Chapter 368: Shifting Costs

Hua Changxi did not go to see the Duke of Liang; instead, she sent Hua Sanlang to negotiate with him.

Holding the Cocooning Pill, Hua Sanlang followed Medicine Master Xu with a grave expression to the Personnel Department at the base of Danyuan Peak.

Nowadays, the Personnel Department was not only responsible for recruiting apprentices but also handled the reception of outside guests.

In the living room, Wan Feng had already drunk several cups of spirit tea with the Duke of Liang and Chu Junhao and was about to pour another cup when Hua Sanlang and Medicine Master Xu returned.

Not seeing Hua Changxi, the eyes of Wan Feng, the Duke of Liang, and Chu Junhao all flickered simultaneously.

Hua Sanlang looked at the Duke of Liang and, at Medicine Master Xu’s gesture, took out the Cocooning Pill and handed it to the Duke: "This is the Cocooning Pill. After taking it, your physical body will feel restricted and bound, and the effect will last for three years."

"The pill will cause no other harm to you, Duke. As long as you take it, the恩怨 between you and Ninth Lady will be completely settled."

The Duke of Liang looked at the pill before him, barely able to contain his anger.

He, a dignified duke, had personally come to apologize, and not only did Hua Changxi not show herself, but she also forced him to take some Cocooning Pill—this was utterly outrageous.

Chu Junhao had guessed that Hua Changxi would not let the matter rest easily, but he hadn't expected her to retaliate in this way.

The Duke of Liang looked at Chu Junhao. His attack on Hua Changxi back then had been on the orders of the imperial elder Chu Tianxun. Now that Hua Changxi was humiliating him like this, how could the imperial family stand idly by?

Unfortunately, Chu Junhao showed no reaction to the Duke of Liang’s gaze.

Seeing this, the Duke of Liang immediately understood the imperial family’s stance. Having the Seventh Prince accompany him to Danyuan Peak was probably already the greatest favor the imperial family could grant him.

The Duke of Liang now felt both grief and humiliation. He dared not question Chu Junhao, so he could only glare coldly at Hua Sanlang: "What if I refuse to take this pill?"

Hua Sanlang was intimidated by the malevolent aura emanating from the Duke of Liang and was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

Seeing this, Wan Feng frowned and couldn't help but speak: "Duke of Liang, the Peak Master has already made a concession. I think you should know when to stop."

Hearing this, the Duke of Liang grew even angrier and instinctively released his spiritual pressure, intending to intimidate Wan Feng for speaking rudely. Unexpectedly, the moment his spiritual pressure was released, it was forced back by a formidable power.

A mountain-like pressure suddenly descended and then vanished just as abruptly, startling everyone in the living room.

Chu Junhao, feeling his heart nearly stop, wanted nothing more than to stand up and curse the Duke of Liang. Did this man have no brains at all, daring to make a move on Danyuan Peak? Did he truly think Hua Changxi was dead?

The Duke of Liang, who had been furious moments ago, now had a face as pale as paper, but he still stubbornly shouted: "I have come in person, showing full sincerity. Who is the one who should know when to stop?"

Wan Feng knew that the Duke of Liang’s words were not directed at him but at the Peak Master. He also knew that the Peak Master had just forced back the Duke’s attack when the Duke tried to strike him.

The Peak Master was paying attention to the Personnel Department but refused to meet the Duke of Liang face to face—this was undoubtedly a sign of contempt.

Steadying his pounding heart, Wan Feng looked at the Duke of Liang: "Duke of Liang, the恩怨 between you and the Peak Master is actually very clear."

"Back then, you failed to kill the Peak Master and were instead severely wounded by her. That matter was originally just between the two of you, but afterward, you involved the Peak Master’s family and used the power of the Liang Duke Manor to besiege the Hua family for three years."

"The Peak Master did not drag others from the Liang Duke Manor into this because of you. How can that not be considered a concession?"

"If you are unwilling to let the matter rest here, do you want to force the Peak Master to treat you as you treated her?"

Wan Feng’s words were quite blunt: "If I were you, I would obediently take the Cocooning Pill. I think you wouldn’t want the people of the Liang Duke Manor to have to cower inside the manor, not daring to take a single step outside, would you?"

The Duke of Liang was furious—so angry he could die—but he dared not do anything.

Hua Changxi was stronger than she had been three years ago!

The pressure just now had made his heart tremble violently.

Even though his physical body was frail, his cultivation realm was genuinely at the Spirit Platform stage, yet he had felt a threat of death!

The Duke of Liang looked at the pill on the table, bitterness in his heart. If Hua Changxi truly attacked the Yin family, he couldn’t stop her, and the imperial family, whom he served as his master, would probably not uphold justice for him either.

"Fine, I’ll take it. I hope Peak Master Hua will keep her word."

With that, the Duke of Liang swallowed the Cocooning Pill with the resolve of a warrior cutting off his own arm.

Watching the Duke of Liang, Chu Junhao felt deeply uncomfortable. He hadn’t expected Hua Changxi to be even more ruthless than he had imagined.

Hua Changxi’s retaliation was a stark humiliation!

Seeing that the Duke of Liang had taken the pill, Hua Sanlang breathed a sigh of relief: "Duke of Liang, rest assured. As long as you don’t provoke the Hua family again, the Hua family will stay far away from you."

Chu Junhao glanced at Hua Sanlang, knowing that the Duke of Liang was now deeply ashamed and enraged. He turned to Wan Feng: "Since the matter is settled, the Duke of Liang may leave now, correct?"

Wan Feng nodded: "Of course. Duke of Liang, please do as you wish."

Then, without looking back, the Duke of Liang left Danyuan Peak.

Chu Junhao hesitated for a moment but still followed—after all, Lord Liang of the State was a member of the imperial family, and he needed to offer some reassurance.

After catching up with Lord Liang, Chu Junhao asked with a concerned expression, "After taking the pill, do you feel any discomfort?"

Lord Liang didn’t want to bother with Chu Junhao, but he was also concerned about the effects of the Cocoon Pill, so he carefully sensed his body’s condition. Soon, his face darkened.

Seeing this, Chu Junhao asked urgently, "What’s wrong? Is the pill harmful to you?"

Lord Liang let out a sneer. "How could it not be harmful?"

Whenever he tried to use spiritual power, it would bind and wrap him up like a silkworm cocoon.

Hua Changxi, how ruthless—she truly went out of her way to refine such a cunning pill to deal with him.

Chu Junhao wanted to say something, but Lord Liang was already tired of listening to his nonsense. With a flash, he left the Medical Department.

Lord Liang’s arrival and departure caused no stir at Danyuan Peak. Not long after he left, Yu Fu returned with Dugu Lie.

"Master, this is the 'Thought Pass' specially made for you by Artifact Master Tong. He said it requires both spiritual sense and blood essence imprints to activate."

Hua Changxi looked at the exclusive 'phone' in her hand, then at the other standard models. "What's the difference?"

Yu Fu: "The appearance is the same, but the functions differ. Artifact Master Tong said that even if you go down to the Nine Abysses with this 'Thought Pass,' as long as you're within the Nine Barriers, you can still send messages."

"As for other 'Thought Passes,' they stop working once you enter the Nine Abysses; they only work within the Great Jin domain."

Hua Changxi looked surprised. "The Artifact Saint Hall is impressive—they can even cover the signal to the Nine Abysses. Remarkable." She paused, then added, "By the way, how many spirit stones does this kind of 'Thought Pass' sell for?"

Yu Fu sighed. "Artifact Master Tong said that the materials for refining this type of 'Thought Pass' are quite rare, so the Artifact Saint Hall isn't selling them to the public yet. This one was specially kept for you by Artifact Master Tong."

Hua Changxi chuckled. "So Tong Yao does have a conscience, not forgetting me, the source of inspiration. Alright, I have nothing else for now. You can go about your business."

After that, Yu Fu returned to the Logistics Department. Not long after, the stewards of Danyuan Peak and the outstanding disciples all received their reward 'Thought Passes.'

At the same time, the 'Thought Pass' option was added to the exchange catalog of the Logistics Department.

The commotion this caused was far greater than Lord Liang's arrival.

Right after Hua Changxi activated her 'Thought Pass' with her spiritual sense and blood essence, and was familiarizing herself with the functions of this cultivation-world version of a mobile phone, Hua Sanlang stormed into her bamboo hut.

Even if it was a family member, Hua Changxi strongly disliked such behavior of barging in without knocking. "Third Brother, next time you come to see me, let me know before entering."

Hua Sanlang was sulking and snorted coldly. "What, are you really going to put on the airs of a peak master in front of me, your elder brother?"

Hua Changxi's face darkened. "What do you want from me?"

Hua Sanlang was silent for a moment before saying, "During the three years you were away, I took a batch of pills from the Logistics Department for the family to use in their cultivation."

Hua Changxi: "Yu Fu told me about that. What's the matter?"

Hua Sanlang said impatiently, "The pills were for the family. Why did you have Yu Fu deduct them from my monthly allowance?"

Hua Changxi looked at him. "If you want to help the family, that's your own wish, so naturally you have to pay for it." She let out a cold laugh. "You come charging at me so angrily. What, do you think in your heart that your wish should be paid for by me?"

Hua Sanlang was choked. "I... yes, it's my wish, but they're your family too! Are you going to be stingy? Besides, those pills are nothing to you. Why do you have to be so strict with me?"

Hua Changxi looked at Hua Sanlang, feeling an unspeakable disappointment.

Three years apart, and her elder brother hadn't improved at all.

"Third Brother, remember one thing: on Danyuan Peak, I am the peak master, and you are a disciple. As a disciple, you obey orders."

"You don't have the right to question me."

"I still have things to do. You may leave."

Hua Sanlang stared blankly at Hua Changxi, completely taken aback that she would say such things to him. Then, his vision blurred, and when it cleared again, he found himself standing halfway up the mountain.

His own sister had directly kicked him out!

Realizing this, Hua Sanlang instantly turned red in the face and neck with anger.

"Senior Brother Hua."

Zhu Qinghuan happened to pass by. "Senior Brother Hua, what's wrong?"

Seeing it was Zhu Qinghuan, Hua Sanlang felt as if he had found a family member and immediately began pouring out his grievances to her.

"My Ninth Sister is something else now—she's become a peak master and won't even acknowledge me, her own elder brother."

"For just a bit of medicine, she actually kicked me out directly."

"Jiu Niang’s heart is truly hard and cold."

Zhu Qinghuan listened, was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Peak Master’s injuries—are they fully healed?"

Hua Sanlang was stunned. After Jiu Niang returned, he hadn’t yet asked about her injuries.

Seeing his reaction, Zhu Qinghuan sighed helplessly: "The Peak Master didn’t return for three years, so the injuries must have been serious. You should show her more concern."

Hua Sanlang couldn’t save face, nor did he want to admit he was wrong, so he stubbornly said, "Jiu Niang is doing fine; she doesn’t seem like someone who was badly injured at all."

Zhu Qinghuan smiled: "That’s good. In these three years the Peak Master was away, the hearts of the disciples of Danyuan Peak have been unsettled."

Hua Sanlang: "It’s not as serious as you say. Even without her, Danyuan Peak still runs as usual."

Zhu Qinghuan didn’t argue with Hua Sanlang on this issue, but instead brought up the matter of Yu Fu deducting his monthly allowance.

"Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. I think the Peak Master believes that if she let you draw supplies from Danyuan Peak as you pleased, then whenever something happens with the Hua family, you’d do the same. Wouldn’t Danyuan Peak become your personal storehouse? That would give others something to talk about."

"When the Peak Master considers a problem, she always looks at the bigger picture. As her elder brother, you should understand her."

Hua Sanlang looked at Zhu Qinghuan: "Whose side are you on?"

Zhu Qinghuan laughed: "Naturally, I’m on your side." Then he put away his smile, his expression turning serious. "Senior Brother Hua, what I’m about to say might make you uncomfortable, but here at Danyuan Peak, you can only do well if the Peak Master does well."

Hearing this, Hua Sanlang became even angrier: "So without her, I can’t live?" After speaking, he turned and left without looking back.

Zhu Qinghuan watched his retreating figure but didn’t go after him.

Ah...

He only sees petty advantages but turns a blind eye to the Peak Master promoting Ye Lingxuan and the others—truly unable to distinguish big matters from small.