Handing the Purple Thistle Token to Liu Chen, Shang Yanfei then took out a smiling Elder Gu and said, "In addition, I will personally give you an extra two million primeval stones as a token of my sincerity."
Shang Yanfei knew very well that the Tie Clan valued Liu Chen so highly, and he naturally didn't want to be outdone. The Purple Thistle Token was already the highest-level token he could authorize, and as for the two million primeval stones, he considered it his personal investment.
Seeing this, Liu Chen didn't decline. He readily accepted the Purple Thistle Token and the Elder Gu filled with primeval stones, smiling as he said, "Since that's the case, I'll accept them. Clan Leader Shang, you've truly gone to great expense."
Upon seeing Liu Chen accept the gifts, a smile immediately appeared on Shang Yanfei's face. He happily raised his wine cup and said, "Young friend Liu Chen is truly a straightforward person! Come, let's drink!"
"Cheers!" Liu Chen was not to be outdone, also raising his wine cup and draining it in one gulp.
The other Young Lords of the Shang Clan, seeing this scene, also raised their wine cups one after another to toast Liu Chen. For a time, the atmosphere of the banquet became exceptionally lively. Everyone drank heartily, laughter was incessant, and the family banquet consequently became joyous and harmonious.
After three rounds of wine and five courses, the family banquet concluded amidst cheers and laughter. Everyone left with hearts full of joy and satisfaction.
However, when the several Young Lords returned to their respective residences, their expressions suddenly changed. The initial joy was instantly replaced by anger and dissatisfaction, as if long-suppressed emotions had finally found an outlet.
Like enraged beasts, they vented their frustration by smashing many utensils, producing crisp shattering sounds. These sounds echoed in the quiet residences, revealing their inner agitation and unease.
At the same time, they secretly banded together, forming a small clique to isolate Shang Xin Ci, this major threat. Their jealousy and resentment towards Shang Xin Ci erupted at this moment, determined to make her realize that becoming the Clan Chief was not so easy.
As for Liu Chen himself, although he had no intention of helping Shang Xin Ci control the Shang Clan, he had indeed been a bit bored during this period.
So, he used his identity as a Fifth Rank Gu Master. First, he helped Shang Xin Ci gain the full support of Zhou Quan, and then successfully won over the Xiong family's three brothers and the remnants of the Wei family led by Wei Dexin. With Lao Mo's memories and the strength of a Fifth Rank Gu Master, Liu Chen easily subdued these people, filling them with awe and admiration for him.
These people even felt incredibly honored to be valued by Liu Chen, without the slightest thought of refusal.
"Xin Ci, how is your collection of the three types of Gu that I asked you to gather?" Liu Chen sat upright in Zhen Yuan Courtyard, his gaze like a torch as he looked at Shang Xin Ci, who sat opposite him, and asked directly.
Shang Xin Ci nodded slightly and softly replied, "Brother Chen, I have purchased one million primeval stones worth of Rank One Beast Tamer Gu, Exploding Egg Gu, and Paper Crane Gu as per your request." She paused, then continued, "I have also properly utilized the one million primeval stones you gave me, and together with Sister Chi Wen, completed the intelligence transaction for the Martial Arts Arena."
However, Shang Xin Ci's brows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of worry: "Brother Chen, you entrusted such a huge amount of primeval stones to me as capital. What if I lose these primeval stones? What should I do?"
Seeing this, Liu Chen's lips curved into a faint smile, and he comforted her, "Xin Ci, there's no need to worry too much. Doing business inherently carries risks; making a profit and incurring a loss are common occurrences. Moreover, you are quite confident in managing the intelligence business, aren't you?"
Shang Xin Ci felt a little relieved, but still had some doubts: "That's true, but the three types of Gu that you asked me to buy, their prices have now been driven down to the lowest point, and they are not rare Gu. It might not be easy to find buyers to sell them off."
"Lord Liu Chen, those Gu you asked Young Miss to buy are truly as ordinary as can be! Besides consuming primeval stones every day, there's nothing special about them!" Xiao Die stood behind Shang Xin Ci, pouting as she spoke, "And, in Shang Clan City, many people are laughing at Young Miss, and some even deliberately raise the prices, it's too hateful!"
After spending this time together, Xiao Die had gradually become familiar with Liu Chen, so now she spoke to him more naturally.
Liu Chen smiled faintly and comforted her, "Xiao Die, don't worry. Just go ahead and acquire those three types of Gu. It's not the right time yet, but it should be soon. Don't worry, even if I were to deceive anyone, I would never deceive your Young Miss."
"That's true! Who in Shang Clan City doesn't know that Lord Liu Chen favors my Young Miss?" Xiao Die suddenly laughed mischievously, even winking at Liu Chen.
Upon hearing this, Shang Xin Ci's face immediately flushed. She playfully tapped Xiao Die's head and chided, "Xiao Die, don't talk nonsense!"
"Ouch!" Xiao Die yelped when she was patted, but she wasn't angry. Instead, she looked at Shang Xin Ci with a grin.
"Lord Liu Chen, I have brought the intelligence you requested. Please take a look." Tian Lan walked in quickly at this moment, carefully holding a Bookworm in her hands and placing it before him.
Upon hearing Tian Lan's words, a hint of eagerness flashed in Liu Chen's eyes. He immediately said, "Oh, excellent, quickly bring it over for me to see."
Tian Lan quickly walked to Liu Chen and gently placed the Bookworm on the table. Seeing this, Liu Chen unhesitatingly activated the purple crystal true essence in his Aperture and infused it into the Bookworm.
The Bookworm, sensing the influx of true essence, slowly unfolded, and the intelligence recorded within immediately appeared in Liu Chen's mind.
As he read deeper, a smile gradually appeared on Liu Chen's face.
Shang Xin Ci, who was beside him, was very curious. She couldn't help but ask, "Brother Chen, have you seen some good news?"
Liu Chen heard her, looked up at Shang Xin Ci, and then said with a smile, "Haha, it's indeed an interesting piece of news, but not necessarily good news. Come, Xin Ci, you should take a look too. Although this intelligence isn't confidential, I think it will spread throughout the entire Southern Border very soon."
With that, Liu Chen handed the Bookworm to Shang Xin Ci, gesturing for her to examine it herself. Shang Xin Ci, full of doubt, took the Bookworm, likewise activated her true essence, and began to read the intelligence within.
"The Three Kings Inheritance has opened at Three Fork Mountain. This is indeed interesting news, and it will certainly attract the attention of the entire Southern Border." Shang Xin Ci's thoughts were completely absorbed by the Bookworm, as if she was firmly captivated by the news within, even involuntarily speaking it aloud.