Lighting Lanterns in the Mountains and Seas

Miao Dingyi asked in surprise, "Are you talking about going to Yanfu Continent to dig for gold?"

Shi Chun nodded.

"..." Miao Dingyi couldn't hold back, stood up in shock, his face full of incredulity. This guy never showed his cards, and with Young Master Nan willing to go bankrupt to fully support him, coupled with this guy's past abilities, Miao Dingyi felt that he must have a purpose. That's why he stepped forward to express his support, showing that this was his man.

Who knew this guy would surprise—or rather, shock—him so greatly? His Adam's apple bobbed as he asked, "Does Young Master Nan know about this?"

Shi Chun shook his head, "I didn't even tell you, so naturally, Young Master Nan doesn't know."

Miao Dingyi was quite unsettled, "How is that possible? Young Master Nan is a typical businessman; if he weren't confident, how could he risk everything, even mortgaging those noble scions' properties to assist you?"

He was beginning to suspect it was true; because if Young Master Nan knew the truth, he definitely wouldn't agree. In his mind, he was already cursing Young Master Nan's ancestors, realizing for the first time that Young Master Nan, who could make such big deals, was so unreliable.

He didn't know what kind of magic potion Shi Chun had given to Young Master Nan, but it somehow tricked Miao Dingyi himself as well. He worried that his public statement of support might end up humiliating him.

Shi Chun said, "After all, there's a profit of hundreds of billions."

"Damn it, hundreds of billions in profit," Miao Dingyi walked around the long desk to face him, getting a bit anxious, "Are you crazy? Can the gold mining rights in Yanfu Continent for three years fill such a gap? You lack experience and personnel. Even with a stroke of luck, you're doing well if you find a billion in three years. No, you're not a fool. What are you really thinking?"

Shi Chun candidly said, "I'm betting!"

"Betting?" Miao Dingyi was utterly shocked, feeling the urge to slap him dead. He even questioned himself: how could he place so much trust in such inexperienced people?

Seeing his furious expression, Shi Chun silently cursed him but understood something deeper. This person never truly intended to lend a helping hand in hard times.

But he remained open-minded, thinking it didn't matter whether the help was genuine or not. At least they came to assist, otherwise why would anyone come? After all, Lan Qiaoyan did help him several times, so he didn't want to make things ugly. Before the other could say anything to make the situation awkward, he quickly added, "Sir, didn't you forget I have 'Ao Long'?"

"..." Miao Dingyi was stunned again, "Your mount?"

Shi Chun nodded, reminding once more, "In the Extreme Abyss, it can sense danger because its eyes can see things others cannot. I've tested it; it can see Sandalwood Gold buried underground. Perhaps we can give it a try in the quicksand of Yanfu Continent."

He didn't mention that his Right Eye Superpower could also detect things; the key was his Right Eye Superpower couldn't see far. Even if it could see farther and deeper, he wouldn't say it.

"..." Miao Dingyi's heart, flung to the sky, flew back down as his eyes flickered. He finally understood the reason behind Shi Chun's confidence in gambling, confirming, "Your mount truly has such divine skills?"

Shi Chun nodded.

Miao Dingyi exhaled slowly, pacing back and forth with his arms clasped behind him, "Yanfu Continent is different from other places. You should have heard of it; it's a shifting sea of sand with an unknown origin and destination, shaped like a giant tree. It has a particular suppression; who knows if your mount's divine skills will work there?"

Shi Chun said, "We won't know until we try."

Miao Dingyi sighed, "You really have guts to try something like this blindly. Had you mentioned it earlier, perhaps we could have thought of another way and avoided such a big mess."

Even as he said so, in his heart, he agreed. If it were him, he would probably try as well.

He also understood that had he not made an early statement to confirm their relationship, Shi Chun might not have revealed this great secret to him. Holding such a secret in hand, he wouldn't lack people willing to help; it didn't have to be him.

Shi Chun humbly bowed slightly, "It was rash of me."

However, he felt no regret in his heart; he had to do this. Even if they couldn't find enough Sandalwood Gold to fill the gap in Yanfu Continent, he had to find a way to get in. As long as he could throw in a few Soul Capturing Bags filled with souls, how could he fear lacking money in the future?

If he couldn't become Commander, it didn't matter; he could always run!

This was the real reason why he dared to gamble at all costs!

It was also why he wasn't afraid of not persuading Young Master Nan; once he demonstrated his abilities, once Young Master Nan was shown, wouldn't he go bankrupt supporting him?

He just hadn't expected Young Master Nan to be so honorable, saving him much worry and trouble by not making him go that far.

"Now that matters have unfolded this way, talking about rashness is too late." Miao Dingyi waved his hand, his expression and mood completely stable, "Alright, I'll find a way to handle this, but it won't happen overnight. After all, would Manxi's or Dongguo Shou's backers stand by quietly? A tug-of-war is inevitable. Go back and wait for the news."

Saying so, he made an iron-clad decision that, even if using all available resources, he must create this chance to explore Yanfu Continent.

And this was within Shi Chun's plans. He couldn't believe anyone could refuse this temptation, and he was prepared for the possibility of being killed to silence over the secret.

He respectfully clasped his hands, "Yes, I'll return and await good news."

After Miao Dingyi nodded, he suddenly called out, "Wait, you almost confused me and made me forget to say the main issue. You must be prepared mentally: because of your early victory, if we follow the original rules, Manxi and Dongguo Shou would no longer compete, so their backers are exerting pressure. Of course, you completed the task, and everyone saw it, which is undeniable. However, you yourself know the quality of the population you brought in, and the future tax problem is bound to be a point of attack. According to the original rules, both of them would be kicked out, but changing the rules to keep only one isn't a good look. So both the second and third will stay, only the third will be downgraded. For instance, if Manxi loses, he might be demoted to Commander, while Dongguo Shou might be demoted to City Lord."

Shi Chun bitterly smiled, "Heavenly Court truly has good means. To see the Heavenly Domain prosper quickly, they won't let them stop competing."

Miao Dingyi looked approvingly, nodding, "I'm glad you can understand."