At Ranze’s words, the envoy fell deep in thought, processing everything, ‘This solution is perfect, especially the duration of six months. This isn’t too early, meaning that this engagement wasn’t cancelled due to Ranze’s awakening of a Trash Martial Spirit. And at the same time, this duration isn’t too late either. It’ll give us enough time to find potential suitors for Bing.’
‘And with us taking the joint venture, it’ll seem like the Occasion Clan is actually looking after the declining Opposition Clan in this way. We will be seen as someone that placed great importance on our bonds and gratitude of the past.’ The envoy gazed at Ranze in a new light, ‘This kid is tremendously talented. He might not be suited for cultivation, but he’s a genius. Our Clan would profit tremendously by having him on our side.’
He then sighed, gazing at Bing, ‘Unfortunately, she and her father are damn short-sighted. Alas, if we make anyone from our Clan marry Ranze, it’ll seem like we are taking pity on him by not keeping up our promises by not willing to part with Bing.’
In the end, the envoy sighed, stating what shocked everyone from the Opposition Clan, “We’ll go with what you have proposed, Ranze.”
Until now, the envoy had addressed Ranze as ‘Boy’, apparent that he hadn’t placed any value on him. But the fact that he addressed him with his name meant that the envoy had acknowledged him.
At the response, Ranze smiled, cupping his fists as he spoke, “I’m thankful that the Occasion Clan has someone brilliant like you on their side.”
“I envy the Opposition Clan.” The Envoy smiled.
“And now, we’ll talk about the compensation,” Ranze said, noticing the envoy’s face freeze up, stunned.
“Of course, everything I’ve proposed until now was to protect the Occasion Clan’s reputation. My Clan may be declining, but it’s only declining in strength, not wealth.” Ranze said, raising three fingers, “I won’t go overboard, Elder. We don’t want the treasure you’ve brought with you. In exchange, we only need three items…”
Ranze said in all seriousness, “Three Providence Pills.”
“Impossible!” The envoy shouted in shock, “They are too precious even for my Clan! Three Providence Pills is impossible!”
“Elder, you’re forgetting something.” Ranze laughed, stating, “When news of Bing’s engagement cancellation spreads around, every Clan would visit and bring treasures while doing so. You’ll make more than the worth of these three pills. And, it’s only happening because I’m backing away like this.”
“I’m working hard in solving our situation as peacefully as possible while ensuring the Occasion Clan gets a lot of benefits too.” Ranze argued, “I’m sure paying three Providence Pills is the minimum most you can do to express your sincerity.”
“After all, this is nothing compared to the help we’ve given the Occasion Clan in the past. Also, there’s…” Ranze continued to speak when the envoy raised his hand, sighing.
It was like he had admitted defeat as the envoy said, “Alright, three Martial Providence Pills, nothing more.”
“Sure.” Ranze smiled, not pushing his luck any further. He was aware that this was the most they would concede, despite the lucrative offers he had given them.
“I’ll bring the pills in a few days. Now, please excuse us.” The envoy cupped his fists towards Into as he motioned for the servants to carry the crate that they had brought, quickly leaving the Clan.
Before they exited the main hall, Bing glared at Ranze, snorting in response as she left.
“I see you in a new light today, Ranze.” Into said, patting his shoulder, “I know you’re intelligent, but this is something else.”
“Such troubles would come knocking on our doors as we continue to weaken.” Ranze sighed before gazing at Into, “Uncle, you must make haste and reach the Martial Providence Stage as soon as possible. The Providence Pills would be of help. If you succeed after a single pill, second uncle and father can also attempt next.”
‘I’m the first preference?’ Into was internally shocked, gazing at Ranze in a whole new light, ‘I haven’t treated him well, but despite everything, he’s focused on our Clan’s growth as the first priority.’
Into patted Ranze’s shoulder, announcing immediately, “Since everyone is here, I’ll announce that from today onwards, all decisions related to our Clan affairs must go through Range. He’ll decide our Clan’s fate. I’m sure you’ve all seen what he’s done for our Clan already. He set aside his pride to seek benefits for our Clan, showing zero intentions for personal gain.”
“I’m sure none have any opposition against making him an honorary Elder?” Into spoke.
‘Big brother has the highest chance at breaking through to the Martial Providence Stage, so he was given priority. But, the second priority was actually given to me, instead of his father who was only at third?’ Inpah, the second brother was so shocked that he was unable to say anything for a moment.
‘My son picks fights with Ranze and Xuer all the time. But despite that, for the reason that I have a tiny advantage over Illeto in reaching the Martial Providence Stage, I was given higher priority over his father?’ Arriving at this conclusion, he felt envy, ‘Why isn’t he my son instead of that good for nothing Fonter?’
“I agree,” Inpah said, shocking both Into and Illeto. After all, it was known to everyone that Inpah hated Illeto and his son, Ranze.
But since even he agreed, none could voice any opposition, giving their nod of approval to Range obtaining the honorary Elder position.
A murky situation for their Clan was solved while presenting them with two benefits. First was the Providence Pills which raised their chance of reaching the Martial Providence Stage. The second was the joint venture between the Opposition and Occasion Clans that would gain them more monetary wealth.
From something that would have at least resulted in a few battles to something that gave them advantages instead. It was apparent that everyone was thankful for Ranze’s wit.
As for the person in question, he arrived before a guest house in their Clan, knocking on the door, “Are you there, Hazen?”
“Come in!” A voice resounded right after.
Ranze entered the room, gazing at the baby-faced figure of Compass Carburettor, stating in joy, “Everything played out exactly as you said. I’ve gained acknowledgement from the envoy, obtained the means to strengthen my Clan, and also placated our internal friction, all in one fell swoop.”
“How did you foresee it?” He asked in shock, “Is it some mind magic? Or are you just that damn smart?”
In response, Compass Carburettor laughed, “It’s nothing like that.”