The scene changed, perspective panned, moving elsewhere towards a tall tower that stood in the center of the city like a silent sentinel.
Even from afar, the huge thunder cloud logo that was embedded on the front side of the tower could be seen.
A majestic landmark that sent awe and fear to the people that saw it.
Then...
At the highest level of the Purple Cloud Pavilion, the atmosphere was calm but slightly off at the same time.
A mixture of apprehension and every other emotions.
Inside one of the upper rooms, Ilya sat across a wide table, entertaining two guests, guests whose presence carried weight far beyond the usual visitors.
A level of status that made her proud and also anxious at the same time.
Now that their forces had established themselves in the city, paying a visit here was only natural.
Whether spoken or not, it was a matter of respect. Failing to do so would mean something else entirely.
On one side sat the representative of the Blazing Feather Temple.
Li Hongyu.
A supreme elder of the temple, a genuine Golden Core cultivator.
His posture was slightly hunched forward while sitting, his sense of presence restrained, yet the pressure he carried lingered faintly in the room.
Opposite him was the representative of the Verdant Hollow Sect.
Cao Ren.
Also a supreme elder. Also a Golden Core expert.
Neither side gave way to the other. Well at least on the surface, they didn't, sitting peacefully as if they had known each other long before.
They must do, right?
The two men sat across from Ilya, tea placed before them. The faint sound of porcelain meeting the table echoed softly as Ilya lifted her cup, taking a slow sip before setting it down again.
Her movements remained composed.
Measured.
Too measured as she was trying her best to act out accordingly befitting her current status.
A status that even caused Golden Core experts like the two to be so respectful and careful in their words.
"Madam Ilya is indeed capable."
Cao Ren spoke first.
His eyes were half-lidded as he raised his cup, taking a slow, controlled sip. Every gesture carried a quiet refinement, fitting of his standing.
And the way he addressed her, it was rather obvious of what he was hinting at.
Despite his thin, almost frail appearance, he seemed to be a type that was hard to deal with.
Subtle.
But sharp.
Like a blade hidden within something ordinary.
"To manage such a force on your own," he continued, lowering the cup slightly, "is no small feat."
His tone remained warm, his expression mild. Just a casual praise, but nonetheless it was still from a powerful expert, Ilya took his words seriously.
"Talent like this… is rarely seen."
"Indeed, Madam Ilya is truly a rare talent."
Li Hongyu spoke this time, his tone gentle as he lifted his cup and took a slow sip.
His gaze shifted lightly between the two, a warm expression resting on his face.
"Not only capable," he continued, setting the cup down with care, "but also polite, well-mannered… a rare combination."
"Hahaha—"
The laughter came naturally.
All three joined in.
Ilya followed along, covering her mouth lightly as she laughed, her expression composed and fitting for the moment.
There was no room for missteps here. With her current position, representing the figure behind the Pavilion, every reaction had to be measured.
She doesn't want to be seen off as someone who clung to Liam but possessed no worthy characteristics at all.
It would be best if she could excel in everything except one thing, and that is strength.
A polite smile remained on her lips as the conversation continued.
Topics shifted.
From trade.
To influence.
To the current situation brought by the red tide.
Time passed without notice.
By the time the discussion neared its end, the three had already reached a common ground, to cooperate and jointly develop the city.
Ilya didn't hesitate. Through the guardian standing quietly nearby, she relayed the intent to Liam.
The response came swiftly.
Agreement.
With that, she finalized the terms, signing a formal agreement with the two representatives, establishing coordination between their forces within the city.
For Liam, isolation was never the goal.
Working together, when it served a purpose, was far more efficient to acquire what he needed.
Especially now.
With the red tide spreading, allies weren't a burden.
They were an advantage.
As the atmosphere eased, Li Hongyu placed his cup down and leaned slightly forward, his tone turning more deliberate.
"Madam Ilya… if it isn't too much to ask—"
He paused briefly, choosing his words.
"Would it be possible for our temple to purchase a batch of Foundation Building puppets from your Pavilion?"
The question finally came.
Ilya had expected it.
Her expression didn't change.
Liam had made it clear,nnever push too far, but never give too easily.
Hold the middle.
She smiled faintly as her thoughts turned.
"How many are you referring to?"
Her voice remained calm.
"After all… the Lord has instructed me not to oversell."
Li Hongyu's fingers brushed against his beard as he thought for a moment. Beside him, Cao Ren remained silent, sipping his tea, watching the exchange without interruption.
"…Five would suffice," Li Hongyu said finally, lifting his gaze. "If that is possible."
"I see… five."
Ilya repeated it softly, as if weighing the number.
"Indeed. Five."
He nodded with a small smile.
Ilya let the silence linger for a brief moment before speaking again.
"In that case… perhaps we should allow some time."
Her tone remained light, but deliberate. The tone giving off her intentions clearly.
"Such a decision… would need to be confirmed by the Lord himself."
The moment those words left her lips, the balance shifted.
Li Hongyu's expression paused for just a fraction, his posture adjusting slightly.
There was no need to test that boundary further.
"I understand," he said, withdrawing smoothly. "There's no need to trouble the Lord over something like this, Madam Ilya."
"Hoho…"
Ilya laughed softly, her eyes curving as she covered her mouth again.
The conversation flowed on.
But the line had already been drawn.
He understood.
Ilya wasn't rejecting him.
She was setting a boundary.
Let things flow.
Take it as it comes.
Li Hongyu didn't mind. That was never his intention in the first place.
He was here to test the waters, not stir trouble. If things could proceed smoothly, there was no reason to force anything.
After all, the assumption that a Nascent Soul expert stood behind the Pavilion.
Was still just that.
An assumption.
The dharma image of the giant bird from before… it could be faked. Without seeing it directly, nothing could be confirmed.
So for now.
Probe slowly.
Observe.
And wait.