Chapter 273: Smart Tactics and Seizing Opportunity

"Have I really fallen for him?" 

"Every night, even in my dreams, I think about him. I want to kill him. But… could it be that my desire to kill him is just a way to get his attention?" 

"What do I even like about him?" 

Xiao Yu stood frozen, watching Mu Chen's back as he walked ahead, her mind clouded with confusion. She couldn't deny that Mu Chen was a skilled alchemist, not to mention quite handsome. Despite his occasional mischief and how he often took liberties with her, Xiao Yu admitted that many women would be drawn to such a talented and charming man. 

While Xiao Yu was lost in thought, Mu Chen had already entered the Xiao Family's main hall. 

"Master Mu Chen, what an honor! I only asked Xiao Yu to check with you, not for you to personally visit. This is truly humbling for us," the first elder said, his tone full of respect as he stood to welcome Mu Chen. 

The other Xiao Family elders and core disciples quickly followed suit. With Mu Chen standing, none of them dared to remain seated. After all, showing disrespect to a powerful alchemist would be a grave mistake. 

"First Elder, no need for formalities. Let's get straight to the point. Why have you called for me?" Mu Chen asked, pretending not to know. 

"Master Mu Chen, forgive my directness, but may I ask—what grade of alchemist are you?" the first elder inquired cautiously. 

"What grade I am as an alchemist—how does that relate to why you've summoned me?" Mu Chen countered calmly. 

From the first elder's words, Mu Chen already understood the situation. The Xiao Family needed a Grade-3 pill to counter the Oba Family's *Windwalk Elixir*, which explained the elder's question. 

"A mere Grade-3 *Windwalk Elixir*," Mu Chen said with a subtle smile. With a thought, he retrieved a peculiar talisman inscribed with the word "Explosion." 

"What's this?" the first elder asked curiously. 

"An Explosive Talisman," Mu Chen replied. 

"Explosive Talisman?" The first elder and the other Xiao Family members looked at him, puzzled. 

"It's a type of talisman infused with soul energy. When activated, it can unleash a devastating explosion. First Elder, why don't you try it yourself?" Mu Chen said as he flicked the talisman toward Xiao Zhan. 

Xiao Zhan nodded, examining the talisman in his hands. He could sense the unstable yet powerful energy within it. Following Mu Chen's instructions, he infused a trace of soul energy into the talisman and stepped to the hall's entrance. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the talisman toward a decorative rockery in the courtyard. 

**Boom!** 

A thunderous explosion rocked the courtyard. The three-meter-tall rockery was instantly obliterated, reduced to rubble. 

The hall fell into stunned silence. No one could have imagined that such a small talisman could produce such destructive power. The blast was enough to threaten even advanced spirit masters. With enough of these talismans, they could even pose a serious threat to Dou Spirits—or higher-level fighters. 

"Master Mu Chen, are you saying you're willing to let the Xiao Family sell these talismans?" the first elder asked eagerly, his eyes ablaze with excitement. 

"Indeed," Mu Chen said with a nod. 

"What are your conditions, Master Mu Chen?" Xiao Zhan asked, unable to hide his anticipation. 

"I've heard that your Xiao Family possesses a jade pendant passed down as a token of leadership. If you want my talismans, trade me that jade pendant," Mu Chen said calmly. 

"What?" 

"The family's leadership token?" 

"This… this is impossible. That pendant symbolizes the Xiao Family's legacy!" 

The hall erupted in uproar at Mu Chen's demand. The elders and core disciples were visibly upset. Mu Chen had already taken Xiao Yan's mother's keepsake, and now he was eyeing the Xiao Family's most treasured heirloom. 

"Master Mu Chen, the leadership token is a symbol of our family's spirit and heritage. Could we negotiate for something else?" Xiao Zhan asked hesitantly. 

"No. I only want the jade pendant," Mu Chen replied firmly. 

"This… this is outrageous!" the third elder fumed, nearly leaping to his feet. 

"If you think this is unreasonable, I won't force you. My terms are clear: I only want the jade pendant. Whether you accept is up to you. When you've made your decision, you know where to find me," Mu Chen said as he turned to leave. 

The Xiao Family had two items Mu Chen desired: Xiao Yan's ring containing Yao Lao's soul, which he had already acquired, and the jade fragment of the *Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade*. While Mu Chen didn't need the jade for himself, completing his mission and assisting Gu Xun'er required it. 

"Master Mu Chen, please wait! Let's discuss this," the first elder pleaded as he rushed to block Mu Chen's path. 

"It's simple: the jade pendant, or nothing," Mu Chen said plainly. 

The first elder hesitated, glancing at Xiao Zhan and the other elders for guidance. The room was filled with tension as everyone remained silent, unwilling to make such a grave decision. 

Internally, Mu Chen smirked. He wasn't worried in the slightest. By demonstrating the power of the Explosive Talisman, he had planted a seed of temptation in their hearts. Compared to the *Windwalk Elixir*, which only increased mobility, the talisman offered unparalleled destructive power, capable of threatening even Dou Spirit-level fighters. 

Moreover, the Xiao Family faced an imminent financial crisis. When survival was at stake, the jade pendant's symbolic value would inevitably take a backseat. 

"Alright, I understand," Mu Chen said, feigning indifference as he resumed walking toward the exit. 

"Fine!" the first elder finally relented. 

"First Elder!" 

"First Elder!" 

"First Elder!" 

Xiao Zhan and the other elders cried out in protest. 

"For the sake of the Xiao Family, I will bear this burden," the first elder said solemnly. "Master Mu Chen, we accept your terms." 

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