Chapter 239: Willing to Follow Henceforth

Shichun pondered for a moment, then suddenly turned and said to him, "Keep this matter a secret for me for now."

Young Master Nan, who had been tugging at a corner of his mustache, immediately let go and poured him some wine. "Don't worry. Tell me as soon as you've made a decision, and I'll help you resolve it as quickly as possible, without any delay."

The Forget-Immortal Tower was a wonderful place, truly capable of making one forget about achieving immortality. There was no need to stay sober tonight; simply revel in the pleasures of the establishment.

The only pity was for Zhu Xiangxin; as a woman, she couldn't fully enjoy herself here. However, witnessing such extravagance was certainly an eye-opener for her.

Of course, what truly astonished her were the numerous wealthy and powerful individuals present. Although they might not remember her later, everyone raised their glasses to them tonight, as the banquet was ostensibly held to welcome them.

The night felt like a dream, especially for those who had just spent over half a year imprisoned. The experience was particularly profound...

They did not return home that night.

The next morning, Feng Chi, who had gathered intelligence, reported on the situation at the Forget-Immortal Tower the previous night. It was described as an absolute splurge of money.

Upon hearing that Wu Jinliang had spent millions of gold on courtesans, Xiang Lan'er's face turned green. How much had she paid for her freedom back then? Had these people gone mad?

She couldn't help but sneer repeatedly, "How generous! Spending the money we gave them to show off."

Feng Chi added, "Shichun didn't engage any women last night."

Xiang Lan'er pursed her lips. "Whether he did or not, it's none of our business."

It wasn't until the afternoon that Shichun and his group returned in several carriages. Chu Jing-tang and the others were naturally brought along. As they traveled, they pulled back the curtains and personally witnessed their carriages passing through a protective formation.

To live in a place protected by a defensive formation—one should know that even most sects didn't have such protection.

Of course, after last night's experience, they were no longer surprised by Shichun and Wu Jinliang's extravagance.

Reportedly, the bill for the Forget-Immortal Tower amounted to over ten million gold, leaving them speechless throughout the journey.

Not only them, but even Wu Jinliang's friends were secretly amazed by the extravagance of the previous night, which indeed earned Wu Jinliang a great deal of respect.

The carriages stopped outside a beautiful courtyard with picturesque mountains and clear waters. Inside, pavilions and towers were artfully arranged, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship—clearly the hallmarks of a prestigious mansion.

Everyone disembarked and looked around. Shichun led them inside, pointing to the houses as they walked. "I bought this for you yesterday. You'll live here from now on. Pick whichever room you want, discuss it among yourselves; I won't interfere."

The eleven individuals exchanged glances. Just bought? Bought for us to live in?

A large estate in a quiet area of the capital, protected by a defensive formation—one could imagine it cost an astronomical sum.

Fortunately, with last night's display, they were somewhat prepared, though they were still deeply impressed.

Upon entering the main hall, Shichun immediately pulled out money again, handing each person a bank note. "The house was just bought, and many things haven't been furnished yet. I don't know your preferences, so once you've chosen your rooms, buy whatever furnishings you'd like to add yourselves."

Those who received the bank notes looked down at the amount: redeemable for one million gold. All were astonished, some even gasped. Was this directly given to them?

In their sects, disciples of their level typically received only about a thousand coins in monthly stipends and some cultivation resources. This was already considered generous because their sects were relatively powerful. Many sects only provided a few hundred gold, and some didn't even issue stipends at all.

Of course, as their strength within the sect increased, their benefits would also improve.

Receiving a million gold at once was quite impactful. Even with last night's extravagance, nothing felt as substantial as this direct handout.

Wu Jinliang's chuckling nearby startled them awake.

"This isn't right, this isn't right..." someone quickly demurred.

Then others also hurried to return the notes.

"Enough," Shichun said, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't be so prim and proper with me; you're not outsiders. You followed me in the Western Extremes and honored me as 'Big Boss.' Now, because of me, you're no longer tolerated by your sects, and I can't just stand by and do nothing.

Don't forget, even though the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly is over, we haven't spoken of parting ways, so we're still a team.

The rewards I gained from the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly include a share for you. Take it; you've earned it.

Stop with the pleasantries, and don't yearn for those broken sects of yours. They were heartless and ungrateful; what good were they? Don't cling to what you've lost.

As I said, we haven't disbanded, and I'm still your 'Big Boss.' What I have, you will not lack. Let's forge our own path and make something of ourselves, striving to make those sects regret ever kicking us out. That's the conduct of a true man!"

These words deeply moved some and touched others. Looking at the large bank notes in their hands, they felt a mix of emotions. They had thought they had lost everything, but unexpectedly, upon leaving prison, they received a share of wealth.

They also clearly understood that this was just an excuse for Shichun to give them money to alleviate their current predicament; the rewards from the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly absolutely did not need to be shared with them.

Wu Jinliang, still chuckling nearby, suddenly blurted out, "Once a Big Boss, always a Big Boss!"

After the eleven exchanged glances, Chu Jing-tang, whose goatee had been neatly trimmed, took the lead in cupping his hands and bowing, saying, "Thank you, Big Boss."

Then the others also cupped their hands and bowed in unison, saying, "Thank you, Big Boss."

With these words spoken and this bow given, their hearts finally settled.

When they were first expelled from their sects, they truly felt lost about their future. Now, they had a direction, and their hearts were at ease.

Of course, if Shichun were a penniless nobody without power, they certainly wouldn't have bowed like this. However, their experiences since leaving prison, which they witnessed firsthand, showed he possessed both wealth and influence. By any measure, this was far more enjoyable than their previous lives in their sects.

Moreover, they had personally experienced the Big Boss's capabilities, and they had witnessed his strength in directly defeating Mu Lanqingqing.

Therefore, this bow was given wholeheartedly; they were convinced and willing to follow him from now on!

Wu Jinliang chuckled again.

"Alright, you all go set up your own nests first. If you need anything, buy it immediately. I live next door, in the house behind the mountain on the side. You can find me anytime if you need something. Jinliang, they're not familiar with this place, so have Duan Xiangmei come over and explain things to them."

Shichun said as he turned and walked away.

"Alrighty!" Wu Jinliang, carrying his large gourd, happily followed.

The group followed them out, standing at the main gate and watching the two cross the mountain. Afterward, looking at the money in their hands, many sighed with emotion.

Someone looked up at the sky and exhaled, their mind and body finally feeling relieved.

As Shichun and Wu Jinliang crossed the mountains, they met Xiang Lan'er and Feng Chi, who had come upon hearing the news, at the mountaintop. Duan Xiangmei also trotted along behind them.

Conveniently, Wu Jinliang directly called Duan Xiangmei over to go to the mansion and answer questions for the new residents.

Watching Duan Xiangmei swiftly descend the mountain, and then looking at the figures in the mansion, Xiang Lan'er asked, "What's the meaning of bringing them here?"

Shichun knew that his overt actions couldn't be hidden from these demonic cult members, so he casually explained, "Such a large house, it's empty anyway, so I let them live there."

Xiang Lan'er: "Do you know why they were imprisoned?"

Shichun: "Yes, they attempted to assassinate me, and were caught."

Xiang Lan'er asked, surprised and suspicious, "Then why bring them so close to you? Do you think letting them have a good time will make things disappear? You caused them to be expelled from their sects; they must want to kill you, don't you know that?"

Wu Jinliang's mouth stretched into a wide grin.

There was no way to discuss this with her. People's understanding of things differed, as did their methods of solving problems. Shichun didn't want to get into it with her, so he simply brushed her off with, "I know what I'm doing."

He then changed the subject, saying, "Regarding the Divine Fire Domain matter, was your true purpose in sending me there just for me to assist and offer advice?"

At his words, the two women quickly scanned their surroundings.

After confirming again that no one was around, Xiang Lan'er said, "Don't worry, we weren't fooling you. Your goal is to assist us by providing your insights and methods promptly. There's no need for you to rush into battle and fight."

Shichun mused, "If that's the case, I've thought about it, and I think the plan for ten days from now should be reconsidered."

The two women immediately bristled upon hearing this.

"What do you mean?" Xiang Lan'er asked with a grave expression.

Feng Chi, meanwhile, sternly warned, "You've already taken the money. Now saying you've changed your mind—that's no laughing matter. You can't afford to play games!"

Shichun rolled his eyes. "You asked me to provide insights, and I'm doing my job right now, so what's the rush? My point is that the main objective of the plan remains the same, but the methods need to change. I think your approach isn't good, and I want to tell you my method."

Feng Chi's mood changed faster than turning a page; she immediately looked hopeful and said, "Then tell us."

Shichun: "Don't bother with 'accidental encounters' or joining sects in Julu Continent. I'll just create an artifact-refining sect directly here, and we can go participate in the Divine Fire Covenant. There's no need to take such a roundabout path."

What on earth? The two women's expressions froze simultaneously.

Feng Chi: "Are you joking? If everyone could just create a temporary sect and infiltrate the Divine Fire Domain like you, what would happen? Wouldn't the Divine Fire Covenant become a mere scrap of paper?

Access to and from the Divine Fire Domain is controlled by those artifact-refining sects; they guard it as if it were their lifeblood.

Getting them to agree to let a newly established sect in isn't just a matter for Sheng Shen Continent; it involves all the artifact-refining sects across the four continents. There are too many aspects involved. Not only is it troublesome to smooth over all those connections, but going through too many channels could easily expose our tracks.

Furthermore, if a new sect is allowed in as an exception, do you know how much attention that would attract? With your reputation, entering in such a way would be too conspicuous and would inevitably lead to careful scrutiny from all relevant parties regarding every step of your new sect's entry. We cannot bear that risk.

Your proposed method is simply unfeasible. I don't even need to consult anyone to know that we can't do it."

Even the demonic cult can't do it? Is it really that complex and difficult? Shichun was somewhat confused by Young Master Nan, looking utterly bewildered. He wondered why Young Master Nan had spoken so casually, claiming he could arrange it in three days, and had been so proactive.

Logically, with Young Master Nan's knowledge, he should have known whether it was easy or difficult to arrange. If it were difficult, he shouldn't have been so proactive.

He immediately tried asking, "If Young Master Nan is willing to help, can he solve it?"