"Haha, Brother Ye, you misunderstand me, how could I dare to trick you."

With a wry smile, Jiao Yang explained again, "Just wait a few more days, don't worry, if she still refuses to cooperate, I guarantee I'll hand her over to you then."

"Unfortunate!"

Giving Ji Liuyun a shove, Wang Junze said irritably, "Forget it, she's not that crucial, I'll go find her disciple instead."

Without waiting for Jiao Yang's response, Wang Junze immediately turned around and walked out, his face full of impatience.

"I'll see you off, Brother Ye!"

Hastening his steps to follow Wang Junze out, Jiao Yang lowered his voice to explain, "Brother Ye, don't blame me, it's the orders of the master. I'm just a pawn, trying to put some pressure on her, to see if we can force her to yield..."

"Has the master come out of seclusion?"

Raising an eyebrow, Wang Junze asked in return.

"No, not yet!"

Shaking his head, Jiao Yang explained, "It's just that I failed before and I'd like to make some merits to save face in front of the master."

Of course, he dared not tell Wang Junze that Dugu Feng was indeed out of seclusion and that every recent event was actually a test from her. He had to take responsibility himself and apologize again, "In short, I acted hastily in this matter. Another day, I'll treat you to a drink and apologize, brother."

"Forget it, we're on the same side, no need for that."

Waving his hand, Wang Junze seemed to have calmed down from his previous dissatisfaction and casually replied, "But, remember to speak well of me to the master, since this woman... I must have her!"

"Haha, don't worry! Once this matter is over and she's of no use, I'll certainly petition the master to give her to you."

Jiao Yang readily agreed.

Nodding, Wang Junze walked out of the Netherworld Mansion, and after bidding farewell to Jiao Yang, he let out a long breath.

If he was only sixty or seventy percent sure before, now Wang Junze was almost certain that Dugu Feng had been observing his reactions from within the Netherworld Mansion. Any hint of a flaw, and he wouldn't have walked out alive.

But in any case, this time he had successfully got through the danger.

Through this, Dugu Feng might finally have let her guard down regarding him. Next steps would be waiting for her readiness to venture into the Nether Sea together.

Though now, Ji Liuyun might have grown to hate him.

When the time comes that his real identity is known, he doesn't know how to face this senior sister.

Thinking about it, Wang Junze couldn't help but give a wry smile.

Initially, he was trying to figure out how to make himself look more like a demon cultivator, but now... he looks more like one than a demon cultivator does.

That very night, Pei Haoran came by again, bringing a large amount of Spirit Stones, and without any hesitation, offered up all the Spirit Stones he had.

"Brother Ye, at this Netherworld Auction, all treasures from the Dragon Palace have been sold. After deducting the fees, the total income is over twelve million Spirit Stones. I've rounded off the odd numbers myself. The remaining Spirit Stones, I've divided into three parts, one for each of you. They're all here."

"Three parts?"

Wang Junze was somewhat surprised. Logically, there should be four equal shares, but was Pei Haoran giving up his share of the Spirit Stones?

"Yes!"

Nodding, Pei Haoran replied, "During the Dragon Palace battle, I really didn't manage to help much. Thick-skinned as I may be, taking an extra share still doesn't sit well with me. Moreover, to be honest, Spirit Stones aren't a big deal for me. The Four Seas Commerce Association isn't short of Spirit Stones. What's truly valuable is making friends like you, helping me establish myself in the Nether Sea."

"I won't hide it; I previously used a token to discuss with the other two. They'll hand over any extra Other Shore Flowers they have for me to handle. This opportunity is crucial for the Four Seas Commerce Association, and my gains exceed getting mere Spirit Stones."

Previously, when cooperating with Wang Junze, Pei Haoran always seemed to have an agenda hidden. But this kind of open-hearted dialogue was the first time, making Wang Junze have a better impression of Pei Haoran.

In fact, ever since hearing from the Sea Listening Maiden and others about Pei Haoran's reaction at the Crystal Dragon Wall, Wang Junze had come to truly accept this friend.

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

Without any pretense, Wang Junze accepted his share of Spirit Stones and asked.

"I want to make another trip to the Nether Sea!"

Explained Pei Haoran again, "Firstly, to deliver these Spirit Stones to them, and secondly, to take the opportunity to retrieve those extra Other Shore Flowers they have... I need your help with this matter."

Pei Haoran spoke frankly, "The Nether Sea is not very peaceful currently. I hope you can come with me. For one, it ensures safety, and for another, when facing Yang Hong and the Maiden of the Sea, your assurance might be necessary. Otherwise, I'm afraid they won't be comfortable handing the Other Shore Flowers to me."

Mentioning this, Pei Haoran couldn't help but feel some helplessness.

Though the four of them had faced life and death together, insiders know their own affairs best. Whether it's the Maiden of the Sea or Yang Hong, they place more trust in Wang Junze, while showing a degree of disdain towards him.

There's no choice. Strength is respected everywhere.

Compared to Wang Junze and the other two, whether in power or talent potential, Pei Haoran lagged significantly. Without Wang Junze mediating, it would be hard to gain favor with those two.

"Alright!"

After thinking for a moment, Wang Junze quickly agreed.

For him, it's indeed not a troublesome matter. Besides, he can't stay in the Nether Sea forever; leaving in the future, Pei Haoran's identity as the young master of the Four Seas Commerce Association could provide significant help to Wang Junze.

Furthermore, it was almost confirmed that Dugu Feng would take him and Jiao Yang into the Nether Sea to explore the residence of the Li Shang Sword Venerable. If he wanted to kill Dugu Feng, he couldn't do it alone. If he could find a way to contact the Maiden of the Sea and Yang Hong and work together, his chances would be much better.

Of course, he couldn't yet disclose his true intention, but testing the waters here is always good.

Thus, agreeing to Pei Haoran's request was just a matter of going along with the flow.

"Great, I knew it, you're like a brother to me, hahaha!"

Seeing Wang Junze agree so readily, Pei Haoran jumped up with excitement. It turned out this little chubby boy's true nature was such; the serious demeanor he displayed before was the act he deliberately put on.

"Let me make it clear first, since you want me to guarantee, you'll have to keep your promise, or I won't let you off!"

With a glance at the other, Wang Junze warned irritably.

"Don't worry, this is beneficial to everyone. I'm too happy to deceive you all." Pei Haoran patted his chest assuringly, "So, when do we set off?"

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