Chapter 1070 - 895: Cutting the Gordian Knot (Part 2)

As they hurried back to the area near the exit, they could still catch the faint fragrance lingering in the air. Wu Jinliang and Zhu Xiangxin were not unfamiliar with this scent.

Wu Jinliang was secretly pleased; smelling this scent meant that the large sum of money had likely been successfully transferred.

When the whole team passed through the glowing rift and returned to the large formation barrier outside, they found that the forces of the four families hadn't left. They were all blocking the inside of the formation, perhaps waiting to leave together.

The eyes of Wu Jinliang and his companions quickly focused on Shi Chun, who stood with hands behind his back in front of the small wooden house.

Seeing that most had returned safely, and noticing the pile of Qiankun Bags on Wu Jinliang, Shi Chun also breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at them in greeting.

"Master." Members of the Golden-haired Rat Clan stepped forward to salute, looking at Shi Chun with admiration in their eyes.

Shi Chun nodded, saying, "Good to see you all made it back alive. You've all worked hard; rest here for now."

Murong Wuai walked to the edge of the barrier and asked the Heavenly Court Guard General, "What do they mean by all blocking this path without leaving?"

The guard general replied, "Having activated the 'Gold Collection Order', and since they have already entered the Yanfu Continent, there's still more than two years to go. Though there might not be any merits, their efforts are worth recognition. They hope to take the rest of their time as a reward and wish to stay to continue mining Sandalwood Gold, waiting for responses from their respective Royal Courts. Mr. Murong, would you like us to notify them on your behalf as well?"

Murong Wuai knew that it was unlikely he'd be able to stay; he should be going back to give a detailed report. He looked back at his teammates who had followed him for more than half a year and, seeing the anticipation in their eyes, he nodded slightly and said, "Alright, since they are like this, there's no need for us to act superior, let's go with the flow."

At these words, a group of experts immediately excitedly rubbed their hands together with anticipation.

The guard general immediately turned and left to send the message.

Meanwhile, Shi Chun specifically called Wu Jinliang and Huang Yingying aside for a conversation.

After avoiding the others, Wu Jinliang immediately pointed to the Qiankun Bags on his person and eagerly questioned, "Chun Tian, revealing this money means we can't protect San. The Heavenly Court will definitely take him away. Why do this?"

Huang Yingying's heart sank as he listened; he could understand the cause-and-effect relationship. He had witnessed San's capabilities and was quietly regretful, but such matters were not for him to decide, not even to comment on.

Shi Chun calmly said, "At this point, do you really think that not exposing San's mining abilities would keep him safe? We have the status and position, so others won't easily dare to mess with us, but what about the Golden-haired Rat Clan? Do you believe the moment they step out, they'll be taken away for questioning under severe methods? A hard bone isn't enough to withstand that. Of course, they're not particularly accomplished, and there's not much promise for the future, not much real use. In terms of value, even combining them isn't as significant as San. We could kill them all to silence them and protect San. However, they've never betrayed us, and have followed us obediently for years, without complaint, they're our own. When Jinfu, the old clan leader, entrusted them to me, they were fine. I can't bring back a heap of corpses, can I? They are our brothers; I have a responsibility to ensure they all return safely."

Upon hearing these words, a sudden wave of emotion surged through Huang Yingying, leaving him utterly moved and shocked, eyes brimming with tears.

It was his destined upbringing, never having been genuinely regarded as a person, and even less his kin, regarded as worthless rats in others' eyes, devoid of dignity. Yet Master was willing to sacrifice San for their sake.

Someone genuinely regarded them as brothers!

A soft spot in his heart was suddenly touched, and he felt like crying.

"…" Wu Jinliang, seeing the Master speak with such feeling and righteousness, looked skeptical, but with Huang Yingying present, it was inappropriate to say anything.

Huang Yingying, with a tinge of sobbing in his voice, said, "Master, San can indeed be of great use. Shouldn't we think of another way? If there's anything I can do, I will do my utmost."

Shi Chun said, "Old Huang, San is one of us, and I won't give up on him lightly. Alright, you don't have to worry about this. A sly old man pretending to be moved for show? I don't buy it, get lost, go on, don't disturb our discussion."

Even as Shi Chun scolded him, Huang Yingying did not get angry. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and humbly backed away.

This scene made Wu Jinliang rather annoyed. Why did this old fellow act so respectfully before Chun Tian but was always so familiar and cheeky with him? It made him very uncomfortable.

Once people walked away, he spoke in a low voice, "Sacrificing San to win hearts, is it necessary?"

Shi Chun: "Not pushing San forward? Do you think the Heavenly Court only wants to investigate the Golden-haired Rat Clan? I quietly observed here for six months and found that the Heavenly Court and the Four Great Royal Courts were too indifferent, with even Miao Dingyi never showing up. I realized later that their indifferent stance was actually them watching coldly from the sidelines. Playing small tricks with them won't work; concealment is useless. Some things can't be hidden, even if we have identities in the Heavenly Court. As long as they have a shred of doubt, not only the Golden-haired Rat Clan but Sister Zhu, you, and I—none of us could escape severe interrogation, and it might even implicate Tong Mingshan and others.

And it could happen as soon as we leave this formation, and we might not have the same chance with this many people to go through the Two Realms Channel smoothly. To resolve this, we must give them a satisfactory explanation. Present them with what they want—the best strategy is to satisfy their demands. Only then will they have peace of mind. Offering San and admitting his abilities eliminate the need for them to interrogate us and the Golden-haired Rat Clan—we can decisively cut the entanglement.

Li Hongjiu brought back information that Old Huang single-handedly defeated four experts of the Heavenly Immortal Realm. From what I learned from the guard general here, the Heavenly Immortal Cultivators sent by the five families were not ordinary experts. Old Huang has only been cultivating the Demon Book for a little over a year. Having such an ally is better than extracting more money. Besides, the situation has reached this point."

These words left Wu Jinliang's expression extremely serious. He hadn't realized that their situation was this dire. He gradually understood Shi Chun's intent and why Shi Chun specifically called Huang Yingying over to say those words earlier, and he couldn't help but mutter, "All right, you end up being the good person. I'm just worried about what if San blabs…"

Shi Chun dismissively said, "Nothing to worry about. Again, it's straightforward—just go along with what they want. Whatever they need, give it to them. If they want to verify San's ability to find Sandalwood Gold veins, then let him help them find it. I never said we were entirely abandoning him. As long as San understands that his abilities aren't of much use to the Heavenly Court and the Four Great Royal Courts, as long as he complies accordingly, as long as in name he is still mine—as long as I hold my position, there's hope for reclaiming him. San wouldn't dare talk indiscriminately. He always believed that I am more formidable than the Heavenly Court or anything, and once explained, he will be sensible. Our priority is to first leave; if not under control, should there be any changes, everyone can escape smoothly."