I yield… utterly and completely.
Fu Wansan was thoroughly intrigued—how on earth did Mo Lin manage to procure so many ghost artifacts?He had investigated Mo Lin's background.There were no records, no trace—almost as if the man had materialized out of thin air.All they could track was his recent activity within the past month. Before that, Yunchuan had not a whisper of his existence.
"Is twenty ghost artifacts too few?" Mo Lin asked with genuine curiosity."No, no, not at all—certainly not," Fu Wansan responded hastily.Truthfully, if Mo Lin were to hand him another batch of twenty right now, Fu Wansan wasn't even sure he could sell them all.
Mo Lin had completely upended his understanding of ghost artifacts.To the average person, possessing even one was nothing short of extraordinary.And yet, Mo Lin had dozens.It defied all reason.
There was something about the way Mo Lin spoke—an offhanded tone—that made these priceless artifacts feel absurdly cheap.As if, to him, they held no more value than pebbles on a roadside.
"Aren't you here for the trade?" Mo Lin asked, puzzled by Fu Wansan's hesitation."Oh—right, yes, of course…"
Fu Wansan snapped out of his daze, remembering his original purpose.The sheer shock of Mo Lin revealing so many ghost artifacts had nearly made him forget.
"Let's go," he said.Together, they departed the Sifang Courtyard.
Mo Lin entered Fu Wansan's business vehicle, a spacious van that offered no sense of confinement even in the back seat.After roughly thirty minutes of driving, the car came to a halt outside a shopping center.They were apparently picking someone up.
Ten minutes passed.
Then came a woman—elegant, radiant in a white coat, her hair cascading down like a dark waterfall.Her complexion was porcelain pale, and her movements exuded refined poise.A face worthy of worship, captivating every eye she passed.
"Apologies, I bought a few things and lost track of time," she said as she slid gracefully into the car.
Fu Wansan gestured to her and introduced, "This is Hong Yanxun—"
"I know her," Mo Lin cut in.Of course he did. He had seen her just a few days ago.
"You again?" Hong Yanxun raised her brows in surprise.Clearly, fate had a sense of humor—they met once more.
"Well, since you already know each other, that makes things easier. Hong Yanxun is another bodyguard I hired," Fu Wansan explained.
This time, he was dealing with the notorious Li family from Beihai—renowned for their underhanded tactics.To be safe, he'd brought not just Mo Lin, but also Hong Yanxun.
Mo Lin shifted slightly, making room beside him, subtly inviting her to sit next to him.
"If things get dangerous, just stay behind me. I'll protect you," she said coolly."No need," Mo Lin replied simply—he had never needed protection."Just stay behind me when trouble starts," she insisted, assuming that since they were acquaintances, it was only right to look out for him.
"I genuinely don't know what danger looks like," he murmured.
In truth, Mo Lin had not encountered anything he deemed truly threatening since arriving in the world of the living.Even his fierce battle with a nightmare-class ghost in the Minghai Building had not qualified as dangerous in his eyes.
"Fine," she replied, letting it go.
Their vehicle continued on, and after another twenty minutes, arrived at a secluded villa.The Li family's members were already waiting inside.
As Hong Yanxun stepped out, her expression sharpened—she scanned each person, mentally assessing their strength.In contrast, Mo Lin was entirely at ease.Hands in pockets, posture relaxed—unbothered.There were no nightmare-class ghosts here; what was there to fear?
"Fu Wansan, you finally made it," a young man called out with a grin."Li San—long time no see," Fu Wansan responded cheerily."Old Zhou, you're here too," he added, nodding at another middle-aged man."I am," Zhou Bingtuo replied with a nod."Zhuang Ruo's here as well?""Mm.""Quite the turnout," Fu Wansan said with a laugh.
Everyone present had received an invitation from Li San to attend this business negotiation.And it wasn't just Fu Wansan who came with bodyguards—everyone had brought protection.Clearly, they all had their guard up against Li San.
Li San led them into the main hall.
"I gathered you here to discuss the future of the Yunchuan market," he began without preamble.In Yunchuan, Fu Wansan held the lion's share of influence. The others had sway in various sectors.
"Just say what you mean," Zhuang Ruo interjected bluntly.
"It's simple," Li San said casually. "From now on, ten percent of all your profits must be handed over to the Li family."
His words struck the room like a thunderclap.
Zhuang Ruo said nothing. Instead, his gaze shifted to Fu Wansan.The others followed suit—silent, eyes on him.It was clear that among them, Fu Wansan was the de facto leader.
"No," Fu Wansan refused flatly.
The Li family's demand was beyond outrageous.They wanted a tenth of everyone's earnings just like that—with no investment, no contribution.This was daylight robbery wrapped in a velvet glove.No one with half a brain would agree.
Once Fu Wansan made his stance clear, the others followed.
"I don't think that's reasonable.""Absolutely not.""I disagree as well."
Zhuang Ruo and the others voiced their opposition one after another.
Li San remained silent.But the bespectacled bodyguard standing behind him grew visibly irate.
Bang!
The man slammed his palm onto the table, pointing a finger at Fu Wansan's face."You've got some nerve! Do you know who you're talking to?"
Bang!
Mo Lin struck the table in return, glaring coldly at the man."Watch your mouth. Are you asking for death?"
He might not be a professional bodyguard—but he knew how to own a room.You want to act tough? I'll out-tough you.
Mo Lin's slap was far more forceful—the table trembled beneath the impact.
The bodyguard scowled, storming toward Mo Lin.
"What's your problem, punk?" he growled, seizing Mo Lin by the collar.
"Take your hand off me, or I'll end you."
Threaten Mo Lin?
He didn't buy into such games.
Mo Lin stepped forward, seized the man's collar in return, and spoke icily,"Don't get too full of yourself in front of me."
The tension in the room grew thick as smoke.Sensing the shift, Hong Yanxun subtly moved closer to Mo Lin.
At the same time, others behind Li San adopted similarly aggressive postures—ready to act.
"Stand down," Li San commanded.
Only then did the bespectacled man release Mo Lin's collar and return to his place.As he backed away, he sneered, "You got lucky today. Cross me again and I'll kill you."
Mo Lin shot him a cold, dismissive glance.
This man was far too arrogant.