From outside, Song Ke's voice echoed loudly, "I thought this was supposed to be a civil gathering. Fine by me if I'm not invited. I'll just listen from the outside... But what is the reason, princess?"
In a firm tone, Yan Bingyan declared, "My crown prince Big Brother is still alive! And as for wealth, do you think your organization can compare to the riches of my Yan State?" With that, she exited the room, leaving behind a silence that spoke volumes.
Song Ke dashed after her, wearing a grin that stretched from ear to ear, and began his usual flirtatious banter. "Hey there, little Princess! You're not leaving without saying goodbye, are you? You know, my heart can't handle it when you walk away like that. Wait up, I'll walk you home! Or maybe carry you home, if you're tired of those dainty princess feet." He winked exaggeratedly, hoping to elicit a laugh from her.
"Shoo, you nuisance. I don't know you," Princess Bingyan attempted to dismiss him, but Song Ke was relentless. He whipped out a girlish umbrella from his back, shielding her from the harsh sunlight. Bingyan ceased her protests, and the two swiftly made their exit.
Back in the room, the remaining three individuals persisted in their inquiries.
The masked man let out a sigh of relief. He had never held Song Ke in high regard due to his background. However, the upper management of the organization had insisted on inviting Princess Bingyan, which had turned out to be a complete failure. Reflecting on her words, he pondered, "Who is this 'big brother' she mentioned? Could it be the Yan Crown Prince? No, that's highly unlikely. The Yan Crown Prince is notorious for being a lazy, eccentric womanizer with little martial talent. What could she possibly mean? She'll soon realize the intensity and cruelty of the Inner Court once she enters it. Just a frog in a well. It's her loss."
Turning his attention to the First Tiger, the masked man inquired, "Are you considering the offer extended by my organization? The same question goes for you."
Qin Gao glanced at him and replied, "I'm not particularly interested in your offer. Resources and protection hold no appeal for me. However, I might consider it under one condition, if you're willing to accept."
'Hah! Another audacious one, truly this group of Five Outer Tigers is filled with daredevils,' mused the masked man. With that in mind, he replied, "Very well, we're prepared to entertain any request that falls within the purview of our organization."
"Given your organization's deep ties within the Inner Court, it's likely you have dealings with the Zhou royalty. Here's my condition: locate Ying Zheng and arrange a clandestine meeting with him," Qin Gao stated with solemnity.
"Ying Zheng, your Crown Brother serving as a special envoy in the Zhou Palace," the masked man repeated, his frown deepening. The request seemed ambitious, potentially delving into the inner workings of the Zhou Palace, which posed its own set of challenges. It would cost a lot of resources and services to please the young masters of Zhou Palace.
"Half-brother," Qin Gao corrected firmly. "I've recently learned of his entry into the Inner Court of this institute. With the reputation of your organization, as you claim, it sure would be a cake walk, right?"
The masked man cursed inwardly, 'Cake work, my foot!' After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and replied, "Consider it done."
"Consider it done!" With that, Qin Gao scooped up the two envelopes and left the room, as if the latter discussion held no further relevance for him.
The masked man sighed again, then turned to address the twin brothers. "Alright, it's just us now. Su Mu, you can go. I need to speak with your elder brother privately." It was evident that they had some prior arrangement or understanding before the meeting.
Wei Su Mu's displeasure was evident, but under the weight of his elder brother's gaze, he hastily exited the room, leaving the two men alone.
"Senior, please don't take offense at my little brother's demeanor," Wei Su Ming said as he poured wine into the glass in front of the masked man.
"I understand. Despite his age and stature, he still has some growing up to do. Now, regarding our previous agreement, what's the status?"
"You're referring to the Death Contract... Well, it's completed. If my calculations are correct, the Pig should have met his end, betrayed by his own ally. Quite ironic, isn't it? All his struggles, ultimately futile," Wei Su Ming replied, a sly grin playing on his lips.
"And if the mission had gone awry?" inquired the masked man, turning his gaze back and downing the wine in a single gulp.
"Then I'll personally escort him to hell," Wei Su Ming retorted, his voice laced with determination.
He refilled their glasses and posed the question, "I'm curious, why does the organization want him dead? Despite his lack of martial talent, he's merely a pampered prince of Han, sent here by his father. Won't this stir up trouble with the Han State?"
"Exactly. That's precisely our aim. We intend to use him as a pawn to create significant turbulence in the Zhongguo region. Our organization is well-prepared. Consider this an early warning: something substantial is on the horizon during this Martial Art Meet term," replied the masked man with gravity in his voice.
'A mere pawn. Then, what am I to the Organization?' he pondered silently. Then, aloud, he asked, "What significant event is looming on the horizon?"
"I'm afraid I don't have the clearance to be privy to those details," the masked man replied. "But I can warn you to remain vigilant at all times."
As the masked man and Wei Su Ming delved into their clandestine schemes, the figure they referred to as "the Pig" emerged from the depths of the Willow Forest.
Amidst the rugged wilderness, a strikingly handsome young man emerged from the dense foliage. Despite his disheveled appearance, with torn and blood-stained garments clinging to his lithe frame, his undeniable allure seemed untouched by the wild. As he made his way towards the Bounty Collection Counter of the Outer Court, his piercing black eyes captivated the hearts of any innocent girls who crossed his path. Indeed, if this captivating individual were deemed a "pig," then it would render every man in the Zhongguo region lesser than mere worms in comparison.