Most con artists are clever people. They know how to weigh their options and won't risk a great loss for a small gain.
Clearly, this Cultivator before them named Pang Shan was one of those clever people.
Knowing he couldn't easily bluff his way out of this, he straightforwardly took the initiative to apologize and offer compensation.
When the man actually produced an Elixir, Yang An looked over at Pan Shi. He didn't know the Elixir's true value, but the pained look on the man's face seemed genuine.
After all, Pan Shi and his sister were the ones who had almost been swindled. He had only intervened to help them, so the decision on how to proceed naturally fell to Pan Shi.
"Is this really a Transformation Pill?"
Having nearly fallen for the man's trick moments ago, Pan Shi was now suspicious and clearly distrusted him.
Pang Shan nodded repeatedly.
"It's a genuine Transformation Pill, I swear. I wouldn't dare try to deceive you again, Fellow Daoist."
Pan Shi accepted the Elixir with lingering doubt. He was about to examine it closely when he remembered his own limited expertise and the master standing right beside him.
So, he turned and offered the Elixir to Yang An.
"Fellow Daoist Yang, could you take a look? Is this Transformation Pill real or fake?"
In truth, Yang An knew the Elixir was most likely genuine even without looking. But since Pan Shi wanted his help, he might as well take a look. He accepted the Elixir from Pan Shi.
The moment he took it, an information box appeared before his eyes.
"[Transformation Pill]: A product of the Gold Washing Sect, refined from the essence of a Form-Shaping Tree and the heart's blood of a hundred beasts. Consumption allows for temporary transformation into the shape of various beasts or the state of a Spirit Wood.
Cost of Use: Upon the transformation's end, a random part of the physical body will retain a residual, irreversible trace of the transformation.
Status: Purifiable!"
'This thing... is rather interesting.'
Yang An studied the Elixir in his hand. He hadn't expected its effect to be transformation. The cost of using it, however, was quite severe.
"It's a Transformation Pill, no doubt about it!"
He announced his conclusion to Pan Shi, who finally nodded. Pan Shi tossed the Exquisite Flower Illusion Jade back to Pang Shan without giving him any further trouble.
Just as Pan Shi had said before, the Communal Feast was a motley gathering. Every Cultivator had backing from their own Immortal Mountain, and even the lowliest Loose Cultivators belonged to some faction.
Unless there was some deep-seated grudge, there was no need to make an enemy of someone.
Even the hosts of the Communal Feast, the people of Mother Divination True Master's lineage, weren't overly harsh with attendees. As mere spectators, there was no reason for them to step forward and cause a scene.
In the end, they hadn't lost anything. In fact, they had gained a valuable Transformation Pill as compensation. There was no need to drag the matter out just to cause the other man more grief.
"Luckily for you, we have an expert with us. We'll let it slide this time, but I suggest you be more careful about who you try to scam next time."
Although Pan Shi didn't intend to pursue the matter, he couldn't resist getting in a final verbal warning.
"You are absolutely right, Fellow Daoist. Thank you all for your magnanimity! Thank you!"
Pang Shan knew his place. He didn't retort, instead bowing gratefully to the group.
'Who would have thought I'd screw up so badly? An old hand like me, making such a rookie mistake. I ran into a true master; I have no choice but to accept my defeat.'
The fact that they didn't blow the incident out of proportion was the best possible outcome for him.
Losing an Elixir stung, but fortunately, his spot was rather secluded. Not many Cultivators passed by, so the incident hadn't attracted much attention. He breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
'From now on, I really need to do as he said and be more careful.'
With the matter settled, Yang An and the others left as if nothing had happened, deciding to browse elsewhere.
Yang An fully approved of how Pan Shi had handled the situation. Getting along with people was a skill, no matter where you were. It was always better to avoid trouble. Fewer entanglements meant greater freedom.
After they had walked some distance away, Yang An offered the Transformation Pill back to Pan Shi, but Pan Shi simply waved it away.
"If not for your help, Fellow Daoist, my sister and I would have been deceived. This item should rightfully be yours. Please don't argue with us about it."
Pan Shi knew it was better to give the item to Yang An than to owe him a favor. Otherwise, the debt of gratitude would only grow, and he feared he might never be able to repay it.
Seeing Pan Shi's insistence, Yang An didn't stand on ceremony. After a moment's hesitation, he put the Elixir away.
'I might not have a use for it,' he thought, 'but having another valuable item on hand can't hurt. Maybe I can trade it for something I need later. It's not like I'm not poor.'
"In that case, thank you, Fellow Daoist Pan."
"Haha, now you're being a stranger! Fellow Daoist Yang, please don't be so formal with us. We'll still need your help later. Otherwise, with just my sister and I, I'm afraid we'll inevitably fall for someone else's tricks."
Pan Shi chuckled, making a decision in his heart.
"Of course, we won't let you help us for free. If you see anything you fancy later, just let me know. I guarantee I can make it worth your while!"
When he and his junior sister had left Sansong Mountain, their master had given them many fine things. As such, Pan Shi sounded quite confident in his means.
Of course, more than these resources, he valued the connection he was forging with Yang An.
'If Master knew about this, he would surely approve of my actions.'
'Sometimes, the most respectful way to build a relationship is through mutual assistance and benefit, not by fawning over the other person and giving away everything just to win their approval.'
'That isn't friendship; it's sycophancy.'
'Although I doubt my resources mean much to him,' Pan Shi thought. 'Fellow Daoist Yang is from a major sect, after all. He probably looks down on this sort of thing.'
'But it's the effort that counts. By showing my sincerity, our friendship can deepen.'
Yang An was surprised to hear Pan Shi's offer, but he quickly understood his intentions.
The man was serious about wanting to befriend him and was placing them on equal footing, rather than simply trying to buy his approval.
From his interactions with them over the past few days, Yang An had gotten a sense of the siblings' character and conduct. They were indeed people worth befriending, so he didn't refuse.
"Alright. Then if you see anything you're unsure about later, Fellow Daoist Pan, just ask. I'll be sure to help."
Yang An didn't hesitate, nodding in agreement and making a mental note of Pan Shi's kindness.
He knew that in Pan Shi's mind, he was still wearing the guise of a disciple from some major sect. Pan Shi probably thought these resources were of little help to him.
In reality, however, this was timely aid that solved a pressing problem. The help was significant.
This was a favor he desperately needed. He would remember it well and be sure to repay it in the future.
"With your help, Fellow Daoist Yang, I can rest much easier. I'm sure we'll have a fruitful time here."
Pan Shi smiled broadly, feeling very pleased.
The fact that Yang An had agreed with so little hesitation showed that he accepted them—him and his sister—as friends.
Their relationship had grown even closer, which was exactly what he had hoped for.
"Let's go. It's getting more crowded, so things are at their most lively. Let's go check things out over there."
Pan Shi called out, and the three of them quickly headed off in another direction.