulations within the Seven Star Alliance, affecting countless interests.
For example, the public presentation of martial arts techniques, the college entrance exam system, and the Martial Hall contract system... Was it all built on human connections?
No! It relies on his unmatched martial strength! On his determination to protect the entire human race.
Violence is the foundation and source.
The 'Progress Movement of the Seven Star Alliance' pushed by Dongfang Ji, though only a brief mention in history books, likely saw countless lives lost and many prominent families vanish without a trace.
"Martial arts."
Li Yuan set down the spear and continued to practice the Basic Cultivation Method, not allowing himself to slack for even a moment. At the same time, he could feel that Wan Qinghe was indeed sincere towards him.
Because the other party had reminded him more than once: "Your power is what truly matters."
...
That night, after getting home and chatting with his younger brother and sister for a while, they went off to bed.
"Aunt, how's my uncle doing?" Li Yuan sipped the hot milk his aunt had made for him as he asked.
A cup of hot milk didn’t mean much for him, but he knew that his rapid growth had made his aunt somewhat uncomfortable. This was her way of showing care, and why should he take that away?
This was also why Li Yuan insisted on returning home every day; purely from a cultivation standpoint, he could just live in the Martial Hall.
But what would his aunt think?
The purpose of cultivation wasn’t just about training; it was about family.
"The situation has improved quickly. He has already been moved to a regular ward, and his health indicators have basically returned to normal. You’ve arranged for the top-grade nurses from the Martial Hall, so I won't need to stay by his side all the time," Chen Hui said, watching Li Yuan drink his milk, a smile involuntarily appearing on her face. It reminded her that he was still the familiar nephew she knew.
"Also, the treatment costs have almost all been reimbursed by the country, and the remaining part has also been covered by your uncle's company."
"Moreover, regarding your uncle's situation, the state has an additional 'Merit Subsidy', around four hundred thousand Blue Star Coins, which should come through in about half a month," Chen Hui added.
"Great, that’s a relief." Li Yuan nodded, thankful that their family didn’t have to bear the burden for his uncle's treatment. Expenses like fast transportation with flying vehicles were also taken care of by Uncle Wan.
"Oh, by the way."
"Did the last time’s Brother Lin and the treasures they brought over cause you any trouble?" Chen Hui couldn’t help but ask.
She had been present, signing the paperwork, and understood that it was that mysterious 'Brother Lin' who had been key to saving her husband.
"No."
"If we're talking about a favor owed, it's to the high-ranking members of the Martial Hall." Li Yuan said nonchalantly, "Aunt, no need to worry. I am strong now, and I'll manage everything. Once I become an Origin Warrior, issues like this will be easy."
Li Yuan did not reveal the truth to his aunt, as it didn't really matter. However, if he shared nothing at all, it would only weigh down her mind, leading her to think of things she shouldn’t.
"That’s good. We have to sincerely thank them." Chen Hui said, "Today, the hospital director told me that your uncle is recovering well enough that they are preparing to use the 'Consciousness Awakening Device'."
"The Consciousness Awakening Device?" Li Yuan nodded slightly. "Okay, I trust the doctors."
Nowadays, the number of those in a vegetative state has greatly decreased, mainly thanks to the 'Consciousness Awakening Device'.
Its principle was similar to the 'Consciousness Interaction Induction' of the virtual network.
It first allowed the 'vegetative person' to enter the virtual network, then enhanced the stimulation to ultimately achieve awakening.
"By the way, the Martial Hall told me that the Starfire South Lake District house has been tidied up and decorated. We can move in now." Li Yuan said. "When that happens, it will be more convenient for you to go to work, and for Qianqian and Muhua to go to the Martial Hall."
"What about our current house?" Chen Hui hesitated. "How about we wait for your uncle to wake up and be discharged before moving?"
She felt somewhat lost; in such a short time, Li Yuan had brought immense changes to the family.
"This house can be left for now." Li Yuan smiled. "Everything that needs to be bought over there is ready. We can go live there for a few days. If you still don’t feel used to it, we can move back."
"That’s fine."
"But for Qianqian and Muhua, living there to cultivate and study will be better." Li Yuan understood how to appeal to his aunt’s key points.
"Uh-huh, okay." Chen Hui nodded with difficulty, not really caring about the villa.
But she placed great importance on Li Qianqian and Li Muhua’s education, just like how she used to monitor Li Yuan.
"Beep~" At that moment, Chen Hui felt her smart wristband vibrate. Looking down, she was slightly surprised. "Two hundred thousand Blue Star Coins?"
She had just received Li Yuan's transfer.
"Xiao Yuan, what’s this?" Chen Hui was astonished, two hundred thousand Blue Star Coins! That was equivalent to her salary over several years.
"This is for Qianqian and Muhua," Li Yuan smiled and explained. "Aunt, this money isn’t much to me anymore. This time, I ranked first with raw scores in the Jiangcheng Martial Arts exam, and the city hall master wants to meet me the day after tomorrow."
"The city hall master?" Chen Hui held her breath; to her, that was a significant figure.
In the past, she had only seen such people in the news.
"This money, mainly every two months, will be for Qianqian and Muhua, especially for Qianqian, who will get an Essence Power Pill." Li Yuan said. "You should have seen the training documents before."
"Uh-huh." Chen Hui nodded, being a master's graduate with good academic qualifications.
Before long, Li Yuan went to his room to wash up.
"My nephew." Chen Hui looked at the empty milk cup on the table, lost in thought.
"Brother, Sister-in-law."
"Did you see that?" Chen Hui silently thought: "Xiao Yuan has really grown up."
Just like Li Changzhou had not forgotten, Chen Hui also remembered when she carried the crying baby Li Yuan, running desperately.
If it hadn’t been for Li Yuan's parents blocking the strange creatures from the Star Realm, they would never have escaped.
It’s important to note that both of Li Yuan’s parents were martial artists, and their chances of survival were much greater than those of anyone else.
Lost in thought...
"Aunt, why are you crying?" Suddenly, a deep voice sounded from the bathroom door.
"Ah~"
"Am I?" Chen Hui quickly wiped her teary eyes and smiled, "I must have watched too much on the screen; my eyes are a bit uncomfortable."
...
Entering his room, Li Yuan immediately settled into the virtual network pod.
"I've told Uncle Wan I can hit three hundred points on the Falling Star," he thought. "So let’s get to it."
He glanced at his Divine Palace Panel as he connected his mind.
[Life Level: 9.9 (Not yet ranked)]
Physical Constitution Index: 105 (A comprehensive measure of many aspects such as explosive power, endurance, speed, physique, and spiritual power.)
Fist Power: 1287 kg
Speed: 21.8 m/s
Spiritual Power: 16.6
Spiritual Awakening Level: 12.8% (Current limit 20%)
Body Cultivation Method: Rock Foundation Cultivation Method
Spiritual Cultivation Method: Great Sun Starry Sky Sutra
Technique Realms: Spear Technique (Stage Four 26%), Movement Technique (Stage Four 20%), Fist Technique (Stage Four 29%)
[Note: Upon reaching 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% in Spiritual Awakening Level, one will gradually receive spiritual guidance.]
"Spear Technique and Movement Technique have improved slightly since last week. I should have hope of breaking through," Li Yuan thought to himself.
"Let's begin."
Li Yuan's consciousness connected to the Starry Sky Combat Network, and he started his Falling Star Rank competition.
(End of Chapter)