Translator: Anubis Translations
Beneath the viewing platform, curses, laughter, and clamor resounded to the heavens, while the high-ranking figures of the three major families on the platform chuckled softly. Of course, the Gu family members wore grim expressions.
They glared at Gu Feng with burning eyes, wishing they could rush up and tear him to pieces.
This kid's actions weren't just an insult to Qu Yanran but also a mockery of the Sunset Glow Sect.
To the small Gu family of Cloud Dwelling City, the Sunset Glow Sect was a behemoth. Sending just one elder from the sect could annihilate the entire Gu family.
Gu Feng was still the nominal young master of the Gu family. If his actions were misinterpreted by the Sunset Glow Sect, it would spell disaster.
Elder Liu, an outer sect elder, cast ambiguous glances between Gu Feng and Qu Yanran. This young man at the first level of the Body Tempering Realm had given him too many surprises.
Unlike most people, he didn't scream himself hoarse, denouncing Qu Yanran for violating moral principles, nor did he resign himself to fate and flee in disgrace.
Instead, he chose an extremely comical method to turn the tables, shattering Qu Yanran's arrogant demeanor and dragging her down from the clouds, pressing her into the dirt.
This seemingly rogue behavior was likely the result of careful consideration. Beneath his carefree exterior, this kid harbored a proud heart. He refused to be oppressed and fought back.
Unfortunately—
The gap in strength between the two was too vast. In the face of absolute power, everything was fleeting.
"Forget it, I'll waive the spirit stones for you!"
"No need—" Qu Yanran glared at Gu Feng, spitting out two words through gritted teeth.
"That's great! The total comes to 5.43 million low-grade spirit stones. I'll round it down for you, so you only need to pay 5.43 million!"
With that, Gu Feng spread his palm and extended it toward Qu Yanran, grinning widely, revealing a row of white teeth.
Qu Yanran froze, her expression stiffening. She was shocked by the number Gu Feng had thrown out.
5.43 million low-grade spirit stones—this was too much. Even robbery couldn't be this brazen.
Although she was an inner disciple of the Sunset Glow Sect and received a considerable amount of cultivation resources each month, their total value was only around tens of thousands of low-grade spirit stones.
To accumulate 5.43 million low-grade spirit stones, she would have to go without food or drink, tirelessly completing sect tasks day and night, and winning rewards in every competition for at least two to three years.
Of course, this was under ideal conditions. In reality, the time required could easily be multiplied by ten.
Qu Yanran trembled with anger. This bastard was trying to ruin her. What use would he have for so many spirit stones? Could he even spend them?
The crowd was also stunned by the staggering number of 5.43 million. It was an astronomical figure. Even the Gu family, one of the three major families specializing in iron ore and owning an iron mine, couldn't earn this much in a year.
"Gu Feng is done for. This so-called breakup compensation is too ruthless. Qu Yanran won't pay it."
"Does Qu Yanran even have that many spirit stones?"
"Turn that question into a statement. As an inner disciple of the Sunset Glow Sect, with her family already in decline, there's no way she could come up with such a huge sum."
"Demanding a few hundred thousand might still be possible."
"Gu Feng is gambling with his life to rob her. I have to admit, I'm impressed."
"..."
The discussions below didn't change Gu Feng's mind. His outstretched hand remained in the air.
"What? Didn't you bring the spirit stones?" Seeing Qu Yanran frozen in place, Gu Feng frowned and asked softly.
The atmosphere was exceptionally tense, as if frozen in this moment, reaching a stalemate.
"Elder Liu, as a Sunset Glow Sect elder, what do you think should be done about this?" After a long while, Gu Feng blinked at Elder Liu and asked respectfully.
From the beginning to now, Elder Liu hadn't scolded him. Instead, he had publicly recited that humiliating clause. It was clear that the relationship between him and Qu Yanran wasn't as harmonious as one might imagine.
Hearing this, Elder Liu gave Gu Feng a deep look, a hint of admiration appearing in his eyes. This kid was very perceptive. He had likely noticed the discord between him and Qu Yanran and intentionally asked him to mediate.
Gu Feng's move not only gave himself an out but also found a temporary backer. It was a wise decision.
Glancing at Qu Yanran's grim expression, Elder Liu chuckled inwardly. Serves you right for acting so haughty in front of me before, not treating this elder with respect. Now you're in trouble!
"Haha, Nephew Gu, how about we make a change to one of the breakup compensation clauses?"
"Please speak freely, Elder Liu."
"From the day you met Qu Yanran until today, it's been fifteen years. I support your claim for fifteen years of emotional distress compensation.
I understand that after today, you'll be mocked by the world for being dumped for a long time. The impact is indeed significant.
But claiming emotional distress compensation for the next ten thousand years is too long. How about we change it to the next hundred years?"
"Elder Liu makes a good point. This clause is indeed a bit harsh. Let's change it as you suggest," Gu Feng responded tactfully.
"Good. The rest of the clauses are mostly fine. Calculate the total compensation after the change."
Clack clack clack—
Gu Feng nodded, and the sound of the abacus resumed. After a few breaths, he said, "The total now comes to 4.58 million. Out of respect for Elder Liu, I'll give a 10% discount and round it down to a neat 4 million!"
Gu Feng once again gave Elder Liu face, and the latter was quite pleased, his eyes filled with even more appreciation.
With Elder Liu mediating, the breakup compensation amount was settled. Everyone's gaze turned to Qu Yanran.
Silence—dead silence!
Embarrassment—unprecedented embarrassment!
Even with the compensation reduced to 4 million low-grade spirit stones, it was still beyond Qu Yanran's means.
With Elder Liu presiding over the matter and her previous haughty demeanor, it was too late to back out or refuse.
"I don't have that many spirit stones on me. I'll pay part of it now and make up the rest later," Qu Yanran said, her head lowered, her voice subdued, the arrogance on her face gone.
"These days, debtors act like lords. You're an inner disciple of the Sunset Glow Sect. I wouldn't dare come knocking on your door to collect the debt!"
"You think I'd default?"
"You can't judge a book by its cover!" Gu Feng said coldly, showing no mercy.
"Why don't you borrow it?" As he spoke, Gu Feng's gaze subtly flicked toward Elder Liu, who caught the hint and feigned difficulty. "I'm not wealthy either. Who carries 4 million low-grade spirit stones around? I only have about three hundred thousand on me."
At this point, Qu Yanran had lost all face. She straightened her mindset and stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Elder Liu.
"Elder Liu, I, Qu Yanran, won't borrow your spirit stones for free. I'm willing to pay interest."
"Cough, what are you saying? We're fellow disciples. We should help each other!
A 20% annual interest rate. Please write an IOU first!"
Looking at Elder Liu's slightly amused eyes, then turning to Gu Feng, he said, "Gu Feng, it's impossible for you to get 4 million spirit stones today. Here's what we'll do: I'll act as the guarantor. Qu Yanran will pay part of it today, and the rest will be paid within three years. If she fails to pay by then, I'll personally take you to collect the debt."
Gu Feng was inwardly stunned. Elder Liu really knew how to do business! By acting as the guarantor and charging 20% annual interest, he was essentially using my money to earn his own interest. Truly impressive!
This old man wasn't some righteous figure. His dignified appearance almost fooled me.
A 20% annual interest rate was usury. In the end, his earnings might not be much less than mine.
Qu Yanran, suffering double humiliation, gritted her teeth and silently wrote the IOU.
This breakup had cost her dearly—both her reputation and her wealth were hit hard. Soon, the entire Cloud Prefecture would be abuzz with the story of her entanglement with Gu Feng, becoming fodder for after-dinner conversations!
Gu Feng, having received the spirit stones, promptly returned the marriage certificate.
Qu Yanran crumpled the certificate and glared at Gu Feng. "I hope you live long enough to spend all these spirit stones."
With that, she gave a slight bow to Elder Liu and left without looking back.
"Thanks for the well-wishes!"
"Big spender... oh no, ex-partner, take care. Remember to work hard and pay off your debt early!"
Holding the 400,000 spirit stones Qu Yanran had scraped together, Gu Feng smiled brightly at her retreating figure.
(End of the Chapter)
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