Star Luo Pill Pavilion
The Middleman didn't say a word, but reached out and took the cloth bag from Wei Chun.
He didn't open it to inspect it; he simply flicked his hand, and the bag, along with the three High-grade Spirit Stone inside, vanished without a trace, its whereabouts unknown.
"I've accepted the information and the deposit." The Middleman's voice came through the Veil Hat, still calm and even. "I'll go verify the target information, assess the risks, and determine the final cost and timeline. Please wait a moment."
Having said that, without waiting for Wei Chun's response, he swayed slightly and retreated to the secret door of the Secret Chamber, disappearing from sight.
The entire process was swift and efficient, without any unnecessary delays, showcasing the mysterious and high-efficiency nature of the Azure Fish Hall's operations.
Wei Chun stood there, watching the secret door close again, not daring to even entertain the slightest thought of tracking it.
In the Demon Star Sea, especially among those who know the inside story of the Azure Fish Hall, there is a consensus: never try to follow or investigate the Middleman of the Azure Fish Hall.
Most of the Cultivator who refused to believe in the superstition and tried to find out the origin or whereabouts of the Middleman disappeared without a trace.
Azure Fish Hall upholds the authority of this ironclad rule through countless bloody examples.
The waiting time always seems exceptionally long.
Wei Chun paced back and forth in the Secret Chamber, his mind uneasy. One moment he was thinking about Su Bai's possible unknown background, the next he was calculating the price he would have to pay for this operation, and then he was worried about the intervention of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion or other forces.
He could only force himself to calm down and deal with some trivial matters in the shop to distract himself.
About two or three hours later, the secret door to the Secret Chamber slid open silently once again.
The gray- Middleman with the veiled Veil Hat reappeared, still standing there, as if he had never left.
"Information verified, risk assessment complete."
The Middleman cut to the chase, his voice still devoid of any emotion, "The target is Number Eighty-Seven, Star Luo Market, Alchemy Street, Number Nine Pill Shop, Alchemist: Lu Jiu, who claims to be Overseas Rogue Cultivator."
He paused, then continued, "However, through our tracing back, there is almost no trace of this person's activities overseas, and there are certain doubts about his claimed origins, making it impossible to fully confirm."
"Furthermore, while his cultivation level is indeed at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage and his Cultivation Method exhibits Lightning Attribute characteristics, there are no reliable records of him personally engaging in Magic Duel, making it difficult to accurately assess his actual combat ability."
"Based on factors such as questionable identity, unclear Combat Power, and the target's location in the core Market of Heavenly Star City (posing a certain security risk), an assessment was conducted."
The Middleman announced the final result, "The cost of assassinating this person is set at 35,000 Low-grade Spirit Stone. The operation must be completed within one month from the date the fee is paid."
Upon hearing this, Wei Chun's mind raced.
Identity in doubt?
This might explain why Lu Jiu was so assertive; he might actually have some powerful connections.
Combat Power unknown? Even the strongest Alchemist in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage has limitations; the Assassin from the Azure Fish Hall are more than capable of handling them.
The Assassin Fee of 35,000 Spirit Stone was lower than the expected 50,000, which made him breathe a slight sigh of relief.
"Thirty-five thousand Spirit Stone... that price is fair."
Wei Chun spoke slowly, but a trace of worry remained between his brows, "However, isn't a one-month operation period... a bit too long?"
He was truly terrified.
Tao Jian's death was like a resounding slap in the face, making him deeply realize how swift Lu Jiu's counterattack was.
He worried that things might change if things dragged on, that Lu Jiu might strike first again within the next month, or that the mediation of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion might cause unforeseen circumstances.
He needs to eliminate this threat more quickly.
The gaze from beneath the Veil Hat seemed to sweep over Wei Chun, but the Middleman's voice remained calm. "The operation can be shortened. We can arrange to act within three days at the earliest."
Wei Chun was overjoyed, but then he heard the next sentence. "However, an additional Expedited Fee of 10,000 Spirit Stone is required."
"Ten thousand..."
Wei Chun's lips twitched slightly; this was almost a third of the Assassin Fee.
But thinking of Tao Jian's fate, he gritted his teeth and nodded emphatically. "Alright! No problem! Let's do it as quickly as possible, within three days! The total cost is 45,000 Spirit Stone!"
"Can."
The Middleman succinctly confirmed, "The appraised value and Expedited Fee total 45,000 Spirit Stone. According to the rules, you must pay the full amount at the designated location within three days. Once the payment is received, the Azure Fish Hall will immediately arrange for a suitable Assassin to act within the agreed timeframe."
"I see!"
Wei Chun immediately responded.
Without delay, after seeing the Middleman off, he immediately used an urgent matter as an excuse to secretly contact the three equally terrified Alchemist again.
These three were even more apprehensive than Wei Chun.
They were of similar status to Tao Jian; if Lu Jiu could kill Tao Kan, he could certainly kill them as well.
In comparison, Wei Chun has a higher status and a more complex background, so Lu Jiu might have more reservations.
Therefore, Wei Chun quickly raised the funds and handed them over to the Middleman.
"Don't worry, the Azure Fish Hall will take action against Lu Jiu within three days." The Middleman leisurely left.
Wei Chun breathed a sigh of relief.
Almost at the same time that Wei Chun placed the order, inside Number Nine Pill Shop.
Su Bai had just finished putting away the first batch of Golden Marrow Pill and was preparing to adjust his state to begin refining the second batch for the day.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from the stairs, and Zhang Ying appeared outside the alchemy room.
"Boss, boss!" Zhang Ying's voice held a hint of excitement, "We have more guests downstairs! This time... this time the people who came said they are from ' Star Luo Pill Pavilion '!"
"Star Luo Pill Pavilion?"
Su Bai paused, a knowing glint in his eyes.
What's meant to happen will happen.
He had naturally heard of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion long ago.
This is not a specific alchemy shop, but a loose alliance with considerable prestige and influence among Alchemist in Star Luo Market and even Heavenly Star City.
It is said to have been founded by three highly respected Golden Core Stage Alchemy Grandmaster from Alchemy Street, with the aim of protecting the rights and interests of Alchemist, exchanging techniques, and establishing some unspoken rules within the industry.
Those invited to join the Star Luo Pill Pavilion are all Alchemist who have achieved something in alchemy and have gained recognition from their peers.
It is said that only about one-fifth of the entire Alchemy Street are qualified to join the Star Luo Pill Pavilion.
In the Alchemy Street, membership itself is a symbol of status and alchemy prowess.
"Finally... we're starting to get close to the real 'superstructure' of the Alchemy Street?"
Su Bai knew in his heart that he probably wouldn't be able to refine the second batch of pills today.
He quickly put away the Pill Furnace, straightened his robes which had become slightly disheveled from refining pills, and made his aura even more peaceful.
She darted to the second-floor tea room, where Zhang Ying had led the two guests to wait.
One of them was about sixty years old, with a lean face, bright and piercing eyes, three long wisps of beard under his chin, and a refined and gentle demeanor.
The other person was a young man in his early twenties, standing respectfully behind the old man; he was probably his Disciple or Attendant.
Upon seeing Su Bai enter, the old man rose first, smiling, and cupped his hands, saying, "I apologize for my unauthorized visit and for disturbing Alchemist Lu Jiu's meditation. I am Fang Yuan, one of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion Manager, and this is my young apprentice."
His tone was gentle and his attitude humble, without the slightest hint of arrogance.
"Director Fang, you're too kind. Your presence is an honor to our humble establishment. Please, have a seat." Su Bai returned the greeting with a respectful bow, his attitude neither servile nor arrogant.
Su Bai cupped his hands slightly, took out a fresh Spirit Tea, poured them into the teapot, and used one hand to form a seal to condense flames and control the temperature. In a short while, a pot of Spirit Tea was ready.
Su Bai poured Spirit Tea for the two of them. "I know why you two have come. As long as Wei Chun doesn't cause me any more trouble and we compete fairly, I will stop."
Fang Yuan nodded after listening. "Very good. Our Alchemy Street is a unified entity. Alchemist only need to refine pills and do not need to participate in useless Slaughter. I will go over to Wei Chun later to give instructions. As you said, let's leave it at that."
After a pause, he continued, "Actually, with your Alchemy Talent, Alchemist Lu Jiu, it's only a matter of time before you're invited to join the Star Luo Pill Pavilion. At that time, Wei Chun will naturally not dare to bother you anymore."