Yan Lingxue took just one glance to ascertain that this woman, much like herself, was someone nurtured in the world of wealth and affluence. She was unfortunately unaware that Ning Xiaoxian, born a mortal, had traversed life and death. After awakening from the Endless Sea Eye, she was lavishly indulged by Changtian, which gave her an aura of imposing nobility.

It was only after hearing Ding San’s words that Yan Lingxue realized the woman before her was none other than Ning Xiaoxian, whom she had been trying to meet. If she let her leave today, residing in the depths of Hidden Stream, how would she find another opportunity to seek her out?

Without further ado, she took a step forward, saying, "Elder Ning, don’t leave yet! I’ve made numerous requests to the Foreign Affairs Hall regarding the Tianling Pavilion’s mineral resources, without satisfactory response. I’ve heard that Elder Ning is the Hall Master of the Foreign Affairs Hall, could you perhaps clarify matters for me?" The title she used referred to Ning Xiaoxian’s identity within Hidden Stream. Being the Hall Master, she naturally should resolve such matters.

As expected, Ning Xiaoxian halted and slowly turned around.

Yan Lingxue couldn’t help but feel a bit proud. Though appearing delicate, she had been assisting her brother in managing the Tianling Pavilion for many years and had negotiated numerous difficult business deals.

This woman, compared to Jin Manyi, was indeed much more intelligent. Ning Xiaoxian then seemed to assess her with a careful glance and smiled, "Last time, it seemed I heard that the minerals mined by the Tianling Pavilion next year are no longer intended to be transported to the Southwest line? If that’s the case, what’s left to negotiate?"

When had she ever said that? Yan Lingxue furrowed her comely curved brows, saying, "Lord Ning, your statement is inaccurate. In recent years, with bandits rampant, the cost of transporting through the Southwest line has indeed increased, but there was never a decision to cease shipments!"

Ning Xiaoxian asked in surprise, "Since the operations haven’t stopped, what else does the Little Pavilion Master wish to negotiate?"

Yan Lingxue hesitated, suppressing her frustration, "As I mentioned earlier, the cost of transporting these minerals to the Southwest has significantly increased. This cost shouldn’t be solely borne by the Tianling Pavilion..."

Ning Xiaoxian nodded, "The Little Pavilion Master has a point, such unforeseen risk costs shouldn’t solely fall on Tianling Pavilion."

Yan Lingxue was momentarily stunned by her agreement, as Ning Xiaoxian continued, "How about this? Hidden Stream has recently recruited many demons; they need some military training and to see some blood. I’ll dispatch them to escort the Little Pavilion Master back and forth. If you encounter bandits on the way, just destroy their sects and lairs so next time Tianling Pavilion traverses these routes, no one will dare make a move."

Though she spoke leisurely, her words brimmed with bloodlust, casually suggesting the annihilation of sects and lairs. Yan Lingxue quietly frowned, thinking to herself that they truly were a Daoist couple, sharing similar disregard for human life.

No, how could she see them as a pair! God was whom she harbored deep admiration for. She had to speak softly, "This isn’t impossible, but the sects that come to plunder are elusive, and we don’t know how many trips it would take to encounter them. Why bother Hidden Stream’s soldiers? My brother’s intention is that although Hidden Stream now faces a mineral shortage, Tianling Pavilion won’t hit someone when they’re down; within half a year, they will still supply 3000 jin of Fire Cloud Copper and 3000 jin of Black Gold Steel at last year’s prices, just, just..."

Ning Xiaoxian watched her quietly, saying nothing. Faced with her silence, Yan Lingxue had to continue, "My brother’s intention is that Hidden Stream and Tianling Pavilion are allies in times of crisis, and should be closer as such, so..." Though she had recited these words countless times in her mind, for a woman to express them directly was somewhat embarrassing, "If a Qin and Jin alliance could be formed, it would be a joyous occasion for all..."

Before she finished, Ning Xiaoxian already chuckled, "I see. I wonder which fine fellow of my Hidden Stream the Little Pavilion Master has taken a liking to? He’s indeed fortunate. Tell me quickly, and I shall speak on it with God." Although she wore a smile, it didn’t reach her eyes in the slightest. Standing by her side, Qi Zai quickly bowed his head, "The mistress is angry."

Yan Lingxue felt a bit awkward. Had the other truly not discerned her implied meaning?

She coughed softly, "I’ve often heard that Sister Ning and Lord Divine Monarch have gone through trials together; you saved him, so naturally, he treats you with great affection. Lingxue has no intention of separating the two of you... it’s just that, if Sister allows, Lingxue is willing to serve by your side and assist Divine Monarch in creating a grand enterprise..." Her voice trailed off into a whisper, almost inaudible.

"Oh." Ning Xiaoxian raised her delicate brows, suddenly enlightened, "So it turns out you have eyes on Changtian!"