"Elder Gu, is it really worth it to pay a hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones for him to protect me once?" Gu Feiyan asked Gu Yifan with a frown after returning to her room.
Gu Yifan forced a smile and replied, "Miss, you saw his strength. He killed three Martial Emperor realm experts, and I don't think he even used his full power. Paying a hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones to ensure your safe arrival in the Central Region is a bargain for us."
"But Elder Gu only told me to say that he needed to intervene if we encountered danger. If the people who come can be dealt with by Elder Gu himself, won't these hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones be wasted?" Gu Feiyan thought for a moment and said.
Gu Yifan sighed, "Miss, do you really think the Cloud Bandits' goal was just to rob the Treasure Pavilion's cloud ship? If it were just robbery, they would have used the most direct method to overwhelm us. Why would they test us repeatedly? Moreover, three Martial Emperor realm experts robbing an ordinary cloud ship seems to devalue Martial Emperor realm experts too much."
Gu Feiyan's expression changed. After Gu Yifan's explanation, only one possibility remained: those three Martial Emperor realm experts were indeed after her.
"Even if we encounter trouble that I can handle, these hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones are well spent to ensure your safe arrival in the Central Region. Miss, do not forget that Li Xuan is a great sword cultivator. Befriending a great sword cultivator will be of great help to you in the future."
Gu Feiyan nodded, "I understand."
A trace of admiration flashed in Gu Yifan's eyes. "However, based on my deductions, if those three were sent by someone with ulterior motives within the family, the next arrivals might be far more powerful than them. Although I am also in the Martial Emperor realm, having Li Xuan here is undoubtedly an added layer of security."
"I hope everything goes smoothly. I don't want anything to happen to you, Elder Gu," Gu Feiyan said.
A warmth spread through Gu Yifan's heart. He had watched Gu Feiyan grow up. Gu Feiyan's concern for his safety was the best reward for him. Once they returned to the Gu family and Gu Feiyan was recognized by her ancestors, the rewards he would receive would be many times what he had sacrificed.
Meanwhile, in his room, Li Xuan smiled after Gu Feiyan and Gu Yifan left, then re-established a barrier. Although Li Xuan had guessed some things, and even if Gu Feiyan and the elder had some plans for him, Li Xuan was not afraid.
After all, before the transaction, Li Xuan had stated that if he could fight and help, he would willingly do so. However, if he encountered an insurmountable opponent, Li Xuan would not be foolish enough to risk his life for a mere hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones.
Everything depended on Gu Feiyan's importance to the Gu family. Of course, it also depended on Li Xuan's own strength.
Li Xuan shook his head, then with a thought, took out a low-grade spirit sword and began to absorb its energy again.
However, Li Xuan soon opened his eyes, a hint of confusion in them. The next moment, Li Xuan's body disappeared and he entered the Town Prison.
"You're saying that after absorbing eight low-grade spirit swords, you still can't break through the bottleneck of the peak Martial King realm?" Yi Qin asked after Li Xuan explained his doubts, remaining silent for a moment. "If that's the case, it means you need higher-grade spirit swords. These low-grade spirit swords are no longer sufficient for your needs."
"Higher-grade spirit swords?!" Li Xuan was startled. Did this mean he would have to purchase mid-grade or even high-grade spirit swords in the future? But their prices would likely be several times that of low-grade spirit swords.
"What are you worried about? You have twenty million low-grade spirit stones on you now. Once you reach the Central Region, you can find a merchant to buy them," Yi Qin said, rolling her eyes at Li Xuan as if guessing his thoughts.
"Uh, okay." Li Xuan scratched his head awkwardly, then bowed to Yi Qin and walked away.
Since low-grade spirit swords were of diminishing use to him, Li Xuan saw no need to force himself to absorb them further. After all, every bit counted, especially before he knew the prices of mid-grade and high-grade spirit swords.
Although he couldn't improve his cultivation, he could continue practicing his Sword Drawing Technique and Sword Control Technique. Moreover, Li Xuan had only managed to reach the fourth stage of the Demonic God Nine Revolutions, so he could use this time to continue his practice.
Seeing Li Xuan resume his sword practice when he couldn't improve his cultivation, Yi Qin's eyes flashed with admiration before she turned and left.
Time passed gradually, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had gone by.
"Miss, at the current speed of the cloud ship, we will reach the outer branch city of the Central Region in five more days. If they are going to make a move, it will likely be in the next few days. Therefore, Miss, you must not leave my side by even three feet from now on," Gu Yifan said with a somewhat solemn expression.
"Alright." Gu Feiyan nodded, then seemed to recall something and looked at Gu Yifan, "Elder Gu, has Li Xuan made any moves?"
"No," Gu Yifan shook his head, a hint of curiosity on his face. "After killing three Martial Emperor realm experts, this person has been in his room and hasn't come out. This has been the case for the past half month. My guess is that he is cultivating."
"To be honest, Miss, with his current strength at such a young age, I can understand it. Even among the younger generation in our family, there seems to be no one who cultivates as diligently as he does. If there's an opportunity, I think Miss should interact with him more. This young man might become an extraordinary figure in the future."
"Elder Gu, this is the first time you've spoken so highly of someone." Gu Feiyan's expression also became more serious. Gu Yifan had been by her side since she was young, but this was the first time she had heard him offer such high praise. Gu Feiyan became curious about Li Xuan's background.
Three more days passed. Perhaps sensing they were nearing the Central Region, many guests had left their rooms and were on the deck, admiring the scenery below.
"Huh, look, there are five cloud ships over there!"
As a surprised exclamation rang out, everyone's gaze followed. However, their expressions soon turned pale, as those five cloud ships were rapidly approaching the Treasure Pavilion's cloud ship.
"Miss, quickly go find Young Master Li Xuan!"
Gu Yifan glanced at the five cloud ships, his pupils suddenly constricting. He quickly shouted to Gu Feiyan. Without hesitation, Gu Feiyan rushed towards Li Xuan's room.
*Boom!*
The five cloud ships quickly surrounded the Treasure Pavilion's cloud ship. No one appeared, but the five ships immediately launched their attacks.
"Enemy attack!"
Xiao Ran shouted, and the cloud ship's energy barrier lit up. However, as soon as the energy barrier appeared, it was covered in spiderweb-like cracks, clearly unable to withstand the combined assault of the five cloud ships.
"Young Master Li Xuan!" Gu Feiyan had now reached Li Xuan's room. Seeing the energy barrier around the cloud ship beginning to crack, she quickly shouted.
*Creak.*
Just as Gu Feiyan was about to knock again, the door suddenly opened. Li Xuan's figure appeared in Gu Feiyan's sight.
Li Xuan glanced at the five cloud ships surrounding their own. Then, the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. "Miss Feiyan, this business seems a bit tricky."
"However, I have already agreed to Miss Feiyan, so I will not go back on my word. Miss Feiyan, let's go."