Bounty as Bait, Killing Intent Lurks

Two days later.

Qingzhou City.

Qingyun Sect's stronghold.

"Greetings, Third Elder, West Elder."

The disciples at the Qingyun Sect stronghold bowed respectfully and said.

"Rise. Have there been any developments regarding Misty Rain Tower's whereabouts?"

The Third Elder asked slowly, his expression grave.

"Replying to the Third Elder, we've investigated and found that Misty Rain Tower's last known appearance was in Qingzhou City. As for their current location, it's proving difficult to ascertain."

Li Yaochao, the steward of the Qingzhou City stronghold, reported with his fists clasped.

"A bunch of useless fools! If that's the case, why are you still standing here? Hurry to the Black Market and search for information!"

Upon hearing that Misty Rain Tower's exact location wasn't found, the Third Elder became furious.

"Yes... Your subordinate will leave immediately."

Seeing the Third Elder's anger, Li Yaochao's legs went weak, and he stammered.

Afterward, he hastily led a few disciples away, scrambling as if fleeing.

"Organizations like these assassins are the most troublesome. We can only wait for them to make a move before we can find any clues," the West Elder said gravely from the side.

"Third Elder, in my opinion, we could post a mission in the Black Market to lure the snake out of its hole," the West Elder suggested.

"That plan is feasible, but they might not fall for it."

"After all, we didn't conceal our movements when we came to Qingzhou City. Misty Rain Tower must already know by now."

"They should be able to see through this ploy," the Third Elder said.

"But we can still try it to see if Misty Rain Tower dares to accept this mission."

"They've only just emerged, and perhaps they want to use us to establish their reputation. There might be some who don't know the meaning of death."

The Third Elder picked up the tea from the table, took a sip, and then said:

"Let's wait for Li Yaochao to return from the Black Market and see if there's any news about Misty Rain Tower."

"If no news is obtained, then we will issue a bounty mission in the Black Market. We will post a mission to assassinate the Qingyun Sect's steward in Qingzhou City."

Dusk arrived.

The Black Market in Qingzhou City was bustling with people, a cacophony of hawking, laughter, and arguments filling the air.

The atmosphere was thick with the scent of everyday life and a hidden undercurrent.

Li Yaochao, accompanied by a few disciples, navigated through the crowd, his sharp gaze sweeping over every stall and every face.

Whenever he encountered a vendor who seemed well-informed, he would approach them and quietly inquire about Misty Rain Tower's whereabouts.

However, the results only made him increasingly agitated. The vendors either shook their heads repeatedly or demanded exorbitant prices without offering any useful information.

Most of them claimed that Misty Rain Tower had just appeared, moved without a trace, and was not something they could investigate.

"Steward, this won't work. These people in the Black Market are completely unreliable!" a disciple whispered as he approached Li Yaochao.

Li Yaochao's expression was so grim it looked like water could drip from it. He gritted his teeth.

"Let's go! To Langya Pavilion! Misty Rain Tower previously asked Langya Pavilion to help publicize their messages. Perhaps Langya Pavilion knows their news!"

The group headed straight for Langya Pavilion in the west of the city.

In front of Langya Pavilion, two guards in green robes, swords hanging at their waists, stood solemnly.

Li Yaochao stepped forward, stated his identity and purpose, and was then led inside.

The reception room was elegantly furnished, with calligraphy and paintings hanging on all four walls. Shangguan Hong, dressed in a grey robe, was seated at the head of the table, brewing tea.

"May I ask the reason for your visit?" Shangguan Hong asked in a deep voice.

"I am Li Yaochao from the Qingyun Sect, here to inquire if you at Langya Pavilion know any news about Misty Rain Tower."

"If you do, please inform us of Misty Rain Tower's exact location! Our Qingyun Sect will surely reward you handsomely."

Li Yaochao clasped his fists in a salute, his tone laced with urgency.

Shangguan Hong shook his head slightly, poured a cup of tea, and pushed it towards Li Yaochao. He then spoke slowly:

"Although Langya Pavilion is well-informed in Qingzhou, there are still matters beyond our reach."

"This Misty Rain Tower has recently emerged, their movements are elusive, and their members rarely show themselves. We also do not know their exact whereabouts."

"What?" Li Yaochao's expression changed drastically. "Even your Langya Pavilion doesn't know? Didn't they seek you out before?"

"We truly don't know! If you don't believe me, please leave." Shangguan Hong's tone was cold, and he had already issued the order to depart.

Li Yaochao trembled with anger and was about to apprehend Shangguan Hong on the spot for interrogation. However, remembering that this was the Black Market, he could only return with his disciples in dejection.

Not long after Li Yaochao and his group left Langya Pavilion, two figures quietly appeared at a restaurant in the Black Market.

It was Jing Ke and Zhuan Chu.

Both were dressed in black, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

"Were those people just now from the Qingyun Sect?" Zhuan Chu lowered his voice, glancing in the direction Li Yaochao had left.

Jing Ke nodded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "No doubt about it. They were inquiring about Misty Rain Tower in the Black Market just now. I heard it clearly."

"It seems the people from Qingyun Sect have indeed set their sights on us."

As they were speaking, they overheard two cultivators nearby talking in low voices.

"Did you hear? The Third Elder and West Elder of Qingyun Sect have both arrived in Qingzhou City. It seems they're here to cause trouble for Misty Rain Tower!"

"Misty Rain Tower? You mean that assassin organization that recently wiped out the Luoxia City Lord's mansion? They're bold enough to provoke the Qingyun Sect!"

"Who knows? Maybe Misty Rain Tower has a powerful figure backing them..."

Jing Ke and Zhuan Chu exchanged glances, seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.

With the elders of Qingyun Sect personally arriving, it seemed this trouble was significant.