novelraw Chapter 74: The First Deal
Chapter 74: The First Deal
He had already planned to go there anyway. Besides, a hunter's treasure posed no real challenge for him. Chen Qi agreed decisively, tilting his head as he waited quietly for the Flower Witch to reveal her information.
"He said yes!" Three little yellow flowers of joy sprouted atop the Flower Witch's head as she put on a mysterious expression. "This matter involves legendary figures - not suitable for casual chatter here. Please follow me."
The Flower Witch dusted off the dirt from her rear and skipped ahead with light steps, turning back to wave at Chen Qi.
Damn riddler... Couldn't she just say it here? Chen Qi stood up and obediently followed.
Under the Flower Witch's guidance, the two of them followed the mountain path through the forest, heading toward the highest peak of the mountains.
Finally, they reached the summit of Flower Island's tallest mountain - a towering cliff edge.
The Flower Witch walked to the cliff's edge, hands clasped behind her back, quietly savoring the floral scents and sea breeze at this height.
"So, chef, how's the view from my chosen spot?"
Chen Qi took a step forward, overlooking all of Flower Island from the summit. The setting sun's afterglow spilled between the mountain ridges, dyeing the sky a soft golden hue that contrasted beautifully with the deep blue sea in the distance, creating a picturesque scene of flowers and ocean. The harbor and villages beneath the blossoms appeared especially serene.
"Truly an excellent view." Chen Qi took a deep breath - the air quality was remarkable too.But this was getting off topic! Weren't they supposed to discuss something important?
Chen Qi tilted his head, casting a suspicious glance at the Flower Witch.
"Ahem." The Flower Witch cleared her throat and pointed toward the easternmost seaside area of Flower Island. There, numerous tents were visible - a temporary settlement. Many hunters were stationed there, likely waiting for the dimensional rift to open.
The Flower Witch explained: "There exists a special large-scale Class D rift called 'Dragon's Roost' in that area. It reopens every ten years, and if left unattended, the rift will spiral out of control, affecting the entire island."
Dragon's Roost... Chen Qi stroked his chin in thought. As a former pet trainer, he'd cleared many similar rifts. Disregarding distortion levels, it ranked medium difficulty among Class D rifts.
The Flower Witch continued: "Within Flower Island's Dragon's Roost grows a special medicinal herb - Dragon's Breath Grass, which flourishes near dragons. I'm in desperate need of this herb right now. However, Dragon's Roost Island has strict tier restrictions, and my current rank disqualifies me from participating in this level of rift."
Chen Qi looked into the distance: "In simple terms, you want me to enter Dragon's Roost and bring you Dragon's Breath Grass as payment."
"That's not simple at all! That herb grows beside the final monster, meaning you'd have to face the rift's ultimate enemy - the dragon - to obtain it."
"Not impossible though." Chen Qi smiled. As a player, how could he possibly pass up a final boss? If he entered the rift, he'd spare no effort to achieve a perfect clear!
The Flower Witch adopted a serious expression: "Actually, I originally planned to have Flower Island's Red Crystal Hunter team assist me. But during our discussions, I sensed something off about them. This hunter team actively invited many traveling first-tier superhumans to join them in entering the rift. From my observations, although they appear gentle, they're far more dangerous than the Black Rabbit Gang we encountered in the hunting grounds. That's why I didn't commission them to find Dragon's Breath Grass." Her expression turned grave.
"Are you sure it's not because you're broke?" Chen Qi remembered Dragon's Breath Grass wasn't cheap by any measure.
The Flower Witch froze momentarily: "That... might be a small factor. But the rift's dangers extend far beyond just that hunter team." She studied Chen Qi. Despite revealing information about the Class D rift, she still couldn't detect any fear in his expression!
The Flower Witch cleared her throat, gazing at the distant hunter team: "Now for the most crucial intelligence. After hearing this, reconsider whether you should enter the rift and accept my request." She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts for a full minute before declaring solemnly: "There's a strong possibility this Class D rift contains treasure from the Deep Sea Hunters!"
"Oh." Chen Qi nodded.
After his nonchalant response, the Flower Witch stared at him intently. Hunter treasure - the legendary bounty of the Witch Sea! Shouldn't he act more surprised? To show proper respect for both the Deep Sea Hunters' treasure and her serious demeanor, Chen Qi opened his mouth and feigned astonishment: "Oh!"
That reaction should suffice.
"I know you're shocked, but please remain calm." The Flower Witch continued mysteriously: "Don't ask how I know about the legendary Deep Sea Hunters' treasure - that's a secret I cannot reveal. But I can definitively tell you there's a fifty percent chance this rift contains their treasure. And this will completely alter the rift's dynamics! Hunter treasure is like gold scattered everywhere - something that can change a superhuman's entire life, enough to make kind people raise their blades and turn brothers against each other."
"Based on my deductions, I'm certainly not the only one who knows about the Deep Sea Hunters' treasure. Therefore, entering this place might make you collateral damage in others' bloodshed." The Flower Witch crossed her arms, delivering what she considered the most critical information.
Chen Qi nodded. For most people, confirmation of hunter treasure in a Class D rift would be earth-shattering news. This intelligence held considerable value. Unexpectedly, the Flower Witch actually trusted him enough to share such important information. Their similar age, having met before, plus their transactional relationship - compared to those suspicious hunter teams, the Flower Witch preferred trusting Chen Qi.
Of course, trust required mutual respect to maintain.
This mission - I accept!
Chen Qi lowered his head, pretending to consider: "Hunter treasure, you say? Meaning while helping you find Dragon's Breath Grass, I might get eliminated... That's quite dangerous. If only the reward were slightly better..."
So he's scared after all... The Flower Witch frowned, scratching her head: "It is genuinely dangerous. My apologies - I shouldn't have told you this. Let's stick to monetary payment for the medicine. When I have time, I'll deliver the potion to you." Upon reflection, he was just a first-tier superhuman after all - sending him for Dragon's Breath Grass was too risky. Though their relationship was purely transactional (Chen Qi providing herbs, her making potions), if her request led to his death in Dragon's Roost, the Flower Witch would feel partially responsible for a young chef's demise.
Better rely on herself and find another way. The stubborn Flower Witch sighed.
"!" Chen Qi started. She wasn't following the script! Shouldn't she be raising her offer now?
Chen Qi stepped forward, looking at the distant hunter team: "Flower Witch, what I meant was - the price needs to go up."
"Raise the price? Let me repeat - that's hunter treasure we're talking about! Aren't you afraid?" Question mark flowers sprouted atop the Flower Witch's head as she patted her empty pockets. The existence of hunter treasure could completely transform the rift's dynamics.
Chen Qi spread his hands: "Fear is natural. But if we retreat every time we're afraid, we might as well never set sail at all."
"......" The Flower Witch fell silent briefly before nodding: "I don't have much cash - can only pay in potions. Besides preparing your medicine, I can offer an additional potion that complements Pale Scale Fruit as compensation."
"Deal."
He agreed so quickly! She recalled her teacher's advice: to thrive at sea, never fight alone - if possible, cultivate subordinates! This marked her first deal since arriving in Beiguo, and her first acquaintance here - a chef who knew no fear.
The Flower Witch bit her lip and extended her hand: "Deal!"
Chen Qi stepped forward for the handshake: "Deal."