Mu Yuejuan toyed with her hair, a playful glint in her eyes. "You certainly have a silver tongue. Go ahead, I'm listening."
Gui Jianchou declared, "Very well, let's discuss the spoils – the money and magical treasures – with fairness. Zhang Gunli possessed considerable wealth, and his magical treasures were of the highest caliber.
Considering those present, I would count myself, Miss Mu, Boss Feng, and Young Master He. The four of us genuinely contributed to this endeavor, so these spoils should be divided amongst us. What are your thoughts, Miss Mu?"
Mu Yuejuan let out a soft snort. "Do you even need to ask? You wouldn't possibly intend to take everything and leave us with nothing, would you?"
Gui Jianchou continued, "We can indeed divide them, but not equally. The distribution must be based on the effort each of us exerted."
Mu Yuejuan's brow furrowed slightly. "Oh? And you believe you contributed the most?"
Gui Jianchou waved a dismissive hand. "I never claimed to have contributed the most. Boss Feng was the one who took the greatest risks today. He led the charge, sustained injuries, and even had his weapon shattered. His abacus is clearly beyond repair now. Therefore, Boss Feng should receive an additional share of both the money and the magical treasures. Does everyone concur with this arrangement?"
He Jiaqing nodded his assent. "I agree."
Mu Yuejuan, while not entirely convinced, also gave a nod.
Gui Jianchou went on, "As for myself, I have lost a ghost servant – one meticulously crafted from the essences of a drama cultivator, a craftsman cultivator, and a strength cultivator. The cost for such a loss requires no further explanation, and I should be compensated. I wish to claim Zhang Gunli's soul; can everyone here consent to this?"
He Jiaqing readily agreed. "I agree."
Mu Yuejuan chuckled lightly. "Fine, it's yours. However, if you dare to make a ghost servant out of Zhang Gunli, do not be surprised if he turns on you one day."
Gui Jianchou pressed on, "Our victory today is fundamentally inseparable from my particular contribution. Without wishing to boast, had I not thoroughly investigated Zhang Gunli's background beforehand, our success in defeating him might have been far from certain."
Mu Yuejuan inquired, "I've been meaning to ask, where exactly did you obtain your information? Zhang Gunli always operated in utmost secrecy, yet you even knew the specifics of the walnuts he carried."
Gui Jianchou sighed dramatically. "My pursuit of revenge truly demanded significant effort."
Mu Yuejuan offered a knowing smile, remaining silent.
What was the true value of effort?
This was Zhang Gunli's secret to survival. No matter how much effort Gui Jianchou expended, he could not have uncovered it. It was abundantly clear that someone with profound skill was subtly guiding him from the shadows.
Who could this enigmatic, highly skilled individual possibly be?
Gui Jianchou continued, "Given my substantial contribution, I desire a slightly larger portion. The refinement of a ghost servant requires both flesh and blood. Therefore, Zhang Gunli's flesh and blood shall all be mine. Is this acceptable to everyone?"
"I agree," He Jiaqing responded without hesitation, though his mind was already racing with calculations.
What exactly did Gui Jianchou intend to do with Zhang Gunli's flesh and blood? If it was solely for refining a ghost servant, he wouldn't require such an excessive amount.
Zhang Gunli's cultivation level was 'Above the Clouds'; He Jiaqing understood the immense value of his flesh and blood, especially since he had once possessed the Mysterious Red Life Lotus.
Could the current whereabouts of the Mysterious Red Life Lotus be somehow connected to Gui Jianchou?
Having laid out his terms, Gui Jianchou discreetly glanced at Feng Chongli from the corner of his eye.
The "Fairness to Both Young and Old".
He had, in fact, mastered the Peddler's unique cultivation technique.
Should he inform Sun Tiecheng about this revelation?
Reporting it seemed unlikely to benefit Gui Jianchou in any way.
However, if he remained silent and Sun Tiecheng were to suffer a loss as a result, Gui Jianchou would face immense trouble; the repercussions would extend far beyond a minor inconvenience.
...
Outside the residence, Boss Lu of the Lu Family Bookstore stood, clutching two books, contemplating whether to enter.
He had arrived to deliver these books to Shen Rongqing, albeit a bit belatedly.
The books could be delivered another day; their timely arrival was not the critical issue.
Nevertheless, he had inadvertently overheard certain matters – matters of considerable importance.
PS: The "Fairness to Both Young and Old" technique is of utmost importance to Sun Tiecheng.
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