"Threats the moment we disagree? Do you really think I, Li Chen, was raised on fear?"
In Broad Cloud Ward, Li Chen received their message and could not help scoffing.
Such bluster could only frighten ordinary rogue cultivators who genuinely feared the Everflow Merchants' Association and the Mei Family. Li Chen treated it as so much hot air.
As time passed, however, Helm Master Lin and the others pressed him ever more urgently, pestering him a dozen times a day and even threatening to deploy their flying boat. Li Chen finally had to step forward and agree to another round of negotiations.
An entire day had passed by then. Helm Master Lin and the others demanded that Li Chen bring Mei Xuan along so they could see her.
The negotiations were held in a sprawling residence in Broad Cloud Ward. On the surface, its surroundings appeared tranquil, but all around it lay densely packed mechanism traps and puppet troops. If a clash broke out, Helm Master Lin and the others would learn exactly what it meant to enter a dragon's pool and a tiger's den.
"Helm Master Lin, Steward Mo, I'm doing well here. You needn't worry. Is everything all right at home? There's no need to rush to tell Grandfather, or this matter will become difficult to resolve."
Mei Xuan did indeed appear at the meeting, as rational and composed as ever. Instead of seeking reassurance, she urged them to proceed cautiously.
Helm Master Lin and Steward Mo dared not go against her wishes. They could only say, "Rest assured, young miss. We'll resolve this matter properly."
Mei Xuan seemed perfectly well, though a trace of weariness on her face stirred their sympathy. "If possible, ransom me back as soon as you can. We truly miscalculated this time. Since