As they passed the entrance of "Chao Yue Hall," Xiao Sheng whispered, "The Master used to do odd jobs in this bookstore for over a year."

Odd jobs in a bookstore? Li Hongjiu was dumbfounded, wondering why all the fuss?

Next, Li Hongjiu had to independently verify with the surrounding people whether that was the case to avoid accusations of prearrangement. Surely, they couldn't have staged this entire area, right?

Actually, the locals had no idea what the real deal with a handyman named Wang Ping was. As they chatted, it naturally led to a series of recent changes in the bookstore.

After that, Xiao Sheng took him to the entrance of the "Treasure Hunting Pavilion," informing him that this shop was discreetly opened under Shi Chun's instructions.

Out of curiosity, Li Hongjiu learned about the past story of Death Refusing Incense from the Treasure Hunting Pavilion.

Later, they reached the tightly closed doors of "Bai's Rice Shop," where Xiao Sheng disclosed that the disguised Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were still considered staff there.

"Hmm?" Li Hongjiu was surprised, "Wu Jinliang is here too?"

He was certainly not unfamiliar with Wu Jinliang. If he hadn't been seriously injured by that bastard's "Backhand," how could he have ended up in Shi Chun's hands for all those messy affairs?

Xiao Sheng whispered, "He arrived. Previously, he was doing odd jobs at the horse ranch outside the city. Later, experts clashed outside, and the ranch was instantly reduced to ashes, gone without a trace."

Odd jobs at the horse ranch? Li Hongjiu was secretly suspicious. What had those bastards been so patient for so long, holding back?

He vaguely felt that there was a massive pit waiting for him to fall into.

Of course, since he was allowed to verify things personally, he naturally had to inquire around about the situation at Bai's Rice Shop.

He couldn't figure out the specifics. Outsiders were unclear about the truth, only seeing the surface changes, unaware of the inside story. Nonetheless, he at least learned that the affairs of the bookstore, rice shop, and Treasure Hunting Pavilion were connected and related to Shi Chun and his group.

He became increasingly curious about what the bastard was plotting here.

Regardless of what was being plotted, he already had his guard up. Drinking was fine; anything else, he wouldn't agree to, refusing to fall into any trap.

Both harbored ulterior motives as they continued walking along the streets and alleys. Passing through a secluded alley, Li Hongjiu suddenly paused, his nostrils twitching, turning his head towards a nearby courtyard gate, faintly smelling a familiar wine aroma.

He turned back to look at Xiao Sheng, who was accompanying him.

"The Master wasn't wrong. Mr. Li's sense of smell is impeccable." Xiao Sheng smiled, walked to the gate, opened it, and gestured invitingly, "The Master has been waiting for a long time."

Li Hongjiu was momentarily stunned, warily stepping up the stairs and crossing the threshold. At the other end of the small courtyard, at the main hall's entrance, appeared a familiar face waving at him, "Brother Jiu, come quickly, good wine and dishes are already prepared."

Who else could it be but Shi Chun?

Li Hongjiu chuckled coldly, striding over. After walking a few steps, he looked back to see Xiao Sheng already shutting the door behind him, clearly giving them some private space.

Shi Chun practically ran off the steps, eager for an embrace, "Brother Jiu, finally, I can see you; I've missed you to death."

Li Hongjiu pushed him away, "Eh, alright, there's no one else, cut the act."

He headed straight for the aroma of wine in the hall. Inside, he saw a table of exquisite dishes and familiar wine jars. Instead of immediately sitting down, he circled the table a few times, scrutinizing the surrounding environment.

As he circled, he asked, "Going through all this trouble to lure me here, tell me, how do you plan to use me?"

"Oh dear, my dear brother, where have I deceived you? If you can name one place I've tricked you, I'll immediately cut my throat to make amends!" Shi Chun said, as he brought out a jar of wine in each hand, thudding them onto the table, "Is it not enough good wine?"

Seeing the two jars of fine wine, Li Hongjiu raised an eyebrow slightly, softening his expression considerably. He realized that, indeed, there would be no lack of good wine, as he had anticipated.

Shi Chun remained enthusiastic. Seeing that Li Hongjiu was still not sitting, he personally went over, forcefully pushing him into the main seat, then poured wine for him.

Li Hongjiu chuckled, "You brought me here just to offer me a drink? Do you think I'll believe that? If you don't clarify, I'm better off not drinking it. Otherwise, I'd be afraid of ruining my stomach."

Shi Chun had to put down his cup, sighing, "Brother Jiu, you see right through things. I can't hide the truth from you. In essence, I just want to flatter Brother Jiu. You know, I have no backing, and it was tough clinging onto Brother Jiu's thigh. Naturally, if there's any benefit, I think of you first."

Li Hongjiu glanced askance, "Speak plainly."

"You see, why don't you believe me?" Shi Chun looked helpless, then sighed, "Alright, let me put it another way. I've set my sights on a woman and want to pursue her, but I'm falling short. I need Brother Jiu's help to seal the deal."

"Chasing a woman?" Li Hongjiu was astonished, sizing him up, unable to fathom how he could help in that aspect. If he were capable of helping, surely many others could help too, so why go through all this trouble for him? Immediately, he expressed doubt, "All this about Chao Yue Hall, Treasure Hunting Pavilion, and the rice shop, elaborate plots hidden for so long, and all the commotion, just for pursuing a woman? Do you think I'll believe that?"

Shi Chun immediately said, "This woman is now doing odd jobs at Chao Yue Hall. Her background is tricky; she has a very close uncle who's a confidant to the Demon Queen. As long as you get along well with this woman, many things would become easier."

Li Hongjiu sneered, "So what? What does that have to do with me? I don't understand, nor can I help. Stop coming to me."

Shi Chun stood up, moved to the side and made a grasping motion, conjuring a Black Flag out of thin air. He waved the flag, sweeping away a set of chairs and a coffee table in the hall into the flag. Then, he planted the flag into the ground, asking, "Brother Jiu, do you remember this item?"

Li Hongjiu was stunned, blurting out, "Boundless Banner?"

He had a deep impression of this banner; he had once purposefully unleashed lightning upon it due to its great power.

Thus, he suddenly remembered that this banner had been destroyed by him, right?

Shi Chun also said, "Brother Jiu, this banner was previously destroyed under your lightning but is now repaired by me. Brother Jiu, do you know how I repaired it?"

Li Hongjiu, being versed in Artifact Refining, had the story of the Treasure Hunting Pavilion flash through his mind, questioning, "Death Refusing Incense?"

Shi Chun immediately put away the Boundless Banner, quickly returned to sit beside him, and whispered, "Brother Jiu, you are perceptive, guessing it in one go. Brother Jiu, think about it. You've damaged so many Magical Treasures of different sects. Who knows if this matter can be kept secret forever? What if it gets leaked? If worse comes to worst, and you're confronted, wouldn't it be easier to repair them using the Death Refusing Incense?

Given such a benefit, how could I not think of you? Just hope that in the future, brother, you won't forget your little brother's kindness.

Of course, I'm also doing it for myself; I still have a few Magical Treasures ruined by you to repair. If it weren't for this, would I be going through all this trouble? Unfortunately, the Death Refusing Incense's quantity is insufficient, so we need more.

However, acquiring its refining materials is challenging; they're hidden on the Divine Mountain, protected by an Ancient Array. Not everyone can easily mess with it, but that woman's background can easily resolve it, hence my pursuit of her.

Moreover, where do you think all that fine wine comes from? It's all given by that woman. I sacrifice my looks, conveniently securing you ample wine, and incidentally help you procure some Death Refusing Incense to prevent future worries. And Brother Jiu, all you need to do is appear for appearances' sake, and enjoy the benefits without any effort. What's not to like?"

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.