Jian Dan's voice fell, and she immediately sent a sound transmission to Liu Chuan, "Spit out three-fifths first. Don't bring out that 'Wood of Spring Awakening.' Keep the other two-fifths for ourselves. You've got the main credit, so whatever you can use, keep it."
Only then did Liu Chuan finally relax. He knew that even though he couldn't keep the Wood of Spring Awakening, at least he'd get something out of this. Without holding back, he swept all the wood-elemental treasures into his personal space, then spat out the remaining three-fifths in one go.
That one spit lasted nearly a quarter of an hour. The pile grew so massive that the people who had been sitting had no choice but to get up and retreat further and further back. In the end, Kuang Dao and Hou San had to clear out the entire room's furnishings just to make space. Even then, they barely had enough room to stand.
The mountain of treasures stacked so high it nearly touched the roof. Kuang Dao, Wu Siyuan, and Hou San stood at three sides, shoving the goods aside so everyone could squeeze in.
Everyone's eyes lit up. They finally understood why Jian Dan had held off the Black Whip Eel. Staring at this heap of wealth, the fear and tension that had been weighing on them finally eased. Risk and reward balanced each other, and this time the gamble had clearly paid off.
"Since my plant beast was the one that snuck in and brought these back, some wood-elemental treasures should go to him. Count those under my share," Jian Dan said calmly, her divine sense brushing over the crowd.
Every flicker of expression was laid bare to her. Aside from the three members of the Purple Sky Sect who revealed a fleeting glint of greed, the rest managed to hold steady. The Heavenly Sword Sect members, including the Bai sisters, only showed simple joy.
Xiao Yong spoke up, "Since Lady Jian Dan's plant beast made the greatest contribution, we should set aside a separate share."
No one objected. Without her plant beast risking its life to sneak in and haul these treasures back, they'd have nothing to divvy up.
"Junior Sister, just go along with everyone's decision," Jian Mao said firmly. He knew she'd only taken out this much because she wanted her fellow sect members to gain something too. As the nominal leader, he could at least settle this much.
"In that case, I'll shamelessly accept."
Everyone turned back to stare at the mountain of loot, their eyes naturally falling on Jian Mao and Jian Lu, waiting for their instructions.
"We won't be leaving these next few days, so let's sort and classify everything now. Hou San, you're familiar with trade goods. You handle sorting those out. The Bai sisters, you know plants. Identify and categorize everything, and separate any poisonous ones. Su Chui, you're an artificer. Take the materials and weapons. Jian Xu and Jian Chun, deal with the immortal stones and spirit stones.
Xiao Yong and Xiao Rong, take all the storage items—rings, pendants—separate them cleanly. Jian Jing and Siyuan, pull out the immortal remains and store them separately. Kuang Dao, you and the others organize the rest—formation disks, talismans, pills, keep them all in order."
Jian Mao assigned each task carefully. As soon as he finished, everyone set to work immediately without delay.
"Senior Brother, let's step outside to keep watch," Jian Dan suggested with a smile. Jian Mao knew she wanted to talk privately, so he nodded, and the two stepped out of the formation, leaving the others busy inside.
She laid down another formation disk to ensure safety, then joined him in the pavilion, setting up a chessboard as they talked.
Jian Mao finally let a smile slip as he placed the first black stone. Jian Dan placed a white one and said with a laugh,"Senior Brother, the harvest this time isn't bad. What's in that room is only three-fifths. I kept the other two-fifths separate. Once we return to the sect, I'll hand in one-fifth, and we can split the rest."
"I don't mind what you turn in to the sect. Keep the rest for yourself. Without you, none of us would have gained this. We'll just split the leftovers."
Jian Mao knew his junior sister was generous. If it were anyone else, coughing up even one-fifth would've been impressive.
"That's fine. No rush. We'll settle it back at the sect. But those three remaining from the Purple Sky Sect, I don't like the look in their eyes. If not for Xiao Yong and Xiao Rong, I wouldn't bother saving them."
"Hmph. I'll remind those two. They'd better not get dragged down by their own sectmates. What you did today was a good test of everyone's hearts. The Bai sisters are solid, even Hou San didn't show greed, only relief."
The two played chess while casually discussing their future moves, then soon focused only on the board.
Three days later, the sorting was finally complete. Jian Mao distributed the resources fairly. Everyone received a hefty share, enough to make their hearts swell with joy. Each quietly stored away their portion without flaunting it.
"This is what you're owed. Keep it safe. Whether you use it or trade it is up to you, but keep it quiet. The inner perimeter has true immortals. If you get greedy and expose yourself, we'll be forced to cut our losses and abandon you," Jian Mao warned, his sharp gaze slicing toward the three Purple Sky Sect members. They lowered their heads, uneasy. Xiao Yong and Xiao Rong didn't let their expressions change, but inwardly they were fuming—not at Jian Mao, but at their own sectmates.
Greedy fools. The Heavenly Sword Sect not only saved their lives, but even gave up resources to help them recover. All they did was stall the Black Whip Eel for a while, and yet they'd already reaped a mountain of benefits. Instead of gratitude, those three still schemed for more. What a disgrace to the Purple Sky Sect.
Without a word, Xiao Yong and Xiao Rong dealt with the matter themselves. By the time they returned, those three had already disappeared. Everyone understood, but no one asked.
"Hou San, you're familiar with this area. Take Kuang Dao and Siyuan to investigate Mu Qing's shop, and also look into that Black Whip Eel from three days ago."
"Yes, Hou San understands."
As the three prepared to leave, Jian Dan added, "Change your robes and armor first. Bai Shuang, do you have anything to mask their aura?"
"I do. Hand me your White Stones," Bai Shuang replied.
They gave her the stones, and she pulled out a crystal vial, dropping a single bead of white liquid on each. The three men changed into black-patterned robes and golden armor worn close to the skin. Hanging the stones around their necks, they bowed and left.
The Bai sisters meanwhile explained that they'd gotten their hands on some poisonous plants and wanted to refine them quickly. Jian Dan generously lent them the "Heaven and Earth Stabilizing Array" to keep the toxins sealed.