Chapter 475: That Means No Kneeling

When he knocked, the attendant was quite polite, producing light yet firm knocks—not too light, not too heavy. He was experienced, and the sound conveyed no ill intent.

The attendant's attire exuded understated luxury. He appeared to be a simply dressed middle-aged man with a capable and steady demeanor. His name was Lei Ying, and he was Gong Shao Ci's trusted aide.

Gong Shao Ci glanced around and noticed furtive figures lurking outside the corridor.

Lei Ying thoughtfully whispered, "It's fine. Young Master Nan has people stationed around, and the Ming Shan Sect is also on rotation for defense."

Clearly, he had familiarized himself with the surroundings during their advance scouting.

Gong Shao Ci smiled slightly. "Young Master Nan seems quite invested in him."

It was understandable, however; according to reports from the gambling dens, the person inside had truly helped Young Master Nan make a fortune, making him worth protecting.

At the same time, Feng Chi and Wu Jinliang both opened their doors, peering out to observe the commotion.

Shi Chun opened his door a crack, cautiously observing the outside, a magical artifact ready in his hand. Among his acquaintances, no one knocked with such a precise cadence, indicating it wasn't one of their own.

Outside, Gong Shao Ci smiled and waved a greeting. "Brother Chun."

"Oh, my!" Shi Chun exclaimed, quickly retracting his artifact and opening the door, appearing overwhelmingly enthusiastic as he bowed profusely. "Young Master Gong, what brings you here?"

He had met Gong Shao Ci previously when inviting Mu Lan to dinner. After that meal, Young Master Nan had, intentionally or not, brought up Gong Shao Ci's identity during their meeting, also mentioning the current relationship between Gong Shao Ci and Miao Yilan.

Young Master Nan's intentions were good; he was concerned that Shi Chun's continued entanglement with Miao Yilan might offend Gong Shao Ci.

So, upon seeing Gong Shao Ci's gentle demeanor, Shi Chun immediately recalled Young Master Nan's warning: some seemingly approachable gentleness was merely superficial upbringing.

Young Master Nan, who often associated with such people, clearly understood Gong Shao Ci better. He didn't elaborate, hinting only briefly, but Shi Chun understood that beneath the surface, things might be different.

Thus, Shi Chun now understood that he could no longer speak words of affection to Miao Yilan as he once had.

He considered it a timely release, quickly reclassifying Miao Yilan as a "good friend," a process that occurred without the slightest psychological barrier.

In truth, he couldn't claim to genuinely like Miao Yilan; it was merely a necessity for survival in the place of exile. For someone whose foremost concern was survival, no woman could truly enter his heart. His shenanigans with Xiang Lan'er were an entirely different matter.

Since there was no genuine affection, and he knew further entanglement would cause trouble he couldn't afford with Gong Shao Ci, he naturally had to back off.

He hoped even more to establish a connection with Gong Shao Ci through Miao Yilan, wishing to become friends with this 'family.'

As if by magic, Gong Shao Ci actually came to him. Looking at the man's smiling face, he probably had no ill intentions; Shi Chun just wondered what he wanted. Otherwise, he didn't believe Gong Shao Ci would seek out a small figure like himself, as there would be no need.

Nevertheless, Shi Chun was pleased and willing to foster friendship with him.

Gong Shao Ci pointed skyward. "I've been watching you in the mirror for a while, knew you were here, and came specifically to visit."

"Please, please, please!" Shi Chun quickly ushered him in. After leading him inside, he gestured to the surroundings. "It's a bit simple. I didn't know you were coming, so I didn't tidy up."

Gong Shao Ci smiled. "I don't mind such things."

He surveyed the room, confirmed there were no outsiders, then waved his hand, dismissing his subordinates.

After they sat down, they chatted briefly about everyday matters. During their conversation, Gong Shao Ci intentionally revealed that Miao Yilan had been with him, watching the competition.

Shi Chun immediately praised them as a match made in heaven and wished them a swift union.

He believed that with Gong Shao Ci's well-informed background, his past with Miao Yilan was no secret and was likely already known. He also sensed that Gong Shao Ci was hinting at something, mistakenly assuming that was the sole purpose of his visit.

So he immediately offered his blessings, thereby clarifying his stance.

However, Gong Shao Ci's eyes occasionally revealed a deeper intensity during their light conversation. Previously, he had merely treated Shi Chun's past with Miao Yilan as a joke. He saw Shi Chun as just another person from the exile lands, wondering how different he could be, no matter his capabilities. Even when Shi Chun won the Heavenly Meteorite Assembly, Gong Shao Ci had simply dismissed it with a chuckle.

This time, however, was different. Shi Chun had actually won again. Not only had Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter expressed their admiration, but even Gong Shao Ci's father had also praised him extensively.

According to news from Qi Yun Valley, this fellow had even gotten involved with the sect leaders and high-ranking officials of the Ten Great Artifact Forging Sects, and no one knew what scheme he was plotting.

What kind of figures were the high-ranking officials of the Ten Great Artifact Forging Sects? If truly provoked, they were powerful enough to openly defy even relatives of royal consorts like Qian She.

This made Gong Shao Ci feel somewhat uneasy about Shi Chun, and he found it difficult to be as magnanimous as before regarding Shi Chun's past relationship with Miao Yilan.

After the polite small talk, Gong Shao Ci finally revealed his true purpose. "Brother Chun, regarding the three treasures you won in this competition, how do you intend to dispose of them?"

What does that mean? Shi Chun paused, startled. Such a sudden question couldn't be random. So he probed, "Brother Gong, do you have some instruction for me?"

Gong Shao Ci waved his hand with a light chuckle. "Instruction is too strong a word. I wonder if you would be willing to part with the 'Broken Wild Blade'? Price is negotiable."

His subordinates had roughly calculated that the gambling setup by Young Master Nan this time would bring in a considerable sum.

Came for the 'Broken Wild Blade'? Shi Chun was stunned. Why that specific broken blade? Was it truly a coincidence?

His gaze held a deeper meaning. Secretly, he even activated his right eye's special ability to examine Gong Shao Ci's Dantian and Qi Sea region, but found no demonic energy.

He couldn't help it. Having just acquired the 'Broken Wild Blade,' and with Gong Shao Ci immediately seeking it out, it was hard for him not to draw certain conclusions.

He even thought of Lan Qiaoyan. If Gong Shao Ci truly had some ulterior motive, and suddenly appeared to be romantically involved with Miao Yilan, he wondered if it would implicate the Miao family.

More importantly, even if Gong Shao Ci condescended to personally come and ask, Shi Chun couldn't show him respect regarding the 'Broken Wild Blade.' It was something the three demon sects were striving for at all costs. If he dared to presumptuously sell this item, he would cross a line, and the demonic path would never let him go.

Gong Shao Ci's influence, no matter how great, was not as important as the lives of so many people.

He could give away the other two treasures, but not that one.

He hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Brother Gong, what do you need this for?"

Gong Shao Ci gave a perfunctory reply: "Someone likes sharp objects, and nothing is sharper than this. I'm buying it as a gift."

This was technically true. He knew his father privately dabbled in sharp objects, so when he saw his father's attitude at the time, he knew he liked it and thus offered to help acquire it.

However, his father had later instructed him not to reveal that he was the one who wanted it.

After his casual reply, he extended two fingers and proactively offered, "Two billion. How about that? Though the item is good, it's ultimately just a fragment. This price is certainly high, not low."

This was his father's estimated, somewhat inflated market price. Gong Shao Ci was not trying to trick him, offering the full amount upfront, which also served as a gesture for the Miao family's benefit.

Of course, his father had also said that as long as it could be bought, money was no object, and the price could be increased.

Two billion? Shi Chun was speechless. He was selling it for five billion. Of course, it wasn't just about the money. He could only force a bitter smile. "Young Master Gong, it's not that I don't want to show you respect, but you're a step too late. I've already sold the item."

Gong Shao Ci froze. "No way. You just got it, and you've already sold it?"

"I thought it was too fast too, but they offered too much," Shi Chun said, illustrating with five fingers. "Five billion. I really couldn't find a reason to refuse."

Five billion? Gong Shao Ci was secretly startled, never imagining that a fragment could fetch such a high premium. He immediately became restless, as his father had explicitly expressed his desire for it, even at any cost. He stood up and pressed, "To whom did you sell it?"

He didn't want to leave it there. He wanted to see if he could find the buyer and get it back, and the price he'd offer would depend on the buyer's identity.

"Well..." Shi Chun also stood up, shaking his head hesitantly. "Brother Gong, they offered five billion, and their only condition was that I not reveal their identity. I promised, so I can't go back on my word."

Gong Shao Ci slightly frowned and gently persuaded, "There are no airtight walls in the world. Whoever bought it will be exposed sooner or later. Don't worry, I won't say you told me."

Shi Chun wore a troubled expression. "Brother Gong, wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

Gong Shao Ci spoke softly. "Brother Chun, just consider it doing me a favor, giving me face, alright?"

Shi Chun felt a headache coming on from this conversation, sighing inwardly. He knew this friendship was likely out of reach today, never dreaming that their first formal interaction would encounter such an issue. He repeatedly clasped his hands in apology, saying, "Brother Gong, it's not that I don't want to show you respect, but I truly cannot. I cannot go back on my word."

Gong Shao Ci's gentle and refined expression instantly darkened. He hadn't expected that after personally coming here, the other party would show such disrespect. He stared fixedly into Shi Chun's eyes for a moment, then slowly said, "Are you sure there's absolutely no room for negotiation?"

Shi Chun quickly tried to ease the tension. "Young Master Gong, how about this? I'll contact the buyer to discuss it. As soon as they agree, I'll inform you immediately. I promise to find a way to persuade them."

He was buying time, figuring it wouldn't be too late to inform Gong Shao Ci once the demonic path was ready.

To Gong Shao Ci, however, it meant the same thing: his trip was wasted, and the other party was showing him no respect whatsoever. He softly uttered "Fine" and then turned sharply, striding away without even a polite word of farewell.

As the door opened, Lei Ying, waiting outside, looked inquiringly. Seeing Gong Shao Ci's sullen face and a slight shake of his head, he knew his master had been rejected. He was astonished, never imagining that someone of Shi Chun's status would dare to disrespect his master.

Feng Chi and Wu Jinliang were also waiting outside. Wu Jinliang was whispering playful remarks to Duan Xiangmei, who was leaning against him. Upon seeing the departing guest's expression, they too realized something was amiss.

Worried something was wrong, Wu Jinliang immediately released Duan Xiangmei and went to the doorway to check the situation inside.

However, he inadvertently blocked Gong Shao Ci's path. Lei Ying unceremoniously shoved him aside with an arm. "Get out of the way!"

Wu Jinliang staggered backward, hitting the wall with a thud.

It was actually nothing major, but Duan Xiangmei became agitated, stepping forward to reason. "How could you do that?"

Lei Ying knew his master's temperament and how to act accordingly. He deliberately intended to retaliate on behalf of his master, and having already ascertained the background of these people, including Duan Xiangmei—just a low-level individual, whose death wouldn't cause a ripple—he struck even more unceremoniously.

It was a crisp, loud slap.

Being an attendant to Gong Shao Ci, his strength was considerable. Though he didn't go overboard, the slap caused blood to splatter from Duan Xiangmei's mouth, and she felt almost flung away, hitting a corridor pillar before collapsing to the ground, then struggling to grope and crawl along the wall.

With the sudden attack, the unprepared Duan Xiangmei was clearly dazed.

Wu Jinliang's big eyes suddenly widened, a buzz went off in his head, and he instantly became enraged.

"Stop!" he roared, flashing out to block Gong Shao Ci's group. He had already pulled out his 'Heaven, Earth, Man' magical artifact, his eyes glaring fiercely as if he wanted to devour them.

Feng Chi quickly went to help Duan Xiangmei up and used a spell to ease her pain.

Xiang Lan'er in the room was also startled and peered out.

The Ming Shan Sect group, appearing at the sound, immediately grabbed their weapons and surrounded them upon seeing the confrontation and hearing Wu Jinliang's shout. Although they didn't understand the identity of Gong Shao Ci's group, they were ready to act at a moment's notice.

Tong Mingshan did not appear; his mental energy was too depleted, so normal commotion would not wake him.

Young Master Nan's guards, sent to help with security nearby, also rushed over to see what was happening. They were surprised to see the Ming Shan Sect group blocking Gong Shao Ci and his companions.

Gong Shao Ci's group, however, remained unhurried. Although they were few in number, they clearly held the Ming Shan Sect group in disdain.

Gong Shao Ci himself watched the scene unfolding before him with an amused, half-smile.

Shi Chun, who had followed them out, was also surprised to see how abruptly things had escalated. He immediately stepped forward and reprimanded his own people, "What are you doing? Young Master Gong is a distinguished guest. Why are you grabbing your weapons? Stand aside!"

Chu Jingting and the others didn't know the situation, but since he was a distinguished guest and their leader had spoken, they naturally put away their weapons and moved to the side, clearing the path.

But the large figure of Wu Jinliang remained stubbornly in the middle of the path, glaring intently at Lei Ying. His breathing was heavy, and there were even bloodshot lines in his eyes, clearly on the verge of erupting.

"Not many dare to block my path," Gong Shao Ci said with a faint smile, teasing, "Shi Chun, what's wrong? Do you want to try?"

Shi Chun quickly stepped to Wu Jinliang, reaching out to push him. "Move aside!"

He expected to push him aside easily, but to his surprise, Wu Jinliang resisted this time, standing rigidly unmoving. He gritted his teeth and said, "Boss, he hit my woman!"

Shi Chun was very surprised, as he hadn't seen Wu Jinliang so uncooperative in a long time, and especially not over a woman. Everyone knew the man frequented brothels and squandered money on pleasures, never taking Duan Xiangmei seriously.

Lei Ying sneered, "You blocked the path first, and now you dare to be insolent? For Mr. Shi Chun's sake, apologize properly, and I can overlook this. Otherwise, I can't say what will happen."

Gong Shao Ci, with a faint smile, remained silent, also wishing to use this as a warning to Shi Chun, urging him to consider the consequences.

Shi Chun immediately gave Wu Jinliang a look, signaling that they couldn't afford to offend these people, and reprimanded him, "Apologize quickly!"

Wu Jinliang's cheeks were taut, and his gaze was fixed on Shi Chun, unmoving. His knuckles, gripping the artifact, were white from the force.

Shi Chun's group was astonished; it was the first time they had seen Wu Jinliang defy orders in front of Shi Chun like this.

Feng Chi knew Gong Shao Ci's identity and that they couldn't afford to provoke him. Her gaze shifted, and she quickly gave Duan Xiangmei a gentle nudge.

Duan Xiangmei knew the situation had escalated because of her, and she also realized these people were beyond their means to offend. She immediately understood, stepped forward, and with a face instantly half-swollen, grabbed Wu Jinliang's arm. "It's alright, I'm fine. Let's just apologize."

She then turned to bow and apologize to Lei Ying.

However, when Wu Jinliang saw her swollen face, he became even more enraged. He pulled her back, chastising, "Your man is here; you don't get a say, woman!"

He then pulled her behind him, shielding her.

Shi Chun frowned, his gaze turning somewhat cold and angry towards Wu Jinliang, or perhaps simply perplexed. He wanted to ask him if this woman was truly worth it.

In truth, Wu Jinliang himself couldn't explain why he had lost his temper. It certainly didn't align with his usual pragmatic style of seeking advantages and avoiding harm.

He hadn't really found anything special about Duan Xiangmei; neither her figure nor her looks were top-tier, incomparable to the courtesans he had consorted with. Yet, Duan Xiangmei was the woman who made him feel most at ease, the only one who truly treated him like a human being.

No matter how much he bragged, she was the one who truly admired him, the one who truly saw only him, the one who regarded him as her sole reliance.

She was the woman who made him feel like a proper human being. He had lost too much dignity that he hadn't initially cared about, but with this woman, he had found it again.

He hadn't thought he took this woman seriously before, but seeing her get hit, he instantly lost his temper.

He could bully this woman, he could wrong her, but at this moment, no one else could!

If he were to back down today in front of the woman who admired him most, he wouldn't know the meaning of living.

He knew Shi Chun was angry at his lack of discretion. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he suddenly said, "Boss, in the Prison of Life, you told us that living there wasn't like being human, and that only by getting out, we could live like proper human beings. Boss, you've always made me kneel. Do we have to keep kneeling? Boss, today, I don't want to kneel. I want to be a human again!"

These words, understood by Shi Chun more than anyone else, silenced him.

After repeated silence, Shi Chun slowly turned his head away from Wu Jinliang, his cold, chilling gaze fixed on Lei Ying. He spoke slowly, word by word, "Then we won't kneel!"