Chapter 339: The Leverage of Negotiation

Chapter 339: The Leverage of Negotiation

Lin Nuo watched Mu Yiting chatting with Mu Feng, pondering if they had sensed his undercover identity.

Could it be that he was too bold? Did he put on a show of rescuing the young master during a chaotic multi-person brawl right off the bat?

But if he didn’t perform, then Mu Yiting would lose it.

If she lost it, how would Lin Nuo gain high-ranking power?

Stay calm and adapt; this is a fundamental trait of a great villain.

If he got stuck right from the start, he might as well return home to farm sweet potatoes.

Once Mu Yiting finished her conversation with her father, she came back to Lin Nuo.

With a light chuckle, she said, “I just discussed with my father; you can join the meeting. If you have any thoughts during the meeting, feel free to share, no need to be overly concerned about us.”

Mu Yiting was doing her utmost to empower Lin Nuo, not only bringing him into the meeting but also giving him a chance to express his opinions. You should know, for those mingling in Helong Hall, even having a chance to enter such an important venue was a blessing from the heavens, let alone having the opportunity to voice thoughts.

This was a meeting that was crucial to the future of Helong Hall—deciding their path moving forward. If it failed, they would have to continue relying on the Refining Demon Sect, acting as their subordinates without autonomy.

Lin Nuo respectfully replied, “Thank you for the honor, young master.”

Lin Nuo’s excessive respect made Mu Yiting uncomfortable. She preferred him to speak to her with his usual tone and attitude.

A man as strong as him should stand tall above others, and sometimes even laugh at and mock her.

That was how he exerted his power.

But he must have his reasons, deliberately disguising himself as a subordinate to save her organization.

So, supporting him was crucial; all she could do was cooperate and grant him power.

Lin Nuo sensed something was amiss. He had just entered this path, and getting thrown into the meeting was one thing, but being given the right to speak seemed odd?

Best to be cautious and observe; having climbed to this position was already a success. The next steps should be steady, progressing step by step.

Lin Nuo entered the meeting room with Mu Yiting and Mu Feng. Such important meetings naturally involved trusted allies attending. Even outside, there were trusted scouts, making it extremely secure.

“Please sit next to me, Mr. Ni.”

“Hm?”

Something felt off. The seat next to Mu Yiting was typically reserved for someone of high status. Why was he allowed to sit there?

Decline?

Decline my foot! Where there is crisis, there is opportunity—just sit down.

Besides, she’s the young master, the boss; how could he refuse?

In the underworld, there were countless tales. Refusing a leader’s request could quickly lead to someone sending a hitman after you.

Of course, he had never feared assassinations.

Lin Nuo unceremoniously sat down, waiting for an opportunity to act.

Opposite them sat the esteemed guest’s seats, and true to status, they took their sweet time arriving.

After a lengthy wait, the esteemed guest finally showed up.

Accompanied by only a few attendants, all chosen elites from the Dark Alliance, following him closely.

The guest was a man in his forties, with an unknown real name, only known by a single character title: Lu, whom people liked to call Brother Lu.

Dressed in long robes, his face bore some weariness. He had his own forces but was also a businessman; all collaborations hinged on profits, as he wasn’t here for charity.

“Brother Lu is here; quickly, sit down!”

Mu Feng beamed as he welcomed him. Brother Lu, with an air of arrogance, chewed on a local long smoke as he took his place in the guest seat. Beside him sat a couple of capable subordinates.

A few elite experts stood behind him, ready, but Brother Lu waved them off slightly, signaling them to stand aside.

They nodded and stepped back.

Mu Feng instructed someone to pour Brother Lu tea, but Brother Lu didn’t drink.

Coldly, he spoke, “Mu Feng, we had a bit of a relationship before; considering your face, I came to talk. I know your current situation, but you’re well aware of my style—I’m no philanthropist. Let’s not waste time discussing why I should cooperate with you.”

With a warm smile, Mu Feng replied, “Brother Lu, I know you’ve been in need of spirit stones recently. I have various spirit stones collected that can meet your needs. Moreover, we have professional spirit stone refiners capable of producing different types of spirit stones.”

“They have refiners too, and their skills are on par with yours. I need materials—can you provide them?”

“Absolutely,” Mu Feng smiled.

“But just providing materials? We can protect you, but that doesn’t establish a partnership; it means you fall under us.”

“Sorry, we can’t accept that request at this moment, Lord Lu. We have other areas of potential cooperation.”

Mu Yiting interjected. To belong to one side or another couldn’t be accepted. It was supposed to be a negotiation at an equal standing. If they were to be subordinate to Lu, wouldn’t that be just aligning with the Refining Demon Sect?

If so, why bother discussing cooperation? Just submit to the Refining Demon Sect, right?

Mu Yiting continued, “Lord Lu, you’re a businessman. I’ve heard that your transport routes are often interrupted by the Refining Demon Sect. I might have a way to resolve this issue. Also, you want demon-enhancing potions from the Refining Demon Sect, but their prices are steep. We’ve contacted demon pharmacists who agree to sell them to you at a lower price.”

However, Lu shook his head.

“Little girl, what you mentioned holds no appeal for me. I’m planning to collaborate with the Refining Demon Sect. Everything you said—they can provide directly.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Feng stood up, “Brother Lu, didn’t you say before that the Refining Demon Sect was too harsh and you wouldn’t collaborate with them? Why now?”

“It was true before, but now, since a little girl has risen to power, the terms have become much more reasonable, even offering over a hundred boxes of Meat Floss Cake as a goodwill gesture.”

“Cough…”

Lin Nuo coughed slightly. Wait, what? Over a hundred boxes of Meat Floss Cake as a gift?

Should he also collaborate with the Refining Demon Sect?

Bah! Why not invest in the Meat Floss Cake manufacturers instead?

Mu Yiting glanced at Lin Nuo and asked, “Mr. Ni, do you have something to say?”

“Nothing,” Lin Nuo shook his head, replying softly. For now, observing the situation was best.

Subsequently, Mu Yiting continued to talk extensively with Lu, focusing on the potential low-cost or even no-cost supplies of materials and tools to lure him in.

But all were rejected by Lu.

“Little girl, what you propose holds no charm. The demon tools, demon crystals, and demon souls I need can be supplied directly by the Refining Demon Sect without you as a middleman. Their power surpasses yours. What advantages do you think you possess?”

“What if we can create even stronger demon tools and potions than they can?”

At this moment, Lin Nuo, hands clasped before his face, coldly interjected, drawing everyone’s gaze toward him.