The Rebellious Son Becomes a God

"That's all?"

"Apologies, sir," the young waiter replied with an apologetic expression."Just a few days ago, a major client bought up all the store'sTieling Ore. The new stock won't arrive for quite some time."

The waiter was a tall man, standing about seven feet. He had a handsome appearance and was dressed in elegant green robes. A jade pendant shaped like a cloud hung from his waist.

At a glance, Jiang Li could tell that the jade pendant was a special mark of the royal family of Yunhai Kingdom, glowing faintly with a blueish hue in the shape of a cloud.

"Sir, would you like to settle the bill?"

Jiang Li waved his hand, placing 188 silver coins on the counter.

The waiter only glanced at the coins, then handed over a small pouch."Thank you for your patronage. We hope to see you again soon."

Jiang Li put the"Thousand Shadow Kill" into his spatial ring and was about to leave.

However, the man from the Yunhai royal family suddenly turned around and called out,"Wait a moment, brother!"

Jiang Li paused."Who? Me?"

The man from the Yunhai royal family quickly jogged over."Brother, do you have any Tieling Ore for sale?"

"No!" Jiang Li answered decisively.

"You're wearing this," the man insisted, pointing at the pendant hanging from Jiang Li's waist.

Jiang Li glanced down at his waist.

This pendant was a gift from the little fox he met in the Canglong Mountain Range. The storage ring still contained a large number of such stones.

It wasn't until now that he realized what the man had mentioned—Tieling Ore. It sounded somewhat familiar.

Looking back at the pendant, it suddenly clicked.

Tieling Ore was a rare mineral known for its colorful luster on the surface. It was often used to forge high-end weapons and armor, or as a material for cultivation.

The foxes had given him these stones, and he had thought they were just pretty colors. He hadn't realized they were Tieling Ore.

It seemed like he had stumbled onto something valuable!

Jiang Li looked the man up and down, hesitating about whether to engage with him further.

Seeing Jiang Li's hesitation, the man, Yun Tian, judged that this was not a place suitable for further conversation. He gestured with a smile.

"Brother, would you mind coming with me to a restaurant? We can eat and chat there."

From his demeanor, although he seemed to be requesting something, he was neither servile nor arrogant. He wasn't trying to use his status to pressure Jiang Li, which made Jiang Li more inclined to agree.

Yun Tian led Jiang Li to a restaurant called Haiwei Xuan, where he booked a private room. He then called for a waiter to order several dishes and asked for a pot of fresh tea.

"Brother, allow me to introduce myself. I am Yun Tian, a small merchant from the neighboring Yunhai Kingdom. I'm here in Dahán to do a bit of business," Yun Tian explained with a friendly smile.

Jiang Li raised an eyebrow but didn't press the matter further.

"I'm Jiang Li," he said."I'm curious, how did Brother Yun know that I have ling iron ore on me?" Jiang Li was genuinely puzzled. The only visible ore on him was the pendant at his waist.

Yun Tian chuckled."Ah, Jiang Brother, you're unaware. My family possesses a special artifact that can directly sense the presence of ling iron ore in the area. Whenever it detects ling iron ore, it heats up."

He opened his palm to reveal a small white jade object, which looked somewhat like a cocoon. Just as Yun Tian had described, the jade was emanating faint wisps of white vapor.

Jiang Li suddenly understood. No wonder. It was this little object that had locked onto the presence of ling iron ore on him. It seemed he would have to be more careful in the future.

This also suggested that Yun Tian's family was not just a small merchant group but perhaps had access to some mystical or powerful resources. It piqued Jiang Li's curiosity about this man's true intentions.

"Jiang Brother, I wonder if you would be willing to sell the ling iron ore from your waist. I'm willing to pay 300 silver," Yun Tian asked, getting straight to the point.

Jiang Li couldn't help but inwardly click his tongue: No wonder he's from the royal family—he really has money. Normally, ling iron ore is priced between 100 and 200 silver, but for such a small piece, he's offering 300.

Seeing that Jiang Li didn't respond right away, Yun Tian assumed he was hesitating and decided to appeal to Jiang Li's emotions.

"Jiang Brother, to be honest, I'm after the Tieling Ore because of a protective spirit artifact my mother gave me. The core of the artifact is made of Tieling Ore, but it got broken by accident. I've been searching for a replacement for a long time but haven't had any luck. That's why I came to Tian Gongfang in hopes of finding it by chance." Yun Tian spoke earnestly, and his words didn't seem insincere.

Jiang Li picked up the round pendant from his waist and idly played with it in his hand. He couldn't help but think of the few innocent little creatures that had given it to him. A faint smile appeared on his lips.

Yun Tian, thinking that Jiang Li had agreed, eagerly reached out to take the pendant.

"This one isn't for sale," Jiang Li said flatly, and before Yun Tian could react, he had already turned around and hung the pendant back on his waist.

Yun Tian froze, looking a little stunned. His eyes flickered as if he had been caught off guard. Despite his earlier confidence, the pendant was clearly of some personal significance to Jiang Li.

Yun Tian found it hard to accept and, gritting his teeth, said,"Jiang Brother, could it be that the price isn't enough? I'll offer 400 silver."

This time, he hadn't brought much money with him. 400 silver was already at his limit; any more, and he might not even be able to cover his meal.

"No, no matter how much you offer, I won't sell it." Jiang Li said firmly.

"Why... why?" Yun Tian was extremely confused.

"This is a gift given to me after careful selection by others. I can't just sell it to anyone," Jiang Li replied, a hint of warmth in his voice. The pendant had been chosen with care by those little creatures; how could he so easily part with it?

"Ah... I see," Yun Tian said reluctantly."Well, that's fine. It's no trouble. Since we're here, let's at least have a meal before we part ways." Although Yun Tian was disappointed, he quickly accepted the situation.

Jiang Li, however, couldn't help but feel a bit more appreciative of him. Yun Tian had not pressured him further, nor tried to forcefully take the pendant. Even when refused, he was willing to treat him to a meal. It showed good character, and Jiang Li felt he was someone worth befriending.

"Although this one isn't for sale, I do have other ling iron ore," Jiang Li said, casually flicking his wrist. A new piece of ore appeared in his hand.

Yun Tian's eyes lit up with joy."Then, Jiang Brother, would you be willing to sell this one to me?"

His tone was full of excitement.

Jiang Li shook his head, and Yun Tian thought for a moment that Jiang Li was toying with him. He furrowed his brows slightly.

"Consider it a gift," Jiang Li said decisively.

"A gift? Why?" Yun Tian asked, still in disbelief.

Jiang Li took a sip of tea, then replied,"Take care of the gift your mother gave you. When you're out and about, don't let her worry."

Although those were his words, the main reason Jiang Li decided to give him the ore was because he felt that Yun Tian had good character and was someone worth making a connection with.

"..."

After a while, Yun Tian revealed more about his background. As the conversation drew to a close, he stood and gave a respectful bow.

"Thank you for the gift, Jiang Brother. I, Yun Tian, will consider you a friend from now on."

Jiang Li smiled brightly."It's my honor!" He returned the bow with genuine warmth.

A small piece of Tieling Ore, and with it, Jiang Li had made an acquaintance from the Yunhai royal family. A very worthwhile connection, indeed!

Outside the window of the Haiwei Xuan restaurant, the glow of the setting sun bathed the streets in a warm, golden light. People bustled by, and the atmosphere was lively and vibrant.

Inside the restaurant, the two sat across from each other, enjoying the meal. The mood between them was relaxed and cheerful, a quiet bond beginning to form over a shared meal.

The waiter brought over a pot of fine tea and a few plates of exquisite snacks. The two of them ate and chatted, covering topics ranging from poetry and philosophy to the affairs of the martial world and court gossip. There seemed to be no subject untouched.

As time passed, their conversation grew deeper and more meaningful. Eventually, they moved to discussing martial souls and cultivation, leaving no topic unsaid.

Yun Tian expressed deep admiration for Jiang Li's insights and demeanor. The two of them conversed happily, as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other in years.

"Jiang Brother, your insights are truly unique. I deeply admire you," Yun Tian said, raising his cup in a toast.

Jiang Li returned the toast with a smile."You flatter me, Yun Tian Brother. I just speak my mind and say whatever comes to me."

As they laughed and chatted, Yun Tian suddenly reached into his chest and pulled out a finely crafted jade pendant. He handed it to Jiang Li with a sincere expression.

"Jiang Brother, today's conversation has been most enjoyable. This jade pendant is my personal identification token. I wish to gift it to you today, in the hope that our friendship will last forever."

Jiang Li took the pendant and examined it. The jade was delicate, and the carving on it depicted the unique cloud patterns of the Yunhai Kingdom, signifying that it was no ordinary item. He hurriedly pushed it back.

"Yun Tian Brother, this is too much. I cannot accept such a generous gift."

Jiang Li knew that a gift like this held significant weight, and while he appreciated the gesture, he didn't want to accept something that might imply a greater bond than he was ready to form.

Yun Tian, however, was insistent."Jiang Brother, in Yunhai Kingdom, we value loyalty and righteousness above all else. Though this jade pendant is valuable, in comparison to our friendship, it's of little importance. I hope you will not decline."

Seeing Yun Tian's genuine sincerity, Jiang Li no longer hesitated. He accepted the gift with gratitude."Then I shall accept your kindness, Yun Tian Brother. Your friendship, I will cherish."

"Ha ha ha, I'm glad you accepted. It's getting late, and I must return to avoid worrying my family. Jiang Brother, I shall take my leave now." Yun Tian laughed heartily, his mood clearly elevated by their conversation.

"Farewell," Jiang Li said, standing to bid him off.

With that, Yun Tian rose, stepped toward the door, and exited with light, swift steps, clearly in high spirits from their enjoyable discussion.

Jiang Li glanced at the time and estimated that by the time he returned to the Duke's residence, it would be evening. At that hour, no one would disturb him, so he decided to head home as well.