Having Zhou Shengkao as a witness, it seemed that Gu Dashan's presence was unnecessary.
However, this time, due to Meng Zhang's earnest request and Shi Weiming's wholehearted help, Gu Dashan was still employed. If they changed their minds midway, it would not only damage the relationship between the two sides but also harm Meng Zhang's credibility.
Thus, Meng Zhang decided to use Gu Dashan as a witness.
Fortunately, Gu Dashan offered a friendly price, asking for just two hundred pieces of low-grade spirit stones for his appearance. Compared to the three thousand five hundred spirit stones charged by Zhou Shengkao, this price was quite reasonable.
Shi Weiming arranged for the two to meet.
Gu Dashan was a tall, amiable-looking old man. After Meng Zhang interacted with him, he found him easy to get along with.
When he had discussed with Zhou Shengkao earlier, Meng Zhang had contemplated using Mind Reading to understand his thoughts. However, both Zhou Shengkao and he were Refining Qi Late stage cultivators, making it difficult to read detailed information.
Furthermore, they were at Shan Ying's residence at the time, and Meng Zhang was unsure if Shan Ying was observing them from behind.
Therefore, Meng Zhang forcefully suppressed his curiosity and refrained from reading Zhou Shengkao's thoughts.
Now, facing Gu Dashan, Meng Zhang couldn't resist using Mind Reading to glean some insights from him.
The results were satisfactory; Gu Dashan had good integrity and would handle things properly after receiving the spirit stones.
Additionally, Meng Zhang discovered something in Gu Dashan's mind related to Gu Tanghai. He silently noted this down, planning to exploit it for potential benefits in the future.
After leaving Singing Sand City, Meng Zhang rushed back to Morning Sun Hillside with Li Xuan and Zhang Zhanlin without stopping.
Upon their return, Meng Zhang handed over the items he had entrusted Wen Qiansun to purchase, and then everyone immersed themselves in intense practice.
Time passed quickly, and fifteen days flew by.
On the day of the scheduled battle with Zhao Family and Taiyi Sect, a large crowd of onlookers had gathered around Morning Sun Hillside early in the morning.
These spectators came from all directions, including members of nearby cultivation forces, loose cultivators who frequently operated in the area, and even tourists from more distant places.
The surrounding areas of the highest hills were almost completely packed with people.
An open challenge between two cultivation forces was indeed quite an exciting spectacle.
The spectators were practically sitting on the edge of their seats, munching on sunflower seeds as they watched the drama unfold.
Meng Zhang and the disciples of Taiyi Sect stood guard behind the protective formation, ready and waiting.
A flying ship appeared in the sky, accompanied by several Crimson Feathered Eagles.
The flying ship and the Crimson Feathered Eagles landed on a hill not far away.
Zhao Family's disciples had arrived early, occupying a designated spot to wait for the arrival of the main party.
Zhao Jiudou, accompanied by Zhao Dong and a group of Zhao Family members, appeared on the hill.
This hill had been predetermined as the location for the witnesses from both sides to observe the battle.
Shortly after Zhao Jiudou and his group appeared, Meng Zhang, with a cold expression, arrived on the hill as well, waiting for the witnesses from both sides to arrive.
The first to arrive were the Sect Master of the Flying Eagle Sect, Chen Zhentian, and the Sect Masters of several smaller forces in the vicinity.
They rode on demonic beasts and went directly to stand behind Zhao Jiudou.
Zhao Dong glanced smugly at Meng Zhang, thinking to himself, "Even if Meng Zhang's swordsmanship is good, so what? Taiyi Sect is too weak and lacks the connections that Zhao Family possesses."
"Sect Master Meng, where are the witnesses that Taiyi Sect invited? Did you fail to find anyone?" Chen Zhentian asked, but Meng Zhang couldn't be bothered to respond to such a petty person, lest he lower his own status for no reason.
After a while, Gu Dashan hurriedly rushed up the hill on a demonic beast.
"My apologies, Sect Master Meng. I ran into some old friends on the way and chatted for a bit, almost causing a delay," Gu Dashan said.
"It's still early; Senior Gu's timing is perfect," Meng Zhang replied with a smile.
Gu Dashan was somewhat famous in the nearby area, and many people recognized him upon his arrival.
After exchanging greetings with some acquaintances, Gu Dashan came to Meng Zhang's side.
With a Foundation Building stage cultivator like Gu Dashan backing him up, the witnesses Zhao Family had invited felt a bit awkward. If there were any disputes later on, it might not be worth clashing with a Foundation Building stage cultivator's nephew just for the sake of maintaining a bit of rapport with Zhao Family.
Of course, even if Gu Tanghai was overbearing, he wouldn't directly trouble these forces over his nephew's grievances. However, if they truly offended a Foundation Building stage cultivator, he could easily make them suffer a great deal of discomfort.
Zhao Jiudou maintained his composure and politely greeted Gu Dashan.
A clear and melodious crane's cry came from the sky, and a cyan crane and a yellow crane flew to the top of the hill and quickly landed.
Meng Zhang had previously seen Jin Qigu, the Sect Master of Qiaoshou Sect, and Ruan Yuan, the Sect Master of Golden Blade Sect, during his time at the Forest Mountain School. They disembarked from the immortal cranes and approached the crowd.
Immortal cranes were flying demonic beasts often ridden by human cultivators. In the resource-poor Endless Sea of Sand, those who could raise flying demonic beasts were at least considered well-off.
Meng Zhang felt envious; riding a flying demonic beast was not only stylish but also highly practical. He secretly wished he had one for himself.
Lost in his thoughts, Meng Zhang, like Zhao Jiudou, exchanged greetings with the two Sect Masters.
Jin Qigu still had that gossipy grandmother-like personality and warmly greeted the people around her.
Upon seeing Gu Dashan beside Meng Zhang, she smiled mischievously and said, "Old Gu, you're at it again, taking money to help others. You really love earning these small sums; you're too shortsighted."
"Come on, how much spirit stones did you swindle from Little Sect Master Meng this time?"
Before Jin Qigu could finish her sentence, a cold hum echoed.
"Who dares to earn such money? Aren't you afraid of getting into big trouble and losing everything?"
Ruan Yuan of Golden Blade Sect spoke in a neither yin nor yang manner.
Both Qiaoshou Sect and Golden Blade Sect had Foundation Building stage cultivators in their sects, so they didn't care much about Gu Tanghai, a loose cultivator. If Gu Tanghai were present, Jin Qigu and Ruan Yuan might still give him some face. However, Gu Dashan was just Gu Tanghai's nephew, and they didn't even consider him worth their attention.
Gu Dashan's expression turned unsightly, regretting his decision to get involved in this mess.
Jin Qigu looked at Meng Zhang directly and said in a candid tone, "Little Sect Master Meng, this old woman had high hopes for you. But why did you do such a foolish thing and forcefully occupy Zhao Family's spirit vein?"
"Let's make a deal; return the spirit vein to Zhao Family and apologize. In consideration of this old woman's face, I believe Zhao Family won't pursue the matter further."
"If it weren't for this old woman finding you somewhat agreeable, I wouldn't have helped you ."
"What do you think? Do you find my suggestion reasonable?"
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