C86 Coordination

After Sun Binn finished recounting their tale, Han Feng and Lin Qingshan nodded, finally understanding the situation.

As it happened, Sun Binn and Sun Xin had stumbled upon a Fiery Vermilion Fruit Tree during their travels, a tree on the cusp of evolving into a Flame Vermilion Fruit Tree.

The Flame Vermilion Fruit borne by this tree was vastly superior to the Fiery Vermilion Fruit, boasting an effect tenfold greater. To put it another way, the potency of the Flame Vermilion Fruit was twenty times that of a standard Fire Crystal. When applied to the four major Inherited Martial Skills, a single Flame Vermilion Fruit could elevate these skills to the pinnacle of their initial level!

The bandits from Xuanwu Village had also chanced upon the tree. While the Fiery Vermilion Fruit was valuable, it wasn't significant enough for the bandits to pursue Sun Binn and Sun Xin and risk the information getting out. At least, not for those at the Peak of Human Rank, for whom the increase in mortal fire power provided by the Fiery Vermilion Fruit was minimal.

But as mentioned, this wasn't just any Fiery Vermilion Fruit Tree; it was on the verge of becoming a Flame Vermilion Fruit Tree. Typically, a Fiery Vermilion Fruit Tree would produce a dozen fruits, yet this one had yielded over thirty, including one that had already evolved into a Flame Vermilion Fruit.

Regretfully, Sun Binn added, "If it weren't for the level-nine Devil Beast, the Star Flame Beast, guarding the fruit, my sister and I wouldn't have come back empty-handed."

Peeking from behind Sun Binn, Sun Xin eyed Han Feng and Lin Qingshan with a mix of curiosity and awe.

Sun Binn then inquired, "Esteemed sir, young master, may I ask where you're headed?"

Catching Sun Binn's hopeful gaze, Han Feng replied, "To Renwu City."

Delighted, Sun Binn exclaimed, "In that case, would you honor the Sun family with a visit? We'd be pleased to host you both."

Lin Qingshan teased, "You're not worried we'll compete with your Sun family for the Flame Vermilion Fruit?"

Sun Binn gave a wry smile. "The Star Flame Beast alone is beyond our Sun family's ability to contend with. It's a Devil Beast on par with a Mystic Rank Martial Cultivator."

"You've guessed correctly, sir. Indeed, I hope you will assist our Sun family in battling the Star Flame Beast."

"It's not just us; the other two families in Renwu City will likely need to band together as well, especially with Xuanwu Village coveting the Flame Vermilion Fruit."

"The Flame Vermilion Fruit will only be within reach if we defeat the Star Flame Beast. Then, it will be a fair competition for all."

Inwardly, Han Feng scoffed. "If we actually take down the Star Flame Beast, Sister Lin and I, on our own, won't stand a chance against the Sun family and the other two clans."

"But as Sun Binn pointed out, the Flame Vermilion Fruit is out of the question until we handle the Star Flame Beast. All else is moot until then."

"With that in mind, it makes sense for us to form a temporary alliance."

Despite his thoughts, Han Feng's expression remained unchanged.

Lin Qingshan and Han Feng exchanged a glance, subtly nodding in agreement.

Before the gates of Renwu City, the four dismounted from the Heavenly Tiger.

"Time to part ways," Han Feng said, patting the Heavenly Tiger's head. "Our deal is complete."

The Heavenly Tiger let out a low growl, filled with reluctance. Without Han Feng, it would miss the delightful 'beverages' it had grown accustomed to.

Han Feng's lips quirked, aware of Sun Binn and Sun Xin's presence. He wasn't about to reveal the origin fluid with them watching.

With a heavy heart, the Heavenly Tiger trudged away, looking back thrice, much to Sun Xin's envy.

The group made their way into Renwu City, and with Sun Binn leading, they soon arrived at the Sun family residence.

"Bow with me," Sun Binn gestured. "Sir, this way, please."

Inside the Sun family's grand hall, the Family Head rose to welcome them. "Ah, Miss Lin," he chuckled warmly. "My son has told me all about you. You're the one who saved his life and that of my dear daughter."

Having spoken, the Sun Family Head turned his gaze to Han Feng and remarked, "So you're Brother Han, correct? Truly a young talent."

Upon their arrival in Renwu City, Sun Binn had already used special means to brief the Sun Family Head.

Consequently, the Family Head was well aware of everything, including the cultivation levels of Lin Qingshan and Han Feng.

One was at the Eleven-star Human Rank, while the other was on the cusp of the Two-star Human Rank, soon to break through to the Three-star. Neither was to be underestimated.

Lin Qingshan had deliberately disclosed her cultivation level; without such transparency, an equal partnership would have been impossible.

An Eleven-star Human Rank cultivator could easily rank in the top ten within Renwu City.

The other, although merely at the Peak of Two-star, was not even fourteen years old yet.

To have reached Two-star Human Rank at such a young age was more impressive than Sun Binn at the same age, who had only been at the Late Mortal Rank.

Han Feng responded promptly, "You're too kind!"

Lin Qingshan offered a smile as her acknowledgment.

The Sun Family Head laughed heartily, and after a brief exchange with them, he formally proposed an alliance.

Lin Qingshan stated earnestly, "Family Head Sun, rest assured, we will spare no effort in helping you secure the Fiery Vermilion Fruit. However, we'll take a quarter share."

The Sun Family Head paused, considering the request. A quarter was a substantial share.

But reflecting on Lin Qingshan's capabilities, he consented.

After all, with a sufficient quantity of Fiery Vermilion Fruits, losing a quarter would still mean a handsome profit.

With the alliance issue resolved, the Sun Family Head instructed his son, "You rascal, don't just stand there—arrange rooms for our two benefactors."

Sun Binn touched his nose and replied, "Father, it's all taken care of." He then addressed Lin Qingshan and Han Feng, "Lord Lin, Brother Han, please allow me to show you to your accommodations."

Having concluded their business with the Sun Family Head, the pair saw no reason to linger and nodded in agreement.

"Lord Lin, Brother Han, this way, please."

The rooms prepared for Han Feng and Lin Qingshan were adjacent. They each surveyed their new quarters and exchanged pleased smiles.

Sun Binn had clearly taken great care to respect their wishes. Both had expressed a desire for solitude, and the lodging he provided was indeed secluded and tranquil.

Their smiles were all the confirmation Sun Binn needed of their satisfaction. With a friendly grin, he excused himself, "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

"Much appreciated, Brother Sun," Han Feng replied with a gesture of thanks.

Once Sun Binn had departed, Han Feng's demeanor turned grave. "Sister Lin, if we slay the Star Flame Beast, it could spell the end of our alliance with the Sun family."

"There's only one Flame Vermilion Fruit, after all."

"The three major families of Renwu City may be adversaries, but they're still united under the city's banner. As outsiders, there's a chance they'd band together to take us down first."

Lin Qingshan pondered before responding, "Let's not overlook the bandits from Xuanwu Village who have their eyes on the fruit. It's premature to predict the outcome."

After a moment of contemplation, Han Feng conceded, "Well, if it comes down to it, the Fiery Vermilion Fruit will suffice for my needs. If I can't secure the Flame Vermilion Fruit, I'll simply gather more of the Fiery variety as compensation."

Considering that one Flame Vermilion Fruit was worth ten Fiery Vermilion Fruits, and with the fourth-tier planting space at his disposal, he could certainly recoup the loss with some extra time and Spirit Stones.

Lin Qingshan gave Han Feng an approving pat on the shoulder. "You've got the right idea, Brother. Out here, we must know our limits. We can't covet treasures that aren't meant for us; that path leads only to death."