The Carefree Pavilion was essentially an inn, and not fully booked, so there were rooms for anyone willing to pay.
The environment was pleasant, but the price was steep.
Normally, Big Stone wouldn't easily part with such money, but this time he spent freely, not finding it expensive at all, almost thinking it was cheap.
He extravagantly enjoyed his spending.
Shi Chun picked a quiet room in a corner.
Walking around inside, he asked Wu Jinliang for the book "Mountains and Seas Lantern" and placed it on the table, marking his territory like an animal.
Then, he sent Big Stone to wait at the inn's entrance to report as soon as Cen Futong arrived.
Shi Chun had other matters to attend to, and he made his way to Bian Weikang's room, knocking on the door.
Bian Weikang, who was sort of in mourning with his head wrapped in a white cloth for his wound, opened the door.
Seeing Shi Chun dressed neatly at the door left him a bit stunned, nearly not recognizing him at first.
But recognizing Wu Jinliang's large figure helped.
Bian Weikang said in surprise, “Senior Brother... why are you here? Please, come in.”
Shi Chun calmly explained, “I’ve already seen a friend and decided to stay here, so I thought to greet Brother Bian. My room is at the furthest corner on the left.” He glanced inside.
"Is it a good time? I hope I'm not disturbing you."
As he spoke, Xiang Lan’er emerged from behind the bead curtain inside.
Her earlier distress seemed washed away, now more beautiful and charming, her presence demanded attention.
"Benefactor, you're here. It's not a bother, please come in."
Xiang Lan’er stood slightly behind Bian Weikang, hands gently clasped in front, dignified and graceful.
Her voice was mellifluous, well-educated in speech and tone.
“Ah, then I won’t be courteous.” Shi Chun gleefully entered, followed by Wu Jinliang.
They exchanged pleasantries and sat down, with Xiang Lan’er serving tea like a model of virtue.
It was an ordinary act, yet in Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang's experience, it was a novelty.
They didn’t quite know what to make of the taste but appreciated the gesture.
They had intended to treat themselves to a big meal after arriving here.
However, circumstances led them on without a proper break, postponing even the treat Big Stone had mentioned.
Shi Chun felt that the current matter at hand was more pressing.
After placing his teacup down, Bian Weikang took the initiative to ask, “Senior Brother... is there a reason for your visit?”
Shi Chun held the teacup with both hands, smiling as he shook his head. “I wouldn’t dare give orders. I simply remembered something I forgot to ask. Are you short of money? If so, why not take some from me to ease your immediate concerns?”
He came to offer support, which deeply moved Bian Weikang.
Xiang Lan’er interjected, "We have enough for daily expenses for the time being."
Though she said this, she discreetly glanced at Shi Chun, feeling he might be excessively enthusiastic.
"That's good to hear."
Shi Chun nodded, reassured but still concerned, "However, this isn't a long-term solution. Do you have any other plans? If you need help, Brother Bian, just say the word. I greatly admire your character, and you mustn't hesitate with me."
Regarding plans, Bian Weikang hesitated, “I'm still considering.”
Shi Chun made a thoughtful noise, “Earlier outside Graceful Cloud Pavilion, I heard you mention taking Lady Xiang back to Wukang Mountain. Did I hear incorrectly?”
Bian Weikang sighed, “I do want to take her back. But, as Brother Shi might have heard, I've been expelled from the sect. If I return, I’m unsure if they will accept me. I'm afraid it would be a wasted trip.”
Hearing this, Xiang Lan’er lowered her head in desolation.
Shi Chun gently placed his teacup down, and with seriousness, said, “Brother Bian, I must disagree. A man’s promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. If you promised to take Lady Xiang home, why would you go back on your word?
Forgive me, but if worries prevent you from trying, wouldn’t it undo Lady Xiang’s kindness and would it not invite ridicule from the world? Moreover, this is not a place for Lady Xiang to stay long. Though you've redeemed Lady Xiang, it cannot stop Lu Taizhen from coveting her beauty.
Against such power, can you ensure her absolute safety? A failure means losing both life and wealth, regret too late. Decisions must be made early.”
This rendered Bian Weikang momentarily off-balance, as the mention of Lu Taizhen made him uncomfortable.
Wu Jinliang was surprised, wondering why Shi Chun would go to such lengths, sensing ulterior motives.
“Are you willing to return with me to Wukang Mountain?” Bian Weikang took Xiang Lan’er's hand and asked.
Xiang Lan’er nodded softly, “I have no doubts, my heart is yours alone. Wherever you go, so shall I, unto death unrepentant.”
Moved, Bian Weikang was about to embrace her when Shi Chun abruptly cheered, startling him.
“Good!” Shi Chun clapped with enthusiasm, pounding his chest, “Such devotion! My intentions have not been in vain. Rest assured, my brother and I will escort you at all costs. If danger arises, we will be the first to face it.”
Wu Jinliang, filled with questions, wondered at Shi Chun's intent.
However, he sensed Shi Chun had a plan, despite his confusion.
“Agreed, I'll be the first to go!” Wu Jinliang shouted instinctively, still carrying his impulse to be first.
Bian Weikang released Xiang Lan’er to respond, “Brother Shi, I cannot trouble you.”
Shi Chun raised his hand to stop, “Brother Bian, no need to refuse. The more hands, the better. Moreover, you and Lady Xiang are in a special situation. Should things not go smoothly at Wukang Mountain, we’ll be there to support, and if needed, think of solutions together.”
He thought silently to himself, hoping he wouldn't have to mention lending them money.
If they absolutely refused his help in escorting, he might have to hint that by refusing, they risk leaving without repayment.
Xiang Lan’er quickly glanced at him, a brief sharp gleam in her gaze, then swiftly returned to her gentle demeanor.
Fortunately, Shi Chun's words reached Bian Weikang, who understood that rejoining Wukang Mountain might not be simple.
He respectfully nodded, “Since this is so, we shall trouble you then. If successful in returning to Wukang Mountain, I will repay your great kindness with due gratitude!”
After uttering, he paused, realizing how naturally “Senior Brother” came to him now.
Shi Chun smiled warmly, “To receive such gratitude would mean you've succeeded in returning to the sect, which is all I hope for.”
“May it be so,” Bian Weikang replied with a bitter smile, looking to the people around him, “When should we set off?”
Shi Chun offered, "The sooner the better, but..." he gestured to himself and Wu Jinliang, "We came here after a long journey from the Exile Lands without rest. We’d prefer to recover for a night before proceeding. How about tomorrow morning?"
Seeing that Xiang Lan’er had no objections, Bian Weikang agreed, "Alright, tomorrow morning."
With things settled, their visitors took their leave.
Back in their room, Wu Jinliang hurried to Shi Chun, speaking in hushed tones, “What’s the deal? You sounded so earnest. Don’t tell me you actually plan to take them to Wukang Mountain?”
Shi Chun replied quietly, “Xiang Lan’er is only worth a bit; a one-time deal isn't sustainable. Wukang Mountain is our true treasure trove. The place where Immobilization Talismans are refined. You remember how I dealt with that Immobilization Talisman?"
He pointed to his right eye, “By mingling into Wukang Mountain, we can find the chance. Once I decipher the refinement secrets, imagine the wealth we'll have once we can make our own Talismans. Helping Bian Weikang regain his position should earn us a substantial reward. More importantly, with his protection, we can stay in Wukang Mountain safely and achieve our goals."
Wu Jinliang's eyes lit up, as he excitedly caressed his sword, eager with anticipation.
A chuckle escaped his lips, followed by an afterthought, “Should we still sell that courtesan?”
“Of course, buyers are almost here.”
“But Spring... if you sell the courtesan, Bian Weikang won’t let you off, and it’ll ruin our chance to enter Wukang Mountain.”
“Fool, do you think I’d let him know?”
“But even if he doesn’t know, when he finds she’s gone, he’ll look for her frantically, and he won’t return to Wukang Mountain until he does.”
Shi Chun, seated comfortably, crossed his legs dismissively, “There’ll be a reason; she won’t disappear without explanation. It’s the top courtesan herself leaving. She’ll feel her past would hinder Wukang Mountain from accepting him, and for his future, she’d bravely leave. She’ll leave word with us, telling him to return to the sect, and they’ll meet again once he is reaccepted.”
Wu Jinliang blinked in confusion but ultimately chuckled lightly, “Big Boss knows best, let’s do it.”
He grinned, covering his mouth with his hand in a conspiratorial gesture, then paced the room with a grandeur befitting a burgeoning ambition.
(End of Chapter)