Chapter 240

Ji surveyed Lu Fang’s disguised ghost cultivator from head to toe, speaking with an air of superiority: “How strong is your perception?”

In his eyes, Lu Fang was already a prisoner, his life and death entirely in Ji’s hands; he had refrained from striking immediately only because he valued Lu Fang’s abilities.

“How strong is my perception?”

Lu Fang’s mind raced, facing two choices: one was to flee outright—given his strength, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

The other was to feign allegiance, then secretly send a transmission talisman to request backup.

That way, he could trap both Ji and Song Ce in one net.

“Aren’t you already aware of how strong my perception is? Why ask me? You look like ancient outsiders who escaped from the sealed grounds?”

Lu Fang replied ambiguously.

Ji’s expression turned icy as he threatened: “You still don’t understand your situation. When I ask a question, you answer— you have no choice. Of course, if you want to die, I can oblige.”

Song Ce, arms crossed and watching the scene with amusement, warned: “I advise you not to kill him. His exceptional perception will be a great asset in evading the Luo Sha army’s pursuit.”

Ji snorted: “I know that well enough. But this ghost cultivator seems overly arrogant. If I don’t teach him a lesson and show him my power, he’ll think himself special.”

The moment he finished speaking,

Ji’s pitch-black pupils became swirling black holes, and tendrils of black mist surged from all directions, wrapping toward Lu Fang like a cage.

In his view, Lu Fang was merely a fifth-rank, third-stage ghost cultivator—barely worth noticing.

Yet the next second,

Ji was stunned to see this weak ghost cultivator effortlessly evade every strike of black mist with an uncanny movement.

This surprised him!

He hadn’t expected a random ghost cultivator to be this strong.

“Stop.” Song Ce suddenly spoke. After Ji halted, he stared at Lu Fang, who stood still without fleeing, and asked curiously: “Your speed is fast—why didn’t you run?”

Lu Fang didn’t hesitate: “Because I just heard you needed me. I’m alone. If you offer me something valuable, I’m willing to help.”

“That’s settled then.” Song Ce grinned, glancing at Ji beside him: “I’ll handle his rewards. What do you think? Having someone with such strong perception benefits both of us.”

The two who had just been fighting to the death exchanged a glance, then both nodded. They didn’t care whether Lu Fang was trustworthy— if they sensed any treachery, they’d kill him together.

Lu Fang smiled faintly: “Don’t decide yet. My price isn’t cheap. If word gets out, I’ll be wanted by the Luo Sha kingdom.”

“I also need freedom. If this deal goes through, you must keep a safe distance from me. I’ll only detect nearby dangers—everything else is none of my business.”

“You might not trust me. Fine. Someone has to show sincerity, or we can’t cooperate smoothly.”

Song Ce fell silent for a moment, then nodded: “Alright. We’ll do as you say. But remember—if you try anything, I’ll make you pay dearly.”

“On the other hand, if you truly wish to cooperate, your future is limitless. Since you recognized us as ancient outsiders, I’ll be frank.”

“We’re searching for the King of the Wu’e Clan. Once we find him, we’ll build a power capable of shaking the Luo Sha kingdom. As one of the first ghost cultivators to join us, you’ll secure a high position.”

“You don’t seem like an ordinary man. This is an opportunity—a chance to fulfill your ambitions.”

Song Ce was indeed skilled at manipulation; anyone else would have been swayed.

But according to Song Ce, they intended to seek the Wu’e Clan’s King—presumably the name of one of the sealed outsider races.

If even ordinary Wu’e Clan members were this powerful, their King must be far stronger. Finding his location would be highly advantageous.

After brief consideration, Lu Fang decided the risk was worth it. He feigned interest: “How do I know you’re telling the truth? We’ll deal with the future later. For now, if you want me to cooperate, produce something truly tempting.”

“Straight to the point—I like dealing with people like you.”

Song Ce extended his hand; a white flash appeared, and a storage pouch materialized in his palm. He tossed it to Lu Fang: “Here’s a thousand mid-grade Wanda Stones—just a deposit. Once you prove useful, I’ll give you the remaining four thousand immediately.”

“If you join us in seeking the Wu’e Clan’s King, believe me, what you gain won’t be measurable in Wanda Stones.”

“Deal!” Lu Fang glanced at the pouch and agreed without hesitation.

Song Ce was generous—either he truly needed Lu Fang’s perception, or he was merely trying to keep him calm.

But it didn’t matter. Lu Fang just needed to be careful. Soon, he’d send a transmission talisman to Xue Luo Sha with the news about the Wu’e Clan’s King.

Once the timing was right, he’d immediately leave the group.

It was purely advantageous— and if he could kill Song Ce, even better.

He had an inexplicable feeling: the reason the barbarians appeared in the Lesser Upper Realm and found the sealed grounds was because Song Ce knew something beforehand.

He might even know the sealed grounds could be upgraded.

The fact that Song Ce had entered the deepest chamber of the sealed palace so easily told Lu Fang something was off.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t realized it then. Too many possibilities existed—he couldn’t possibly have guessed the sealed grounds could be upgraded.

At that moment, Lu Fang raised an eyebrow: “A Luo Sha army unit is approaching this direction. They’ll arrive in about ten minutes.”

“Are you certain?” Ji frowned.

Song Ce closed his eyes, sensing for a moment, then sighed and shook his head: “I didn’t detect anything. But to avoid drawing the attention of the Luo Sha main force, we retreat. Whether they’re coming—I have my own way of confirming.”

“Hmm.” Ji nodded, glancing at Lu Fang with a low voice: “I hope you’re not lying. If you are, I won’t let you live.”