Pan Huilian was truly a stunner. Simply standing there, her eyes shimmering like a spring pool, she caused ripples to form in Elias Graves's heart.
Elias Graves quickly composed himself and asked, "Mrs. Pan, how do you intend to handle Lord Zhang's funeral arrangements?"
A look of sorrow instantly appeared on Mrs. Pan's face. With a slight sob, her voice trembling, she replied, "I have no other wish now but for my husband to be laid to rest as soon as possible, so that his soul may find peace."
Elias Graves said confidently, "Please rest assured. Our business specializes in a one-stop funeral service that is both fast and of high quality. I guarantee that Lord Zhang will pass on peacefully."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of pleasant surprise crossed Mrs. Pan's eyes. She stepped forward and tightly grasped Elias Graves's hand with her own fair, jade-like hands. "Mr. Graves, thank you so much."
As she spoke, she gave a slight blink of her captivating eyes, sending him a suggestive glance.
However, to her surprise, Elias Graves calmly withdrew his hand, his expression all business. "Mrs. Pan, let's discuss the fees first. My Senior Sister and I are adeptal disciples, and the money we earn is used to support the adepti. Therefore, the cost may be somewhat high. I hope you can understand."
A barely perceptible flash of contempt crossed Pan Huilian's eyes. "Mr. Graves, as long as my husband can be laid to rest quickly, I am willing to pay any amount of Mora."
Elias Graves said, "Five million Mora, with a down payment of two million Mora required in advance."
As soon as he finished speaking, the handsome butler, Zhang Feng, who had been standing to the side, couldn't help but shout, "Five million Mora? Why don't you just rob someone? The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor only charges a million Mora for such services."
Elias Graves replied faintly, "The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is indeed a highly reputable choice in the industry. Director Hu Tao is especially skilled; she can even personally escort the souls of the deceased to the underworld."
Upon hearing this, Pan Huilian's willow-like eyebrows shot up, and she angrily rebuked the butler Zhang Feng, "Zhang Feng, shut up! I am discussing important matters with Mr. Graves. It's not your place to interrupt!"
Zhang Feng dared not say another word, merely glaring fiercely at Elias Graves.
After scolding Zhang Feng, Pan Huilian instantly reverted to her previous fragile and pitiful demeanor. She said softly to Elias Graves, "Mr. Graves, my husband held the adepti and gods in the highest esteem during his life. If he knew from the underworld that his funeral was being so meticulously handled by adeptal disciples, he would surely be overjoyed. Money is certainly not a factor."
She paused for a moment, then instructed Zhang Feng, "Go to the treasury and fetch two million Mora. Be quick, don't delay Mr. Graves in handling the master's funeral."
Zhang Feng was clearly reluctant but could only turn and go as instructed to retrieve the Mora.
At this point, Elias Graves turned slightly and whispered to Shenhe, who had been standing silently beside him, "Senior Sister, I'll have to trouble you with what comes next."
Shenhe nodded slightly upon hearing this and walked over to Lord Zhang's body.
She extended her fair, jade-like hand and with a gentle wave, the Cryo energy in the surrounding air seemed to answer a summons, rapidly converging on her palm.
The Cryo energy quickly intertwined and merged, and in a short while, it formed a translucent, crystal-clear ice coffin that completely encased Lord Zhang's body. The ice coffin emanated a faint chill, yet it also exuded a unique and solemn dignity.
Witnessing this miraculous scene, Pan Huilian couldn't help but exclaim in sincere admiration, "Truly a disciple of the adepti, your methods are extraordinary!"
Before long, Zhang Feng returned, carrying a heavy sack filled with Mora.
With a cold expression and clear reluctance, he handed the sack to Elias Graves.
Elias Graves took the sack and immediately handed it to Shenhe while leaning close to her ear to whisper a few words.
As he spoke, the warm air gently brushed past Shenhe's ear like a soft feather, making her feel a slight tickle. A faint blush, barely noticeable, appeared on her fair cheeks.
Once Elias Graves had finished speaking, Shenhe took the sack of Mora and swiftly left the main hall with light steps.
Afterwards, Elias Graves did not proceed with the next steps of the funeral as Pan Huilian expected. Instead, he unhurriedly sat down in a chair, closed his eyes, and began to rest.
After a long while, seeing that he had made no move, Pan Huilian could no longer contain her anxiety. She walked over to him and urged softly, "Mr. Graves, I implore you, please let my husband be laid to rest as soon as possible!"
Elias Graves opened his eyes, waved his hand, and said in a leisurely tone, "There's no rush, Mrs. Pan. Lord Zhang has been placed in this ice coffin. His body will not decay in the slightest, even if it's left for ten days or half a month."
Pan Huilian grew anxious upon hearing this, and her voice unconsciously rose a few notches. "My husband specifically instructed before he passed that he only wished to be buried as soon as possible, and that any complicated rituals could be simplified. Mr. Graves, you should begin at once!"
But Elias Graves still shook his head slightly, a profound look in his eyes. "If Lord Zhang had passed away today, everything could naturally be done according to your wishes. But he passed away yesterday."
Pan Huilian's expression suddenly changed drastically. Her once-vibrant face turned deathly pale, and a flash of panic crossed her eyes. "Mr. Graves, you... what do you mean by that?"
She tried to feign composure, but her constantly flickering eyes betrayed the turmoil within.
Looking at the beautiful widow before him, Elias Graves's eyes showed a hint of pity, and he sighed softly, "Such a fair lady, why resort to thievery!"
His words were light, yet they struck Pan Huilian's heart like a heavy hammer, making her body tremble slightly.
"Mr. Graves, as long as you can help me, I'll let you do whatever you want with me."
Her voice was soft and alluring, carrying an infinite temptation, as if it had sprinkled a bewitching powder into the air, trying to ensnare Elias Graves's mind.
Elias Graves seriously admired the view for a moment before quickly coming to a conclusion: as beautiful a sight as Pan Huilian was, she still fell far short when compared to his two Senior Sisters and his Master.
He shook his head with a touch of regret, his expression calm as he said, "Mrs. Pan, I'm afraid I can't handle such a blessing."
Pan Huilian pleaded pitifully, "My dear sir, why must you be so heartless? Do you not have even a shred of pity for me?"
As she wept, she secretly gave Zhang Feng, who was standing behind Elias Graves, a meaningful look.
Upon receiving the signal, Zhang Feng revealed a sinister smile. He quietly reached for his waist and drew a razor-sharp dagger.