Chapter 1030 - 866: Team Formation_2

Chu Jingtang nodded excitedly. "It has re-recognized a master, I've already taken it out."

Shi Chun took the Boundless Banner and checked it, finding that the items inside had indeed been removed. He then turned to size up Chu Jingtang from head to toe, a bit curious, because he couldn't see where on Chu Jingtang's body that pearl was hidden. After all, it was about the size of a fist; if it were on him, it should be pretty easy to spot.

As for why he didn't suspect the other party had put it into a Qiankun Bag, that was because he'd tried it himself. He had once poured the Mixed Sea Pearl out of the Boundless Banner and tried to store it in a Qiankun Bag. The Qiankun Bag could take it in, yes, but its internal space simply couldn't withstand the immense pressure of the Mixed Sea Pearl—about to burst a hole and drill its way out—actually compressing the Qiankun Bag until it collapsed from within.

He went through two Qiankun Bags in a row like this, and did not dare to try again, nor did he dare to experiment with his own Qiankun Bracelet. He only had that one bracelet, and really couldn't afford to risk it.

In the end he discovered that only the Boundless Banner, which could suspend stored items in the void, could accept it, which was why he had always kept the thing inside the Boundless Banner.

Now he naturally couldn't help asking, "Where did you store it?"

Chu Jingtang immediately demonstrated. He stretched out a palm, and a ripple of light flowed from his sleeve, gathering in his hand into that Mixed Sea Pearl.

He also explained the reason himself. "You can't keep it in a Qiankun Bag; it can't bear this pressure. Unless you keep casting to link with it without interruption after putting it in, the Qiankun Bag will get crushed and collapse. Since that's the case, it's better to let it attach to my body. It's easier to stay linked, and I can use it at any time for self-defense."

It truly was a treasure suited to those who cultivate Water Manipulation Techniques. Shi Chun nodded. "Very good."

Chu Jingtang added with some regret, "I don't know if, given time, I'll be able to merge it into my body for storage. Only then would controlling it truly be like using my own arm. It's a pity I haven't cultivated the Bilan Sect's Cultivation Technique to completion, otherwise I'd definitely be able to do it."

Shi Chun said, "That Bilan Sect is nothing much—its glory is long gone. It's not some great sect anymore. Don't worry, once we've got our own footing, it shouldn't be hard. We'll talk about it later. Old Huang has gone out with us; you go back and meet up with Lao Changtai."

Chu Jingtang nodded. "Alright."

Huang Yingying had after all spent so long with them, with Chu and Lao taking turns serving as his protector, so the friendship was definitely there. He also took his leave. "Help me say hello to Grandma. I'll bring things back for you two later."

The fine things of the outside world that Chu and Lao constantly talked about—he remembered them.

With a few brief words, they parted ways.

After returning to the outside world's Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture, the Golden-haired Rat Clan's chieftain, Jinfu, was standing there leaning on a cane waiting for them.

With a single order from Shi Chun, the entire Golden-haired Rat Clan had already been relocated here.

"Chieftain." Huang Yingying hurriedly paid his respects.

Seeing that he was doing well, Jinfu was relieved, but didn't address him first. He stepped forward and respectfully greeted Shi Chun. "Master."

This form of address, Shi Chun realized, was something he couldn't shake off. For instance, it wouldn't be appropriate for Chu Jingtang to call him "my lord." He raised a hand in a gesture of support to Jinfu, and at the same time turned his head to ask Feng Chi, "Is the Golden-haired Rat Clan's settlement being arranged?"

Feng Chi looked back and pointed at a nearby hill. "Young Master Nan is personally handling it. He said he'll tailor a good residence for the Golden-haired Rat Clan according to their preferences. Young Master Nan said it won't cost anything—free of charge."

That hill had already been staked off by Shi Chun for the Golden-haired Rat Clan free of charge. Of course, by the rules, nothing could be free. Before a plot was sold, it was all Heavenly Court land, and anyone who wanted to occupy it had to pay the Heavenly Court.

Now this core tract of land, near the Commander Mansion, rich in Spiritual Energy with beautiful mountains and waters, was extremely pricey—though some people could afford it.

But Shi Chun wouldn't sell it; he directly marked it as a temporary-use zone. Good locations had to be kept for his own people. Since he had to give the Golden-haired Rat Clan a place to settle, there was nothing to be done—his favoritism was laid bare.

He planned that after returning from the Yanfu Continent, he would allocate a sum of money to the Golden-haired Rat Clan as their reward. At that time he would open up the land for sale and let the Golden-haired Rat Clan buy it themselves.

Jinfu nodded and bowed repeatedly. "Ah, Young Master Nan is truly too gracious. Our entire clan doesn't even know how to thank him."

Shi Chun didn't waste time on empty courtesies. He turned and went inside. "Come in, all of you. Let's discuss serious business."

There wasn't much else: he wanted the Golden-haired Rat Clan to pick out a group of capable and trustworthy people to form a team to accompany him into the Yanfu Continent for mining and excavation.

For the Golden-haired Rat Clan, this was naturally beyond question. Jinfu took it on the spot, then turned to take Huang Yingying to meet the clansmen.

Huang Yingying's wife, Bai Qiru—the one who liked to clench a smoking pipe between her teeth—had also come. When the couple met again, they were outwardly respectful like guests, but Huang Yingying's mindset had long since changed with his rise in strength. In private, he couldn't help but press Bai Qiru beneath him for a bout.

Bai Qiru was startled to realize that Huang Yingying's strength had become truly extraordinary, and she remembered what Grandma had said before she died…

The next day, just at daybreak, some ninety elite clansmen of the Golden-haired Rat Clan were already waiting outside the Commander Mansion, with Huang Yingying of course among them.

Jinfu and Bai Qiru stood to the side to see them off.

When Shi Chun came out, he was mounted on Qilin A San, with Wu Jinliang and Tong Mingshan following alongside; both were to accompany him to the Yanfu Continent.

That the two could go along was first because they were reliable; secondly, Wu Jinliang also knew an Earth Attribute Technique, and Tong Mingshan was strong in combat. Reliable and suitable, so of course they were going together.

An Wuzhi, Zhu Xiangxin, and the others had also come to see him off—Shi Chun had summoned them in advance and secretly given the two some instructions.

When Shi Chun was here, he could delegate authority to Feng Chi; but when he was not, he feared that Demon Path pressure might push Feng Chi into acting wantonly. So in the times when he and Wu Jinliang were both away, he needed someone who could, at critical moments, check the power in Feng Chi's hands.

Cui Cai of the Bo Wang Money House was also traveling with them, returning with Shi Chun to the Nanshan Royal City. Miao Dingyi had asked him to bring a message to Shi Chun, asking Shi Chun to meet with him, Miao Dingyi, once before heading to the Yanfu Continent.

The Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture already showed the budding shape of prosperity. If nothing else, that newly built Xun Gate in the city, leading directly to the Heavenly Capital, stood solemnly in the dawn light as proof.

The bustling crowds on both sides of the street were quickly driven aside by the escorting troops under Jiang Wushou, and were blocked off by two lines of Armored Soldiers.

Slightly swaying in the saddle, Shi Chun occasionally cast his gaze over the crowds on both sides. Ordinary folk who met his eyes did not dare look directly at him; especially the poor, who hurriedly bowed their heads respectfully.

The street fell instantly silent. Many eyes were fixed on Qilin A San, striding with chest out and head high, arrogant and proud. For most, this was the first time they had ever seen a mount like this.

A Commander was not often seen; his public appearances were few, and his mount was rarer still. In the eyes of the people, the Commander's mount was indeed awe-inspiring—fangs and claws bared, scales dark and lustrous, its sidelong glance at people brimming with contempt for all living things, very imposing.

Clang—armor rang as the group of Armored Soldiers guarding the Xun Gate straightened. Their armor clattered as they collectively saluted. "We pay our respects to the Commander!"

Their voices boomed as one.

Expressionless, Shi Chun raised his hand slightly, and under the gaze of the crowd, led his men and horses into the Xun Gate and vanished within…