As soon as Xiang Laner landed after leaving the Immortal Mountain, she saw Liang Mian coming with maids to greet her.

Liang Mian was worried about her coming alone, so he accompanied her. If the Immortal Mountain above had not allowed only Xiang Laner to enter, he would have accompanied her there.

Suddenly seeing Xiang Laner coming down changed into new clothes after going up, Liang Mian couldn't help but be taken aback, suspiciously asking, "Changed clothes?"

Xiang Laner already displayed a nonchalant demeanor, smiling tenderly and gracefully, "It's personally made by Sister Feng, does it fit?"

Liang Mian suddenly felt he had overthought. If it was indeed something with Shi Chun, she wouldn't dare to change clothes and come back. He then smiled, "It fits, fits quite well. So, Sister Feng still refuses to leave with you?"

The reason for Xiang Laner's visit was to meet old acquaintances, with the main purpose being to see Feng Chi, whom she had been interacting with for years, persuading Feng Chi to come with her.

Upon hearing this, she sighed lightly, "She has already been compelled by Shi Chun to sign up for the Battle of Great Pardon, wanting to leave but unable."

Liang Mian's lips moved slightly, thinking of his orders for Lan She to act ruthlessly over there, which might implicate Feng Chi.

However, upon second thought, he didn't consider it a bad thing because he wasn't keen on Xiang Laner continuing to associate with that madam of the brothel.

Still, he gently comforted, "Alright, everyone has their own ambitions, cannot be forced. If she needs anything in the future, help if you can, don't overthink the rest. It's rare to visit Heavenly Capital, come, I'll accompany you for a walk, see if there's anything you like."

Thoughtfully, he gestured with his hand, although close, without touching her. Although she agreed to marry him, her sensitivity due to her brothel background made her worry that being casual might cause people to look down on her, being unstained from the mud, quite upright and self-disciplined.

It's actually the same rhetoric Xiang Laner used against Bian Weikang years ago, which Liang Mian respects.

At this moment, Xiang Laner displayed a submissive demeanor, following Liang Mian willingly.

Half was feigned, but the other half was genuine willingness. It was only after meeting Liang Mian that she understood what being in the limelight, having knowledge, truly meant wealth and prosperity. Whether it was the brothel back then, Wukang Mountain later, or even after being with Shi Chun, none compared to now. Even as the so-called Demon Path Saintess, the Demon Path never showed her the wealth and luxury she saw today.

The people Liang Mian interacted with were genuinely wealthy and powerful.

Plus, time flew by for twenty years, she had long forgotten the good aspects of Shi Chun. Looking back, Shi Chun was utterly disgusting, especially what happened just now, almost revealing the truth to Liang Mian, making her secretly detest...

After sending off Xiang Laner, Feng Chi hurried back to where Shi Chun resided, only to find Shi Chun gone, instead seeing a pile of torn clothes from Xiang Laner on the ground, she couldn't help but smile bitterly and swiftly helped tidy up.

Then she rushed to the Spiritual Spring Pool to search, and sure enough, found Shi Chun leisurely bathing, being reckless just now, now appeared nonchalant, Feng Chi was astounded by him.

She approached the edge of the pool, crouched and knelt beside Shi Chun, whispering, "Master, rest assured, I have pacified her, she won't speak out, no one will know."

Shi Chun turned to look at her, retorting, "Do you think I'm afraid of people knowing? This matter you need to honestly report to your superiors."

"..." Feng Chi was speechless for a moment, then smiled bitterly, "Not necessary, there are plenty of beauties in the world, not worth getting upset over one woman. If you want, we can find someone better, many are better than her. The kind she possesses is all trained, it's all a facade, not worth it."

Shi Chun laughed, "Upset? For her? You're overthinking. Twenty years ago, when I was sentenced, Wu Jinliang almost fell into your hands, don't tell me you didn't know?"

Feng Chi thought for a moment, awkwardly said, "They kept me in the dark at the time, I didn't even know you were to be executed. Duan Xiangmei can testify, I only found out later from Miss Wei. It's said to have slipped somehow. If I knew they wanted to act against Wu Jinliang, I surely would have tried to prevent it."

"Wu Jinliang truly if fell into your hands, what kind of fate would befall him, you know better than I."

Even Shi Chun himself couldn't imagine that consequence, if not for Yu Xuanbing's intervention, all his assets would have been handed over to the Demon Path.

Thinking about it frightened him and angered him, with his current strength, he couldn't stomach such indignation, leisurely stirring the pool water, chuckling, glancing sideways at the person by the pool, "Since Xiang Laner started framing Wu Jinliang with schemes, I decided not to let her off easily. Plus, the matter of capturing Wu Hong and others, without someone leaking information, can we easily locate them?

Ask your superiors what they really intend? My people can be caught as desired, who gave you the audacity?

I don't need your help to conceal what just happened, you honestly report, convey this message to your superiors, Xiang Laner's situation represents my stance, don't think I'm easy-going and can be recklessly treated. Tell them, if previous matters can't be explained satisfactorily, I'll be quite displeased and cannot guarantee what I might do... I want compensation!"

Daring to speak these words naturally comes from confidence.

Now that he has connected with Mulan Jin, can he still be easily controlled by the Demon Path? It's uncertain who might fear who.

He already planned, since Mulan Jin values Mulan Qingqing greatly, he just needs to flatter Mulan Qingqing.

Feng Chi, kneeling by the pool, was dazed, feeling numb, the key point of his lengthy speech was those four words: I want compensation!

Defiled Xiang Laner but still wants compensation from them, how dare he, how could he say that?

Yet, somehow Feng Chi felt she couldn't suppress the smile forming at the corner of her mouth.

Why does she feel the superiors might genuinely agree to compensate?

She smiled, "Alright, Master, I understand, I'll report as you instructed."

Shi Chun asked again, "Did you move Xiang Laner's torn clothes in my room?"

Feng Chi was slightly stunned, "I helped clean up, what's wrong?"

Shi Chun chuckled, "I heard from Mulan Jin, Xiang Laner has cozied up to someone powerful, forming an intimate pair with some Mutual Market Junior Supervisor from Beiju?"

How did the topic diverge to this? Feng Chi asked in confusion, "What do you want to do?"

Shi Chun chuckled, "I don't want to do anything. If that woman dares to boss me around again like she did today, and provoke me, I don't mind tossing the clothes she took off today to that Assistant Director for his enjoyment."

Feng Chi was left speechless. Today, he truly witnessed what it means to be of the Demon Path.

She then took out the Mother-child Talisman, preparing to report directly. This clearly indicated she wasn't avoiding Shi Chun, but she stated the harsh truth first, "I can report according to your wishes, but I can't guarantee the higher-ups will agree to compensate."

As expected, the reply was a refusal, and they even issued a counter-threat.

As for the matter of Xiang Laner being tainted, it wasn't even mentioned, as if it wasn't considered an issue at all.

Upon seeing this, Feng Chi felt a bit bitter inside. She knew that in the eyes of those above, Xiang Laner was there to do this kind of thing. She had been too, but she refused, and then ended up in her current predicament in Zhaotian City.

After showing the message to Shi Chun, he couldn't help but laugh, "Sister Feng, I'm really puzzled. Are all your higher-ups a bunch of pigs? I'm someone about to enter the Great Amnesty Battlefield to die, how could they dare send Xiang Laner to threaten a dying person like me?"

Feng Chi immediately understood his meaning. This was the key to the negotiation. Either way, with death looming, Shi Chun wanted to flip the table.

He prepares to confess again, fighting for lenient treatment. Perhaps he can avoid entering the Great Amnesty Battlefield. He wants to take down with him all the work they've done on Liang Mian's side, and reveal the Demon Path's actions planned in the Demon Realm.

Sure enough, once he genuinely displayed an attitude of flipping the table, the Demon Path side immediately became cowardly. So cowardly that Feng Chi couldn't help but hold the Mother-child Talisman and scoff bitterly with a desperate laugh.

Another five billion, Shi Chun again set the price high.

There was no choice. Over the past twenty years, resources for cultivation were consumed significantly by Wu Jinliang. If it weren't for Young Master Nan supporting the Mingshan Sect on this side, the result would be even worse. Moreover, the resources consumed by the upcoming high-level cultivators will become increasingly massive.

Of course, the Demon Path side wasn't forthcoming with the payment, claiming it would be given after the fact.

To this, Shi Chun had only one response: he didn't know if he could come out alive. He required the money in hand before entering the battlefield.

How to hand it over? Shi Chun instructed them to deposit the money with Young Master Nan under his name.

The outcome was completely one-sided, with the Demon Path side crushed without any ability to fight back.

After resolving the matter, Feng Chi looked at the Mother-child Talisman in her hand and absentmindedly muttered, "How did I end up working for them for so many years...?"

Such an easy grip, she couldn't understand it.

The newly dressed Shi Chun emerged from behind the screen, unable to restrain his laughter, "This only shows that their actions in the Demon Realm this time are really important."

Feng Chi looked up at him with confusion, asking, "Master, you don't seem even a little bit nervous. Aren't you worried about this battle at all?"

Shi Chun tugged on his clothes and sneered, "Once I'm in... it's others who should be worried."

What he meant was, once he's in, he'll hide. It's others who should be worried.

Hearing this, the deflated Feng Chi suddenly felt invigorated, biting her lip with flashing eyes. She immediately put away the Mother-child Talisman, quickly stepped forward to help Shi Chun adjust his newly donned clothes, and flattered, "Yes, Master looks good in anything."

Shi Chun nodded and replied, "I think so too."

He genuinely believed that.

Feng Chi also heard it, then laughed heartily, her gloom from earlier clearing away completely, loving the Master's arrogantly confident self-assurance and dominance!

Days later, before the registered battle participants entered their teams, Young Master Nan eagerly sought an audience. With Shi Chun's mediation, Young Master Nan was allowed into the tightly guarded Stargazing Pavilion.

Upon meeting, Young Master Nan immediately asked if he had transferred some money to him.

After gesturing for him to sit, Shi Chun asked, "It was five billion, correct?"

Young Master Nan stared wide-eyed, "Was it really you who sent it?"

Shi Chun nodded, "I left it with you, in case anything happens, as a way out."

Off to the side, Wu Jinliang's eyes popped out in shock, quickly asking anxiously, "What five billion, where did five billion come from?"

Shi Chun gave him a look indicating they'd talk later. Despite his good relationship with Young Master Nan, he could not reveal the money's origin in front of him.

Afterward, Young Master Nan naturally apologized for past events, but Shi Chun immediately cut him off, "There was a reason, and you helped take care of the Mingshan Sect people too, let's not bring it up again. If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have deposited this money with you."

Alright then, that settled the matter. Young Master Nan felt quite nostalgic, having encountered someone like him for the first time.

Wu Jinliang suddenly asked, "Brother Nan, are there any betting pools this time?"

He meant he wanted to help the other avoid losses, as they planned to hide and avoid the battle, suggesting they hint to avoid betting on their heads again.

However, Young Master Nan repeatedly waved his hand, "Don't be ridiculous, those five families pooled resources for this event, who's daring enough to place bets? I wouldn't organize such a scheme even if I could. The battle status inside, how disgraceful the losers look, how glorious the winners are, even if there's a Mirror Image, it won't be shown to outsiders. But Wu Jinliang, I nearly couldn't recognize you, what's happened to you, how did you get so fat...?"

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