Chapter 539: The Debt Collector

Zhang Zhang Gunli never expected Feng Feng Chongli to show up—he'd come today solely to claim Li Bai's daughter, the First Talent of Pulu Province, and spend a blissful night with Shen Shen Rongqing, but Shen Shen Rongqing had risked her life to put on quite the show for him.

The show had been well staged indeed; before arriving, Zhang Zhang Gunli had received news of Ma Wu's death, and he'd taken it as truth, arriving here unprepared to collect his debt.

But being unprepared didn't mean he'd be at a disadvantage—after decades of debt collecting, Zhang Zhang Gunli had faced countless surprises; though startled, he felt no real concern.

Looking at Feng Feng Chongli, Zhang Zhang Gunli smiled faintly: "Zhang Zhang Gunli, Feng Feng Chongli—we both have 'Li' in our names. Though our Dao sects differ, our methods are oddly similar."

Here, Zhang Zhang Gunli fell silent for a moment, his tone deepening: "Younger Brother Feng, what's going on? We're both merchants—isn't this just about money? Do you really need to make such a scene with me?"

He He Jiaqing shook his head: "That's not just a little money. When Brother Feng told me the amount, I even felt sorry for him."

Zhang Zhang Gunli extended his right hand, pointing at He He Jiaqing: "Kid, this isn't your place to speak—and you won't get another chance to speak."

Then he turned back to Feng Feng Chongli: "When you borrowed, the interest terms were crystal clear. If you thought my rates too high, you could've just refused me—I never forced you to borrow, did I?"

"Now you say you can't pay? That's not beyond negotiation. Say a few soft words to your brother, and do you think I'd really drive you to death?"

He He Jiaqing laughed: "Zhang Zhang Gunli, how many people have you driven to death over the years?"

"He He Jiaqing, I just told you—this isn't your place to speak!" Zhang Zhang Gunli pulled a promissory note from his robe; he carried countless such notes—some from today's deals, others from debts centuries old—but with a mere flick of his fingers, he knew exactly which note belonged to whom.

"Younger Brother Feng, this note is yours—I've placed it here. Kill He He Jiaqing now, and I'll tear this note up on the spot. We'll be even, no more debts between us."

"Otherwise, I'll collect from you right now—and if you can't pay, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

As his words ended, smoke rose from the promissory note.

Feng Feng Chongli felt his limbs grow heavy, immobilized.

Lending Technique: Debt Mountain Crushing—Feng Feng Chongli felt as if a mountain peak had settled atop him, restricting every movement.

Feng Feng Chongli tried to counter with a Merchant Technique, but Zhang Zhang Gunli saw through his intent.

Zhang Zhang Gunli casually scratched one line on the promissory note, and Feng Feng Chongli couldn't activate any technique at all.

Lending Technique: Scraping Bone, Extracting Sinew.

"Younger Brother Feng, you owe me money—and you still dare to fight me? Do you think your bones and sinews are that tough? I could scrape off two more layers and kill you—do you believe me?"

"I'll say it again: kill He He Jiaqing, and this matter is erased. Otherwise—"

*Clang! *

*Crash! *

He He Jiaqing pulled a lever—the floorboards of the second story split open on both sides.

An entire floor's worth of silver dollars poured like water onto the first floor; had Shen Shen Rongqing not dodged in time, she might have been crushed.

He He Jiaqing looked at Zhang Zhang Gunli: "Brother Feng has repaid you."

Zhang Zhang Gunli was stunned—he hadn't expected He He Jiaqing to be so thoroughly prepared. Even if He He Jiaqing had produced a promissory note, Zhang Zhang Gunli could've denied it as fake.

But silver dollars lay before him, one by one—Zhang Zhang Gunli couldn't openly lie.

The authenticity wasn't in doubt; both Feng Feng Chongli and Zhang Zhang Gunli could judge the silver's purity—but Zhang Zhang Gunli couldn't accept payment, or he'd lose control over Feng Feng Chongli.

Zhang Zhang Gunli said: "Old Feng, you're just robbing Peter to pay Paul. Paying me doesn't erase your debt to He He Jiaqing—you still owe him, and this kid is even more ruthless than I am!"

"Kill He He Jiaqing, and my debt vanishes—I'll tear the note myself. That's the real solution!"

He He Jiaqing smiled: "You say you'll tear it? What if you turn on your word later? Who will Brother Feng appeal to then?"

Zhang Zhang Gunli's face darkened: "He He Jiaqing, I've told you twice—this isn't your place to speak—"

He He Jiaqing replied: "Now it's not your place to speak at all. Empty words mean nothing—you can say anything you want. But I've laid down real gold and silver right here!"

He spoke these words for Feng Feng Chongli's ears—they'd planned to team up against Zhang Zhang Gunli, but anything could happen before battle. If Feng Feng Chongli betrayed him, He He Jiaqing would have no chance to escape.

Now that He He Jiaqing had paid Feng Feng Chongli's debt, he waited to see how Feng Feng Chongli would respond.

Zhang Zhang Gunli held onto the promissory note: "Old Feng, I'm not refusing your money—I haven't counted it yet. Until I finish, I can't give you the note."

1

Zhang Zhang Gunli intended to stall, but Feng Feng Chongli wouldn't fall for it.

"Counting money? We're both experts. This sum is exact. Payment and goods cleared—we're even. Brother Zhang, trying to cheat me now is your mistake."

The promissory note in Zhang Zhang Gunli's hand suddenly burst into flame—Feng Feng Chongli's "Payment and Goods Cleared" technique had activated; whether Zhang Zhang Gunli agreed or not, the debt was settled.

Losing the note meant Zhang Zhang Gunli lost control over Feng Feng Chongli—but he still believed he held the upper hand.

Most Lending Techniques rely on promissory notes, yet many who repay their debts and reclaim the notes still turn on their lenders.

Even without the contract, Zhang Zhang Gunli had other means. He continued calmly: "Younger Brother Feng, you've repaid the money, the note is destroyed—it seems this matter no longer concerns you."

He'd struck at the heart of the matter.

It wasn't unfair—he spoke truth. Feng Feng Chongli had resolved his debt; he could walk away from He He Jiaqing's fight. A man like Zhang Zhang Gunli would've done exactly that.

But Feng Feng Chongli was different: "I run honest business—I'm not like you, a loan shark. I value integrity. Old Zhang, lend me your head—let me repay my debt to Young Master He."

Feng Feng Chongli flicked his abacus beads—*click-clack*—Zhang Zhang Gunli's flesh erupted in layers across his body.

Merchant Technique: Full Calculation.

Feng Feng Chongli counted accounts; Zhang Zhang Gunli took the blows—the faster the counting, the harder the strikes.

Bloodied and torn, Zhang Zhang Gunli remained calm; dozens of silver dollars flew from his side toward Feng Feng Chongli.

This was the Lending Technique: Offering Gold—forcing money upon someone.

It was a cruel technique: if someone refused to borrow from a Lender, he could still force the debt upon them.

These silver dollars were Zhang Zhang Gunli's; once they struck Feng Feng Chongli, they'd burrow into his flesh, becoming debts—though without a note, their binding power would be weaker.

But at this level, any constraint could mean death—Feng Feng Chongli immediately halted Full Calculation and dodged the incoming silver dollars.

The dozens of silver dollars inflicted heavy wounds, but Feng Feng Chongli was nimble enough to avoid any piercing his skin.

Zhang Zhang Gunli was wounded too, but he tapped two walnuts in his palm—his wounds sealed instantly, his body restored to perfect condition.

Feng Feng Chongli stared at the walnuts in Zhang Zhang Gunli's hands. Zhang Zhang Gunli spun them twice: "I have this magic treasure—you can't harm me at all."

He'd seen him rub those walnuts daily, never knowing their purpose—now he saw how powerful they were.

Taking the magic treasure was nearly impossible—but if he couldn't take it, he couldn't hurt Zhang Zhang Gunli. Feng Feng Chongli was pondering a strategy when He He Jiaqing spoke: "Brother Feng, don't be fooled—those walnuts aren't magic treasures. They're his warehouse keys."

"His wounds heal because he swaps out his flesh—he stores plenty of flesh in his warehouse. Brother Feng, keep attacking. Let's see how long he can last."

1

Feng Feng Chongli flicked his abacus beads—Full Calculation struck Zhang Zhang Gunli again.

The technique seemed simple, but was nearly impossible to defend against—one of the Merchant Sect's deadliest moves.

Zhang Zhang Gunli parried the technique while glancing at He He Jiaqing—how did this youth know him so well?

The walnuts were indeed warehouse keys. Zhang Zhang Gunli borrowed flesh to repay debts, so he needed flesh to replenish—hence his warehouse stored extra flesh.

But this flesh couldn't withstand prolonged technique erosion. Zhang Zhang Gunli kicked the floor—mountains of silver dollars erupted into the air.

The Offering Gold technique couldn't control so many external objects. Feng Feng Chongli frowned, muttering: "Is this a Power Technique?"

Zhang Zhang Gunli laughed: "Sharp eyes. I borrow cultivation from a hundred sects—I naturally use a hundred methods. Younger Brother Feng, watch closely: one silver dollar hitting you, and I'll kill you!"

Dodging the silver dollars wasn't hard—Feng Feng Chongli feared Zhang Zhang Gunli's next move.

He He Jiaqing said: "Brother Feng, don't overthink—he's not targeting you. He wants to kill me with these silver dollars."

Zhang Zhang Gunli nodded: "You talk too much. You deserve to die."

As he spoke, the silver dollars surged toward He He Jiaqing—but before touching him, each one clattered to the ground.

Zhang Zhang Gunli froze, then saw He He Jiaqing smile: "You don't use a hundred techniques—you used a Power Technique magic treasure. Lending Sect rules forbid it: external objects are shared, cultivation remains unchanged."

"What you store—silver, magic treasures, flesh, organs, bones—all are external. If you want them, keep them. Bear your own profit or loss."

"But anything tied to cultivation—you can only lend it out, never use it yourself. Techniques, combat power—this is your sect's iron law. Am I wrong?"

Feng Feng Chongli fought Zhang Zhang Gunli while listening to He He Jiaqing explain his opponent's tactics.

It gave him invaluable insight—he'd already devised multiple strategies to counter Zhang Zhang Gunli.

Zhang Zhang Gunli pushed back Feng Feng Chongli and turned to He He Jiaqing: "Young man, how much effort did you put into planning my death?"

He He Jiaqing smiled: "Taking your life is worth any effort."

Zhang Zhang Gunli crushed the walnuts—two figures descended from above, one on each side, attacking He He Jiaqing.

He He Jiaqing stood still, watching as the pair approached—then, instead of attacking him, they turned on each other.

The man tried to strike He He Jiaqing, but the woman attacked him instead.

He He Jiaqing laughed: "Old Zhang, these are Artisan puppets, aren't they? You lack Artisan Techniques, so they fight on instinct. I have Artisan Techniques—now they're mine."

As he spoke, the male puppet ceased fighting, standing obediently beside He He Jiaqing.

These puppets were made by Chu Shaoyang, who'd recently fallen on hard times, unable to repay his debts, and had offered them as collateral.

Without Artisan Techniques to control them, they fought on their own—mere wooden automatons.

At best, they could muster twenty percent of their combat power.

Zhang Zhang Gunli had hoped to use them to pin He He Jiaqing down—but He He Jiaqing hadn't even raised a hand, and had already claimed both wooden machines.

Could a Thief Sect cultivator do this? Even if he could steal techniques, he couldn't wield them so flawlessly.

Zhang Zhang Gunli was stunned—but he couldn't afford distraction. He still had to fight Feng Feng Chongli.

As the two walnuts clashed, smoke rose from Zhang Zhang Gunli's body, mist swirled, flames flickered, dust flew, and faint chanting echoed around him.

This was Zhang Zhang Gunli's deadliest technique.

Too many had pledged magic treasures as collateral—he had countless in his warehouse.

He could use them all—but no one knew which one he'd choose.

Feng Feng Chongli felt dread. He Haiqing by the door and Shen Shen Rongqing in the corner both believed they would die in the next second.

It wasn't cowardice—they'd been struck by the Lending Technique: Terror of the Killing Blow.

In debt collecting, no tactic is too extreme—fear is their most common weapon.

Zhang Zhang Gunli didn't need to act—just assuming a killing posture made everyone present tremble.

The moment was ripe—he prepared to strike.

Feng Feng Chongli covered his eyes with both hands, then pulled them apart, fixing his gaze tightly on Zhang Zhang Gunli.

Zhang Zhang Gunli spun a walnut in his hand; a matchbox flew up, and from inside it leapt a matchstick that, after being struck against its striker, burst into flame and rushed toward Feng Feng Chongli.

Feng Feng Chongli had already prepared—he pulled a spittoon from his satchel, filled with a jar of thick phlegm.

First, it extinguished the matchstick; then the thick phlegm clung to the box, restraining the matchbox itself.

Zhang Zhang Gunli was startled—why was Feng Feng Chongli prepared?

Did he guess it from experience?

The walnuts clashed again, and a pipe shot out a thick cloud of smoke toward Feng Feng Chongli.

Feng Feng Chongli was ready again—he flicked out a sandalwood fan from his sleeve.

The fan moved on its own, summoning a gale that scattered the smoke; the pipe proved useless.

Two consecutive preemptive responses—this wasn't luck.

Zhang Zhang Gunli had told no one his intentions, and in his use of magic treasures, he had no fixed order or habit.

The only reasonable explanation was that Feng Feng Chongli had seen through his intentions and anticipated them in advance.

The key question was: how had he made that prediction?

To say he wasn't nervous at all was false, but Zhang Zhang Gunli still responded calmly—he had magic treasures, and he knew Feng Feng Chongli had no shortage either; a merchant cultivator traveled far and wide, who knew whose resources ran deeper?

But he knew Feng Feng Chongli was in dire straits—he'd sold off his best treasures; if it came to a contest of deep reserves, Zhang Zhang Gunli wasn't afraid of him.

Tap! Tap!

The walnuts clashed twice, and Zhang Zhang Gunli's form vanished.

This was a concealment treasure—no one knew what trick Zhang Zhang Gunli would use or when he'd strike. Feng Feng Chongli dismantled his abacus and flung it hard; the beads flew out and struck Zhang Zhang Gunli on the head.

The beads embedded into his flesh, then exploded.

Zhang Zhang Gunli, covered in wounds, leapt to the window.

He feared Feng Feng Chongli would pursue, and put distance between them.

This was the first time he felt fear toward Feng Feng Chongli—each time, Feng Feng Chongli anticipated his intentions, reminding him of an extremely rare technique.

"Did you use 'Child and Elder, No Deception'?"

Feng Feng Chongli nodded: "It's the merchant's duty."

Zhang Zhang Gunli didn't believe it: "That's a peddler's exclusive technique."

Feng Feng Chongli said nothing.

Zhang Zhang Gunli asked again: "Are you a direct disciple of the Peddler?"

Feng Feng Chongli remained silent.

Zhang Zhang Gunli didn't want to fight anymore—he realized he might have underestimated Feng Feng Chongli.

He knew He He Jiaqing inside and out; that alone had made him uneasy, and now he'd encountered a direct disciple of the Peddler—fighting on like this would gain him nothing, and if the Peddler himself showed up, his life wouldn't be safe.

He rubbed the walnuts, intending to summon a treasure to cover his escape.

Tap-tap!

That sound was wrong.

These aren't my walnuts!

Zhang Zhang Gunli looked down at the two walnuts in his hand and was stunned—someone had swapped them? He He Jiaqing?

He was a thief cultivator, his hand skills indeed impressive, but he'd been standing right before Zhang Zhang Gunli's eyes, and Zhang Zhang Gunli hadn't seen him move—how had he swapped them?

If he had that ability, he wouldn't have been driven to the brink by the Green Flower Gang.

He had to reclaim the walnuts—they were tied to his very foundation.

Zhang Zhang Gunli flashed into view before He He Jiaqing and plunged a hand into his chest.

Thief Cultivator Technique: Bone-Draining, Marrow-Sucking!

This move would drain his marrow, his blood, and even his soul.

He He Jiaqing cried out: "Save me!"

Zhang Zhang Gunli paused—was that it?

Was this all He He Jiaqing could do?

As Zhang Zhang Gunli charged, He He Jiaqing didn't dodge, didn't react at all after being struck?

Was this really He He Jiaqing?

Feng Feng Chongli didn't move to save He He Jiaqing—he was drained and dared not fight Zhang Zhang Gunli head-on.

He He Jiaqing didn't call out to him—he shouted: "Master, save me!"

Master?

Who was his master?

Zhang Zhang Gunli struck hard—he didn't draw marrow, didn't draw blood, only pulled out a cluster of souls.

This wasn't He He Jiaqing—it was a wraith!

No, not just one wraith—it was a ghost servant stitched together from several souls!

Because this ghost servant resembled He He Jiaqing so perfectly, and He He Haisheng had appeared alongside him, guarding the door—Zhang Zhang Gunli had truly mistaken it for He He Jiaqing.

Who was the master of this ghost servant?

Who could possess such power?

Could it be—he's here—

Zhang Zhang Gunli transformed into invisibility again—he meant to flee the estate, and this time without hesitation.

Just as he was about to pass through the wall, a man walked toward him, smiling: "Old Zhang, where are you off to? Old friends have all arrived—don't you want to say goodbye before leaving?"

The Smiling Ghost King, Gui Gui Jianchou!

Zhang Zhang Gunli now understood the origin of the wraith he'd just seized.

It was Gui Gui Jianchou's ghost servant, disguised as He He Jiaqing—so lifelike, likely a Performer Cultivator!

Able to control puppets—probably a Craftsman Cultivator too.

He'd also nullified the earlier Force Cultivator technique—likely a Force Cultivator was mixed in as well. Three high-level wraiths fused into one ghost servant—only Gui Gui Jianchou could manage that.

A wave of dark energy struck—Zhang Zhang Gunli couldn't escape; his concealment treasure was shattered by Gui Gui Jianchou!

Zhang Zhang Gunli frowned: "Ghost, our accounts are settled."

"Accounts are settled, but I remember the grudge," Gui Gui Jianchou smiled unchanged. "Your interest calculation nearly bankrupted me!"

Zhang Zhang Gunli gritted his teeth: "Since I entered the Dao, I've used this method—I never forced you to borrow,

You all agreed at the time—why are you thinking of revenge now?"

Gui Gui Jianchou laughed: "Old Zhang, you know deep down someone was coming for you. With your conduct, you were bound to die by your own trade.

?

Zhang Zhang Gunli said: "I've lived this long for years—why today?"

Gui Gui Jianchou nodded: "Right now, neither too early nor too late—it's truly the day you pay with your life. Listen to me: accept your fate!"

"Accept my fate? You're not worthy!" Zhang Zhang Gunli wasn't boasting—he'd survived this long because he had real skill. Gui Gui Jianchou, Ye Ye Jianhuang, Lan Qiao Wuze—all had borrowed from him. One by one, he feared none.

Even if Gui Gui Jianchou and Feng Feng Chongli came together today, Zhang Zhang Gunli still had confidence he could escape.

Swish!

Zhang Zhang Gunli felt a chill at his back—a gash opened along his spine.

Mu Yuejuan stood behind him, holding a brush, its tip still dripping blood.

Zhang Zhang Gunli glanced back at Mu Yuejuan: "Miss Mu, we've never had any grudge, have we? When I borrowed from you, I never charged excessive interest, did I?"

Mu Yuejuan looked innocent: "Oh, Brother Zhang, so many are after you—why are you picking on me?"

The way she said it—

Gui Gui Jianchou laughed: "Old Zhang, saying that makes me look down on you. Mu Yuejuan has no grudge against you, but there's profit here.

Crowds bustle for gain; you, Zhang Zhang Gunli, still don't understand this truth—you're destined to die here,

So how could Miss Mu not come to claim her share?"

"Everyone wants a share?" Zhang Zhang Gunli scanned the crowd.

Mu Yuejuan sighed: "After you die, I'll paint you a portrait—I'll paint 'A Broken Drum Beaten by Ten Thousand Hands'—don't hate me."

"Yes, 'A Broken Drum Beaten by Ten Thousand Hands,'" Zhang Zhang Gunli laughed. "You lot—why have you all gathered?"

"Don't rush to ask," Gui Gui Jianchou waved his hand; a swarm of ghost servants lunged at Zhang Zhang Gunli.

Zhang Zhang Gunli fought the ghost servants with his remaining treasures; Mu Yuejuan painted nine-headed spirit snakes that coiled tightly around him.

Zhang Zhang Gunli tried to summon a Water Cultivator treasure to wash away the painted snakes—but his Water Cultivator treasure was gone.

He tried to summon a Sound Cultivator treasure to repel the ghost servants—but his Sound Cultivator treasure was gone too.

One by one, his treasures vanished; Zhang Zhang Gunli suffered repeated blows.

He He Jiaqing stole them—he's still hiding in the shadows!

Feng Feng Chongli jammed the dismantled abacus into Zhang Zhang Gunli's chest; the abacus frame twisted violently inside him, robbing Zhang Zhang Gunli of all resistance.

Mu Yuejuan swung her brush rapidly, swiftly dismembering Zhang Zhang Gunli's body.

Gui Gui Jianchou pulled out a porcelain bottle, burned the mouth with a candle, and directly sealed Zhang Zhang Gunli's soul inside.

He corked the bottle—Zhang Zhang Gunli was utterly cleansed.

On the ground lay a pile of IOUs. Mu Yuejuan sighed: "These are all unpaid debts—how convenient for these people."

Gui Gui Jianchou smiled: "If you don't want them to benefit, take the IOUs yourself and take over his debt-collecting trade."

Mu Yuejuan shook her head: "I won't do this business—I don't want to end up like him."

Besides, I don't know the people on this IOU—fine if it's cheap, but some bargains shouldn't be taken for free. Mr. He, isn't that the truth?

Zhang Zhang Gunli had kept his attention fixed on the ghost servant, unaware that the real He He Jiaqing had hidden inside the silver dollars and swapped his walnuts during the fight with Feng Feng Chongli.

He He Jiaqing stepped out from the mountain of silver dollars and addressed the crowd: "Elders, I have no intention of taking advantage of you. I have Zhang Zhang Gunli's pair of walnuts in my possession—I'll hand them over to you elders for safekeeping."

With that, He He Jiaqing handed one walnut to Gui Gui Jianchou.

Gui Gui Jianchou frowned: "Give it to me? Do you really trust me that much?"

He He Jiaqing nodded: "I've heard of the Ghost King Elder's reputation."

Mu Yuejuan was displeased: "How's that? Is the reputation of my Hundred Blossoms Ink and Brush smaller than his? Without me arranging this, could you have even pulled it off?"

He He Jiaqing handed the other walnut to Mu Yuejuan: "I won't forget this favor. With two elders overseeing this, I'm certain justice will be done."

Gui Gui Jianchou held one walnut, Mu Yuejuan held the other—they had to press them together to open Zhang Zhang Gunli's treasure vault.

With their status, would they really covet Zhang Zhang Gunli's meager belongings?

Covet? They truly did.

Zhang Zhang Gunli's treasures weren't just a little.

Gui Gui Jianchou said: "Miss Mu, Mr. He wants justice—so who should speak it, you or me?"

Mu Yuejuan adjusted her hair: "You're sweet-tongued—you speak. I'll listen."

Gui Gui Jianchou said: "Very well. Let's speak justice today. First, money and magic treasures: Zhang Zhang Gunli's wealth is substantial, and his artifacts are all top-tier."

Among those present, I count myself, Miss Mu, Master Feng, and Mr. He—we four truly contributed. Let us divide these among ourselves. Miss Mu, what do you say?"

Mu Yuejuan snorted: "Do I need you to say that? Do you think you could hoard it all and leave others out?"

Gui Gui Jianchou continued: "But division isn't equal—it must reflect contribution."

Mu Yuejuan frowned: "You mean you contributed the most?"

Gui Gui Jianchou waved his hand: "I didn't say I contributed the most. Today's greatest contributor was Master Feng—he led the charge, got wounded, broke his own weapon, and his abacus is clearly unusable. He deserves an extra share of the money and magic treasures. No objections, right?"

He He Jiaqing nodded: "I agree."

Mu Yuejuan was reluctant but nodded all the same.

Gui Gui Jianchou went on: "I lost a ghost servant—a ghost servant stitched together by a Spirit Cultivator, a Craft Cultivator, and a Strength Cultivator. You know the value of that—I need compensation. Zhang Zhang Gunli's soul is mine. Will you agree?"

He He Jiaqing nodded: "I agree."

Mu Yuejuan smiled: "Fine, it's yours. If you dare use Zhang Zhang Gunli as a ghost servant and one day die at his hands, don't regret it."

Gui Gui Jianchou continued: "Our victory today wouldn't have been so smooth without my efforts. I won't boast, but if I hadn't uncovered Zhang Zhang Gunli's background beforehand, we might not have defeated him."

Mu Yuejuan said: "I was just about to ask you—where did you get this information? Zhang Zhang Gunli always operates in secrecy. How did you know so clearly about the walnuts he carried?"

Gui Gui Jianchou sighed: "I put in real effort to seek revenge."

Mu Yuejuan smiled but said nothing.

What good is effort?

This was Zhang Zhang Gunli's core secret—no matter how hard Gui Gui Jianchou tried, he could never have uncovered it. Someone powerful must have guided him.

Who could that person be?

Gui Gui Jianchou continued: "Since I contributed greatly, I'll take even more. To forge a ghost servant, you need flesh and blood—Zhang Zhang Gunli's entire body is mine. Will you agree?"

"I agree," He He Jiaqing answered quickly, though his mind was on one thing.

What did Gui Gui Jianchou want Zhang Zhang Gunli's flesh for? If it were just to forge a ghost servant, he wouldn't need so much.

Zhang Zhang Gunli's cultivation was above Cloud Ascension—He He Jiaqing knew exactly how valuable his flesh was, having once possessed the Xiao Xuan Sheng Crimson Lotus himself.

Could the Xiao Xuan Sheng Crimson Lotus's whereabouts be tied to Gui Gui Jianchou?

Gui Gui Jianchou had laid out all his demands, glancing sidelong at Feng Feng Chongli.

Fair to young and old.

He knew the Hauler's secret technique.

Should he tell Sun Sun Tiecheng?

Telling him would benefit Gui Gui Jianchou little.

But not telling him would let Sun Sun Tiecheng suffer a loss—and then Gui Gui Jianchou's troubles would be far worse than cracked eggs.

Outside the mansion, Mr. Lu of the Lu Family Bookshop held two books, hesitating whether to enter.

He had come to deliver books to Shen Shen Rongqing, but he'd arrived too late.

The books not being delivered didn't matter—he could bring them another day.

But he'd overheard some things—things of great importance.

PS: The technique "Fair to Young and Old" is crucial to Sun Sun Tiecheng.

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