It Takes Strategy to Win Hearts
Yang Haoran's face showed a hesitant expression because he was weighing his options.
However, his hesitant expression, when seen by Ma Yuanjin and Ma Hongcheng, took on a different meaning.
Both of them assumed that Yang Haoran wasn't quite satisfied with this bottle of Pharmacist's Medicine, which was why he was hesitating. Ma Hongcheng then shot a glance at Ma Yuanjin.
Ma Yuanjin, however, waved his hand, signaling Ma Hongcheng to remain calm, indicating he knew how to handle the situation.
"Haha, Emissary Yang, don't worry. This bottle of Pharmacist's Medicine was meant for you anyway. Even if you didn't give those two Corpse Ghouls to our Ma Family, this bottle of Pharmacist's Medicine would still be yours, because it's simply our thank-you gift for saving Ma Ling."
At this point, Ma Yuanjin laughed and waved his hand again. A pile of items appeared on the table once more.
Yes, a pile of items, not just one.
Upon hearing this, Yang Haoran's gaze fell upon the small pile of items on the table, and his eyes immediately lit up.
This was a complete set of Formation Flags, precisely what Yang Haoran currently needed most.
The reason Yang Haoran wanted a set of Formation Flags was, naturally, to place them in his villa. After the villa's expansion, the newly constructed areas would involve many of his secrets, so he absolutely had to prepare a powerful set of Formation Flags in advance to mislead outsiders.
While restriction barriers created with Spirit Power could also achieve this, compared to advanced Formation Flags, restriction barriers made with Spirit Power seemed too ordinary.
Of course, it had to be a relatively advanced set of Formation Flags; the effect of ordinary Formation Flags simply wouldn't suffice, and might even be less effective than the restriction barriers he could create with his own Spirit Power.
However, there was one key difference: many barriers created by Formation Flags not only possessed strong defensive capabilities but also had a certain offensive nature, whereas restriction barriers formed by one's own power typically lacked any offensive capabilities. This was the biggest distinction.
Back at Cloud Mist Mountain Manor, Yang Haoran had acquired a set of Formation Flags, specifically the blood-colored barrier that had trapped them. The power of that set of Formation Flags was actually quite impressive, ultimately helping that lead Demon Hunter considerably, as the summoned blood-colored monsters alleviated a good deal of pressure for him.
However, the Array Disk for that set of Formation Flags had been damaged at the time, rendering the set unusable. Yang Haoran had originally considered asking the Ma Family for help, to see if they could repair it, but then, considering that doing so would reveal the origin of these Formation Flags, he dismissed the idea.
To avoid any complications, he decided to come to the Ma Family to acquire a new set of Formation Flags, even if it meant exchanging something for them.
This was something Yang Haoran had planned before even arriving at the Ma Family Compound. The reason he hadn't brought up the Formation Flags earlier was that it wasn't the right time; he needed time to gradually steer the conversation towards the topic.
However, before he could even bring it up, the Pharmacist's Medicine produced by Ma Yuanjin slightly disrupted his plan, as that medicine truly tempted him greatly.
Yet, just as he found himself struggling with the choice, Ma Yuanjin produced another set of Formation Flags and placed them on the table, intending to gift them to him. For him, this was like a pillow arriving precisely when one felt sleepy.
"Emissary Yang, you are an Underworld Official. No matter how good the magical artifacts we exorcists use are, they would be useless in your hands. Besides magical artifacts, our Ma Family also knows a bit about talisman arts, but we are, after all, not as specialized as the Talisman Masters of the Talisman Order. The talismans we draw are not only common goods but also very limited in power, so it wouldn't be appropriate to give such talismans as a gift to Emissary Yang."
At this point, Ma Yuanjin paused slightly, then continued with a smile: "Therefore, I, this old man, considered it carefully and decided to gift Emissary Yang a set of Formation Flags instead. This item, whether for guarding a residence or for battling enemies, is an excellent choice. It is much stronger than restriction barriers formed from one's own internal power, and I believe Emissary Yang will find it useful."
Ma Yuanjin and Ma Hongcheng both noticed the joy on Yang Haoran's face. In their eyes, Yang Haoran should be quite satisfied with this outcome.
"How about it, Emissary Yang? Do you like these two items? " Ma Yuanjin picked up his teacup, took a sip, then asked with a smile.
Yang Haoran nodded with a smile, his gaze shifting from the Formation Flags on the table to the smiling Ma Yuanjin.
"To be honest, even if Ma Ling hadn't sought my help this time, I would have found an opportunity to visit the Ma Family Compound soon," Yang Haoran said with a chuckle.
"Oh? " Ma Yuanjin displayed a curious expression. Although Ma Hongcheng didn't speak, his face also showed curiosity.
"Does Emissary Yang perhaps have something that requires our Ma Family's assistance? " Ma Yuanjin asked with a smile.
"Hehe, Old Master, your insight is truly sharp. I do indeed have some matters that require the Ma Family's help, but I felt awkward coming empty-handed. It just so happened that Ma Ling needed my help with something, so I simply took this opportunity to visit the Ma Family. Otherwise, I would have been too embarrassed to show up," Yang Haoran chuckled.
Yang Haoran's words were indeed truthful. The reason he was willing to speak from the heart was, firstly, to show his sincerity and make the two men feel his genuine intentions. Secondly, it was to set the stage for what he would say next.
As soon as he spoke, Ma Yuanjin and Ma Hongcheng grew even more curious. At the same time, a hint of worry crept into their hearts; Yang Haoran was speaking with such solemnity that they feared he might pose some difficult request to them.
Although they harbored such thoughts, neither of them showed it. All that could be seen on their faces was curiosity.
"Haha, since Emissary Yang is a friend of Ma Ling, you are welcome to visit our Ma Family anytime. Besides, a prominent figure like Emissary Yang is someone we usually couldn't even invite, so your presence is most welcome! It's just. . . I wonder, what does Emissary Yang need our Ma Family to do for you?"
Ma Yuanjin had lived to his age and could still thrive within their circle; he certainly wasn't lacking in wits. When Yang Haoran suddenly requested to visit today, he knew things weren't as simple as they seemed.
In truth, even if Yang Haoran hadn't come to visit their Ma Family, given that he had saved Ma Ling's life and gifted them two Corpse Ghouls, Ma Yuanjin would have personally gone to Lecheng afterwards to visit Yang Haoran and use the opportunity to build a good relationship with him.
However, Yang Haoran actively coming to visit the Ma Family Compound was entirely different from Ma Yuanjin personally going to Lecheng to visit Yang Haoran. Yang Haoran's initiative in visiting implied that there was very likely something else at play. One doesn't visit the Hall of Three Treasures without a reason; he didn't believe Yang Haoran's visit was simply to enjoy the scenery in their remote mountain valley.
Therefore, after Yang Haoran arrived, Ma Yuanjin repeatedly emphasized the relationship between Yang Haoran and Ma Ling, repeatedly elevated Yang Haoran to a very high position, and continuously showed goodwill towards Yang Haoran on behalf of the Ma Family. His words and actions appeared very frank and enthusiastic, but he had other objectives in mind.
His objectives were, firstly, to seize this opportunity to forge a good relationship with Yang Haoran, this Underworld Official. Secondly, he wanted to plant a seed—a seed of goodwill—between their Ma Family and Yang Haoran.
With this seed of goodwill planted, if Yang Haoran truly had something he needed the Ma Family's help with, and they could accomplish it, then both sides would naturally be delighted. If they couldn't, Yang Haoran would also feel awkward pressing them too hard, so as not to harm their mutual feelings.
As for Ma Yuanjin's thoughts, Yang Haoran could probably guess one or two things, but not everything. After all, Ma Yuanjin's tactics were exceedingly clever, and he was playing the emotion card; some people might not even realize they had been caught in his trap.
However, Ma Yuanjin had his strategies, and Yang Haoran also had his own. The reason he hadn't fully grasped Ma Yuanjin's strategies was that he chose not to; he felt that as long as he stuck to his own approach, he would ultimately achieve his goals.
In fact, strategies also fall into benevolent and malicious categories. Benevolent strategies are simply for both parties to get along better. Regardless of whether they ultimately achieve their respective goals, neither side will fall out, and they can still remain friends.
Malicious strategies, however, are different. Malicious strategies are always aimed at causing harm to others; ideally, they lead to the opponent's demise. The two have a fundamental difference, and that difference lies in their starting point.
In life, strategies are actually everywhere; it's just a matter of whether one notices them. Being able to rationally distinguish them and skillfully utilize them is what truly matters.
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