Chapter 397: Building Good Relationships

Was there really a need to relay that message? He hadn't whispered or tried to avoid anyone; everyone present had heard it. They weren't deaf.

To be honest, the terms were quite tempting. The eyes of the Myriad Mountains Sect group lit up instantly, and they were all visibly interested.

Though Li Hongjiu couldn't quite see their expressions, he sensed their subtle reactions and felt a slight surge of pride. He knew these individuals were here for that very reason; otherwise, he would have been killed long ago.

His life seemed secure, and he felt relieved.

To his surprise, Shi Chun's expression suddenly turned solemn, then incredulous, and finally, heartbroken. "Brother Jiu," he lamented, "you've gone too far. We are kindred spirits; our bond as brothers is higher than the sky and deeper than the sea. How could such a relationship be used for a mere transaction?"

"No, no, no," Li Hongjiu quickly interjected, craning his neck. "Brother, you misunderstand. Our brotherhood was forged through adversity, a bond so profound it’s a matter of life and death. Even if you, my dear brother, asked me to die for you, it would be done with a single word. How could our friendship be used for a transaction?

A severed head is but a scar the size of a bowl; how could that compare to our bond, which is higher than the sky and deeper than the sea?

And as you just mentioned, you're not the only one making decisions here. I merely wished to spare my own brother any difficulty, and to provide you with something to explain to your companions."

While speaking eloquently, he was cursing inwardly. He longed to ask if they truly needed to be this hypocritical for what was clearly a straightforward transaction.

He inwardly grumbled that the charade was a bit excessive, yet he continued to flatter them, not daring to show the slightest hint of defiance. In short, whatever the hell they said, he would agree. After all, he had fallen into their trap.

More importantly, their exaggerated hypocrisy genuinely unnerved him because it defied common sense. He feared they were truly toying with him, and once bored, they would reveal the cruel truth: "We were just playing with you; did you really think we'd let you go?"

The Myriad Mountains Sect group was completely distracted, some almost inadvertently inhaling the toxic air of the place. They found that this "Mr. Li" was repeatedly pushing the boundaries of their understanding. Could this really be the same Li Hongjiu who had displayed such immense power, against whom even fifth-grade magic treasures were useless, and who had sent them fleeing in disarray?

He couldn't just be a look-alike, could he?

Even more surprising to them was their own leader.

"No!" Shi Chun's loud shout instantly captured their attention. They watched as he waved his hand, exclaiming, "I am one of them! If I were to agree to let them trade my brother's life, how could I, Shi Chun, ever face anyone again?"

Again? Would this never end? Li Hongjiu truly sighed. "My dear brother," he thought, "isn't this all to save me? Your reputation can be set aside for now..."

Before he could finish, Shi Chun cut him off abruptly. "No," he declared, "if they want me to agree to such a transaction, they will have to step over my dead body. Otherwise, it is absolutely out of the question!"

Li Hongjiu stared blankly at his indignant "brother." Given such an absolute declaration, he found himself at a loss for words, unable to continue his flattery. He truly wanted to ask what this "grandson" was trying to achieve.

Shi Chun turned back to face the group, reiterating, "I will absolutely never agree to such a transaction. Anyone who dares to force me will become my sworn enemy!"

Seeing him appear so genuinely resolute and unwavering, the Myriad Mountains Sect group stood dumbfounded, also wondering what on earth he was trying to pull.

Wu Jinliang vigorously wiped his forehead. He had initially thought their leader was just being theatrical, overacting. But now, based on his understanding of their leader, it didn't seem to be the case. He was somewhat perplexed about what their leader was aiming for this time.

Glancing back at the group, who clearly wanted an explanation, he adjusted his broadsword and tentatively asked, "Chun, perhaps we should step aside and discuss this with everyone again?"

Shi Chun glanced at the group, acknowledging their intention, and hummed in agreement. Turning back to Li Hongjiu, he said, "Brother Jiu, please wait a moment; I'll be right back. Rest assured, if I cannot ensure your complete safety this time, then even if I cannot be born on the same day as you, my brother, I vow to die on the same day. I will never survive alone. Heaven and Earth shall bear witness to this oath!"

Wu Jinliang couldn't help but grin, chuckling silently.

Li Hongjiu's lips trembled. The other man's words were so extreme that he couldn't imagine how he would ever retract them later without losing face entirely. More critically, he was starting to doubt his own judgment.

He had always considered himself quite clever, but now he genuinely felt out of his depth.

Besides helping these individuals escape the Divine Fire Domain, he genuinely couldn't fathom what other use he could be to them.

Simultaneously, he quickly composed himself and, not to be outdone in the verbal exchange, declared righteously, "Brother, absolutely not! Everything is my own doing. My death is nothing to regret. You, my brother, must preserve your valuable life, for otherwise, to whom could I entrust my final wishes?"

Shi Chun waved his hand, dismissing the words, and strode away. He genuinely didn't want to hear any more nonsense from this "convenient brother." It was the first time he had encountered someone who could utter falsehoods with such conviction, and he feared he wouldn't be able to maintain the charade if he stayed. He needed a moment to compose himself.

As Li Hongjiu watched him leave, Xiao Sheng, who was holding an 'ice sheep' nearby, suddenly pinched his mouth shut and shoved the 'ice sheep' into it. "You take a puff first," Xiao Sheng mumbled apologetically.

With that, Xiao Sheng immediately ran off, following the others. He also wanted to know what their leader was thinking – was he truly giving up a chance to escape with their lives? That was unacceptable.

"Mmmph..." Li Hongjiu grunted a few times, but no one paid him any attention. In the end, he could only resignedly accept his fate, shivering occasionally.

This accursed place never saw sunlight and was rather cold.

The nearby lake was frozen, so it was no wonder the temperature was low. One could imagine how it felt with cultivation restricted, especially while being wrapped in cold iron chains that offered no protection against the biting wind.

Annoying strands of hair had fallen onto his eyelashes again. This time, with something in his mouth, he couldn't even blow them away. He would have to try exhaling warm air. In the distant sky, the starlight remained.

The Myriad Mountains Sect group directly entered the cave where An Wuzhi had previously been in seclusion.

Except for those on lookout duty, everyone else was present. Wu Jinliang observed their expressions and silently put away his broadsword. This time, he truly couldn't discern Shi Chun's intentions, so he remained quiet, fearing he might say the wrong thing.

As no one spoke, someone eventually broke the silence. Chu Jingtang discreetly nudged Tong Mingshan.

Having absorbed the most divine fire and bearing the nominal title of Sect Master, Tong Mingshan reluctantly spoke up. "Leader," he began, "they are willing to help us escape in exchange. Why not agree?"

Shi Chun knew this was the question on everyone's minds, and he understood the need to provide an explanation. Otherwise, their internal cohesion could easily be compromised by that shameless, smiling tiger, leading to significant internal strife. Having led many brothers before, he understood this well, which was why he had specifically come to explain.

He scoffed. "Don't listen to his nonsense. The news that we possess the secret method for finding divine fire has already spread. With so many sect elders guarding the entrance, does he really think he can just help us leave? To secure his help, we would have to release him from our control, and holding him hostage is useless. This matter has escalated significantly, with every exit being watched intently. At this point, even Elder Jin Guiqi of Shudao Mountain would likely find it difficult to get all of us out."

His words stirred a degree of concern in everyone's eyes. They had, in fact, been secretly worried about escaping. What good was all this newfound wealth if they couldn't leave?

Chu Jingtang interjected, "Leader, since he made such an offer, he must have a convincing method, surely? Perhaps he truly possesses a good solution. There's no harm in at least listening to what he has to say, is there?"

Shi Chun shook his head. "Haven't you realized yet? He's the kind of person who will tell you exactly what you want to hear. Can his words truly be trusted? There's no need to listen to his nonsense. Regardless of whether he genuinely has a solution or is merely pretending, and no matter how good his method might seem, we cannot place our hopes of escape solely on him."

Tong Mingshan asked suspiciously, "Leader, what's the meaning behind you calling him 'brother'?"

Shi Chun spread his hands. "Isn't it obvious? To build a good relationship with him."

The group was collectively speechless.

Chen Wuji, both amused and exasperated, voiced everyone's unspoken thoughts. "Leader," he said, "you don't even trust his promises. Are you certain that merely fostering a relationship like this will be of any actual use?"

Shi Chun replied, "Don't overthink it. I don't expect him to be of any use here. I'm actually a very straightforward person; I simply genuinely want to be friends with him. You don't think my 'heartfelt words' to him earlier were fake, do you?"

The expressions on everyone's faces immediately became peculiar and revealing, clearly posing the rhetorical question: "Do you think we could possibly believe that? How gullible would one have to be to fall for it?"

Not to mention the others, even Wu Jinliang was scratching his head.

Shi Chun sighed. "Alright, I know you don't believe me, so let me put it another way. I have plenty of ways to get us out; his involvement is utterly unnecessary. I can't disclose the specifics, but you only need to know this: as long as the secret method for finding divine fire remains in our possession, it serves as our ultimate guarantee of escape. We will undoubtedly get out. Our task is simply to choose the most appropriate and dignified way to do so.

As for Li Hongjiu, that smiling tiger, we absolutely cannot place our hope of escape solely on him, nor do we need to make any exchanges with him. I've already reached an understanding with him: if he's willing to help when the time comes, he naturally will. If he's unwilling, then any exchange we offer will be useless. If you force something from someone, do you truly believe they won't seek retribution when they regain the ability to do so?"

Anyone could preach such principles, but the group listened, appearing to understand yet clearly still confused.

Zhu Xiangxin asked suspiciously, "Leader, do you truly intend to simply foster a relationship with him and then genuinely let him go?"

Shi Chun paused for a moment, carefully considering his words before speaking. "We actually don't possess the leverage to coerce him into a transaction, because the ultimate decision rests with him. Once we release him, he can go back on his word at any time.

To a certain extent, what you refer to as a 'transaction' would actually mean we are seeking his favor, which would inherently put us at a disadvantage.

When the situation shifts, and he is the one seeking our favor, then the issues you're concerned about will cease to be problems. You'll understand shortly."

Having spoken, he waved his hand, not bothering to disclose the precise details of his next moves, and gestured for everyone to exit the cave.

After the group left the cave, still filled with doubts, Shi Chun rushed back to Li Hongjiu.

Li Hongjiu, who was still shivering occasionally, made a couple of muffled sounds.

Shi Chun immediately removed the 'ice sheep' from his mouth, then touched his face reassuringly. "Brother Jiu," he comforted, "my words still carry some weight with them. I've convinced them to let you go."

Li Hongjiu was surprised, his lips parting slightly as if to ask a question but then closing without voicing it: Release him without any conditions?

Shi Chun then helped brush back Li Hongjiu's disheveled hair. "Brother," he said, "whatever you desire, just state it directly. There's no need to resort to snatching; that would be beneath your dignity. Isn't it just the secret method for finding divine fire? After we leave, I will certainly present it to you with both hands. As you know, we are not a formal artifact-refining sect, so keeping such a thing is useless and could even bring disaster. It's a hot potato we cannot hold onto. To speak bluntly, if you, my brother, were to take the secret method, it would actually be a relief for us."

Li Hongjiu blinked.

Shi Chun continued, "There's one more matter I need to clarify with you, Brother Jiu. Regarding your earlier accusation about us killing your sect's disciples..."

At the mention of this, Li Hongjiu's heart truly sank, yet he firmly declared, "Don't worry, that's in the past. It's over, completely wiped clean. No one is permitted to bring it up again from this moment forward."

Shi Chun shook his head, speaking earnestly. "Brother," he said, "which eye of yours saw us kill anyone? It has absolutely nothing to do with us, yet you're directly implicating us. Are we not wronged? This matter cannot simply be dismissed; it will leave a lasting knot in our hearts. Rest assured, I likely know who committed the deed. Before this gathering concludes, if I cannot make the true culprit reveal themselves to you, Brother, if I cannot resolve this misunderstanding, then you need not acknowledge me as your brother, and I shall have no face to acknowledge you as mine. I will simply die here in the Divine Fire Domain and never leave!"