"I never wanted just him..."
Helian Lie lightly tapped the cold windowsill with his fingertips. His voice drifted out leisurely, every word carrying the confidence of someone who had everything figured out.
"Hong Yin has a special constitution. She's a naturally born cultivation vessel of the finest quality, so naturally, I can't let her slip away. And that Crimson Blood Divine Tiger-a pureblood cub has countless uses if we keep it."
"As for that fool from the Ao Family..." The smile on Helian Lie's lips cooled slightly. "Arrogant, with his eyes perched atop his head. He's perfect for use as a blade. Bring him along too. Since the net is about to break, we naturally need to scout out some new hands."
Understanding dawned on the elder, and he hurriedly bowed. "A truly brilliant move, young master. This old servant was too dull to think that far ahead."
"Go handle something for me." Helian Lie turned, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes.
"Send Ao Xuan a message in my name. Tell him I've uncovered something that will interest him, concerning what he's always wanted..."
"And send word to Wei Lun at the Kane Group. Tell him the time has almost come."
"Yes. This old servant will see to it at once."
The Gray-Robed Elder bowed and accepted the orders. As though melting into the shadows, he silently vanished from the quiet room without leaving the slightest trace of his presence.
Silence returned to the quiet room.
Helian Lie strolled over to the wine cabinet, took out a bottle of premium dry red that had gathered dust for years, and slowly poured it into a crystal glass. The scarlet wine gently swirled against the glass, reflecting the faint smile on his lips.
In the white jade fish tank beside