Eventually, they agreed that for each person, one hundred Spirit Stones would be paid by the Qian Family to redeem them, and Elder Yu would not pursue the matter further.
Elder Yu left with nearly a thousand Spirit Stones in his pocket.
Some of these thousand Spirit Stones were to be shared with the injured craftsmen and Monster Hunters to treat their wounds and placate them.
The rest Elder Yu planned to spend on wine and meat to reward everyone and calm their nerves.
But he knew that the Qian Family would not let matters rest there.
The Qian Family Elder took Qian Shunzhi back and scolded, “You’re utterly useless, how could you be so careless in your actions?”
Qian Shunzhi spoke helplessly, “Elder, it’s not my fault. Who would have thought that old rascal Yu Changlin could be so cunning? I personally saw him leave the Refinery Shop before I made my move. Who knew he’d sneak back in, dressed as a craftsman, blending into the crowd, indistinguishable at a glance.”
The Qian Family Elder let out a sigh, “That old Yu is indeed crafty.”
The key was that he had no shame, his skin thicker than an Artifact Refining Furnace.
Qian Shunzhi asked, “Elder, what should we do next?”
“Proceed as we planned before,” the Qian Family Elder said. “But be more cautious. It’d be best at night, or when they’re resting, to cause disturbances, ensure they can’t stop working, or at least delay their progress.”
“What about Yu Changlin?” asked Qian Shunzhi.
“He’s an Elder of the Monster Hunters; he can’t always be watching the Refinery Shop. There will be times when he goes out or lets his guard down.”
“But… what if he discovers us?” Qian Shunzhi spoke softly.
The Qian Family Elder said indifferently, “If found out, then take a beating, at most we pay him some more Spirit Stones as compensation. He cannot really kill you all, otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to justify it to the Taoist Court.”
Qian Shunzhi was somewhat reluctant.
Being beaten by someone at the Foundation Establishment Stage was not to be taken lightly…
He was still aching all over; his shoulder bone was broken, and where he had been struck, the stagnant Spiritual Power from the Foundation Establishment was like a bone-penetrating maggot, causing him unbearable pain.
And that was with Elder Yu holding back, otherwise, Qian Shunzhi might not have survived.
The Qian Family Elder was displeased, “What are you afraid of? You have no guts!”
Qian Shunzhi hung his head and remained silent.
Then the Qian Family Elder said, “Rest assured, the Family Head has already said that once the deed is done, you will not be disadvantaged. If you make a significant contribution, those Foundation Establishment Pills could also be rewarded to you.”
Qian Shunzhi’s eyes lit up, “Did the Family Head really say that?”
“Of course. Would I lie to you?”
Excited, Qian Shunzhi said, “Alright, I will risk my life this time to complete the mission.”
The Qian Family Elder nodded, “Go on, such tasks are like a weasel stealing chickens, requiring patience. There’s only the saying that ‘a thief can’t be on guard every day’, they can’t possibly not show a flaw. Just watch carefully, and you’ll always find an opportunity.”
Qian Shunzhi saluted, “I will heed the Elder’s command carefully.”