"Spending a fortune?" Xiang Laner's reaction was rather straightforward, she frowned slightly, "We agreed that you'd get the money before entering the Divine Fire Domain, five billion, plus a house in the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital. We clearly divided everything, 'Desolate Broken Blade' belongs to us, the other two artifacts are yours. Now you're raising the stakes, isn't that too much?"

Shi Chun rolled his eyes and said, "Laner, do you think I want this money? If I'd known the Stargazing Pavilion would be watching or that Mulan Jin would personally intervene, I would have never agreed to enter the Divine Fire Domain, even if it meant dying. I'm asking for this money because I'm forced to!"

Wu Jinliang sighed, "Yeah, no amount of money is worth losing your life. Being targeted by the Stargazing Pavilion, that's truly dangerous. How does that saying go, 'uneasy sleep' or something?"

Uneasy something? Xiang Laner and Feng Chi's thoughts were swept away, trying hard to recall the old saying.

Shi Chun understood Wu Jinliang and finished the phrase for him, "Unable to eat or sleep."

"Right, right, unable to eat or sleep." Wu Jinliang nodded, ceremoniously bowing, throwing in flattery with ease, "The Master has read a lot, after all, truly different."

Shi Chun dismissively waved him off, looking as if 'being better than you is only natural.'

How did they even coordinate their signals? Xiang and Feng were shocked.

And honestly, even Feng Chi couldn't stand it, just the two of you, how dare you associate yourselves with being well-read?

Of course, she acknowledged that Shi Chun did read often while hiding in the Royal Capital of Shengshen Continent, but the books were never serious. He often hid in corners, mimicking the tones of people in those books, even reading with gestures.

As for Giant Wu, he probably only flipped through books while in the bathroom, checking what Shi Chun was reading, liking to imitate Shi Chun. If Shi Chun read it, he would too; if Shi Chun ignored it, he had no interest. When he had free time, he wasn't in his room making mischief with Duan Xiangmei, he was out at the brothel playing with the Oiran.

Xiang Laner felt these two jokers likely weren't exhausted, given the energy they had for rambling.

Shi Chun also thought they were straying too far and turned to Xiang Laner earnestly, "It's true that you gave me some money before…"

Xiang Laner abruptly cut him off, "Get this straight, five billion and a house in the Royal Capital, that's considered just some money? You people from the Land of Exile truly speak with such bravado?"

Shi Chun waved it off, "That's not important. What's important is why the Stargazing Pavilion would let me off so easily. The crux is, are they planning a long-term strategy?"

Xiang Laner waved her hand, "I understand your point, but think carefully, if the risks are too high, instead of killing the intermediary, wouldn't it be easier to deal directly with you to get what they want? I'm concerned for your safety."

Shi Chun waved his hand, "Laner, you're wrong. I'm looking out for you. If 'Desolate Broken Blade' ends up in the hands of the Demon Path, can I wash my hands of it? Then what about you, who is associated with me?

I risked entering the Divine Fire Domain so you could live better. I have money and a house in the Royal Capital. Despite coming from poverty, it's enough to live comfortably for a lifetime. Why give up a good life? If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't go risking life and death.

Rest assured, with the Stargazing Pavilion involved, I worry they'll want to silence you. For your sake, I must plan long-term. The items are not with me now; if I die, those above you won't get the items easily."

He turned to Feng Chi, "It's for your benefit too. If we don't solve how 'Desolate Broken Blade' appears with the Demon Path, Laner and I can't escape, and neither can you."

Wu Jinliang joined in the complaint, "Exactly, I can't escape either by then. It's not just about money, money's worthless; our lives are what matter. On this issue, we all share the same stance and should band together to counteract orders from above."

Feng Chi also felt preserving Shi Chun's life was more crucial and spoke up, "Miss, they raise a valid point. If the item appears directly with the Demon Path, the Stargazing Pavilion will definitely trace it back to its original owner."

Xiang Laner paused and asked, "How much money are you asking for?"

She needed to know the amount to report it back to her superiors.

Shi Chun clicked his tongue, "It's not about how much I want but getting a reasonable price." As he spoke, he waved five fingers.

Xiang Laner tentatively asked, "Another five billion?"

Shi Chun rolled his eyes and replied, "Something invaluable to the Three Sects, only five billion, does that seem appropriate? It should at least be ten times that."

"Fifty billion?" Xiang Laner and Feng Chi exclaimed in unison.

Shi Chun sighed, "There's no need for shock. Outsiders would wonder why I would quickly trade the item; with the money in place, it all becomes understandable."

Wu Jinliang couldn't help but chuckle, admiring the wisdom of the Master.

He had been slightly puzzled why they didn't demand more cash when dealing with the Ten Great Sects' assets before. Now he understood, clearly the Master didn't intend to hand over 'Desolate Broken Blade' for free, but wanted the Demon Path to pay once more.

"Miss…" Feng Chi still wanted to persuade more.

Xiang Laner interrupted, "This matter has to be reported; I can't make the call. Also, since the Stargazing Pavilion is involved, whether we can successfully contact those above is also a question."

Shi Chun scoffed, "Overthinking, even if Mulan Jin lived next door, your superiors would find a way to contact you."

Xiang and Feng thought it over, indeed, with 'Desolate Broken Blade' in hand, there's no way their superiors would sever communication; they're probably even more eager than them.

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