Chapter 48 - Insatiable Greed, Secret Warning

Even though Gu Han could retrieve the divine power in mere moments, he feared it’d arouse suspicion, hence the half-day deadline.

Steward Wei was in shock. He never expected Gu Han would actually bring the item back!

Stepping forward, he greeted Gu Han warmly, “Oh, you’ve returned? Little Brother, it seems that you’re a man of your word. If I offended you earlier, I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Not once did he mention the Purple Crystal Vine. Clearly, he had no intention of returning it.

Gu Han raised the jade talisman. “I’ve brought the item.”

The talisman was specially crafted and versatile in use, capable of storing techniques, divine powers, images, and more. Before returning, Gu Han had gone out of his way to acquire one.

Steward Wei’s face lit up with joy as he reached out to take it. “Excellent! I never imagined you’d—”

Gu Han withdrew his hand. “What about the item I asked for?”

Steward Wei’s smile deepened. “Wait a moment, Little Brother. I’ll report to the pavilion master.”

***

Fifth floor of the Treasure Pavilion.

Du Teng had long since disappeared, and only Tian Heng remained.

Tian Heng frowned in disbelief, a far cry from the triumph he wore half a day earlier. “Lost? How... how could the eldest prince lose? Who exactly is this person who defeated him?”

This was because, not long after Gu Han left, news from the Martial Academy reached him.

How could he not be furious upon hearing that the eldest prince had lost a duel to a nobody?! No longer caring about the Fallen Nether Fruit, he hastily issued a few instructions, before leaving straight for the eldest prince’s residence. Jiang Hong’s loss wasn’t just his own—it also dealt a severe blow to his senior brother’s plans!

At this thought, Tian Heng sighed. “I hope Elder Du can find a way to salvage the situation...”

Just as he was lost in thought, Steward Wei’s voice came from outside again. “Pavilion Master, that kid is back!”

Tian Heng was stunned, then overjoyed. “What?!”

Neither he nor Du Teng held much hope, given the price they set. It was a pure gamble on a slim chance. After all, to both, a profound artifact and Earth-tier technique or divine power were priceless.

Thinking of this, he pressed eagerly, “Where is it?”

“Still with him. He said he’d only hand it over after seeing the Fallen Nether Fruit.”

“What did he bring?”

“I’m not sure, but judging by the look of it, it’s either a technique or a divine power.”

The gloom in Tian Heng’s heart dissipated, replaced by overwhelming joy. “Excellent! Give him the item!”

Earth-tier techniques and divine powers were exceedingly rare even in the Yuqing Sect. Not even a master pavilion like him had ever encountered anything of this level before. The Fallen Nether Fruit seemed insignificant in comparison.

Steward Wei hesitated. “Pavilion Master, after we give him the item...”

Tian Heng’s expression turned cold. “Follow him. Find out his background. Someone who can produce an Earth-tier technique or divine power can’t possibly be a nobody. Of course, if he truly has no backing... a mere Acupoint Unsealing realm cultivator... you know what to do!”

Steward Wei acknowledged the order. “Yes! And... Chen Ping?”

“He may be diligent, but if Elder Du wants him dead, then he must die.”

Tian Heng understood clearly. Du Teng despised Divine Physician Xue, and Chen Ping had crossed a line by bringing back Divine Physician Xue’s pills. That man was beyond salvation.

***

Back in the main hall...

Chen Ping was astonished that Gu Han had managed to bring the item back. However, since it involved Gu Han’s secrets, he knew better than to pry.

Soon, Steward Wei returned. After dismissing Chen Ping, he led Gu Han into a quiet room. He then produced the wooden box containing the Fallen Nether Fruit.

When Gu Han first saw the fruit, he felt slightly dizzy. Not because of alarm, but delight.

This fruit will surely help Ah Sha!

After confirming it was genuine, he handed over the jade talisman without hesitation, waiting for the pavilion master’s inspection.

As a low-grade Earth-tier technique, the Blood Spirit Art was a really simple, orthodox demonic path method. Burning one’s vital qi and blood to double combat power for half a quarter-hour. What the shadow dismissed as “trash” was an incredibly rare life-saving skill in Gu Han’s eyes.

Aside from the Great Evolution Sword Scripture, which he couldn’t yet comprehend, the Blood Spirit Art was the most powerful divine power he’d ever encountered.

As he was thinking, Steward Wei returned to the quiet room and gently pushed the wooden box toward Gu Han. “Little Brother, apologies for the wait. The pavilion master is satisfied. The Fallen Nether Fruit is yours.”

Gu Han took it without a second thought. The matter had settled.

However, instead of leaving, Gu Han extended his hand. “And? My Purple Crystal Vine?”

Steward Wei stiffened. “What? Little Brother, this is rather ungracious of you. To help you secure this Fallen Nether Fruit, I’ve been running around and even put in a good word with the pavilion master. Don’t I deserve some compensation?”

Gu Han glanced at him. “You put in a good word? I don’t believe it.”

Now that he had the Fallen Nether Fruit, he wouldn’t let Steward Wei manipulate him any longer.

Steward Wei showed no intention of returning the item. “Let me be clear. Once something reaches my hands, it never leaves. Consider this Purple Crystal Vine my commission. If you have complaints, take it up with the pavilion master! Though, I can’t say what consequences that might bring.”

Gu Han refused to yield. “That won’t do. This Purple Crystal Vine is worth a fortune. Giving it to you for free would be a huge loss for me.”

Steward Wei was speechless.

An Earth-tier divine power was beyond precious, yet you handed it over without a thought. But you’re hung up on this Purple Crystal Vine worth just a few thousand crystal essence?

Gu Han’s tone shifted. “Fine. I’ll forget the Purple Crystal Vine. In exchange, I’ll take something else from the Treasure Pavilion. How about that?”

Steward Wei grew wary. “What do you want?”

Gu Han didn’t hide his goal. “Mystic stones. I’m quite interested in those.”

Steward Wei instantly relaxed. “Mystic stones?”

The stones that had been gathering dust for years without a single sale? To the Treasure Pavilion, they were almost worthless. If not for the slim hope of encountering a gullible buyer, he would’ve long since stored them away, never to see the light of day again.

Of course, he’d never say that out loud. “You have excellent taste! The mysteries within the mystic stones are boundless. Unearthing even a single treasure would far surpass the value of the Purple Crystal Vine!”

As he praised lavishly, he sneered inwardly.

Country bumpkin! Dreaming of finding treasure? You could dig for eight lifetimes and still come up empty!

***

Outside, a cultivator examined a fist-sized mystic stone before Chen Ping. He repeatedly turned it over, his face a mix of struggle and hesitation.

“How much for this mystic stone?”

Chen Ping’s heart leapt.

Could it be that the mystic stones are finally going to sell?

He said cautiously, watching the man’s expression. “Esteemed guest, the one you’re holding costs ten thousand—”

Before he could finish, the cultivator tossed the stone back. “Ten thousand? You might as well rob me!”

Chen Ping grew anxious. “If you’re really interested, we can offer a 20%... no, 30% discount! Please reconsider."

As Chen Ping watched the man walk away, he sighed.

As expected, no one wants these mystic stones.

Just then, a familiar voice snapped him back to reality. “I’ll take this one!”

Upon seeing Gu Han, Chen Ping brightened. “Little Brother, did it work out?”

“It did!” Gu Han nodded, holding a mystic stone and examining it closely.

Yet after a long while, he found nothing unusual.

Steward Wei approached from behind. “Little Brother, the mystic stone you’ve chosen is worth thirty thousand. That Purple Crystal Vine is worth twenty thousand at most!”

Gu Han shot him a glance. “

Oh?

Would you like to return the Purple Crystal Vine then?”

Steward Wei forced a dry laugh. “Never mind. Take the mystic stone. Consider it the Treasure Pavilion’s gesture of friendship!”

Chen Ping heard everything clearly and sighed. As expected, given Steward Wei’s character, there was no getting the Purple Crystal Vine back.

Gu Han stowed the mystic stone and prepared to leave.

He cupped his hands toward Chen Ping. “Brother Chen, thank you for your help today! We’ll meet again!”

With that, he strode away without even glancing at Steward Wei.

Steward Wei stared at Gu Han’s retreating figure, his eyes glinting. “Chen Ping.”

“Yes... Steward?”

“You know this kid?”

“Brother Gu is from Tianwu City. Thanks to him, I was able to meet Divine Physician Xue—

ahem.

Not only that, he once saved my life.”

Steward Wei’s heart stirred.

Divine Physician Xue? So he’s connected to Divine Physician Xue! No wonder he could produce an Earth-tier divine power! Too bad Divine Physician Xue isn’t in the capital now. This is your misfortune!

With a silent sneer, he followed Gu Han out.

Chen Ping’s heart raced.

He knew the Treasure Pavilion’s methods and Steward Wei’s character all too well.

This is bad!

Little Brother is in danger!

After a moment’s hesitation, he gritted his teeth and followed.

***

Gu Han strode past the streets. He wasn’t heading for the inn, but outside the city. He could easily detect Steward Wei tailing him from a distance. How could he not, when his extraordinary spirit sense far surpassed that of an ordinary Essence Gathering realm cultivator?

Insatiable greed!

The man’s intentions were also as transparent as glass. Laughing coldly, Gu Han continued toward the city gates, playing the perfect prey.

Just as he reached the gates, a figure suddenly jumped out and blocked his path. “Little Brother!”

It was Chen Ping. He had rushed here at full speed, afraid he wouldn’t make it in time. Thankfully, he’d managed to intercept Gu Han before Steward Wei.

Gu Han was startled. “Brother Chen, what are you doing here?”

“Steward Wei might be planning to harm you!”

Gu Han paused, then burst into a smile. “You... you rushed here in such a state just to tell me this?”

Chen Ping nodded. “Little Brother, you must be careful!”

Gu Han glanced behind him and sighed. “Brother Chen, do you realize Steward Wei has already noticed you?”

Chen Ping paled. “W-what? He...”

“Do you regret it?”

“A bit...”

Gu Han patted his shoulder with a smile. “Let’s go.”

“Where to...?”

“Outside the city. Brother Chen, did you really think someone could take my Purple Crystal Vine for free? That’s twenty thousand crystal essence!” Gu Han sounded exasperated.

Chen Ping was dumbfounded. He couldn’t grasp Gu Han’s reasoning.

This... This is a matter of life and death! Forget twenty thousand, even two hundred thousand crystal essence wouldn’t matter!

Before he could react, Gu Han grabbed his shoulder and abruptly picked up speed, heading straight for the city gates.

Moments later, a grim-faced Steward Wei arrived.

“Chen Ping, you traitorous scum! You warned him? Fine. Just perfect. I’ll save myself the trouble and deal with you both at once!”