Li Tian did not resist.
When the royal guards of Sevenrock surrounded his manor at dawn, spears gleaming beneath a grey sky, he merely raised his hands calmly.
Chains were placed on him.
His cultivation was "sealed."
He was dragged through the capital streets as citizens whispered.
"A foreign spy…"
"Blaze trader was fake…"
"Imperial arrest…"
Li Tian lowered his eyes to hide his smile.
This was exactly where he wanted to be.
---
The Court of Long Fang
The Sevenrock Royal Court was vast and oppressive.
Black stone pillars carved like fangs rose toward the ceiling. Ministers in dark robes lined both sides like silent predators.
And on the highest throne—
Emperor Long Fang.
Massive frame.
Heavy robes of gold-threaded dragon silk.
Eyes sharp despite the laziness in his posture.
He looked like a beast that hunted only when the prey was worth it.
Li Tian knelt.
Not too low.
Not too proud.
Balanced.
Interesting.
Long Fang noticed.
---
The Prime Minister stepped forward.
A thin, hawk-faced old man.
"Your Majesty," he declared loudly, "this man is not a silk trader. His goods destabilized our markets. Our investigators confirm he has ties with Azure Flame."
The hall stirred.
"Spy."
"Economic infiltrator."
"Execute him."
The Prime Minister pointed directly at Li Tian.
"Such a person should be beheaded publicly to warn others."
Silence fell.
Long Fang did not speak.
He was observing.
Weighing.
Measuring.
---
Li Tian finally raised his head.
"May I speak?"
The Prime Minister scoffed. "Spies do not negotiate."
Li Tian ignored him and looked directly at Long Fang.
"Your Majesty, if I were truly a spy… would I flood your market with paper openly?"
Long Fang's eyes narrowed slightly.
He did not interrupt.
Good.
Li Tian continued.
"I came because Sevenrock is wealthy."
"Because Your Majesty is known for appreciating rare and valuable treasures."
That word.
Treasure.
Long Fang's fingers tapped the throne.
---
Li Tian moved slowly.
From his sleeve, he brought out something wrapped in silk.
The guards tensed.
The Prime Minister shouted, "Stop him!"
But Long Fang lifted one finger.
"Let him."
The silk cloth unfolded.
And the court gasped.
A clear sheet of glass.
Not cloudy.
Not distorted.
Perfectly transparent.
Like frozen water from the heavens.
Even the lantern flames behind it were sharp and undisturbed.
Sevenrock had glass.
But not like this.
Their glass was hazy. Thick. Warped.
This—
Was flawless.
Long Fang leaned forward.
His eyes gleamed.
Greed.
Pure.
Undeniable.
He descended from the throne himself and took the glass.
Examined it.
Turned it toward the light.
His breathing grew heavier.
"This… is not from Blaze."
"No," Li Tian replied calmly.
"It is mine."
---
The Prime Minister quickly recovered.
"Your Majesty! This could be a trick!"
Li Tian smiled slightly.
"Of course it is a trick."
The entire hall froze.
Long Fang looked amused.
Li Tian continued,
"A trade trick."
"I bring something rare. You bring protection."
"I bring something profitable. You bring power."
He met the emperor's eyes directly.
"Your Majesty loves wealth."
"I love growth."
"We are not enemies."
"We are similar."
The court fell silent again.
Because it was true.
---
Long Fang slowly returned to his throne.
"Speak your deal."
Hook taken.
Li Tian bowed slightly.
"I offer exclusive trade rights of perfected glass within Sevenrock."
"Luxury windows."
"Palace mirrors."
"Decorative crystal panels."
"Optical tools for scholars."
"Military use for observation towers."
Murmurs filled the court.
Military application.
That was big.
"And in return?" Long Fang asked.
Li Tian did not hesitate.
"Royal protection."
"Legal trade status."
"And ten percent tax exemption for five years."
The ministers exploded in protest.
"Impossible!"
"Outrageous!"
"Too bold!"
But Long Fang was not listening to them.
He was calculating.
Sevenrock loved money.
Glass of this quality would sell at insane prices.
Nobles would compete.
Foreign traders would beg.
Treasury would swell.
He looked at Li Tian carefully.
"You are bold for a prisoner."
Li Tian smiled faintly.
"I did not enter your court as a prisoner."
"I entered as a merchant."
Silence.
Then—
Long Fang laughed.
Deep.
Loud.
Satisfied.
"You are not a spy."
"You are a wolf."
He waved his hand.
"Release him."
Gasps echoed across the hall.
The Prime Minister's face darkened.
But Long Fang had already decided.
"Prepare a private chamber," the emperor ordered.
"I will negotiate personally."
As guards removed Li Tian's chains, their eyes now held respect instead of suspicion.
The Golden Cage had opened.
And Li Tian had stepped inside willingly.
Not as prey.
But as a merchant who just sold temptation to a greedy dragon.
---
Outside the court—
The Prime Minister watched silently.
His gaze cold.
This foreign merchant was dangerous.
Not because of strength.
But because he understood Long Fang's weakness.
Greed.
And anyone who could control the emperor's greed—
Could shake Sevenrock itself.
---
Li Tian walked calmly behind the royal attendant.
Phase one complete.
Next—
He would not just sell glass.
He would sell desire.
And when desire ruled the emperor—
Sevenrock would unknowingly finance its own downfall.
---
End of Chapter 36