NOVEL WEB chapter 137
137. The Negotiation of the Maiden
Mu Yiting’s gaze is fixed inside Wu Feng’s shop, captivated by the silhouette of a man.
It feels like someone, in the Tianling Mountains, that man who once caught her eye.
“Miss, what’s wrong?”
Her attendant notices Mu Yiting suddenly stopping to look inside a shop and inquires.
The attendant’s voice breaks Mu Yiting’s reverie, her gaze shifting back from the shop.
“It’s nothing, let’s continue on.”
Immediately, a few people continued to tread lightly, heading towards the conference room.
There was supposed to be an attack, right when Mu Yiting and the others had just passed by Wu Feng’s shop, Jun would throw the cup as a signal to start the fight.
However, it didn’t happen. Everything did not go according to the original plan.
The reason was simple. Jun felt that Lin Nuo had seen through his plan. He believed that as soon as their people made a move, they would surely be ambushed in return, and be utterly defeated.
They had to act cautiously, at least figure out a way to deal with this youngster known as “Wu Ying Ge” first.
It was understandable why the youngster didn’t attack him. Presumably, he also had his reservations, wary of the other’s strength.
So as long as Jun didn’t strike first, he wouldn’t make a move either.
Lin Nuo looked at the shopkeeper eyeing him and wondered, “Big brother, I have a letter of introduction. Either you close up shop, or you give me the goods. What’s with the way you’re looking at me?”
“Alright, I’ll give you the goods. Put the list on the table.”
After all, Jun was an assassin from the Dark Alliance, with a long history in the underworld, full of grudges and vendettas. He had to be cautious; the note could be poisoned, and one could die from just touching it.
Not touching it was the best option.
Lin Nuo complied, placing the list and the letter of introduction on the table.
Lin Nuo found it strange. Why the hell was the shopkeeper reading the list from meters away? Was he nearsighted?
Jun glanced over the list. It contained some rare contraband, pricey too, but he was just pretending to mind the shop and had no idea where the goods were.
For now, the plan was to stall “Wu Ying Ge,” pretend to look for the goods, and during this time, try to find the youngster’s weakness and catch him off guard.
In the dark path’s contest, victory often comes in an instant, taking the enemy’s life without even blinking an eye.
And now, it was their confrontation. On the surface, it was a simple transaction in the shop, but underneath, lethal intent was hidden, danger lurking everywhere.
“Please wait a moment.”
Jun pretended to look for the goods, walking back and forth between the shelves.
Lin Nuo felt that he didn’t seem very professional, stiff as wood, perhaps an apprentice of Wu Feng’s, learning how to run a black market shop.
But seeing him like this, he truly felt sorry for the future of the shop.
Tap, tap, the sound of high heels came from not far away.
Lin Nuo turned his eyes towards the sound and saw some people in black cloaks, with conspicuous and terrifying symbols on the chest and shoulders.
The Demonic Cult, an organization that gathered practitioners of demonic arts.
And at the forefront of the crowd was a stunningly beautiful young girl in a dark purple dress, heavily made-up, bewitchingly attractive, with soft, black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall.
Hmm?
Observing the girl’s attire and demeanor, an image formed in Lin Nuo’s mind.
In the midst of thousands of troops, a sinful girl in dire straits, besieged by countless people, unleashed earth-shattering power. Her demonic aura intimidated all around, turning thousands into ghosts of the battlefield in an instant.
Was it her?
A slight smile crept up the corner of Lin Nuo’s mouth. Unexpectedly, there was an additional reward for coming here; he actually got to see her.
The girl, accompanied by the disciples of the Demon Refining Sect, walked towards the council chamber, habitually scanning her surroundings for any signs of movement.
In that fleeting moment, her gaze met with Lin Nuo’s.
She saw, in a shop, a dark-faced youth with a scar from a knife, wearing a faint cold smile, his deep and sharp gaze locked onto her.
That look, like a sharp blade, seemed to pierce through the air, heading straight for her.
She stopped, locking eyes with Lin Nuo for a moment.
“Young master, do you need assistance?”
A disciple of the Demon Refining Sect noticed Lin Nuo’s unfriendly gaze, ready to eliminate him on the spot.
“No need, let’s not be overly sensitive.”
The girl waved her hand dismissively, her voice cold, “We’re almost at the council chamber, let’s continue.”
“Yes, young master.”
The disciples of the Demon Refining Sect complied, and the group resumed their steps towards the council chamber.
Despite her outward indifference, the girl was somewhat concerned.
She had a feeling that the youth was rather peculiar.
The girl entered the council chamber, where she was greeted by the Heilong Hall organization, represented by Mu Yiting. They were there to discuss a potential collaboration.
The doors of the council chamber closed behind them.
…
“Hello, Miss Ling Meng, my name is Mu Yiting, the representative of Heilong Hall for this occasion. I hope we can have a successful collaboration.”
“Hello.”
In response to Mu Yiting’s respectful greeting, Ling Meng, the representative of the Demon Refining Sect, replied with a cold tone.
For this negotiation, the Demon Refining Sect was already in a position of strength, which naturally made their speech more assertive.
“There’s no need for excessive pleasantries, let’s get straight to the point. The Demon Refining Sect is open to collaboration, but what benefits do we gain from partnering with you?”
Ling Meng, having grown up in the environment of the Demon Refining Sect, knew what to say in any situation, but she disliked beating around the bush, especially when it came to matters of interest. Being in a position of advantage, she naturally spoke with more firmness.
Faced with Ling Meng’s assertive words, Mu Yiting could only swallow her pride and respond with utmost respect:
“Miss Ling Meng, collaborating with Heilong Hall will certainly be beneficial. For this visit, we have specially prepared gifts for you.”
Mu Yiting ordered her attendants to open the brought cases, which contained various precious spiritual instruments and treasures.
Ling Meng glanced over them and was unimpressed.
She said coldly, “If this is all you have to offer, it will be difficult for us to collaborate. Besides, the Demon Refining Sect has an abundance of spiritual instruments and treasures; what you’ve brought is merely the tip of the iceberg for us. If you wish to collaborate, you’ll need to cede some of your territories to us.”
“That’s possible, but how do you think the division should be done to be fair?” Mu Yiting asked, continuing to concede.
“You’re Mu Yiting, right? The fourth daughter of the Heilong Hall family. I’m aware of your current situation; there are internal conflicts, and your power is still weak. Collaborating with us is akin to opposing the great forces of Heilong Hall.”
Ling Mengke had been involved in various negotiations and, before any discussion, it was crucial to thoroughly investigate the other party. “If you want my help, you must submit to the Refining Demon Sect, come under our control, and all of your people will be dispatched by us.”