Sitting beside Lan SI, Ye Lingling felt a wave of relief wash over her when he declined the offer.
It wasn't that she didn't want him to join any forces other than the Nine Heart Begonia. On the contrary, she was willing to support anything that would ensure a better future for him.
However, joining a faction wasn't something to be taken lightly; it was a lifelong commitment.
Especially with a faction like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, where martial spirit heritage is held above everything else—joining them would be like asking for trouble.
Fortunately, Lan SI refused. Otherwise, she wouldn't have known how to handle the situation. She might have even pulled him aside for a serious talk before he agreed.
Noticing Ye Lingling's thoughts, Lan SI gave her a reassuring smile and changed the topic. "By the way, where's Teacher Qin Ming? Is he still not back?"
Dugu Yan looked around and shook her head. "He must be negotiating with the arena. We've been here for almost a month, winning every day. Those nobles who bet on us are making a killing. Why, are you looking for him?"
Lan SI nodded. "Yes, I asked Teacher Qin Ming to place a bet for me."
"How much?" Dugu Yan's curiosity was piqued.
"One hundred thousand." Lan SI showed a mysterious smile.
"One hundred thousand?" The other members of the Emperor Team were stunned and swallowed hard. One hundred thousand wasn't a small amount, even for noble children. It wasn't that their families couldn't afford it; it was just that, with their current strength, they didn't have the authority to command such a fortune.
Only someone at the level of Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, could casually take out one hundred thousand gold soul coins.
"My goodness, Lan SI, are you sure it wasn't one hundred thousand copper soul coins or silver soul coins? No, wait, one hundred thousand silver soul coins is already a lot!" said Yu Feng, looking incredulous.
"Do you count copper and silver soul coins by the ten-thousands?" Lan SI rolled his eyes.
"Where did you get so much money? Was it from your uncle? You know that our match against the Phoenix Team wasn't favored. The odds were five to one. One hundred thousand gold soul coins! That would turn into five hundred thousand gold soul coins instantly!" Yu Feng exclaimed, turning his gaze to Ye Lingling.
Ye Lingling shook her head and explained calmly, "It's Lan SI's own money. Before each match, he would have Teacher Qin Ming place a bet on our team."
Upon hearing this, the group erupted:
"Lan SI, you made so much without telling us!"
"If I had known, I would have bet too."
"Leopard, really? Lan SI bets on himself. Would you dare bet on yourself?"
"What do you mean by that, Yu Feng? What's wrong with me..."
"Enough, stop arguing! If you keep it up, I'll castrate you both!"
The room quieted down after Dugu Yan's threat. She then turned to Lan SI and said, "Little brother Lan SI, don't forget about your big sister now that you've made so much money."
"Any restaurant within the Heaven Dou Empire, you can choose." Lan SI smiled lightly, indifferent. Money was just a tool for him, something he needed in passing. He was accumulating funds to gather the best materials for crafting the strongest set of firearms.
He had long coveted two highly lethal guns: the Barrett and the Gatling. However, his current forging skills weren't advanced enough to craft them. Even if he managed, it would require considerable time, hindering his cultivation.
A better option was to commission blacksmiths from Gengxin City to forge the parts, which he could then assemble himself.
At this moment, the door creaked open, and Qin Ming walked in, holding a stack of papers and wearing a cheerful expression. "You're all here. What are you discussing so animatedly?"
He walked over to Lan SI and handed him a gold card.
Seeing the card, the members of the Emperor Team beamed with excitement. "Teacher Qin Ming, Lan SI made so much money behind our backs, and we were just thinking about where to get him to treat us!"
"That's easy. Our next stop is Suotuo City. I'll take you to some nice restaurants there," Qin Ming chuckled.
Upon hearing this, everyone agreed enthusiastically. Only Lan SI was lost in thought. "Has the timeline reached this point already? After this match in Suotuo City, I can start planning for the Immortal herbs. I wonder how that little cat is doing."
Seven days later, led by Qin Ming, the Emperor Team arrived in Suotuo City.
Following their original plan, they first found accommodations. That evening, under Qin Ming's guidance, they dined at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Suotuo City.
After dinner, they returned to their residence to rest, preparing for the upcoming match the next day.
In his room, Lan SI sat cross-legged on the bed, cultivating his martial arts and refining his soul power.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Lan SI came out of his cultivation state and opened the door, revealing the familiar and delicate figure of Ye Lingling.
"Lingling, what's up?" Lan SI asked, puzzled.
"Are you free now?" Ye Lingling glanced at the neat room before hesitantly replying.
"I am...," Lan SI said, still unsure why she had come to see him. Since they reconnected, their relationship had improved, and he had come to trust her sincerity. Yet neither of them enjoyed socializing, making her sudden invitation a first.
Before he could finish speaking, Ye Lingling grabbed his right hand and laughed softly. "Then come with me. It's been a while since we went out. Plus, your clothes don't seem to fit anymore."
Lan SI looked down at his attire. Since obtaining his third spirit ring, he seemed to have grown taller. His previously loose black outfit now appeared a bit tight.
"Alright, let's go. I also want to explore Suotuo City. Maybe I'll run into that little cat."
The hotel where the Emperor Team stayed was near the Great Spirit Arena of Suotuo City because of the upcoming match. Stepping out of the hotel, they found themselves on a spacious street.
Suotuo City was indeed one of the two major cities of the Balak Kingdom. Its wide, clean streets were lined with shops.
Even at night, the streets were bustling with activity.
Lan SI and Ye Lingling found a nice clothing store near the hotel. With Ye Lingling's help, Lan SI picked out a few well-fitting outfits.
Then, at Lan SI's suggestion, they went to the Great Spirit Arena of Suotuo City.
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