Early the next morning, the Qian Clan, having just secured victory in the city, eagerly sent someone to convey its position to Fang Qianyuan.
"Our clan elder will arrive shortly. Please make timely preparations for the handover, Elder Fang."
"Handover? Is that what the Qian Clan wants? When demons ran rampant, you had us risk life and limb here, then kicked us aside once the work was done. Do you truly think the Azure Cloud Sect is too far away, beyond mountains and rivers, to deal with petty local powers like you?" Fang Qianyuan sneered.
"Well..." The messenger was struck speechless. After hesitating for a while, he finally replied, "You misunderstand, Elder Fang. That is not what we meant."
Fang Qianyuan asked, "Then what did you mean?"
The messenger said, "The Qian Clan will certainly compensate you and your sect for your recent efforts in protecting the mine..."
This was an offer to pay an appropriate price so Fang Qianyuan and the Azure Cloud Sect could "withdraw with dignity."
If Fang Qianyuan accepted, it would mean he had truly come here to slay demons and protect the people, rather than harboring designs on the spirit mine.
Of course, afterward, he would have little chance to intervene in local affairs again. Even his original share might be swallowed up.
Fang Qianyuan said, "Go back and tell your elders that this matter will not be settled so easily!" He then waved his hand and sent the messenger away.
The messenger left the room with an outward show of great respect, but his expression changed immediately afterward, and a cold smile crept onto his lips.
"Such big words. Does he really think he's somebody!"
*"Even if you are a favored son of a great sect, a rare talent of this age, what can