At those words, the air in the secret chamber seemed to freeze for a moment.
The four old monsters followed Zhou Xuan's pointing finger toward the heavy stone door.
Beyond it lay the Purple-Gold Immortal Vein's spacious Square.
Dozens of second-rate or stronger factions had already gathered there, with even more people on their way.
They had brought enormous quantities of resources and humbled themselves to the utmost, asking only that Zhou Xuan save their lives.
Zhou Xuan withdrew his hand and lightly tapped the back of it against the stone table.
"The price list Lin Qingzhu drew up earlier was still too conservative."
Zhou Xuan turned toward Lin Qingzhu, who stood quietly in a corner.
"Qingzhu, revise the previous list."
Lin Qingzhu took two steps forward, holding a blank Jade Slip.
"How?"
Zhou Xuan traced a circle on the tabletop with his finger.
"From now on, any faction seeking treatment must provide something extra, in addition to the previously stipulated mining rights to Rare Mineral Veins, spirit stones, and medicinal ingredients."
Zhou Xuan paused, sweeping his gaze across the four Old Ancestors' faces, each word striking the secret chamber's flagstones like a hammer.
"They must use objects containing special laws, damaged Immortal Artifacts, or original copies of ancient cultivation methods to offset part of the exorbitant treatment fee."
"No Law Artifacts, no treatment. No exceptions."
Old Ancestor Xuanming's mouth fell open, his jaw nearly hitting the floor.
"This is robbery!" Old Ancestor Xuanming blurted out, then felt that the word was not quite accurate. "You're digging up their ancestral graves!"
The Alliance Leader's phantom flickered violently several times, undisguisable horror filling his voice.
"Zhou Xuan, you'll drive them into a dead end. Those reserves are the very foundation of their sects. Surrendering them would cripple half their sect."
"If