The two fell silent and stopped speaking.
Until several minutes later.
"The item is now in your hands. I hope you will not disappoint His Highness's high expectations."
"This time, His Highness has paid a heavy price to the Western Sect so that you wouldn't be purged," Xiao Ling solemnly instructed.
Although he didn't quite trust Cheng Hui, it was His Highness's order.
"Your subordinate will certainly live up to your trust!" Cheng Hui solemnly clasped his hands and bowed towards the direction of the Jade Tree Palace in the Imperial Palace.
"I hope so. Well then, I'll take my leave." Xiao Ling put down the iron box and gave him a deep look.
Then he opened the window, jumped out, and disappeared into the night in the blink of an eye.
Cheng Hui was left alone, and picked up the small black metal box that was on the table.
He closed his eyes, and his mind involuntarily flashed back to all the care, nurturing, and love his adoptive mother had given him over the years.
In the end, the struggle deep in his eyes slowly faded and disappeared.
Don't blame my mother.
"You are Princess high above, while we can only wallow in the mud for food."
"Non-Self exceptional talent, you probably wouldn't have even given me a second glance back then."
"I've repaid all the favors I've done for you over the years. Now, let's move on."
Cheng Hui picked up the Black Box and gently squeezed it.
With a crisp click, the box opened, revealing three golden, iridescent rings neatly arranged inside.
"It's time for me to live for myself."
In early August, several Spirit Envoy near the Golden Wing Tower of the Eastern Sect, following the orders of the Tower Master, gathered at the Yin Huai stronghold, but all disappeared the next day.
Rumors circulated in the Western Sect that two of the three Human Seed had been found.
One of them fled and went missing, and the other was killed in battle.
Thousand Leaves Princess was ordered to stay deep within the palace and was not allowed to go out.
Snow Rainbow Pavilion dispatched experts to take over the defense of the Jade Tree Palace.
The Heavenly Maiden Tong Zhang are currently unknown.
Several days later, Ling Emperor invited True One and Great Way, the Grand Master the palace to seek their advice on the path to immortality and strategies for governing the country.
August 4th.
Ling Emperor issued an edict appointing the True One and Great Way sects to head the Assembled Sages Institute and oversee all External Teachings affairs in the Daoist Sect.
The Proclamation Administration Institute was established, with the Western Sect True Buddha Temple taking over, to govern all Buddhist affairs throughout the land.
The following day, Great Ling planned to send troops to Annan to launch another military campaign and expand his territory.
"Xiaoxi, where did you buy this Mingzhu? It's purple! Tsk tsk, it's really beautiful."
Heavenly Treasure Palace.
Chui Xi was surrounded by several young Daoist boys and girls, looking slightly smug.
Everyone admired the purple pearl in her hand.
The pearl was the size of a cherry, smooth and beautiful, reflecting an alluring luster in the sunlight.
"It's a precious medicine pearl treasured in my family. My father was so pleased with my progress that he gave it to me as a birthday gift," Chui Xi said with a smile.
"Your father really spoils you!"
"Such a Purple Pearl, if you were to sell it, you probably couldn't get it for less than a thousand taels of silver, right?"
"Even the Pill Hall rarely sees such a high-grade Treasure Medicine! Amazing!"
A group of girls chattered incessantly.
Chui Xi felt increasingly smug, knowing that her family was certainly not that wealthy.
It was earned by herself.
He had only casually sold Zhang Ying's whereabouts before, and yet he had gained such a huge benefit.
This Purple Pearl is the reward she received for agreeing to take Zhang Ying to meet her nearby outside the palace.
She had been worried that the person who bought and sold Zhang Ying's whereabouts might have ulterior motives.
But yesterday, she finally met the person Hua Qian her.
She was a beautiful young lady with stunning looks.
She stated that Zhang Ying had saved her life, and now, after traveling thousands of miles, she had finally found Heavenly Treasure Palace.
But I don't want to abruptly show up at their door.
That's why I used her to secretly give Zhang Ying a surprise.
Such a romantic and beautiful thing is like a story from a Zaju, extremely moving.
Although Chui Xi felt a little bitter, she still hoped that the young lady could express her feelings to Zhang Ying and make things work out.
Traveling thousands of miles and spending a fortune, all to repay a debt of gratitude and see her lover once more. Just thinking about such determination reveals the countless obstacles and hardships it entails.
If she were to orchestrate such a story, it would surely become a legendary tale in the future! After the sisters had finished admiring the Purple Pearl, Chui Xi took it back and went straight to her cave.
Soon, the day's alchemy training came to an end, and the Qing You Pill Master departed.
The sky outside the cave gradually darkened.
"Zhang Ying, didn't you say before that you wanted Hundred-Year Red Ganoderma?" Chui Xi suddenly asked.
The two were currently cleaning up the remnants of their alchemy practice in the cave.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Rongfang raised his head.
"Have you talked to your family about it?"
"Yes, Ganoderma lucidum is valuable, so we need to inspect the goods in person and exchange the money for the medicine." Chui Xi nodded.
"The location is Tiger Mountain Town, between the Heavenly Treasure Palace and Yangshuo, at Hundred Surnames Wine Shop. How about 8 PM tonight?"
"Okay." Zhang Rongfang without hesitation.
This medicine is the key to his practice of the second level of the Golden Toad Skill, Hidden Moon Second Layer Technique; it is the Main Herb.
Therefore, we must be cautious and careful.
"And the price?" he asked.
"My dad said that, based on the market price, he can lower it by 10% for my sake," Chui Xi with a slightly shy smile.
She wasn't lying; that's exactly how it was agreed upon.
The place where the person who gave her the Purple Pearl asked her to meet Zhang Rongfang was right there.
And the Hundred-Year Red Ganoderma that her father promised was indeed real, only the time was not today, but the day after tomorrow.
"In that case, thank you very much, Miss Chui Xi!" Zhang Rongfang made a gesture of respect, which made the other party feel embarrassed and dodge away.
"Not at all, but please remember to keep track of the time," Chui Xi reminded her.
"Don't worry, definitely." Zhang Rongfang replied earnestly.
Coincidentally, he also planned to go out and see what the current situation was like in Great Capital during this time.
Is the Golden Wing Tower of the Eastern Sect still standing?
Between Great Capital and Yangshuo, there are some small and exquisite towns, scattered like pearls on a string, existing on both sides of the Official Road.
These towns mostly relied on caravans, farmers, and travelers heading to the Great Capital for their livelihood.
The town is mostly filled with Inn, restaurants, teahouses and other places to rest.
Tiger Mountain Town is such a small town.
This place is only thirty miles away from Great Capital, but many people choose to live here instead of in Great Capital.
The main reason is that the accommodation prices here are only half of those in Great Capital.
Taking advantage of his trip, Zhang Rongfang planned to explore the surrounding area.
I've been in Yangshuo for so long, but I haven't had a chance to explore the area yet.
The package was packed with silver notes and some precious pills that had been left behind.
He planned to inquire about the market prices of medicinal herbs and elixirs in the surrounding area. Some herbs with similar prices could be purchased locally without having to go through distant channels.
After leaving Heavenly Treasure Palace, he used his movement technique and headed towards Tiger Mountain Town at a moderate pace. He arrived safely in the town around 6 p. m.
The entire Tiger Mountain Town has only three streets, which are like two bamboo strips strung together in a straight line.
As soon as he entered the town, a cacophony of noise filled his ears.
In the middle was a wide Official Road with passing horse-drawn carriages, oxcarts, and donkey carts, while on both sides came the chaotic sounds of the town.
"Five dollars a night, temporary accommodation! The cheapest in town! Only three rooms left, come now or it'll be too late!"
"Luxury hot springs, beautiful massages, comfortable living – the Xu Family Mansion is your home away from home!"
"Is there any gentleman willing to share a room? Three people can share a room in the best house in town Stone Firm Residence, for only ten coins each!"
"You little brat! You dare to run away! You dare to run away!!"
"Dad! Ouch, my ear! Let go! Or don't blame me for not taking care of you in your old age!!"
Zhang Rongfang stared speechlessly at the two men wrestling on his right before looking away.
Along the roadside, there were some penniless students who had traveled from afar, loudly calling out for shared lodging.
Among them were some beautiful women from the Hu Xi People and Spirit Person.
Zhang Rongfang had heard from Chui Xi that every year, quite a few people from all over the country come here on pilgrimage.
Most of the Spirit Person are Buddhists, while the Hu Xi People are mostly followers of External Teachings, including the Black Ten Sect, the Heaven Lock Sect, and the Western Cross Sect.
Bei People and Man People are difficult to distinguish because of their similar skin color. However, most of them believe in Daoism.
In addition, those who were able to travel long distances and arrive in Great Capital safely were mostly people with some skills and background.
Therefore, very few people Society Master provoke these people.
As a result, the entire Tiger Mountain Town was filled with merchants soliciting business.
Zhang Rongfang was dressed in a Daoist robe, with the words "Heavenly Treasure Palace" painted on the back of the robe like a symbol, making it easy for anyone to see.
Wherever he went, most people around him treated him with respect and awe.
Although Zhang Rongfang felt that it might be due to his physique that made people around him somewhat afraid of him.
But as long as things go smoothly, that's all that matters.
Along the way, he asked several passersby for directions and finally found the location of Hundred Surnames Wine Shop.
After determining the location, he did not stop and walked straight towards the restaurant.
He planned to scout the place out first, order food and drinks, and then wait a while; the people should arrive soon.
Inside the Hundred Surnames Wine Shop at this time.
The third-floor private room is called the Flying Heaven Room.
A short, elderly man with white hair and beard, resembling an old farmer, was holding a Dry Tobacco in his hand, slowly lighting it, taking a deep drag, and exhaling.
"The person has arrived." He slowly put down his Smoking Pipe and looked up at a person in the corner.
"It's confirmed now that Zhang Ying is the Third Human Seed chosen by the Heavenly Maiden Tong Zhang. She must have left some backup plan for this kid."
Now that the Heavenly Maiden has taken the medicine and lost her memory, once we deal with this brat, it should be the end of the matter.
As the old man spoke, he glanced out the window, as if he could sense a figure slowly approaching on the street below.
"Hong Yan, you were too reckless last time. But thankfully, this time you at least provided a clue that is very likely Third Human Seed. I will put in a good word for you with the Dragon King."
The person in the corner slowly walked into the light.
It was a Strange Man entire body was wrapped in white bandages, with only a pair of bloodshot eyes showing.
He was draped in a black robe and wore black iron-colored metal gloves. A large iron ruler was strapped to his back.
"Thank you very much then." Hong Yan didn't actually want to share the credit with this guy.
But compared to him, the guy nicknamed Iron Shura in front of him is the true confidant of the Sea Dragon King.
Sea Dragon's three major forces are Iron Shura, Dark Light, and Floating Pagoda Mountain.
Dark Light and his Floating Pagoda Mountain have always been at odds, so he couldn't very well ask that bastard Dark Light for help to keep things under control.
So, having no other choice, he sought out Iron Shura.
The purpose, of course, is to guard against any Eastern Sect forces that might be present among the Human Seed race.
The two fell silent again. Iron Shura sat down, fiddling with the wine glass on the table, and waited.
Thump, thump, thump.
Finally, there was a knock on the door.
"Guests, we have a guest who says he made an appointment with you. Is he a Daoist priest from the Heavenly Treasure Palace?" the waiter asked loudly through the door.
"That's right, it's the person we arranged to meet." A cruel smile flashed in Iron Shura's eyes as he stood up and answered loudly.
They have deployed at least a hundred people in this vicinity, bringing out all of Iron Shura's experts.
To ensure absolute certainty! This time... click.
The door was pushed open.
A figure dressed in a Daoist robe from the Heavenly Treasure Palace slowly entered the room step by step.
The heels of the soap boots stomped on the floor, making a crisp sound.
"Huh??" Both Iron Shura and Hong Yan looked puzzled.
Is this the same person as that Zhang Ying?
Why doesn't it seem like him? The newcomer wore a square black Daoist hat, had a white face and no beard, and his eyes were indifferent as if they were empty.
It was none other than Daoist Mingyuan of the Heavenly Treasure Palace!
"Two Spirit Vein."
"You."
Ming Yuan raised his right hand.
"You can escape for five breaths first."
Swish! His five fingers suddenly turned sharp, like the claws of a ferocious beast.
Hiss!!
In an instant, thick smoke, resembling white mist, spread out from beneath his feet, enveloping the entire room floor.
Iron Shura's pupils suddenly contracted.
His confident expression vanished in the blink of an eye, replaced by terror.
"Jade Void Palace!! Who are you?!"
Iron Shura's entire body was tense to the extreme. Without saying a word, he turned around and lunged towards the window.
The Red Cliff Monk was inexplicably stunned and remained where he was, wondering why Iron Shura was reacting so strongly.
"I didn't expect that anyone would still recognize me now." Ming Yuan's eyes had turned into bronze-colored vertical pupils.
Since the other force of the True Great Way — the Jade Void Palace —went into hiding, he originally thought that no one in the world would know this secret anymore. "Unfortunately. Now that they know this secret, do they still think they can escape?"
Looking at the innocent and naive ingredients in front of him, Ming Yuan felt a slight ripple in his heart.
He hadn't eaten in a long time, and if it weren't for this trip, he might have almost forgotten when he last ate. But thankfully, this old fellow looks quite appetizing.