This condition indeed moved Xiao Tian’s heart, but he still looked at Ghost Face. After all, he was the main character in this situation, even though Lei Tong and his brother offered very favorable terms.

If Ghost Face was determined not to cooperate with the Kunlun Sect any further, they could only respect his opinion. Xiao Tian couldn’t agree on his behalf.

"Anyone can make empty promises. How can you make us believe what you say?" Ghost Face said solemnly. "Also, do your words represent everyone present?"

The reason for not asking if they could represent the Kunlun Sect was because Ghost Face never intended to take advantage of this, and he wasn’t necessarily inclined to sell his research product to the Kunlun Sect.

Therefore, as long as he could win over everyone present, it would be much easier to handle once they obtained the Five Elements Crystal!

At that time, if the Kunlun Sect insisted on purchasing his research product, Ghost Face would abide by the agreement to sell it to them. If they refused to buy, it didn’t matter since the Five Elements Crystal was already in hand.

Master Lei could represent the vast majority of disciples, but Celestial Punishment Daoist and Yun You were truly unknown variables. If they disagreed, there was nothing he could do to force them.

Celestial Punishment Daoist’s face looked extremely upset. Although deep down, he wasn’t opposed to this kind of cooperation, the presumptuous actions of the Lei Tong brothers made him feel incredibly uncomfortable.

After barely squeezing out a smile that looked better than crying, Celestial Punishment Daoist nodded. This was the friendliest gesture he could make at the moment!

Once Celestial Punishment Daoist agreed, Master Lei no longer bothered to observe Yun You’s attitude. After all, it wouldn’t matter if he returned, and losing one novice was no big deal!

And the reason Lei Tong did this was partly because he wanted to form a connection with Xiao Tian. To have strength on par with himself, or perhaps even surpassing it, at such a young age was of immeasurable potential.

The achievements in the future would be limitless. Nobody could predict how far he could go. Seizing the opportunity to show goodwill before he truly matures is not much different from venture investment.

If Xiao Tian achieved nothing in the future, it would be a small loss. But if he truly succeeded later, the current investment would certainly yield doubled returns in the future!

Unlike Celestial Punishment Daoist, the Lei Tong brothers never targeted Xiao Tian too much from the beginning. The temporary hostility between both sides was purely due to differing positions, so the two were willing to take some risks.

Since one issue was already resolved, the next to address was the trust issue. After pondering without finding anything suitable, Master Lei gritted his teeth and said, "What do you think we should do to earn your trust?"

All the disciples were shocked. This was like washing their necks clean and waiting for the other party to slaughter them!

However, though Master Lei looked displeased, he was calm inside. This strategy seemingly handed the initiative to Ghost Face, but left considerable room for maneuver.

Firstly, Ghost Face couldn’t propose for them to commit suicide or cripple their martial arts, because they would still be needed to perform roles later on.

Furthermore, if Ghost Face really proposed an unreasonable condition, they could seize the opportunity to negotiate and lower the standards.

In any case, they could retreat with ease, which was Master Lei’s plan.

Hearing this, Ghost Face frowned, as the question indeed perplexed him.

As he was trapped in thought, Xiao Tian beside him let out a cold snort. While Ghost Face might be oblivious to the trap due to his focus on research, Xiao Tian, who had seen it all, could not be easily constrained by mere words.

"You are the ones seeking cooperation, so shouldn’t the matter of gaining the partner’s trust be your concern, not ours?!"

Xiao Tian smiled and said, "I would also like to remind you, if you genuinely want to collaborate, put away those little tricks. Playing word games and mind tactics, you are not qualified right now!"

These words were truly unreserved, as if slapping Master Lei in the face. But who could he blame when his calculations were exposed?!

Master Lei, blushing furiously, ignored the burning sensation on his face and began thinking quickly. If he let this moment slip away, it would really be too late to say anything.

After a moment’s hesitation, Master Lei clenched his fists tightly, clearly making a significant decision.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Master Lei delicately extracted a wooden box, the size of a ring box, from his bosom. Opening it revealed a tangled ball of silk thread.

"Soul-Devouring Spider Silk?!"

Xiao Tian and Celestial Punishment Daoist exclaimed simultaneously. How could this priceless treasure be in his hands?!

For a while, even Daoist Tong, who knew previously that Master Lei had this treasure, couldn’t help but widen his eyes, secretly thinking to himself about such a massive investment!

When Master Lei brought out this treasure, Xiao Tian immediately understood his intention—he was indeed showing significant sincerity.

The Soul-Devouring Spider Silk’s efficacy lies in the fact that once True Qi is input, within a ten-mile radius, it equates to the life of the person inputting the True Qi. If damaged, they would instantly suffer a backlash.

Previously, the Soul-Devouring Spider Silk was used as a silk band to maintain trust between strangers, but later its numbers dwindled abruptly and vanished almost overnight.

In today’s market, it could even sell for astonishing prices equivalent to Spirit Treasures, highlighting the value of scarcity. More importantly, if undamaged, this treasure could be used indefinitely.

Though its function was single, it was still a rare exotic treasure!

After taking it out, Master Lei was the first to transmit True Qi into it, and his brother Daoist Tong followed suit, passing it to the next member.

...

Three minutes later, everyone present had completed the True Qi transmission without exception. Master Lei carefully handed it to Xiao Tian as if holding a bomb.

"Keep it away from any fire source!"

Master Lei earnestly reminded, as this was the lifeline of everyone. Although he was sure Xiao Tian understood the Soul-Devouring Spider Silk was extremely flammable, he felt compelled to caution him.

Xiao Tian was not polite, directly pocketing it and nodding to indicate his understanding, then releasing Master Lei from the rope. The group began to move forward rapidly, guided by the pendant.

Though the disciples felt sore all over and fatigue washed over them, they forced themselves to stay alert, unwilling to utter even a single word of complaint. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

This was how it felt to have one’s life in the hands of others, like a puppet being operated, doing whatever the other party commanded.

As they walked, they couldn’t help but think of those people in dramas controlled by poison—this must be how they felt?

As they continued their journey, they encountered some foreigners along the way, including some top-ranked masters.

Which made some disciples cheer internally, feeling that being close to these legendary figures made the trip worthwhile!

However, what they noticed next was something amiss...