Since Scholar Tanxiao had said as much,
Even though he had no idea what had happened with Shuise Qiangwei.
If his outrageous asking price could land him this many materials and Credit Points all at once, that would be a massive win.
"Fine. I'll give you one minute. I'm pressed for time."
Shi Feng glanced at the timer on his system panel. Less than two hours remained before the Black Wing City Auction House opened. If he missed it, he'd have to wait several more days.
The stakes were too high for Scholar Tanxiao to waste time. He had already sent a message to his superior and was waiting for a decision.
After another thirty seconds, Scholar Tanxiao finally received a reply.
After reading it, the man looked visibly refreshed.
"Master Black Flame, Miss Shuise has already said that due to the enormous transaction amount, if we proceed with the trade, we need to verify the contents being offered. Of course, that verification would be handled by me. If everything checks out, we'll transfer the payment immediately." Scholar Tanxiao looked at Shi Feng with newfound confidence.
"That won't do. If you see what's in this letter, the information inside loses all its value. What if you refuse to pay after that? I'd be the one losing out. Unless you pay first, there's no way I'm letting you see what's inside." Shi Feng smiled coldly. "Since you clearly lack sincerity, let's just forget it."
The information in that letter was the real deal — enough to elevate an entire major guild by an entire tier overnight.
Especially for a first-rate guild.
Of course, that information wasn't actually worth the astronomical price of one hundred million Credit Points.
Since he had already agreed to cooperate with Shuise Qiangwei, he naturally wouldn't break his word and partner up with someone else. He had simply thrown out that number to toy with Scholar Tanxiao.
"Master Black Flame, we've shown every sincerity, yet you treat us like this. If you insist on behaving this way, I'll have no choice but to assume you're making fools of Dusk Echo. Those who make fools of Dusk Echo never end well. If you don't want us to misunderstand, please let me see the information in that envelope. As long as everything checks out, Dusk Echo's reputation guarantees we would never do something as dishonorable as refusing to pay." Scholar Tanxiao's smile remained mild, but the cold gleam in his small eyes went entirely unmasked.
"Are you threatening me?" Shi Feng's voice turned icy. "Your Dusk Echo may be a first-rate guild, but I, Black Flame, am not someone to be trifled with. Consider our business concluded."
With that, Shi Feng turned and left the restaurant, leaving Scholar Tanxiao standing there dumbfounded.
Scholar Tanxiao had never imagined Shi Feng would be so decisive.
In his mind, Black Flame was just a blacksmith — how could a mere blacksmith dare to stand up to a first-rate guild like Dusk Echo? That was why he had resorted to threats. The result was far beyond his expectations, even backfiring entirely.
His superiors' orders had been to maintain a relationship with Black Flame, ideally a closer one. If possible, recruit him into Dusk Echo.
"Damn it. This Black Flame is completely unreasonable." Scholar Tanxiao had wanted to rush outside and catch up with Shi Feng, but that would be far too humiliating. To fire off harsh words and then immediately crawl back with a fawning smile — he wasn't quite capable of swallowing that kind of pride. "He must have been playing me the whole time. That's why he didn't dare let me see what's inside."
Scholar Tanxiao quickly contacted his superior.
"Scholar, what's the result?" A commanding voice came through the voice channel.