For a moment, Prince Huo was also frowning deeply. He very much wanted to say that he would go back and discuss it with his Imperial Brother. But what if
If they transported these ling shi back, it was entirely possible that within ten days to half a month, enemies would come knocking. Bandits would have their eyes on them.
This quantity of ling shi was already a staggering astronomical figure. Once word got out, how many powers would be circling like vultures? Such a fat piece of meat—it was impossible for no one to covet it.
"Young Master Jiang Chen, this prince has thought it over carefully, and it really does seem like an impossible dilemma. I wonder if Young Master Jiang Chen has any good ideas? Please enlighten me." Prince Huo's tone was exceedingly humble as he sought counsel.
"Move the ling shi to Dongyan Island first." Jiang Chen waved his hand. "Whether it's yours or ours, it doesn't matter. If these ling shi go back to Huichun Island Domain, they'll only bring you disaster."
Prince Huo hesitated slightly—he was also worried that once they went to Dongyan Island, would these ling shi ever come back?
But then he immediately realized that if Jiang Chen wanted to embezzle their half, there was no need for such a roundabout scheme. He could simply seize them outright, and what could they do about it?
That spirit vein had been snatched back from the Tianzhao Island Domain—it had absolutely nothing to do with their Huichun Island Domain.
At this thought, Prince Huo hurriedly said, "We shall follow Young Master Jiang Chen's instructions. If Young Master Jiang Chen is fond of these ling shi, our Huichun Island Domain would be more than willing to offer all of them as a gift."
Prince Huo was, after all, a man accustomed to handling great affairs. After weighing the situation, he became even more acutely aware that these ling shi were a burning hot potato.
Give them to Young Master Jiang Chen, and they would only lose these ling shi.
If they did not give them to Young Master Jiang Chen and instead brought them back, what they stood to lose in the future was very likely the entire fortune of Huichun Island Domain.
Jiang Chen smiled faintly. "It's rare for you to have such a generous spirit. These ling shi really are like coal delivered in a snowstorm for this young master. Very well—let's move them back to Dongyan Island first."
Prince Huo's offer had originally been a试探 (试探), and he had never expected Jiang Chen to accept it without the slightest courtesy. Although his heart felt bitter, his expression remained brilliantly cheerful.
"Very well, we'll transport them to Dongyan Island."
Seeing that Prince Huo could hold his composure so well, Jiang Chen was somewhat surprised. He silently noted his approval.
Fleet after fleet of flying ships returned to Dongyan Island.
Lu Che and the others were overjoyed to see Young Master Jiang Chen return to the island domain. When they saw that he had also brought back a large number of prisoners, they were even more surprised.
Moreover, these prisoners were not unfamiliar to Lu Che and the others.
When the middle-aged man surnamed Han caught sight of Lu Che and the others, he was also greatly astonished. "Grand Elder Lu? Aren't you the Enforcement Grand Elder of Xiaotang Island? How come…?"
Lu Che said solemnly, "Xiaotang Island is nothing. We've switched from darkness to light and now follow Young Master Jiang Chen."
The middle-aged man surnamed Han let out a deflated "oh." Upon closer comparison, Xiaotang Island really was nothing—could it compare to the young master of the
No comparison at all.
"Lu Che, keep a close watch on all of these people. Wait for someone to come ransom them. If no one comes within a month, from then on they'll be the slaves of Dongyan Island, at your disposal."
Jiang Chen issued his orders calmly.
Lu Che was thrilled. "Understood!"