Published: September 5, 2025
Chapter 698: The Scheme
The person who made the move was none other than Han Li's companion, Wang Tiangu, dressed in flowing robes.
“Brother Yun, why be so impatient! I just want to confirm whether fellow cultivator Yun intends to only take what’s inside the boxes and give up the right to select anything else,” Wang Tiangu said calmly.
“What’s inside the boxes? Naturally, I must take a look first. If they’re useless, do you expect me to pick anything else?” The elder surnamed Yun regained his composure but stared at Wang Tiangu without any politeness.
“If I’m not mistaken, we agreed to let the two of you first choose two magical treasures, then split the rest evenly. But do you think after picking these three jade boxes, there’s still enough left here for us to divide?” Wang Tiangu showed no fear. Instead, he glanced at the three lonely jade boxes on the cold jade beds and spoke calmly.
“If you fellow cultivators have a plan, you might as well say it outright. Do you intend to go back on your word?” The marquis of Nanlong stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with the elder, casting a sinister look over the three cultivators from the Ghost Spirit Sect.
“I have no intention of breaking my promise. But there really aren’t many treasures on this second floor to divide. Since the boxes cannot be directly examined through spiritual awareness, it’s almost certain that the contents inside are the most valuable magical treasures in the building. Perhaps Master Cangkun’s profound cultivation techniques and secrets about Fallen Demon Valley are inside. Under such circumstances, don’t you think it’s a bit excessive to insist on inspecting the boxes’ contents before deciding what to take?” Wang Tiangu smiled slightly, his expression composed.
“Excessive! All I know is that you fellow cultivators promised us the right to pick first. If there’s not enough to go around, what does that have to do with us?” Elder Yun’s expression turned cold as he snapped back.
“That’s not how you should put it. The items on this second floor are still yours to pick first. However, there’s no need to open the boxes to carefully appraise them. If you don’t trust me, you can choose other things. For example, the cold jade beds before you are rare treasures. For cultivators practicing cultivation techniques of the yin and cold attribute, they are exceptionally precious.” Unexpectedly, an elderly woman spoke up to assist.
Hearing this, the marquis of Nanlong’s face darkened even more. Suddenly, he stepped forward with a fierce aura, forcing Wang Tiangu and the elderly woman to step back half a pace, their expressions slightly changed.
Once a cultivator reaches the nascent soul stage, the gap between mid and early stages is no trivial matter.
“Anyone else who thinks what fellow cultivator Wang said makes sense can step forward. I suppose Brother Wang dares to speak out because he has more support than just Madam Tai!” The marquis of Nanlong narrowed his eyes, shooting a blade-like cold glare at the others.
“Brother Nanlong, no need to get angry! What Brother Wang said isn’t without reason. You can’t expect us to leave you all with nothing but scraps.” A cultivator with a blackened face remained silent for a moment before calmly speaking.
The cultivator surnamed You furrowed his brows unconsciously, hesitated, then quietly stood behind Wang Tiangu, as if forgetting the previous discord between them.
At once, except for Han Li, the cultivators in the pavilion split into two groups, facing off.
The marquis of Nanlong and elder Yun’s expressions changed drastically upon seeing this.
“Looks like you few have been joined at the hip for some time. When did you plan this? There shouldn’t have been chances on the way here.” The marquis of Nanlong quickly regained his composure and asked.
“We’re not exactly joined at the hip! Me and a few fellow cultivators just had a small gathering before departure to discuss self-preservation and contingency plans in case of emergencies. This situation just happens to be one we anticipated, so we had no choice but to contend with you a bit.” Wang Tiangu said leisurely, as if nothing was wrong.