The other party had said as much, already making a reluctant concession. If he did not sign a written pledge, they would not let him leave. He could only agree.
But did it really matter to him whether he signed one or not? He was the one taking the item away. Whether there was a written pledge or not, the debt for borrowing the Mountains-and-Rivers Cauldron would fall on his head and would have to be reported to the Sacred Realm. He had borrowed the Mountains-and-Rivers Cauldron in the name of the Ice and Snow Pavilion; in the end, the debt would be pinned on the Ice and Snow Sacred Land.
All he could do now was pray that the person behind this kept their word—that this truly was only a temporary loan and the cauldron would be returned. Otherwise, Granny Snow would likely be the first to spare him no mercy.
Yet he had no choice but to do it. Otherwise, neither side would let him off. Following the instructions of the person behind the scenes at least gave him a sliver of hope for survival.
Drafting the written pledge was simple. Brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were brought over, and the document was written, sealed with a fingerprint to confirm its accuracy, with an agreement to return it within one month!
As for whether it could actually be returned within that month, Chuan Ying had no confidence whatsoever. But confidence or no confidence, it made no difference. The benefits offered by the person behind the scenes had not been given for nothing.
After leaving behind the pledge, Chuan Ying wrapped the Mountains-and-Rivers Cauldron in a piece of cloth and carried it away. Chi Qingli wanted to send people to escort him, but Chuan Ying refused. There was no