After this, Lin Ji received the Merchant Association's full support and became the sole mainstay upon whom all its hopes rested.
Master Jin and Master Wang, who had originally competed with him, were reduced entirely to supporting roles. However, Li Ling generously shared the Incense Array method, giving them a chance to glimpse the workings of the new formation. They had nothing more to complain about and served tirelessly as assistants, adding their bricks and mortar to Lin Ji's Grand Array.
The prisoners of war in their hands were put to good use as well. The Merchant Association finally found an opportunity to slow the Merfolk offensive and gained the confidence to propose peace talks without sacrificing its own interests.
Elder Shang sought out Li Ling privately and told him, "It's time you honored your promise and went to the Merfolk Kingdom as our envoy."
Li Ling said, "All right. I'll give it a try."
Elder Shang said, "If you can persuade the Merfolk to withdraw, your contribution will be immense. The Merchant Association certainly won't treat you poorly."
Li Ling smiled at that. He believed the Merchant Association would not dare leave too much of his due unpaid, but he would be a fool to truly trust such promises.
Since ancient times, had there been any shortage of meritorious servants being treated poorly?
However, he had his own calculations in agreeing to this mission. Besides securing a seat on the Council of Elders, increasing his control over the Incense Market, and strengthening his influence over the money dao, he had many other plans.
Elder Shang added, "Deepwater Guestland in the Merfolk Kingdom lies in the depths of the ocean. With mountains and waters stretching so far between us, the round trip will take quite some time. Use this Mystic