Sword Qi

A referral fee of 50,000 Spirit Stone?

Is the Assassin Fee separate?

Although [Azure Fish Hall] is indeed outstanding in the Demon Star Sea.

But this price is indeed not cheap.

Several Alchemist, including Tao Jian, showed slight hesitation.

Wei Chun took in everyone's expressions and sneered inwardly.

He gently tapped the table. "Gentlemen, please be patient."

"I know this number is not small, but the [Azure Fish Hall] is one of the top three Assassin organizations in the Demon Star Sea, as you are surely aware of."

"The high price is justified. This referral fee may seem exorbitant, but it's actually a 'toll' for absolute safety and secrecy."

"Once payment is made, it's like being registered at the Azure Fish Hall. This will make things much easier if there are any matters that are inconvenient for you to handle personally in the future."

He paused, then continued, "As for the Assassin Fee, it's actually quite reasonable."

"When Azure Fish Hall accepts an order, the price will be determined based on a comprehensive consideration of factors such as the target's strength, background, and environment."

"Someone like Lu Jiu, in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, has no foundation whatsoever. Although his identity Alchemist means he needs to consider the slight risks of taking action in Heavenly Star City, I estimate that the cost of Assassin would be at most 50,000 Spirit Stone."

Wei Chun's gaze slowly swept over the four people. "A total price of 100,000 Spirit Stone, that sounds like a lot."

"But don't forget, this is split equally among the five of us! Each family pays only about 20,000 Spirit Stone."

"Based on the profits of your shops, this is only a year's net profit, and it might not even be that much. Moreover..." He lowered his voice, his tone enticing, "Once this is done, the thorn in our side, Number Nine Pill Shop, will be removed. The vacated market share will be redistributed according to investment and existing strength."

"By then, the extra profits will probably be enough to recoup the expenses in just a few months. In the long run, it's definitely a sure-fire way to make money!"

His combination of offense and defense effectively reduced the hesitation on the faces of the Alchemist.

Each person took out a High-grade Spirit Stone and handed it to Wei Chun.

One High-grade Spirit Stone can theoretically be exchanged for ten thousand Low-grade Spirit Stone.

However, in actual transactions among High-Ranked Cultivator, because its Spiritual Qi is pure and abundant and easy to absorb, it is often used to set up high-level formations, drive large Law Artifact, or quickly replenish Law Power at critical moments. Its value often exceeds 10,000 Low-grade Spirit Stone, and it usually requires 10,500 or even more Low-grade Spirit Stone to exchange for it.

It's a rare sight for low-level Cultivator, but for Alchemist who earn a considerable income, it's a commonly used large-denomination currency, and no one bothers to haggle over the tiny difference of a few hundred Spirit Stone during transactions.

A satisfied smile appeared on Wei Chun's face. With a flick of his sleeve, the four High-grade Spirit Stone on the table disappeared and fell into a hidden pouch in his sleeve.

"Rest assured, everyone, this matter will be handled by Wei."

His tone was chilling, "I will make the contact by tomorrow at the latest, and if all goes well, the day after tomorrow... perhaps we will hear the 'good news' of Lu Jiu's demise."

"Please rest assured, everyone. Go back and continue refining your elixirs and running your businesses as usual, just pretend nothing happened today."

Wei Chun waved his hand, indicating they could leave, but then looked at Tao Jian separately, "Tao Jian, please stay for now. There are still some details regarding your shop's resale of Pill that I need to confirm with you."

Knowing that Wei Chun wanted to speak privately with Tao Jian, perhaps concerning other secrets of their cooperation, Qian Lao and the others tactfully bowed again and left the Private Box one after another.

The door closed, cutting off outside noise. Only Wei Chun and Tao Jian remained in the Private Box, creating a slightly different atmosphere.

Tao Jian immediately put on an almost obsequious smile and said, "Alchemist, today's events... were due to my incompetence. I failed to suppress Lu Jiu's arrogance as planned, and instead emboldened him. I am truly ashamed."

Wei Chun waved his hand, his expression calm. "Never mind. This boy's stubbornness and quick response were beyond my expectations. It's not solely your fault. However, the plan ultimately failed to achieve its goal."

Tao Jian's heart tightened; he knew the main event was about to begin.

Sure enough, Wei Chun continued, "Therefore, regarding the batch of Golden Marrow Pill that I previously promised to sell for you [Boundless Pill Prison]... I'm afraid we can only deliver half of what was initially agreed upon."

"After all, Lu Jiu has not surrendered, and the situation is still uncertain. Our Golden Pavilion also needs to observe and reduce the risks."

Upon hearing this, Tao Jian was not disappointed at all; on the contrary, he breathed a sigh of relief and was even overjoyed.

He originally thought that things had gone wrong and the consignment deal would fall through completely, but he didn't expect to be able to keep half of the share.

For his mediocre shop, being able to connect with the Golden Pavilion, even if only partially, could bring in a considerable amount of stable income and potential customers.

"Half is fine, half is fine! Alchemist! I understand, I understand!" Tao Jian bowed deeply in gratitude, his attitude extremely respectful.

"Yes, I will send someone to deliver the Pill to the back storeroom of my Golden Pavilion tomorrow. Someone will then handle the handover for you."

Wei Chun calmly instructed, "That's enough for today. You can go back now."

"Yes, yes, Alchemist, I'll take my leave." Tao Jian bowed again before quickly leaving the Private Box.

Considering that although he spent some Spirit Stone, he not only eliminated Lu Jiu as a potential threat but also preserved some of the distribution channels, he felt that this deal wasn't too bad.

After Tao Jian left, the Private Box became completely quiet.

Wei Chun sat alone in his original spot, his fingers twitching slightly, and the four High-grade Spirit Stone reappeared in his palm.

The Spirit Stone felt warm to the touch, its inner Spiritual Qi flowing slowly like the tide, its radiance restrained yet captivating.

As he fiddled with the Spirit Stone, Wei Chun's lips curled into a half-smile.

The referral fee he mentioned for [Azure Fish Hall] is real and not fabricated.

The reason why the [Azure Fish Hall] has been able to roam the Demon Star Sea for many years without being wiped out is primarily due to its secretiveness and safety.

They don't accept orders indiscriminately. Anyone who wants to contact Azure Fish Hall to post a task must first be introduced and evaluated by a specific "Middleman".

These Middleman are shrouded in mystery; they are often reliable front men within certain circles, cultivated over many years by the Azure Fish Hall.

The person Wei Chun met was someone who frequently needed special Pill to heal injuries or aid in cultivation. This person repeatedly sought Wei Chun's help to refine elixirs, and it was through these interactions that they established this secret communication channel.

As for the specific amount of the referral fee, the Middleman will make a comprehensive assessment based on the applicant's identity, strength, background, and potential interests with the Azure Fish Hall.

Like Wei Chun, Peak Foundation Establishment Alchemist, he has a stable business and a certain influence in Heavenly Star City, but his cultivation has not yet reached the Golden Core, and his power is limited to one city and one street. The possibility of him posing a direct threat to the Azure Fish Hall is extremely low. Therefore, after assessment, the harm is relatively small, and the referral fee is set at 30,000 Low-grade Spirit Stone.

"Thirty thousand... fifty thousand..." Wei Chun muttered to himself, a shrewd calculation flashing in his eyes.

The extra 20,000 Spirit Stone naturally became his reward for his hard work.

After all, he was the one who controlled this channel, he was the one who bore the risks of communication, and he was also the one who needed to coordinate with all parties and share the profits after the deal was done.

Taking more is only fair.

Who would bother to find out exactly how much money the Middleman received?

He smiled slightly and contentedly stored the four High-grade Spirit Stone into his storage Law Artifact.

Star Tower, night had fallen, and the lighting Magic Array in various parts of the Market lit up one after another, outlining the bustling scene.

Su Bai, like a shadow without substance, lurked quietly in a corner of the roof not far from the Star Tower.

The light here is dim, but the vantage point offers a clear view of the main entrance and side entrance of the Star Tower.

He concealed his aura completely, blending into the shadows of the building. Even Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator would find it difficult to detect anything amiss.

He didn't have to wait long.

About an incense stick later, three Alchemist who had previously been rather inconspicuous at the table came out together.

The three men's expressions had returned to calm, even showing a hint of relief. They exchanged a few pleasantries at the door and then went their separate ways, quickly disappearing into the crowd on the street.

Like the most patient hunter, Su Bai did not move an inch, still firmly locking onto the exit of the Star Tower.

His goal was clear— Tao Jian.

As for Wei Chun, he is at the Peak Foundation Establishment and has cultivated deep roots in the Alchemy Street for many years. His network of relationships is intricate and complex. Making a move against him would have far-reaching consequences and would be an extremely unwise move.

What Su Bai needed was to establish his authority, to intimidate, and to let those with ill intentions know that the Master of Number Nine Pill Shop was not to be trifled with and had a strong foundation, rather than placing himself in opposition to the established forces of the entire Alchemy Street.

Killing Tao Jian, the chicken that jumped the highest, crowed the loudest, and had the shallowest foundation, is enough to serve as a warning to others.

"When I have a solid foundation in the Alchemy Street, have established connections, and have made further progress in my cultivation or alchemy skills... it's not too late to settle today's score with Wei Chun then, "Su Bai thought coldly.

Today, I'll borrow your head, Tao Kan, for a moment. Let you know that I, Lu Jiu, Overseas Rogue Cultivator, am not alone; I also possess Thunder methods!

After about half a cup of tea's time, Tao Jian finally appeared at the door.

Unlike the hostility he carried when he entered and the trepidation that followed, he now wore an almost suppressed joy on his face, his steps were light, and he was even humming a tune. Clearly, his private conversation with Wei Chun in the Private Box had yielded a satisfactory result.

"Now." A cold glint flashed in Su Bai.

If he were to rely on his own Sword Cultivator skills, from a hundred feet away, he could activate his Sword Phantasm and unleash an invisible Sword Qi that would take Tao Kan's life silently.

However, while doing so might feel satisfying, it wouldn't achieve the desired propaganda effect. It fails to clearly link the incident to the threat of hiring Assassin, thus significantly diminishing its deterrent power.

What he wanted was a distinctive execution style reminiscent of the Azure Fish Hall.

Su Bai emerged from the shadows, making a few barely perceptible turns in the crowd, and silently circled around to the front of the Star Tower's main entrance, blocking Tao Jian's path.

"Huh?!" Tao Jian was looking down, calculating how many Pill to send to the Golden Pavilion tomorrow, when the light in front of him suddenly dimmed. He Consciousness looked up and met a cold and eerie Azure Fish Mask, and behind the mask were a pair of indifferent eyes that looked like they were looking at a dead object.

The other person was dressed in jet-black attire that seemed to absorb light, standing out starkly from the brightly lit Market scene around them.

"Qing... Azure Fish Hall assassin?!"

Tao Jian felt as if he had been doused with ice water; his blood seemed to freeze instantly, and immense fear gripped his mind.

His mind was in complete chaos: Alchemist moved so fast? The Assassin Fee hadn't even been agreed upon yet? How did he arrive already? Wait...

Wasn't Lu Jiu the target? Why did he come after me? Could it be... could it be that Lu Jiu's counterattack was so swift?! Does he really have connections?!

Not only Tao Jian, but also the guests entering and leaving Star Tower and passersby noticed the sudden appearance of the figure in black.

And that iconic outfit.

"Azure Fish Hall! Run!"

"Don't block the way! Go and inform the City Guard Army!"

"My God, at the entrance of the Star Tower..."

After a brief silence, panic spread like a plague.

The crowd screamed and scattered, fleeing far away, fearing they would be caught in the Assassin's attack range.

Although Azure Fish Hall assassin usually only target their prey, who would dare gamble with their own life?

Tao Jian's teeth chattered, his face ashen, and Consciousness took a half-step back, stammering as he tried to communicate. "This... fellow Fellow Daoist! Is... is there some misunderstanding? Lu Jiu... Lu Jiu has already left!"

"The person you're looking for isn't here! Oh... right! Was it Alchemist who sent you to retrieve the Spirit Stone? The Spirit Stone are with Alchemist..."

A cold smile curled at the corner of Su Bai's mouth beneath the mask.

This was exactly the effect he wanted—to make everyone see that it was the Azure Fish Hall assassin on the move, with Tao Jian as their target.

And it may be related to a dispute between Lu Jiu or Alchemist.

The atmosphere has been perfectly set; no further words are needed.

Su Bai merely activated the [Sword Soul] within his Sea of Consciousness with a thought, causing his Spiritual Power to violently vibrate and coalesce!

In an instant, his clasped fingertips unleashed an endless torrent of Sword Qi!

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh--!!!"

A sharp, incomparable whistling sound tore through the night sky!

Countless semi-transparent yet incredibly solid Sword Qi intertwined to form a net of death, whistling sharply as they descended upon Tao Kan!

Tao Kan was in a state of panic, and at the critical moment of life and death, his rich resources as Alchemist came into play.

Several beams of light of different colors suddenly burst forth from his body!

A small, phantom-like tortoise-shell shield appeared, instantly expanding to block in front of him. With a crack, it lasted less than a breath in the torrent of Sword Qi before becoming cracked and shattering.

A Jade Pendant exploded, transforming into a soft cyan light shield that protected the entire body. With a hissing sound, the light shield rapidly dimmed.

A brocade robe fluttered without wind, its surface adorned with intricate runes that attempted to deflect the Sword Qi. The runes flickered and vanished rapidly.

Although he came from a wealthy family, his own cultivation level was not high, barely reaching the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

Under the endless Sword Qi, these treasures appeared so fragile.

Boom!

The light was completely swallowed up by the Sword Qi.

At the last moment, Su Bai gathered most of his Sword Qi, and a single Sword Qi pierced through Tao Jian's brow.

Su Bai didn't even need to use his Natal Spirit Sword; he simply used the Spiritual Power activated by his Sword Soul to transform into Sword Qi and directly killed the fiend.

Su Bai reached out and took Tao Jian's Storage Bag. Since Tao Jian didn't have Golden Core Ancestor behind him, Su Bai wasn't worried about any taboos Storage Bag that he couldn't handle.

The figures of the City Guard Army can be vaguely seen in the distance.

Su Bai took out Shadow Dust and covered himself with it, then quickly crept into the darkness.