Chapter 1116 - 928: Act First, Report Later

The plans of the three leaders in the Demon Realm were surprisingly consistent; upon discovering an opportunity, they seized the moment to act, directly capturing people.

Meanwhile, Chai Wenwu immediately informed Shi Chun of the amount involved in the property transfer of Bi Dao and Luo Xian'er, and Shi Chun promptly reached out to Young Master Nan, asking him to spread this news within his circle.

The Phoenix Clan wants to transfer property to Dingnan Prefecture, Wanfu Demon King wants to transfer property to Dingnan Prefecture, and the Bone Demon King also wants to transfer property to Dingnan Prefecture. Shi Chun sees an opportunity to leverage this situation.

He understands that such an opportunity to leverage is fleeting, only possible while the three Demon Realm leaders tolerate it.

Ordinarily, if you tried spreading such rumors out of the blue, they could easily kill you without anyone questioning it.

Xiao Sheng was efficient in his actions; upon arriving at Dingnan Prefecture City, he quickly purchased the courtyard designated by Shi Chun, albeit at a significantly inflated price. The original owner, seeing the eagerness, demanded twice the price.

Though expensive, Shi Chun accepted it, adding several billion more.

Despite dissatisfaction with the original owner's attitude, he chose not to pursue it, although he could wield power to deal with the owner.

Twenty years ago, he'd be ready to kill someone over a few thousand, let alone a few billion. Yet, now that he truly holds power, he refrains from abusing it, fearing uncontrolled consequences.

With the property secured, the original owner moved out, and Shi Chun quietly moved in.

Before he fully explored the courtyard, he received a message relayed from Miao Dingyi's side, summoning him.

He roughly guessed the purpose of the sudden summons, quickly ordering someone to contact Young Master Nan, instructing him to head to the Central area of Nanshan Bo Wang Tower to see Miao Dingyi, without revealing he was also going.

Before leaving, he again tried contacting the Red-clothed Woman using the Mother-child Talisman, but once more received no response, unsure of her whereabouts.

He departed without passing through Xun Gate, as it's too busy now. He didn't want to disrupt it, nor did he want anyone to discover his whereabouts, so he slipped into Yuling Mountain and took the Two Realms Channel.

By coincidence, shortly after he left, the Red-clothed Woman arrived at the courtyard. Entering without an invitation, the building and corridors were empty; she lingered beneath the flowers and branches but found no trace of Shi Chun.

She came because she received news of the overpriced purchase of the courtyard. Though Shi Chun wasn't the buyer himself, she knew who bought it.

This made her quite happy; having the fellow purchase it and give it to her was satisfying, despite the original owner's deliberate price hike challenge. The fellow still braced and took it.

She had assessed Shi Chun's financial standing, aware that although Shi Chun had drawn several billion from Yanfu Continent, the financial hole hadn't been completely filled, and Young Master Nan was bearing some of the weight.

Coming from Life Prison, impacted by his background and environment, Shi Chun barely had enough for himself yet spent nearly ten billion on a courtyard for her, which wasn't easy.

Precisely because it's not easy, she felt delighted.

Despite high rank and power, a woman still has her feminine side.

She attempted reaching Shi Chun using the Mother-child Talisman but, once again, received no reply.

For now, she put it aside, treating the house as her little home or nest, started shopping, and adjusted some furnishings to her liking.

Wandering through various shops, personally inquiring about styles and occasionally bargaining, the earthly warmth sometimes felt more comforting than the cold palace atmosphere.

At the Central of the Bowan Building in Nanshan Royal City, Shi Chun answered the summons once more, and, unsurprisingly, Miao Dingyi inquired again about the visits of Kuang Yao Bi Dao and Luo Xian'er to Dingnan Prefecture, implying others were interested too.

Shi Chun provided an explanation, "Actually, it's nothing much. They just want to know secretly what Feng Xi plans, and the news of Feng Xi's covert visit is something I deliberately leaked to them. Additionally, Chai Wenwu provided a stepping stone from West Niu. Naturally curious, they came to investigate. With their status, if they're lured over, and if they seek answers and benefits, they're bound to let some advantage slip to me. Once they let something loose, I'll immediately build momentum, publicly boasting that the three Demon Realm leaders support me."

At this, Miao Dingyi remained silent for quite a while. Whether Shi Chun spoke truthfully or not, without evidence to prove his deceit, he couldn't say much.

However, one issue is clear—Shi Chun hadn't informed him before doing all this, which wasn't a small matter.

There's a tension between the two; Miao Dingyi realizes he doesn't have much leverage over Shi Chun, and while Shi Chun desires certain things, his position makes it difficult to satisfy those desires.

Trying to make Shi Chun comply, Miao Dingyi offers little and has minimal leverage.

From another perspective, if someone followed protocols rigidly, they couldn't have achieved what Shi Chun did thus far.

Thus, he had to consider how to navigate this tension.

Reflecting on it, Miao Dingyi slowly walked back to sit behind the long desk, and calmly said, "You're playing a high-risk game."

Shi Chun replied, "It's not too bad, just following the trend."

Miao Dingyi clearly disapproved, "Feng Xi, Bi Dao, Luo Xian'er—what sort of people are they? Powerful, wealthy, influential, and far beyond your reach. They may not follow your lead through their investigations, and dealing with them carelessly could lead to disaster. From now on, caution your whereabouts. Don't assume being a Heavenly Court Official makes you untouchable. The Feng Xi family might refrain due to their burdens, but Bi Dao and Luo Xian'er may not. To them, 'rules' sometimes are mere excuses. You can't afford such risks."

Shi Chun nodded, acknowledging, "Mr. Miao's advice is noted; I'm already avoiding them."

Miao Dingyi sighed, "It seems like you didn't take my advice to heart the last time. It looks like you really want to become the Domain Master of the Heavenly Domain."

Since the matter was brought to light, Shi Chun didn't bother hiding anything anymore. Walking to the table, he stated matter-of-factly, "Mr. Miao, I wish for peace too, but Manxi started this. From the start, he didn't want to let me go. Do you think he would easily let me off if he settled into that position after my counterattack? From the moment I fought back, I became a thorn. No matter who takes that position in the future, they'll guard against me. Given the chance, they won't let me go easily. Mr. Miao, I have no choice but to climb to that position."

Miao Dingyi fell silent for a while and said, "Everyone knows that Dingxi and Dingbei prefectures are backed by you. How will you fill the huge gap left by the influx of people in these prefectures? Everyone is waiting and watching. If you can't fill those gaps, you'll be pinned down, with no escape, and no one will be able to save you!"

The sudden announcement of population introduction by the two prefectures had not been informed to him by Shi Chun beforehand — a reflection of their relationship.

Shi Chun replied at this moment, "I'm here to discuss this very matter with Mr. Miao. I've currently managed to raise over seven hundred billion."

"…" Miao Dingyi's solemn expression suddenly dissipated, transforming into shock. He thought he misheard and instinctively asked, "How much did you raise?"

Shi Chun repeated, "I have secretly raised over seven hundred billion in Sandalwood Gold. If all goes well, the money to fill the gaps in the two prefectures should soon be covered."

Miao Dingyi couldn't sit still, standing up again, circling the long table, and approached Shi Chun with incredulity, "Where did you get so much money from?"

Shi Chun replied, "I had the partners at Wuyu Trading House borrow it — roughly meaning, they borrowed from others, and then I borrowed from them."

Some matters need to be somewhat transparent to persuade people to help.

Miao Dingyi certainly knew what kind of people were behind the partners of Wuyu Trading House. He found it hard to believe, "Are you saying they're willing to help you borrow over a trillion?"

Shi Chun nodded.

Miao Dingyi felt his mind couldn't keep up, further probing, "Why would they help you borrow that much money?"

Shi Chun replied, "Of course there's profit to be made. Mr. Miao, you shouldn't inquire about the specifics. Knowing them would inevitably lead you to investigate. Once you investigate, there's a possibility of leaks, and if news leaks, our plan will fall apart. The current challenge is that this money cannot be withdrawn, so it's urgent to consolidate these funds into a safe channel before opponents react and possibly lock it down. Hence, I'd like to trouble you to establish a secure transfer channel within the bank under your control. Firstly, the origin of this money does not involve the Heavenly Court; secondly, it doesn't affect you or the bank — it's merely a regular transaction for which normal fees can be charged. Of course, if you find it difficult, I can seek assistance from other banks."

The look in Miao Dingyi's eyes still carried disbelief. Earlier, he had said the other party's game seemed risky, never expecting it was bigger than imagined.

It could be guessed that the original owner of this money wasn't simple; otherwise, there'd be no concern about the bank withstanding pressure.

If he had known in advance, he would have stopped it. Now, the pit dug by the two prefectures' population introduction must be filled; not doing so will lead to disaster, leaving him unable to halt it.

Telling him now essentially meant forcing his hand — executed first, reported afterward — making him displeased.

This, too, was a reflection of their relationship.

The other party had made it clear: if you don't assist, they can seek help elsewhere.

Their action declared a capability to not rely on him!

The consequence of not helping meant a new divide in their relationship; refusing to lend a hand for a simple favor without responsibility meant future command over the other party was unlikely.

Just then, someone knocked and entered, reporting, "Sir, Young Master Nan Wuyu is here to see you."

Shi Chun quickly commented, "I called him to discuss this matter; I don't quite understand the money aspect."

Miao Dingyi immediately signaled to his subordinate, "Let him come up."

After his subordinate withdrew, he walked to the window, looking out for a long time before slowly saying, "I won't ask much, and as you mentioned, it's just a regular bank transaction. Because the amount is large, it needs confidentiality and special treatment."

The implication was agreement, but without responsibility; any issues arising wouldn't be his concern.

Shi Chun immediately bowed and thanked, "Thank you, Mr. Xie, for your help."

Soon, Young Master Nan was brought in. Seeing Shi Chun there too, he was surprised and asked, "Why are you here too?"

Shi Chun said, "The money transfer matter has been resolved with Mr. Miao. He has agreed to help, but I don't understand the specifics of collaboration — you should communicate with Mr. Miao about it."

Young Master Nan instantly smiled, relieving a worry from his heart. He immediately approached the profile of Miao Dingyi at the window and greeted, "Greetings, Mr. Xie."

Miao Dingyi slowly turned around, scrutinizing, "Young Master Nan, I'm puzzled; watching you play bigger alongside him, what are you ultimately seeking?"

The question left Young Master Nan at a loss; having never considered the matter when unasked.

Upon reflection, he realized he didn't know his objective either. Ever since meeting Shi Chun, Shi Chun seemed somewhat attached — even when betrayed, he unrelentingly kept the closeness. Then, unknowingly, they ventured into greater games.

Thinking it over, it seemed like there was always profit, which became an uncertain attempt at a reply, "Because it makes money?"

Miao Dingyi stared with wide eyes, contemplating whether he's asking the other party, or if the other is asking him?