38 RI
"Suspicious?" Shang Xin Ci's gaze flickered under her thick eyelashes.
Zhang Zhu nodded and said solemnly: "In fact, I had my doubts about them ever since we entered Fei Hou mountain. Miss, you gave them a hundred and fifty primeval stones, but they weren't moved at all by such a huge sum. This really makes one ponder."
He paused for a moment and continued: "I have been secretly investigating them these days, and found even more suspicious points. First of all, they have little to no communication with the servants around them, as if they were wishing to be invisible. Second, they refused the recruitment offers of many clans, even though the terms were excellent."
"Miss, do you still remember his appearance when he came to ask help from us that night? Hei Tu, that guy has such powerful strength, how could he be wounded by others into such state? And finally, from my observation, his companion is wearing male clothing, but is actually a woman!"
The camp was filled with silence.
After a long while, Shang Xin Ci smiled: "Powerful strength doesn't mean he can definitely win against others, right? Two fists can't rival four palms , Hei Tu getting wounded was normal. Actually, I know about all these suspicious point you spoke of."
Zhang Zhu wasn't surprised at all, he understood Shang Xin Ci and knew of her intelligence.
"Miss...."
Shang Xin Ci blinked, her face containing a gentle and charming smile: "Uncle Zhang Zhu, you have felt stifled for so many days, right? Seeing that I didn't take actions to deal with this, you came to remind me today."
Zhang Zhu smiled: "I can't conceal anything from you. But why are you still keeping them by your side?"
"Because I felt no ill intent from them." Shang Xin Ci's eyes shone with a wise light, "We became suspicious of them at the Fei Hou mountain, and if they hadn't stood up at that time, we wouldn't have been able to feel any suspicion. But, why did they still take a risk, wasn't it to help me?"
"This..."
"If they had harbored treacherous schemes, they would definitely stay hidden and watch the show from the side, right? Or maybe receive that one hundred and fifty primeval stones. But they didn't. When Hei Tu said he was repaying my kindness, his expression was sincere and I could tell that he was speaking the truth. He really wanted to repay this favor." Shang Xin Ci said.
Zhang Zhu was tongue-tied for a long while: "But they aren't simple, they definitely have secrets."
A smile blossomed in Shang Xin Ci's face like a flower: "Everyone has secrets, I also have them, does having secrets make one a bad person? This world is bright, as someone who knows how to repay kindness, there has to be a limit to how bad he can be right?"
"That might be so but I can't help but wonder what their motives are. Maybe they are plotting something... wait, I know, they must be accomplices of some bandits. They joined the caravan and are planning to rob it by cooperating with demonic path figures!"
"That doesn't make sense." Shang Xin Ci shook her head, "If they were accomplices, they should have even more reason to stay hidden, why would they expose themselves in Fei Hou mountain. So many people tried to recruit them, they could just join other groups and it wouldn't be any less easier to hide themselves. Why did they decide to stick with us? I feel they have definitely been through some suffering. We helped them and they are repaying us. Now, they want to hide their identities, I think we should help them..."
Zhang Zhu sighed while shaking his head: "Miss, why are you always thinking about others? One must know to guard against others..." @@novelbin@@
"Uncle Zhang Zhu." Shang Xin Ci said, "If we are really robbed, please don't go fight to protect the goods. If the goods are gone, then they are gone, it is not a big problem. My mother's final wish was for me to bring a token to someone in Shang clan city. However, she also said if that person didn't accept us, we should continue living through these goods."
"My mother passed away swiftly, she didn't manage to convey who is the person I am supposed to look for. But I think wealth are just worldly possessions. Mother has already left me, you and Xiao Die are my only remaining relatives. I don't want to see you guys meeting any mishaps."
"Miss, never say that..." Zhang Zhu's eyes were red with emotions.
"Come, take a look, honest and real Shenjia Silk!"
"All kinds of fine liquors, I welcome everyone to taste them."
"Golden Qi Gu, selling for just fifty primeval stones!"
...
The temporary market was a hubbub of conversations and hawkers selling out their wares as people moved to and fro.
Whenever a caravan by, it would be like a festive moment for the clans.
In the temporary market, not only the caravan was selling their wares, some Jin clansmen were also selling their goods.
The goods they were selling were mainly golden statues or tools; there were pots, cups, ladles and basins. Their profound sculpting skills were shown in the lifelike statues of animals and people. And with red, green, yellow and blue gems or pearls as complements, the statues looked even more exquisite.
Huang Jin mountain was a place blessed by heavens with gold found everywhere in it.
The people living here, even the poor slaves were wearing some accessories like golden rings and golden necklaces.
Hairpins, earrings and bracelets worn by many girls were shining with golden luster, looking very beautiful. They were chatting with each other in groups in beautiful voices which was fresh and innocent.
As for the Gu Masters of the Jin clan, their uniforms were similar to Qing Mao mountain's; Short sleeves, long pants, belts, leg wrappings and green bamboo shoes.
It was just that some were using golden rope as leg wrappings. Belts, cloth cuffs or pants, were all rimmed in gold. This was Huang Jin mountain's characteristic.
The clans of the Southern Border had basically the same attires. The demonic Gu Masters, however, wore all sorts of bizarre dresses.
Fang Yuan and Bai Ning Bing were moving through the crowd. They had already bought some cow and goat milk from three to four Jin clansmen.
Fang Yuan had tried his best to feed all the bone spear Gu. But even so, two-third of the bone spear Gu were already dead from starvation.
"Aren't you afraid your such big reckless purchasing will expose our identities?" Bai Ning Bing expressed his doubt.
"As long as one uses disguise, they will definitely be exposed one day. I don't have a thing to worry about, but you, you have too big of a flaw." Fang Yuan glanced at Bai Ning Bing and said.
Bai Ning Bing snorted coldly, she knew what her flaw was: her gender.
Even the old lady at the hamlet could see it. Women and men have physiological differences, this could be disguised, but that required a special Gu worm which Bai Ning Bing didn't have.
Thus, even if she was wearing loose clothes, covering her face with a straw hat, smearing her body with ash and binding her chest, her gender would no doubt be revealed as time passed by.
Fang Yuan continued: "So, rather than cover the truth, it would be better to reveal some things on our own initiative and let the others set their minds at rest, thinking they have seen through us and have the situation in their control."
Exposing oneself was not always a bad thing. One could only receive trust when they revealed their identities.
Fang Yuan couldn't reveal his cards by himself, doing so would be too unnatural and not be in harmony with their previous behaviour.
Only when the other side discovered and probed, could Fang Yuan take the opportunity to conveniently reveal some stuff.
Bai Ning Bing understood: "So you are intentionally waiting for them to discover before responding?"
"You have finally become smart."
"Hmph!"
However, three days passed by and the response and probing Fang Yuan expected had still not arrived.
Bai Ning Bing finally got the opportunity to take a dig at Fang Yuan: "So you also have times when you are wrong."
Fang Yuan snorted while pondering inwardly: "I could see from Zhang Zhu's expression and manners that he was already suspicious of us. He didn't go into it deeply and restrained himself, most likely because there could be danger at any time on the road. But now that the caravan has arrived at Jin clan, the situation is very safe and he should have already begun his probing. Unless..."
Shang Xin Ci's figure appeared in Fang Yuan's mind.
"Truly smart and also bold. She's mostly likely the one that stopped Zhang Zhu. It's a little problematic, seems like being too smart can also be a problem." Fang Yuan heaved a sigh.
Shang Xin Ci's gentleness and kindness had made a deep impact on him, making him slightly underestimate this girl's intelligence.
Shang Xin Ci wanted to reach an understanding between smart people with Fang Yuan, she was clearly trying to play dumb. However, Fang Yuan had a different motive and this layer of understanding had instead turned into an obstacle.
"Since it is so, I will just take the initiative." Fang Yuan sighed and went to find Shang Xin Ci.
"You want to form a partnership with me?" Inside a tent, Shang Xin Ci and Zhang Zhu were wearing surprised expressions when Fang Yuan revealed his intentions.
They hadn't gone to look for these two, but these two instead came knocking on their door!
This was slightly beyond the young girl's expectations.
Zhang Zhu's mind shook: "You finally showed your true colors? Partnership... hmph!"
"Lady Zhang, I am a bit ashamed to say it, but we need primeval stones and I regard myself to be somewhat knowledgeable about merchants. I want to borrow a batch of goods, and we will divide the profits we earn in half, how about it?" Fang Yuan slightly bowed his body, appearing neither servile nor overbearing.
"You don't have any primeval stones and are as poor as a mouse, yet you want to borrow the chicken that lays egg? You are overconfident!" Zhang Zhu's gaze carried a cold light, "Why do you think you will definitely earn profits? And on what basis do you think our Zhang clan will lend the goods to you?"
"There will naturally be profits and losses in business. I also can't guarantee the profits. As to your second question, I think Lady Zhang is a good person and should lend the goods to me, right? You wanted to ask of my reason, I can only answer you that it is this feeling. If this feeling is wrong, then please consider this matter never happened." Fang Yuan answered with a smile.
He was one ear less and his whole body was covered with burns, making him appear terrifying when he smiled.
However, Shang Xin Ci looked at him and saw in him, a kind of confidence, decisiveness and a radiance of careful planning. This radiance emitted a different type of charisma, penetrating through the ugly appearance.
"Interesting, it seems he also sensed our suspicions, so he wanted to reach a tacit understanding with me?" Shang Xin Ci's gaze continued to flash.
After a short while, she laughed.
This kind of 'frank' communication style made her feel an indescribable safety and also a feeling of freshness.
"If you hadn't been there, there wouldn't even be a quarter of goods remaining, they would have already been snatched by those monkeys in Fei Hou mountain. Since you have this notion, I will hand over these goods to you." She said.
If the servant girl Xiao Die were here, she might have started making a big fuss.
Fang Yuan showed an expression of being in a daze for a while, before he bowed to show his thanks.
"Miss, this..." When Fang Yuan left the tent, Zhang Zhu couldn't endure it any more.
Shang Xin Ci blinked mischievously like a child: "Isn't this interesting? Did you hear what he said just now, he hadn't even started on the business, but was already talking of sharing the profits in half. His tone was as if the profits were certain..."
"Hmph, he is but a boor, how much talent could he have?" Zhang Zhu disdainfully scoffed, "If we talk about business talent, who could compare to miss? I still remember how you have managed the properties all these years and expanded them. If it were not for the envy of those petty people in Zhang Clan..."
"Alright, what is the use of talking about the past? Since Uncle Zhang Zhu believes in my talent, then you should trust me. Even if Hei Tu squanders these goods, I could still rebuild the business from scratch, isn't that right?" Shang Xin Ci said.
"Of course!" Zhang Zhu said without hesitation.
-x-X-x-
"There are so much goods, it won't be cheap. It'll require at least fifty thousand primeval stones." Jin clan's Gu Master looked at Fang Yuan in suspicion.
After getting approval from Shang Xin Ci, Fang Yuan immediately found a few Jin clan Gu Masters, this was already the sixth.
"I do not have primeval stones." Fang Yuan shook his head: "But I can use my goods to exchange for yours."
"Exchange?" The Gu Master's eyebrows rose. He was not surprised as it was common to barter, especially in the caravan.
To him, there was no loss in bartering as long as the value was about the same.
"What will you use to exchange?"
Fang Yuan brought him to the goods immediately.
Jin clan's Gu Master frowned: "Your goods are cheaper than mine."
"But you can get a good price for it on this Huang Jin mountain, am I wrong?" Fang Yuan laughed.
Jin clan Gu Master frowned even deeper: "If the price is set too high, we won't be able to sell it."
"Then sell it slowly, it'll be sold eventually. Goods are more expensive when they are rare, by then you will be sitting at home collecting your earnings." Fang Yuan smiled.
The Gu Master laughed, the reason he talked so much was only to lower the price; his heart was moved long ago.
"You are not bad at all. As a mortal, you are neither haughty nor humble. I have three stores, are you interested in working for me? I can give you the position of shopkeeper! Your wages can also be further discussed." The Gu Master patted Fang Yuan's shoulders.
Fang Yuan rejected politely; the Gu Master felt a little pity.
"Hei Tu, what have you done!" After the transaction was over, Xiao Die ran over with a frosty expression.
"You exchanged all the goods? What are you trying to do? You are too bold!" Xiao Die stomped her foot in anger: "Do you know these goods were all chosen by Missy after much consideration. After we transport them to Shang Clan City, we can sell them for twice the amount! Quick, exchange them back now!" @@novelbin@@
Fang Yuan's expression turned cold: "Your Missy has already lent all the goods to me, which is to say, these belong to me. Hmph, I am dealing with my own goods, is there a problem?"
Fang Yuan's gaze swept through Xiao Die, a cold light flashed in his eyes.
Xiao Die instantly felt a chill that made her heart palpitate.
Fang Yuan had decided to expose a little more and thus putting on such a strong attitude against Xiao Die.
Xiao Die was witty and eloquent all along, but now, a cold feeling crept up her heart: "You, you... I will tell Missy, watch out!"
She tried her best to hide her inner emotions, but still left frantically.
Her report naturally caused no disturbance to Fang YUan.
But the servants that Shang Xin Ci brought along, had much opinions about Fang Yuan's actions. Many discussed secretly, thinking this Hei Tu had gone crazy.
Fang Yuan knew the value of these goods and could sense Shang Xin Ci's business talent.
But this was her first time doing business, her experience was very lacking even though she had talent. Business was not just transporting goods to the destination, and earning profits from the price difference.
A true expert merchant earned along the way as well. Using their keen foresight to explore new opportunities, learning about the specialty of each mountains, and tailoring to the needs of each clan; they built networks as they profited from all those around them.
Of course, these requirements were too high for the current Shang Xin Ci. She had just turned 16, although she had talent, she was still a fresh young girl.
Fang Yuan spent about a hundred years in his past life doing trade. He joined caravans and even became a leader He also opened his own shops, including rock gambling and even auctions.
When it came to experience and foresight, those leaders and vice leaders in the caravan could not hold a candle to Fang Yuan, let alone the inexperienced Shang Xin Ci.
"There is still a distance to Shang Liang mountain. If I manipulate this wholeheartedly, I can at least increase the value of these goods by seven or eight times!"
This profit margin was terrifying. Any higher and even Fang Yuan could do it. Due to actual circumstances, seven to eight times was the limit of this world.
"Of course, if I use unorthodox methods, not just seven or eight, I can easily jack it up by seventy or eighty times." Thinking so, Fang Yuan could not help but think of a poem on Earth ——
Obeying the law and living in constant worry, bandits live in pleasure every night; those who harm others to benefit themselves ride horses, while those were righteous and fair starve in hunger. Those who build bridges and repair roads go blind, while those who murder and cause arson have many offsprings. When I died, I asked Buddha, Buddha said: There was nothing I could do!
Haha, the so called system and law was to deprive the masses and limit the weak.
Whichever world it was, the law of the jungle prevailed!
Thus, even during an era ruled by law, countless rich and influential people found loopholes and avoided the judgement of the law. Not to mention this Gu world, where strength was everything one needed to exert influence!
In Fang Yuan's previous life, he once did business with all his heart, having millions of assets and countless properties. But later, some experts casually usurped them, causing him to go bankrupt and living in the streets.
For the next four hundred years of his life, whenever he thought back to it, he was extremely glad he had such an experience.
Only through pain can one learn about the truth!
Precisely because of this experience, he woke up from his delusions and broke free of the restraints that bound him while living in the lawful society of Earth.
Humans were often blinded not by the sight before them, but by the chains in their hearts.
To Fang Yuan, if he abided by morals of business and be a proper businessman, he could only earn seven to eight times the profit.
But if he used some illegal methods, becoming an unscrupulous merchant, he could make over tenfold worth of profits.
If he abandoned his position, and lied and scammed, becoming a dishonest trader, he could make tens of times of profits.
If he directly murdered and robbed, he would not even need a capital. Business without investing capital, was always the most profitable!
But Fang Yuan had other objectives doing business now. Thus, methods that broke the rules could not be used and this caused him to have some feeling of restraint.
However, the night before the caravan set off, a Jin clan Gu Master secretly approached him.
"There is a secret deal we want to make, are you interested?" This Gu Master was one of those who traded with Fang Yuan earlier.
Fang Yuan did not mind it, but after a few minutes, he changed his ideas.
"You are saying, someone wants to sell Jinzan grass?" He was extremely surprised, almost suspecting that he had heard wrongly.
To Jin clan, Jinzan grass could not be replaced with other materials, it was an important war resource. It was exactly because it could be used as a refinement material that Jin clan could produce large numbers of golden silkworm Gu. But now someone wanted to sell it?
In Fang Yuan's memories, it was because Jin clan had large numbers of the rank three golden silkworm Gu that their battle strength rose rapidly, thus eliminating Huang clan and becoming the controller of the area.
"Wait a minute, Huang clan still exists now. This means Jin clan has not fully manufactured the recipe for the golden silkworm Gu? That shouldn't be it, by this time they should have some ideas already, otherwise why would they mass plant Jinzan grass?" Fang Yuan's thoughts moved like lightning.
He probed: "I'm about done with trading goods. The Jinzan grass is an unpopular material, although it is rare, little people need it..."
Seeing Fang Yuan reject, the Gu Master panicked: "The price can be further discussed, why don't we have a good talk about it."
Fang Yuan's gaze shone, seeing the other party was very anxious, he started to lower the price.
After an intense bargaining, the Jinzan grass' price had been lowered to a horrifying degree.
The Gu Master's face paled, his expression turned ugly and his tone became irritated: "You win, we'll go with this price, can we complete the deal now?"
This price was very low, even lower than the cost of nurturing the Jinzan grass. If they sold it, it truly was making a loss.
The Jin clan Gu Master knew this, and so his heart bled.
Fang Yuan also knew this was the limit, but he still shook his head: "This price is too low, to speak the truth your attitude makes me feel uncertain."
The Jin clan Gu Master instantly exploded: "You were the one who lowered the price, now you're finding it too low?!"
Fang Yuan shrugged: "You said it earlier, this is a private transaction, there is no hard evidence. What if you sell me fake goods, who would I find then? You see, the caravan is leaving tomorrow, by then even if I made a loss, I have no choice but to leave."
"Your suspicions are valid..." Jin Clan Gu Master's anger subsided: "Don't worry about the goods, they are definitely real. To tell you the truth, this is secretly sold by our young master."
Fang Yuan's eyes shone brilliantly, he had finally received some useful information.
He pretended to be shocked: "Your young master stole it?"
"These Jinzan grass is a vegetation loved by the clan leader, purposely growing three acres of it. But we can't do anything about it since our clan leader has a unique interest. So do not worry, the Jinzan grass is nothing important, the son taking his father's things to sell, even if it is discovered, he will only be scolded." The Gu Master said.
Fang Yuan immediately understood everything.
So it was like this!
Jin clan had already been trying to fix the recipe for the golden silkworm Gu. At this point, they had a rough idea already and were thus growing three acres of Jinzan grass..
But to prevent unwanted attention from Huang clan, this information was kept among the higher ups of the clan, even the young master did not know, only thinking that this grass was planted out of interest.
The Jinzan grass' growth period was very long, needing four years to mature.
In his memory, Jin clan launched their attack a year later. They used the rank three golden silkworm Gu which had sharp offensive strength to eliminate Huang clan and dominate Huang Jin mountain.
If this three acres of Jinzan grass was gone, they won't be able to find that much on the market either. Then to eliminate Huang clan, Jin clan would need to waste a few more years.
Evidently, this Jinzan grass was a dangerous item!
If he really bought it, it would be provoking this large Jin clan.
An ordinary person would avoid it like the plague, but Fang Yuan saw a huge opportunity from it.
This profit, although dangerous, since it was delivered to him with both hands, how could he reject it?
To speak the truth, although Fang Yuan possessed the heavenly essence treasure lotus, he still had a need for primeval stones, and it wasn't a small amount he needed.
When they reached the Shang Clan City, he needed to purchase Gu worms, and that required a lot of primeval stones. Relying on the heavenly essence treasure lotus's daily production was troublesome and insufficient.
"That young master is definitely a wastrel, he is probably doted by the clan leader, but is in need of money recently, thus he set his eyes on the Jinzan grass. Hehehe..."
Thinking so, Fang Yuan couldn't help but laugh.
If he took this profit, not only would it help in purchasing Gu worms, it would also leave a deep impression on Shang Xin Ci. It was simply killing two birds with one stone.
Jin clan Gu Master saw Fang Yuan's smile, and laughed: "So, you agree?"
"Of course." Fang Yuan looked at him; once this deal went through, this guy would definitely be in trouble.
"But what does his trouble have to do with me?" What Fang Yuan was considering now, was how to swallow this profit without choking himself.
-x-X-x-
Dawn was breaking in the east, revealing the first rays of light.
The cold air of the night had condensed into dewdrops on the grass and leaves. The temporary market in the Jin clan was currently being dismantled; the tents were packed up, the carpets on the streets stalls were rolled up and the goods were packed in bags.
After having stayed in the Jin village for many days, the caravan was preparing to set off.
As for the merchants, no matter how many goods they sold or bought, they would be making profits eventually. Thus, though they were exhausted, they were wearing cheerful smiles on their faces.
Xiao Die's expression, however, was horrible.
"Missy, I just checked, that Hei Tu has exchanged almost all the goods. And in the goods he exchanged for, I saw three carts filled with Jinzan grass!"
"Jinzan grass?" Shang Xin Ci's long brows slightly furrowed.
Xiao Die was extremely angry, as she pulled Shang Xin Ci by her hand: "Even a layman like me knows how worthless Jinzan grass is, but he has exchanged for so many of them. Missy, this Hei Tu is simply making a trouble!"
"Xiao Die, calm down first." Shang Xin Ci patted Xiao Die's hand, "He should have exchanged for this Jinzan grass yesterday night, I don't know why he did that but he must have a reason for exchanging other goods. Just think, it is already pretty good that he could accomplish this as a mortal."
"Missy, why are you standing up for him? I am only thinking for you. These goods were originally ours, why would you let others squander it for nothing? Most importantly, he can't compensate us at all! Lord Zhang Zhu, please persuade Missy..." Xiao Die pouted.
Zhang Zhu who was looking on from the side, sighed: "Miss, Xiao Die is right. We lent the goods to him to test him, but now that we can already see the results, why are we still letting him squander them? We believe in your ability Miss, but if we can decrease our losses, why are we not doing so? It will also decrease our struggles when we reach Shang Clan City."
"This..." Shang Xin Ci mumbled. She was young, her eyes started showing signs of hesitation.
Previously, she had felt the goods exchanged by Fang Yuan was alright. However, this Jinzan grass... it was a great loss to exchange for so much Jinzan grass.
Jinzan grass was easy to preserve, but it simply couldn't be sold as the demand for it was almost non-existent. Such a large stockpile would rot sooner or later, and finally, they would have no choice but to cut down the price and dump sell the stock - it was destined to make a loss.
"Excuse me, are you Lady Zhang Xin Ci?" Just then, a middle-aged gu master who was sweating profusely, anxiously ran towards Shang Xin Ci.
The iron plate on his belt was carved with number 'two' showing the rank of this gu master.
Shang Xin Ci gave a slight smile: "Yes I am, may I enquire who you are?"
The middle-aged man cupped his fists: "I am the personal guard of lord clan leader, here on his command to ask for a favor."
"Oh? Please speak."
"Lady Zhang should have bought a large batch of Jinzan grass yesterday night. The whole story is like this, our clan leader is very passionate for Jinzan grass and so he personally raised some for pleasure. But the young master secretly dug them out and sold them behind the clan leader's back. Now, clan leader has placed the young master in confinement, and also wishes to buy back the Jinzan grass. I sincerely request you to sell them back to us."
This gu master was polite, but that politeness carried his firm attitude.
"Miss..." Zhang Zhu's expression turned solemn as he reminded Shang Xin Ci.
This personal guard represented the clan leader of the Jin clan, this matter could be both big or small, and it could turn serious if it was handled improperly.
Shang Xin Ci glanced at Zhang Zhu and nodded her head to indicate she understood: "Actually, I am also someone who loves flowers and I can understand honorable clan leader's passion. We will hand over the Jinzan grass to your honorable clan with not even a stem missing."
"It makes one happy to see such a reasonable Lady." The personal guard gu master's expression relaxed and revealed a slight smile.
Shang Xin Ci continued: "A subordinate of mine was in charge of this transaction. I will call him over."
Fang Yuan had already been paying attention to the activity here.
"Hei Tu, you are in trouble. Missy has called you." Xiao Die had come to summon him.
Fang Yuan soon appeared in front of the personal guard, and cupped his fists: "I am the one who was responsible for the transaction of Jinzan grass. I heard the honorable clan leader wants to buy them back?"
The personal guard was surprised to see the newcomer was actually a mortal, his face immediately revealed a slight disdain and arrogance.
He snorted: "That's right. Mortal, you can relax. Lord clan leader is benevolent and is willing to use three thousand primeval stones to buy back the three carts of Jinzan grass on you."
"So much?" Xiao Die was speechless and her gaze revealed her joy.
Zhang Zhu frowned before gradually relaxing. Three thousand primeval stones should be the maximum market price for the Jinzan grass, and this showed Jin clan leader's sincerity.
However, Fang Yuan shook his head: "Jinzan grass is very precious, only three thousand primeval stones to buy them back, this doesn't seem to be sincere, right?"
The personal guard immediately frowned: "What? The price I am giving is much higher than the maximum market price of the Jinzan grass. Mortal, what price did you buy it for?"
Fang Yuan rubbed his nose: "Let's not discuss about the purchase price, we are all businessmen, naturally we will buy low and sell high. Three thousand primeval stones are too less, I am not selling!"
"You!" The personal guard clenched his teeth, before eventually showing five fingers, "Alright, then I will rise it by two thousand, five thousand primeval stones!"
Xiao Die's eyes widened in shock, her face started to flush with excitement as she looked at the five stretched fingers of the personal guard.
"Five thousand primeval stones? This is what you said, you can't go back on it!" She was almost jumping in excitement, she hadn't thought the situation would develop like this; Fang Yuan had profited huge!
However, Fang Yuan still shook his head.
The personal guard's expression turned cold as he threatened: "Mortal, don't you think you are being greedy? These Jinzan grass were originally our clan's goods. You privately exchanged for them which is already not permitted. You don't even have any evidence of transaction, I can even say you secretly stole them!!"
Zhang Zhu was taken aback by the personal guard's anger, he looked at Fang Yuan: "Just sell it."
Fang Yuan laughed: "You sold them, I bought, this was mutual consent. What more, it was your young master who sold them to me. I can't do anything if you are determined to say I stole them. Jin clan is so rich and powerful that it can bully the weak and rob our goods. Hmph, the goods are just there, why don't you go take them. It is just that as far as I know, it is not just me who bought the Jinzan grass. Many others have a share of it, is Jin clan going to snatch all of theirs too?"
Fang Yuan had already expected this situation, thus he only bought a large majority yesterday night. The remaining Jinjan grass were sold to others by that gu master.
"You!" The personal guard was furious, but he could only clench his teeth at Fang Yuan's blatant extortion.
He pointed at Fang Yuan: "Your clan bought the most, you little brat, you want to make it hard for me?"
"Of course not, I am only trying to make a transaction." Fang Yuan cupped his hands.
"Hmph, forget it! I will put two thousand more, seven thousand primeval stones! Mortal, bring all the Jinzan grass you bought." The personal guard shouted. @@novelbin@@
"Hei Tu, just sell it. We need to pay attention to amiability while doing business." Shang Xin Ci couldn't endure this pressure.
"Since Miss has spoken..." Fang Yuan nodded his head before immediately changing the subject, "Then I will take back a step. Eight thousand primeval stones and all the Jinzan grass I have is yours."
The moment these words came out, Shang Xin Ci and the rest all became dazed.
The personal guard came back to his senses, unable to contain his anger: "What? You bastard!!"
Fang Yuan, however, had a smile on his face: "Business is business, please don't get angry lord gu master. Actually, I was thinking of selling them for ten thousand primeval stones, if lord gu master can't decide it, how about letting me discuss with your honorable clan's clan leader?"
"No need!" The personal guard swung his arm as he looked at Fang Yuan with extreme disgust, "You, a mortal, what qualifications do you have to meet lord clan leader? Bring the goods quickly, taking advantage of others when they are down, I will remember you. Hmph!"
His words, no doubt, meant he acceded to Fang Yuan's raised price.
The two finished the transaction in moments.
Fang Yuan hadn't even used five hundred primeval stones to buy them, but in just one night, the Jinzan grass changed hands for eight thousand primeval stones!
"Miss, there are two trunks filled to the brim with primeval stones!" Xiao Die was beaming with joy. She had witnessed the whole transaction process in fear, but now that she looked at these primeval stones, she felt that it was all worth it. Even her gaze towards Fang Yuan changed.
"Did you already know? That can't be it, this should just be the case of a blind cat coming across a dead mouse !" She looked at Fang Yuan from top to bottom and remarked.
"Offending the Jin clan for just eight thousand primeval stones is not worth it." Zhang Zhu had been frowning from the start, he looked at Fang Yuan with some discontent and warned, "Never take such a risk again."
Fang Yuan only smiled and turned towards Shang Xin Ci: "According to our previous contract, Miss will get half of this eight thousand primeval stones, and I request Miss to safeguard my half of the share too."
...
"Has it been settled?" Jin clan leader stood on a hill, watching the leaving caravan.
An elder was standing to his side and reported: "Yes, clan leader. We have bought back all the Jinzan grass. It is just that Zhang Clan is truly hateful for taking advantage of the situation to extort us."
Jin Clan's clan leader's brows furrowed: "Oh? Speak."
The elder elaborated on the details.
Jin clan's clan leader smiled: "It is just eight thousand primeval stones, no need to care. That Zhang clan's Lady, however, is intelligent, she pushed out a mortal servant to sound out the situation and earned herself this money."
"Lord clan leader, what if this Zhang clan already knows our clan's secret and thus took advantage to extort us?"
"Hahaha, don't be overly suspicious. If they knew the importance of the Jinzan grass to my clan, why would they only extort mere eight thousand primeval stones? They would buy them all or even not agree to sell them. But just in case, send some gu masters to watch them till they completely leave Huang Jin mountain's region. Make sure to watch if there are anyone who tries to secretly go to Huang clan. If there are, kill them on the spot!"
The clan leader's killing intent overflowed all around him as he said this.
The elder's mind trembled: "As you command, lord clan leader!"
Fang Yuan glanced back at the Huang Jin mountain, his lips curled up in a smiled.
Not far away in a carriage, Shang Xin Ci lifted open the curtains and gazed at Fang Yuan's back. Her beautiful eyes flashed with light, having fallen into deep thought.
-x-X-x-
The caravan crossed mountains and valleys as they traveled west.
Half a month later, the caravan arrived at Hun Mu mountain which had a lot of weird looking trees; Fang Yuan sold half of his goods to buy a lot of these special wood.
Twenty days later, they arrived at Ju Yu mountain.
The mountain was full of bumps and craters, these bumps were all made by the falling raindrops.
At this place, once it rained, raindrops as large as wine vats fell and formed huge craters in the ground. Thus, the Tong clan of Ju Yu mountain was built in the empty caves inside the mountain. If it was an open construct, it would be easily devastated by the rain.
In Tong clan village, the golden lamp oil that Fang Yuan bought on Huang Jin mountain was very popular. @@novelbin@@
During their stay, it rained three times. Fang Yuan thus acquired many blue oil raindrops. These raindrops were a type of material for many different purposes.
These giant raindrops were the Tong clan village's misfortune that forced them to live inside the mountain caves. But, it was also their source of income.
After leaving Ju Yu mountain, the caravan arrived at Fang Zhuan mountain.
The rocks on this mountain were peculiar. Each were cube shaped, varying in size and thickness.
Da Fang clan was a large scale clan that had been living on Fang Zhuan mountain for over thousand years.
Their residences were made of tiles; much better than the condition at Tong clan village. Tall large walls were constructed around the village, and within the walls were defense towers, while outside the walls were pillboxes.
Fang Yuan remembered that at Da Fang clan, there was an eccentric elder that liked wood carvings.
After contacting him, all the weird and creepy soul wood he collected on Hun Mu mountain were sold to this clan elder.
Just like this, on this journey, with Fang Yuan's manipulation, his goods increased and decreased at times, but each time there was a change, he earned a ton of profit.
Once he did this many times, it naturally attracted people's attention.
Fang Yuan pushed everything to Shang Xin Ci, and rumors of her business talent started to circulate.
Time flew by quickly, after another four villages, the caravan gradually got close to Xiao Yue mountain.
This night, the caravan made a temporary camp near a cliff.
"We have entered Xiao Yue mountain's territory, the remaining journey is all uninhabited mountains and valleys. Gu worms and beasts roam free, and not even a hamlet exist. From tonight onwards, everyone has to place their full attention on the surroundings." Jia clan's leader instructed.
In the tent, many vice-leaders nodded in agreement.
Shang Xin Ci's eyes shone with bright light.
This was the most dangerous segment of the caravan's route. Once they passed this, they would reach Xue Lei mountain, and after that, they would have to travel past a few more clan villages, before reaching Shang Liang mountain's Shang Clan City.
"Alright, next we will establish our defensive measures." Jia clan's leader continued.
An hour later, the discussion ended and everyone left the tent.
Zhang Zhu came up immediately: "Miss, dinner has been prepared. Do we invite Hei Tu and Bai Yun to dine together again?"
"Of course." Shang Xin Ci nodded: "I have to ask him about his experiences in trading during the banquet."
These few days, Fang Yuan's revenue greatly exceeded his losses, earning five to six times the profits after few trades. This caused Shang Xin Ci, Zhang Zhu and Xiao Die - who knew the truth - to look at him in a different light.
According to the agreement, Fang Yuan gave half the earnings to Shang Xin Ci, but to her, these primeval stones could not compare to his business experience and understanding.
She did not have any cultivation talent, and as a mortal, engaging in business was her proudest ability.
But, in this aspect where she could be proud of herself, Fang Yuan displayed a strength which she could not help but admit was far superior to her!
Many seemingly absurd decisions gave surprising results after the deal was completed.
Shang Xin Ci was not someone who would give up on herself, and after knowing this difference in ability, she invited him to the dinner banquet daily.
A few words of advice from Fang Yuan could benefit her greatly.
Her talent in business was outstanding and she absorbed the knowledge like a sponge, growing rapidly.
The more she interacted with Fang Yuan, the more she admired him.
"Sigh, Miss, you have to be careful. These two obviously have their own stories, they are not ordinary people." Zhang Zhu sighed with worry, he was afraid Shang Xin Ci was sinking deeper into this.
"Don't worry, Uncle Zhang Zhu, I know what I am doing." Shang Xin Ci was indeed intelligent and smart, she never spoke to Fang Yuan about matters outside of business. She knew what could be said and what could not, never trying to probe further than she was supposed to.
She felt that Fang Yuan and Bai Ning Bing might be mysterious, but they were not dangerous.
Fang Yuan used proper techniques in his business trading, and he didn't go back on his words, splitting half the profits with Shang Xin Ci. Unknowingly, such behaviour gave Shang Xin Ci much feeling of assurance.
However, Fang Yuan did not accept the invitation to banquet this time.
"I am feeling a little tired today, I will not be going." He waved his hand at Xiao Die who came to invite him.
Fang Yuan did not accept every single invitation from Shang Xin Ci, normally only accepting one out of three invitations.
Xiao Die pouted as she looked at Fang Yuan begrudgingly, muttering under her breath and leaving.
Previously when Fang Yuan rejected the invitation, Xiao Die made a scene several times, feeling indignant for her Miss. But the more Fang Yuan earned, the more Xiao Die's attitude changed, from indignant to accomodating and helplessness.
No matter which world it was, at whatever level of society, strength was what gained respect.
Fang Yuan shut the tent; Bai Ning Bing had already sat on one of the beds.
In the darkness, her blue eyes shone slightly.
When Fang Yuan first rejected Xiao Die, she was still a little surprised, but after a few times, Bai Ning Bing found out the brilliance of this action.
As the saying went, one who is unaccountably solicitous is hiding evil intentions 1 . Fang Yuan rejecting this invitation and not accommodating to Shang Xin Ci gave the young girl the feeling that he had nothing to gain from her.
"Let's start." Fang Yuan sat down on the bed as well with his back facing Bai Ning Bing.
Bai Ning Bing spread out both palms and placed them on Fang Yuan's back. Ten percent of her snow silver primeval essence flowed through her palms into Fang Yuan's body.
Bone flesh unity Gu shone with green and red light respectively, converting the primeval essence; six percent of snow silver primeval essence entered Fang Yuan's aperture.
Splash splash splash...
Fang Yuan's thoughts entered his aperture and used these primeval essence to nurture his aperture walls.
When he was rank one, his aperture could not take the impact of the snow silver primeval essence, but now that he was rank two middle stage, his aperture walls had a stronger foundation now and could endure it.
Only that this could not last for a long time, and he needed to rest every once in a while.
The light waves on the aperture walls flowed constantly. The white light grew stronger as some areas started to condense. Evidently, Fang Yuan was a step away from rank two upper stage.
With his rich cultivating experience, Fang Yuan had something like a gauge in his mind. He planned to breakthrough to rank two upper stage in one go!
Time passed and it was already late at night.
Howl—— !
Suddenly, howling of the Grey Wolf King could be heard.
The howl broke the silence of the camp, and soon after, numerous wolf howled in response to their king.
"Wolf assault, wolf assault!"
"Damn it, get up, the wolf pack is attacking camp!"
"So many grey wolves, I can't even count how many there are!"
...
Many people screamed in shock, waking up everyone else in the camp; everyone was riled up.
"Hey hearing this volume, it seems the wolf pack is quite large." Bai Ning Bing listened and laughed.
In the caravan's journey, they met many beast groups' attack, and now she wasn't shocked anymore.
"This is Xiao Yue mountain, some people say the entire southern border wolves live here. During a full moon, the wolf packs will gaze at the round moon, and the wolf howls can cause the entire mountain to tremble and shake. This is only our first night, and we already encountered a grey wolf pack, our luck is terrible." Fang Yuan opened his eyes slightly, but multitasked and did not stop the cultivating in his aperture.
"Damn it, there are too many wolves."
"Healing Gu Master, where are the healing Gu Masters?! My father is injured, he is bleeding a lot..."
"The southeast direction's defense has been broken through, go reinforce them quickly!"
The situation was more severe than Bai Ning Bing had predicted. After discovering the wolf pack, in just a few minutes, the first line of defense in the camp was broken through, and the wolves broke into the camp.
"Ah——!"
"Take up your weapons and fight these beasts!"
Servants screamed as sounds of battle and shouting continued.
"Do we go out?" Bai Ning Bing asked.
"For what? What can you do? Don't forget your identity." After a moment of silence, Fang Yuan replied nonchalantly.
"But the wolves are already charging here, the goods you just purchased might be damaged." Bai Ning Bing laughed, showing glee in her tone.
"Then let them be damaged." Fang Yuan closed his eyes again.
After a while, Xiao Die's voice came from outside the tent: "Hei Tu, Hei Tu! Are you two in there?"
"What's the matter?" Bai Ning Bing asked.
"Oh my god, you are still here? Such a loud commotion and you didn't even wake up! Many grey wolves entered the camp, although the situation is under control, there might be some wolves left out. Miss is asking you to go over, with Lord Zhang Zhu to protect us, it will be safer!" Xiao Die shouted.
"No need, since the situation is under control, we shall not impose on your Miss. I can handle a grey wolf or two with my physical strength." Fang Yuan replied.
Xiao Die urged some more, but was still rejected. Finally she stomped her feet outside the tent: "Ungrateful bunch, don't blame me for not reminding you if you die. Hmph!"
Saying so, she hurriedly left.
The grey wolves continued to attack for fifteen minutes before retreating.
This beast group assault brought the greatest loss the caravan had suffered since their establishment.
Three Gu Masters died in battle, over a dozen injured, countless servants died, and most of the goods were damaged. Especially Zhang clan's goods, they received the most damage.
These goods were all borrowed by Fang Yuan, and at first estimation, Fang Yuan lost over a thousand primeval stones in this one night.
When it was daylight, and they calculated the losses, he showed a bitter smile but did not mind it at all.
Because last night, he had advanced to rank two upper stage. Only spending just a few months, this cultivation speed was shocking even to Bai Ning Bing who knew the method.
-x-X-x-
The bloody night passed and the morning sun shone upon the ruined camp.
The atmosphere was solemn as everyone cleaned up the battlefield and packed their goods, setting off with a heavy heart.
However, the wolf pack attack this time was only the beginning.
Few days later, they were attacked again by grey wolf packs.
The scale of the attack this time was even larger than the previous time. But the caravan had taken sufficient precautions and were able to limit their losses to less than the previous time.
They chased away this pack of grey wolves. However, they had yet to regain their breaths, when three days later they were attacked by lighting wolf packs. The pack contained three frenzy lightning wolves and nine bold lightning wolves. Fifteen gu masters were killed while fighting them. The battle ended with wolf corpses all around the ground, and a wounded frenzy lightning wolf escaped with the remaining injured wolves.
There were many gu masters who chased them for revenge, but couldn't catch up to them and they didn't dare to enter deep into Xiao Yue mountain. They could only stared fixedly at the retreating wolf packs.
The attack this time made the caravan's leader and vice leaders realize the danger they were in. On that very evening, they decided to speed up and leave Xiao Yue mountain as quickly as possible.
Even so, for the next fifteen days, they were met with frequent attacks by the wolf packs.
Grey wolves, lightning wolves, snow wolves, two-headed wolves and even blood fang wolves...
Everyone in the caravan let out a breath of relief after they got out of Xiao Yue mountain.
The caravan's next few days passed peacefully and smoothly, until they entered Bai Hu mountain and were attacked by beast groups again.
This time, it was old turtle carapace apes. These white apes were enormous with a carapace armor on their back - the carapace armor was covered with turtle shell patterns. There weren't many casualties from the attacks of these ape groups, but the huge damage to the goods caused many to feel heartache.
Fang Yuan's goods also met with hardship, the dozen carts of goods he had was decreased to less than half.
The morale in caravan fell greatly, these people were merchants trying their best to earn money. However, these losses made this trip worthless to them.
"We have made a fruitless trip."
"I checked my accounts yesterday, my earnings amounted to less than two thousand primeval stones!"
"My situation is even worse, I have already lost thirty percent of the goods."
"Even if it is worse, can it be as worse as the Zhang Clan's? They have already lost most of their goods!"
"Sigh, if I had known earlier, I would have just curled up in the clan; why would I bother to take risk and only earn this much!"
...
The caravan moved in such an atmosphere. Five days later, they were attacked by a group of white tigers.
There were losses again.
Seven days later, a group of flame tigers ambushed them; fire spread over the camp and a large amount of goods were burned down.
The morale had reached an all-time low, many of the merchants had lost all their investment.
Ten days later, when they were about to cheer as they left the border of the Bai Hu mountain region, a Biao 1 appeared.
Five tigers and one Biao . A Biao was a tiger that had grown wings, and was at least a thousand beast king. And because it had the ability to fly, it was even more troublesome.
Some vice leaders of the caravan lost their lives while resisting this Biao.
The Biao tailed the caravan for almost a hundred miles, constantly harassing them. Finally the caravan higher ups decided to make minor sacrifices, quickly deciding to give up close to a hundred servants.
Most of these servants were injured or crippled, they rained curses and cried for their lives, but could do nothing to change their fate.
Finally, the Biao had its fill and left, satisfied.
The caravan was only able to rest properly after leaving the Bai Hu mountain far behind. The leaders of each clans didn't stint on rewards, gradually raising the morale.
The scale of the caravan was now already thinned by half of their original size.
But after going through this cruel elimination and sharpening, the caravan now showed signs of an elite group.
" I have been a travelling merchant for so many years and this was the most challenging of them all."
"Who knows what possessed these wild beasts, attacking so frequently!"
"After this trip ends, I will retire and enjoy my life."
"No matter what, the risk of this trade route needs to be reevaluated..."
"The main reason is still because these great mountains don't have any human inhabitations. With no clans and garrisons to purge these beasts, they have grown without check."
Some sighed, some were downhearted, whereas some still retained some hope.
However, the caravan seemed to be jinxed; on the road ahead, they were not only attacked by all kinds of beast groups, but also by many swarms of insects and wild gu worms.
The size of the caravan was decreasing continuously, the merchants no longer cared about profits and loss; they were starting to sense their lives were on the line.
They even abandoned a lot of goods willingly to speed up their travelling speed.
The setting sun dyed the clouds in blood red.
The caravan was crossing a mountain woods in silence. Everyone was exhausted and numb, their morale very low.
Many had bandages on their body, covering light and heavy injuries. They moved step by step in the bumpy mountain passageway.
It had rained yesterday, causing the mountain passage to be muddy and slippery.
A handcart filled with goods got stuck in the mud. The ostrich that was dragging the cart raised its neck and made shrill crackling noises before using all its strength to pull the cart, but to no avail.
Right at this time, two hands came from behind the cart and lifted it, pulling the stuck wheel out of the mud pit.
It was Fang Yuan.
He casually clapped his hands. The thousands of kilos worth of goods didn't seem to be that heavy in his hands.
However, although the cart broke away from the mud pit, its wheels were somehow jammed and didn't move.
Bai Ning Bing who was at the side, bent down to take a look at the wheel.
After being in caravan for so long, she had learned many things with her disguised identity, and had already completely blended in.
"What is this?" She rubbed the axle of the wheel, her eyes filled with doubt.
There was some kind of stuff hidden in the axle of the wheel, and it was continuously grinded down into fine gray powder as the wheels moved.
The fine powder was unnoticeable when they fell down to the ground.
Bai Ning Bing picked some of this powder and rubbed them with her fingers; the powder turned into grease.
"Ah, I put these oil powder in the wheels to lubricate them and make the handcart move more smoothly." Fang Yuan walked over while taking out a cotton handkerchief from his pocket; he grabbed Bai Ning Bing's hands and cleaned the grease off.
After that, he crouched down and felt around the wheels - the wheels regained their mobility.
"Let's go." He wiped off the oil powder from his hands and patted Bai Ning Bing's shoulder.
The two continued to walk.
Bai Ning Bing's pace continued to become slower as the doubts in her hearts intensified and formed into a dense fog that couldn't be dispelled.
She sensed something was amiss.
"When did Fang Yuan get this oil powder? How come I had no idea... was it since the beginning, or at Huang Jin mountain or at Xiao Yue mountain? Strange... he doesn't seem to give a damn about the caravan; he hasn't even frowned seeing such large losses to the caravan. But why would he care about oiling the handcart? Strange, strange!"
"Wait a second!"
Suddenly, a quick light seemed to flash past Bai Ning Bing's mind.
At that instant, her whole body shivered and her pupils suddenly shrunk down to pin-sized.
A possibility echoed out from deep within her mind.
She stopped at the spot, her mind filled with shock!
After a long while, the ostrich which had been walking beside her suddenly screeched and woke her up.
Fang Yuan's figure was already far away now, gradually merging into the crowd in front.
"This guy...." Bai Ning Bing lowered her head, covering the cold light flashing past her blue eyes under the cover of the straw hat.
Sun was slowly setting down in the west and the many stars began to appear in the sky.
The caravan stopped near a beach, they had decided to camp here for the night.
However, just when they were half finished with setting up the camp, a group of cold jade owlcats appeared in the vicinity.
"Beast group, it is the owlcat!"
"Stop your work, make defensive formations!"
"These damn animals, I just had my dinner..."
People cursed and ran, but with the previous bitter suffering and tempering, they soon formed three tight defensive lines.
Cold Jade Owlcat's body was like that of a leopard's and was extremely quick. Its face, though, was similar to an owl, its enormous eyes covered almost half of its face and shone with eerie green light in the dark.
The owlcat king gave a loud cry; the owlcat groups charged towards the camp like a tide.
"Kill!" The gu masters who were in the frontlines shouted.
Momentarily, all kinds of colors flashed, fire blazed, rocks and soils flew, lightning rumbled...
Countless owlcats collapsed, but more waves of owlcats rushed forth.
"Heavens, this is a large scale cold jade owlcat groups." Someone shouted.
"Ahh, save...." A part of the defensive lines couldn't resist the attacks anymore, and a gu master was pounced upon by three owlcats, his tragic scream stopped mid-way, flesh and blood splattered in the air.
"Quick, cover up that gap." Two gu masters were sent as reinforcements.
However, it was of no use, the gap continued to increase, slowly destroying the whole defensive line.
"Retreat, retreat!" In the end, they had no choice but to retreat to second defensive line.
"Link the handcarts and carriages, and pile up the goods into high walls!"
After the second defensive line, the third defensive line hurriedly set up a barricade.
Many servants were busy moving the goods, their bodies soaked with sweat. No one could goof off at this time.
Fang Yuan was moving a large trunk, when Bai Ning Bing suddenly walked over and lifted a side of the trunk.
On the surface, she seemed to be helping Fang Yuan, but actually she moved closer to Fang Yuan and whispered to his ears while gritting her teeth: "You bastard, you attracted these cold jade owlcats, right?"
Fang Yuan looked surprised: "Why do you say such a thing?"
"Stop pretending. There was definitely something wrong with those powder, I don't believe a guy like you will kindly consider these minor details!" Bai Ning Bing whispered.
"Hahaha, you finally discovered it." Fang Yuan didn't deny.
Bai Ning Bing couldn't help gritting her teeth, all the frequent attacks the caravan suffered on the way was all due to Fang Yuan's 'contribution'!
The two lifted the wooden trunk and moved slowly, the people around them were all busy shouting and moving, their concentration all on the battlefield. Who could have the time to listen to Fang and Bai's whisperings?
"Why are you doing this?" After a moment of silence, Bai Ning Bing asked.
"Haha." Fang Yuan laughed, "Guess."
Immediately, Bai Ning Bing felt a violent impulse to beat Fang Yuan up.