Ye An looked at Xu Tianzhao with some surprise.
This guy... this was only their second meeting today, yet he actually intended to lay all his cards on the table?
Xu Tianzhao, who saw no reaction on Ye An's face, was not discouraged and merely continued calmly. "There are three major powers in Bright City's underground Soul Tool world, all of them organizations that have risen in recent years. The strongest is the Xishui Alliance, followed by the Aodu Merchant Association. As for the third... it is the Plain Alliance behind the Plain Restaurant."
"The three underground organizations jointly control the export and smuggling of Soul Tools and Soul-Guided Metal. Though it is called smuggling, it has in fact received Father Emperor's tacit approval and instructions. The Soul Tools and Soul-Guided Metal circulating on the markets of your three great empires all actually flow out from Bright City's underground world."
As he spoke, Xu Tianzhao let out a soft sigh, his voice carrying a trace of melancholy. "Unfortunately, for quite some time to come, the Plain Alliance will only be able to maintain the Plain Restaurant's pleasure business. The smuggling trade in Soul Tools and Soul-Guided Metal may have to be put on hold for now."
"Of course, if Brother Ye An wishes to purchase some Soul Tools, my Plain Alliance can still provide them. So, Brother Ye An, just tell me what you want. I guarantee a fair price."
Xu Tianzhao smiled amiably, as though he had no hidden motives at all, freely revealing this information.
At that point, he paused slightly, as if he had suddenly remembered something. "Right, I nearly forgot to ask where Brother Ye An is from. A genius like Brother Ye An—who is your master?"
So he finally couldn't help asking outright?
Ye An