The torn spatial rift slowly closed as the underlying laws of the World of Abundant Treasures repaired it. That vast concept, steeped in absolute exchange and cold exploitation, gradually faded into nothing like an ebbing tide.
Zhao Fu stood before the battered stone stele of Ghost Gate Pass. He could feel the complicated gazes of the representatives from various factions who had yet to leave: some fearful, some probing, and some openly gloating.
He slowly raised his right hand and pressed it downward in midair.
The elite guards of the God of Wealth Society stationed nearby immediately understood. Amid the humming of surging spiritual power, they began clearing the area in an orderly fashion.
The onlookers hoping to linger for the spectacle or glean further information had no choice but to withdraw. Like grains of sand swept aside by an invisible hand, the crowd quickly scattered toward the realm's edges.
Within moments, the expanse of cloud at the heart of the World of Abundant Treasures had been completely cleared.
Only after confirming that no outsiders remained to pry did the taut lines of Zhao Fu's face ease slightly.
He turned to face the Everjoy Celestial Lord, who had been standing quietly in place all along.
"Honored deity."
Zhao Fu bowed slightly, adopting an exceedingly humble posture, his tone tinged with deliberate flattery.
"My deepest apologies for allowing those blind troublemakers to spoil your enjoyment. Now that all those noisy people have left and peace has been restored, I believe we can continue our transaction?"
As he spoke, Zhao Fu could not stop his gaze from drifting toward the Everjoy Celestial Lord's fair hand.
The Nine-Thousand-Year Immortal Peach rested quietly in her palm, its purple markings and pale-yellow pit suffused with immortal energy.
Merely looking at it evoked a shudder and