Infinite Puzzle City

Chapter 680 More Money!!
Upon hearing Gu Xintang's words, everyone's minds went blank for a moment, and many people stood up from behind their chairs, looking at Wu Man with shocked expressions.

If Gu Xintang revealing Xiao Ran's identity already shocked everyone, then that was all there was to it.

The main reason is that Xiao Ran, the thirty-sixth in Group C, has the identity of a Dragon Slayer, and his own strength is no weaker than that of the experts on the Group A list. That's why he is often mentioned as a story.

But too much time has passed. Ever since the sword review, this Sword Review Thirty-Six has suddenly vanished as if he had evaporated from the face of the earth.

Not only were there no rumors about this person in the martial arts world, but no one in Ruzhou had even heard of his whereabouts.

Gradually, people have become much more indifferent to it.

But the other one was completely different, making everyone's hearts jump into their throats.

"A figure hangs high on the Sword Ranking List, a swordsman who can lift a cauldron, swallow smoke, and capture dragons with his hands. He can transform into an earth dragon with countless variations, and once he's done his job, he'll leave without leaving a name or surname. Truly, a hero's tale..."

This is exactly what the old storyteller said when he commented on swordplay.

The sword ranking list was now empty, the long-vacant top spot because the person hadn't left their name.
None of them could have imagined that they would encounter the top swordsman here today.

Everyone opened their eyes wide, wanting to see clearly what the top-ranked person looked like.

Wu Man frowned upon hearing this. He felt nothing for the title of top swordsmanship ranking, and he himself had never thought that he would be able to participate in the swordsmanship ranking.

Wu Man glanced at Gu Xintang's polite words and then turned her head away, ignoring them.

This made Gu Xintang's face stiffen. Although you are the top swordsman, I am only the third-ranked swordsman. You don't have to be so disrespectful, do you?
Fortunately, Gu Xintang was not just a simple江湖人 (jianghu person, a person who is involved in the martial arts world). He quickly adjusted his mood and turned to Xiao Ran, saying, "We parted ways in Chang'an many years ago. It is fate that we meet here. I have prepared a small feast. Please do not find it offensive, Brother Xiao."

"Brother Gu's hospitality is too kind of us to refuse."

Xiao Ran's impression of Gu Xintang was so-so, but that was all. The reason she agreed so readily was that she wanted to get some information about the current situation from Gu Xintang.

"I'm tired, I'm going back to my room to rest."

Wu Man was not interested in the so-called banquet, nor in dealing with Gu Xintang. After saying a word, she signaled the waiter to lead the way.

"Me too, my legs are tired from traveling all day, wait for me!"

The old demon Qinghai followed with a smile, while Jin Chanzi and Dai Long immediately made their escape. Huang Le was still hesitating whether to follow when Xiao Ran grabbed his shoulder and said, "You've been saying you're hungry, haven't you? Well, someone's treating, so don't be shy."

Although Huang Le was not very strong, he was still very quick-witted. Hearing this, he understood Xiao Ran's meaning and nodded repeatedly. He cupped his hands towards Gu Xintang and said, "Thank you very much, Master Gu. I am Lao Xiao's brother. You can just call me Lao Huang. I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

Gu Xintang didn't recognize Huang Le, but after a glance he could tell that Huang Le's strength was average. However, having someone to flatter him made Gu Xintang look much better.

"Hahaha, very good, Brother Huang, you're too kind. If you ever need anything from the Qiankun Alliance in the future, just let me know. This way, please!"

The three of them went up to the private room in the attic.

Before long, a table of fine food and drink was delivered to their door.

It was described as a top-class banquet, but it was really just chicken, duck, fish, meat, four cold dishes, four hot dishes, some fruit, snacks, and a pot of yellow wine.

"The banquet was so-so, but in this place now, it's the only thing we can offer."

Gu Xintang smiled and invited Xiao Ran and Huang Le to take their seats.

"We're all from the martial world, so let's leave these formalities aside. But I do have something I'd like to ask Brother Gu."

"You're too kind, please feel free to speak."

"The waiter just said that gold and silver are no longer used as currency. What was that coin I saw you throw out earlier?"

Xiao Ran certainly recognized the ghost money that Gu Xintang had thrown out, but he was more curious about where Gu Xintang and his group got their ghost money from.

"you do not know??"

Gu Xintang looked at Xiao Ran with a surprised expression.

"what do you know?"

Seeing that Xiao Ran truly knew nothing, Gu Xintang looked utterly wistful, thinking to himself, "No wonder this kid hasn't changed at all over the years. Did he go to the deep mountains and forests to recuperate?"

Seeing that Xiao Ran truly did not know about Gu Xintang, he could only patiently explain.

It turns out that after the emperor was killed by them, the country fell into chaos, and various forces rose up rapidly, each claiming to be king and tyrant.

This led to a problem: all the factions were short of money, so they started minting their own currency, which soon caused chaos in the currency system and a surge in the price of silver.

Until someone received some currency from the gods they worshipped. This currency looked insignificant, but it actually had all sorts of magical effects.

For example, burning currency can conjure up a lot of food out of thin air.

Or, if there are any missing limbs or incurable diseases, these currencies can also be used to cure them.

Gu Xintang seemed afraid that Xiao Ran wouldn't believe him, so he simply took out a dagger and cut off his little finger, then put the severed little finger back on and placed a piece of ghost money on the wound.

An unexpected thing happened: as the ghost money disappeared, the wounds completely healed, and the severed little finger was even reattached without leaving a trace. This scene greatly surprised Xiao Ran.

You should know that ghost money never had this effect before.

If ghost money has such an effect, then wouldn't the skill of sewers stitching up severed limbs suddenly become worthless?
Not only will the craftsmanship of corpse sewers be affected, but the entire profession of pharmacist will likely be impacted as well.

"Is this money easy to earn?"

Xiao Ran pressed for more information.

"It's easy money. As long as you worship a deity, you will receive a large sum of ghost money every month. Of course, there are differences. Ordinary people will receive about five or six ghost money a day, while our Qiankun Alliance will give us about 30,000 ghost money once a month. The more territory you expand in the future, the more ghost money you will receive."

"hiss!!!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ran gasped in shock.

Good heavens, these so-called gods are now throwing money around to grab faith, incense offerings, and territory.

"Well, Brother Xiao, if you need it, I have some ghost money here. Just take it. If it's not enough, come back to me."

As Gu Xintang spoke, he took out a bag of ghost money from his pocket and placed it on the table.

"Haha, I can't accept something for nothing, I'd be so embarrassed."

Xiao Ran said that, but she didn't hesitate at all, and very naturally stuffed the money into her pocket.

This shameless act made Gu Xintang curse inwardly, "This guy is still as cunning as ever!"

"Thank you very much, Brother Gu. If you ever need anything in the future, please just let me know. I will do my best to help."

Huang Le immediately raised his glass to toast Gu Xintang, showering him with flattery, which greatly improved Gu Xintang's expression.

Only after several rounds of drinks did Gu Xintang begin to subtly inquire about Wu Man from Huang Le's side.

Unfortunately, Gu Xintang had no idea that although Huang Le's abilities were mediocre and his actions lacked depth, he was actually a seasoned scoundrel.

They followed Gu Xintang around in circles, leaving Gu Xintang completely speechless.

Finally, unable to circumvent the issue any longer, he spoke directly to Xiao Ran, saying, "Brother Xiao, you're also heading to Chang'an, right? Let's be frank. I won't hide it from you. The Qiankun Alliance's goal is very clear: the Imperial Seal of the State. If you help me obtain this seal, you will be an honored guest of the Qiankun Alliance, and the Qiankun Alliance will not refuse any request from you."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ran frowned and put down his wine glass: "What if I said that my goal is also the Imperial Seal of the State?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xintang's smile gradually turned cold.

Those eyes were fixed on Xiao Ran: "Then let's see who's the best. I also want to see how much your swordsmanship has improved over the years, Brother Xiao."

The two men locked eyes, and the atmosphere at the table seemed to freeze instantly.

"Da da da da..."

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly came from outside.

Xiao Ran glanced sideways and scanned the area with his spiritual power. He saw that the approaching force was quite large, and each of them was clad in gold armor, exuding a murderous aura.

What caught Xiao Ran's attention most was the character "吴" (Wu) on the flag behind the other person.
"It's the King of Wu again!"

The previous involvement with the Spirit God Cult and the unauthorized construction of the Yin Army had already made Xiao Ran extremely disgusted with the King of Wu.

I just didn't expect them to arrive so quickly. Are they here to take revenge on me?

The group was lined up in a row in front of the inn.

The dark-faced general at the head of the group roared, "That guy inside, the one who's supposed to be the top swordsman, come out right now! The King of Wu summons you!!"

The dark-faced general's voice was like thunder, and many people in the inn couldn't help but cover their ears.

Xiao Ran and Gu Xintang exchanged a glance.

"How about this, I have another suggestion." Gu Xintang unfolded his jade fan: "Let's make a gentleman's agreement. Before we enter the imperial city of Chang'an, let's join forces. After we enter the imperial city, we can each rely on our own abilities to deal with the matter of the Imperial Seal."

After saying that, Gu Xintang added, "Brother Xiao, it seems that the news of your appearance here has spread. Before long, more and more people will follow. Even if you can handle it, you will probably be overwhelmed. With the Qiankun Alliance as your backer, at least you can have some peace and quiet along the way."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ran couldn't help but sneer: "You're being so kind? You've got your eye on my good brother, haven't you?"

Gu Xintang did not admit it, but simply took a small sip of wine.

Unexpectedly, the moment the drink entered his mouth, Xiao Ran suddenly slammed her hand on the table, almost causing Gu Xintang to choke on his drink. His face turned bright red, and he stared at Xiao Ran with wide eyes.

Xiao Ran placed her hands on the table, staring intently at him, and said, "This isn't difficult, but... it costs extra!!!"

(End of this chapter)