His enthusiasm only made Ye Yun more suspicious.
He had only recently risen to prominence, and yet this person was extending such grand hospitality. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
However, the guest was a guest, and one shouldn't refuse a friendly face.
Since the visitor had come with generous gifts, he couldn't be treated negligently.
Ye Yun nodded and extended his hand, gesturing them in.
"Guild Leader Gongsun, you are too kind. Please, come inside."
"Thank you!"
Gongsun Chang cupped his hands and smiled, then followed Ye Yun into the reception hall.
During this time, Gongsun Chang kept glancing around, as if assessing the depth of this new Grand Overlord.
What he observed was far beyond his imagination, further confirming his belief that the other party could help him!
Upon entering the hall, Xing Wu also joined them, politely brewed them a pot of tea, and then sat beside Ye Yun.
"Is this the Grand Overlord's wife? Truly unparalleled in beauty."
As expected of a merchant, his words were sweet indeed.
Xing Wu smiled faintly, and Ye Yun chuckled.
"Guild Leader is too kind. Speaking of my wife..."
He paused here, his eyes narrowing slightly, and continued slowly.
"I suspect you've come with something more important to discuss, haven't you, Guild Leader?"
The atmosphere in the hall immediately became a little awkward.
Gongsun Chang, feeling as though his thoughts had been exposed, coughed dryly.
"No, no, I genuinely just wanted to pay my respects and express my admiration!"
However, his earlier demeanor had clearly betrayed him.
This was not just a matter; it was something incredibly important to him!
Ye Yun raised an eyebrow. "Really? I was thinking, since Guild Leader Gongsun is so enthusiastic, I could lend a hand if you had any trouble. But if you're going to be so secretive, I fear I won't be able to help."
"Uh..."
At this point, Gongsun Chang knew that any further concealment would be detrimental.
"Well... there is a small matter, and I hope you can lend your assistance."
As expected, his words confirmed Ye Yun's suspicions.
Xing Wu, standing nearby, also spoke faintly.
"As I thought, there's no such thing as a free lunch. What trouble are you in?"
She was somewhat displeased with Gongsun Chang's sly maneuvering.
Ye Yun also looked at him calmly, awaiting his explanation.
Hearing this, Gongsun Chang had no choice but to reveal the truth.
"It's like this: a batch of important supplies from our merchant guild was intercepted on the trade route not long ago."
"But the world that intercepted us is far more powerful than our guild. With no other option, I had to come to you, Grand Overlord, for help."
After hearing the details, Ye Yun frowned and asked.
"What level is this 'great world' you speak of?"
This question, however, stumped Gongsun Chang. He hesitated for a while before finally shaking his head in resignation.
"I really don't know. I've traveled this trade route for many years, and this is the first time I've encountered such a world!"
"As for their strength, their Star Lord was not present at the time, so I can't judge precisely, but they are at least Level Eight, or higher!"
After all, it wouldn't take such an immensely powerful world to force him to seek Ye Yun's aid.
This answer caused Ye Yun's frown to deepen. His gaze remained fixed on Gongsun Chang.
"So you want me to go and retrieve the goods for you?"
"Yes, our guild can only rely on you now!"
Gongsun Chang nodded repeatedly, then added.
"Of course, if you are willing to help, regardless of success, our guild will offer generous compensation!"
In his mind, Ye Yun had just established the Myriad Worlds Alliance and would surely need more cultivation resources. This was akin to sending charcoal in winter.
Ye Yun, however, appeared lost in thought. More than cultivation resources, he still had some doubts.
As a result, Ye Yun kept staring at Gongsun Chang, making him quite uneasy.
"Uh, what is it? If you have any conditions, please state them directly."
At this moment, he felt like he was being stared at by a beast, as if everything was being seen through.
Ye Yun pondered for a long time before raising an eyebrow.
"Guild Leader Gongsun, why do I feel like you're still hiding something from me?"
"This... this is impossible."
Gongsun Chang's eyes narrowed, but he quickly denied it verbally.
However, his words held no conviction for Ye Yun.
Ye Yun let out a soft hum and waved his hand.
"Given the gravity of the matter, since Guild Leader is unwilling to disclose it, I won't press further. However, I cannot help you with this so-called assistance."
He then glanced at Xing Wu and said.
"Wife, please see our guest out."
Xing Wu nodded, stood up, looked at Gongsun Chang, and said with a slight huff.
"Did you hear that? Let's go."
"..."
Gongsun Chang's expression was grim, and he was also anxious, remaining rooted to the spot.
The hall fell silent once more.
After a long moment, Gongsun Chang sighed, cupped his hands towards Ye Yun, and said.
"I truly apologize. It was my fault earlier for concealing things from you. It wasn't intentional, please forgive me."
Ye Yun smiled. "That's better. Tell me, what exactly happened."
At this, Xing Wu also sat down.
Gongsun Chang then explained the full story to him.
The overall situation was similar to what he had said before, but he had omitted some crucial details.
For instance, the great world he had encountered was called the Demon God Realm, and its inhabitants were the Demon God Clan.
Gongsun Chang looked at Ye Yun and sighed.
"Among their group, there was a female殿下 who seemed to be in charge. She specifically named you and asked for you to go there!"
"She said she was an old acquaintance of yours and wished to meet you. However, she asked me to conceal this and not tell you directly..."
"That's the whole story. You see, I was forced into this, please forgive me!"
After hearing this, Ye Yun's expression became somewhat peculiar.
Of course, Xing Wu, standing beside him, looked at his expression even more strangely.
She grabbed Ye Yun's shoulder and looked at him kindly.
"You, you haven't gotten into any more romantic entanglements outside, have you?"
"..."
Ye Yun's mouth twitched slightly, and he quickly shook his head.
"How could that be, my wife? I've never heard of the Demon God Realm, let alone anyone from the Demon God Clan!"
"Then why did they say they knew you? And why did they specifically ask for you?"
"You say that, and I'd like to know who this person is too!"
Hearing this, Xing Wu's eyebrows slightly moved, and she let out a soft哼.
"And then, rekindle your relationship with them?"
"No, no, I just want to figure it out!"
Ye Yun said with utmost determination, clearly, the henpecked husband had returned.