As she scanned the crowd, she spotted another familiar face.
Ah…
"Master Zhou from the Northern Star Sect," she said smoothly, her smile widening as she noticed a middle-aged man with a serious expression watching her closely.
Master Zhou blinked, surprised that she had noticed him, but quickly stepped forward, adjusting his robes.
"Miss Gu," he said with a respectful nod.
"Interested?" Gu Jin asked, her tone teasing but respectful.
Master Zhou's expression was unreadable, but his eyes betrayed a deep interest.
"My sect has always been interested in ancient recipes," Master Zhou said carefully. "We are willing to offer… twelve billion."
Gu Jin's lips twitched.
"Master Zhou," she said gently, "I'm sure a sect as powerful as yours can do better than that."
Master Zhou's eyes flickered with amusement.
"Thirteen billion," he said, his voice steady.
Gu Jin tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Fifteen billion," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.
