Chapter 743: Intercepting the Opportunity - I Became the Rich Second-Generation Villain

"Su Xuan, it seems you've misunderstood something. There were never any promises between us. I've only ever seen you as a friend," Jiang Qingkui stated clearly. Upon hearing this, Su Xuan instinctively wanted to retort but suddenly found that he couldn't contradict her. Neither of them had ever openly expressed affection for the other, nor had they declared themselves to be in a relationship. If they insisted on calling it a romantic relationship, it worked; but calling it friendship worked just as well. It all depended on how they viewed the situation. Jiang Qingkui's current stance—that they were just friends—wasn't unfounded. However, these words left Su Xuan utterly confused and disoriented. [Ding! Host has damaged the protagonist Su Xuan's mentality, earning 10,000 villain points. Su Xuan's protagonist halo -500, host's villain halo +500!] "Qingkui, you must be joking, right?" Su Xuan couldn't bear to accept this as reality. "Su Xuan, I heard you were in trouble, so I brought people to help you, merely because we're friends. If you defame my name, we may not even remain friends," Jiang Qingkui spoke coldly. Upon hearing this, Su Xuan finally gave up hope, but his hatred for Wang Haoran deepened. Although reluctant to face reality, Su Xuan was clear-headed about priorities. "Qingkui, you’re right, we're friends." Su Xuan's voice was choked. Upon hearing this, Jiang Qingkui's expression softened slightly. She stole a glance at Wang Haoran. Wang Haoran appeared unperturbed, no longer showing any signs of previous distress or sorrow. Only then did Jiang Qingkui let out a quiet sigh of relief. The bystanders, observing the intricate dynamics among the three young individuals, took a step back as their entanglement temporarily concluded. The three leaders of the factions oppressing Su Xuan became noticeably anxious. Jiang Qingkui's group's power was terrifyingly formidable. Considering Jiang Qingkui had acknowledged her friendship with Su Xuan, their previous mistreatment of him naturally made them uneasy, fearing her retribution. "This is all a misunderstanding. This token grants entry to the Spirit Tower. I'll leave it to the lady's discretion," said one of the faction leaders, hastily handing over the 'hot potato' to Jiang Qingkui. Jiang Qingkui reached out and accepted the token, glancing instinctually at Su Xuan. Su Xuan's eyes held a trace of longing. Despite his injuries, entering the Spirit Tower, however minimally beneficial, was better than nothing. But before Su Xuan could speak, Wang Haoran quickly interjected: "Su Xuan is injured and not suitable for body reinforcement now. It'd be a waste to let the token go unused, why don't you enter the Spirit Tower instead?" "My clan has other methods for body reinforcement; this item holds little value to me," Jiang Qingkui said, shaking her head slowly. Wang Haoran had anticipated Jiang Qingkui's response. Given that the Jiang Clan was one of the nine clans of the Supreme House, abundant in cultivation resources, they would hardly be lacking in body enhancement techniques. Moreover, the Jiang Clan's methods were likely stronger than those in the Spirit Tower. "Does the Wang family of the Eastern Region have superior body refinement methods?" Jiang Qingkui asked. "Unfortunately, the Wang family does not possess such methods," Wang Haoran replied. Hearing this, Su Xuan felt a sinking feeling. Sure enough, Jiang Qingkui immediately said, "Then this token is yours." "This, how could I accept?" Wang Haoran feigned surprise. "You're right, this opportunity shouldn't be wasted, and since I have no need for it, you're the most suitable candidate here," Jiang Qingkui said with a smile. "Thank you, Miss Jiang. I'll forever remember your kindness. If ever you need me, even if it means braving danger, I wouldn't hesitate," Wang Haoran pledged earnestly. Who told you to ‘brave danger’? Jiang Qingkui sighed inwardly while maintaining a calm demeanor outwardly. "You exaggerate, Young Master Wang." With that, she handed the token to Wang Haoran. [Ding! Host has once again damaged the protagonist Su Xuan's mentality, earning 8,000 villain points. Su Xuan's protagonist halo -400, host's villain halo +400!] Watching this unfold, Su Xuan felt uncomfortable but remained silent. After all, given Jiang Qingkui’s recent attitude, any objection from him would be futile. Thinking it over, Su Xuan decided to pursue other compensations. "Qingkui, these people injured me and shouldn't be let off lightly," Su Xuan suggested. "How would you like to handle them?" Jiang Qingkui asked, willing to aid Su Xuan as a friend. "Make them compensate with resources and treasures," Su Xuan proposed. "Alright," Jiang Qingkui agreed with a nod. The three faction leaders, looking defeated, had no intention or ability to resist Jiang Qingkui's entourage. "The three of you seem to have no objections. I’ll prepare a list for you. Deliver everything listed within three days," Su Xuan commanded. The three leaders reluctantly agreed. Wang Haoran, standing nearby, didn’t object. He understood Su Xuan’s motives—restoring Gu Hongyi's body would require many materials. Searching for them aimlessly could take an indefinite amount of time. With three rich targets now at hand, Su Xuan naturally refused to let them slip. Even as the lowest of the nine houses, Qingzhou House possessed a deep foundation. These three factions, having been rooted in Qingzhou for years, must have amassed numerous treasures and resources. Most likely, they had the materials needed to rebuild Gu Hongyi's body. Su Xuan’s actions were an effort to assist Gu Hongyi. Wang Haoran, hoping for Gu Hongyi’s swift recovery as well, certainly wouldn’t thwart Su Xuan. After a few words with Jiang Qingkui, Wang Haoran entered the third layer of the Spirit Tower. Wang Haoran’s cultivation had reached the third stage of the Golden Core, and enhancing his physique would still be significantly beneficial. A strong physique boosts one's combat capabilities considerably. Directly, it enhances endurance and physical strength. In the realm of cultivation, there exists a type of practitioner known as Body Cultivators who focus on physical prowess. The mightiest of Body Cultivators can even rival tribulation-transcending Immortals. The concept of ‘power breaking all spells’ perfectly embodies the essence of body cultivation. This doesn't imply that physical cultivation is superior to spiritual cultivation. Both have distinct advantages. The optimal approach is undoubtedly practicing both. However, for most cultivators, attempting both divides focus, risking mediocrity in both endeavors. But Wang Haoran knew of beings for whom practicing both led to mutual enhancement. These beings were protagonists. Balancing physical and spiritual cultivation could be seen as dual cultivation. This 'dual cultivation' is a recurring theme in novels. Wang Haoran could easily infer that Su Xuan was on this path. However, Su Xuan's fortune had been seized by him. Nevertheless, ‘dual cultivation’ certainly had its merits. Wang Haoran decided to emulate the protagonist. (End of Chapter)