Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1544 - 955: United in Heart and Fate (Part 2)
Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
Fang Geyu delicately lifted a brow, stating, "Go back and convey to your master that I, Fang Geyu, have acknowledged the offerings received today. A significant recompense shall be bestowed in the future."
"There is no need for the Third Lady's concern. Although I, Qingxin, am but a commoner, my master is no vulgar individual. These five thousand top-grade spirit stones are merely a token of his initial regards."
Qingxin offered a gentle clap of her hands, and before the expectant gaze of numerous elders, the demon cultivators unfastened their Qiankun bags from their waists.
However, they did not immediately reveal the contents, unlike their presentation of the spirit stones.
"I trust the Third Lady will be understanding. Beyond the spirit stones, my master has also prepared one hundred thousand catties of Black Crystal Stone, five thousand cans of Spiritual Tung Oil, nine hundred branches of Seven Tune Wood, and five hundred Demon Fire Flame Marrow Pills, which may be too voluminous for this hall.
Oh, and indeed, my master was concerned that the Third Lady's top-grade spirit stones might be inconvenient to handle, so he specifically instructed his subordinates to procure three Blue Origin Crystals from the Ten Abysses of the East Sea."
With each item and its quantity Qingxin announced, the faces of Shifang City's elders could not help but twitch profoundly.
Their expressions appeared to develop an infestation, and the corners of their mouths nearly contorted upwards to meet the edges of their eyes.
By the time the Blue Origin Crystals were mentioned, a ringing filled their ears, and blood seemed to rush upward, making them question the very clarity of their hearing.
The Blue Origin Crystal, fundamentally, is indeed a form of spirit stone, found sequestered within the Ten Abysses of the deep ocean.
Unless one is a spiritual entity intrinsically bound to water, ordinary cultivators would find it impossible to venture there.
The Blue Origin Crystal is exceedingly rare; despite its water-attributed spiritual power, it possesses such unparalleled purity that it can harmonize with all manner of spirit roots across the Five Elements.
Its precious nature means that even a ten-thousand-year-old deep-water spirit can only yield one such crystal.
The spiritual power contained within is far more potent than that of five thousand top-grade spirit stones.
In the thousand years since Shifang City's establishment, a mere two had ever been discovered.
Thus, among all the gifts presented by the Demon Alliance today, not one item rivals the value of a single Blue Origin Crystal!
Could it be that this Third Miss Fang is single-handedly saving the entire lineage of the Demon Alliance leader?
To think he would treat her with such earnestness, staking everything upon it?!
In times past, those who sought alliance with Shifang City were typically motivated by material gain.
Given the Demon Alliance Hierarch's immense wealth, they genuinely could not fathom the reason for such extravagant efforts to curry favor and ingratiate themselves with Shifang City.
Yet, the elders of Shifang City, possessing as they did considerable experience and wisdom, remained unmoved by this immense enticement.
Wei Haocang emitted a cold snort, declaring, "An unsolicited favor often conceals nefarious intent or the prelude to theft!"
Qingxin displayed no offense, responding with a gentle smile, "My master, possessing a gentleman's heart, genuinely seeks camaraderie. Should any of the elders harbor reservations, this young maiden will, of course, return these gifts in their entirety."
Wei Haocang's countenance shifted, clearly not anticipating such a response.
As the recipient of the overtures, he had intended to adopt a posture of superiority, aiming to diminish the Demon Alliance's standing, lest they presume to achieve prestige through opulence.
However, he had not foreseen that the moment he adopted such a stance, the other party would threaten to retract the gifts.
Wei Haocang gave a heavy cough, his expression far from pleased, and stated, "In this world, has anyone ever taken back an offered gift?"
Qingxin's smile retained its grace, replying, "And in this world, who receives a gift with such a haughty, frigid demeanor? Elder Wei, you are not Third Miss Fang, and thus, lack the authority to slight my master."
"You!"
Qingxin promptly interjected, "My master specified that these gifts are intended solely for Third Miss Fang and bear no relevance to any other individual.
While the gentlemen present are fond of debating matters of reason with their ladies, my master is not one given to arguments.
These items are for Third Miss Fang to indulge in as she pleases; she may spend them with abandon.
After all, within the Mortal World spanning the Four Seas, certain factions possess the capability to produce such treasures readily."
Qingxin then subtly raised her brows, a faint smile gracing her lips as she cast a glance at Huo Fangru before lowering her gaze, saying softly:
"Third Miss Fang is also free to pursue any aspirations she desires with boldness; as for financial backing, should Shifang City prove insufficient, our Demon Alliance will offer no objection."
This seemingly magnanimous declaration was, in truth, a thinly veiled jab.
The assembled elders felt a considerable measure of humiliation.
Although three thousand top-grade spirit stones represented a substantial sum,
for the affluent Shifang City, their accumulation would not even threaten the stability of their foundation.
However, faced with the imminent and profound danger, they were surpassed by an entirely unexpected individual whoWholeheartedly supported their master.
This was unquestionably a harsh blow to their deeply ingrained pride.
Fang Chi, having successfully subdued Di Lianggong, remained largely silent as the meeting drew to its conclusion.
He then turned his gaze towards Fang Geyu, a subtle smile gracing his lips. "I could never have imagined that while you, Little Yu, were away, you would form a connection with such a remarkable person, someone capable of such boundless generosity. Perhaps this elder position, now vacant due to Di Lianggong's downfall, could serve as a token of our gratitude for him."
Fang Geyu responded with a chilling smile. "The entirety of Tiangge City already belongs to him. What significance does this mere elder position hold?"
Fang Chi's eyes widened in disbelief, a gasp escaping him. "What did you say?!"
Fang Geyu's weary gaze shifted away. "It signifies nothing. The matters of today have been settled. Second Uncle, there is no need to harbor any hidden intentions or suspicions; this individual... is absolutely trustworthy. You need not concern yourself with any ulterior motives."
Assured by her words, Fang Chi finally nodded. With a grand gesture, he signaled for the heavily armored guards to carry away all the assorted artifact refining materials without the slightest hesitation.
"Lady Qingxin has journeyed a great distance; your efforts are truly commendable. Why not remain in the city for a couple of days to rest?"
Qingxin gently shook her head. "The gifts have been delivered, and my task is complete. It is time for me to depart and not impose any further."