Wuyou Inn was already a guesthouse and was not fully booked; as long as one was willing to spend money, there naturally would be rooms available.

The environment was nice, and the price was not cheap. Under normal circumstances, Da Shitou would not be willing to spend money so freely, but this time he did spend heartily, not finding it expensive at all, and he seemed to think it was almost too cheap; in essence, he was quite happy to pay.

Shi Chun chose a secluded room near the corner.

After inspecting the room, he asked Wu Jinliang for the "Mountain and Sea Lantern" and placed it on the table, seemingly marking his territory like an animal.

Then he sent Da Shitou to wait outside the guesthouse's entrance to keep watch for Cen Futong, so he could be notified immediately upon his arrival.

Shi Chun had other matters to attend to, so he left the room and headed practicedly to Bian Weikang's room, knocking on the door.

The person who opened the door was Bian Weikang himself, looking as if he were in mourning, with a white cloth wrapped around his head to dress his wound.

Upon seeing the neatly dressed Shi Chun at the door, he was somewhat startled and almost didn't recognize him, but the dark complexion was easy to identify. Plus, when Wu Jinliang's tall figure also moved into view, he immediately exclaimed, "Brother Shi… how did you get here? Both of you, please, come in, come in."

Shi Chun was not in a hurry and explained politely, "I've already met with my friend, and we're staying here too. I just wanted to come over and greet Brother Bian. My room is in the farthest corner on the left side of the inn." Saying this, he glanced inside the room and asked, "Is it convenient to enter? I won't be intruding, will I?"

It seemed that there was indeed a woman inside.

While they were speaking, Xiang Laner emerged from the inner room, lifting the beaded curtain. She had tidied up her disarray, washed away the makeup, and the charming and attractive woman shone even more brightly, dazzling those who saw her.

"The benefactor has arrived; it's no trouble. Please come in."

Xiang Laner came to stand beside Bian Weikang, her hands held before her stomach, and greeted them with a demure attitude, neither servile nor overbearing.

Her voice was pleasant too, with clear enunciation, obviously well-taught.

"Ah ha, then I won't be polite," Shi Chun said cheerfully as he entered, followed by Wu Jinliang.

After the formalities of offering seats were over, Xiang Laner served tea to the guests like a virtuous woman.

It was a common occurrence, but for Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, it was the first time experiencing this atmosphere, and they found it nice. As for the taste, they didn't understand it.

The two had been thinking about having a good meal once they got here, but things happened so coincidentally that they didn't even have time to stop and enjoy themselves. They had been in a rush, even postponing the meal that Da Shitou and the others mentioned, because Shi Chun found the matters at hand more urgent.

After setting down his teacup, Bian Weikang took the initiative to ask, "Brother Shi… do you have any instructions for coming here?"

Shi Chun held the teacup in both hands and shook his head with a smile, "Far be it from me to give any instructions. I just suddenly remembered I forgot to ask something; it seems you two have run out of money. If so, why not take some from me to alleviate the immediate need?"

He had come to offer warmth, which moved Bian Weikang so deeply he didn't know what to say.

Then Xiang Laner spoke, "We still have some spare change for a few days' expenses."

Though she said this, she covertly glanced at Shi Chun a couple more times, feeling the benefactor seemed a bit too enthusiastic.

"That's good," Shi Chun nodded, relieved, but still voiced his concern, "However, I'm afraid this isn't a long-term plan. If you have other plans, or if you need my help, Brother Bian, please just ask. I greatly admire your character, Brother Bian; don't be too modest with me."

When it came to plans, Bian Weikang hesitated, "I'm still considering."

Shi Chun then exclaimed, "But I heard you say outside Cloud Building that you planned to take Miss Xiang back to Wukang Mountain; did I hear you wrong?"

Bian Weikang sighed, "I do want to take her back, but, as Brother Shi might have heard, I've been expelled from the Sect. Returning there, I don't know if the Sect will accept us. I'm afraid it might be a wasted journey."

Hearing this, Xiang Laner's head drooped, and she looked disheartened.

Shi Chun gently set down his teacup with scholarly decorum and said seriously, "Brother Bian, I must disagree with you. They say a man's promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Since you've promised to take Miss Xiang back home, why go back on your word? Forgive my bluntness, but if you're too worried to even try, wouldn't that be letting down Miss Xiang's good faith and becoming a laughingstock in the eyes of the world?

What's more troublesome is that this is not a place where Miss Xiang can stay for long. Although Brother Bian has redeemed Miss Xiang, that doesn't stop Lv Taizhen from coveting her beauty. With his power and influence, can you ensure her absolute safety? Should anything happen, it would be a loss both financially and emotionally, and you'd regret it too late. It's better to make a decision sooner."

Bian Weikang stood up abruptly at Shi Chun's words. When it came to Lv Taizhen coveting Miss Xiang, he really was restless.

Wu Jinliang was somewhat taken aback, not knowing why Chun Tian was going to such lengths to spout all these grandiose terms, but he knew for certain that the man had no good intentions.

"Would you be willing to return to Wukang Mountain with me?" Bian Weikang seized Xiang Laner's delicate hand as he asked.

Xiang Laner nodded gently, "This servant has no second thoughts; my body is bound to no other. Wherever my lord is, there I shall be, death many times over would not be regretted!"

In that moment, an emotionally moved Bian Weikang was about to embrace her when he was startled by the usually refined Shi Chun, who suddenly slammed the table in approval.

"Excellent!" Shi Chun, who had risen in excitement, continued to thump his chest, "Such a pledge to die rather than betray, truly does not disappoint my goodwill. Rest assured, my brother and I will ensure your safety on this journey. Should any dangers arise, our bodies will be the first to brave the waters."

Numerous questions sprang up in Wu Jinliang's mind, what exactly did this mean? The woman was virtually in his grasp, was there a need for such an elaborate act?

He could not bring himself to ask, but he knew, if Chun Tian said so, there must be a reason.

Not understanding, he still nodded and grunted in agreement, "I'll be the first to brave it!"

His habit of rushing to be the first had not changed.

Bian Weikang hastily released Xiang Laner and bowed his hands in thanks, "Shi brother, I dare not trouble you, truly dare not trouble you, we two can make our own way back."

Shi Chun raised his hand to stop him, "No need for such words, Brother Bian. Having more helping hands adds strength on the road. Besides, the situation for you and Miss Xiang is unique. It is uncertain whether Wukang Mountain will accept you smoothly. It's better if we accompany you, then we can all think of solutions together should any matters arise."

Though he said this, what he was really thinking was, I just hope it doesn't come down to discussing the borrowed money.

If the other party insisted on refusing the escort, then he would have to hint, you borrowed money from me, not letting me follow could lead to losing track of you, would that be appropriate?

Xiang Laner quickly glanced at him, a sharp and unusual flash in her eyes, then just as quickly returned to her demure demeanor.

Fortunately, his words had struck a chord with Bian Weikang. It was true that it might not be smooth sailing upon their return to Wukang Mountain. Immediately, he bowed his hands, "If that's the case, then we are in Shi brother's debt. Should we manage to successfully return to Wukang Mountain, your great kindness will be amply rewarded!"

After finishing his words, he paused for a moment, feeling the title "Shi brother" roll off his tongue more and more naturally.

Shi Chun smiled faintly, "To receive such generosity from Brother Bian would mean you've successfully rejoined the Sect, and I am indeed eager for that reward."

"Let's hope," Bian Weikang said with a bitter smile, then looked around at the people beside him and asked, "When do we depart?"

Shi Chun replied, "Ideally, the sooner the better, but..." pointing at himself and Wu Jinliang, "we've been traveling nonstop since leaving the Land of Exile and haven't rested yet. I suggest we rest for a night and leave tomorrow morning."

Seeing that Xiang Laner had no objections, Bian Weikang finally made the decision, "Alright, tomorrow morning it is."

With that, the matter was settled and the two guests took their leave.

Once he was back in his own room, Wu Jinliang immediately closed the door, approached Shi Chun, and whispered urgently, "What's this about? You're talking as if it's for real. You don't actually intend to take them to Wukang Mountain, do you?"

Shi Chun whispered back, "How much is Xiang Laner really worth? She has value only for a one-time deal and that's not sustainable. Wukang Mountain, on the other hand, is where we'll strike it rich. Wukang Mountain, the place where immobilization charms are crafted, have you forgotten how I broke the immobilization charm?"

He pointed to his right eye, "We need to infiltrate Wukang Mountain to find opportunities. Once I've deciphered the secrets behind crafting immobilization charms, just think, if we could make them ourselves, would we ever worry about money again? As long as we help Bian Weikang reclaim his young sect leader status, repaying our fifty or a hundred thousand should be no problem. It's worth making the trip for that money alone. Most importantly, with his protection, we can afford to stay in Wukang Mountain for a longer time and slowly achieve our goals."

Wu Jinliang's eyes lit up at these words, his hand unconsciously stroking his blade, itching with anticipation. He chuckled and then seemed to think of something, "So, do we still sell the top courtesan?"

"Of course, the buyer is nearly here."

"But, Chun Tian, if you sell the top courtesan, how could Bian Weikang just let it go? He wouldn't help us get into Wukang Mountain, now would he?"

"Don't be naive, do you think I'd let him find out?"

"Even if he doesn't find out, if she goes missing, he'll be desperate to search for her. Given his do-or-die attitude toward her, he won't return to Wukang Mountain if he can't find her."

Shi Chun took a seat and crossed his legs indifferently, "She wouldn't disappear without a reason. It's not that the top courtesan vanished without cause; she left of her own accord. She believed that her status as a woman of pleasure would hinder Wukang Mountain from welcoming her lover back, so for his future's sake, she resolutely departed. Before leaving, she asked us to relay a message to Bian Weikang that once he has returned to the Sect, she will reunite with him."

Wu Jinliang's eyes blinked several times, and he finally chuckled, "Master's reasoning is sound; let's do it that way."

Having said that, he covered his mouth with his hand and chuckled again, then caressed his chest and roamed around the room, full of confidence for the success of their grand endeavor.

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