After half a year of retreat without leaving, he had just been asked to join the "Divine Fire Covenant" when he suddenly left, raising the heightened attention of Xiang Laner and the others.

The next day, Feng Chi slipped into Xiang Laner's room with the news she had gathered.

"Is it them?" Xiang Laner was surprised. She was familiar with Chu Jingtang and his group and asked curiously, "Why have they been locked up in the capital's prison?"

Feng Chi replied, "According to the testimonies obtained, after the Sky Rain Meteor Conference, the leaders of these eleven sects were expelled from their own sects. Out of resentment, they schemed to assassinate Shi Chun. While tracking him, they didn't succeed in killing Shi Chun and instead were caught and thrown into prison."

Such a thing had happened? Xiang Laner was somewhat speechless and then asked, "What does Shi Chun want with them?"

Feng Chi said, "According to the investigation, he didn't do anything, just visited the prison."

Xiang Laner expressed her doubts, "Visiting the prison at this time, is that really okay?"

Feng Chi replied, "They're still locked up in prison, just those people, what problem could there be? Besides, our superiors have already agreed to Shi Chun's request and are helping him to purchase a property nearby. The results should be out in a couple of days."

True to her word, two days later, the results came out. The two of them placed the property deed and the bank's money orders in front of Shi Chun. There was no need to say anything more.

They weren't worried about Shi Chun reneging on his word, daring to play dirty tricks with the Demon Path, weighing the consequences for themselves.

Flipping through the property deed and money orders, Shi Chun's face was expressionless. He asked, "When do we set off?"

Feng Chi replied, "The Divine Fire Domain will open, estimated to be in about two months. However, you need to be ready to leave earlier. In ten days, you will go to Julu State for a visit, where you will have an arranged encounter that will lead to you joining a designated Artifact Refining Sect. After that, you will enter the Divine Fire Domain with that sect."

Shi Chun asked, "Aren't you going?"

Feng Chi answered, "No. Firstly, if we all go together, it wouldn't be convenient. It's not appropriate for me, a servant, to attend, and Miss's background from the pleasure quarters has a certain reputation, so which sect would accept her? Secondly, each sect has a limited quota for entry. It wouldn't make sense for any Artifact Refining Sect to give up so many spots to a new member who has just joined. It's easier to explain for just one person, your reputation precedes you."

Shi Chun nodded slightly, "Okay, got it."

He then unfolded his crossed legs, stood up, and said, "Let's go and take a look at the new house."

Naturally, he wouldn't forget to call Wu Jinliang along to recognize the place.

Duan Xiangmei, upon hearing the news, was very excited and insisted on coming along to take a look. This time, Shi Chun did not refuse.

Wu Jinliang did not forget to carry his Big Gourd on his back; Feng Chi and Xiang Laner secretly found it strange. Both had seen Wu Jinliang make this gourd, but at the time, they couldn't see anything special about it, and they still couldn't.

The newly purchased house was not far from here; it wasn't close either, being separated by a mountain, with the area of the property being significantly larger, more than double the size.

The group of people walked around the courtyard and through the house. Duan Xiangmei caressed everything, her face full of envy. She had not expected Shi Chun to buy such a mansion as if it were nothing, so wealthy.

After confirming the house was all set, Shi Chun didn't dawdle. He turned and left Five Waterfalls Mountain with Wu Jinliang, leaving the three women to tidy up the new house.

There was nothing else to it but to rescue people.

There was a small incident in the middle of the affair, where Wu Jinliang's friends almost couldn't manage to rescue the people. After a hint from an intermediary, they found out these people were detained because someone had put in a word, and they couldn't be released casually.

Only then did Shi Chun remember Lan Qiaoyan and immediately asked someone to contact the person who had put in the word, saying it was Shi Chun who wanted to rescue the people.

After quick contact through the channels of the Heavenly Court, Lan Qiaoyan, who was informed, naturally agreed, and the people were finally rescued.

Standing at the entrance of the prison waiting for the people to come out, Shi Chun said to Wu Jinliang beside him, "We need to hold a reception for them. Today, get in touch with all the friends you can in the capital. Usually, you mooch off others; this time, you get the chance to return the favor."

Wu Jinliang was startled by his words, "Chun Tian, don't joke around. Those people wouldn't care for low-class places; if we invite everyone, the expenses will be huge; it will cost a great deal. We could just find a place casually and do something simple."

Shi Chun said, "I'll pay for it. Don't try to save money for me this time, make it luxurious. Today, you have the chance to impress your friends. There's only one requirement: lots of distinguished guests and a spectacular scene!" He pointed to the prison gate and emphasized once more, "A reception to wash away the dust!"

Wu Jinliang was taken aback for a moment, then he had an epiphany. This was for Chu Jingtang and the others to see where their future lay. He promptly thumped his chest, smiling broadly and said, "No problem, leave this to me. The best brothel, 'Wangxian Building' will be booked exclusively!"

Seeing Shi Chun had no objections, he turned his back and began making arrangements, his eyes shining with excitement. A true opportunity to make a statement had come; no longer would people tease him. Today he would let everyone see his lavishness!

Before long, he returned gripped tightly by a pair of talismans, grinning, "Young Master Nan has assured us not to worry, saying he will help us with the arrangements. After coming out from here, we can go straight there."

Shi Chun was surprised, "If you are booking the place, why do you need him to arrange anything?"

Wu Jinliang said helplessly, "The best brothel in the capital, to book it on short notice, my clout isn't enough. Young Master Nan is one of the behind-the-scenes owners of 'Wangxian Building'; his word carries weight."

Not long after, a group of disheveled men clearly unaccustomed to their freedom emerged from the prison gate. It was none other than Chu Jingtang and the others.

Seeing Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang waiting for them outside, they quickly approached, expressing their gratefulness with excited expressions.

Shi Chun waved his hand dismissively, "No need to say anything now, get in the carriage, we'll take you to get cleaned up first."

With that, the group of people piled into the carriages that had been waiting, in several different groups.

The caravan finally arrived at a lavish garden within the bustling capital city, halting before an imposing, resplendent building that shimmered like ripples on water with the words "Wangxian Building" etched on a towering jade stele.

As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the main entrance, a group of beautiful ladies hurried to welcome them, making Chu Jingtang and his companions too embarrassed to disembark, feeling as filthy as beggars.

After being courteously ushered out, they were immediately surrounded by several ladies and taken to bathe; it was clear they had been expected.

Only moments before they had been in a cell, and now were overwhelmed by such treatment; Chu Jingtang and his peers struggled to adjust.

Being a woman, Zhu Xiangxin found it even harder to adapt.

Upon seeing Wu Jinliang, a charming matronly lady leaned over with a flirtatious air, fanning herself and complaining, "My Lord, you haven't visited us in such a long time. Did we offend you somehow? Oh, and what's this you're carrying—a Big Gourd? What treasure might that be?"

She patted it inconspicuously while subtly weighing it in her hands.

Wu Jinliang wrapped his arm around her, hugging her waist as he whispered in her ear, taking her inside. He knew this woman could contact all his so-called friends and would help to summon guests.

Shi Chun seemed to play the role of an attendant, which he did not mind. He disliked drawing attention in such places, and Wu Jinliang was aware of that and disregarded his presence.

Shi Chun, however, was puzzled why the hostess addressed Wu Jinliang as "My Lord." Perhaps he frequented these sorts of places under a pseudonym?

Chu Jingtang and his group, already situated inside Wangxian Building, were pampered to their hearts' content: bathed, groomed, and dressed without lifting a finger, choosing from a selection of clothes brought from a ready-to-wear shop.

The dinner party's commencement was touching as more and more guests arrived, with Wu Jinliang continuously introducing them to his associates.

If they weren't relatives of some Domain Master, they were connected to a Star Lord or the distant kin of some noble household, with plenty of influential figures from the capital making their grand entrance, all either wealthy or noble, and all seeming quite familiar with Wu Jinliang.

The extravagant feast that followed opened their eyes to opulence they had never before seen: dishes and wines worth thousands, even tens of thousands of gold, and delicacies gathered from all over the Cultivation World.

Wu Jinliang, who was happily served by a bevy of beauties, went upstairs to the hall and took out a chest of Sandalwood Gold from his Qiankun Bag, shouting to those below, "Anyone interested?"

This was the first time he openly displayed the use of his Qiankun Bag.

"Interested, interested!"

"My Lord, I want it."

And so, a purple flame of golden rain scattered down. Chu Jingtang and the others stared, dumbfounded, at Wu Jinliang throwing money from above. Could this chest worth millions simply be tossed away like that?

Although they were elite disciples of their respective sects, they had never reached the level of dismissing millions of gold as if nothing. This was their first encounter with such ostentatious surroundings.

"My Lord, I want it."

"My Lord, I want it."

The louder the beautiful ladies yelled, the more energetically Wu Jinliang threw, creating chaos below as they scrambled in a frenzy.

On the terrace outside the hall, Young Master Nan waved off the servant who brought food and drink, then leaned against the balustrade, watching the commotion inside. He turned to Shi Chun with a chuckle, asking, "Going all out like this—what's the big idea?"

Shi Chun replied, "It's nothing major. They ended up in jail because of me, and I feel guilty. I'm just making it up to them."

Are you a soft-hearted person? The skepticism was clear in Young Master Nan's smirk as he poured two cups of wine, inviting Shi Chun to a toast.

After a drink, Shi Chun inquired, "Are there any requirements for establishing a new sect?"

"You're thinking of starting your own?" Young Master Nan was surprised.

Shi Chun shook his head, "Not me." He gestured with his chin towards those inside the hall, indicating that one of them wanted to create a sect.

Young Master Nan explained, "There are no real requirements. If it pleases you, even a single person can claim to be a sect, as long as you don't interfere with others. Of course, if you do, expect to be dealt with accordingly."

Shi Chun pondered, "What about founding a new Artifact Refining Sect? Can it directly participate in the 'Divine Fire Covenant'?"

"That won't work. To be added to the covenant, you need recognition from the industry..." Young Master Nan paused, then suddenly turned and stared at Shi Chun. "What are you implying?"

Shi Chun was not one to hold his tongue completely; he would share a bit when necessary, occasionally seeking Young Master Nan's opinion, "I heard the 'Divine Fire Covenant' victors get rewarded with valuable treasures. I might try my luck."

"That's a matter for Artifact Refiners. How would you..." Young Master Nan choked on his words before his eyes lit up, and he asked in a low voice, "Are you confident you can win?"

Shi Chun shook his head, "I've never dealt with it before. How could I be confident?"

Young Master Nan clearly didn't believe him; it was a dangerous venture, and if he had no confidence, why take the risk? For fun? That seemed unlikely.

After some thought, he said, "A newly-established sect joining the 'Divine Fire Covenant' isn't impossible. You just need a recommendation from a prestigious Refining Sect or an esteemed Artifact Refining Master—it's basically a guarantee. If you truly want to try, I know someone who can settle it for you. Just let me know when, and I'll have it sorted within three days."

His gaze held a trace of anticipation as he looked at Shi Chun.

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