Preparation

Ling Yun's heart stirred at his words, and a measure of interest rose within him.

"An assignment? Doesn't your Demon Suppression Division always look down on martial artists? Since when did you need to seek our help?"

Qin Wei curled his lips in disdain. "What martial artists? I, Qin Wei, have always judged people by whether they suit my eye."

"If they suit my eye, then no matter who they are, they're friends. If they don't, then even if you're the Heavenly King himself, what the hell do I care!"

Though his words were crude, they showed that he was the sort with a fiery temper who spoke plainly and directly.

In some ways, that sort of person could be troublesome too, but at least he was far better than those hypocritical gentlemen.

"Since that's the case, why not tell me what kind of assignment it is that even someone of your strength needs to seek help outside?"

After considering it briefly, Ling Yun did not agree outright.

Yet Qin Wei shook his head. "It isn't convenient for me to reveal the details right now. The only thing I can tell you is that the mission will likely take place three days from now."

"And I guarantee that this mission will not exceed your capabilities."

"If you agree, then consider these your deposit."

With a sweep of his hand, ten banknotes appeared out of thin air in his palm, each a large note worth one thousand taels!

Ling Yun looked at the palm he had extended, and a gleam flashed through his eyes.

It was not because of those banknotes, but because of the ancient-looking ring on the man's thumb!

A Spatial Ring.

Ever since he had seen one at Bai Ji's before, he had kept the thing on his mind.

Unfortunately, much like internal cultivation manuals, it was a rare treasure one could only stumble upon by chance.

Even if one truly appeared on the market, it would certainly be snatched clean away by the major powers.

Seeing Ling Yun's gaze, Qin Wei subconsciously touched his ring. The corners of his mouth then lifted slightly. "Kid, you've got a good eye."

"How about it? If you join the Demon Suppression Division now, I guarantee I'll apply for a Spirit Ring for you within three years."

Ling Yun rolled his eyes. Three years? If it were three days, he might actually have been tempted.

He could not be bothered to pay this fellow any heed and instead began considering whether to accept the assignment.

Though he did not yet know the mission's details, such a high reward meant its difficulty surely could not be underestimated.

Then again, he truly did need those banknotes at the moment.

After pondering for a while, he looked up and asked, "I have something important to deal with three days from now. If that's acceptable, then I'll take this assignment."

Qin Wei was first stunned, then said with a peculiar look in his eyes, "The important matter you mentioned... wouldn't happen to be the underground auction three days from now, would it?"

"Let me guess. You're still after that spirit artifact?"

Seeing the look in Ling Yun's eyes that plainly asked how he knew, Qin Wei burst into laughter and said meaningfully:

"Because the spirit artifact at that auction was put up by our Demon Suppression Division!"

"It was put up by the Demon Suppression Division?"

Ling Yun was somewhat surprised, but then felt that this was only reasonable.

After all, throughout Cloud City, spirit artifacts were controlled far more strictly than martial arts manuals. Once anyone was discovered daring to sell one privately, whether buyer or seller, they would inevitably draw the Demon Suppression Division's forceful suppression.

Thus, after thinking it over, this suddenly appearing spirit artifact could only have come from that one source.

But what was their reason for doing this?

Surely the mighty Demon Suppression Division was not short of such a trifling sum of silver?

In response to Ling Yun's confusion, Qin Wei wore a mysterious expression and said that it was a rather special spirit artifact.

As for what exactly was special about it, he refused to say more.

Ling Yun did not dwell on it. No matter what it was, he would know once he saw the real thing.

The two chatted for a few more lines. When Qin Wei asked why Ling Yun was so determined to kill Evil Spirits, Ling Yun casually made up an excuse.

As for whether Qin Wei believed him, that was impossible to know.

Before they parted, however, Qin Wei still gave him a warning. He said that Ling Yun's recent actions had already drawn the dissatisfaction and attention of quite a few people above, so it would be best for him to lie low for the next few days.

Otherwise, if trouble arose, Qin Wei would not be in a good position to intervene either.

Though Ling Yun appeared unconcerned on the surface, he had decided inwardly that after tonight, he would keep himself settled for a few days.

In truth, he was deeply puzzled that such a tiny place as Cloud City could conceal so many high-ranking Demon Suppression Envoys.

Take this fellow named Qin Wei before him. Though Ling Yun did not know his exact rank, judging from the feeling of their earlier exchange, this guy was definitely above the seventh rank!

Moreover, it was not difficult to infer from his words that in Cloud City, there were others on his level—and perhaps even stronger than him!

For Demon Suppression Envoys of such ranks to gather in a small place like Cloud City was, bluntly speaking, a case of using a great talent for a petty task.

Watching his retreating back, Ling Yun's eyes flickered. He always felt that these people seemed to be plotting something.

Then his figure flashed, and he too vanished from the spot.

Two days later.

"Master Ling, the martial arts manuals from Sunset City have arrived. As for Flying Swallow City, it may take a few more days before they send someone over. When the time comes, I'll go negotiate with them."

"Also, the auction time has been set. It will be tomorrow at noon."

In the courtyard of Ling Estate, after Zhang Mu set down two books and briefly reported the major and minor events that had recently occurred in Cloud City, he respectfully withdrew.

Only after leaving the inner courtyard did Zhang Mu wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. He could not help marveling that Master Ling's strength had become increasingly unfathomable. Just standing beside him brought an indescribable pressure.

Seeing the household servants beside him staring curiously, Zhang Mu's face darkened. After opening his mouth to scold them a few times, he sauntered away.

Meanwhile, within the inner courtyard, Ling Yun slowly opened his eyes. A streak of Bloodlight flashed past the depths of his gaze.

"The third Blood Essence Pearl has finally condensed."

Stretching lazily, Ling Yun looked at the three Blood Essence Pearls floating within his dantian and could not help revealing a satisfied smile.

His days and nights of tirelessly condensing blood essence had not been wasted. With these three Blood Essence Pearls, he had gained yet another trump card.

He then looked toward the two martial arts manuals laid before him. His gaze flickered as he reached out and began flipping through them.

Before long, the corresponding martial arts names appeared on the panel.

Hundred Rend Blade Technique, Iron Bell Body.

One was a blade technique, and the other a body-tempering art. Ling Yun had specifically selected these two from among numerous manuals because they were the closest to the techniques he currently cultivated.

The reason for doing so was merely to test one of his conjectures.

Ling Yun's gaze lingered over the two techniques for a moment before finally settling on the Hundred Rend Blade Technique.