Lan Qiaoyan nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, that could be the case."
Listening from the side, Miao Yilan suddenly interjected, "What about the big guy and that top courtesan from Graceful Cloud Pavilion? Could it be the same for them?"
"Yes," Lan Qiaoyan recognized the hint, "it seems so. It’s unlikely to be a coincidence that the three outsiders were brought in as scapegoats. They ended up going to Wukang Mountain, which is like walking right into a trap. But, thinking about it, who wouldn’t be furious to have a brothel girl as the sect leader's daughter-in-law from Wukang Mountain? It's surprising they weren’t immediately dealt with. Those two youngsters are certainly audacious, but it's hard to find the right words for them.”
Miao Dingyi chuckled lightly, "You two mothers and daughters really care, don't you?"
"After all, we interacted quite a bit before," Lan Qiaoyan replied, pouring him some wine, "You know a lot of people. If possible, can you put in a word to maybe help them out?"
"If they were your son or son-in-law, then sure, I might have," Miao Dingyi jested, making one blush and the other roll her eyes, laughing at his own joke before calming down, picking up his chopsticks to eat while speaking softly, "Those who can make it to the betting odds are already in the capital and under supervision. Not easy to pull off and not worth the effort."
Hearing this, Lan Qiaoyan understood. The stakes of this conference were extremely high, drawing too much attention. Now that they were involved, getting them out was possible but would require large favors and become quite troublesome. He wasn’t joking about the son-in-law remark.
Having understood this, Lan Qiaoyan could only sigh softly, "That kid Shi Chun, always seemed promising. If he stops here, looking again at those in the Exile Lands, they might seem even less meaningful. Oh well." She changed her expression, pointing at a bowl of soup, "It's been simmered for a long time, try how it tastes."
"Not bad at all, very good."
"By the way, how many people, like Shi Chun, have received a thousand-fold compensation?"
"They say there are a few thousand, mostly those whose cultivation hasn't reached Advanced Martial Realm. The situation is probably similar, used just to make up the numbers, giving no hope of real prospects. Otherwise, why offer a thousand-fold compensation?"
As the couple chatted and laughed, Miao Yilan at the table seemed somewhat heavy-hearted.
Understanding this, the couple knew that it was because she had known Shi Chun for years, and to some extent, considered him a friend.
The couple wouldn't advise much. This was a lesson their daughter would have to go through sooner or later...
The capital was magnificent, like a masterpiece painting. Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang never imagined they'd one day stand here on the Immortal Mountain looking down at the capital.
One must know, under normal circumstances, only those working for the Heavenly Court could reside on the Immortal Mountain in the capital. Many of the mountain's pavilions were actually Heavenly Court offices, the royal court represented by the Heavenly Court here.
Having the chance to stay here, both felt it was already a rewarding trip.
However, the process of checking in was somewhat troublesome; they were searched meticulously, ensuring no communication devices or poisons were brought in to prevent any enemy trickery.
With strict isolation measures in place, leaving the mountain was impossible without permission.
Want to stroll through the capital? Not a chance.
Once the Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference ends, feel free to roam, but not a moment before.
"Shi Chun, will there ever be a time when we own one of those houses here?" Wu Jinliang, leaning on his large saber, asked suddenly.
Shi Chun calmly replied, "I’ve heard they're quite expensive."
Wu Jinliang lifted his saber pointing ahead, "With this saber in hand, why trouble over mere possessions?"
Shi Chun gave him a sideways glance, not pleased. It seemed that ever since breaking through to Advanced Martial Realm, he had grown more arrogant, even claiming he would protect Shi Chun.
Nearby, Xiang Lan’er curiously observed them. Judging from their recent comments, it seemed certain they were not from any organized faction.
"Hah, that big guy is quite amusing. Are these the three that Wukang Mountain recently brought in?"
A teasing voice came from behind.
The trio turned back to see a young man in white, exuding elegance with an impressive aura.
He was walking alongside Bian Weiying.
The young man’s surname was Bai, just like his clothing, known as Bai Zhuchuan, a disciple of the largest sect in Sheng Prefecture, Stone Cloud Mountain. The three men and one woman behind him were equally dressed in white and were reportedly in the top tier of the Advanced Martial Realm.
As soon as Wukang Mountain's people settled in, these individuals came looking for them. Bian Weiying seemed aware of their visit, simultaneously receiving them while nudging Shi Chun and the others outside to view the scenery. The conversation inside remained unknown.
Bai Zhuchuan's mocking words made Bian Weiying internally tense, worried Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang might suddenly lash out, given their track record. Yet, to her surprise, Wu Jinliang not only remained calm but also greeted them with a polite demeanor.
Shi Chun also smiled and nodded toward the ridiculing guests.
Bian Weiying was amazed; could these be the same explosive characters from Wukang Mountain? This made her realize they weren’t always imprudent but discerning their actions based on people.
Xiang Lan'er initially was puzzled, then gently smiled with understanding. She realized the two were cautious because Bai Zhuchuan’s side wasn’t restrained by undercover agents from the Demonic Path and could genuinely attack them.
Her slight smile caught Bai Zhuchuan’s attention, who confidently examined her with undisguised admiration, yet still maintained a refined demeanor, "Stone Cloud Mountain and Wukang Mountain are in this together. As Bian's woman, you're one of us. If you have any issues, just come to me."
Clearly, he knew of Xiang Lan'er's background.
Xiang Lan'er respectfully nodded, "Thank you Stone Cloud Mountain for the care."
With much to say, Bai Zhuchuan nodded before taking his leave, "See you around."
Bian Weiying followed to see him off, with Gan Tangyu accompanying her.
By now, Shi Chun and others understood that Gan Tangyu was the one sent by Wukang Mountain to protect Bian Weiying, allegedly the best fighter among their Advanced Martial Realm experts, as Xiang Lan'er had discreetly informed Shi Chun.
"Shi Chun, I'm so mad, but I can't beat him, what should I do?" Wu Jinliang finally revealed his frustration, his saber hand shaking in anger.
Shi Chun almost asked him where his earlier bravado had gone.
Knowing Wu Jinliang despised the term 'big guy,' he realized there was little he could do against Bai Zhuchuan. After all, there were five advanced cultivators.
Shi Chun gestured toward Xiang Lan'er.
Wu Jinliang immediately understood, his eyes brightening, recalling their role as Demonic Path infiltrators. He whispered to Xiang Lan'er, "Can’t your people intervene? We need them alive. I want to deliver his punishment personally."
Xiang Lan'er threw him a knowing look, indicating he should behave, as their mission there wasn't for personal vengeance.
Deflated, Wu Jinliang continued to stroke the blade beside him, hating his inability to act!
Returning from seeing their guests off, Bian Weiying addressed them.
The reason for the immediate visit from Stone Cloud Mountain’s people was to seek strategic collaboration, not manpower, as they saw Wukang Mountain's resources in talisman crafting. Bian Weiying had received advance notices from the sect about this, suggesting an appropriate level of support while keeping a safe distance to ensure their side avoided unnecessary entanglements in the conference.
"They came for what?" Shi Chun approached and inquired.
Bian Weiying explained, "They want us to join forces and support them in the competition. After it starts, we'll be teaming up with them."
Shi Chun frowned, "Weren't we advised to remain passive this time? Support is fine, but why team up? Our strength isn’t enough; in danger, they might use us as expendable scouts."
Such scenarios recalled his past in the Exile Lands, knowing they were inevitable, making him wary of this cooperation.
Bian Weiying calmly responded, "That's what the sect decided."
Indeed, the sect’s intentions aligned with Shi Chun’s understanding; benefiting from partnering with Sheng Prefecture's strongest group could yield impressive outcomes. More allies equate to greater strength, naturally advantageous for Bai Zhuchuan's group, resulting in a mutually favorable agreement.
Additionally, Elder Ke's other instruction was for Bian Weiying to dispose of Shi Chun, Wu Jinliang, and Xiang Lan'er once their utility ended, ensuring that they didn’t leave Wukang Mountain alive—a directive meant to safeguard personal interests.
Bian Weiying agreed verbally but had no intention to act on these orders.
Shi Chun’s brow remained furrowed. He trusted Bian Weiying’s explanation, noting the advance communications between the sects yet also realized the partnership's inherent risks for him and Wu Jinliang.
Even with Xiang Lan'er's position offering her greater protection, reality dictated she might fend them off, suspected by Bai Zhuchuan's unwelcome attention.
Knowing the sect's directive made arguing moot, Shi Chun resolved not to blindly follow orders, willing to take a separate path if needed to ensure Wu Jinliang’s and his own survival.