cts need or not, we’ll hook you up with hefty rewards—resources to get you both to Marrow Cleansing, courtesy of Shenhua Sect and the Dong family. Pull it off, and there’s rarer loot waiting.”


    Dong Weiyu chimed in. “What Min Xing said goes for us too. My elders and I can swear a binding oath—no backing out.”


    Just as Han had suspected. Their talent and strength were the draw—why else the repeat visits? He sighed inwardly. Shenhua and Dong played nice, unlike Tianlong Gate’s strong-arming. Their offer was juicy—full Marrow Cleansing support even if they flopped? That’s real sincerity.


    But their ask… Sorry, not happening. Compared to the potential Sky-Mending Vine, their goodies were pocket change. Even if Xuandu Temple’s head honcho showed up, Han would still call that name.


    “Really sorry…” Han turned them down, Bai Ruoyue echoing him. They had a fight they couldn’t dodge.


    Min Xing and Dong Weiyu were bummed but not shocked—Lu Qingmo’s Xuandu ties loomed large. If she had her own Mountain God agenda, these two wouldn’t play ball with outsiders. Obvious enough.


    Dong Weiyu tried again. “What about Taibai’s other disciples? Any interest in chasing the Mountain God’s favor? We’d be honored to work with them too.”


    Han and Bai Ruoyue swapped a glance. “Can’t decide for them,” Han said, “but we’ll ask and let you know either way.”


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    After sending them off, Bai Ruoyue rallied the crew and laid it out. Shen Long frowned. “If we go for the Mountain God’s stuff, aren’t we just competing with you and Senior Sister?”


    Shen Yu patted his arm, giggling. “Bro, wake up—you’re no match for them. They’d mop the floor with you in a few moves. What competition?”


    “…” Ouch—straight to the heart.


    “Too early to say how it’ll shake out,” Han said with a grin. “If it works out, everyone could take a shot. Maybe the Mountain God’s feeling generous and showers Black Cloud Town with goodies. But teaming up with Shenhua Sect or the Dong family? I’d hold off and think it over.”


    “Why?” Bai Ruoyue asked.


    Han flipped it back. “Are we tight with them?”


    “Nope—barely met them yesterday.”


    “Are they the last big outsiders hitting Black Cloud Town?”


    “No way.”


    “There you go,” Han said. “If they’re smart enough to pitch a deal to Second Brother and the rest, later arrivals will too. They’re offering perks—others will match or top it. Who’s got the best deal? Too soon to tell. If Second Brother’s crew wants to pair up with outsiders, no rush—scope the field first.”


    Heads nodded as it clicked. Bai Ruoyue smirked. “Little Brother, you’re sneaky.”


    “It’s just that we’ve got no ties with them,” Han said, unfazed. “No bond, so profit’s the priority.”


    Two days of chit-chat didn’t mean squat—he wasn’t about to tank his own gains for that. You’d have to brainwash him first.


    “Little Brother’s right,” Zhang Yuantao agreed. “Right now, barring the Yun family, we’re the only free agents in town—not roped into Zuo Tianzheng’s camp. That’s our edge. No need to jump the gun, but it might tick off some factions.”


    “No avoiding that,” Han shrugged. “Pick any side, and someone’s unhappy—can’t please everyone.”


    After hashing it out, Shen Long and the crew had a game plan. Night fell fast, and Han felt a weird jitter in his gut. Past midnight, his cheat device would refresh.