Fang Canran said solemnly, “Only once we have a foundation of mutual non-harm can we continue speaking in depth. Besides—” He paused before adding, “Keeping and maintaining an ancient treasure like this isn’t easy. The sooner I use it, the sooner I lighten the burden.”

He was still afraid that He Lingchuan would report him to the Heavenly Palace. That was why he wanted this kind of insurance for both of them.

He Lingchuan stared at him for a long while. “If you had something this useful, why did you attack me earlier?”

Fang Canran chuckled, offering no explanation.

Even taking several steps back, whether they were friend or foe, he still had to test the other party’s strength first.

That would determine how they interacted afterward.

Dragons consorted with dragons, phoenixes with phoenixes, and the friends of rats knew how to dig holes. People of each rank made friends of the same rank.

Even among one’s own side, there were still upper, middle, and lower tiers.

He Lingchuan had only jabbed at him once. Immediately afterward, he agreed. “Fine.”

Even though he had verbally promised earlier and had even untied Fang Canran first, this great steward still did not feel at ease. A promise depending entirely on self-discipline...