#344 - Just pay protection fee.

"Whoosh!"

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"

"Huff."

As the set of sword moves concluded, Qin Zhengqiu slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, closing his eyes to stand still beneath the ancient tree.

At this moment, Wei Changtian, standing behind the not-so-high courtyard wall, also retracted his gaze, leaping back to the ground without making a sound.

He had also heard Old Zhangtou's words and naturally understood their meaning.

Therefore, after instructing Chu Xianping to find a few cannon fodder who met the requirements, he wanted to talk to Qin Zhengqiu.

As a result, he happened to witness this scene.

So, Old Zhangtou was right.

Even knowing the enormous drawbacks behind the Moon Picking Sword, Qin Zhengqiu still wanted to give it a try.

Leaning against the wall, Wei Changtian felt somewhat conflicted.

He certainly knew Qin Zhengqiu's motives but couldn't fully understand them.

After all, for him, breaking through to the First Rank only required a "True Dragon Forehead Scale," and there was no need to take any risk at all.

Therefore, he found it difficult to empathize with Qin Zhengqiu's desire for the First Rank and the price he was willing to pay for it.

Should he just give the True Dragon Forehead Scale to Qin Zhengqiu?

Anyway, he was only at the Fifth Rank right now, and it would take at least a few years to reach the Second Rank, so he wouldn't need it anytime soon.

Besides, if Qin Zhengqiu really broke through to the First Rank, it would undoubtedly be a great help to him. Even if it wouldn't make him "invincible under heaven," it would at least make many things easier.

More importantly, this way, Qin Zhengqiu wouldn't have to take risks.

Thinking about it this way, there were indeed many benefits.

However...

Frankly speaking, Wei Changtian was a little reluctant.

After the Spring Dragon Poetry Conference last time, he secretly went to Sun Moon Lake again, reciting a "Shui Diao Ge Tou" by the lake, which was no weaker than "Spring River Flower Moon Night."

"Wishing us a long life, though thousands of miles apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon." Even though it still caused tens of thousands of golden carp to leap, there was no more "dragon transformation" occurring.

And this also meant that it was no longer possible for him to obtain a True Dragon Forehead Scale for free by reciting poetry. If he wanted to obtain a second one, he would have to buy it from the system.

But a single True Dragon Forehead Scale cost 5000 system points, equivalent to 10 Divine Strikes.

He only got 1500 points for killing a Child of Destiny now.

In other words, the value of three Children of Destiny couldn't compare to a single True Dragon Forehead Scale.

Previously, when Qin Zhengqiu was seriously injured, Wei Changtian had unhesitatingly taken out a mica mushroom to heal him.

But a mica mushroom only cost 400 points.

And the True Dragon Forehead Scale... he was afraid he would hardly be able to obtain a second one.

White clouds drifted across the clear sky, and the sunlight lengthened Wei Changtian's shadow.

What counts as "unselfish"?

If the definition is "not always putting one's own interests first," then Wei Changtian shouldn't be considered a selfish person.

But if the definition is "never putting one's own interests first," then Wei Changtian was undoubtedly selfish.

In this, "how much one can give for others" became a very important question.

And now, the value of a True Dragon Forehead Scale had undoubtedly exceeded Wei Changtian's bottom line.

Just...

Suddenly, a series of images flashed through his mind.

Mount Yanyun, killing Xiao Feng.

Nine Pinnacle Mountain, killing Yun Lian.

Fengyuan City, beheading Yama.

It seemed that in every moment when he might encounter danger, this old man, Qin Zhengqiu, had been by his side, acting as a bodyguard and thug.

And the latter never seemed to want anything from him.

"..."

Damn it!

Just treat it as protection money!

Suddenly straightening up, Wei Changtian, afraid that he would change his mind if he kept thinking, walked to the courtyard door in two steps, pushed it open directly, and walked towards Qin Zhengqiu, who was looking at him with a kind face.

"Changtian? What's wrong?"

"Grandpa, come inside."

"I have something important to tell you."

Daning Imperial Palace, Dragon Guard Headquarters.

Just as Wei Changtian was preparing to hand over such a treasure as the True Dragon Forehead Scale to Qin Zhengqiu, Youjia, who had just received the news from Chu Xianping, also breathed a sigh of relief with a touched expression.

Before the first day of August, the young master will definitely find a way to get you out of the palace.

"..."

The huge stone in her heart finally landed, and at this moment, Youjia almost couldn't help but shed tears.

A few days ago, Ning Yongnian said he wanted to name her "Consort Zhen."

Then she immediately sent a message back to ask Wei Changtian what he wanted her to do.

However, although it was an inquiry, Youjia was extremely worried that she would receive a desperate answer—

Marry Ning Yongnian.

Fortunately, none of this happened.

"Young Master, thank you..."

The soft murmur echoed in the room. Youjia sat at the table for a long time, then carefully hid the mother-child jade close to her body and slowly stood up.

At this time, the haggard look on her face had faded. Although the lack of food and drink these past few days had made her complexion still a little pale, Youjia only felt that she was particularly energetic now.

Since the young master had not abandoned her, then she should work harder for the young master.

While recalling the task of "investigating Bai Youheng" that Chu Xianping had sent at the same time, she stepped out of the room.

Soon, Youjia found a middle-aged man in black clothes in a martial arts room.

This person's code name was Dragon Claw, and he was an old veteran in the Dragon Guard. He had a good personal relationship with Youjia, so Youjia even knew his surname was Liu.

"Brother Liu."

Calling out softly, Youjia walked to the man with a smile.

The latter immediately looked over, then shook his head with a wry smile: "Dragon Finch, how many times have I told you, don't call my surname."

"What are you afraid of? There's no one else here."

"Oh, whatever."

"..."

Youjia's appearance at this time was no different from the man's impression, so naturally, it did not arouse the latter's vigilance.

The two chatted casually for a few words until Youjia asked very naturally:

"By the way, Brother Liu, why are so many brothers missing from the Guard?"

"I've been back for several days, but why haven't I seen a few brothers?"

"They've all gone out on missions."

The man replied casually: "I'm afraid they won't be back for a while."

"Oh? What mission?"

Youjia pretended to be surprised: "It actually requires so many people?"

"Who knows? It seems they followed a young master to the west."

The man shook his head: "Li Gonggong chose the people. I was injured and hadn't recovered at the time, otherwise, I probably would have gone too."

"Ah? Brother Liu, you're injured? Is it serious?"

Youjia immediately showed a worried look, but in her heart, she was thinking about what the man had just said.

Following a young master to the west.

Could this young master be Bai Youheng? Is the west Fengyuan?

Since Li Huaizhong chose the people, then he should know the inside story better.

It seems that I still have to find a chance to see Li Huaizhong...

"Dragon Finch?"

Suddenly, the man's suspicious voice rang in her ear: "What are you thinking about? I feel like you're a little strange today."

"Hmm? Is that so?"

Youjia's lips curled up slightly: "Brother Liu, because I'm happy today!"

"Hahaha, is it because the Emperor is going to make you a concubine?"

The man laughed along: "Congratulations, you've finally gotten what you wanted."

"Yes."

Youjia did not refute. The sunlight shone down, and her face was full of a happy smile.

"I'm really so happy."