Cyclical Dependence

A deductively sound and logical line of thought. the Elder Tree commented, listening to his internal monologue.

"Wait, I can't hide my thoughts from you?"

Correct. Your mind is certainly more powerful than that of almost any other person, barring Martial Artists of the Upper Realms, I have ever seen, but you lack the power to hide it from me, it reported.

That was inconvenient.

Indeed.

However, that didn't mean that he couldn't use this to his advantage.

And just how would you?

Rui stared at the Elder Tree as a smirk emerged on his face. "Because now you have no justification to not trust the sincerity of the trade offers that I make to you."

…

"Hahaha!" Kane cackled. "That's genius. But what trade offers did you have in mind?"

None.

"It's right," Rui remarked calmly. "None. At least, nothing specific yet. However…"