The Silverwing caravan rolled through the open gates, their worn carts and ill oxen drawing more than a few curious glances from the servants and guards within.

Hong Yiting, led by the elderly man, stepped ahead of the group, leaving the caravan to be guided deeper into the estate.

Before long, they arrived at a grand residence nestled within the inner compound.

It rose like a palace—layered roofs, carved pillars, and polished stone that reflected the fading light.

"This is... quite large," Hong Yiting murmured under her breath.

The old man heard her and allowed himself a faint smile.

"Yes, Miss Hong," he replied, a trace of pride in his voice. "Our Yi family stands as the strongest force within Hallowfall City."

Hong Yiting blinked, realizing she had spoken aloud.

"Ah... indeed," she said, quickly smoothing her expression. "It’s truly impressive."

The old man opened the door and as they stepped inside the atmosphere shifted instantly.

Within the hall, several elders were already seated, their robes distinct, their gazes turned towards the new arrivals.

The old man stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.

"Miss Hong Yiting," he announced, "representative of the Silverwing Merchant Group."

Hong Yiting felt a sudden tightness in her chest but she still stepped forward to greet them.

"I thank the Yi family for inviting us as guest."

One of the elders’ expressions darkened. He rose abruptly, his voice cutting through the air.

"Are you showing disrespect to the Yi family?"

The pressure in the room spiked but before it could escalate, Yi Fen lifted his hand.

"Stand down, Elder Huang."

The voice was calm, yet carried unmistakable authority.

"Did I permit you to speak?"

Elder Huang’s jaw tightened. For a brief second, defiance flickered in his eyes but it vanished just as quickly.

"...No, Patriarch."

He sat back down, silent.

From the central seat,Yi Fen stood up.

"I am Yi Fen," he said, stepping forward. "Patriarch of the Yi family."

He offered a slight nod, neither overbearing nor dismissive.

"Welcome, Miss Hong Yiting of the Silverwing Merchant Group. Our household may be modest, but we will do our best to accommodate you during these negotiations."

The tension in the hall eased, just slightly.

Hong Yiting steadied herself and stepped forward, bowed properly, and spoke with measured respect.

"Greetings, Patriarch Yi Fen. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Yi Fen nodded, acknowledging her composure.

"Tell me," he continued, his tone even, "would you prefer to conduct this negotiation in private?"

Hong Yiting met his gaze.

"Yes," she answered without pause.

Yi Fen studied her for a brief moment, as if weighing more than just her words.

Then he gave a small nod.

"Very well."

He turned slightly. "Prepare a side hall."

A servant immediately stepped forward and bowed before hurrying off.

Yi Fen gestured toward the inner corridor. "Miss Hong, this way."

The two of them walked in silence, their footsteps echoing softly against polished stone. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

The noise of the main hall faded behind them, replaced by a quieter, more controlled atmosphere.

They entered a smaller chamber, refined, but far less imposing than the grand hall outside. A low table sat at the center, with incense curling faintly in the air.

"Please," Yi Fen said, motioning for her to sit.

Hong Yiting inclined her head and took her seat, her back straight, her hands resting calmly in her lap.

Only now, away from the crowd of elders, did the tension in her shoulders ease slightly.

Yi Fen sat across from her.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then...

"A stake in wine production," Yi Fen said, getting straight to the point. "That is your condition."

Hong Yiting met his gaze without wavering. "Yes."

His fingers tapped lightly against the table, a slow, measured rhythm.

"May I ask," he continued, "why that, specifically?"

There was brief silence and then Hong Yiting replied.

"That... is not something I have the authority to disclose."

The tapping stopped.

Yi Fen leaned back slightly, studying her with renewed interest.

"Miss Hong," he said, his tone sharpening just a fraction, "the Yi family holds the largest share of wine production in this city. We are also the sole producers of the Thousand-Year Peach Blossom Brew."

His gaze locked onto hers.

"I believe I deserve something more convincing than... a simple teleportation formation."

"This..." Hong Yiting faltered, momentarily at a loss.

She had received no real instructions regarding the so-called teleportation formation. Before her encounter with Xiao Ning’er, she hadn’t even known what "teleportation" truly meant.

Which was precisely why Xiao Ning’er had suspected the formation to be nothing more than a fake.

Yi Fen spoke again, his voice quieter this time, but far more pointed.

"Tell me something else, Miss Hong."

"Miss Hong," Yi Fen continued, his gaze steady and probing, "tell me—how did the slum district develop so rapidly that it now supports a merchant group like yours?"

Hong Yiting’s eyes widened, a flash of shock breaking through her composure.

Hong Yiting drew in a quiet breath and steadied herself. When she spoke again, her voice had regained its calm edge.

"If I answer you... will you make the deal?"

Yi Fen paused.

Even if it was just for a fraction of a second, it was there.

He had expected her to panic as he had pressed her deliberately, cornering her with questions meant to unravel whatever façade she held.

Instead... she was pushing back.

His gaze sharpened, interest flickering beneath the surface.

Hong Yiting didn’t give him time to reclaim the upper hand.

"Well," she continued smoothly, "if I’m to reveal something of that value, I would also require more compensation."

"In addition to a stake in your wine production... I want information on Dai Peak."

A faint, almost amused breath escaped Yi Fen.

Hah... you’re a sly little mortal.

"Very well," he said at last. "Twenty percent of the Yi family’s wine production."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone turning firm.

"In exchange, we receive a fully functioning teleportation formation established within our estate."

He added,"And we will require exclusivity."

Hong Yiting held his gaze.

Then, without hesitation, she nodded.

"That... can be arranged."

Inside, however, her thoughts spun in a very different direction.

With this... the sick oxen, fake promises of a teleportation formation...

A faint smile tugged at her lips.

There’s no way clan head will send me out as the leader of the merchant group next time... right?