After exchanging pleasantries with the experts of the Earth Pill Sect, Chen Shi'an turned his gaze to Liu Quan and smiled.
"Elder Liu, I've finished my part. Now it's your turn."
Liu Quan's aged face flushed crimson. After some hesitation and inner struggle, he finally cupped his hands slightly toward Chen Shi'an. "Steward Jing, I apologize for my earlier inappropriate remarks."
Chen Shi'an laughed heartily. "There's no need for that, Elder Liu. I know you must have been misled by someone else.
"Now that we've cleared things up, let's shake hands and make peace."
Liu Quan was visibly taken aback.
He had originally thought Chen Shi'an would surely humiliate him ruthlessly.
He had never expected Chen Shi'an to give him a way to save face and let him off so lightly.
Thinking back on how he had opposed him at every turn, he felt deeply ashamed.
He hurriedly cupped his hands respectfully toward Chen Shi'an. "Steward Jing, your magnanimity commands my admiration."
Chen Shi'an wore a faint smile. "We're all fellow sect members. We should be tolerant and supportive of one another."
At this point, his tone shifted. "Still, even blood brothers must keep their accounts clear. For the sake of Elder Liu's reputation as well, the wager we just made must be honored.
"Three hundred thousand taels of silver. I hope you can gather it within three days, Elder Liu."
Liu Quan's expression stiffened. After a brief hesitation, he said gravely, "I'll personally deliver the silver to your residence by tomorrow evening at the latest, Steward Jing."
Chen Shi'an smiled brightly. "There's really no need to rush. As long as it arrives within three days, that's fine."
Hong Qingliu cleared his throat. "Steward Jing, now that you've taken over your master's duties, leave the purchase of spirit herbs at