Several days later, In the most luxurious restaurant in the eastern part of the city, Step-by-Step Immortal Ascension, He Sheng sat across from two middle-aged cultivators in the Jade Breeze private room on the third floor.
The man on the left had fair skin and a slightly plump build. He was Yang Wanshi, the uncle of the broker Lu Tong.
His manner was somewhat humble, and his face always bore a faintly ingratiating smile. From time to time, he rose to pour wine for He Sheng, presenting the cautious, worldly air of a petty merchant.
The man on the right, meanwhile, had a large belly. A pair of narrow eyes gleamed with shrewdness from his round face.
Though he was merely a Late Stage Qi Refinement cultivator, he remained neither servile nor overbearing before He Sheng, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator. His every gesture carried a certain poise, showing that he held some standing within the Four Directions Commerce Association.
"Senior Xiang, this is Manager Heng Daoyuan, one of the four chief managers of the front hall at the Origin Mist Branch of our Four Directions Commerce Association.
"Manager Heng is specifically responsible for the trade in magical artifacts. I heard from Lu Tong that you intend to cooperate with our Four Directions Commerce Association, so I specially invited Manager Heng to discuss the matter with you."
With Yang Wanshi's introduction, He Sheng naturally exchanged greetings with Manager Heng.
Heng Daoyuan did not put on airs either. He promptly rose and returned the greeting with cupped hands, his manner respectful without being fawning.
Once they had exchanged greetings and taken their seats, He Sheng did not rush to discuss business. Instead, he chatted idly with Heng Daoyuan about the customs and ways of the cultivation world.
Heng Daoyuan was