Inside the Yan Manor mansion, Yan Hongcai just finished discussing matters with several elders of the Yan Lineage and returned to his residence with a worried expression.
" Old Nie, have someone keep a close eye on the movements of the other Lineage in the city. If there are any unusual actions, let me know immediately."
Furthermore, the government has increased patrols these past few days to guard against anyone who might harm us.
He gave the instructions to the steward.
"Yes, Master."
The housekeeper had just agreed when a familiar voice called from outside the courtyard.
He called out, "Father! I need to speak with you."
Although Yan Hongcai frowned, he still gave Old Nie a wink, signaling him to let Yan Lianfang in.
After a while, Yan Lianfang entered the inner courtyard, followed by Chen Mu had a calm expression, and Mingye.
"Father, these two are the disciples of the Divine Talisman Gate I mentioned to you yesterday. I brought them here specifically to meet you, Father."
Yan Lianfang walked up to Yan Hongcai, bowed, and smiled.
Yan Hongcai immediately understood and stood up warmly, saying in a friendly manner, "Haha, since you two are guests at my home, I should have taken the initiative to pay you a visit."
I've simply been too busy these past two days, so please forgive me if I've failed to provide adequate hospitality.
He thought to himself, since Yan Lianfang dared to bring the two of them to see him, it seems that his Sealing Talisman has been broken by the two of them. In this case, there is a high probability that these two are indeed disciples of the Divine Manor Gate.
However, there are differences in skill among the disciples of the Divine Manor Gate. Over the past few hundred years, they have found the inheritances of a few outer disciples of the Divine Talisman Gate, but their skills were limited and they could not be of much help.
Therefore, he didn't have high hopes for it, and just did his best.
"You're too kind, Yan Lineage!"
Chen Mu and Mingye bowed respectfully.
"Dad, let me introduce you."
This is Chen Mu, the leader of Iron Soul City. The man next to him is Mingye.
Yan Lianfang introduced it to Yan Hongcai.
"Haha, alright, you don't need to stand on ceremony. Please sit down."
Yan Hongcai nodded and invited everyone to sit down with him at the stone table.
Chen Mu didn't stand on ceremony and walked to the stone table, sitting down opposite Yan Hongcai.
" Yan Lineage, the Third Miss just said she needs my help with something."
I don't like beating around the bush, so please just say what you need to say, and I'll do my best to help.
"Alright! Since you're so generous, young friend, then I won't stand on ceremony with you."
Chen Mu's frankness was somewhat unexpected, but Yan Hongcai was not one to mince words and directly stated his needs.
"Beneath my Yan Manor lies a talisman array passed down from my ancestors, but due to years of neglect, it is severely damaged. Therefore, I would like to ask you, young friend, for help in repairing this array."
"A rune array?"
Chen Mu pondered for a moment, as if he understood something, and asked, "Was it built by my Divine Talisman Gate?"
"Young friend, you are indeed intelligent!"
That's right, this talisman array was built by your Divine Talisman Gate back then. Although I have found other talisman masters to maintain it over the years, I have never been able to repair it completely.
However, for a young friend who possesses the inheritance of the Divine Talisman Gate, repairing this formation should be easy, so please do not refuse."
Yan Hongcai said frankly.
Chen Mu looked troubled upon hearing this. "This rune array sounds quite complex; it will probably take a lot of effort. I wonder about the reward..."
"Haha, young friend, don't worry, you'll definitely get your fair share of the reward."
"How about this? I'll pay you ten Grade 6 Yin Stone first. If you can completely repair this formation, I'll pay you another two hundred Grade 6 Yin Stone. What do you think?"
Yan Hongcai laughed heartily.
He not only didn't find Chen Mu's mercenary behavior offensive, but actually felt quite at ease with it.
People who aren't after money often want more, but he doesn't want to pay any other price right now.
Chen Mu nodded immediately. "No problem! I can start right now."
"Then we should not delay, Fang'er. Take young friend Chen Mu through the underground passage and let him go to the center of the formation to take a look first."
If you need any materials during the repair of the rune array, just let Old Nie know, and he will send them to you.
Yan Hongcai making arrangements.
Nighttime, inside a restaurant in Nine Yama City.
Although Gao Fenghai is no longer the leader of the settlement, he has made some friends in Nine Yama City after years of wandering.
Recently, he had received many benefits from Chen Mu and was financially well-off, so he treated a few friends to a meal at a restaurant.
"Hey, let me tell you, the food my family provides to our villagers is just as good as the dishes in this restaurant."
If the adults hadn't strictly forbidden us from bringing food out, I would definitely have brought some for you to try.
Gao Fenghai was clearly drunk, and kept rambling on and on.
What was said in jest was taken seriously by many. During this period, the prosperity of Iron Soul City attracted the attention of many, especially those from other settlements adjacent to Iron Soul City.
"Chief, it seems the news is true. There's a magical artifact in Iron Soul City that can produce food, and it seems the food produced by that artifact tastes quite good. If we can seize it, our brothers will never have to go hungry again."
A short, weasel-faced man exclaimed excitedly.
"That's good! However, the walls of Iron Soul City have already been built, and it won't be easy to take them down now."
Moreover, there are strict orders within the Imperial Court that settlements must not attack each other. Minor skirmishes are one thing, but a full-scale attack could very well result in repercussions from the Nine Yama City.
Although Ge Rao appeared burly and rough, he was actually quite shrewd. Having ruled Shulie City for many years, he knew very well what was permissible and what was not.
"Hehe, does the leader still remember the Green Ghost Bandits? I have their contact information."
The short man smiled meaningfully.
"Oh? You're confident you can get them to work for us?"
" The Green Ghost Bandits are known for keeping their promises. As long as we agree with them that we will get the magical artifact that makes food, they will not break their word."
Furthermore, the Green Ghost Bandits are elite-oriented and few in number; they probably wouldn't be interested in such a magical artifact.
The short man paused, then added, "Also, we can have a few adults guard outside Iron Soul City. If the Green Ghost Bandits win easily, we'll honor our agreement. If the Green Ghost Bandits and the enemy are both severely injured, we can reap the benefits."
Ge Rao was very interested upon hearing this. After pondering for a moment, he spoke.
"Okay! Go and contact them first. We'll discuss the details of the plan when we meet."