Is this... hush money? But although it's a hot potato, if it really is a divine artifact of a transformed deity, then it seems like I've made a profit?
Li Fan wanted to say something but hesitated. He picked up "his divine artifact", tucked it into his bosom, and left the great hall.
Before he had time to react, four divine lords walked up behind him, including the familiar Yi Si, along with three old men, likely the venerable divine lords of the Shenzhen Palace: Ju Si, Ju Rui, and Shi Ming.
"Follow us." Divine Lord Yi Si swiftly enveloped Li Fan in sword light, whisking him away as the four guarded him and descended into Shenzhen Palace's main gate.
The light plunged straight into the central palace's great hall. Yi Si and another divine lord joined hands to set up a formation barrier, enveloping the entire Shenzhen Palace.
The other two old men took seats to the left and right of him, plunking their behinds down in front of Li Fan and tossing him a cushion as well.