When there was a knock on the door, the attendant was quite polite, tapping lightly but audibly, showing experience, with the sound indicating no malice.

This attendant's attire was also modestly luxurious, looking like a middle-aged man dressed simply, with a crisp and calm demeanor, named Lei Ying, the trusted steward of Gong Shaoci.

There seemed to be shadows lurking outside the corridor, which Gong Shaoci noticed after glancing left and right.

Lei Ying thoughtfully whispered, "No worries, Young Master Nan has arranged people around, along with Mingshan Sect's rotating guards."

Clearly, everything was thoroughly investigated before coming here to pave the way.

Gong Shaoci smiled slightly, "That Young Master Nan is quite considerate of him."

But it's understandable. According to the news from the gambling arena, the person inside indeed helped Young Master Nan make a fortune, worth safeguarding.

Meanwhile, Feng Chi and Wu Jinliang opened their doors to observe due to the commotion outside.

The door opened slightly, and Shi Chun cautiously observed outside, prepared with a magical treasure in hand. Among his familiar acquaintances, none could knock with such skill, revealing it wasn't one of his own.

Outside, Gong Shaoci waved with a smile to greet him, "Brother Chun."

"Oh, my!" Shi Chun exclaimed, hurriedly putting away the magical treasure and opening the door, appearing very enthusiastic, nodding and bowing, "Gong Shao, what brings you here?"

Previously, he had met while dining with Mulan, and after that, Young Master Nan deliberately mentioned Gong Shaoci's identity during a meeting, also speaking of Gong Shaoci and Miao Yilan's current relationship.

Actually, Young Master Nan meant well, fearing Shi Chun might offend Gong Shaoci due to confusion over his relationship with Miao Yilan.

Thus, seeing Gong Shaoci's gentle demeanor, Shi Chun recalled Young Master Nan's reminder, realizing some apparent gentleness is merely a facade.

Clearly, Young Master Nan, who often socializes with them, understands Gong Shaoci better. He didn't say much but did hint at something, and Shi Chun got the gist: beneath the gentleness, there might be more.

So Shi Chun understood now that he couldn't speak those affectionate words to Miao Yilan like before.

He quickly shifted his perception of Miao Yilan to that of a 'good friend,' undergoing this transition without any psychological barrier at all.

Actually, he didn't truly like Miao Yilan; it was merely a matter of survival necessity in the Land of Exile. Someone like him, prioritizing survival, wouldn't let a woman truly into his heart; dealing with Xiang Laner was a separate matter.

Since there wasn't any real affection, and knowing that persisting would cause trouble, stirring Gong Shaoci was unwise, he naturally opted to avoid it.

He hoped to establish connections with Gong Shaoci via Miao Yilan, aiming to become friends with this 'family.'

And as fortune would have it, Gong Shaoci came to him proactively. With such a smiling face, it seemed free of malice; he just wondered what the affair was, otherwise he wouldn't believe the other would visit a small figure like him needlessly.

Yet, Shi Chun was still very pleased, willing to enhance their friendship.

Gong Shaoci pointed to the sky, "I watched you for a long time through the mirror image, knowing you're here, so I came specifically to visit."

"Please, please." Shi Chun promptly invited him in, and after leading him inside, gestured around, "It's a bit simple, didn't know you were coming, and didn't tidy up."

Gong Shaoci said with a smile, "No need for formalities."

He glanced around the room to confirm there were no outsiders, then waved dismissively to send away his attendants.

After they sat down, they had a brief chat about everyday matters, during which Gong Shaoci intentionally revealed Miao Yilan had been watching the contest with him all along.

Shi Chun immediately praised them as a match made in heaven, wishing them to become a couple soon.

He believed with the other's background and keen perception, his affair with Miao Yilan wasn't a secret, possibly already known. He heard the implication of what the other was hinting, mistaking the visit for being related to this.

Hence, he promptly gave his blessings, also expressing his own stance.

Still, Gong Shaoci's occasionally profound gaze during their banter made him reconsider; he used to dismiss Shi Chun and Miao Yilan's past as a joke, given Shi Chun's origins in the Land of Exile. No matter how skillful, how different could he be? Even if he won the Sky Rain Meteor Conference, it was merely amusing.

Yet, this time was different as he unexpectedly triumphed again; not only did Lan Qiaoyan and her mother express admiration, but even his father was highly approving.

According to news from Qi Yun Valley, this fellow was mingling with high-level personnel from the Artifact Refining World's Ten Great Sects, involving himself in unknown matters.

Who are the high-level personnel of the Artifact Refining World's Ten Great Sects? Provoking them is akin to slapping the face of those even affiliated with Princess-like relatives such as Qian She.

This made him start feeling uneasy towards Shi Chun, and it became difficult to remain as easygoing regarding Shi Chun and Miao Yilan's past relationship.

After some polite conversation, Gong Shaoci finally revealed his purpose, "Brother Chun, regarding the three treasures you've won this time, how do you plan to handle them?"

What's the meaning behind this? Shi Chun was startled. Suddenly asking about this undoubtedly isn't random, so he tentatively asked, "Could Brother Gong have any suggestions?"

Gong Shaoci chuckled lightly and waved his hand, "Suggestions aren't necessary, but could you part with the 'Desolate Broken Blade'? The price is negotiable."

This time, with Young Master Nan's gambling game, his underlings crudely calculated that it could bring in a substantial profit.

Targeting the 'Desolate Broken Blade'? Shi Chun was taken aback; how could it be precisely that blade—was it really just a coincidence?

His gaze held some deep implication, covertly activating his right-eye superpower to scrutinize the opponent's Dantian Qi Sea area, but he found no trace of Demonic Qi or similar signs.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.