Chapter 236: Need to Increase Payment

Feng Chi said, "Let him join the artifact-forging sect we designate, participate in the grand competition, and enter the Divine Fire Domain."

Xiang Lan'er looked skeptical. "He's going to the Divine Fire Domain for the grand competition? Has he secretly been cultivating fire-attribute techniques?"

Feng Chi replied, "It has nothing to do with whether or not he cultivates fire-attribute techniques. The main purpose is for him to go in and help our people win the championship. The Heavenly Rain Meteor Convention was similar, and he has already demonstrated his capabilities in that regard. The higher-ups value this greatly, which is why they want to use him."

Xiang Lan'er showed signs of opposition. "Sister Feng, you should know what going to the Divine Fire Domain entails, and you should also know what it means to have a fully developed cultivation realm. Not to mention that those with high-level martial cultivation will also participate, and the artifact-forging sects attending will mostly provide their crafted treasures to their disciples. The danger level far surpasses that of the Heavenly Rain Meteor Convention; it's too risky."

"Moreover, Shi Chun's involvement relates to the higher-ups' intentions concerning the Bowang Pavilion and Wukang Mountain. The Divine Fire Covenant is a matter for artifact forgers and has little to do with us. It's highly inappropriate and not worth the risk to send him. I don't approve of him going, and I will contact the higher-ups to explain this."

Feng Chi said, "No need to contact them. I've also raised these concerns, but it was useless. Let's put it this way: in the eyes of the higher-ups, the Divine Fire Covenant's importance this time surpasses that of Wukang Mountain and Bowang Pavilion."

Hearing this, Xiang Lan'er was very surprised. "More important than Bowang Pavilion? How is that possible?"

Feng Chi speculated, "I estimate the problem might lie with a treasure prize offered by a major artifact-forging sect. The higher-ups said this matter concerns the activation of the Demonic Altar. Not only our lineage, but also the Lianshan and Guizang lineages are very likely to send people. Therefore, we must win; every bit of increased odds is crucial."

Upon hearing that it concerned the activation of the Demonic Altar, Xiang Lan'er fell silent, knowing well that in the face of such a matter, all so-called interests must yield.

After a long pause, she said with difficulty, "This really has nothing to do with him. How could he agree to participate?"

Feng Chi stated, "The higher-ups said that no matter what method you use, if he likes you and you can resolve it, then make him like you. The higher-ups want me to convey the Saintly Venerable's intention to you in four words: 'At all costs!'"

Even Feng Chi couldn't help but sigh and shake her head after speaking.

With the words "at all costs" explicitly stated, Xiang Lan'er understood their meaning.

Consequently, Shi Chun, who was in secluded cultivation, was quickly awakened.

Shi Chun had probably heard of the Divine Fire Covenant. Previously, in the Land of Exile, he had only heard stories about it and never imagined he would one day be involved. Sending him to participate in such a thing? What a joke! That event was extremely dangerous.

Looking at Xiang Lan'er and Feng Chi, who stood expectantly before him, he asked with considerable doubt, "Why do I have to go?"

Xiang Lan'er explained, "They value the abilities you demonstrated at the Heavenly Rain Meteor Convention. This event is similar, and those with higher cultivation levels cannot enter."

Shi Chun, sitting cross-legged on the couch, was speechless. Was having ability a sin now? Did having ability mean he had to die?

He said solemnly, "The Demonic Path is full of talented individuals. My meager ability is nothing. Don't tease me. I'm not going. You should find someone more capable." He cupped his hands, pleading to be let off the hook.

He didn't need to take such risks now. The demonic flame within him was only about twenty percent refined, which was enough for him for another two years. It was precisely the time for him to focus on improving his cultivation.

He had just extricated himself from the talisman-forging business not long ago. To go back and get involved in artifact forging now would be almost insane.

Feng Chi said, "The higher-ups stated that if the mission succeeds, the sect that wins the Divine Fire Covenant will receive three treasures. We'll only take one; the rest will all be yours. Shi Chun, the treasures gathered by artifact-forging sects across the world, those offered as first-place rewards, none of them are simple!"

Shi Chun responded, "Sister Feng, you also know that the treasures from those artifact-forging sects aren't simple, right? Don't you think about what those sects do? They specialize in crafting magical artifacts! I've heard that some of them are willing to sacrifice their lives just to improve their forging abilities."

"When the Divine Fire Domain appears, it's an opportunity that comes only once every two or three hundred years. If they can get in, they'll stop at nothing, killing anyone who stands in their way. They'll definitely use every magical artifact they have. It's completely different from the Heavenly Rain Meteor Convention, where most sects hid until it was over. These artifact forgers are completely reckless."

"I've heard that some artifact forgers even throw themselves into furnaces, sacrificing themselves for the sake of an artifact. Competing with a group of madmen like that—who in the world has more magical artifacts than them? With all sorts of artifacts being hurled around, how am I supposed to defend myself? With my life? One life isn't enough!"

"Besides, even those with fully developed cultivation realms can participate. They are masters capable of harming people from a distance. Does it make sense for us to go there?"

In short, no matter how good the treasures are, one must be alive to enjoy them. Only a fool would get involved in something with no chance of success.

Xiang Lan'er suddenly walked slowly forward, sat down by the couch next to him, and reached out to touch the back of his hand, saying with a hint of sorrow, "Not even for me?"

Shi Chun winced, thinking, "Am I Bian Weikang now?" He cupped her soft hands in his, stroking the back of her hand as he said, "Lan'er, we haven't even started, and you're already asking me to die for you?"

He wanted to ask her to search her conscience and consider if this was appropriate. "You never did this to that fool Bian Weikang, did you? Do I look even dumber than Bian Weikang?"

Xiang Lan'er's eyes reddened, but inwardly, she felt quite awkward because of his words.

Feng Chi interjected, "Actually, it's not as exaggerated or dangerous as you think. Other sects will bring magical artifacts, and our people will also bring them. If others have masters with fully developed cultivation realms entering, we can also send more. As for the front-line fighting, we'll have our people for that. You just need to assist from the side, offering advice and providing as much help as you can. I will definitely negotiate this with the higher-ups on your behalf."

"Shi Chun, just do your best. And to take it one step further, if something truly unforeseen happens and you find it's impossible, just hide until the end."

While her words sounded more reasonable, Shi Chun still politely refused. "Although that's what you say, I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself when the time comes. Both of you, we know very well that the Demonic Path certainly doesn't lack one of me. If it can't even function without a mere me, then I see no future for the Demonic Path. You wouldn't be wrong to leave early."

Xiang Lan'er said, "Shi Chun, can you really not see my feelings for you?"

Shi Chun looked at her expression of affection, inwardly cursing her ancestors, but outwardly, he appeared moved. "Are you saying...?"

Xiang Lan'er said tenderly, "After this mission succeeds, we can be together."

Shi Chun awkwardly shook his head, then blurted out, "How can we be together if I'm dead?"

Xiang Lan'er was somewhat surprised inwardly. For her sake, he had been willing to waste one of Wei Mo's promises. Last time, he had acted without her saying a word. This time, despite all her pleas, he wouldn't budge. What did he mean by this?

After exhausting all their persuasive words and seeing him still procrastinating and making excuses, Feng Chi suddenly lost her patience. She directly admonished him, "If you're told to go, then go! What's there to be afraid of? This isn't like you at all. Go with confidence; I believe you can do it."

Shi Chun glanced at her sideways, thinking, "Is this old woman crazy? I don't even have confidence myself, so where does she get so much?" He simply shook his head and said, "No."

Seeing that he was unyielding, Feng Chi became exasperated and immediately threatened, "This might not be up to you. If you hadn't known about this, there would be no issue. But now that you do know, if you don't participate, the higher-ups will have no choice but to silence you!"

Shi Chun froze, then sneered repeatedly, "Cut the act. Let me be clear: I won't do anything without benefits. Threats are useless."

Feng Chi immediately said, "Didn't I tell you? You'll get two of the three treasures if the mission succeeds."

Shi Chun asked, "You're talking about after it succeeds. What if it doesn't? What if I return having failed?"

So that was the problem. Feng Chi and Xiang Lan'er exchanged glances.

Xiang Lan'er said, "Whether it succeeds or not, I promise to be with you."

"Like hell I'll be with you," Shi Chun muttered inwardly, then waved his hand. "Our relationship cannot be used as a bargaining chip!"

Feng Chi, curious, asked, "What benefits do you want then?"

"I'm not one of your people; I won't work for free!" Shi Chun said righteously. When there's a need, everyone's on the same side, all from the Demonic Path. But when there's no need, they're certainly not. He tapped the couch and continued, "This current house I'm in was earned from the Heavenly Rain Meteor Convention. Get me another large one nearby. Also, going to the Divine Fire Domain is more dangerous than the Heavenly Rain Meteor Convention, so I need more money!"

He held out his palm and wiggled his five fingers. "Give me another five hundred million! It needs to be in place before we depart, as soon as possible. Only when the money and house are ready will I agree. And after the mission is completed, the two promised treasures must not be withheld."

To be honest, if Wei Mo hadn't helped him raise his standards and broaden his horizons, he probably wouldn't have dared to demand such a high price right away.

Feng Chi asked, puzzled, "Why do you need so many houses and so much money?"

Shi Chun immediately pulled Xiang Lan'er's hand and asked, "Lan'er, do you think my life is worth this much?"

What could Xiang Lan'er say? She naturally nodded slightly.

"No," Feng Chi argued, waving her hand. "Isn't it excessive to make such exorbitant demands upfront?"

Shi Chun replied solemnly, "You say you'll protect me, but how can I believe that? Only by paying a hefty price will you take this seriously. Things that aren't valuable can be abandoned at any time. Even if you break your word afterward, at least I'll have received something. Shouldn't I get some compensation for my efforts upfront? I'm risking my life for this!"

Feng Chi pondered, "You're asking for too much. We can't make that decision ourselves; we'll have to report it and await a reply."

Xiang Lan'er knew very well that Feng Chi was just saying that. Since the higher-ups had said "at all costs," this money would likely be paid. For them, any problem that money could solve was minor.

Shi Chun then added a thoughtful reminder, "Let me be frank: only artifact forgers can participate in the Divine Fire Covenant. My reputation precedes me now; everyone knows what I do. If, later on, I'm not allowed to participate, I won't return the money or the house."

Feng Chi assured him, "Don't worry about that. Since we said we'd get you in, we will naturally resolve that issue."

For now, the matter was settled between them.

Turning around, Shi Chun went to knock on Wu Jinliang's door.

Wu Jinliang opened the door and asked, "What's wrong?"

Shi Chun tilted his head, motioning, "Let's go, let's take a stroll outside."

"A stroll? What's there to stroll about?" Wu Jinliang was a bit puzzled. It was the first time Shi Chun had disturbed him during his secluded cultivation.

Shi Chun said, "Chu Jingting and the others have been locked up for over half a year. I wonder how they're doing. Let's go see if they're willing to come out. They're all elite disciples from various sects; if they're willing, let's get them out. This matter will probably require help from your friends."

"Oh, right! Those eleven guys who were expelled from their sects were sent to prison by Chun. They're still locked up," Wu Jinliang remembered, chuckling. He raised a hand, signaling, "I almost forgot! Let's go, let's go see them."