Chapter 453

Chapter 453: Getting Something for Nothing

Seeing Fang Lie’s expression, Mo Qianxun realized he wouldn’t retrieve the Eight Steeds Carriage easily this time.

The treasure contained ten eighth-rank puppets and over a hundred seventh-rank puppets. The carriage itself was an eighth-rank mechanical treasure. Though not a large treasure weapon, its value rivaled an eighth-rank top-grade treasure.

Eighth-rank top-grade treasures were beyond priceless. Even a dozen cities like Iron-Walled Jin City couldn’t match their worth. At the Grand Banquet by the Sea and Sky, Fang Lie and Mo Lanyun had spent tens of millions of small spirit pearls—enough to revive a mid-sized sect—to acquire such treasures.

Even the Mo family’s wealth fell short of purchasing one unless Mo Qianxun parted with ancestral heirlooms, forbidden by family rules. The Elders would denounce him as wasteful and strip his title if he tried.

Staring at his family’s treasure yet unable to reclaim it, Mo Qianxun seethed.

"I’d rather it stayed with strangers!" he grumbled. "With others, I’d seize it outright. But with you, I can’t even fight!"

"Try taking it from the Ghost Realm Sect’s Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion," Fang Lie retorted.

Mo Qianxun grimaced. "I can’t storm their stronghold, but I could ambush their Thunder Tribulation Immortals. With Divine Marrow treasures, even the Ghost Realm Patriarch wouldn’t withstand me. A few deaths, and they’d return my property."

"Too bad for ‘what-ifs,’" Fang Lie smirked. "My only ‘if’ is this: no sufficient offer, no Eight Steeds Carriage. It’s my Spoils of War. Empty promises won’t work—no free handouts!"

Mo Qianxun sighed, closing his eyes. Moments later, he reopened them, confidence restored. "Sign this," he said, producing a crimson document.

Fang Lie stared at the words "Marriage Contract."

"We’re bargaining for the carriage!" he exclaimed. "What’s this?"

"Sign, and the carriage is mine," Mo Qianxun replied.

"For free?!" Fang Lie roared.

"It’s a betrothal gift. Since when are those paid for?"

"Betrothal gift?!" Fang Lie spluttered. "What maiden’s worth an eighth-rank top-grade treasure? You could buy a million beauties for that!"

Mo Qianxun smirked. "My granddaughter Mo Lanyun’s betrothal demands such value. Deny it if you dare!"

Fang Lie faltered. Mo Lanyun, blessed with spiritual roots and guarded by a Dragon Turtle, was destined for Semi-Immortality unless killed prematurely. Her suitors would offer three eighth-rank top-grade treasures without hesitation.

Semi-Immortals, this realm’s pinnacle warriors, could amass eighth-rank treasures effortlessly. Mo Qianxun himself had looted over ten such treasures in his millennium-long reign.

Mo Lanyun’s value extended beyond her potential. Her Semi-Immortal grandfather and the Mo Sect’s premier clan were priceless assets. Marrying her meant inheriting a fortune—making one eighth-rank treasure seem paltry.

When Fang Lie heard this news, he froze. Having lived as a poor, short, and socially awkward person for over a decade, he never imagined he could marry Mo Sect’s most beautiful woman and top talent, Mo Lanyun.

He could scarcely believe it. Dumbly, he pressed, "The Eight Steeds Carriage as betrothal gift? But that’s mine!"

"Exactly! If it weren’t yours, we wouldn’t accept it!" Mo Qianxun replied, torn between laughter and exasperation. "Who else in Mo Sect could possibly deserve my Lanyun?"

"But…" Fang Lie blinked, "I’m a parentless orphan. A mere outer disciple. Are you certain?"

"Hmph!" Mo Qianxun crossed his arms. "You undervalue yourself. First, your honest, fiery nature differs from pampered nobles. Second, Lanyun already favors you. Third…" His voice softened. "Your talents shine wherever you go – Mo Sect’s main hall, Wanxing Sea, Iron-Walled Jin City. You possess rare drive and capability."

Leaning forward, he added, "Your undying nature and Nirvana True Fire grant immortality. With the Benevolence Token’s backing, you’ll undoubtedly reach cultivation’s zenith – perhaps surpassing even me. You’re Mo Sect’s brightest rising star, outshining Lanyun herself. Who else could I choose?"

Scratching his neck, Fang Lie grinned. "So I’m Mo Sect’s finest youth?"

"Only because your peers are rubbish!" Mo Qianxun flicked his sleeve. "Globally, others might surpass you. But we keep blessings within family – thus you’ll wed Lanyun."

Fang Lie’s smile faded. "But Father already arranged my marriage. The Fang Family honors commitments."

"With whom?" Mo Qianxun’s eyes narrowed, already plotting to dissolve any inconvenient betrothal.

"Mao Mao. My sister. Your new Core Inner Gate Disciple."

"You—!" The elder’s face purpled. He could easily break other engagements, but Mao Mao was his cherished disciple. Yet losing Fang Lie risked both Mo Lanyun’s future and the Mo family’s dominance. Gritting his teeth, he conceded, "Equal wives. My final offer."

Cultivators often took multiple spouses for heirs. Mo Qianxun himself had nine wives – high cultivation hindered offspring, and children without spiritual roots barely counted as kin. Of his dozen children, only three bore spiritual roots. Mo Wanfang, despite his lowborn mother, became heir through his High-grade Spiritual Root.

"Respect demands I consult Mao Mao first," Fang Lie insisted.

Mo Qianxun sighed. "Thorough as ever, brat."

"Can’t match your schemes," Fang Lie retorted. "You gain a grandson-in-law for free!"

"Free?" Mo Qianxun threw up his hands. "I’m surrendering my precious granddaughter!"