Chapter 1071 - 896: A Good Ending This Way

After hearing the explanation, Wu Jinliang pondered while nodding slightly and couldn't help but mention, "The 'Beidou Refusal Array' has trapped Nanshan's forces for over half a year, I'm afraid it might raise suspicions and risk exposure."

Shi Chun dismissed the concern, "As long as we haven't stolen anything from the Heavenly Court or the Royal Court, given our current status, it's a minor issue. What does suspicion matter? Can Nanshan really come to the Heavenly Domain to interrogate us? Even if they recognize it's the 'Beidou Refusal Array', what of it? Just firmly claim ignorance: we don't know what array it is, insist that we seized it from a Qiankun Sect disciple 'Zhe Yuren'. At the time, we grabbed not just this item; another one was exposed when I was surrounded by Nanshan's group. Nanshan's people witnessed it, and what can they do to me after seeing it?

The rule of the Battle of Great Pardon is, life and death don't count, it's possession that matters. We've cleared it, and it's ours now.

Think about it, how could we possibly crack it and take the 'Beidou Refusal Array' from Phoenix Clan's Divine Mountain? Qiankun Sect is the world's top great sect for arrays; it's fitting to let them take the blame. Of course, common people don't have the right to demand explanation from us; they're not even allowed inside our official residence. If it really comes to needing explanation, we can explain later—claim it was seized during the Battle of Great Pardon, not knowing what array it is.

Jinliang, our status now is different from before, and not just anyone can say it's theirs and take it back forcefully—not even the Phoenix Clan. That was never Phoenix Clan's item. Besides, Phoenix Clan isn't aware of the array's specific form either. They can't just take something by spouting nonsense, can they? That's unreasonable. The item was seized during the Battle of Great Pardon, and if they dare to be presumptuous, I'll catch anyone who comes!"

Listening to this, Wu Jinliang felt relieved, showed a mischievous smile, and looked at Shi Chun with a hint of admiration, exclaiming, "Chun Tian, you seem different from before, somehow more..." He couldn't find the right words, but gestured above his head.

No need for compliments; Shi Chun has been guarding here for half a year, constantly contemplating how to face the worst-case scenario, so having a ready solution isn't surprising.

The situation could change any time, so Shi Chun didn't have time for idle chat; he used his toes to kick a stone towards the grounded San, hitting San's back, causing him to immediately look back. Shi Chun beckoned him over.

San lazily got up, walked step by step, leaning in front of Shi Chun, eyes seeking inquiry, wondering why he was summoned.

Shi Chun signaled him to lower his head, grabbed one of his horns, and whispered in his ear, "San, you being able to see the sandalwood gold veins can't be kept secret anymore. I might not be able to keep you here; the Heavenly Court or the Four Great Royal Courts might demand you for verification, and to uncover your secret, they might even employ severe interrogation. You must be mentally prepared..."

Eavesdropping, Wu Jinliang noticed that San's expression showed disdain for entities like the Heavenly Court, wondering if San was somewhat foolish, seemingly unafraid of the Heavenly Court but fearing Chun Tian instead.

The forces of several major factions lingered here for half a day before various messages gradually arrived.

Their dream of staying to mine sandalwood gold for three years was entirely shattered; both the Heavenly Court and the Four Great Royal Courts forbade further stay.

The reason was simple: Shi Chun's mount had visited.

The thought process of the Heavenly Court and the Four Great Royal Courts differs from those below. After all, those forces were entangled with Shi Chun's faction in Yanfu Continent for over half a year. People get intertwined over time, and enemy-friend relationships often become complicated, especially when faced with huge profits.

In summary, they're afraid someone might secretly collude with Shi Chun, afraid Shi Chun's mount has found many veins, and even afraid many sandalwood golds are hidden in Yanfu Continent, awaiting retrieval.

Though Yanfu Continent's environment is unique, fixed positions can be located in the short term.

Following this incident, Yanfu Continent won't open to outsiders again for several years until its environment refreshes.

Thus, everyone must evacuate according to the rules; the array gate opened for the five factions' cross-inspection.

Those cleared left but didn't hurry away; they stayed nearby to watch, not waiting for others, but for Shi Chun's group's inspection results, eager to know how much Shi Chun's team obtained.

Some began to make way for Shi Chun's group to leave first for inspection.

Unable to refuse such kindness, Shi Chun let the Golden-haired Rat Clan undergo examination first, staying behind to manage the aftermath.

The Golden-haired Rat Clan was quite clean, dirt poor.

So, their examination was speedy.

When inspecting Wu Jinliang, the process was lengthy due to counting thousands of billions in sandalwood gold, despite having a special magic artifact for counting.

A lot of money, a lot of sandalwood gold, poured out forming heaps, flame energy soared high, truly spectacular.

The final confirmation from the five parties was: five thousand nine hundred ninety-three billion plus.

Those present were astonished and moved; digging this much in half a year, what if they mined for three full years?

Having been briefed beforehand by Huang Yingying, the Golden-haired Rat Clan members kept their heads lowered in fear, avoiding any suspicious expressions, knowing clearly they'd mined far more.

Once the number was registered by the five parties, Wu Jinliang was permitted to store it back and take it away according to the rules.

Wu Jinliang, grinning widely, slung on twenty newly packed Qiankun Bags, didn't leave alone, and lingered nearby waiting for his partners.

When San was inspected, Shi Chun's previously worried scenario finally came true: San wasn't allowed to pass and was commanded to wait in a nearby Heavenly Court's dwelling.

Shi Chun promptly inquired, "What happened?"

Murong Wuai behind him also squeezed up front, craning his neck to see.

The Heavenly Court Guard General clarified: "Shi Chun, we're only following orders. The Heavenly Court will send people shortly, as will the Four Great Royal Courts. We don't know the specifics; just return and wait for notification."

Murong Wuai raised his hand and patted Shi Chun on the shoulder, "Ah, it's understandable, given the circumstances. Let's not ask more questions now, and avoid causing trouble. Just follow orders."

He was considered the leader sent from the Heavenly Court to oversee Yanfu Continent, so it was time for him to speak up.

Shi Chun nodded silently and said to San, "San, carry out the orders."

So San went off with his head held high, still embodying the demeanor of a noble, and found a good spot in a nearby building, ignoring the guards watching him, curling up to take a nap...

Bowan Building Central in Nanshan Royal City.

Dressed cleanly and neatly, Hu Cong, with his manners as orderly and disciplined as always, knocked and entered the top floor, only to find a troubled Miao Dingyi pacing by the window.

Being a close aide, Hu Cong walked over unhurriedly, reporting in a neutral, measured voice, "Sir, Shi Chun and the others have already come out of Yanfu Continent."

Miao Dingyi abruptly stopped and turned around, asking urgently, "How is the situation?"

Hu Cong replied calmly, "The known general situation is that the group from Nanshan went missing for over half a year inside, suddenly surfaced and were targeted by various parties. The parties followed clues to the place where Wu Jinliang was surrounded by the Nanshan forces. Wu Jinliang, upon seeing the Heavenly Court forces appear, like finding rain after a long drought, publicly shouted out the secret that Shi Chun's steed could locate a sandalwood gold vein, which allowed his escape. The exposure of the secret ended the entanglements of several families, Murong Wuai rescued all of Shi Chun's troops and took them back to the exit. After clearing checks, everyone left the venue, except Shi Chun's steed was detained, while the others were let go, Shi Chun took out over five hundred ninety-three billion sandalwood gold. That is the general situation, specific details are temporarily unknown."

The troops Murong Wuai led into Yanfu Continent were originally assembled from here, which means there were their people in the team, but unfortunately, no communication was possible through the barriers at the entrance and exit of Yanfu Continent.

It wasn't until they exited the barrier that their people sent a message back.

Upon hearing this, Miao Dingyi felt relieved, nodding repeatedly, "Good, very good, very good indeed, such closure is excellent!"

The burden on his chest was finally lifted.

Previously, his people were supposed to lead the team into Yanfu Continent, but at the last moment, they were stopped, replaced by others to lead, although the reason was that other families sent skilled fighters, the Heavenly Court had to send capable ones too. However, he was very clear that the Heavenly Court ultimately suspected him of knowing about Shi Chun's steed and intentionally not reporting it, suspected him of ulterior motives.

Such matters, once suspected, could be very troublesome.

The way things ended now, although greatly exceeding his expectations, was the best outcome to clear him from suspicion.

While others might see it as an unexpected outcome forced to happen, he as someone in the know was fully aware it was likely orchestrated by Shi Chun, because the possibility of Wu Jinliang making such a major decision on his own was low, he had heard Lan Qiaoyan mention these two's behavior multiple times.

He felt very gratified, grateful that he didn't misjudge the person, Shi Chun could indeed be greatly useful!

Hu Cong stated matter-of-factly, "They should be coming from Nanshan Royal City shortly, should we send someone to invite Shi Chun over?"

With a smile finally appearing on his face, Miao Dingyi waved slightly, "No need, he's a wise man, he will come over himself."

As he said, Shi Chun, upon arriving in Nanshan Royal City, did not return directly to the Heavenly Domain but came here uninvited.

This time, Hu Cong personally welcomed and led the way at the door.

After bringing him to the top floor, Hu Cong consciously withdrew, leaving space for the two.

After some pleasantries, Shi Chun inevitably asked the question in his mind, "Mr. Miao, why did this matter leak?"

Miao Dingyi asked back, "Was the leak not from your side?"

Shi Chun replied, "This matter, apart from myself, my steed San, and Wu Jinliang, no one else knows. Wu Jinliang is sure he hasn't leaked a word to anyone, and the steed San is very arrogant, disdains talking about this with anyone, I'm certain there's no leak from my side."

Miao Dingyi paced and said, "Then it's strange, apart from me only Hu Cong knows here, you can trust Hu Cong. Not to mention, before the news broke out, I hadn't informed Hu Cong either, Hu Cong only learned afterward when he was sent to lead the Heavenly Court team into Yanfu Continent to find you."

Shi Chun expressed surprise, "Hu Cong was going to lead? Didn't go?"

Miao Dingyi: "Originally because I was familiar with you, I was to organize the team to cooperate, later intercepted by the Heavenly Court, reasoning that other families sent experts, so the Heavenly Court needed to send fighters too, Hu Cong can indeed fight as well."

Shi Chun finally confirmed why he didn't see Miao Dingyi's people at the entrance and exit of Yanfu Continent for over half a year, and suspiciously said, "The Heavenly Court suspected you of being informed?"

Miao Dingyi nodded, "Could there be any other reason? You brought over five hundred billion, it's excellent closure this way."

Shi Chun fell into contemplation again, muttering, "Strange, then why did the news leak?"

Miao Dingyi, with hands behind his back, said, "Indeed, this leak feels peculiar and doesn't make sense on many fronts. Logically, those who've mastered this secret would use it for some advantage and shouldn't leak it easily, too unreasonable. If we can't figure it out, let's set it aside first and sort out what happened inside Yanfu Continent, check for any omissions."

Effectively wanting to know the specifics of the event.

Shi Chun immediately explained the relevant situation, saying what could be said, those he didn't want to, he kept hidden without any hesitation.