Chapter 121: Deal

After Commissioner Rachel left, only Gao De and Fashi Larr remained at the door.

“ Fashi Larr,” Gao De said respectfully.

Once Rachel was gone, Fashi Larr seemed to have stepped onto his own ground, assuming an air of complete control.

And indeed, that was the case.

He did not believe this raw Fashi , clearly from the countryside, could refuse someone of his standing as a College Commissioner.

Gao De quickly stepped aside.

Fashi Larr walked into the room; without any visible motion, the door silently shut behind him.

“I won’t beat around the bush,” Fashi Larr said bluntly.

After all, why waste subtlety when speaking to someone vastly weaker in power, age, and status? Simply lowering himself to negotiate with this man was already more than enough courtesy.

Fashi Larr carried immense arrogance toward Gao De.

“Commissioner Rachel didn’t mention this to you just now: according to college rules, a Fashi admitted under the highest tier of Daiyu is entitled to one bottle of ‘Soul-Ascending Water.’”

This was something Gao De had never known.

The recommendation letter made no mention of it, and even Lady Mi Su had not told him—whether she was unaware or deliberately withholding it, he could not tell.

Now Gao De knew—and he already guessed what Fashi Larr had come for.

“I see you’re only a Second-Class Fashi Apprentice; you won’t need this bottle of ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ for at least the next couple of years. So I’d like to borrow it from you for now—what do you say?” Fashi Larr said coolly.

Of course I don’t want to. Gao De thought inwardly.

Though he didn’t yet fully understand how difficult the Ascension was, he knew how precious ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ was.

At least Fashi Seda had spent half his life in Hogen City striving for just one bottle.

“Rest assured, as a College Committee member, I won’t take advantage of a newcomer like you.”

“Lend me the ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ for now; when you reach Third-Class Fashi Apprentice and prepare to ascend to First-Rank Fashi , I’ll return an identical bottle to you.”

“This bottle of ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ was originally meant for me, but because you appeared suddenly, our Dean honored Dean Gavin’s recommendation letter and assigned it to you instead.”

Fashi Larr explained, subtly implying a reprimand—that Gao De had taken this bottle from him.

“So even if I didn’t borrow it from you, by next year or the year after, I’d have received a replacement bottle anyway—you needn’t worry I won’t be able to return it.”

“If my apprentice hadn’t missed next year’s golden window for ascension, I wouldn’t be asking a newcomer like you. I could have waited until next year.”

“I won’t borrow it for free—I can still afford to offer you a rare First-Rank Fashi spell formula, or some small coin.”

Hearing this, Gao De felt slightly better—at least the man wasn’t trying to steal it outright.

Though only slightly.

Though he didn’t say it outright, Fashi Larr’s tone carried unmistakable coercion.

The question was: did he have the right to refuse? This Fashi Larr was a College Commissioner, a high-ranking official with real power. If he refused now, how would his life in the college be afterward? The situation forced him to bow—but even bowing had its art.

“I know my Fashi talent is mediocre, as Fashi Larr you’ve said—I certainly won’t need the ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ anytime soon.”

Gao De spoke politely, but his face showed clear distress: “Yet precisely because my talent is mediocre, the ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ is even more vital to me.”

“I understand that well, but I’m only asking to borrow it, not to take it.”

“Besides, didn’t I already tell you? Had you not come, this year’s bottle would have been mine.”

“Now, though an unexpected turn occurred, it was only temporary—you hold it for now. My share hasn’t been revoked; in one or two years, when my share comes due, I’ll return it to you.”

“ Fashi Larr, I naturally trust you, but who can guarantee anything? The college’s supply of ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ is limited. This year, because I gave up my share, next year another unforeseen event might arise.”

Gao De spoke delicately, but his meaning was clear—yet his tone grew increasingly soft.

His hesitation was unmistakable.

Seeing Gao De’s posture, Fashi Larr knew he had a chance, and began reinforcing his promises from every angle, escalating his offers to weaken Gao De’s resolve.

Gao De believed not a word of Fashi Larr’s assurances, yet his words grew ever weaker, giving Fashi Larr the impression he was on the verge of surrender.

“Here’s what I’ll do: if you lend me the ‘Soul-Ascending Water,’ I’ll give you a rare First-Rank Fashi spell formula, complete with its corresponding potion—you can use it the moment you ascend. Additionally, before I return the bottle, I’ll pay you twenty gold coins annually.”

Seeing Gao De teetering on the edge of “agreeing, but not quite,” Fashi Larr finally pressed the advantage.

“A First-Rank Fashi formula averages twenty-five gold; its corresponding potion, forty gold,” Fashi Larr explained, as if Gao De didn’t know the market, “and rare formulas can rise three to five times in price depending on scarcity.”

“Most importantly, many rare spell formulas aren’t for sale at any price.”

Hearing this, Gao De realized this was the limit of what Fashi Larr could offer—if he pushed further, the man might grow resentful.

He put on a look of distress, then sighed and nodded reluctantly: “Since you’ve said so, to refuse you would be ungrateful. I’ll lend you the ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ for now.”

Fashi Larr’s face lit up at Gao De’s nod, and he immediately vowed:

“Rest assured, as a College Committee member, I won’t bully a newcomer. I’ll return the ‘Soul-Ascending Water’ without fail!”

“I’ve never doubted your integrity,” Gao De replied promptly, playing along.

In good spirits, Fashi Larr laughed heartily—satisfied not only with the deal, but with Gao De’s “wisdom.”

He pulled from his robe a leather-bound book and a tiny vial of potion.

Truly tiny—no larger than the “wind oil” Gao De had known in his past life.

Inside the transparent vial lay a thick, pale green liquid.

“Here’s the rare First-Rank Fashi formula and its corresponding potion,” Fashi Larr said, handing both to Gao De.

(End of Chapter)