"Not a distinguished guest, just a poor soul," Shi Chun responded without evasion, pointing to his ragged appearance with self-deprecation, then pointing at Bian Weikang, he demanded, "Let him go!"

Feng Chi blinked several times but didn't bite, leisurely stepping forward to where Bian Weikang stood, and asked him, "Is he your acquaintance?"

Bian Weikang felt somewhat embarrassed; he had no idea who this disheveled individual suddenly appearing was, certainly no one he recognized as an acquaintance. However, seeing a glimmer of hope since the person was clearly standing up for him, he immediately called out to Shi Chun, "Please assist me, sire. I shall certainly repay you like a bubbling spring in the future."

The reason he addressed him as 'sire' was because he could tell the other party was also quite young.

Shi Chun ignored him, responding to Feng Chi instead, "Whether he is an acquaintance or not isn't important. What's important is that you're being too excessive. His identity is clear to you, and by humiliating him this way, you're tarnishing the face of Wukang Mountain, which I cannot stand!"

He believed that soon enough, Wukang Mountain would hear of this incident, and naturally, it would be proper to speak on Wukang Mountain's behalf for future rapport.

Can't stand it? Many found it curious, wondering if this man was associated with Wukang Mountain.

Feng Chi smiled, also noted that Bian Weikang didn't recognize the man and immediately waved his handkerchief lightly, "Such serious words, my distinguished guest. We should keep things clear and not drag Wukang Mountain into this. We didn't force Mr. Bian at all; he brought disgrace upon himself and has no relation to Wukang Mountain. My lady here, he wished to redeem her but could not bring forth the money; not only did he prevent others from redeeming her, but he also blocked my door and interfered with my business, leaving us no choice but to ask him to step aside. My guest, you be the judge, who is being excessive?"

"Just give me one more day, just one more," Bian Weikang hastily interjected, then suddenly remembered something and quickly called out to Shi Chun, "Sire, could you lend me fifty thousand gold pieces first? I will surely repay doubly."

Shi Chun still ignored him and told Feng Chi, "I've seen what happened. It's just a matter of lacking fifty thousand Sandalwood Gold, right?"

As he said this, Che Si, Dong, and Da Shitou's expressions all subtly changed.

But Shi Chun had already walked away from Feng Chi, nearing Bian Weikang, and clapped him on the shoulder, saying appreciatively, "What I admire most is someone like you who is loyal and righteous. If everyone in this world were heartless, what would be the point of living? Love outweighs countless wealth, and daring to sacrifice one's face for true love, you are a real man, a true warrior. Fifty thousand Sandalwood Gold, I'll lend it to you!"

Bian Weikang's mouth quivered with excitement, tears instantly streaming down; the feeling of being abandoned by the world and then suddenly finding someone to offer a hand was something others might not understand. He was so moved, he couldn't even speak his words of gratitude.

Shi Chun turned and called out to Wu Jinliang, "Do you have fifty thousand gold?"

Wu Jinliang, his mouth split into a huge grin, cheerfully responded, "Yes, just brought it over, still warm."

Shi Chun said, "Give it to them."

Wu Jinliang slung his big knife over his shoulder, walked out leading a chest, and with a clank, placed it on Bian Weikang's chest, grandly gesturing with his hand, "Count it."

This was his first time being so generous, and he felt quite exhilarated about it.

Che Si looked somewhat green, somewhat confused about what was really going on; it seemed like Shi Chun was acting the hero, fighting for the face of Wukang Mountain. It appeared that the unfortunate young master might have a deep connection with Wukang Mountain, making him unsure whether to take back the forty thousand.

However, upon further reflection, considering Wukang Mountain was a major faction that crafted talismans and a wealthy household, not returning the borrowed money would be a loss of face for them. Moreover, this young master had just said he would repay doubly.

With this thought, he remained silent.

Dong and Da Shitou were intently observing every word and move from Wu Jinliang, perhaps unaware of other things but knowing Wu Jinliang well. Seeing Wu Jinliang treating fifty thousand gold as if it were nothing, they realized there was something more to it.

Shi Chun then turned and pointed at the two henchmen restraining Bian Weikang, "Aren't you going to release him yet? Dare to go back on your word, believe it or not, I'll smash your livelihood!"

Those henchmen's livelihood was the Cloud Building, implying he would smash the Cloud Building.

The crowd exchanged looks; no matter the time or place, anyone openly managing such a flashy establishment had to have the capacity to command respect from its patrons, meaning they had substantial backing. Anyone who would speak so boldly in public was either ignorant or powerful.

Whether it's from ignorance or not, recklessly throwing out fifty thousand gold truly isn't an ordinary move.

Fifty thousand Sandalwood Gold is indeed not a small sum, the daring confidence encased in ragged clothes, along with the presence of people from the Bowan Building, made it hard for the old madam of Feng Chi to misjudge.

Still, she took extra precaution, stepping forward to open the chest, which immediately emitted a purple flame as heaps of Southern Floating Sandalwood Gold were revealed, truly there, not a bluff but a genuine grand gesture; she slightly tilted her head to signal her subordinates.

Those holding Bian Weikang immediately released him.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Bian Weikang was about to deeply thank Shi Chun, but Shi Chun supported him first, "Ah, no need for such formalities, let's discuss everything later, better to get your beloved out of here first."

Turning to question Feng Chi, "Madam, the money has been paid, where is Miss Xiang?"

"Seeing you have such distinguished help, it seems that your connection with Laner is truly fated," Feng Chi teased Bian Weikang jokingly, then immediately tilted her head to signal a subordinate, "Bring Laner here."

The subordinate nodded right away.

Since crudeness was already on display, Feng Chi didn't bother to hide it anymore; she flung her handkerchief aside and ordered her men to publicly verify the count and authenticity of the Sandalwood Gold.

One cannot guard against petty people as much as gentlemen, Shi Chun also gave a slight nod, signaling Dong and Da Shitou, who quickly stepped up to oversee the Cloud Building's people counting, clearly guarding against any foul play.

Having followed Shi Chun in East Nine Plain for several years, these two were skilled in tacit synergy; if they couldn't understand such a simple gesture from the master, they would've been in vain.

After executing the order, they couldn't help but exchange glances, understanding the meaning in each other's eyes—that damn habit of ours, now we are people of Bowan Building, we are decent folk, no longer member of the bandit gang from East Nine Plain.

Feeling a bit guilty, they noticed Che Si watching, was it appropriate for people from Bowan Building to get involved in this matter?

Thinking it over, there wasn't really an issue; after exchanging a few looks, they had figured out how to handle it, this was Miss Miao's money after all, so what was wrong with them watching over it?

Every detail was clearly seen by Feng Chi.

Bowan Building is seen as a colossal presence within the Cultivation World, and for eight hundred years, besides the secluded underworld who kept no contact with the outer realms, Bowan Building's business reached nearly every realm, not a simple feat indeed. Her Cloud Building might be grand in Zhaotian City, but outside of it, they were nothing, especially in front of Bowan Building, even though they were all merchants.

Convinced by the mere eye signal that mobilized Bowan Building's people, she became even more certain that these shabby strangers weren't mere commoners.

She leaned in with a smile to inquire further, "May I have the honor to know your esteemed name, young master?"

Shi Chun composedly replied, "Shi Chun."

Si Chun? Feng Chi staggered, realizing later, thinking he was mocking her occupation, but being an experienced socialite, she knew when and how to react, smiling back, "You jest, young master."

Having seen similar reactions and being sensitive to misinterpretations, Shi Chun's expression darkened instantaneously, opting not to engage further.

Left awkwardly chuckled, Feng Chi moved on, for if the person didn't wish to elaborate, she would no longer press him but would find out eventually through other means.

"Xiang..." The one who rushed into the small side room in Cloud Building's lobby was startled to see Xiang Laner appearing as if she'd been beaten, losing words in surprise, but seeing the person acting as if nothing had happened, he didn't pry further, conveying, "Bian Weikang has gathered the money to redeem you; the madam is calling you out."

Xiang Laner hummed in acknowledgment; she had been hiding there and seen enough to guess what had occurred.

After the messenger left, she touched the whip marks on her body and her face, which felt undeservedly suffered.

Then she moved back to the window to view the situation outside, gathered her thoughts, and then gracefully walked out.

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