"Of course I'm tempted. But my purse is empty, and I can't afford it," Song Wen said.
"You understand what I mean, fellow Daoist. Why play the fool?" Mu Li said.
Song Wen took two steps back, putting some distance between himself and Mu Li. His expression instantly grew colder.
"I understand your meaning, of course, but why choose me? You've lived here for years and must have some acquaintance with every immortal here. Why choose someone you've met only once to pluck chestnuts from the fire?"
Mu Li also put away her seductive expression.
"I know all the immortals here, but Wu Liang and Ji Tong are equally familiar with them. If I worked with them, there would be no guarantee against betrayal. They might lay a trap beforehand and wait for me to walk into their net. You, however, are different. This is your first visit here. Apart from your chance encounters with me, Wu Liang, and the others, you don't know any other immortals. I needn't worry at all that you'll betray me."
"You certainly sound convincing, Fellow Daoist Mu," Song Wen said. "But how can I trust you? What if you've already colluded with Wu Liang and Ji Tong, and your sole aim is to lure me into your game? If I agree, wouldn't I be a lamb walking into a tiger's jaws?"
"It's only natural for you to be suspicious of me, but you're worrying too much," Mu Li said. "If I really were working with Wu Liang and the others, why would we go to such lengths to harm a newcomer like you? All I'd need to do is secretly send them a message right now, and we could trap and kill you in my residence. Besides, apart from a few Immortal Essence stones,