Greedy Beyond Measure! My Rules Are the Rules

Through the Human Heart Hall, Chen Dengming quickly made contact with Zhu Xun.

Even the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord would never have imagined that, separated by the two regions of the Human World and the Yin Spring, Chen Dengming could still make contact with Zhu Xun.

Therefore, his lies to deceive Chen Dengming were quickly exposed.

"Brother Chen, rest assured, I also know that this Starfall Old Ghost must be treacherous and cunning, so I only sent the eldest son back first to test the waters."

The Starfall Old Ghost informed me telepathically that he had settled my first wife, wished me a successful start, and prepared a banquet to invite me back.

I delayed my return, citing the fact that I was busy recruiting and reorganizing the ghost soldiers and generals of the Undercurrent Old Ghost. Now, judging from the information I've received from you, this Yin Spring Old Ghost truly has ulterior motives. Fortunately, the Soul Mussel Pearl is still in my possession."

Upon hearing this, Chen Dengming breathed a sigh of relief and then solemnly transmitted his thoughts, saying, "Old Zhu, don't worry, I'm already handling this matter. Your eldest son's family won't be in any trouble."

"Judging from the fact that Starfall Old Ghost didn't really go all out against you, it's clear that he's also holding back and doesn't dare to truly break off relations."

Zhu Xun said fiercely, "Even if this old ghost really tears off his mask, I'm not afraid of him. Unless he personally leaves Ghost City to hunt me down, none of his subordinates are my match. They're just bringing me the nutrients I need to form my Nascent Soul."

Even if he personally hunts me down, I can still escape beforehand!

Chen Dengming, "It hasn't come to that point yet, Old Zhu, you don't need to think too extremely. I'll handle it."

Clearly, Zhu Xun still very angry that the eldest son was being effectively placed under house arrest.

After offering some words of comfort, Chen Dengming slowly withdrew from the Human Heart Hall.

Now that we've figured out Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord's attitude, future transactions will be much easier, and we won't be taken advantage of by him due to information asymmetry.

Several days later, a batch of supplies sent by the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance arrived, escorted by a Golden Core Cultivator. The spirit boats transporting the supplies were strictly guarded by Formation and six Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The cultivator leading the group was none other than Le Shangneng, Golden Core Elder from Gourd Sword Island, whom Chen Dengming had met once before.

It had been some years since we last met, but Le Shangneng had already broken through from the Golden Core Mid Stage to the Golden Core Late Stage. He looked spirited and his already ruddy cheeks were now glowing red, truly radiant.

"Elder Le, congratulations! It's been many years since we last met, and you've already reached the Golden Core Late Stage realm." Chen Dengming said with a smile and a bow.

Le Shangneng's smile widened, but his attitude became even more humble. He remained as charming and tactful as ever, bowing deeply as he spoke.

"My meager cultivation, even if improved, cannot compare to the progress you've made, True Lord. It's been many years since we last met, and you are even more radiant and renowned than before!"

Chen Dengming shook his head and smiled. He used to say these compliments to others all the time, but now it was others who were complimenting him.

To be honest, it does sound pleasant; everyone's helping out.

However, he only listened to it and let it go. With his honest and simple nature, he didn't like to hear too much flattery and valued practicality more.

Soon, under Le Shangneng's guidance, he finished inspecting the supplies on the four spirit boats.

"Because it's all miasma and spiritual mud, as well as a lot of live demonic Demon Beast captured from the Battlefield, these things are said to be very sought after down there, but they're not easy to put into Storage Bag for transportation, so we transported them here by spirit boat."

Le Shangneng smiled and pointed to some ferocious-looking Demon Beast in the cages, resembling tigers and leopards.

Chen Dengming frowned and looked around, somewhat suspicious. "These supplies, all put together, probably don't even amount to three thousand High-grade Spirit Crystal, right? Is that enough?"

I feel that with all this fuss about transporting them here, you won't even cover the escort costs."

Upon hearing this, the six Foundation Establishment cultivators who accompanied and escorted him felt a pang of insecurity, but dared not show it on their faces.

This sounds like a compliment, implying that they are all highly talented individuals and that escorting supplies is a waste of their abilities.

But that seems a bit like "Why don't they eat cake?"

These supplies are all from living Demon Beast, including several three-headed Foundation Establishment Demon Beast, which are far more valuable than dead Demon Beast.

Of course, the total value is probably only five thousand five hundred High-grade Spirit Crystal.

However, supplies worth 5,500 High-grade Spirit Crystal are actually quite precious, and worth the personal escort of Golden Core Late Stage cultivator like Le Shangneng.

Le Shangneng followed Chen Dengming's lead and said humbly with a smile, "Senior Chen, you are too kind. Being able to escort this shipment of supplies for you is more than enough. We are already incredibly fortunate to see you in True Person again."

However, these supplies were agreed upon by Elder Zuo and several elders within the alliance. Whether they are sufficient, I really don't know. In fact, I know nothing about what's down there either."

Chen Dengming ignored Le Shangneng's words, which went in one ear and out the other.

He was just mentioning it casually; discussing these things with the other person wouldn't yield any meaningful results.

After all, the other party really didn't know what lay beneath that Yin Spring, and generally no one would know what was going on down there.

He immediately waved his hand.

"Alright, then I'll trouble you all to come with me to hand over the supplies and oversee the transaction."

"Oh! No trouble at all, no trouble at all. We wouldn't dare to ask for any supervision; we're just helping you out, Senior Chen."

Le Shangneng spoke, he immediately instructed everyone to steer the spirit boat into the Formation.

Soon, the four spirit boats arrived outside the Yin Qi, dark Yin Cave.

Six Foundation Establishment cultivators simultaneously performed hand seals to control objects, transporting enormous beast cages and baskets of poisonous miasma soil from the spirit ship.

Immediately, a cacophony of roars from various monstrous Demon Beast rose and fell, and the stench of rotting flesh and poisonous miasma filled the air, making one want to vomit.

"Senior Chen, this smell is too strong! You'd better avoid it for now."

Le Shangneng quickly and cleverly reminded Chen Dengming, casting a series of Cleansing Technique with hand gestures, and said with a smile, "It will be better after they finish moving everything."

"No problem."

Chen Dengming shook his head, having already used his Law Power to isolate the scent. At this moment, he suddenly released a burst of spiritual power.

Instantly, a terrifying and oppressive atmosphere spread out, and the air seemed to freeze.

All the howling Demon Beast immediately fell silent, as if simultaneously gripped by an invisible, powerful force, their beastly eyes revealing unease and anxiety.

Some of the Demon Beast were even quite intelligent, their eyes revealing a plea for mercy.

Chen Dengming glanced at it, then calmly looked away.

These Demon Beast were captured during the cleanup of the Battlefield.

Needless to say, several counterattacking cultivators or former prisoners of war have died under their henchmen.

Humans eat Demon Beast, Demon Beast eat humans.

Those Non-Self kind will surely have different hearts.

Chen Dengming showed kindness to mortals because they were human, but he did not have kindness towards most Demon Beast because they were not human. He had even witnessed the miserable scene of demons hanging people on trees to dry into jerky for the Demon Beast to eat.

However, he couldn't understand why the ghosts Below the Yin Spring liked such a foul-smelling and poisonous substance; it was simply baffling to him.

Le Shangneng to read between the lines, explained, "According to Elder Zuo, he consulted a wise man who said that the ghosts Below the Yin Spring crave the Life Force Flesh and Blood of the Human World, regarding it as a delicious delicacy."

Therefore, if these living Demon Beast were transported down, they would be hard currency; even if they died immediately, they could at least be eaten while they were still hot.

In addition, the miasma-laden spiritual soil can be used to protect the Yin Earth from invasion, and it is also a valuable resource favored by powerful Ghost Kings and Ghost Lord.

"So it all comes down to food and shelter. It seems that no matter where you are, even in the Below the Yin Spring, all living beings will think about these issues."

Chen Dengming nodded slightly.

Food, drink, and supplies for protecting the Yin Earth cannot help ghosts become stronger, but they are luxuries that they need to pursue both spiritually and materially.

These two items are perfect for appeasing the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord; he would certainly not refuse them. They are indeed excellent resources for making a deal and building good relations.

After the Foundation Establishment cultivators unloaded all the supplies from the spirit ship...

Chen Dengming sent a Divine Sense into the Yin Spring within the Yin Cave, instantly causing a Yin Qi atmosphere and Yin Winds.

The light seemed to gradually dim, the temperature dropped, and the atmosphere became oppressive.

Seeing this, Le Shangneng and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators forced themselves to remain calm, but their hearts were pounding like drums, and some couldn't help but swallow nervously.

The ghost cultivation world Below the Yin Spring is a completely unfamiliar territory for the vast majority of cultivators in the Human World.

Many cultivators have never even come into contact with the Yin Spring. Even if they have, they might assume that the area Below the Yin Spring is empty and that there are no ghost cultivators there, just like the once ignorant Chen Dengming.

Now that they were about to encounter a powerful Nascent Soul ghost cultivator, Le Shangneng and the others were terrified. They instinctively imagined a vicious ghost with a blue face and fangs, ready to devour anyone who might attack them. If Chen Dengming hadn't been there to keep them in check, they would have almost all retreated far away immediately.

"Coo coo coo--"

Bubbles rose from the Yin Spring within the Yin Cave, which resembled a frozen mirror, and ripples spread out, carrying the chilling Divine Sense the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord.

"Longevity Sect Leader, you really brought supplies? Let me see what you've brought."

As this Divine Sense was transmitted, it seemed as if some enormous creature was quietly passing by beneath the Yin Spring.

Outside the Yin Cave, the Yin Wind howled even more fiercely, and the temperature seemed to plummet, causing everyone's robes to flutter wildly.

Chen Dengming stood with his hands behind his back, calmly smiling, "Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord, I have said I will not go back on my word."

"This first batch of supplies is a token of our sincerity in our first transaction. All I need is for you to send my people out of the Underworld and provide ten vats of the Water of the Underworld River, and all these supplies will be yours."

After saying that, Chen Dengming waved his sleeve, and ten large water vats, as tall as adults and as thick as door panels, flew out of his Storage Bag and landed with a thud.

"Living creatures, Demon Beast, and... poisonous spiritual soil?"

The cold, sinister Divine Sense of the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord swept over the numerous supplies placed outside the Yin Cave, and then he suddenly let out a cold snort.

"Longevity Sect Leader, these supplies are indeed quite good, but aren't you being a bit too naive to think you can exchange them for your people and ten vats of the Water of the Underworld River?"

That single Soul Mussel Pearl alone is incredibly valuable; I could easily keep it for myself."

Chen Dengming chuckled, his eyes turning cold. "Xingluo, this is banditry. That Soul Mussel Pearl was spoils of war obtained by my men; it has nothing to do with you."

But you can calculate what's in your pocket and then use it to trade with me.

This is highway robbery, not a cooperative transaction. Are you perhaps looking to make a quick buck?

With an air of complete confidence, the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord coldly said, "I won't interfere with that. If you want to make a deal with me, you must abide by the customs and traditions of the Yin Spring."

Below the Yin Spring, any ghost entering the Ghost City where the Ghost Lord resides must pay an entrance fee, and if a ghost wishes to leave the Human World through the Ghost Lord's Yin Spring, it must surrender all its wealth.

"This is outrageous robbery!"

"This so-called Yin Spring Ghost Lord is far too treacherous and cunning; he's nothing special and lacks the aura of a true powerhouse."

Le Shangneng and the others, who were initially apprehensive and fearful, were now filled with righteous indignation. They dared not show it on their faces, but privately they all sent messages to condemn him.

"Hmm? You dare to speak ill of me?"

The Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord was extremely perceptive. Suddenly, he concentrated his mental power, transforming it into a cold, icy river that instantly surged towards Le Shangneng and the others.

The group of people felt their hearts skip a beat, their hair stood on end, and goosebumps rose on their skin as they sensed a strong sense of danger.

"Presumptuous!"

Chen Dengming let out a low shout, like a thunderclap on flat ground. His eyes were sharp and piercing, and his face was covered in silver light. A powerful mental will crashed down on the opponent's mind like a raging storm.

Two powerful Divine Sense suddenly clashed.

With a hissing sound, as if the air had been sliced in two by a super-fast, sharp flying sword, the compressed air even forming a shock wave that swept across the ground, leaving scratches several meters long.

An invisible aura quickly spread around, seemingly restless and incredibly oppressive.

A semi-circular shield of Divine Sense appeared in front of Chen Dengming, colliding with the Divine Sense will of the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord opposite him.

The two objects, shaped like two sharp cones, confronted each other. The resulting fluctuations of Divine Sense ripped through the surrounding ground, causing it to shatter and splinter, with dust and debris flying everywhere.

Such a terrifying and dangerous aura caused Le Shangneng and the others to turn pale.

At this moment, a flash of Silver Light appeared, and the mental power of the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord suddenly retreated.

The Divine Sense shield that erupted outside Chen Dengming's body also collapsed and shattered.

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators who were close behind suddenly had their robes light up for a moment. Then, their shields and clothing were shattered by the violently surging airflow, and their bodies were sent flying backward, landing heavily on the ground.

Nascent Soul True Lord clashed.

Even if it was just a slight test, Chen Dengming intended to protect them, but even a mere wisp of energy he released was something that Foundation Establishment cultivators simply could not withstand.

"As expected of the Fighting Longevity Lord, your current strength is such that even if I were to leave the Underworld, I would be powerless against you. But unfortunately, I will not be leaving the Underworld. If you wish to make a deal with me, you must do as I say."

The Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord regrouped and once again sent out Divine Sense warning from Below the Yin Spring.

Chen Dengming gave a soft snort, his eyes turning cold.

"Starfall, it seems you are truly insatiable. In that case, I have decided to no longer trade with you."

There are eighty-one Yin Springs in total, and there are at least fifty Yin Spring Ghost Lord Below the Yin Spring. I will seek out more suitable partners."

Chen Dengming waved his hand, as if to leave.

Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord was immediately enraged, "Longevity Sect Leader, are you going to disregard your ghost brother in the Yin Spring?"

Chen Dengming suddenly threw his head back and laughed loudly, his white hair flying wildly at his temples. The sound waves shook the surrounding area, and Le Shangneng and the others immediately retreated, fearing that the two Nascent Soul True Lords would attack again.

"Xingluo, do you really think you've fooled me? My fellow Daoist Ghost is not in your hands, and you know that better than I do."

Do you really think that because I dared to send people down there, I had absolutely no preparations?"

Within the magnificent and eerie ghost city Below the Yin Spring, the Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord changed slightly, his face showing surprise and doubt.

This Longevity Sect Leader already knew he was playing a trick?

That's impossible.

Unless the other party can obtain information from Below the Yin Spring, but that possibility is extremely small.

Chen Dengming had already instructed the cultivators to begin collecting the supplies.

The Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord was even more uncertain.

He knew very well that he couldn't possibly blackmail the other party with just the Ghost Bride he currently controlled.

This is because the Ghost Bride was originally sent by the Netherworld Ghost Lord to deal with this Longevity Sect Leader.

If the other party knew this, they would certainly be emboldened.

At this moment, it was clear that all the supplies had been loaded back onto the spirit boat.

Chen Dengming leaped up, seemingly about to leave.

The Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord gritted his teeth and transmitted his voice.

"Longevity Sect Leader, you're ruthless! I will send you your people and supplies, but I demand double the amount."

Chen Dengming stood on the spirit boat, his back to the Yin Cave. Upon hearing this, a smile involuntarily appeared in his eyes, but his tone was resolute and left no room for doubt.

"The supplies will not be doubled! You must send over my people and goods, trade with me, and abide by my Human World customs and rules, which means showing sincerity."

Chen Dengming paused, then stood with his hands behind his back and said coldly, word by word, "Your rules are rules, and my rules are rules too!"

"Hateful!!"

Within the solemn and magnificent ghost city, an incredibly oppressive and powerful aura suddenly erupted.

The Starfall Yin Spring Ghost Lord was enraged. His powerful ghostly aura spread and tumbled in the air, like a ferocious demon that wanted to devour everything. The entire ghost city was instantly silenced, and all the ghosts were terrified.

In this small area Below the Yin Spring, he is the absolute uncrowned king, the monarch among ghost cultivators.

He is a man of his word, and no ghost dares to disobey him.

But this time, he suffered a setback at the hands of the inexperienced leader of the Longevity Sect Leader, and had no choice but to swallow his pride and accept it.