Chapter 522: A Satisfying Set of Formation Flags
Ma Yuanjin proactively asked Yang Haoran about the purpose of his visit. Of course, Yang Haoran wouldn't beat around the bush any longer; after all, they had already reached this point in their conversation.
With a smile, he looked at the complete set of formation flags on the table.
"Actually, the main purpose of my visit this time is to obtain a powerful set of formation flags from your Ma family. I'm in urgent need of such a set right now. I know your Ma family is highly skilled in this area, which is why I've taken the liberty to disturb you."
As Yang Haoran spoke, Ma Yuanjin and Ma Hongcheng, father and son, exchanged glances, seemingly communicating something with their eyes.
The woman standing behind Ma Hongcheng, who was Ma Ling's mother, was utterly puzzled by this.
Since Yang Haoran had come for formation flags, and now the elder had not only produced a set of flags but also brought out a precious bottle of Pharmacist's Medicine he had collected for years, wouldn't it have been perfectly fine for Yang Haoran to simply accept them? He would have obtained both the flags and a bottle of medicine; wasn't that good?
Yet, Yang Haoran didn't touch either item. Instead, he explained the purpose of his visit, which completely bewildered her.
At the same time, her husband's and the elder's reactions also confused her greatly. Since Yang Haoran needed formation flags, hadn't a set already been presented? What else were the two communicating with their eyes?
In truth, Yang Haoran's intention was simple. His explanation was meant to convey to Ma Yuanjin that he currently had an urgent need for a powerful set of formation flags—a truly formidable set, not just an ordinary one.
The reason Ma Yuanjin and Ma Hongcheng exchanged glances was that they understood the meaning behind Yang Haoran's words. Their eye contact was to consider whether they needed to produce an even more powerful set of flags.
Yang Haoran took in the reactions of both Ma Yuanjin and his son, then continued with a smile.
"Heh heh, there's something I must clarify for both the elder and uncle. As Ma Ling's friend, my actions in saving her this time were simply what I ought to do. Not only would I save her this time, but in the future, if she ever finds herself in danger, I will rescue her all the same. As for those two Corpse Ghouls, they were merely a courtesy gift for my visit to the Ma Family Compound. Since I was coming to call, I couldn't possibly arrive empty-handed, could I? Therefore, these two matters are not leverage for me to obtain a set of formation flags from you. I genuinely wish to acquire a set of formation flags from you, but my original intention was to exchange for them—to trade for a set of equal value. " Yang Haoran said with a smile.
His words were remarkably sincere, yet, as usual, they were half-truths and half-lies.
Ma Ling gave him a very good impression, and he truly valued her as a friend. If Ma Ling genuinely encountered any danger, he would absolutely spare no effort to save her; this much was certain, and it wouldn't change even if his current transaction with the Ma family didn't go as planned.
In this regard, he was indeed speaking the truth, and it was also a promise.
As for his claim that he hadn't intended to use the two Corpse Ghouls as leverage for the formation flags, that was a falsehood.
From the very beginning, he had considered the two Corpse Ghouls as one of his bargaining chips for the formation flags. If their value proved insufficient, he would have added other valuable items as leverage, rather than initially preparing to exchange for the flags with items of equal worth.
However, to make it easier for the other party to accept and to better achieve his own goals, he naturally couldn't speak the full truth.
Ma Yuanjin and Ma Hongcheng's eye contact lasted only an instant. By the time Yang Haoran spoke again, both had withdrawn their gazes and were looking at him.
Upon hearing Yang Haoran's words, Ma Yuanjin's face remained wreathed in smiles, and he burst into a hearty, uninhibited laugh.
"Hahahaha, Emissary Yang, I understand what you mean. There's no need to say more. Just for those words you just spoke, our Ma family is absolutely committed to helping you with this!"
With a booming laugh, Ma Yuanjin waved his hand, collecting the entire set of formation flags from the table. As that set vanished, a rectangular wooden box, fully a meter long, appeared out of thin air, hovering above the table.
Yang Haoran's gaze was immediately drawn to this wooden box.
The wooden box was brown, with lifelike carvings of mountains and rivers on its surface, and gilded edges. To use such an exquisite box as a container immediately signaled that what it held was no ordinary item; common things wouldn't be worthy of such a beautiful vessel.
Seeing Ma Yuanjin produce this box, Ma Hongcheng's expression subtly shifted, his eyes showing a flicker of something, but he quickly returned to normal.
"Heh heh, Emissary Yang, please open it and take a look," Ma Yuanjin said, smiling.
Yang Haoran nodded with a smile, then reached out and gently opened the wooden box.
With his abilities, he could have easily opened the wooden box with a mere flick of his wrist. However, he didn't. Instead, he carefully used both hands to open it.
Choosing to do so was a display of basic respect for the host.
As the box opened, the first thing that caught the eye was an array disk, positioned precisely in the very center of the box, making it the most conspicuous item.
On either side of the array disk, two neat rows of formation flags were arranged, eight flags in total, with four on each side.
Just like the box containing the Pharmacist's Medicine, this box also had padding at the bottom, covered by a piece of yellow cloth. Both the array disk and the formation flags were nestled within this padding.
From this, it was evident that Ma Yuanjin had preserved this set of formation flags exceptionally well. It also highlighted the flags' immense value; Ma Yuanjin would never have stored ordinary flags with such meticulous care.
If one were to compare this set of formation flags with the previous one, it would be like comparing heaven and earth. Although Yang Haoran hadn't tested the power of either set, Ma Yuanjin's attitude towards them alone revealed that their values were certainly not in the same league.
Of course, it couldn't be said that the set of formation flags Ma Yuanjin had presented earlier was worthless refuse. The very fact that he dared to offer it as a gift to Yang Haoran indicated that it was certainly not bad; otherwise, how could he have the gall to present it to him? It was simply that, compared to the current set, that previous one fell far short.
"Emissary Yang, what do you think? This set of formation flags looks quite good, doesn't it? Why don't you try out its power? I believe both its defensive and offensive capabilities will astonish you," Ma Yuanjin said with a smile.
Yang Haoran didn't touch the formation flags or the array disk inside the box. Hearing Ma Yuanjin's words, he smiled and shook his head, then carefully closed the lid of the box.
Seeing Yang Haoran shake his head, the smile on Ma Yuanjin's face stiffened, and Ma Hongcheng also looked momentarily stunned.
"What, Emissary Yang, are you perhaps not satisfied with this set of flags? I suggest you try its power before making a decision. Trust me, this set of flags will not disappoint you," Ma Yuanjin said, trying to persuade him with a smile.
"No, no, no, Elder, you've misunderstood my meaning. I am very satisfied with this set of formation flags. The reason I shook my head is that I don't feel it's necessary to test its power. I trust you, Elder, and I also trust my own judgment," Yang Haoran said with a chuckle.
Upon hearing Yang Haoran's words, the smile on Ma Yuanjin's face deepened a few shades.
"Haha, as long as Emissary Yang likes it! If Emissary Yang isn't satisfied with even this set of flags, then I, this old man, truly fear I wouldn't know what else to do."
Ma Yuanjin spoke with a smile. He didn't insist that Yang Haoran test the flags' power, but from his tone, it was clear he was full of confidence in his set of flags.
"Elder, I believe your Ma family isn't short on money, so I won't embarrass myself by bringing out New Beginning Coins. As for me—"
Yang Haoran was halfway through his sentence when Ma Yuanjin interrupted him.
"Hahahaha, that's enough, that's enough, Emissary Yang, you're truly too polite. This set of formation flags, including this bottle of Pharmacist's Medicine, are all gifts of gratitude from my Ma family this time. Please, you must accept them. You don't need to offer anything in exchange. " Ma Yuanjin said with a smile.
Yang Haoran feigned a wry smile, his expression turning a bit difficult.
"Elder, as I just said, saving Ma Ling was simply what I ought to do as a friend. And the two Corpse Ghouls were merely a courtesy gift I prepared for disturbing your Ma family this visit. They are not leverage for me to acquire the formation flags; please don't misunderstand."
Hearing this, Ma Yuanjin smiled and shook his head.
"Since we are all friends, Emissary Yang, there's no need to be so polite. If you can give our Ma family such a substantial gift as two Corpse Ghouls, then for our Ma family to give you a set of formation flags and a bottle of Pharmacist's Medicine is truly nothing. Moreover, if it weren't for you, Xiao Ling would have lost her life this time. Compared to my precious granddaughter's life, these external possessions are utterly worthless."
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