"A grand meeting?" Xiang Lan'er naturally had to ask, "What kind of meeting?"
Feng Chi responded seriously, "It's because Shengshen Continent has long planned to build another batch of 'Xun Gates.' They've been preparing for years and are almost ready. However, the location for construction has become something each region within the domain is actively vying for. Everyone hopes to have more of these gates in their own territory."
Xiang Lan'er understood this, as Xun Gates are pathways through the void.
More gates within a territory mean more convenience for travel, so it's normal for regions within Shengshen Continent to compete for them.
"The fairest way would be to equally distribute them, but the problem is, after dividing the total number among the regions, there are still several tens of Xun Gates that can't be evenly divided. Deciding who gets these remaining gates has become a problem. Coincidentally, the materials needed to craft the Xun Gates are still missing some 'Insect Essence Crystals.'
After negotiations, it was decided to make this an event, setting up an examination hall where people from different regions could come and explore. The allocation of the remaining Xun Gates would depend on the contribution of crystals from each region.
Specific details aren't finalized yet, but word is that Wukang Mountain has the advantage of talisman crafting and is a great help in this competition, so participation is unavoidable. They've decided to include you and a few others on the participant list."
Xiang Lan'er was skeptical, "How could Wukang Mountain possibly let us represent them in such an event?"
Feng Chi said, "I'm not sure about that. If those above dare to make such a decision, they must have a way to handle it. Your issue with your status at Wukang Mountain will eventually be resolved. They've decided to use the meeting to expedite the process. Once you return triumphant, everything will fall into place. On the other hand, moving Shi Chun and another to a different environment suddenly gives you a long-term opportunity to interact closely, helpful for distinguishing and aligning."
Xiang Lan'er asked, "Will the two of them agree?"
Feng Chi replied, "I have my doubts as well. The response was that it's not for you to worry about; they will handle it. They just wanted to inform you in advance so you can prepare. Once things are finalized, you'll be notified."
Alright, since that's the case, Xiang Lan'er had nothing more to say and changed into fresh clothes before heading out...
After spending several days in confinement, Shi Chun and another were released again, this time receiving special treatment.
When they were returned to the Punishment Hall, Elder Xia assigned someone to watch over them.
Pang Tiansheng, much like Wu Jinliang, was not well-recovered.
Pang Tiansheng was wiser this time, accepting them without a word and directly handing Shi Chun and another over to Zou Xingbao and Duan You for arrangement.
On the surface, it appeared so, but he had already instructed Zou and Duan on how to arrange it.
Again, two buckets were placed in Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang's hands, with Zou and Duan accompanying them to guide.
Watching them leave, Pang Tiansheng turned around with a twisted smile.
True, he couldn't defeat those two scoundrels, but there were others who could.
Sister Bian Weiying had a known vendetta against them, and her intention was clear when she specifically assigned the two to fetch water for her residence.
On their way down the mountain, Zou and Duan accompanied every step of Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang as they brought water from the source back to Wukang Mountain, afraid they would run away again.
Last time, their negligence got them severely punished, and their punishment time extended by a year.
After bringing the water to the designated place, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang noticed a new destination, and both were told to take the water to the same courtyard.
Pouring the water into the vat, a disciple of Wukang Mountain handed over two silver tokens to them.
Leaving the courtyard, Zou and Duan asked if they remembered the route to the new place.
Once confirmed, their task was complete.
They instructed Shi Chun to repeat the task before leaving, as they couldn't accompany them every trip.
After the two parties separated, Zou Xingbao muttered, "That's Bian Weiying's courtyard, the fatso is up to no good."
Duan You replied, "It's none of our business. We can't change anything. The best way is to act as if we know nothing."
Zou Xingbao shook his head, seemingly predicting the miserable outcome awaiting the two.
The pair, fetching water downhill, were unaware of the plot behind it.
Although they hadn't entirely turned over a new leaf, they weren't planning any mischief for the time being.
Having beaten Pang Tiansheng into submission, their goal had been accomplished.
They didn't want to stir up trouble unnecessarily, as no one relishes getting beaten often.
So, they dutifully fetched water, sprinting to save time.
Straining as they climbed back up the mountain to the destination, they poured water into the vat and were surprised to receive silver tokens from a beauty.
This beauty was familiar to them: Bian Weiying, the Lord of the City.
“Don’t you know this is my residence?” Bian Weiying asked with a teasing smile, her amusement evident in her expression.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang immediately turned sullen, realizing the fat Pang had set them up once more.
They decided to deal with Pang's account later.
The current situation felt ominous, and instinctively they scanned their surroundings, suspecting Bian Weiying of plotting revenge.
Bian Weiying jingled the silver tokens in her hand, asking, "Intrigued?"
Shi Chun tried reaching for them, but Bian Weiying pulled them back, clearly teasing him.
Shi Chun, feeling fed up, turned to Wu Jinliang and said, "Let's go."
As they were about to leave, Bian Weiying suddenly said, "I know what brought you to Wukang Mountain."
The two halted briefly, but continued walking.
This small action confirmed Bian Weiying’s suspicions, which seemed to please her as she continued speaking, "That night, when you killed Wei Bian in front of me, I knew you weren't here for Xiang Lan'er. I'm a woman, yet often engaged in men's matters...
A person just out from the Exile Lands suddenly falls for a brothel girl despite knowing she has a man, follows her to Wukang Mountain just to win her favor. Okay, while it’s possible and I believe in love at first sight. However, on that fateful night, you went ahead and killed Wei Bian in front of me.
When one is genuinely in love and has their beloved near, they don’t act so recklessly. Therefore, you don’t truly like her; your coming to Wukang Mountain has another purpose. Those daring to target Wukang Mountain usually aim for one thing: the secret to crafting the Immobilization Talisman.
The more convoluted the path, the higher the possibility. Were you two aiming for the secret to crafting the talisman?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat, realizing they had been seen through.
Seeing they were petrified, Bian Weiying’s smile broadened, as bringing them here was just to say these words.
Initially, she doubted her judgment because these two really were reckless individuals.
The murder of Wei Bian might have been a momentary impulse, but now it seemed her guess was accurate.
Bian Weiying calmly walked to face them, with a soft laugh toward Shi Chun, "I don't intend to expose you; I'm just curious. How do you plan on getting the crafting secret of the Immobilization Talisman from Wukang Mountain? They make a fortune and have strong backing; most profits are handed over to the Eastern Victory Royal Court.
Many big forces covet the crafting secret of Wukang Mountain’s Immobilization Talisman, but none dare to make a direct move. Even secretly, if discovered, no matter how formidable their backing is, a single message could see the Royal Court's experts descend instantly. I've witnessed the horrific massacres in person before."
"My great-grandfather once served under the King’s banner and was rewarded with the crafting secret of the Immobilization Talisman. As long as the Bian family remains without great fault, Wukang Mountain belongs to Bian in the King’s eyes. Moreover, even if outsiders obtain the crafting secret, it's useless once they leave Wukang Mountain. The secret isn’t easy to grasp. Not even I know the true essence. Currently, only my grandfather and father are aware. Certainly, if I master the true essence of the Immobilization Talisman, I'd be eligible to lead Wukang Mountain too.”
The abrupt disclosure overwhelmed Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, taking them a moment to process.
After pondering, Shi Chun seemed to understand her implication: if he could obtain the true crafting secret, they could form a partnership—benefiting both.
As realization hit, Wu Jinliang too understood.
Noting their comprehension, Bian Weiying suddenly said startlingly, “It’s futile to pursue Xiang Lan'er for what you want. Maybe I'm not as charming as Xiang Lan'er, but I’m not bad either. If I declare we've crossed the line, wouldn't I also stay at Wukang Mountain?”
“…” Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were dumbfounded.
Considering pursuing her, in retrospect, was indeed more advantageous than pursuing Xiang Lan'er.
Surprised by this twist, Shi Chun, pondering how to navigate the situation, heard Wu Jinliang suddenly propose, “Instead of him changing unexpectedly, how about I pursue you?”
Bian Weiying rolled her eyes, ignoring the big guy she had zero interest in.
She initially wanted a sham with Shi Chun as it wouldn’t cause sibling conflict between herself and Bian Weikang.
Not being foolish, she wanted a superficial relationship with Shi Chun.
However, this big guy really intended to pursue her genuinely.
Shi Chun felt speechless, unsure of how to address Wu Jinliang's blunder.
The conditions mentioned clearly depended on proving their eligibility for collaboration.
Wu Jinliang, feeling equally baffled, internally protested, wondering why she rolled her eyes, questioning if he wasn't more visually appealing and substantial than his companion, exuding masculine allure.
Mastering complexity, Shi Chun deferred, “Bian's words are profound and deserve our thought. Let’s focus on our water fetching task for now.” Needing time to figure things out, he hesitated revealing secrets tied to his right eye.
Bian Weiying observed with a subtle smile; she wasn't in a hurry.
Her directness left them with little choice; pulling out a handful of silver tokens, she handed them to Wu Jinliang, casually remarking, "Take them; I’m off for a nap."
Instead of carefully doling out token by token, her gesture signified leniency, allowing shortcuts—revealing her goodwill plainly.