Miao Wang, who had seemed to hold the initiative all along, finally hesitated. He could only excuse himself by saying he still needed to report to his superiors and could not give an answer yet.
Fang Qianyuan understood perfectly. He had not revealed the true extent of his appetite, and Miao Wang alone could not agree to everything outright.
In fact, what he wanted to learn was Miao Shihong's opinion.
He needed to know Miao Shihong's prestige and actual authority within the Cat Clan before deciding how to treat them.
Moreover, demanding talented elites directly from the Cat Clan and holding those hostages in his hands was indeed a way to pull the firewood from beneath the cauldron. Whatever the Cat Clan might be plotting, he could keep a firm grip on the benefits he was owed.
Several days passed quickly. Miao Wang and the Cat Clan behind him seemed to have thought things through and sent someone with a message. Everything would become clear once he returned to the Southern Wilds.
"Young Master Fang, our Grand Elder has sent word. In principle, we can agree to your terms, but a few points in the details should be made clear."
"Oh? What guidance does the Grand Elder have for me?"
"We would not presume to offer guidance. He is merely thinking of our fellow clansmen. We hope you will treat them well, Young Master Fang."
Fang Qianyuan smiled. "If your clan treats me sincerely, I will naturally repay you in kind."
Miao Wang nodded. "Also, please keep this confidential, Young Master Fang. Our Cat Clan may be weak, but we absolutely cannot let others carve us up like fish and meat."
He was worried that other powerful figures and experts would demand terms similar to Fang Qianyuan's in their future