The journey back to the main city was a silent one.
Layla rode alongside the others, the distant echoes of battle still haunting the land around them. The dirt road was uneven, marred with patches of dried blood from animals caught in the blast and the occasional crater—a brutal reminder of Atlas' fight. Despite the cold wind that swept through the plains, the very air still felt charged, as if the remnants of his absorbed Qi had yet to fully dissipate. The land itself bore the scars of the explosion, where the ground had been scorched in some places and cracked in others. Broken trees lined the path, some snapped cleanly in half, others twisted unnaturally, as though something had torn at them from within.
Layla exhaled, watching as her breath curled into the cold air. Winter was arriving fast. The once-fertile earth was hardening, and the trees had long since begun shedding their leaves. Even the wind carried an icy bite, seeping through her robes. She didn't react to it at first—cold was something she had endured many times before—but Bao, always perceptive, noticed the slight tremor in her shoulders.
Without a word, he reached into his pack and pulled out a thick woolen shawl. With a single motion, he draped it over her shoulders.
"You're shivering" he said simply.
Layla blinked, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. "I can handle it."
Bao snorted. "I know you can. But why should you?"
She opened her mouth to retort but found no argument. Instead, she pulled the shawl closer, letting its warmth settle over her. Bao said nothing more, returning his focus to the road ahead. Layla simply sighed, choosing not to fight the simple kindness.
By the time they reached the city, it was clear that Master Daokan had kept his word.
Unlike their last visit, where suspicion and disdain had followed them like a shadow, the city guards barely hesitated before letting them pass. The market streets, usually filled with prying eyes and whispered judgments, instead met them with respectful nods. It was subtle but unmistakable—an unspoken acknowledgment of the Shrouded Peaks Sect's endorsement. Master Daokan's influence had paved their way, and it showed in the way merchants and officials treated them.
Meyu took the lead, her mind already working through what needed to be done. She had taken responsibility for Atlas' business, which meant she carried his coin pouch as well. The weight of it was a constant reminder of just how absurdly well-off he was, a fact that, much to Layla's frustration, Layla couldn't deny.
"Alright" Meyu said, stopping in the middle of the bustling market.
"We have supplies to get before heading back. Listen up, because I'm only explaining this once."
She gestured toward the numerous stalls lining the streets. "The city's economy runs on a three-tiered currency system. Copper coins for daily purchases, silver for bulk goods or higher-end items, and gold… well, gold is what nobles and the wealthy use. One gold coin is roughly a year's wage for a normal worker. Farmers, laborers, small-time merchants—all of them rarely see more than a few gold coins in their lifetime. For most, silver is king. Oh, and there's also the barter system. If you have no money, you can trade something of equal or greater value. Unless you're Atlas. Then you just talk until they give up."
Layla snorted but didn't comment.
Lin Wuye, standing quietly nearby, slowly reached into his pouch and opened it. A single silver coin and three copper coins sat inside.
Silence.
Lin Wuye blinked.
Layla stared. "That's… all of it?"
Lin Wuye coughed. "It would appear so."
Bao leaned over. "Wait, isn't that the sect's finance too?"
Lin Wuye's expression didn't change. "...Yes."
Layla massaged her temples. "Great. Fantastic."
Meyu, however, simply rolled her shoulders. "Don't worry. This is already covered under the contract."
Layla shot her a look. "Seriously?"
Meyu pulled out the neatly folded document and began reading dramatically, mimicking Atlas' flair:
"As per the legally binding agreement between Atlas and Master Daokan, all business dealings, expenses, and financial obligations pertaining to the acquisition of goods, resources, and trade contracts of the Silver Lotus Sect shall henceforth be managed by Ryl Trading, in accordance with the mutually beneficial terms outlined herein.'"
Jiang raised an eyebrow. "So, in simple terms?"
Meyu said. "Atlas made sure to handle everything but since he's in a coma.."
Meyu had a visible sad face but masked it over a cheery one "Ah but don't worry, the terms are actually equal and beneficial to the sect. Mostly because he didn't negotiate thanks to Master Daokan. You can check the terms back when we reach the sect if you wish."
Layla sighed. "That explains a lot and yes I will be checking it later with father."
Bao crossed his arms. "Are you sure you can handle it?"
Meyu's grin widened, and for a moment, her entire presence shifted. The air around her seemed to carry the faint aura of Atlas Ryland's ridiculous confidence, as if she had absorbed too much of Atlas' antics over the years.
She straightened her back, adjusted her sleeves, and smirked. "Oh, please. I've spent years watching Atlas work. I can handle a few merchants and you're with Ryl Trading, which means we don't need to make deals. We are the deal. And going to what the contract state, we will provide food supplies in bulk—grains, dried vegetables, jujubes, apricots, wheat, and meat. We will provide bulk cloth for the winter, and spices as well."
She cracked her knuckles. "Now, let's get ourselves a deal so good they'll cry about it later."
Layla crossed her arms. "And if they don't want to negotiate?"
Meyu's smirk widened. "Then I'll just do what Atlas does."
Bao muttered, "Sweet talk them?"
"No. Worse."
What followed next could only be described as a spectacle of absurd proportions.
The First Deal – Bulk Grains
Meyu approached the grain merchant with measured steps, her posture relaxed yet deliberate, her silk robe draping effortlessly over her figure. Her eyes, warm and inviting, locked onto the merchant's, and she gave him a smile that was both playful and knowing.
"Ah, Miss Meyu! A pleasure as always! What brings Ryland Trading to my humble stall?" the merchant greeted, already eager.
Meyu tilted her head slightly, her fingers lightly brushing the wooden counter, just enough to command his full attention.
"Oh, just a little business, my dear friend. You see, I need a bulk order of grains, and I'm willing to pay… let's say, one gold for the whole lot."
The merchant's expression tensed. "One gold? Miss Meyu, I respect you, but that's—"
Meyu leaned forward, resting her chin on her delicate fingers, her voice dipping into something honeyed yet firm.
"Hmm? You wouldn't be suggesting that you'd rather have your grains sit here, untouched, while my lovely, wealthy, powerful trade empire takes its business elsewhere, would you?"
The merchant swallowed, suddenly aware of how close she was. "I—Well, no, but—"
Meyu gave a small sigh, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her tone shifting into a playful chide.
"You're such a smart businessman! I knew you'd see reason! One gold, and I promise that next season, I'll consider buying from you first before checking your competitors."
The merchant opened his mouth, then closed it. His resolve crumbled instantly.
"I… I suppose that's fair…"
Jiang (whispering): "That was terrifying."
Bao (stunned): "Did she just... seduce the price down?"
The Second Deal – Winter Cloth
The fabric merchant's eyes widened slightly as Meyu approached, her lips curling into a subtle smile.
"Miss Meyu, fine fabrics such as these don't come cheap. Two gold at least."
Meyu sighed theatrically, placing a delicate hand on her hip, shifting slightly so that the movement drew attention to the perfectly fitted silk of her attire.
"Oh, you're right! But… that's assuming other buyers will come in this season, yes? With the winter closing in?"
The merchant hesitated. "Of course, people always—"
Meyu took a single step closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Buyers who aren't already contracted? Buyers who haven't already spent their gold on food and survival? Buyers who aren't my friends?"
A bead of sweat rolled down the merchant's forehead. "..."
Meyu gave him a knowing wink.
"How about a gold and a little favour? I'll make sure your name is whispered in the right places."
Merchant: sweating "...Fine."
Lin Wuye rubbing his eyes: "I don't know whether to be relieved or terrified."
Layla muttering: "She's Atlas in disguise."
The Third Deal – Spices
The spice vendor tried to steel himself, but as soon as Meyu tilted her head, her fingers grazing the spice jars, his defenses were already cracking.
"These spices are rare imports, Miss Meyu. I can't just—"
Meyu gently tapped a jar, letting her clothe just enough to reveal her cleavage, her voice lilting with mock curiosity.
"Oh, of course. Rare. Exotic. Highly sought after. And completely overpriced when you realize I can buy them cheaper at the docks."
The vendor's confidence faltered. "You wouldn't—"
Meyu sighed, feigning disappointment, her gaze locking onto his with a slow, deliberate blink.
"But I won't. Because I like you. And because you're about to give me an offer so good that I'll have no choice but to praise you to everyone I meet. Aren't you?"
The merchant let out a shaky breath, utterly defeated. "I… I…"
Meyu: "Say it with me. 'Yes, Miss Meyu. Half a gold for everything.'"
Merchant: "Yes, Miss Meyu. Half a gold for everything…"
Bao: "No. NO. That should NOT have worked."
Jiang: "Oh gods, she's literally Atlas but hot."
Layla stood beside Yuxe Wuye and Lin Wuye, watching as Meyu worked through the market with frightening efficiency. What started as mild amusement quickly turned into something else entirely.
"This is scary" Layla whispered, turning to Yuxe Wuye. "I think she's infected."
Yuxe raised an eyebrow. "Infected?"
Layla nodded toward Meyu, who was currently smiling sweetly at a merchant while completely dismantling his will to resist.
"With the Atlas disease. She's negotiating like him. Moving like him. That face—that's the devil's face. I swear it's the exact same as Atlas when he pulls his stunts."
Lin Wuye, standing nearby, let out a long sigh.
"If this continues, I fear for the economy of Jin."
"Forget the economy. I fear for humanity." Layla watched in disbelief as another merchant literally thanked Meyu for taking his goods for half the price.
"Are we sure no one else is infected? Should we be concerned? Should we check Bao? Jiang? Gods, is it contagious?"
Bao, overhearing this, looked at her incredulously. "What? No! Don't lump me in with… that!"
Layla arched an eyebrow at Bao, unimpressed.
"Oh really? Because I distinctly remember you carrying Atlas on a chair, parading him around like a king in Master Daokan's own grand hall—and dropping a lifetime's worth of wealth just because he convinced you it was a worthy investment.
Bao unable to fight back, just sighed in defeat.
But the truth was undeniable. Meyu was, in fact, Atlas—but hot.
Meyu walked through the streets humming cheerfully, swinging the ridiculously loud coin pouch at her side as if she hadn't just committed daylight robbery with a smile. She bought a year's worth of grains, spices and cloth for only 3 gold and 20 silvers.
The rest of the group? Dumbfounded.
Jiang finally spoke up "Meyu… do you even realize what you just did?"
Meyu with an oblivious smile "Yes, I did what Atlas would do."
A long silence followed.
Lin Wuye exhaled. "I cannot tell if this is a good thing… or terrifying."
Layla groaned, rubbing her forehead. "I think it's both. It's definitely both."
With their negotiations complete, they made their way toward Ryl Trading's main shop. Upon arrival, Meyu didn't even hesitate. She clapped her hands twice, and within moments, a handful of Atlas' workers rushed forward.
"Alright, I need winter necessities. Bring out the wood, weapons, extra food, and all essential supplies for Silver Lotus Sect. Get it all packed and ready for transport."
One of the workers hesitated. "Miss Meyu, that's a large order. The cost—"
Lin Wuye immediately stepped forward. "Yes! The cost! We can't pay for this right now."
Meyu casually pulled out the contract and held it up.
"Oh, no worries! That's already been handled. As per the agreement between Atlas and Master Daokan, Silver Lotus doesn't have to pay a single coin until winter is over. It was one of the terms Master Daokan himself set."
Layla froze. "Wait. Atlas didn't negotiate this?"
Meyu shrugged. "Nope. He just accepted the terms outright."
Lin Wuye frowned. "That… doesn't sound like Atlas."
Layla crossed her arms. "He would never just accepts deals knowing what kind of a man he is. He is probably the type to deal that squeezes the life out of them. Why didn't he negotiate?"
Meyu tilted her head, thinking. "Well, there could be a few reasons…"
She held up three fingers.
"One, he was secretly planning something even bigger and just went along with it to avoid suspicion."
Layla and Lin Wuye nodded. That made sense.
She put a second finger down. "Two, he was testing Master Daokan to see how far he could push the sect before they realized they were being exploited."
Bao muttered, "That sounds like him."
Finally, she lowered the last finger, "Or three… he was just really, really lazy that day and didn't feel like arguing."
Silence.
Jiang squinted. "That...is the most unlikely."
Layla groaned. "Why is that somehow even worse?"
Meyu just laughed, clapping her hands together. "Well, whatever the reason, the deal's done! So, let's get moving before someone realizes I just took half of the emperor's economy and put it in our pockets!"
Jiang sighing and making a facepalm, "We are going to be banned from this city one day."
Layla looked at him, then at Meyu, then back at him. "One day? I give it a month at most."
And with that, they left Ryl Trading, fully stocked, not a single coin more spent.