Claire, that fledgling police officer, finally revealed the professionalism expected of her. Once she confirmed there was no immediate danger, she immediately began ransacking the place for any potential leads.

She had initially been searching for anything related to her brother, but unexpectedly unearthed a small box of odds and ends. Inside, she found Mudrak’s European bank account details and password. A quick check on the nearby computer left Claire utterly stunned.

“This… how much money is this?”

Claire’s shout drew everyone’s attention, and in an instant, they all rushed to the computer screen.

“Whoa!”

“My God!”

“This despicable Dark Mage was actually this rich! We’ve hit the jackpot this time!”

At that remark, everyone suddenly realized that Ye Wen had defeated the Dark Mage, meaning this massive fortune would rightfully belong to the senior figure, Ye Wen.

Turning back, they saw Ye Wen sitting exactly where he was, calmly sipping tea. His composure drew another wave of admiration from Zhang Hengguang. He then remembered that Ye Wen was completely blind at the moment, and approaching him would be pointless, so he settled back into his seat honestly.

It wasn’t until Hua Yimin arrived that he asked, “How much is it?”

Hua Yi, who had already learned to recognize Arabic numerals, promptly replied, “Over four billion…”

“Of…”

Ye Wen felt a touch of dizziness. Over four billion? The number seemed almost terrifyingly large to him. “What currency?”

While Claire was still reeling from the shocking figure, Flores, having recovered his composure, glanced at the symbol preceding the long string of numbers and immediately identified the currency of the four billion: “It’s… Pounds Sterling!”

This time, even Flores was slightly unsettled. People always said having enough money was sufficient, but who would ever complain about having too much? Besides, although the Church was a huge organization with its own income streams, many matters couldn't be conducted openly, leading to enormous private expenditures. For instance, a Paladin like him, holding a nominal position within the Church, was entirely funded by the organization. The work they did rarely generated income for the Church. Missions like the current one to eliminate the Dark Mage were frequent, but few offered opportunities for extra earnings.

Every expedition incurred costs for lodging, food, and travel, not to mention maintaining the Church’s image (Ye Wen couldn’t fathom how a discreetly traveling Paladin related to the Church’s image). These expenses were substantial, placing constant financial pressure on the Church. If such a large sum could be acquired, he would almost certainly receive a commendation from the Pope upon his return.

“Perhaps a weapon, or even a Holy Relic?”

However, he quickly sobered up; the right to control these funds seemed not to be his, but that of the senior figure.

Turning back to Ye Wen, he observed that the older man seemed completely unfazed by such a figure. Flores mistakenly assumed the senior figure didn't grasp the significance of the number, unaware that Ye Wen was already contemplating how best to utilize this immense wealth to achieve his original objectives.

“First, I need to legally transfer this entire property into my name…”

In this world, there was a crime called 'Unexplained Source of Assets.' To prevent such an issue, Ye Wen needed a way to make this massive sum legitimate. Mudrak had amassed this fortune through a host of illegal means, and the methods Ye Wen acquired it through were similarly illicit.

“Before we discuss how to divide this enormous sum, you all should move that cabinet aside and go down to rescue the people trapped below. Claire, perhaps your brother is down there!”

Hearing Ye Wen’s words, Claire didn’t question how he knew her brother’s location. After all, she had witnessed too many bizarre things these past few days for one more to matter.

Pushing the cabinet aside, Claire hurriedly plunged into the secret passage that had just appeared before them. Zhang Hengguang followed, saying, “I’ll take a look too; there might be danger below!”

Flores did not move. Instead, he approached Ye Wen and stated his request directly: “My proposal might be sudden, but I trust Mr. Ye will receive commensurate rewards!”

Ye Wen did not look up, merely rotating the teacup in his hand. “How much are you asking for?”

Flores pondered for a moment, finally deciding his request wasn't outrageous. “Ten percent. Our Church will take responsibility for fully legalizing and transferring this entire fortune into the senior’s name—with no processing fees and no taxes paid to any institution!”

In reality, even without deducting taxes or fees from the remaining amount, some funds would be necessary for operational expenses. But Flores’s implication was that these expenses would be covered by the portion the Church received. Ye Wen would receive the entirety of the remainder, not losing even a single penny.

If he were to manage the process himself, he would likely need to find a financial expert and employ various means to launder the money. But known money-laundering techniques would certainly shrink the sum considerably, not to mention the hefty taxes he would have to pay for financial transfers, which he found irritating.

“If you can make this vast sum legitimate, I am willing to give the Church half of this fortune!”

Ye Wen was not stingy, especially when using someone else’s resources. Mudrak’s wealth, painstakingly accumulated through various schemes, was now benefiting Ye Wen! He wouldn't feel the pinch of giving away a portion of this unexpected windfall, and it would resolve many of his troubles.

“In addition, I require a legitimate identity!”

Flores smiled; only now could he truly relax. Whether it was 25%, 50%, or even if the senior was only willing to part with 5%, he could still provide a satisfactory explanation to the Church. Returning with over two billion Pounds Sterling meant his mission was not only successfully completed but accompanied by a massive bonus.

“Sir, as long as you wish, you can obtain a legitimate identity in any European country. Of course, if you prefer, you can acquire a recognized status in the country you currently reside in, though it will take slightly longer!”

At this moment, Ye Wen profoundly understood what it meant when money made the world go round. Two billion could make him a highly welcome figure in any nation globally. If he indicated an intention to invest, he would become even more sought after. His lineage? His past experiences? Who cared?

Thinking further ahead, since he now possessed sufficient funds—over two billion Pounds Sterling—building a school, Ye Wen mused it sounded incredibly extravagant.

Of course, he couldn't dump all the money into that venture, and even if he wanted to, it would be impossible to invest over two billion Pounds Sterling; the number was frighteningly large.

Beyond that, his immediate concern was how to establish his fame. If he couldn't attract sufficient attention, he wouldn't be able to recruit disciples even if he opened a school, nor would he draw in the specific group he intended to ensnare.

Ye Wen set down his now-empty teacup and leaned back on the sofa. His eyes remained closed. The hexagram hidden beneath his bangs emitted a faint black glow, which subsided after an almost imperceptible swirl of violet light.

“So this curse occasionally tries to expand its territory?”

The danger of this curse was indeed greater than he had anticipated, but it still wasn't threatening enough to cause him alarm, so there was no need to remove it.

Returning to the previous topic, Ye Wen’s fingers tapped rhythmically on his leg before suddenly addressing the elated Flores. “Do you… like any sports?”

“Ah?”

Flores hadn't expected such an abrupt question from Ye Wen and was slow to react. After a moment’s pause, he replied, “I like football…”

“Italians… seem to love football!” Ye Wen suddenly recalled a joke from his previous life, claiming that Italians were inept at everything except two professions, both of which stood atop the world: artists and football players.

Flores hadn't expected Ye Wen to know about football. Although their interactions had led him to realize this ancient-seeming Eastern cultivator had some understanding of modern society, he hadn't imagined the depth of that knowledge extended to discussing sports with him.

“Mr. Ye… you are quite different from the Eastern monks I imagined!”

Ye Wen smiled slightly, taking secret satisfaction. “Of course, I’m different—I’m a modern person!” But he said aloud, “I have lived outside for a considerable time, so I am quite knowledgeable about many things! Football… this sport interests me greatly!”

Ye Wen had been hesitating over the method to flaunt his wealth once the expected massive funds arrived.

Taking photos and posting them online was the most idiotic course of action, bar none! Ye Wen firmly believed that doing so would bring him no benefit and might provoke widespread resentment. Flaunting wealth required technique! The pinnacle of showing off was attracting eyeballs while making everyone believe you were rich and powerful, and simultaneously making them enjoy watching you parade your fortune.

To achieve this, Ye Wen considered several methods, but none seemed as quick, effective, and consequence-free as becoming involved in the sports world. Becoming a star or a director took too long and involved too many constraints, so Ye Wen immediately discarded the ideas of pursuing a film career or starting a movie studio.

The next viable path he could think of was entering the sports arena. Since he was currently in America, Ye Wen had initially considered buying a basketball club. Especially considering that in two years, a certain giant would arrive on these shores, drawing the attention of countless people across the Pacific. Ye Wen could leverage his status as an owner to bask in some of that spotlight. At that time, every move he made would become the focus of attention, and if he suddenly announced he was opening a school then, reporters would flock to publicize it for him without him needing to hire anyone.

However, the NBA had a well-established regulatory structure—too well-established, in fact. Trying to stir things up there would likely lead to severe marginalization and suppression. Ye Wen wanted to show off, and the way to do that in the NBA would be to offer massive contracts to star players and simply ignore the luxury tax. But this method felt stifling to Ye Wen, and for many casual fans, this method of showing off seemed overly indirect, lacking immediate impact.

Now, seeing Flores, Ye Wen suddenly considered another angle: acquiring a football club!

The structure and rules of the football market were relatively fixed, but the finer details offered less constraint compared to the NBA. Furthermore, the football transfer market was the perfect stage to prove who was richer. Deals involving tens of millions presented the most direct shock to the masses—the colossal transfer fees provided an undeniable demonstration of wealth.

“Now that is showing off! Taking a cheap camera to photograph yourself—how idiotic is that? If you have the guts, throw tens of millions around like paper scraps!”

At this moment, Ye Wen recalled that Russian man, Abramovich, whose actions after purchasing Chelsea had attracted immense attention and forced certain parties planning to target him to curb their minor maneuvers. In a sense, Abramovich’s subsequent actions after buying Chelsea perfectly aligned with the methods Ye Wen was conceptualizing. The idea of acquiring a football club and then making a massive splash in the transfer market to attract attention and build prestige grew stronger in Ye Wen’s mind.

Discussing football with Flores was a preliminary step; he needed to reveal at least a nascent interest in the sport before plunging in, lest it seem too sudden. Moreover, he needed to utilize the Church’s network to help realize this plan.

After chatting with Ye Wen for a while, Flores found that the Eastern cultivator possessed remarkably detailed and profound knowledge of football. What surprised him even more was the man’s familiarity with Italy’s famous players.

“God, if I didn't know you were a genuine Eastern monk, I would think I was chatting with a seasoned Italian fan!” Flores was astonished by Ye Wen’s comments, especially sensing a feeling that the man before him might intend to get involved in the football world. “Mr. Ye… you’re not thinking of investing that fortune in football, are you?”

Seeing that the topic had finally been broached, Ye Wen immediately feigned enthusiastic interest. “Oh? Now that you mention it, I am slightly tempted!”

Flores smiled. “Perhaps you could consider investing in Roma. The current Roma team is at its absolute peak. If Mr. Ye is willing to invest in football, I can use some connections to introduce you to the Sensi family…”

“Tsk! This guy!” Ye Wen showed a slight smile, appearing interested in Flores’s suggestion, but in reality, he was deeply dissatisfied. “He expects me to be a silent partner? I’m spending money to become famous! Who pays attention to the silent shareholders these days?”

Furthermore, the poor state of Italian football and the fiercely xenophobic nature of its fans made Ye Wen reluctant to use Italy as a springboard for his fame. What if he wasted countless efforts only to have the acquisition fail due to interference from the Italian side? He would be depressed to death! Moreover, the Italian league was set to decline in subsequent years, its appeal diminishing annually. Investing in a team in such a league would be like throwing a meat bun to a dog.

In the coming years, the leagues that would draw the most attention would undoubtedly be the Premier League and La Liga. However, the unique circumstances of La Liga frustrated Ye Wen. Moreover, La Liga never considered Eastern fans, scheduling matches at times highly inconvenient for viewing. Ye Wen, who particularly wanted to attract Chinese attention, had to rule out the Spanish league. Chinese sports channels had always favored broadcasting the Bundesliga, but the Bundesliga lacked sufficient appeal. Another issue was the Bundesliga’s insistence on rational management; someone like him, intent on disrupting the existing system, would face suppression from the German Football Association, causing further trouble.

After careful consideration, the only league that fit Ye Wen’s criteria was the English Premier League (EPL). Around this time, that Russian, Abramovich, would also stir things up in that circle, which would help deflect some hostility aimed at Ye Wen. Additionally, the EPL was not governed by the FA; clubs enjoyed greater autonomy. Considering all these advantages, why go anywhere else?

Moreover, Chinese players would feature in the EPL in the coming years, drawing the focus of many Chinese people to the league, which would significantly aid his plan by garnering more domestic attention. Although Chinese sports channels lacked EPL broadcasting rights, this was a minor issue for Ye Wen. He could simply pay to purchase the rights for the sports channels; it was just a matter of throwing money around.

“Well, the immediate future plan is pretty much set!”

Ye Wen stroked his chin and smiled at Flores again. “I plan to spend a considerable time in the secular world, and perhaps I will indeed invest in a football club for entertainment! As for Roma, which you mentioned… sorry, I am not a Roma fan!”

Flores had only made the suggestion casually, believing that if his favorite team received such a massive financial injection, it would greatly benefit Roma’s goal of winning the championship. But it didn’t matter either way. As Ye Wen considered, Italians were highly exclusive; he also wouldn't want the team he supported to be taken over by a foreigner. In fact, he regretted saying that immediately after speaking, constantly praying Ye Wen wouldn't agree to his suggestion. Now, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God!”

As for Ye Wen, he was seriously contemplating which EPL club to purchase. Before that, he considered whether he should first acquire a British passport, as, based on his prior life's experience, operating under the guise of a returning overseas Chinese might facilitate matters.

While deep in thought, Claire and Zhang Hengguang reappeared. Following them, a young man, whose face was barely recognizable, was supported by Claire.

The others showed no reaction upon seeing him, but Ye Wen suddenly frowned. His Zixiao Sword instantly manifested and emitted a soft hum directed at the man from a distance!