"Why me?"

After pondering slightly, Wang Junze looked up at the Maiden of the Sea and asked, "There are countless experts in the Netherworld Sea. I shouldn't be the only one who has perceived the Path of Water, right?"

Though the Water Sword Intent is special, it's not something unreplicable.

Wang Junze didn't believe that among so many Demon Cultivators in the Netherworld Sea, there would be no others who had comprehended the Path of Water, and offering such good terms just for that seemed far-fetched.

"But you're the only one I've seen who can shatter the void at the Heaven-Stepping Realm."

The Maiden of the Sea replied calmly, "You should also know that in many places in the Netherworld Sea, the stronger one's cultivation, the more restrictions and constraints there are. This Water Mansion is no exception."

"More importantly, you have no ties to Jiao Yang or Chen Ling, so I don't have to worry about you conspiring with others to harm me."

"I have pledged allegiance to Gudu Feng," Wang Junze reminded her once again.

"Dugu Feng doesn't trust you, so... you also need this opportunity to enhance your strength." The Maiden of the Sea replied calmly, "Also, don't underestimate Jiao Yang. If it comes to a life-and-death struggle... I don't think the one who lives will be you."

His eyelids twitched slightly, and Wang Junze was reminded of this fact.

Jiao Yang had long made his mark in the Netherworld Sea and was the most trusted person under Gudu Feng. Whether in strength or means, he seemed more formidable than what Wang currently saw.

"Deal!"

After a few moments of silence, Wang Junze finally agreed slowly.

"Do you need me to help you compete for the Other Shore Flower?"

The Maiden of the Sea asked again.

"If possible, certainly." Shrugging, Wang Junze naturally wouldn't refuse.

"The Other Shore Flower doesn't have much use for me. If you seize more, I will need equivalent Spirit Stones or other treasures as exchange," the Maiden of the Sea stated again, "Of course, you can trade for the profits gained from the Water Mansion. In any case, I won't assist for free."

"Agreed!"

Wang Junze naturally had no objection to this. If the other party were to help unconditionally, he might suspect the Maiden's ulterior motives. This method of transaction was more reassuring.

Nodding slightly, after saying these words, the Maiden of the Sea no longer lingered and directly rose, lifting the tent flap and walked out.

"Ha, you finished your talk?"

Pei Haoran was still guarding outside the tent. Seeing the Maiden of the Sea come out, he immediately greeted with a smile.

But the Maiden did not bother to acknowledge him and walked past him directly.

"It's late; I need to rest."

Wang Junze did not come out of the tent but just lifted the flap for a glance and said indifferently.

"Young Master Pei, please leave!"

Upon hearing Wang Junze's words, Peng Ru gestured him away and then entered the tent.

Her identity was originally that of Wang Junze's maid, so naturally, she entered the tent to serve; moreover, given her abilities, it was too dangerous to stay outside alone.

"Young Master... my master, how is she?"

Entering the tent, Peng Ru finally could not control her emotions any longer and could not help but ask.

She naturally had heard the wager of Jiao Yang and Wang Junze earlier; a chance to redeem Ji Liuyun in this way was indeed a great surprise for her.

"It's not that simple; don't hold out too much hope."

Shaking his head, Wang Junze replied softly, "Jiao Yang is not so agreeable. The promises of Demon Cultivators... are not very reliable, but if given the chance, I'll still try to bring them back."

Pausing for a moment, Wang Junze continued, "Also, even if the person falls into my hands, it might not necessarily be a good thing. If Ji Liuyun proves worthless, I won't keep idlers around."

Wang Junze could naturally sense that this woman, Peng Ru, was overly trusting of him now, and he couldn't afford to act too benevolent, or it would become problematic.

"...I understand!"

Peng Ru bit her lip, a complex look flashing in her eyes, and she replied softly.

She hadn't forgotten that when Wang Junze had spared her fellow disciples, it was she who had traded herself for it, but if she expected Wang Junze to risk rescuing Ji Liuyun or even spare her, her worth was not high enough for that.

But anyhow, in Peng Ru's eyes, it was better for Ji Liuyun to fall into Wang Junze's hands than into Jiao Yang's.

After a moment of contemplation, Peng Ru bit her lip and continued, "I will serve you as you rest."

In the current circumstances, apart from her body, Peng Ru couldn't think of any other way to repay Wang Junze, so she forced herself to suppress her embarrassment, willingly undressing.

"In this precarious situation, I'm not so desperate."

Giving Peng Ru a glance, Wang Junze responded blandly, "Once things here are settled and we return, no need for you to initiate; I'll let you serve then."

Having said this, Wang Junze no longer paid Peng Ru any mind and lay down, turning to face the other direction and closing his eyes.

In such a small space, he dared not take another look at Peng Ru.

In such proximity, with such a beautiful woman presenting herself willing, even Wang Junze found it a bit challenging; this was a testing of endurance!

Watching Wang Junze turn away from her, a blush quickly spread across Peng Ru's face, and as she looked at his back, a faint tenderness flickered in her eyes.

Although she didn't know why, she felt that Wang Junze harbored no malice towards her, and even as he went to save Ji Liuyun, it didn't seem like he was seeking any in return. It only came across as him feigning cold indifference.

However, since Wang Junze was unwilling to speak, she chose not to ask.

For her, regardless of the outcome... her life was already entirely sold to him.

...

Wang Junze might have laid down to sleep, but Pei Haoran, the chubby one, stood outside shivering in the cold evening breeze, feeling restless to the point of grinding his teeth.

What kind of situation was this?!

He hadn't gained any benefit yet, and he had already offered a bunch of benefits out of his pocket!

Ye Piaoling was in there, living in his tent, possibly enjoying Peng Ru's company in high spirits, while he stood outside in the cold wind.

More infuriatingly, not even a word of promise was given by that bastard.

This deal was a loss big time!

Yet for some reason, Pei Haoran couldn't get Wang Junze's previous claims about monopolizing the nine Other Shore Flowers out of his head.

Was this guy serious?!

He wasn't the only one unable to fall asleep. Everyone around, every single one of them, was probably feeling surging emotions.

One Ye Piaoling was headache-inducing enough, and now, together with the Maiden of the Sea, what were these two planning?

There were only so many Other Shore Flowers, and it seemed as though they were intent on preventing anyone else from even taking a sip of the soup.

By contrast, Jiao Yang might be the most relaxed one.

Although Wang Junze's attitude towards him wasn't great, at the end of the day, he had pledged allegiance to Gudu Feng. As long as that did not change, nothing else mattered. Even if Wang Junze grabbed a few more Other Shore Flowers, ultimately, wouldn't he still obediently hand them over to Gudu Feng?

Moreover, looking at the previous duel between Wang Junze and Gao Kui, the possibility of Wang Junze having ties with the Judgment Department seemed increasingly unlikely, enough to report back to Gudu Feng.

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