"I am willing to pay for my life! Spare me!"

Xu Guang didn't speak, but General Wei halted his actions.

The man in black sensibly removed his mask.

"I am Ou Nanyu of the Ou Family in Chuannan Prefecture, willing to offer thirty Spirit Crystals, just begging you to spare my life."

He knew neither Xu Guang's name nor his identity.

Even in the Dark Tower's intelligence, there was no mention of this person.

But it was precisely because of this that he found Xu Guang terrifying.

Xu Guang stroked his chin, feeling quite tempted.

Extremely wealthy indeed.

He saved Song Di's life for only ten Spirit Crystals.

Xu Guang waved his hand, smoke and dust rose, obscuring the scene before him.

This deal, he could make.

First, Ou Nanyu's identity had been exposed. This was an enormous leverage point, and the Dark Tower, after all, was a 'scoundrel' organization in the Jianghu.

Of course, this leverage depends on the person. If ordinary people knew Ou Nanyu was an assassin for the Dark Tower, even if it was revealed, probably no one would believe it.

With the strength he displayed today, it wouldn't take long for him to become an influential figure, and if he said Ou Nanyu was a Dark Tower assassin, people would believe it.

Ou Nanyu would have nowhere to stand.

Secondly, thirty Spirit Crystals were a considerable fortune, enough for him to learn an Innate Technique, and General Wei could also achieve significant growth.

And now, what would he gain from killing Ou Nanyu?

An assassin traveling outside, at most, he would have some Elixirs, and even if he had Spirit Crystals, it's likely less than thirty.

"Sir..."

Ou Nanyu was uneasy, the feeling of having his life controlled by someone else was unpleasant.

After a long while, Xu Guang's voice finally came through.

"It's not enough."

Ou Nanyu's expression changed slightly, but now reduced to fish on a chopping board, he gritted his teeth, "Thirty Spirit Crystals are all I have..."

"With your strength, how much can you earn from one mission for the Dark Tower?"

Ou Nanyu's expression changed dramatically, he finally understood Xu Guang's intention.

This was...

To thoroughly control him!

His voice was bitter as he spoke.

"The bounty for killing Song Di is seven Spirit Crystals."

Xu Guang raised an eyebrow, "Oh, killing a Seventh Grade is worth seven Spirit Crystals, so killing an Innate should be worth one hundred Spirit Crystals.

Then I want fifty Spirit Crystals from you, any objections?"

Ou Nanyu: ...

Is the Dark Tower opened by my family?

In the Dark Tower, missions valued at one hundred Spirit Crystals invariably targeted renowned Peak of Innate experts in the Jianghu, were those he could provoke?

"No problem."

No matter how he grumbled inwardly, he wore a flattering smile on his face.

Xu Guang nodded.

"I trust you to be a man of your word, the Ou Family will shine because of you."

Ou Nanyu was speechless.

Threat, a barefaced threat.

...

General Wei's figure slowly emerged through the smoke and dust, the drum tower had been leveled, all the families that came to help along with the disciples of the Iron Armor Sect looked fervently at General Wei and Xu Guang on his back.

"Welcome, Master Xu!"

Xu Guang remained expressionless. "Disciples of the Iron Armor Sect Master Hall, heed my command, clean the battlefield."

"Yes!"

The Great Beast retreated into the distance.

Everything returned to calm.

Back at his courtyard, Song Di was still there, only his gaze at Xu Guang drifted unconsciously.

Ten Spirit Crystals, he originally thought he was being generous, only to realize...

Considering Xu Guang's efforts today, ten Spirit Crystals might not be enough.

After all, Ou Nanyu needed seven Spirit Crystals to kill him.

Xu Guang protected him thoroughly amidst the assault of three Innates.

Xu Guang paid him no mind, merely closing his eyes to rejuvenate.

Reflective thoughts flickered in Song Di's eyes, appearing resolute.

"Today, I am deeply indebted to you, Mr. Xu. I have nothing to repay you with, but the Song Family's resources are plentiful, and I am willing to offer one hundred Spirit Crystals in exchange for your assistance!"

One hundred Spirit Crystals...

A truly grand gesture, but unnecessary to recruit an Innate.

Yet Xu Guang's feats were simply too astounding.

Song Di's position within the Song Family had reached a perilous state; he had to find a way to make Xu Guang agree to join his camp, only then would he stand a chance against his brothers.

Xu Guang smiled, though he was not well-versed with Song Di's circumstances, seeing that a direct descendant of the Song Family had no Innate Guardians from his own family at his side.

This, at least, suggested that Song Di wasn't of great importance within the Song Family.

A noble scion, and one not particularly favored, his purpose was obvious.

One hundred Spirit Crystals seemed lucrative, but in truth, it was just a castle in the air.

Xu Guang naturally didn't want to get involved.

He chuckled, "No need for thanks, it was a transaction of mutual consent between us."

Song Di heard the perfunctory and evasive tone in Xu Guang's words.

He was unwilling in his heart.

Xu Guang had already turned and was walking towards General Wei.

Song Di's gaze was inscrutable.

He recalled his first meeting with Xu Guang. At that time, Xu Guang in his eyes was merely an Elephant Keeper for the Zhu Family, but now...

Within just a year, the gap between them had become so immense.

Even with familial support, he was absolutely unable to measure up to Xu Guang.

If only he had killed Wei Shuangnian that day and obtained the Celestial Register...

Song Di didn't want to think about it further.

He had already done everything he could, but... fortune wasn't on his side.

...

By noon, the skies cleared completely, the gloom that loomed over the heavens dissipated entirely, yet over Qingshuo County, a lingering scent of blood hung in the air.

Outside Rongchuan County.

"What did you say!? Tu Biao severely injured and captured?"

A boy who resembled Song Di somewhat wore an expression of disbelief.

"Did Uncle Eight make a move?"

By Song Di's side, of course, there were Guardians.

But in intercepting remnants of the Ghost Horse Sect, Guardians weren't allowed to act; they, the brothers, even directly kept Song Di's Guardians back in Songjiang Prefecture.

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