Chapter 402 - 402: The Big Offer is Mine!

Bubai still wasn't sure what that shorty was up to, but it didn't take long to find out what that shorty's brother was waiting for.

Knock. Knock. A muffled voice came out from outside the door. "Little one, Xiao Panzi, requests permission to enter."

Both Qian Fusha's slouched body and weary face straightened.

A hand picked up the bronze formation ball sitting on the side table and gave it a light twist—click.

The door cracked ajar and the man instructed the half-man. "Enter."

In shuffled a rather familiar eunuch – the same one who escorted those painted ladies from the Phoenix's Nest earlier yesterday.

Xiao Panzi stopped a respectful distance from their seats and bowed politely towards the head seat.

"Lord Qian, little one sent the invites, as you requested."

"Any replies?"

"None so far." Xiao Panzi lowered his head even more, as if afraid his neck might be taken for the answer.

But Qian Fusha didn't show much of a reaction and simply waved for the eunuch to leave.

Xiao Panzi gave them another little bow then backed out.

Click. Once the private room's door sealed shut again, the weight on Qian Fusha's shoulder visibly seemed to double and his face seemed to be clouded with even more weariness than before.

It was quite clear that Bubai wasn't the only helper that these Qian brothers were looking for.

Unfortunately, it seems none of the others wanted to get involved or still had a wait-and-see attitude.

Hard to blame others though. Most cultivators seek benefits and avoid danger. If the risks outweigh the benefits, why bother?

Besides, will anybody be silly enough to side with the disadvantage party, especially if the feud involves core disciples?

Well… there might just be one.

Qian Fusha turned to the sole available option within reach. "Xiao Bai… that... it's rare Xiao Ba can call someone in this sect a brother and friend…"

"Unless there's no other choice, we... really don't wish to drag you into the water. After all... behind this clan feud, there are core disciples."

The man's weary eyes seriously stared at Bubai.

"So I must confirm again. Xiao Bai, are you sure you want to involve yourself in this quagmire?"

What's this? Playing the emotions card? Bubai really wanted to roll his eyes. Yo Merlin, he's already sitting here. Can he still not help? Does he really think he came for the free snacks?

Of course, words must be put much more nicely when said out loud.

"Like I said earlier, brothers ride fortune together, and bear hardship together. Since the brothers I recognized have difficulties, how can I back out?"

"Well said." Qian Fusha chuckled lightly. "Then I believe... it's time we discuss the important matter of cooperation."

Bubai's eyes lit up with a smile. Yo Merlin, finally about time! Wonder how much he could fleece out from these Qian brothers!

Of course, his inner greed was hidden well.

Outwardly, Bubai still kept his propriety and nodded with a serious face. "Brother Fusha, please speak."

Qian Fusha didn't immediately get down to business. Instead, he solemnly looked out the window and shared another tidbit.

"In the Sacred Torch Ritual, there is no restrictions to the number of foundation realm combatants sent out by each clan, but…"

"To avoid one string affecting the whole body, the sect has restricted the number of guest fighters any clan can invite."

"The maximum is three for the top clans. According to the our clan tier, we should only be allowed two slots."

"Each of these spots are a precious quota that can't be wasted. That is why... even if this might sound a bit disrespectful, I must ask, how confident are you, Xiao Bai?"

How confident? Bubai honestly felt pretty confident!

"I can't guarantee a win, but I believe you've seen the power of my tempered physique and the Cloud Ascending Steps I practice. If I want to stall, nobody can chain me down as long as I have a breath of Qi left!"

At first, that sounded awfully like boasting, but after Qian Fusha thought about it, he actually can't find anything wrong with what Bubai said!

Those skillsets were indeed quite effective for stalling in a stage like this!

In that case…

After doing some abacus in his mind, Qian Fusha quickly came up with an offer.

"Then how about this...? 250 spirit stones. Whether we win or lose, they're yours. Then, for every hour you delay, we'll add another 250 spirit stones."

Boom! Thunder shook Bubai's mind! Holy Merlin in a nutshell! Did his ears hear wrong?!

250 spirit stones?! That's the same price that those old geezers gave for the life of that early-stage foundation realm genius!

But here, it was just the appearance fee!

What's even better is that the offer even came with an hourly salary!

Though each duel was capped at two hours, since this was an elimination mode battle where the torch gets passed on, then…

As long as the challenging side has enough fighters lined up, this was technically an infinite paycheck!

Okay, that might be a bit exaggerated, but it was unquestionable this was a very, very generous offer!

It was almost borderline slapping his face with money! Like that's crazy!

But once Bubai thought about it carefully, the offer makes sense.

After all, a peak mid-stage foundation realm cultivator isn't so easy to deal with. Even surviving an hour might be tough!

Besides, getting involved was the same as offending a core disciple. Perhaps others won't even dare to take the offer because they would see the offer as too cheap!

But this... this was an offer Bubai can't refuse!

Though the spirit stones half-tempted him to start drooling on the spot, that wasn't the reason! Really!

It's just that Bubai really itched to test the limits of his own physique! That's all!

Definitely not because the reward was so generous! Ahem. Ahem!

Bubai resisted drooling on the spot, cupped his fists, and politely smiled back. "Since Brother Fusha is so sincere, it would be impolite for Bubai to refuse."

"Good. That's a deal then." Qian Fusha nodded back kindly then smoothly directed his gaze to the redhead bodyguard sitting on Bubai's lap.

"Hmm… Xiao Bai, I would also like to inquire... if Miss Hong here might be available to…"

Bubai didn't need the rest spelled out.

This Qian Fusha even thought about filling the second slot!

Though Miss Hong was his hot portable toilet, don't forget she's actually a foundation realm master!

As the former servant of an elder, her combat power obviously won't be too watery.

But even though it was tempting to send the idle vase out to earn money for him, Bubai took one look at the beauty's clearly reluctant face and didn't risk it.

"It's an honor that Brother Fusha holds my bodyguard in such high regard, but unfortunately, she is only here to keep an eye on things. Besides…"

Bubai smirked and ran his hand up her smooth thighs. "I still need her to send me home if I end up breaking a leg or two. Haha."

"I see…" Qian Fusha caught on to the cryptic message and didn't push further. Instead, he courteously cupped his fist and saluted Bubai.

"Then this time... we Qian brothers will be counting on Xiao Bai's performance."

Bubai's fist thumped his chest. "Rest assured! I will do my best and won't let all your trust go to waste!"

"Good." Qian Fusha's smile deepened. "In that case, while we still have time… how about I share a few… pointers for dealing with those blood art practitioners?"

More intel on those bloody psychos? Bubai's eyes lit up. "Please—by all means."

His Batbai module can't wait to soak up more info dump!