Sincerity

Xiao Hongda, the Prince of Poyang of Zhen Country, was the half-brother of the king. He had the typical Xiao Family face: arched eyebrows, peach blossom eyes, a full forehead, and a plump, ruddy complexion. He was very wealthy. His body was protected by a gleaming armor, and the golden fish scales on it shimmered with iridescent light in the sunlight. Even a single piece of it would be priceless.

Although this person is considered a powerful cultivator at the Nascent Soul Realm, holding the rank of general in the Zhen Country, and a typical elder from a prestigious family, one shouldn't expect him to actually personally don such expensive armor—the kind that boosts the morale of the enemy—just based on his wealthy and noble appearance.

During the previous battle, this prince was probably overseeing things from the rear of the Immortal Palace. His opening remarks were something like, "Regarding the various tasks involved in this campaign against the Demon Race, I'd like to offer three brief suggestions. Everyone is welcome to discuss them. First..."

Ahem, I was just saying he has the air of an official, nothing more. But I've heard that the Prince of Poyang is a wise and virtuous king, known far and wide. At least the Xiao Family has been quite enthusiastic in praising him and building his persona, extolling his famous generosity and philanthropy.

So Li Fan was initially quite looking forward to it, wanting to see what kind of reward the prince would give him for saving his nephew and niece's lives. The Nangong Family had already given away a flying sword; surely the Xiao Family wouldn't give too little?

To Li Fan's astonishment, he stood with a group of mounts for ages, but instead of receiving a cup of tea, he wasn't even granted the right to meet the Prince of Poyang!

There wasn't some surprise prepared for him, really, there was absolutely nothing!

It seems the young Marquis surnamed Sun was rushed to the emergency room and couldn't attend to things here for the time being, so the officials and clerks accompanying the army didn't even think about rewarding Li Fan with anything.

Moreover, they spouted a bunch of grand principles, saying that on the battlefield, there's no distinction between a prince of Xun Kingdom and an ordinary cultivator; everyone is a comrade-in-arms fighting against the Demon Race. If you rescued a comrade, isn't that a perfectly normal thing? What's the point of rewarding him? Besides, wasn't this person brought back by Nascent Soul Stage general? Why reward a Golden Core cultivator like you?

Hey, Li Fan couldn't accuse the Xiao Family of neglecting their benefactor, because he hadn't immediately taken out the letter and Yuzan hairpin Xiao Yushi had given him to deliver. After all, he genuinely thought the Xiao Family were very courteous and respectful, intending to present them in person. But who knew the servant wouldn't even let him in! Being treated so disrespectfully before presenting them would make it seem like he was actively currying favor with the powerful, which made him feel quite uncomfortable.

Well, thinking about it, it makes sense. Qingyue, a mere rogue cultivator from Ink Bamboo Mountain, a Golden Core cultivator from the countryside, is simply not good enough in front of a powerful clan like the Xiao Family. After all, he has neither the rank and salary of a Three Realms cultivator, nor the official salary of Li Country, nor even the official position of Lou Guan. He's just a typical country bumpkin; how could he possibly be qualified to seek an audience with a prince of Zhen Country, a dignified Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, a top-tier prince of the Twelve Countries of the Central Plains?

If you insist on seeing him, it's not impossible. The Prince of Poyang has always been respectful to the virtuous and talented, and loves to make friends with those who are capable. Leave your name and letter of introduction, and wait for an audience.

With that attitude from the other party, it's over.

Li Fan's personality, to put it nicely, is that he'd rather be straightforward than resort to crooked means; to put it bluntly, once his stubbornness flares up, he'll never back down. He'd be a fool to wait for someone to summon him! He just turned around and left!

How did he manage to see what Hsiao Hung-tat actually looked like?

Ironically, when Li Fan left the Immortal Pavilion Flying Palace in a huff and headed to the flying boat to Ink Bamboo Mountain to inquire about his fellow disciples, he unexpectedly encountered them.

It turned out to be this Prince of Poyang. Without waiting for an audience, he took the initiative to visit the flying boat of Ink Bamboo Mountain to win over the hearts of the people. He expressed his recognition of the outstanding role of the Ink Bamboo Mountain Dinghai Pearl Hospital in this battle, came to comfort the group of Southern Country cultivators who were wounded in the battle, and even tentatively asked the old Daoist Tian Shu to name a price for Dinghai Pearl.

The old Daoist priest Tian Shu also said that this magic weapon is borrowed and cannot be transferred, but our Seven Star Temple is professional in making magic weapons. What kind of bead do you want, what color, how big, what material do you want? Just give me a word, and for the price you quoted, I will make a brand new one for you!

Prince of Poyang was delighted and immediately signed a major deal with the Seven Star Temple, establishing a strategic partnership agreement with Ink Bamboo Mountain...

Li Fan remained hidden in the crowd the entire time, observing coldly from the sidelines.

When this Prince of Poyang spoke with the Nascent Soul Stage Daoist of the Seven Star Temple, he always spoke with an air of superiority, as if he were pointing out the flaws in the world. Of course, his manners and demeanor had the air of nobility. Although he kept people at arm's length, he did not arouse resentment. Instead, he inspired a sense of respect and admiration, reminding people that they were just country bumpkins from the mountains. Perhaps this is what is meant by the demeanor of a renowned scholar?

Well, Li Fan finally understood. Aristocratic families are still aristocratic families after all. They have millions of dollars to spare in a minute. They don't have time to waste on feelings. Their politeness is three parts out of good manners and seven parts out of self-interest.

People at this level only associate with those who are useful to them. No wonder Xiao Yushi wrote a letter of introduction specifically for Li Fan, and when General Wang saw Li Fan being turned away, he just smiled wryly, patted him on the shoulder, and then, without explaining anything, obeyed the servant's orders and went out to capture the monsters and protect the vulnerable members of the Xiao Family.

Silence speaks louder than words. Now Li Fan has come to understand that the Xiao Family is not much better than the Nangong Family in essence.

To put it bluntly, the Nangong Family could probably put on a show if they wanted to, but they probably figured their children would be used sooner or later anyway, so there was no need to put in so much effort to train them. The Xiao Family, on the other hand, has a longer history, so their family education and learning are probably more complete, and they just do a good job of putting on a show on the surface.

The Prince of Poyang was probably not truly virtuous and righteous, but merely playing the role of a wise and courteous king for the sake of his family. He was only responsible for the public appearances and social duties, lacking the genuine sincerity of the legendary Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage. Otherwise, why would his servants and retainers, even in such a remote place, still distinguish visitors by their visiting cards? It's likely that once they reached Zhen Country, the Xiao Family would act incredibly arrogantly on their own territory.

That's true. If someone's family background and knowledge are at the level of those who can talk about the fate of the nation, do you really think you can take advantage of them? You might take a lot of benefits from them one day, and then they'll find a way to make you pay with your life the next.

Wasn't that Fourth Department General Wang, who was constantly on the move, gradually ensnared and bound by unseen and irreplaceable interests and power, to the point that he could even command a mere servant?

So Li Fan thought about it and simply watched the Prince of Poyang leave, deciding not to take out the letter and continue his close relationship with the Xiao Family. He figured he'd just missed an opportunity, and there was nothing to regret.

On the contrary, the retainer Wang Juncai, who neither proactively exposed his master's secrets nor actively dragged Li Fan into the Xiao Family's mess, might be a more worthy person to associate with than the Xiao Family...

"Profound Heaven Sword Intent said, 'Heh heh, they missed out on this opportunity for you, okay? Now you understand why you can only rob these fat sheep, not just ask them for it directly. Cash on delivery, that's the only way to cleanly and neatly settle this karma!'"

Holy crap? That makes sense!

So if you save the Xiao Family, they will repay you tenfold or a hundredfold, establish a relationship with you, and use you a thousandfold or ten thousandfold in the future, and may even use your life for them.

But if the relationship between the two parties is simply that of robbers kidnapping a fat sheep, then they can't possibly pay too much ransom, as that would encourage such behavior. Money for the person, clean and straightforward, no strings attached, and not even a middleman taking a cut! Xuan Tian, you're quite the clever little devil!

'The Dao of Profound Heaven Sword Intent, humph, learn more from it. Everything in the world has its reason; even murder and robbery have profound principles within them!'

I've really learned a lot!

Li Fan finally understood; he had grasped a bit of the art of robbery!

"Achoo! Huh? Why is my right eye twitching uncontrollably...?"

Not far away, the Prince of Poyang, having concluded his visit and speech, inexplicably left, surrounded by his attendants...

Li Fan sized up the prince with a sinister look. He wasn't short of money right now, so he'd let the Xiao Family, this ATM, go for the time being. The important thing was to find Liu Qing and Yuhengzi's group of Southern Faction to exchange intelligence.

He circled the ship, wasting the prince's time, but didn't see any key figures like Liu Qing or Yuhengzi, or even acquaintances like Xuanji Jushi or Yuan Tianxiao. The only person he recognized on the ship was the old Daoist Tian Shu, with whom he didn't know much. He was still representing the Seven Star Temple, discussing the magic weapon order with the Xiao Family, so it wasn't appropriate to go up and disturb him.

After hesitating for a moment, Li Fan was about to grab a cultivator dressed in a linen Daoist robe from Ink Bamboo Mountain and ask him a question when he suddenly saw a Sword Light descend. Oh, Liu Qing has finally returned. At this moment, all the demonic energy on her body was gone. It seems that she has returned in a different Daoist body. The matter of the undercover agent over there has been largely resolved.

Li Fan stepped forward and heard her talking to a cultivator from Ink Bamboo Mountain.

"How is the battle going? How many fellow disciples have been lost? What about Yuhengzi and the others? Where is Yao the Supervisor now?"

The cultivator also said, "Everyone got separated while chasing the Demon Race, but my disciples shouldn't have suffered much loss. I heard there's a powerful sword immortal leading the way, and he chased the Demon Race army away. It was a really satisfying victory."

However, a disciple from Hengshan seemed to have been harmed by the Xun Mountain Demon King. Daochong the Real Person from the Shangqing Palace Yao the Supervisor, worried about the consequences, led Instructor Yuhengzi and several others, including Senior Brother Yuan, who had not lost their magical treasures and whose fighting strength was still intact, to go and help him.

Liu Qing was stunned. "They're all gone? What happened? Why can't the magic weapon work?"

The cultivator spread his hands and took out his jade ruyi, which was stained black with filth, and said, "That old lion is indeed powerful. He just breathed on us and tainted a large area of our Magic Treasure. Fortunately, we had the Dinghai Pearl of Real Person of the Heavenly Pivot to hold it off, otherwise we would have been in serious trouble."

Now everyone has to queue up to have the Seven Star Temple repaired, but then the Xiao Family came and cut in line, paying a lot of money. We felt bad about delaying their business, so we'll just have to wait...

Senior Sister, are you looking for someone to help you exorcise the demon? We can assist you even if we don't have any magical treasures.

Liu Qing frowned and shook his head. "Without the protection of a magical artifact, it's too dangerous. Let's skip it this time..."

"Sister Jiang wants to exorcise demons, why don't you count me in?" Li Fan stepped forward to join in.

Liu Qing stared at him, seemingly surprised to see Li Fan there. She shook her head instinctively and said, "Li Daoyou, what brings you here? You've only recently achieved the Core Formation stage, and your cultivation is still shallow. Just focus on your cultivation and don't worry about anything else."

On the contrary, the cultivators beside Liu Qing couldn't help but complain, "His cultivation is still shallow? Why can't I see through his level at all..."

Li Fan smiled and said, "Since that's the case, I had some fortuitous encounters in Lei Marsh, which might be useful to Senior Sister."

Liu Qing immediately shook his head, "Li Daoyou, there's no need for such politeness. Although we are from the same sect, there's no reason for us to snatch someone else's opportunity. You are blessed with great fortune and are a prodigy. If you obtain Heavenly Treasure, please use it yourself. We are not worthy of your kindness."

Seeing that Liu Qing clearly didn't want to talk to him anymore, Li Fan understood that the other party still harbored resentment, so he took out a Storage Jade from his pocket and said.

"Really? But I heard that my senior sister was searching everywhere for Gurong, so she specially brought this over."

Liu Qing stopped and exchanged a glance with the cultivator beside him. He then invited Li Fan to a secluded spot by the boat and said, "There were some misunderstandings before. We were wrong in our actions. We just don't know what you wish to exchange the Gurong for. Please tell us."

Li Fan glanced at her, then tossed the Storage Jade to her, saying, "Take a look and see if this is the Gurong."

Confused, Liu Qing took the item out of his Storage Jade and examined it. It wasn't a Gurong flower at all, but clearly the eggs of the Gonggong Demon God! He had given Kunkun and Leopard seven or eight eggs before; giving four to Ink Bamboo Mountain wouldn't be a problem for them, would it?

"So it was you!" Liu Qing exclaimed in surprise, barely suppressing her voice, "What do you mean by this!"

Li Fan smiled and said, "Do you believe me if I say it's all a misunderstanding?"

Liu Qing looked incredulous, then suddenly realized what was happening and exclaimed in surprise, "How did you know... and who told you I was looking for this... this 'Gurong'?"

Li Fan came with the intention of reconciliation, so there was nothing to hide. He smiled without saying a word, and simply took out the Yin-Yang Qi-transforming bag from his waist and tossed it to Liu Qing to see.

Liu Qing untied the cloth bag and glanced inside, then said nothing... truly nothing...

She looked at Li Fan with a bewildered and speechless expression, as if questioning the meaning of life, "... Fellow Daoist, what exactly do you want?"

"Senior Sister Liu Qing," Li Fan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, "I call you Senior Sister out of politeness, out of respect for the Ink Bamboo Mountain sect, and out of respect for Master Zhang, Fuling, and Senior Brother Yuan."

I never expected you to have no respect for me at all. You don't treat me as a friend, and you won't even call me your junior brother.

However, I believe in friendship and am willing to be the first to express my friendship.

Here is the 'Gurong' you're looking for. I don't care what you do with it, I'm returning it to you. As for the Gurong you're looking for, I also have some in Qingyue Creek. As long as it can help Fuling, I'll have Kun deliver it to her in exchange for some tofu to satisfy her craving.

I don't need any other reward, because what I want, I will get myself, and no one can stop me.

So now, I only have one question for you, senior sister: is there anything I can help you with?

Liu Qing stood frozen for a long while, holding the heavy Yin-Yang Qi-transforming bag in his hand. Finally, he sighed, cupped his hands, and asked, "I heard that Jade Toad Granny is recuperating in Lei Marsh Swamp. I intend to gather my fellow disciples to kill her and avenge the children who were killed in the sect before. Would you like to come with me, Junior Brother?"

Li Fan nodded with a smile, "Okay, let's go together."