The courtyard grew quiet. The faint rippling sound of water in the lotus pond was the only thing that dared to break the silence.
The female guide lowered her head. Her fingers clenched the edge of her robe as if steadying herself, but no words escaped her lips.
Pighead Ma, realizing she was too nervous to reply, cleared his throat loudly. His round face twitched, and with a forced grin, he leaned forward slightly, saying,
"Lord Wei, for her service today, the amount is not too heavy. Just two thousand black crystals. The girl has been with you from morning till evening, and though she doesn't dare speak much, she has worked diligently."
Wei Shiyan's gaze flicked toward Pighead Ma. His eyes were cold, unreadable, and they made the fat man's forehead bead with sweat despite the cool breeze in the courtyard.
He truly don't know why they all look nervous now Infront of him.
"Two thousand black crystals" wei Shiyan repeated softly, his voice calm, almost casual, yet carrying a weight that pressed down on everyone present. He reached into his sleeve, withdrew a black crystals token, and with a flick of his wrist, tossed it across the table. The token landed with a crisp sound upon the stone surface.
"That covers today. Take it."
Pighead Ma hurriedly grabbed it with both hands, bowing slightly, though the sweat at his temple betrayed his nervousness.
But before he could withdraw, Wei Shiyan's voice struck again, low and sharp like a blade drawn halfway from its sheath.
"You said earlier… you had a business opportunity."
Pighead Ma froze mid-breath. His eyes darted around before finally settling back on Wei Shiyan. He swallowed hard, but forced a grin to mask his unease.
"Yes, yes, Lord Wei. A fine opportunity indeed!" He leaned forward, his voice dropping lower, as though afraid even the bamboo swaying in the wind might overhear. "It concerns a certain secret realm that will open in three months to come and is not far away from the fifty blissful peaks . This realm… is said to be housing treasures—no, not just ordinary goods, but rare spiritual herbs and artifacts."
Wei Shiyan's expression did not change. He leaned back slightly, folding his arms across his chest, his face like carved jade, smooth yet unyielding.
Pighead Ma licked his lips nervously and continued.
"The realm is rumored to belongs to an immortal emperor belongs. Normally, no one would dare touch it. But this time, the gates and void are now showing some sign of weakening . If someone with… sufficient skill were to intercept or redirect this he will die a slow dead…"
He trailed off, his beady eyes gleaming with greed.
Wei Shiyan tapped his fingers lightly against the stone chair, the sound echoing softly like a judge's gavel. His lips curved slightly, though whether it was amusement or disdain, none could tell.
"So… in other words, you are suggesting for me to enter for you and robb everyone"
Pighead Ma's grin stiffened. He waved his hands quickly.
"No, no, Lord Wei! Not robbery. Merely… borrowing. Borrowing from those who have far too much and will not miss a small portion. Of course, with your ability, it will be as easy as lifting a feather."
Wei Shiyan's gaze darkened, the faint silver glow in his pupils flickering for an instant.
"And you wish me to do this… for your profit?"
Pighead Ma shook his head like a drum. "No, no! I only wish to share the opportunity. Lord Wei, if you take the lead, I will simply follow your arrangement. Whatever portion you see fit to grant me, I will accept without complaint."
The female guide glanced up briefly, her lips parting as though she wanted to speak, but the oppressive aura pressing from Wei Shiyan's body silenced her instantly.
For a long moment, Wei Shiyan said nothing. His eyes gazed into the lotus pond, the reflection of lantern light shimmering like broken stars across the water. His silence was heavier than any words.
Pighead Ma's smile grew strained, his fat hands twitching nervously on the table. Finally, unable to endure the weight, he whispered,
"Lord Wei… what do you think?"
Wei Shiyan turned his head slowly, his eyes locking onto Pighead Ma.
"What I think," he said softly, each word sinking like a stone into the air, "is that opportunities come with risks. And fools who do not measure those risks properly… often end up buried beneath them."
The courtyard fell into absolute silence. Even the wind seemed to halt its breath.
Wei Shiyan's gaze did not waver as he added,
"Now tell me everything—every detail you know of this car. Leave nothing out."
Pighead Ma swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. But he forced himself to lean forward, lowering his voice as he began to
whisper the secrets he had gathered.