A profound chill, colder than the Yin energy, spread through Yue Shen's heart. He scrambled, awkwardly dragging the two corpses by their vests, not daring to look in any direction other than the exit. He didn't even risk a glance at the terrified spectators, his only goal to flee this nightmare location before the terrifying youth changed his mind.
The other spectators, witnessing the swift, silent, and absolute execution, settled their deals with Elder Mu in a daze. Everyone departed carrying a heavy, somber expression, knowing the power structure of Yan City had fundamentally and violently shifted.
Several experts from the powerful families expressed deep regrets as they realized they had missed a crucial opportunity to make a good impression on such a terrifyingly young, Peak Form Creation expert and gain his friendship. They simply sighed, shaking their heads as they hurried away.
Soon, the news of the Blood Wolf Gang's humiliation and the silent execution of two Heavenly Yuan experts by the mysterious Pavilion Master, a young man who wielded the power of the Creation realm, spread like wildfire through Yan City and the surrounding towns, stabilizing the Yi Pavilion's prestige and uncontested dominance.
…
Lin Yi returned to his private room on the fourth floor. He didn't bother to meditate immediately. Instead, he walked to the window, gazing down at the bustling market district that now pulsed with an undertone of profound, respectful fear.
'The Yi Pavilion will become a deterrent force after this incident. Lin Dong will have the perfect stage for his inevitable conflict in the future, without having to deal with annoying small fries.'
Lin Yi assessed, the cool, analytical side of his mind already moving past the confrontation. 'The priority now is to gain suitable resources and reach the Qi Creation realm before the tomb exploration. I remember four genius young masters of the Yan Empire are Qi Creation experts, including Lin Langtian. Anyway, I am sure the next returns of Lin Dong and Qing Tan breakthroughs will do the job, if there aren't any special returns.'
He was about to sit down when a soft knock sounded on the private room door.
"Enter," Lin Yi commanded, his voice returning to its usual composed, neutral tone.
Elder Mu, who had clearly cleaned himself up and regained his composure, entered the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Despite the recent shock, the old man's face held a renewed look of professional determination and deep respect.
"Pavilion Master, I apologize for the interruption, but there is a guest waiting downstairs who insists on speaking with you personally," Elder Mu said, approaching cautiously.
"A guest? After that display, I thought they would all be running to the city gates," Lin Yi replied, turning from the window, his gray eyes devoid of impatience.
"It is the young miss from the Mayor's House, Zi Yue," Elder Mu clarified, a slight flicker of anxiety in his voice. "She is persistent. She stated she has a matter of importance concerning both long-term business cooperation and a personal request that requires your direct attention. I… I felt it would be unwise to refuse the mayor's daughter."
Lin Yi nodded slowly. 'Zi Yue. The mayor's daughter. A key figure in the Yan City's political landscape and an important future ally for Lin Dong.' He recalled her intense gaze during the confrontation… a look that showed sharp intelligence and profound curiosity, not fear.
"Bring her to the guest room on this floor," Lin Yi instructed. "I will meet her there."
"As you command, Pavilion Master," Elder Mu bowed and quickly withdrew.
Lin Yi took a moment to adjust his charcoal robe, ensuring his appearance remained immaculate and his strength remained perfectly masked at the initial Heavenly Yuan level. The meeting was an opportunity to solidify the Yi Pavilion's political standing and gather information about his brother's new environment.
He walked to the adjacent guest room, a space furnished with elegant, minimalist grace, and sat down at the head of a polished redwood table.
A moment later, the door opened and Zi Yue entered, led by Elder Mu, who bowed and immediately left, closing the door behind him.
Zi Yue was notably tall and slender, her figure accentuated by a violet, meticulously embroidered dress that spoke of wealth and status. Her skin was like snow, and her delicate features, defined by fine, shapely eyebrows and an oval face, were crowned by a small, cherry-red mouth. She was an extremely beautiful woman. Yet, her expression was frigid and composed, a beautiful, cold exterior that clearly communicated an inherent distance.
But her usual icy demeanor was currently laced with an intense, observant curiosity that was focused entirely on Lin Yi. Her bright eyes meticulously scanned his subtle movements and his profoundly calm demeanor.
Lin Yi simply offered a curt, neutral gesture toward the seat opposite him. "Miss Zi Yue. Please sit. Elder Mu conveyed your request. What brings the mayor's esteemed daughter to the Yi Pavilion so soon after the auction?"
Zi Yue moved with fluid grace, taking the seat. The silence stretched for a beat, a subtle test of wills. She was trying to assess the true depth of the power she had witnessed.
"Pavilion Master Yi," she began, her voice clear, musical, and perfectly modulated, yet carrying an undertone of respect that was entirely new. "Please accept my apologies for the crude display earlier. The Blood Wolf Gang's arrogance has become a plague on the city, and your swift, absolute response was… deeply appreciated by the non-criminal element."
She paused, then continued, her expression becoming more serious. "I am here for two primary reasons. The first is about business cooperation. The Mayor's House controls highly stable, secure channels for special, high-value items, particularly those sourced from outside the Tiandu Province. Before today, I came to discuss a possible long-term partnership with the Yi Pavilion's trading network. However, after witnessing your true strength… a strength that is undoubtedly at the peak of the Creation Realm… I realize I am no longer qualified to speak on behalf of my father. Only the mayor himself is suitable to discuss any future cooperation with a master of your caliber."
Lin Yi nodded, acknowledging the rapid change in political dynamic. The display of power had instantly elevated him from a wealthy merchant to an equal… or a superior to the mayor himself.
…