If he hadn't been followed by someone from the Stargazing Pavilion, he really wouldn't dare boast about it like this. If word got out, it would be hard to explain. But with someone from the Pavilion present, it became easier to justify.

The faces of the nine people upstairs all showed varying degrees of disdain.

They had already anticipated that the other party would come here. How could they not know how exaggerated Luo Yan's claims about stopping the Stargazing Pavilion were?

Shi Chun, however, had heard them predict this matter earlier. But he wasn't one of the nine and wasn't privy to the limitations of Luo Yan's supposed ability to halt the Pavilion. Thus, his gaze towards Sect Master Luo carried a certain depth—whether he truly believed it or merely viewed it as a tactic of intimidation, it was hard to discern.

Frankly, if he weren't at least somewhat aware of the stakes, he might have been immediately intimidated by the other side. Normally, being able to use this as a means to escape the grips of the Stargazing Pavilion would be something anyone would eagerly seize upon. Given Luo Yan's status, it's unlikely anyone would think he was bluffing.

But now, there's naturally a degree of suspicion.

With doubts in his mind, no matter the other party's status, he must choose to risk offending them to some extent.

So, with an expression of apparent enthusiasm, Shi Chun probed, "Alright, I'd trouble Senior to take me there. As long as the Stargazing Pavilion agrees to let me go, the price won't be an issue."

With this single sentence, he exposed Luo Yan's intent thoroughly—he didn't even entertain the idea of going for free. The nine upstairs either chuckled or exchanged amused glances.

Sect Master Su Qiao of the Extreme Fire Sect frowned slightly, realizing that Shi Chun wasn't someone easily dealt with. He couldn't quite understand what the others found amusing; how could someone with such pitiful leverage dare to duel wills with Luo Yan? Did they truly think Luo Yan held so much fear for the likes of them?

Feeling his heart sink a little, Luo Yan maintained an indifferent expression as he said, "Hand over the secret technique first, and I'll personally take you there."

He avoided discussing money, lest he tip his hand prematurely.

Fine, Shi Chun understood immediately—this old fox wasn't being forthright and chose to play games instead.

Still, Shi Chun wasn't going to call him out directly; it'd be foolish to casually burn bridges with someone of such stature.

Instead, with apparent excitement, he nodded and pointed at the list Luo Yan had just handed over. "Then, Senior, could you at least provide something first?"

Luo Yan had initially believed he could easily subdue Shi Chun on this occasion. But now he felt obstructed at every turn, as though every word the other uttered poked at his pressure points, keeping him off balance.

If he were blunt in his response, he'd reproach him, saying—"Am I sparing your life from the Stargazing Pavilion, a favor not worth these trifles?"

The problem was that he couldn't plainly admit he could secure Shi Chun's survival against the Pavilion as part of the deal. That intent could only be hinted at ambiguously without being overtly stated.

The Stargazing Pavilion accorded him enough respect to allow him the preliminary negotiations, but there were limits to his liberties. Should Mulan Jin grow dissatisfied, it wouldn't take much for them to use this matter against him.

At his level, exposing vulnerabilities carelessly was a luxury he couldn't afford.

With ordinary individuals, he'd have used force outright and taken them away. But Shi Chun had Young Master Nan backing him—and Nan himself was lurking outside, watching intently.

While the Refining Heaven Sect didn't fear Nan's influence, his standing was enough to necessitate decorum. If anyone dared act brazenly in public and without discretion, the repercussions—even with total silencing—could spiral out of control.

He couldn't directly say what needed to be said; thus, money was the only avenue left for negotiation.

Today, Luo Yan was learning firsthand what it meant to deal with people from the Land of Exile—unyielding and shrewd, still bartering even in dire circumstances. With a solemn tone, he said, "What, are you afraid I won't keep my word? I can't even be sure what you're saying is true, so how am I supposed to pay upfront?"

Shi Chun responded, "If there's deceit, I'll refund it all. Let me be clear, Senior—the moment I disclose this secret, it loses its value to you. If you think it's worthless, then…" He gestured repeatedly with his hands. "Then I really wouldn't know what else to do."

Luo Yan glanced at the list and scoffed, "For someone of your stature, your appetite is certainly excessive. Who carries around this many items on a whim? Even the Nine Sects wouldn't do so, right?"

Shi Chun quickly responded, "As long as you don't hold a grudge against me afterward, it's fine. I wouldn't dare take too much from you—just lend whatever is convenient. It's symbolic more than anything else."

He dared not haggle further, not out of fear of offending anyone but because he had already signaled Wu Jin to contact Situ Gu. If nothing unexpected happened, Situ should be arriving soon.

Once Situ Gu arrived, asking for payment would become far less viable. Scheming to let others assume responsibility while extracting resources from their sect—that wouldn't sit well. Even with thick skin, outright provocation wasn't something he wanted.

Time wasn't on their side, unlike the Nine Major Sects who could gather funds slowly. Whatever came first would suffice for now.

Seeing Luo Yan remain silent, one of the elders caught on and asked, "How much can we cobble together exactly?"

Shi Chun suddenly spoke with frankness, "Let me be upfront—I don't dare demand your items for myself. This is really just collateral. As long as Sect Master Luo successfully helps free me from the Stargazing Pavilion's trap, I'd be forever grateful, let alone take anything of yours. Anything offered as collateral would be returned fully. I only hope the commitment made by your sect won't be too meager or trivial."

The rest was left unsaid: if the problem couldn't be resolved, naturally the collateral wouldn't be returned.

The conversation had circled back to a crucial point. Shi Chun spelled out the trade Luo Yan didn't dare explicitly propose while securing his own opportunity to profit.

In the end, it became a situation both sides could tolerate.

Of course, Luo Yan's attempt to secure gains without losses—a "something for nothing" scheme—was thwarted.

Negotiations are, after all, just like this.

Thus, the elder began gathering funds on the spot. Things had been laid bare now—offering too little simply wasn't an option.

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