I said in a deep voice, "So?"

Qing Ming smiled and said, "Do you think Liangjie Tang has the ability to deter the martial world? Don't try to fool me with empty promises; such childish talk will only make you a laughingstock."

Old Liu frowned slightly.

Liangjie Tang indeed couldn't fulfill the condition Qing Ming had proposed.

Jun Jixue said, "You can operate under my name, Jun Jixue, and work for Liangjie Tang. I will take care of the rest."

Qing Ming shook his head with a smile, "A loyal subject does not serve two masters, not even nominally!"

Jun Jixue was about to speak, but I waved my hand and said, "I can't meet your condition. Farewell! See them out!"

I wanted to see them out, but Qing Ming didn't even stir. He simply said, "It's not entirely unnegotiable. My master doesn't need Liangjie Tang's protection, just a promise that, in a crucial moment, my master can leave freely."

Qing Ming continued, "Moreover, my master can also promise not to require Liangjie Tang to pay any fees; all intelligence expenses will be borne by my master alone. What do you think?"

I didn't rush to agree. "Your conditions are so generous; surely, there's a price I have to pay? I don't believe there's such a thing as a free lunch."

"Haha... The reason I offer such conditions is that I like you." Qing Ming's laughter suddenly ceased. "However, just because I like you doesn't mean my master likes you."

"If you can win my master's admiration, she will naturally be at your disposal."

Without a second thought, I waved my hand and said, "Alright, leave. Let's pretend I didn't say anything."

Qing Ming was immediately stunned. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing!" I said coldly. "Is your master male or female? And I have to make her admire me? Do I have to sell myself to recruit a subordinate? Whoever wants to seduce your master can go ahead; I don't have the leisure."

As soon as I finished speaking, everyone in Liangjie Tang rolled their eyes.

Jun Jixue quickly transmitted his voice to me, "He said *qin mu*, not *qing mu*. *Qing mu* means to admire and love, while *qin mu* represents the respect and admiration of a subordinate for a superior, of the ordinary for the extraordinary. You misunderstood!"

Damn it, I misheard!

I wanted to find a crack in the ground to hide in, but I couldn't lose face on the surface. I simply stared blankly at Qing Ming, my gaze unwavering.

After a few seconds of eye contact, Qing Ming laughed loudly, "To still have the heart of a child while wandering the martial world; I like you even more."

Qing Ming paused. "My master has set up three tests. If you can pass all three, the master will naturally meet you. If you can't?"

Qing Ming's eyes turned cold. "Then, please bear the consequences of disturbing my master's peace!"

Old Liu, fearing that I would say something that would ruin the deal, spoke before I could, "A ruler chooses his ministers, and ministers choose their ruler. A reasonable agreement; Liangjie Tang accepts this gamble."

"What are the terms of the gamble? And what stakes do we need to put up?"

Qing Ming smiled. "The three tests set by my master are three art-related deals."

"However, you won't pass these three trials simply by meeting the client's requirements. My master will judge whether you have met the conditions for passing."

"For these three trials, you cannot use any forces outside of Liangjie Tang, nor can you hire any intelligence organizations. Moreover, only four people can participate in the tasks."

"The more trials you pass, the smaller the price you will pay."

"If you can't even pass the first trial, then the entire Liangjie Tang will be buried with those four who took the test."

"If you pass two trials but fail the third, perhaps the death of one or two people will be enough to end the matter."

"If you are willing to bet, we can draw up a contract immediately!"

As Qing Ming spoke, he spread a leather contract on the table.

A human skin contract?

Qing Ming must have come prepared!

"I..." I had only said one word when Lin Zhao, who was standing behind me, covered my mouth.

Old Liu shook his fan and said, "We accept this gamble."

Qing Ming smiled. "Can you make the decision?"

"He can't..." I finally pried open Lin Zhao's hand, but Ye Yang sealed my acupoints.

Ye Yang said in a deep voice, "The words of anyone in Liangjie Tang are our collective decision."

As Ye Yang spoke, he bit his finger and pressed his fingerprint on the contract.

Old Liu was the second...

In a short time, everyone in Liangjie Tang had signed the contract.

Qing Ming solemnly put away the contract. "Within ten days, I will return with the contract signed by my master and bring you the first test at the same time. Farewell!"

After Qing Ming left, Ye Yang released my acupoints, and I jumped up on the spot. "Are you crazy? You dare to sign anything? That's a human skin contract! A human skin contract! Do you know that? Once you breach the contract, even ghosts and gods can't escape!"

"Is it worth betting the lives of everyone in Liangjie Tang?"

"Wash the dishes!" Ye Yang threw the gloves at me and turned to leave.

"Remember to prepare breakfast for tomorrow!" Wang Butcher also left.

Feng Ruoxing said, "I want freshly squeezed soy milk; don't forget to soak the soybeans."

"Don't over-fry the youtiao!" Lin Zhao winked at me.

"I'm already worried sick, and you're still thinking about eating!" I knew what they were thinking, but knowing didn't mean I wasn't anxious!