Chapter 402: Success Through Secrecy

402. Chapter 402: Success Through Secrecy

"Qin Lao, you're being polite. Once words are spoken, like water splashed out, they can't be changed."

Jiang Cheng shook his head.

Mainly because he now has the Moonlight Pendant, he can fully use meditation to restore his Spiritual Power.

As for Refining Alchemy, he's been refining for several months, almost to the point of vomiting; once he reaches the Rebel Army, producing two or three batches a day will count as completing the task.

Splitting off a little—one or two percent—doesn't matter.

"Qin Lao, you just said that helping train alchemy masters would grant extra cultivation resources?"

"Exactly."

Qin Lao hurriedly replied, "To be frank, little brother, our conditions here are decent but certainly not as good as those in the Inner City District. People are few, and all kinds of talent are lacking, so for anyone wanting to join us we offer very good terms, and a welcome gift is inevitable, especially since you are a Level 10 alchemy master."

Jiang Cheng heard that and thought to himself that such a boon existed.

But on reflection, the Rebel Army's terms are average among the many forces, perhaps not comparable to a family in the Inner City District.

The cost of recruiting people is high, so that's normal.

"Qin Lao, what welcome gift can I receive?"

After all, it's better to take something than nothing, and now that he's already a Grandmaster, he still has neither Talismans nor treasures.

Even among First-level Grandmasters, that's rather meager.

"Hahaha."

Qin Lao laughed heartily; not only was he not angry at all, he actually hoped Jiang Cheng would ask.

"Little brother, I know what you've been doing lately; your strength is probably at the Seven-level or Eight-level Force Warrior now, right? It's truly astonishing—when I first met you you were only a Level 3 Original Force Warrior, and in just a few months your power has skyrocketed."

He reflected for a moment and said, "If an ordinary Seven- or Eight-level Force Warrior joins us, we usually give them a corresponding weapon or defensive treasure—say an Eight-level Force Warrior, we'd provide an A-grade alloy weapon or a mid‑high Third-grade Material treasure. But you, little brother, are different; you're also a Spiritual Thought Master and an alchemy master, so we can give you—two, no, three—three items: any cultivation resources, cultivation methods, weapons, Talismans, whatever you need."

"Really? Three items?"

Jiang Cheng said delightedly.

"Of course. As you said, a gentleman's word is hard for four horses to chase; how could I break my promise?" Qin Lao laughed heartily.

The weapons and treasures used by Eight- and Ninth-level Force Warriors are expensive, but how expensive can they be? "Qin Lao, what if I am a Grandmaster?"

"Still three items. What, you're a Grandmaster?" Qin Lao's expression changed, and his voice suddenly rose a notch.

"Yes, a First-level Grandmaster."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

"F‑First-level Grandmaster?" Qin Lao's eyes widened, his mouth opened, lips trembling.

Is Jiang Cheng now a First-level Grandmaster?

How could that be? He recalled that Jiang Cheng was only a Level 3 Original Force Warrior back then. How much time has passed? Six months? In half a year he jumped from Level 3 Original Force Warrior to First-level Force Master?

"Little brother, you—you're not joking with me, are you?"

"Qin Lao, how could I joke about something like this?" Jiang Cheng laughed, "If I weren't a Grandmaster, even if I received all the cultivation resources meant for Grandmasters, they wouldn't have much effect, would they? Or are you just reluctant to part with Level 3 treasures?"

"Impossible!" Qin Lao denied without hesitation, "It's just three treasures. As long as you join us, I could even give you ten. However, the cultivation resources used by Grandmasters aren't solely my decision; I have to consult others. Rest assured, three items are definitely doable. If that's not enough, I'll twist off my own head for you!"

"No, Qin Lao, I still want three treasures," Jiang Cheng said, half laughing, half crying.

"I'm just using a metaphor, aren't I?"

Qin Lao also laughed.

Three treasures for a Grandmaster are indeed pricey, but as long as they can lure Jiang Cheng, it's absolutely worth it.

However, all this is Jiang Cheng's side of the story over the phone; whether he truly is a Grandmaster can only be confirmed in person.

"Little brother, your Spiritual Power hasn't also reached Grandmaster level, has it?"

"Not at all; it's still far off," Jiang Cheng shook his head.

"No worries, the cultivation of Spiritual Power is inherently difficult," Qin Lao exhaled. "If Jiang Cheng's Spiritual Power also reached Grandmaster level, he wouldn't know what to think."

"Little brother, besides that request, is there anything else? If so, feel free to bring it up."

"That's the main one; as for the rest—like guaranteeing my family's safety—I shouldn't have to say it, Qin Lao, you will also ensure that."

"That's natural."

Qin Lao smiled, "We will definitely guarantee your safety and that of your family. Once you arrive here, we'll strive to maintain your previous standard of living."

"Qin Lao, you're being courteous; we're ordinary people too. We used to live in the Poor District, and after reaching the Base, as long as we can eat and stay warm, that's enough."

Jiang Cheng shook his head and asked the most pressing question, "Qin Lao, how do you plan to take us away from here? The place I'm in has strong defenses; if you storm in directly, it would be unwise, right?"

Qin Lao's expression grew serious.

"Hmm, the neighborhood you live in has many Grandmasters, so breaking in is easy, but escorting you out is difficult, especially with a few ordinary people involved."

"How about this: find an opportunity to leave, say you're taking your family out for a stroll. If you're out, we can ensure we get you away from here; even if the Gu Family reacts, we'll have already left for the deep mountains."

"Alright."

Jiang Cheng nodded, then said, "But the Gu Family watches me closely; even if they agree to let me out, they'll send experts to keep tabs on me."

"That doesn't matter."

Qin Lao chuckled.

"This operation, we will spare no effort to ensure absolute safety; however, we need a few days to prepare, so after you find an opportunity and go out, send us a message, and leave the rest to us."

"Okay, I understand."

Jiang Cheng agreed.

He indeed needed a few days on his side as well.

Because here the people's hearts are wavering; rumors say some are planning to jump ship to other Gu Family members or even to other families.

After chatting a while longer, Jiang Cheng hung up, put down his phone, and, as if nothing had happened, sat down to cultivate.

He didn't intend to tell his family; Gu Zhanglin and the others aren't fools—in fact, they're very clever, and if they deduced anything from his family, it would be bad. (End of chapter)