Chapter 254

Chapter 254: Mr. Suan Mei Joins

"Mr. Suan Mei?" Fang Lie frowned as soon as he heard the name.

This scoundrel had left an extremely poor impression on him. First, he’d aided the Four Seas Alliance in calculating Fang Lie’s location. After being tracked down and extorted, the man showed no remorse—even attempting to scheme against him using the Master of a Hundred Poisons.

Though the pitiful fellow had been extorted again, offering five hundred small spirit pearls to quell Fang Lie’s wrath, he’d already cemented a vile reputation in Fang Lie’s mind.

However, Fang Lie recognized the man’s capability and strong will. His visit now likely concerned urgent matters.

With this thought, Fang Lie nodded. "Bring him to the living room."

"Yes, sir." Mao San bowed before retreating.

Fang Lie swiftly concluded his tasks and strode to the living room.

Fang Lie was a man who drew clear lines between gratitude and grievance, devoid of pretense. Since relations with Mr. Suan Mei were strained, he saw no need for hollow pleasantries. He seated himself and stated coldly, "State your business."

Mr. Suan Mei blinked in surprise at the bluntness, then chuckled ruefully. "Island Lord, is this your customary hospitality?"

"I detest deceit and uphold clear boundaries. You schemed against me multiple times—why pretend courtesy?" Fang Lie retorted sternly. "The Fang Family disdains such falseness."

"Well said!" Mr. Suan Mei actually grinned, thumb raised in approval. "I admire forthright men who act on their convictions. Though occasionally abrasive, such men never betray their allies. Only they warrant true camaraderie!"

"Unfortunately, you forfeited that privilege." Fang Lie’s tone remained icy. "Explain your purpose."

"Heh. I’ve come seeking fellowship."

"What?" Fang Lie’s brows knitted in confusion. "You jest?"

"Not at all." Mr. Suan Mei leaned forward earnestly. "The Four Seas Alliance revealed your recruitment of followers. As a Wind Tribulation Immortal unaffiliated with the Outer Paths, I meet your requirements, yes?"

Fang Lie narrowed his eyes. "Qualifications you possess. Though displeased with you, I’d welcome your sincere service."

Mr. Suan Mei’s mastery of Yi Numerology and Formations made him invaluable. Past conflicts mattered little—Fang Lie wasn’t one to cling to minor grudges.

Yet doubts lingered. Why would this free-spirited diviner seek servitude? The proposition reeked of deception.

Noting Fang Lie’s skepticism, the older man sighed. "Two compelled reasons drive me here."

"Enlighten me."

"First, my numerous enemies." Mr. Suan Mei grimaced. "My divinations helped clients locate their foes. Survivors and their masters now seek vengeance. I require powerful protection."

Fang Lie considered this. "With your skills, ordinary threats wouldn’t concern you. Recent rumblings from higher powers?"

"A Thunder Tribulation Immortal in Wanxing Sea desires my death." The diviner shifted uncomfortably. "My calculations led to his grandson’s demise."

"You court catastrophe!" Fang Lie snorted. "Daring to cross a Thunder Tribulation Immortal’s kin? Reckless beyond measure!"

"Choice eluded me!" Mr. Suan Mei spread his hands helplessly. "Another Thunder Tribulation Immortal compelled me! Refusal meant instant death."

"So the cunning fox gets trapped!" Fang Lie barked laughter. "Your prized skill becomes your undoing!"

"Indeed. Yi Numerology built my status yet destroys it." The diviner bowed deeply. "Thus I seek your shelter, Island Lord."

Fang Lie studied the bent figure. "I’d accept, but cannot guarantee protection against Thunder Tribulation Immortals. They fear me no more than I fear them."

"You underestimate your influence." Mr. Suan Mei’s eyes gleamed. "The Kunlun Sword Token annihilates any Thunder Tribulation Immortal in Wanxing Sea. Though you’d scarce wield it for a mere follower, they’ll risk no provocation!"

"But what if they take the risk anyway?" Fang Lie joked.

"Then I’d be helpless!" Mr. Suan Mei grimaced. "Still, after taking me in, please use the Kunlun Sword Token to threaten them. Thunder Tribulation Immortals cling to their lives—they’ll surely give you face. After all, I’m not the prime culprit, just a minor helper at worst!"

"Hmm," Fang Lie nodded. "If it’s just empty threats, I can agree. But why not join stronger factions? Plenty could shield you from Thunder Tribulation Immortals. Major powers would welcome talents like you."

"Heh, I’m here because I’ve a second favor to ask," Mr. Suan Mei said with an awkward grin. "They say you’re a Great Pill Master who crafts high-grade spirit pills from low-tier materials. True?"

"Ah," Fang Lie grinned. "You need pills requiring rare high-rank materials, so you’re eyeing my skills?"

"Exactly," Mr. Suan Mei admitted freely.

"First shelter, then high-grade pills? You sure have the nerve!" Fang Lie chuckled. "What’s in it for me?"

"My calculating services!" Mr. Suan Mei offered. "Free!"

Fang Lie’s expression soured. "Your readings cost one small spirit pearl each. How many pearls’ worth do I invest? Even half that number would kill you through overwork!"

"Well…" Mr. Suan Mei flushed. "How about I show my skills once every five years?"

"Once every five years?" Fang Lie growled. "Is your rusty talent worth my resources?"

"Unfair!" Mr. Suan Mei protested. "My calculations are peerless! Others misuse my skills, and I needed pearls badly, so prices dropped. But I’m useful! I can solve your current crisis!"

"What crisis?" Fang Lie frowned.

"Manpower shortage," Mr. Suan Mei declared. "You’re recruiting disciples. Take me in, supply pills, and I’ll fix this."

Fang Lie leaned forward. "How many Wind Tribulation Immortals can you find? No weaklings or Outer Paths."

Truthfully, Fang Lie struggled. Wind Tribulation Immortals were scarce, most already employed. His refusal to hire evil types eliminated half the candidates.

In lawless Wanxing Sea, honest Cultivators were rarer than phoenix feathers. Even Righteous Cultivators schemed. Fang Lie needed upright experts for his plans—a near-impossible task.

Mr. Suan Mei thumped his chest. "Seven or eight, at least! All stronger than me, loyal Righteous Sect members!"

"Deal!" Fang Lie slammed the table. "Bring them, and you’re in!"

"Done!" Mr. Suan Mei vowed. "I’ll return within a month. But their cultivation needs must be met!"

"Agreed," Fang Lie said. "Pills they’ll have aplenty!"

"Excellent! Expect good news!" Mr. Suan Mei bowed and left.

Watching him go, Fang Lie felt hopeful.

Days later, Little Peach Red arrived with a Fifth Rank Alchemy Cauldron—Black Square Cauldron, worth a sixth-rank magical item. Its earth vein fire made it a top-grade Pill Furnace, unaffordable for most.

As expected, the Four Seas Alliance leaders gifted it freely, requesting only Sea Tide Pills for water element Dao magic cultivation.