Sincere Cooperation

Ning Fengzhi lifted his wine cup again, using the motion of drinking to conceal his thoughts.

"Speaking of which, there is something I'd like to discuss with you two. Quite a few soul masters live in seclusion in Canghai City, and the city happens to sit on a strategic bottleneck along the East Sea coast. Given the friendship between our two sides, could your sect perhaps make things convenient for our merchant caravans traveling along the East Sea coastline in the future?"

Zhou Qiubai glanced at him, a knowing smile curling at the corner of his lips.

This was the real Ning Fengzhi.

No banquet was ever just a banquet. Every exchange of pleasantries concealed an opportunity for negotiation. That was the true nature of the merchant who had built the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect into the wealthiest sect under heaven.

"Sect Master Ning, are you proposing an alliance?" Zhou Qiubai raised his teacup, looking thoughtful. "Canghai City does not involve itself in the continent's disputes, but if your sect's caravans wish to pass through, that won't be a problem. For the specific arrangements, Sect Master Ning can simply send someone to speak with Old Master Dantai."

Ning Fengzhi smiled and nodded, asking no further questions.

He was a clever man. He knew when to advance and when to retreat.

Zhou Qiubai's promise of passage was equivalent to opening the gates of the East Sea to him. That show of sincerity was enough.

As for the specific terms of the agreement, that was work for the people below them. There was no need to waste breath haggling over it at the dinner table.

Otherwise, why hire so many people?

To eat for free?

More importantly, Zhou Qiubai had indirectly acknowledged that Canghai City possessed a complete administrative system in