Wang Tieshan's expression changed again, more sharply this time, and he hurriedly cupped his fists in greeting.
"So it's Miss Su of Qingyang Sect. Forgive my disrespect, forgive my disrespect."
Su Yao nodded and said nothing.
Wang Tieshan led the two of them into the small room inside the Forging Workshop, the same room where Lin Taichu had discussed prices with Wang Tieshan last time. The room was not large, with a table and a few chairs set inside; on the table were still that stack of account books and that teapot.
Wang Tieshan invited them to sit, then poured each of them a cup of tea.
"Mr. Lin, you said just now that you wanted to ask about something. What is it?"
"I came to check on the progress, and to ask in passing whether anything unusual has happened at your Forging Workshop recently."
"Unusual? What kind of unusual?"
"For example, has anyone come asking you about the Tianyuan Chamber of Commerce, or has anyone come to buy Dharma Artifacts in large quantities?"
Wang Tieshan shook his head.
"No. We just forge iron, ship goods, and bring in stock every day here. Nothing unusual. Mr. Lin, did you hear some rumor?"
Lin Taichu did not answer that question.
"Is Mr. Ma here?"
Wang Tieshan's expression changed, then quickly returned to normal.
"Mr. Ma isn't here. He left Immortal Soldier Island two days ago. I don't know where he went either. He didn't tell me when he left."
"All right, then I won't disturb you. I'll come pick up the goods at the end of the month."
Wang Tieshan stood and saw the two of them to the door.
After leaving Zixia Sect's Forging Workshop, Su Yao looked at Lin Taichu.
"That Wang Tieshan wasn't honest when he spoke."
"I