Chapter 231: Asking for a Return

The calligraphy indeed possessed a majestic grandeur, like a towering mountain.

But this was not the most important detail. Everyone's gaze quickly fell upon the signature in the corner: "Wei Mo."

This indicated it was a calligraphy piece presented by Domain Lord Wei Mo to Mount Wukang.

The members of Mount Wukang were instantly revitalized.

In contrast, the Jiyun Mountain group's faces were filled with surprise and suspicion.

Domain Lord Wei Mo's past attitude towards Mount Wukang was, to some extent, widely known, at least among those present. What was the meaning of him suddenly sending this calligraphy at such a critical moment?

Given the content of the calligraphy, the recipient, and the timing of the gift, it was easy to deduce its meaning: Domain Lord Wei Mo was lending his support to Mount Wukang. This calligraphy piece served as Mount Wukang's protective talisman in Shengzhou.

Domain Lord Wei Mo was declaring, "Immovable as a mountain," in reference to Mount Wukang.

Who would dare challenge Mount Wukang now?

This not only provided backing for Mount Wukang but also seemed to offer a guarantee.

Although Jiyun Mountain had connections within the imperial court, they would never dare openly defy Wei Mo. Consequently, their expressions had turned quite grim.

Elder Wu Handong, in particular, who had just been so aggressive, declaring ultimatums of war or peace and granting three days for consideration, had not anticipated such a swift humiliation.

From now on, if Jiyun Mountain openly challenged Mount Wukang, it would be seen as a direct challenge to Wei Mo's authority in Shengzhou. Even clandestine actions would require careful consideration, as discovery would carry the same implications.

The Jiyun Mountain group was baffled, unable to comprehend why Wei Mo's attitude had abruptly shifted, or why he was suddenly supporting Mount Wukang.

Could the calligraphy be a forgery? They didn't believe it. To dare fake such a thing would truly be courting death for Mount Wukang.

Bai Shuchuan, whose face had been contorted with rage moments before, was also dumbfounded after seeing the signature on the calligraphy. He finally understood the source of Shi Chun's audacity and why the elder had restrained him earlier.

To have obtained a calligraphy from the Domain Lord—who knew what this fellow's standing was now? Was he merely running errands for the Domain Lord, or had he become one of the Domain Lord's inner circle?

Regardless, even if he was just an errand runner, they couldn't touch him now. If they broke the leg of someone working for the Domain Lord, did they imagine the Domain Lord would simply overlook it? More likely, whoever was responsible would be handed over.

The elder had been trying to save him earlier, preventing him from getting into trouble.

If he had indeed become one of the Domain Lord's people, would this fellow not seek trouble for him in the future?

If Shi Chun truly had become one of the Domain Lord's people, Bai Shuchuan felt a pang of envy and jealousy. He could only imagine that the Domain Lord's recruitment of this individual must be linked to his performance at the Heavenly Meteorite Convention; otherwise, how would the Domain Lord even know who this rogue was?

Judging by the other party's arrogant demeanor just now, it seemed highly plausible that he had indeed become one of the Domain Lord's people. The more Bai Shuchuan thought about it, the more uneasy he became.

Elder Wu Handong suddenly asked blandly, "Are you now serving under the Domain Lord?"

He wanted to probe Shi Chun's background, as Jiyun Mountain also had disciples serving in the Shengzhou Domain Office.

The more cautious Shi Chun was, the more he understood the implication of Wu Handong's words. There was no way he would reveal his position. Instead, he retorted, "Do I need to report to Jiyun Mountain as well?"

Having been rebuffed, there was no longer any point in staying. As Elder Wu Handong released Bai Shuchuan, he gave him a push, signaling it was time to leave, and then turned and departed himself.

The Jiyun Mountain group left with dark expressions. They had expected to humiliate Mount Wukang, but instead, they had brought humiliation upon themselves.

Once the outsiders were gone, the elders of Mount Wukang immediately gathered around the calligraphy. Elder Yi Huachun asked, "Shi Chun, is this calligraphy genuine?"

This individual was no stranger to impersonation; it was common knowledge that he had once pretended to be Mulan Qingqing's fiancé.

Shi Chun replied, "Elder Yi, I wouldn't openly fabricate something like this."

Elder Feng Youzhi sought clarification, "Is it truly meant for our Mount Wukang?"

It was indeed for Mount Wukang. When Shi Chun had sought assistance from Wei Mo, he had stated it was for Mount Wukang, not solely for Bian Weiying. Yet, at this moment, he deliberately emphasized to Bian Weiying in front of everyone, "It's for *you*."

At these words, the elders' expressions grew complex. Was the Domain Lord truly backing Bian Weiying? Why would this be? Was it connected to the individual standing before them?

Everyone knew that with Wei Mo bestowing this calligraphy upon Bian Weiying, from this day forward, regardless of any rumors, Bian Weiying's position within Mount Wukang was irrevocably established. Any with ill intentions would have to put them aside.

Naturally, gifting it to Bian Weiying also meant gifting it to Mount Wukang, thereby becoming Mount Wukang's protective talisman in Shengzhou.

Yin Huixin, whose face was typically devoid of expression, now broke into a smile, her features softening with contentment. She appraised Shi Chun from head to toe; though the young man wasn't fair-skinned, at that moment, he appeared entirely pleasing to her eyes.

She was well aware of the relationship between Shi Chun and her daughter, and thus, she believed she knew precisely for whom Shi Chun had undertaken this action.

As a lone daughter and a widowed mother, they had been beleaguered, tormented by bullying, and teetering on the brink. Now, suddenly, all their troubles had melted away, and they felt a profound sense of relief. How could she not be overjoyed?

Consequently, Bian Weiying's expression was also complex. As she looked at the person before her, recalling the intimate moments of that night, her heart was filled with a myriad of emotions.

Under everyone's gaze, Shi Chun handed the calligraphy to Bian Weiying. "Have it framed," he suggested, "or better yet, engrave it onto a plaque and hang it on the main gate to deter evildoers."

Bian Weiying hesitated, uncertain whether to accept this favor. She was torn by the undeniable link between this individual and the deaths of her father and brother. If she accepted this favor, what would that imply? Could she truly reconcile it? This left her deeply conflicted and distressed.

Yet, she had no alternative. To put it bluntly, if not for Shi Chun's timely arrival, Mount Wukang, after weighing the pros and cons, might have truly forced her, the sect leader, to marry Bai Shuchuan. As Elder Wu Handong had stated, that would have been the pragmatic choice, at least preserving most of Mount Wukang's interests.

Yin Huixin prompted, "Weiying."

Signaling her to accept it quickly.

There was no way she could refuse; the other elders were also eager for her to accept.

Taking a deep breath, Bian Weiying accepted it with both hands, but then turned and, with both hands, presented it to Elder Ke Yizong. "Elder Ke," she said, "I'll entrust the framing and plaque carving to you."

Elder Ke Yizong received it with both hands, laughing heartily. "Sect Leader, rest assured," he declared, "I will ensure a magnificent plaque is carved!"

As he spoke, he couldn't resist unrolling it once more to admire it.

The other male elders also gathered around for a closer look.

"Excellent calligraphy, truly excellent! The essence matches the words; it indeed possesses the grandeur of being 'immovable as a mountain'," Elder Yi Huachun exclaimed, stroking his beard in admiration.

Elder Feng Youzhi clicked his tongue in appreciation, "Immovable as a mountain, immovable as a mountain! It truly is a perfect fit for our Mount Wukang."

Cui Youfei nodded with a broad smile, "Excellent, excellent. Our Mount Wukang happens to specialize in refining immobility talismans, so 'immovable as a mountain' is perfectly fitting. It also carries the meaning of deterring scoundrels. The Domain Lord's action is truly remarkable, displaying profound wisdom and depth; it has considered every aspect."

"I'll go frame and engrave it, right away!" Elder Ke declared, happily departing with the calligraphy.

Everyone present felt both the exhilaration of good fortune and the joyful relief of surviving a crisis.

The other elders exchanged a few polite words with Shi Chun. This time, they didn't adopt their usual haughty demeanor, but they still couldn't uncover the full details of how Shi Chun had obtained the calligraphy.

Shi Chun didn't tell them, for no other reason than a lack of trust.

Finding no further insight, they dispersed.

Yin Huixin looked at her daughter, then at Shi Chun, and, understanding the situation, discreetly withdrew, leaving the two young people alone.

With no one else present, Bian Weiying asked, "How did the Domain Lord come to give you this calligraphy?"

Shi Chun replied simply, "It's nothing much. I came in first place previously, and the Domain Lord, acknowledging my contribution, asked what I desired. I hadn't decided then, so he granted me a promise."

Any fool could understand the implication: he had expended that valuable promise.

"You..." Bian Weiying became somewhat flustered, yet she knew she had no right to comment, as it would be ungrateful to complain after receiving such a benefit.

She, of course, understood the immense importance of a promise from Wei Mo, especially one that could be fulfilled. For most, such a promise could alter their destiny.

She was even more acutely aware that Shi Chun had been expelled from Mount Wukang and had no obligation to do this for the sect. Could it be any clearer for whom he had done it?

To say she wasn't touched at this moment would be a lie, but the deaths of her father and brother remained an insurmountable chasm, and she found herself utterly unable to voice her gratitude.

Shi Chun, however, cautioned her, "There are some things you should be clear about. Wei Mo's calligraphy, he can grant, and he can also revoke. I believe you need to redefine Mount Wukang's relationship with Wei Mo. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to pay him a visit and express your gratitude? Since the Royal Court isn't reliable, you cannot afford to displease both sides. Regarding your relationship with the Royal Court, I think you should seek Wei Mo's opinion. He is also a part of the Royal Court; aligning with him isn't betraying the Royal Court, as you are already under his jurisdiction."

Bian Weiying nodded slightly, then hesitated, expressing some concern: "When I succeeded as Sect Leader, the Royal Court sent representatives who explicitly requested my presence for an explanation. I'm concerned it might be inappropriate if I don't go."

Shi Chun responded, "If you go, be adaptable; there's nothing to worry about. Once in the royal capital, find Young Master Nan. I'll make arrangements with him to smooth things over and try to prevent anyone from causing you trouble. However, I still believe you should meet with Wei Mo first and hear his opinion. If he thinks you don't need to go to the Royal Court, then you don't go. The greater the decision he dares to make, the more influence his backing will naturally command within the Royal Court."

Bian Weiying's face showed no discernible reaction. After a period of silence, she suddenly said, "Jiyun Mountain also has contacts within the Domain Office. If they discover you hold no actual position under the Domain Lord, they will certainly not let you off after this!"

Shi Chun smiled. "I've already offended them long ago. They don't even want to spare Mount Wukang; do you expect them to spare me? They wouldn't let me off regardless of this incident. This will at most make them even more determined, so that slap wasn't for nothing. Don't worry, since I dared to do it, I'm not afraid of them."

This wasn't merely to comfort Bian Weiying. He was now involved with the demonic path, and as long as he could use Xiang Lan'er and her group as a shield, Jiyun Mountain was welcome to try and fight if they weren't afraid of trouble.

Bian Weiying, unable to express overt concern, merely said indifferently, "Take care of yourself."

Shi Chun hummed in acknowledgment and then asked, "I've helped to such a great extent; wouldn't it be fair to ask for some reciprocation?"

Bian Weiying immediately became alert, her first thought, surprisingly, turning to romantic intimacy. Given the unresolved suspicions surrounding her father's and brother's deaths, she couldn't possibly agree to such a thing. Nor could she agree if he asked for refining secrets. She promptly inquired, "What kind of reciprocation do you desire?"

Shi Chun replied, "Allow me to reside on the mountain for a while. I'll tell you once I've decided."

What flashed through his mind was the image of Bian Que performing the Immovability Spell. He had already deciphered the trick to that technique, and the necessary conditions were now ripe for him. This was, in fact, one of his primary reasons for coming here, merely awaiting the reappearance of the rare auroral phenomenon.