The Hai Family estate, in a secluded courtyard.
Hai Wuya stood alone beneath the covered walkway, his expression indifferent, though a shadow lingered deep in his eyes.
The clash at the Immortal Abode Pavilion, the nighttime conversation aboard the pleasure boat, the rumors sweeping the city...
As the Hai Family's young master, he had been born into splendor, surrounded by admirers like stars clustering around the moon. When had a boy from a tiny county ever forced him into such a wretched, humiliating position?
His father had strictly forbidden him from stirring up trouble or making enemies for the time being, lest he bring disaster upon the Hai Family.
He could not strike himself, but he could kill with a borrowed blade.
Before long, a middle-aged steward in brocade robes, with a smooth, worldly air, bowed as he entered the courtyard and reported in a low voice.
"Young master, we have made contact with Myriad Treasures Commerce."
Hai Wuya raised his eyes, his voice calm and even:
"Is Gu Yanqiu willing to act?"
"He is." The steward nodded. "But Martial Cultivator Gu heard that Liu Yunche has attained the Dragon Tendon Extreme Realm and is also Qinglü, High Cultivator's disciple..."
Hai Wuya's brows drew together slightly, and his voice immediately turned cold. "What does he mean?"
The steward bowed and repeated the demand:
"You'll have to pay more!"
Hai Wuya fell silent for a long moment, then gave a faint snort and murmured, "Interesting..."
Azure Province's Myriad Treasures Commerce, backed by the Hai Family, was the largest resource trading firm in the Provincial Capital. Its financial resources were immense, and after years as the Hai Family's dependent, it followed their lead in all things.
Gu Dongqiu was the chief martial cultivator whom Myriad Treasures Commerce had spared no expense