The doors of the Merchant Guild's inner hall closed slowly.
The air inside felt heavy—not because of incense, nor the presence of guards—
but because of the weight of decisions made here.
At the center seat sat a man.
Grey beard, straight posture, eyes that carried the accounts of decades.
Mu Zhengyuan.
Head of the Merchant Guild.
Li Tian gave a proper merchant's bow—
not too deep, not too shallow.
Perfect balance.
Mu Zhengyuan went straight to the point.
"You are disturbing the market."
Li Tian's expression remained completely calm.
"I'm optimizing the market."
---
Test – Silent Pressure
Mu Zhengyuan took a sip of tea.
"Salt, sugar, chili.
You've interfered with three monopolies at once."
Li Tian replied,
"A monopoly only exists as long as people have no other options."
A cold silence spread through the hall.
Mu Qinglan stood to the side.
Her eyes narrowed—
this boy wasn't afraid.
---
Numbers Speak
Mu Zhengyuan tossed a scroll onto the table.
"These are your numbers from the last three months."
Li Tian looked at them—
accurate.
"The Guild wants its share,"
Mu Zhengyuan said.
"According to the rules."
Li Tian slowly closed the scroll.
"A share isn't about money,"
he said.
"It's about control."
Mu Zhengyuan's eyebrows lifted slightly.
"I can keep the supply stable,"
Li Tian continued.
"There will be no price wars.
Taxes will be paid on time.
And the Guild's name will be linked with my brand."
---
Counteroffer
Mu Zhengyuan thought for a moment.
Then asked,
"What do you want?"
Li Tian answered without hesitation,
"Guild protection.
Access to trade routes.
And one seat—as an observer."
Mu Qinglan smiled openly for the first time.
---
Decision
After a few moments, Mu Zhengyuan spoke.
"Three-month trial."
Li Tian inclined his head.
"Three months is enough."
---
End Panel
Outside the hall, Mu Qinglan walked beside Li Tian.
"Weren't you scared?" she asked.
Li Tian looked up at the sky.
"I already died once.
Now, only winning remains."
Mu Qinglan stopped and stared at him.
Caption:
"When a merchant sits at the table,
even Murim negotiates."
Next Chapter: Guild Trial and the First Obstacle.