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Chapter 10: The Merchant Guild's Daughter
The main hall of the Merchant Guild stood at the highest point of the city—
white stone pillars, carved dragons, and the moment one stepped inside, an invisible pressure descended.
It wasn't the pressure of cultivation.
It was the pressure of authority.
Li Tian walked through the gates.
Simple robes.
No ornaments.
Yet his steps were steady and confident.
As he approached the reception, guards stopped him.
Then they saw the invitation—
and the path opened.
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First Encounter
At one side of the central hall,
a young woman stood.
Light blue silk robes.
Hair neatly tied.
Eyes sharp—like someone who kept precise accounts of everything.
Mu Qinglan.
The daughter of the Merchant Guild's leader.
She paused when she saw Li Tian.
So this is him, she thought.
The boy who has shaken the market in just a few months.
Li Tian met her gaze and spoke in a calm, even tone:
> "Li Tian. Tian Flavor Pavilion."
Mu Qinglan gave a faint smile—formal, yet curious.
> "Mu Qinglan. Merchant Guild."
It was only an exchange of names,
but both understood—
this meeting was anything but casual.
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Conversation — Mind Against Mind
> "You're new to the guild,"
Mu Qinglan said.
"But your numbers don't look new."
Li Tian replied calmly,
> "Numbers don't lie.
People do."
A spark of interest flashed in Mu Qinglan's eyes.
> "You're cutting out middlemen,"
she said directly.
"The people like it.
The guild… has to think."
Li Tian took one step forward.
> "If the guild only stands in the middle,"
he said,
"the market will eventually bypass it.
But if it guides the market…"
"…both sides win."
Silence followed.
Then Mu Qinglan let out a soft laugh.
> "You're bold."
> "No,"
Li Tian replied.
"I'm prepared."
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Mutual Recognition
A servant placed tea between them.
Steam rose gently.
Through the mist, they assessed one another—
like chess players before the first move.
> "My father will want to meet you,"
Mu Qinglan finally said.
"But remember—
the Merchant Guild looks for partners,
not friends."
Li Tian inclined his head respectfully.
> "A partner,"
he said,
"is someone who brings value."
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End Panel
Li Tian walked out of the hall.
Behind him, Mu Qinglan watched quietly.
This boy will either lift the guild higher,
she thought,
or shake its entire structure.
Caption:
> "Where power meets intelligence,
true relationships begin."
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To Be Continued…
If you want next, I can:
Write Chapter 11: The Guild Head's Test
Introduce internal guild enemies
Or escalate this into merchant politics vs sect power
Just say the direction.