"You are a righteous champion, fellow Daoist. Even while traveling through Western Kham, you haven't forgotten to devote yourself to slaying demons. You registered with the Western Sichuan Sword Pavilion and then saved our White River Sword Pavilion from destruction. Emei owes you a great debt. If you ever have time, you must visit Emei Mountain."
Ye Yuanjing spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
Cheng Xinzhan did not know whether to laugh or cry. He had never expected to receive an invitation from Emei one day. He knew that if he really went to Emei, the scene would certainly not be pleasant.
Still, he nodded outwardly.
"I shall certainly visit your immortal mountain when I have time."
Then Ye Yuanjing added,
"You can contribute to slaying demons anywhere under heaven. Why not come to our White River Sword Pavilion? We'll offer twice the stipend of the Western Sichuan Sword Pavilion. I'll explain things to Yuanqi and Renying myself."
At this, Zhou Qingyun's eyes lit up, and she looked over as well.
Naturally, Cheng Xinzhan shook his head and politely declined.
"This poor Daoist loves his wine and cannot leave his drinking companions at the Green Bamboo Nunnery. Once I've had this cup of your tea, I'll be heading back."
The two had anticipated this answer and showed little reaction. After all, if the promise of twice the stipend had been enough to bring him over, they would have felt they had misjudged him.
Ye Yuanjing continued with a smile,
"There's no need to hurry back so soon. Stay the night and allow our people to search the demonic cultivators' corpses, sort out the gains and losses, and calculate rewards according to merit. We'll have your reward ready tomorrow."
Cheng Xinzhan was just about to speak, but Ye Yuanjing gave him no chance,