Chapter 778: Chapter 779: Collecting Money
 

At the same time.

Within the Great Hall of the Imperial Palace in the Great Flame Dynasty, Yan Nian and a group of high-ranking Sect Elders were all gathered here, waiting anxiously for something. An elder from the Sword Sect in particular seemed rather fretful, pacing back and forth in the hall with his unease plainly written on his face.

Today was the deadline set by the kidnappers for paying the ransom. They would be collecting Immortal Stones from the various families. Everyone was awaiting news from their respective sects, hoping that paying the ransom with Immortal Stones would ensure the return of the captives. They were even prepared to accept being swindled out of an astronomical amount if it meant getting their people back.

But their fear was in the event that the kidnappers, having no honor in martial ethics, would receive the Immortal Stones and still not release the captives. That would be catastrophic.

“Elder Jian, there’s no need to be so anxious. Since the kidnappers have sent letters to all the major sects, it’s clear that their goal is to amass wealth. Once the Immortal Stones are paid, the talents from each clan should be able to return,”

Yan Nian continued to soothe everyone, but he himself was also beating the drum in his heart, having cast a wide net over the past few days but finding not a trace of the kidnappers.

To abduct people within the domain of the Great Flame Dynasty and leave no trace afterward – not only the major sects but even he himself suspected an inside job. However, the problem was that he had nothing to do with it!

These kidnappers had really lost all the virtues of eight lifetimes, to make him take the blame for this black pot. Tonight’s transaction was the best chance to capture the culprits. If the major sects failed to apprehend the kidnappers, it might be the Great Flame Dynasty that would have to bear the responsibility.

“I understand, I am always calm and composed. With the intervention of an Earth Immortal Realm expert from the Sword Dynasty, those kidnappers are as good as dead,”

said the elder from the Sword Dynasty indifferently.

“The Li Dynasty is the same. Although we didn’t dare to alarm the experts of the Heavenly Immortal Realm, dispatching the cultivators of the Earth Immortal Realm is already foolproof,”

added a high-ranking Elder from the Li Dynasty.

“Let’s hope everything goes smoothly!”

The atmosphere within the Great Hall remained heavy and oppressive.

It was at this moment that several figures suddenly entered the hall from outside. Leading them was the Crown Prince, followed by the Seventh Prince, the Ninth Prince, and several other Princely Heirs with considerable status and rank, all wearing expressions of indignant anger.

“Father Emperor, that Eighteenth Brother has gone too far! I had kindly invited him to enter my Formation to hone himself, but not only did he show no gratitude, he also manipulated the power of the Formation and nearly inflicted severe injuries on us. You must seek justice for me!”

The Crown Prince’s words came to an abrupt halt as he noticed that the hall was not only occupied by Yan Nian, but also a number of Sect Elders seated in a serious demeanor, clearly discussing some important matter.

“You insolent fool, don’t you see what time it is? How can I care about your petty family squabbles when I have more pressing matters on my mind?”

“You dare to bring such trivial sibling disputes to me for resolution? Who gave you such audacity? Get out at once, and don’t disturb the important matters of our fellow sect members!”

“Reckless and foolish, not at all befitting of a Princely Heir of the Great Flame Dynasty. Go and accept your punishment, and the same goes for all of you!”

Yan Nian’s gaze was filled with raging fury. He was desperately awaiting results from the various sects, and yet his sons had the gall to come complaining and airing their grievances, effectively slapping him in the face in public. He was certainly not in the mood to show any pleasantries.

“Ah, this…”

“Father Emperor, your anger is understood, I know my mistake!”

“Please continue your discussion of important matters, uncles and elders. We shall take our leave first!”

The faces of the various Princely Heirs were extremely unpleasant. Not only had they been humiliated by the Eighteenth Prince in public, but they were also scolded while seeking comfort from their father, which left them seething with frustration.

“Get out at once!”

“How could we have fathered such creatures.”

Yan Nian was so angry his face turned green. His sons were constantly embroiled in power struggles, causing endless worries. To be beaten by a brother and then come running to him for vindication, especially in front of outsiders, what would this say about the Great Flame Dynasty?

However, that Li Xiaobai had truly been too presumptuous. He really needed to find an opportunity to give him a severe reprimand.

“Hehe, Your Majesty, please don’t be angered. Right now, awaiting news from those bandits is what matters most. Please be patient and calm,”

…

At the same time.

Outside the city gates of the Sword Dynasty, on a barren wasteland, several disciples in the Human Immortal Realm anxiously waited with Immortal Stones in hand, as numerous experts in the Earth Immortal Realm kept their eyes unwaveringly fixed on every rustling blade of grass nearby. In a short while, the bandits were expected to appear.

Upon the waste, a small, pale yellow figure confidently strolled toward them, conspicuously visible on this dark, windy night.

“Something’s coming!”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a chicken!”

“How could there possibly be a chicken out here?”

“It seems to be heading straight for us?”

“Could it be that it’s the bandit?”

Watching the small figure approach, everyone felt an odd sensation; the chick looked utterly feeble, seemingly unrelated to banditry. Could it be a disguised powerhouse?

“Identify yourself! This mountain has been claimed by the Sword Dynasty for the day, all others should promptly leave!” one of the disciples shouted.

“I am one of the four notorious evildoers, Ji Wuqing. Your house’s Saint Heir and saintess are in my hands. Have you brought enough Immortal Stones?”

The little yellow chicken asked.

“Ji Wuqing?”

“One of the four notorious evildoers?”

“Shouldn’t the one coming be a cultivator called Li Xiaobai?”

A few disciples were confused.

“How could I, the leader of the four great evildoers, deign to show up in person for the mere Sword Dynasty? Hand over the Immortal Stones quickly so we can settle this transaction and part ways forever. Otherwise, I may just tear up the ticket!”

Ji Wuqing casually spit out a melon seed, speaking indifferently.

Li Xiaobai had bamboozled it into coming; the Sword Dynasty was, after all, a Great Sect. Even fools knew that Sect Elders must be lying in wait. Among the four, only it could face death unafraid, so naturally the important task of collecting the Immortal Stones had fallen upon it.

Originally, it had refused, but after Li Xiaobai promised it a forty-percent share, it readily accepted. It didn’t want to miss this opportunity for fame in battle. As for death, despite being somewhat painful, it was worth it.

“How are we to believe you? Release our Saint Heir and saintess first, then I’ll hand over the Immortal Stones to you,”

Ji Wuqing said, walking closer to the disciples with its tiny strides. At this distance, if the group attacked, it wouldn’t be able to escape.

“The Immortal Stones are here!”

A disciple produced a Storage Bag, and Ji Wuqing quickly glanced at it before swallowing it with a single gulp.

A total of one hundred thousand top-quality Spirit Stones was a burden for a dynasty but wouldn’t break them, fitting just within their capacity to bear.

“You…”

The disciples’ eyes involuntarily widened, not expecting the little chicken to actually swallow the Spirit Stones outright.

“Afraid of what?”

“I always keep my word. Cash on delivery. Here are your Saint Heir and saintess, please take good care of them!”

Ji Wuqing gave a small sneer and then opened its mouth again, spitting out a man and a woman. It had hidden the Purple Gold Gourd inside its body, making it appear as though it had been keeping the cultivators in its stomach.

A few people’s faces lit up with joy as they looked at the two figures in a stupor, “Saint Heir, saintess!”