Chapter 39: Persuading to Return

The Wuyou Inn was, by its nature, an inn, and it wasn't fully booked. Rooms were readily available for anyone willing to pay.

The environment was pleasant, though the prices were not cheap. Ordinarily, Big Stone would be reluctant to spend such an amount, but this time, he splurged without hesitation, not finding it expensive at all, in fact, almost wishing it were pricier. In short, he paid with remarkable readiness.

Shi Chun selected a secluded room in a corner.

He inspected the room, then asked Wu Jinliang for that book, placing it on the desk. It looked suspiciously like an animal marking its territory.

He then sent Big Stone to wait by the inn's entrance, instructing him to notify him immediately if Cen Futong arrived.

Having other matters to attend to, he left his room and, with practiced ease, made his way to Bian Weikang's door, where he knocked.

It was Bian Weikang who opened the door, his head wrapped in a white cloth to dress a wound, giving him the appearance of someone in mourning.

Seeing the neatly dressed Shi Chun standing outside, he paused, almost not recognizing him. Thankfully, Shi Chun's dark complexion was distinctive, and Wu Jinliang's tall figure also emerged from behind. Bian Weikang immediately exclaimed, "Brother Shi... what brings you here? Please, both of you, come right in!"

Shi Chun, unhurried, explained politely, "I've just met up with a friend who also happens to be staying here. I merely came to greet Brother Bian. My room is in the farthest corner on the left side of the inn." He then glanced into the room, asking, "Is this a good time? I hope I'm not disturbing anything?"

His demeanor suggested the presence of a lady.

As he spoke, Xiang Lan'er emerged from the inner room, pushing aside the bead curtain. She had tidied herself up, shedding her previous disheveled look. Now, with her makeup removed, the charming beauty appeared even more refined and captivating, instantly brightening the eyes of those who saw her.

"Our benefactor is here, it's quite alright. Please, come in."

Xiang Lan'er moved to stand slightly behind and to the side of Bian Weikang, her hands clasped demurely in front of her. With a tranquil expression, she bowed respectfully, neither too humble nor too proud.

Her voice was also pleasing, with clear enunciation and perfect intonation, clearly indicating she had received proper training.

"Ahaha, in that case, I won't stand on ceremony." Shi Chun chuckled and walked in, with Wu Jinliang following close behind.

After a round of polite invitations to sit, Xiang Lan'er, like a virtuous hostess, served tea to her guests.

It was an utterly ordinary gesture, yet for Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, it was their first time receiving such treatment, and they found it quite pleasant. As for the taste of the tea itself, neither of them quite understood it.

The two had initially planned to enjoy a hearty meal upon their arrival, but events had unfolded too quickly. They hadn't even had a moment to properly rest, let alone enjoy themselves. Even the treat Big Stone and the others had promised had to be put on hold, as Shi Chun deemed the current matter far more pressing.

After setting down his teacup, Bian Weikang proactively asked, "Brother Shi... is there something you've come to instruct us on?"

Shi Chun held his teacup with both hands, smiling as he shook his head. "How could I presume to give instructions? I merely suddenly recalled something I forgot to ask. It seems you two might be short on funds. If that's the case, perhaps you could take some from me to alleviate any immediate difficulties."

He had come to offer succor, and this revelation once again moved Bian Weikang to the point of speechlessness.

Xiang Lan'er then spoke up, "We do still have enough petty cash for a few days' expenses."

Despite her words, she subtly cast two extra glances at Shi Chun, sensing that this benefactor seemed a little *too* enthusiastic.

"That's good to hear." Shi Chun nodded, visibly relieved, yet still with a hint of concern. "However, this current situation might not be sustainable long-term. Do you have any other plans? If you require my assistance, Brother Bian, please don't hesitate to ask. I deeply admire your character, so there's no need to be formal with me."

Regarding his plans, Bian Weikang hesitated slightly before replying, "I'm still considering my options."

Shi Chun then uttered an "Oh?" "Earlier, outside the Liyun Brothel, I heard Brother Bian mention taking Miss Xiang back to Wukang Mountain. Did I perhaps misunderstand?"

Bian Weikang sighed. "Of course, I want to take her back. However, I presume, Brother Shi, you've heard that I was expelled from the sect. If I return, I'm uncertain if the sect will accept me back. I fear making a wasted journey."

Upon hearing these words, Xiang Lan'er lowered her head, her expression dimming with sorrow.

Shi Chun, with a refined air, gently set down his teacup and said gravely, "Brother Bian, I must respectfully disagree with your words. It is said that a man's promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Since you have already promised to take Miss Xiang home, why would you go back on your word? Forgive my directness, but if fear of worry prevents you from even attempting, wouldn't that betray Miss Xiang's good intentions and make you a laughingstock to the world?

"What's more troublesome is that this is not a place for Miss Xiang to stay indefinitely. Although Brother Bian has redeemed Miss Xiang, that won't deter Lu Taizhen from coveting her beauty. Under his immense power, can Brother Bian truly guarantee Miss Xiang's absolute safety? Should anything go wrong, you would lose both the person and the assets, and then regret would be too late. You must make a decision soon."

These words caused Bian Weikang to stand up abruptly. The mention of Lu Taizhen's covetousness had indeed made him quite restless.

Wu Jinliang was somewhat surprised, unsure why this fellow, Shi Chun, was expending such effort on elaborate rhetoric. Yet, he knew full well that Shi Chun certainly had an ulterior motive.

"Are you willing to return to Wukang Mountain with me?" Bian Weikang asked, gently taking Xiang Lan'er's soft hand.

Xiang Lan'er nodded gently. "My heart is unwavering; my loyalty is to one. Wherever my lord goes, there I shall be. I will never regret it, even unto death!"

Bian Weikang, instantly overcome with emotion, was about to embrace her, but was startled when the usually composed Shi Chun suddenly slammed the table and exclaimed in approval.

"Excellent!" Shi Chun, now standing and thumping his chest, declared. "What a declaration of 'never regret, even unto death'! My earnest intentions have not been in vain. Rest assured, I will never idly watch you encounter hardship. On this journey, my brother and I will escort you with all our might. Should any dangers arise along the way, we will be the first to face them, using our own bodies to clear the path."

A multitude of questions instantly flooded Wu Jinliang's mind. What was the point of all this? The woman was already secured; was it really necessary to elaborate so much?

He couldn't very well ask, but he knew in his heart that since Shi Chun had spoken thus, there must be a deeper reason.

Despite his utter lack of comprehension, he nodded and grunted in agreement, declaring, "I'll be the first to brave it!"

His ingrained habit of always charging ahead remained unchanged.

Bian Weikang quickly released Xiang Lan'er, clasped his hands, and said, "Brother Shi, how could I possibly trouble you so? We two can make our way back on our own."

Shi Chun raised a hand to stop him. "Brother Bian, there's no need for further words. An extra pair of hands provides extra strength on the journey. Moreover, your and Miss Xiang's situation is unique; Wukang Mountain might not accept you back smoothly. Our presence would provide support and allow us to collectively devise solutions should any issues arise."

Though he spoke these words, he muttered to himself inwardly, "They'd better not force me to bring up the matter of borrowing money."

If they insisted on refusing his escort, he would have no choice but to subtly hint: "You've borrowed my money, and now you don't want us to accompany you, only to disappear without a trace? Is that truly appropriate?"

Xiang Lan'er quickly darted a glance at him, a flicker of unusual sharpness in her eyes, before swiftly lowering her gaze again, resuming her demure and gentle appearance.

Fortunately, Shi Chun's words truly resonated with Bian Weikang, for he knew that a smooth return to Wukang Mountain was indeed uncertain. He immediately clasped his hands and declared, "In that case, I shall impose upon Brother Shi. If I can successfully return to Wukang Mountain, Brother Shi's immense kindness will certainly be handsomely rewarded!"

After speaking, he paused for a moment, realizing that calling Shi Chun "Brother Shi" was becoming increasingly natural.

Shi Chun smiled faintly. "To receive such a generous reward from Brother Bian would signify Brother Bian's successful return to the sect. In that case, I genuinely look forward to it."

"I hope so." After a bitter smile, Bian Weikang glanced around at those present and asked, "When shall we depart?"

Shi Chun replied, "Logically, it's better sooner than later, however..." He gestured to himself and Wu Jinliang. "We've been traveling non-stop since leaving the place of exile. We'd like to rest for one night before continuing. How about tomorrow morning?"

Seeing that Xiang Lan'er had no objections, Bian Weikang finally agreed, "Very well, tomorrow morning it is."

With the matter settled, the two visitors then took their leave.

Upon returning to their room, Wu Jinliang immediately closed the door, turned, and leaned close to Shi Chun, asking in a low, hushed voice, "What exactly is going on? You're speaking as if it's all true. You don't actually intend to escort them to Wukang Mountain, do you?"

Shi Chun whispered back, "How much is Xiang Lan'er truly worth? Her value is for a one-time transaction, not a long-term venture. Wukang Mountain is our true goldmine. Wukang Mountain – it's where Immobilizing Talismans are refined. Have you forgotten how I managed to break the Immobilizing Talisman?"

He pointed to his right eye. "Only by infiltrating Wukang Mountain can we find our chance. Once I uncover the secret to refining those Immobilizing Talismans, just imagine—we'll be able to craft them ourselves! Will we ever have to worry about money again? And if we help Bian Weikang reclaim his status as Young Sect Master, getting fifty or even a hundred thousand from him should be no issue. That sum alone makes this trip worthwhile. Crucially, his protection will allow us to stay safely in Wukang Mountain for as long as we need, slowly working towards our true objective."

Wu Jinliang's eyes gleamed as he listened, his hand involuntarily stroking the blade of his knife back and forth. He chuckled excitedly, clearly itching with anticipation. Then, as if a new thought struck him, he asked, "What about that leading courtesan? Are we still selling her?"

"Of course, the buyer will be here soon."

"No, Shi Chun, if you sell that leading courtesan, Bian Weikang will never let you off the hook! How could he possibly help us get into Wukang Mountain then?"

"Fool, would I let him find out?"

"Even if he doesn't know, a living person disappearing would surely make him frantic. Considering how devoted he is to that courtesan, he won't return to Wukang Mountain without finding her."

Shi Chun settled into a chair, crossing his legs, and said dismissively, "Her disappearance certainly has a reason; she didn't vanish without cause. The leading courtesan left on her own accord. She felt that her identity as a woman of the red-light district would impede Wukang Mountain's re-acceptance of her beloved. For the sake of his future, she resolutely departed. Before leaving, she asked us to convey a message to Bian Weikang: once he is readmitted to the sect, she will naturally reunite with him."

Wu Jinliang blinked several times, then finally chuckled softly. "The Big Boss speaks sense. Let's do it your way."

After speaking, he stealthily covered his mouth with his hand, leaning on his knife as he snickered. Once he finished laughing, he patted his chest and paced around the room, exuding an air of confidence as if their grand scheme could not possibly fail.