Wu Jinliang was no fool. He could read the contempt in everyone's eyes, and he could not help grumbling inwardly about Shi Chun, nursing a little resentment.
But he also knew perfectly well that until Shi Chun got his hands on that demonic essence, he had to shoulder this black pot of blame. He could not even explain himself, or Shi Chun's demand for the five women from Forgetting Passion Valley would arouse suspicion.
Everyone cared about their reputation, even those who came from the Land of Exile. If they could have a good name, why choose a bad one?
Of course, when necessary, he did not care about that sort of reputation either. Those from the Land of Exile had a bad name to begin with.
Especially when Shi Chun needed him, he had to step up. Losing his reputation was better than losing his life.
He understood one thing very well: only if the Chief prospered could he prosper too. Otherwise, he might not be able to hold on to the benefits he currently enjoyed, and might even have to cough them back up with interest.
Although imperfect beauty was only an excuse, Shi Chun refused to let go of it. "Brother Yin, those are our terms. Capture those five and give them to us, and we'll give you the secret art to verify. Payment in one hand, goods in the other. Fair and reasonable."
Yin Tianlu looked thoughtful, as steady as ever. He neither agreed nor refused. "This isn't something I can readily agree to on my own. Allow me to go back and discuss it with my fellow sect members first."
He had to get a clear account of the situation from Black Tiger before making a decision.
Shi Chun extended a hand to indicate he