The sun reflected on the sea, the waves sparkling as the fleet sailed smoothly. However, standing on the deck, Liu Wenzhou gradually noticed something amiss.
He looked toward the horizon, vaguely sensing the change in the sun's position—the ship's course was not heading east, but north!
North? The Commercial Republic?!
Liu Wenzhou's heart jolted. He quickly walked over to Huo Yuanchao at the helm, his tone steady but carrying hidden questioning: "Captain Huo, I remember we agreed to head east back to the Shuntian Dynasty. Why has the direction changed now?"
Huo Yuanchao held the helm steadily with both hands. Hearing this, he wasn't in a hurry to answer. He first glanced at the wind direction on the sea, then smiled slightly: "Mr. Liu truly is a scholar; you can even notice such subtle changes."
"But this couldn't be helped," Huo Yuanchao said lightly. "Our fleet's supplies are almost depleted after coming this far. If we don't go to the Commercial Republic first to replenish supplies, we might starve to death on the sea before reaching the Shuntian Dynasty."
Liu Wenzhou frowned: "Couldn't the supply issue be resolved at other seaports? Why must we return to the Commercial Republic?"
Huo Yuanchao smiled, spreading his hands: "Mr. Liu, the Commercial Republic is the greatest trading place in the world. If you want to replenish with the best supplies and find the most reliable intelligence, is there any better choice than there?"
Liu Wenzhou stared at Huo Yuanchao, trying to discern something from his expression. However, the other party's smile was as calm and flawless as ever.
He sneered internally—Huo Yuanchao's reasoning sounded high-sounding, but he knew this wasn't about supplies at all; it was Kong Fang's arrangement!
The Wealth Sect would never let Chen Hui's family go so easily!
But right now, he couldn't afford to tear up his relationship with Huo Yuanchao on the spot. So he suppressed his doubts, nodding slightly: "In that case, let's head to the Commercial Republic first."
Huo Yuanchao smiled and nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly: "Mr. Liu truly is reasonable."
Returning to the cabin, Liu Wenzhou's face sank slightly. He immediately informed Chen Hui and Lin Wanying of the situation.
"We are not returning to the Shuntian Dynasty," Liu Wenzhou said in a low tone. "Our destination is the Commercial Republic."
Hearing this, Chen Hui's brow furrowed slightly. His expression remained unchanged, but he had already realized the severity of the problem.
"Is this Kong Fang's arrangement?" Lin Wanying's tone was calm, but a cold light flashed in her eyes.
"Highly likely." Liu Wenzhou nodded. "Although Huo Yuanchao didn't say it explicitly, based on my speculation, the Wealth Sect probably knew of your existence long ago."
"Furthermore, it's very likely they have already grasped some intelligence regarding the underground palace."
Chen Hui's fingers lightly tapped the table, his gaze deep: "What kind of person is Kong Fang?"
Liu Wenzhou pondered for a moment, then spoke: "Kong Fang is no ordinary merchant. He is an extremely shrewd sect leader. Not only does he control the vast financial power of the Wealth Sect, but he is also a highly skilled strategist."
"He won't easily make a losing deal. If we are brought back to the Commercial Republic, he will definitely extract benefits from us."
Lin Wanying raised an eyebrow slightly: "Benefits? What can he get from us?"
Liu Wenzhou's tone was steady: "First, naturally, is the secret of the underground palace. Over these five years, how many mechanisms you've cracked, how much knowledge you've gained—to the Wealth Sect, this is absolutely invaluable."
"Second, Brother Chen, your identity."
"Now the entire Shuntian Dynasty believes you died in battle and were titled 'Duke of Loyal Heroism.' If you return to the mortal realm, this identity of 'Duke of Loyal Heroism' will be a massive variable to the court, the Ministry of War, and even to Chang Yanjiao and State Preceptor Chang Jin."
"And Kong Fang, as a shrewd merchant, will absolutely not miss this variable. He might even try to seek more advantages from your official position and reputation."
Chen Hui thought for a long time, then whispered: "So, our trip to the Commercial Republic is probably not just as simple as resupplying, but a transaction?"
Liu Wenzhou nodded: "It is a transaction, and also a probe. Kong Fang will observe our attitude, and we should also be prepared for him."
"How should we respond?" Lin Wanying asked lightly, her tone calm but carrying a hint of vigilance.
Liu Wenzhou slowly said: "We cannot let Kong Fang see our bottom line, especially the true value of the underground palace."
"We can let him know some things, but we must absolutely not let him grasp everything."
"As for Brother Chen's identity..."
He paused, his tone turning slightly cold: "If Kong Fang wants to use this title, then we might as well use him in return."
Chen Hui smiled slightly, a glint of sharpness in his eyes: "Brother Liu, your experiences at sea these past years have taught you how to spar with merchants."
Liu Wenzhou smiled lightly: "Merchants and the officialdom are actually not that different; both are about transactions and calculation."
Lin Wanying nodded, her tone indifferent: "In that case, let us see just how brilliant this 'King of Flying Money' truly is."
After a month of sailing, the fleet finally entered the port of the Commercial Republic.
On the docks, people came and went, merchant ships stood like a forest, and goods from all over the world flowed here. Gold, silk, pearls, and spices piled up like mountains on the docks. This was the place where the merchants of the world dreamed of making their fortunes, and also a chessboard woven with power and wealth.
However, as the ships gradually docked, Chen Hui and the others noticed something unusual—
Someone was waiting for them!
On the dock, a group of people had been waiting for a long time, their eyes all cast toward the approaching fleet.
Standing at the forefront was a man wearing a silver embroidered long robe. The fabric shimmered slightly, the cuffs embroidered with exquisite coin patterns. His hands rested behind his back, his ten fingers long and slender, adorned with several lustrous jade rings. As he gently turned them, he appeared graceful and composed.
He was the Vice Sect Leader of the Wealth Sect—the "Silver Hand Wealth God" Zhao Yijin.
"They're here."
Zhao Yijin smiled slightly, his deep gaze looking toward the docking fleet, a meaningful smile on his lips.
Beside him stood three men and women with entirely different styles and auras, yet each exuded a strong presence.
When the fleet docked, Huo Yuanchao was the first to step down, laughing loudly: "Vice Sect Leader Zhao, it's been a while."
Zhao Yijin cupped his hands slightly, his smile unchanged: "Captain Huo, you have worked hard. The wind and waves on this journey were not small, were they?"
Huo Yuanchao smiled faintly: "It went fairly smoothly, but the significance of this voyage might be more important to some people than ordinary maritime trade."
He then turned, introducing Chen Hui, Lin Wanying, Liu Wenzhou, and Chen Wenbin to Zhao Yijin: "This is Lord Chen Hui, Miss Lin, Mr. Liu, and this young master Chen Wenbin."
Zhao Yijin nodded slightly, first looking at Liu Wenzhou, smiling: "Mr. Liu, I trust you have been well. You've kept our Commercial Republic's intelligence network quite busy these past few years."
Liu Wenzhou smiled lightly, his tone teasing: "If that allowed the Wealth Sect to make a profit, it wasn't a waste."
Zhao Yijin smiled gently, then turned his gaze to Chen Hui, cupping his hands slightly: "I have heard much about you, Lord 'Duke of Loyal Heroism.' To think you could personally come to our Commercial Republic, this is truly unexpected."
Chen Hui merely smiled faintly without responding, instead turning his gaze to the three people beside Zhao Yijin—
These three were clearly not ordinary attendants; their auras were distinct, and each carried a strong presence.
Seeing this, Zhao Yijin smiled slightly: "Lord Chen, these three are the new leaders of the three major branches personally supported by our Sect Leader Kong Fang—the true core figures of the Wealth Sect's future."
He pointed to the woman standing on the far left. She wore a bright red gold-threaded dress, her skin fair, her posture graceful. Every movement exuded nobility and allure.
"Red Gold Consort" Su Jinling—Master of the Jade Pavilion, proficient in strategy and the arts of charm, controlling the intelligence and entertainment industries within the Commercial Republic.
"Lord Chen," Su Jinling smiled gently, her voice soft and charming, yet carrying an indescribable sense of pressure. "We are all quite interested in your deeds."
Her words held a double meaning, her eyes flashing with scrutiny and inquiry.
Next, Zhao Yijin looked at the man standing in the middle. This man had a slender figure and a cold aura. His hands were folded in his sleeves, and a sharp murderous intent showed between his brows. Yet he wore no weapons, his aura restrained, making one shudder with fear.
"Wealth Shadow Assassin" Shen Cuodao—Master of the Silver Pavilion. Hailing from the Moonrise Empire, he was formerly a samurai of the Kagemoon Sect, proficient in assassination and sword-drawing techniques. Having fled to the Commercial Republic for certain reasons, he was now Kong Fang's hidden blade.
Shen Cuodao didn't say much, merely nodding slightly, his gaze cold, as if evaluating Chen Hui.
Finally, Zhao Yijin pointed to the man on the far right. This person wore a scholar's long robe, the lapels embroidered with exquisite gold thread patterns. He held a folding fan in his hand, his posture leisurely, but his eyes carried shrewdness and calculation.
"Gold Hall Strategist" Fu Yunxing—Master of the Gold Hall, proficient in financial operations and capital allocation, controlling the internal flow of funds within the Wealth Sect, and even maintaining close ties with the dignitaries of the imperial court.
Fu Yunxing smiled slightly, his tone warm: "Lord Chen, you must be exhausted from this dusty journey."
Chen Hui looked at the three of them, thinking to himself.
Kong Fang had just established the three major branches, and these three were the leaders of those branches. For them to personally welcome his group now, the intention was self-evident.
Their presence represented the Wealth Sect's current power expansion and future layout. This welcome was not just simple pleasantries, but a clash of power.
After a round of greetings, Zhao Yijin smiled slightly, his tone polite but carrying an undeniable meaning: "The Sect Leader has already arranged the best accommodations for our esteemed guests. Please rest well first. When the time comes, the Sect Leader will host a banquet to wash away the dust of your journey."
Liu Wenzhou smiled slightly: "In that case, we will respectfully comply."
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying exchanged a glance, both nodding slightly.
This banquet was probably not just for "washing away dust," but for a real transaction.
However, what exactly were the chips of this transaction, and who would be the true beneficiary?
All of this would probably only be truly known when they met Kong Fang.
When the attendants of the Wealth Sect led Chen Hui, Lin Wanying, and Chen Wenbin to the VIP room prepared for them, the three could not help but freeze slightly.
This guest room, compared to the simple wooden cabin they lived in on the deserted island, was like heaven and earth.
The entire room was separated into inner and outer spaces by carved rosewood screens with gold thread. The floor was covered with soft, heavy Persian wool carpets, the window curtains were silk from the West. Every table and chair was carved with intricate auspicious patterns, the corners inlaid with sparkling jade and gold accents.
The lighting in the room didn't come from oil lamps, but from peculiar colored glaze lamp shades that refracted light, filling the entire room with a warm golden glow, as luxurious as a royal palace.
Chen Hui frowned slightly: "This Wealth Sect is a bit too extravagant."
Lin Wanying scanned the surroundings, nodding gently: "This fits their style. After all, this is the place where the world's wealth converges."
However, what was most shocked by all this was none other than Chen Wenbin.
This child, who had grown up on a deserted island since childhood, had never seen such gorgeous decoration. His eyes widened, his gaze falling on a dressing table inlaid with gold carvings, then looking at the sparkling colored glaze lamp stand in the corner, and finally his sight rested on the pillow woven with emerald and gold thread at the head of the bed.
"These things... are for people to use?" His tone was full of doubt. He reached out to gently touch the colored glaze lamp stand, as if confirming whether it was real.
"Yes." A maid nearby smiled gently. "All the furnishings here are prepared for esteemed guests."
Before she finished speaking, several more maids in gorgeous clothing walked in from outside, holding various types of clothes, bowing respectfully: "Please change your clothes, the three of you. Later, the Sect Leader will host a banquet in the Golden Palace hall to wash away the dust of your journey."
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying looked at each other, both somewhat unaccustomed.
"We shouldn't trouble you with these..." Lin Wanying said softly.
"Ah, Miss Lin, this is no trouble. This is the hospitality a merchant should show!" an attendant nearby said with a smile. "Sect Leader Kong is a man who values 'affection and righteousness' the most. He said that since we found Lord Chen and his wife, this banquet must be grand!"
Chen Hui narrowed his eyes slightly, not responding immediately, but he began to think in his heart. Kong Fang hosting this banquet was absolutely not just for washing away dust...
As night fell, the "Golden Palace" hall of the Wealth Sect welcomed an extremely grand banquet.
This hall was magnificent in momentum and extremely luxurious in decoration.
The massive golden circular dome was inlaid with colored glaze and gold leaf from foreign lands. Every line shimmered with gorgeous luster. In the center hung a chandelier made of thousands of connected Eastern crystal beads. Under the refraction of candlelight, it shone like a galaxy.
Around the hall were gold leaf murals depicting the trade routes of the world, vividly displaying the commercial hegemony of the Commercial Republic.
The banquet was filled with delicacies from all four seas—spiced roast sheep from the Southern Seas, honey-glazed pomegranates from the Western Regions, lobsters and seafood from the East, and precious Tianshan snow lotus wine. The value of the ingredients alone was enough that ordinary people could never hope to afford it in their lifetimes.
When Chen Hui and Lin Wanying walked into the hall side by side, with Liu Wenzhou leading Chen Wenbin behind them, everyone couldn't help but pause slightly, their eyes revealing expressions of surprise or inquiry.
"This banquet... is a bit too grand." Chen Hui whispered, a trace of scrutiny in his eyes.
Lin Wanying nodded gently: "We are just guests, yet we are treated as the center of the banquet. This is unusual."
They had just sat down and hadn't had time to exchange more opinions when a loud, smiling voice rang out—
"Hahaha, tonight the Golden Palace is graced by your presence. Our esteemed guests have finally arrived!"
As the voice fell, a man wearing a gold-thread embroidered robe walked slowly from the back of the hall. His lapels swayed slightly, he held a folding fan in his hand, and his face bore a warm and composed smile.
He was the Sect Leader of the Wealth Sect—the "King of Flying Money" Kong Fang.
However, beside him followed a woman and a young girl.
The woman wore a light purple flowing cloud gauze dress, gentle and dignified, her features like a painting, exuding a noble aura in every gesture. She was Kong Fang's wife, Shang Chulian.
And the girl following behind them, wearing an exquisite little dress, was in a pink and white robe, her hair combed into a nimble bun. Her bright eyes darted around, observing the surroundings. Interestingly, a money pouch was tied to her waist.
She was Kong Fang's most precious only daughter—Kong Ning.
At nine years old, though young, she already displayed the shrewd aura of a merchant. Her gaze swept over the guests at the banquet, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly, seemingly already pondering how to bargain.
"Lord Chen, Madam Lin, Mr. Liu, Young Master Wenbin," Kong Fang laughed loudly, walking steadily toward them. "To be able to meet you here is truly a rare fate."
He paused slightly, his tone sincere: "Five years ago, when we learned that you might still be alive, we spared no effort to support Mr. Liu in finding you."
"Now, you have finally returned. This is not only your reunion, but a great fortune for everyone in the world!"
His tone was sincere, as if he genuinely rejoiced for Chen Hui's family. However, these words falling into Chen Hui's ears made his heart sink slightly.
"A great fortune for everyone in the world"? What exactly was the intention behind Kong Fang's words?
He held his wine cup, not responding immediately, but he already knew that this banquet was not just for "washing away dust," but a transaction deeply hiding calculations.
As the evening lights were lit, the Golden Palace was filled with flowing colors, the aroma of wine, and melodious lute music. The atmosphere of the banquet seemed peaceful, but the real chessboard had just begun.
Chen Hui held his wine cup, Kong Fang's words still echoing in his mind—"Your return is a great fortune for everyone in the world."
These words sounded like praise, but carried an unfathomably deep meaning.
"Everyone in the world... Does this refer to the imperial court? The Ministry of War? Or... the Commercial Republic?" Lin Wanying said softly, her eyes full of deep thought.
"Since Kong Fang said these words, it means in his plan, our existence has value." Chen Hui's tone was steady, his gaze sweeping toward Kong Fang. "The question is, is our 'value' his chip, or his variable?"
"It depends on how he plays this transaction."
Lin Wanying smiled lightly, looking sideways at Kong Fang. At this time, Kong Fang was conversing softly with Fu Yunxing and Zhao Yijin. His fingertips gently turned the gold coin dart in his palm. The gold coin shimmered with a lustrous glow under the light, as if he was already weighing the true value of this banquet.
This banquet was no longer a simple welcoming, but a probe of power and interest.
While the adults clashed with words, another silent "transaction" was quietly unfolding.
"Are you Chen Wenbin?"
A crisp but shrewd voice rang out. The tone was steady and confident, lacking any of the shyness and hesitation a child should have.
Chen Wenbin turned to look and found a girl wearing a pink and white cross-collared robe, her hair in an exquisite flying-apsaras bun, standing by the table. She held a small money pouch in both hands, her eyes nimble and sharp, carrying an aura of precise calculation unsuited to her age.
She was exactly Kong Ning, Kong Fang's only beloved daughter. Though only nine years old, she had already displayed extraordinary shrewdness and commercial talent.
Chen Wenbin nodded, his tone neither haughty nor humble: "I am Chen Wenbin. And you are?"
Kong Ning smiled lightly, a flash of slyness in her eyes: "I am Kong Ning. You can call me Sister Ning."
"...You aren't much older than me." Chen Wenbin frowned slightly, his tone serious. "I won't call you sister."
"Businessmen don't look at age, they only look at who can earn more." Kong Ning said matter-of-factly. "Since you refuse to call me sister, let's compete and see who is smarter."
Chen Wenbin raised an eyebrow: "How do we compete?"
Kong Ning didn't answer, but pointed directly at a crystal-clear precious pearl at his waist. Her gaze was so precise it was as if she had already calculated its value: "That pearl is so pretty. I want it."
"No." Chen Wenbin immediately shook his head. "Father gave this to me."
"Then I'll trade something for it." Kong Ning's tone was indifferent. She then shook the small money pouch in her hand, emitting the crisp sound of clinking copper coins. "There are fifty taels of silver notes here. You can use it to buy a lot of candy, and even a whole exquisite set of stationery."
Chen Wenbin thought for a moment, then shook his head: "This pearl is worth more than fifty taels of silver."
"Smart, but not smart enough." Kong Ning smiled lightly, her eyes flashing with calculation. "Then, what if I add this?"
She took out a finely carved mechanical bird from her sleeve. Once the mechanism was activated, the bird flapped its wings and chirped softly, as nimble as a real bird.
"This is from the West, you can't buy it outside." Kong Ning smiled. "I'll use this, plus fifty taels of silver, to trade for your pearl. How about it?"
Chen Wenbin looked at the mechanical bird, an obvious hint of interest showing in his eyes.
"Do you want to trade?" Kong Ning tilted her head slightly, her tone coaxing.
Chen Wenbin hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright."
"Deal!" Kong Ning immediately took the pearl, quickly put it into her money pouch, a smug smile on her lips. "You really don't know how to do business. This pearl has long exceeded the value of the things you traded for it."
Chen Wenbin froze for a moment, then frowned: "You tricked me?"
"I didn't trick you." Kong Ning spread her hands. "You were willing to trade yourself. This is a transaction. You should learn from me how to do business without taking a loss."
Chen Wenbin looked at her. Although somewhat unconvinced, he vaguely seemed to understand that this method of "transaction" was completely different from mathematical calculation—this was a psychological and verbal game.
"...Alright, I'll learn from you."
"That's more like it!" Kong Ning happily clapped her hands, her eyes flashing with the light of victory.
Lin Wanying was dealing with Kong Fang when she suddenly noticed the interaction between the two children, a smile curving her lips.
"Sect Leader Kong, your daughter is quite shrewd."
Hearing this, Kong Fang turned to look, finding that Kong Ning had "successfully traded" and taken Chen Wenbin's precious pearl. He couldn't help but laugh: "This girl has been shrewd since she was little. Her talent for business might even be stronger than mine."
A spark of inspiration flashed in Lin Wanying's eyes. She suddenly smiled: "How about this? Since the children get along, let them play together first. We adults can also talk better."
Kong Fang listened, giving Lin Wanying a meaningful look. A moment later, he laughed loudly: "Miss Lin is indeed smart. This is a good idea."
"Ning'er, take Wenbin around, show him the Commercial Republic."
"Sure!" Kong Ning happily agreed, grabbing Chen Wenbin's hand. "Let's go! I'll take you to see how real buying and selling is done!"
As the figures of the two children gradually faded away, Lin Wanying smiled slightly, her gaze returning to Kong Fang, her tone gentle but carrying deep meaning: "This way, we can also properly discuss business."
Kong Fang gently turned the gold coin dart in his palm, his smile unchanged: "You two are indeed also brilliant merchants."
"Then please have a proper business discussion with me."
Inside the Golden Palace, the sound of music did not cease, the brilliant lights shone, and the guests still raised their cups to chat, enjoying this incredibly luxurious banquet.
However, behind this gorgeous masquerade ball, the real transaction was just beginning.
Kong Fang slightly turned the gold coin in his palm, his gaze slowly sweeping over the hall, then whispered orders to Zhao Yijin beside him: "Mr. Liu has traveled a long way. Since he worked so hard to find them, later you personally accompany him in drinking, make him feel that our Wealth Sect treats guests with honor."
"Understood." Zhao Yijin nodded gently, turning to walk toward Liu Wenzhou with a composed smile.
Following that, Kong Fang's gaze shifted slightly, looking at Shen Cuodao standing in the crowd, his tone casual: "Hall Master Shen, have your men be alert. Although Ning'er and Chen Wenbin are just children, they are our treasures. Don't let anything happen to them."
Shen Cuodao said in a low voice: "Rest assured, my men are watching in the shadows. If necessary, they will assist."
Kong Fang smiled slightly, full of meaning: "That is good."
He turned to Shang Chulian and said softly: "Chulian, I leave this place to you. Lord Chen, Madam Lin, and I have important matters to discuss."
Shang Chulian smiled gently, nodding slightly: "Rest assured, husband, I will naturally entertain the guests for you."
Only then did Kong Fang wave his hand, signaling Chen Hui and Lin Wanying to follow him.
The two exchanged a glance, both understanding—the real negotiation had finally arrived.
Deep within the Golden Cauldron Pavilion, mechanisms turned, and Kong Fang led Chen Hui and Lin Wanying into a meticulously arranged secret room for discussion.
The room possessed no resplendent decorations, but was instead arranged very simply, with only a desk and a few chairs. However, the surrounding walls were hung with detailed maps and nautical charts, and there were even several diagrams related to the mechanisms of the underground palace, among which records of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty's ruins could be clearly seen.
"This is where I truly conduct my affairs." After Kong Fang sat down, he smiled slightly, pointing to the teacups on the desk: "Lord Chen, Madam Lin, how about a sip of tea before we discuss business?"
Looking at this secret room, Chen Hui knew in his heart that this conversation was no longer the pleasantries of a banquet, but a precise commercial negotiation.
He smiled slightly: "Sect Leader Kong, since you invited us here, you must have important matters to discuss. Why not speak frankly?"
Kong Fang clapped his hands lightly, a trace of admiration in his eyes: "Good! Lord Chen is indeed straightforward, then I will speak directly."
"I want the secret of the Wind and Thunder legacy."
He gently turned the gold coin in his hand, his tone, although gentle, carrying an undeniable momentum: "Lord Chen, you have studied on that island for five years and cracked the mechanisms of the underground palace. You must have grasped quite a bit of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty's legacy."
"You should have seen the diagrams concerning the Wind and Thunder Kingdom on my wall. Our family has researched the ruins of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty in this world for many years. The legacy you have obtained, to me, is considered quite weighty in value."
"Tonight's banquet is my 'sincerity'." Kong Fang's tone was steady, his gaze deep. "This banquet is not just to wash away dust, but my deposit for you."
"Over the next few weeks, the news of the banquet will spread back to the Shuntian Dynasty. Everyone will know that you, Chen Hui, are still alive."
"However, at the same time, my Wealth Sect's chamber of commerce will blockade all information related to the Wind and Thunder Dynasty, keeping this secret temporarily only between us."
"As for public opinion..." Kong Fang's mouth curved up slightly. "I intend to make the Pirate Alliance the target of public criticism once more."
"Recently, the Pirate Alliance has snatched away quite a bit of our maritime and land trade, secretly trading with the Shuntian Dynasty. But if I spread rumors making everyone in the world believe the Battle of Qingzhou was a conspiracy by the Pirate Alliance, the Shuntian Dynasty will definitely launch a crusade."
"And this struggle will weaken the Pirate Alliance, allowing my Wealth Sect to gain a more secure commercial advantage."
Kong Fang smiled slightly, his tone confident: "This is a win-win situation. I get the secret of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty, and you—will gain a much safer journey home. But regarding the details..."
Lin Wanying and Chen Hui exchanged a glance, then smiled slightly, her tone calm: "Sect Leader Kong is indeed a smart man."
"But a smart man should know that a transaction cannot only benefit one side."
Chen Hui waved his hand, his celadon abacus beads clinking softly, his tone indifferent: "We have indeed grasped a portion of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty's knowledge, but the underground palace is not a place of martial arts legacy, but a continuation of mathematics and physics."
"If the Sect Leader truly wants to obtain the wisdom within, we can provide some of our manuscripts and notes for the chamber of commerce to copy its contents and research. But... we ourselves haven't completely cracked it, so we cannot give you all the secrets as you mentioned..."
Inside the secret room of the Golden Cauldron Pavilion, the aroma of tea lingered. The surroundings were silent, yet the atmosphere in the room surged like an invisible chessboard.
Kong Fang gently turned the gold coin in his palm, a barely perceptible smile hanging on his lips, but his gaze gradually deepened.
"Lord Chen, Madam Lin," his tone was steady, yet carried an unquestionable meaning, "I am not satisfied with this transaction."
He shook his head, suddenly gripping the gold coin in his hand as if taking aim to throw it at them. His tone sank slightly: "For this deal, you need to add more chips."
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying suddenly felt a surge of killing intent. They looked at each other, knowing this transaction could never be easily concluded.
"If the Sect Leader is dissatisfied, why not state your expectations plainly." Lin Wanying's tone was calm, but her gaze was sharp.
"Very well. I will speak purely on business terms!" Kong Fang smiled slightly, simply cutting to the chase. "I want the complete Wind and Thunder legacy you currently know, plus the method to crack the underground palace's mechanisms."
"Furthermore..." His fingers lightly tapped the table. "Your return to the Shuntian Dynasty will trigger political changes. Lord Chen's identity as 'Duke of Loyal Heroism' is a rare political resource."
"If you are willing to advocate for official trade with the Wealth Sect in the imperial court, establishing a closer trade relationship between the Commercial Republic and the Shuntian Dynasty, then this transaction can be considered sincere."
Hearing this, Chen Hui's heart moved slightly, finally truly understanding Kong Fang's ambition—
He not only wanted the Wind and Thunder Dynasty's legacy but also wanted to use Chen Hui to let the Wealth Sect reach an official trade treaty with the Shuntian Dynasty!
This would allow the Wealth Sect to not just dominate the Commercial Republic, but also influence the Shuntian Dynasty's economy, even dictating the wealth of the world and surpassing its current status as a regional hegemon!
"The Sect Leader is indeed shrewd." Chen Hui slowly spoke. "But in this transaction, we cannot entirely follow your arrangements."
"Since you wish for me to return to the Shuntian Dynasty to open new trade doors for the Commercial Republic, then... why don't we slightly alter the detailed conditions and demands of our transaction."
Chen Hui's tone was unhurried, his gaze calmly looking at Kong Fang: "I can add teaching my judge's brush technique to Kong Ning, and Lin Wanying will also teach her our mathematical knowledge. After all, the mechanisms of the underground palace cannot be cracked by rote memorization; one must calculate on the spot to open them. By your daughter learning this, doesn't it mean the Wealth Sect obtains the legacy of the Wind and Thunder Dynasty?"
"But in exchange, I want Kong Ning to help teach Chen Wenbin, letting him learn the business philosophies and human relations of the Commercial Republic."
Upon hearing this, Kong Fang froze slightly, then gently rubbed the gold coin dart, a flash of interest in his eyes: "Oh? What does Lord Chen mean by this?"
"Wenbin has extremely high talent, but he grew up on an isolated island and lacks true understanding of the world."
"Kong Ning is skilled in commerce and has a smooth personality. If she is willing to take Wenbin to see the world, this will be a rare learning opportunity."
"This transaction, to us, is an investment; to Kong Ning, perhaps it is also a challenge."
Hearing this, the smile on Kong Fang's lips deepened. His fingertips lightly tapped the table, seemingly pondering this extra "deal."
"This is indeed an interesting condition." Kong Fang smiled. "But Lord Chen, do you know that transactions here with me are never this simple?"
"Since you are willing to let Kong Ning teach Chen Wenbin, then why not... leave Chen Wenbin at the Wealth Sect."
As these words fell, the entire secret room fell into brief silence.
"This matter, we cannot decide immediately." Lin Wanying's tone sank slightly.
"Wenbin's future is of great importance. We need time to consider."
"Alright." Kong Fang smiled slightly, not forcing them. "I will give you one week. During this time, you can consider it clearly, and you can also observe the situation in the Commercial Republic."
"But, the opportunity only comes once."
"If this transaction succeeds, the future trade between the Commercial Republic and the Shuntian Dynasty will be changed by us."
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying looked at each other, both seeing the deep thought in the other's eyes.
"Alright."
"In one week, we will give you our answer."