News Spreads, Undercurrents Stir

Su Mei lightly led the two of them toward the inner hall. After turning past a carved screen, they saw Shangguan Hong sitting on a soft couch by the window, brewing tea. Amidst the rising steam, his face appeared gentle and serene.

Hearing footsteps, Shangguan Hong looked up. As his gaze fell upon Jing Ke and Yao Li, a knowing smile flickered in his eyes. He raised a hand, gesturing for them to sit. "Fellow Daoists, we meet again."

He poured the freshly brewed hot tea into white jade cups and pushed them toward the two before him.

"May I ask what business you have that requires the assistance of my Langya Pavilion this time?"

After Jing Ke and Yao Li took their seats, they immediately looked at Shangguan Hong and said in a deep voice:

"Misty Rain Tower will officially open for business in Qingzhou today, accepting bounties! We hope Langya Pavilion can help spread the word."

"If anyone in Qingzhou has such needs, they can go directly to the general store opposite the square in the depths of the Black Market. Misty Rain Tower has set up a Bounty Sub-Stele there."

Afterward, Jing Ke introduced the function of the Bounty Sub-Stele to Shangguan Hong.

Shangguan Hong was stunned for quite a while after listening.

"Fellow Daoist Jing Ke, rest assured, Langya Pavilion will definitely spread the news throughout Qingzhou."

He turned to look at Su Mei outside the screen and called out loudly, "Su Mei, convey my order: spread the news of Misty Rain Tower accepting bounties to every corner of Qingzhou City."

"Especially those Black Market shops and gang strongholds, not a single one can be missed."

Su Mei responded respectfully, "Yes, Pavilion Master."

Yao Li cupped his hands in a salute. "Thank you for your assistance, Pavilion Master Shangguan. When the news spreads, there will surely be a generous reward."

"Fellow Daoist Yao Li, you are too kind! As for generous rewards, there's no need." Shangguan Hong waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "I'm just wondering if I could meet the person in charge of your Misty Rain Tower. I have a matter for which I'd like to seek your organization's help."

Jing Ke's expression grew serious. "We will need to report back on this matter first."

Shangguan Hong paused slightly, looked up at the two, and said earnestly, "Then I'll trouble you to convey my request."

Seeing this, Jing Ke nodded slightly. "Alright, we'll take our leave then."

Jing Ke and Yao Li, seeing that the matter had been properly handled, got up to bid farewell.

Their figures moved as fast as lightning, and in just a moment, they disappeared into the crowds of the Black Market once more, heading in the direction of Misty Rain Tower.

Upon returning to the Misty Rain Tower stronghold, Jing Ke and Yao Li explained the entire process in detail to Nie Zheng and the others.

Everyone was satisfied with the efficiency of Jing Ke and Yao Li's work.

At this moment, Yao Li suddenly remembered Shangguan Hong's request to meet the person in charge and looked at Jing Ke.

Yao Li said in a deep voice, "Regarding Shangguan Hong's request to meet our Misty Rain Tower's person in charge..."

"Shangguan Hong..." Jing Ke pondered for a moment. "The Pavilion Master of Langya Pavilion, this person is extremely cunning. Whatever he seeks, it's likely no simple matter."

The others nodded. "This matter needs to be reported to the Lord for a decision."

Jing Ke nodded. "How about this, I'll go back to the Eternal Night Space to report immediately. You all keep an eye on the main stele."

Jing Ke immediately flew out of the stronghold, heading for the canyon outside Qingzhou City, and entered the Eternal Night Space.

In the Eternal Night Space, Jing Ke reported the placement of the bounty stele and the recruitment of Ground Rats, one by one.

Afterward, he conveyed Shangguan Hong's request to Ye Junlin.

Ye Junlin frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:

"Since that's the case, go and inform Shangguan Hong that we will meet in Wenxian Tower in three days."

After receiving the order, Jing Ke disappeared once more in the Eternal Night Space.

The next day.

The news that Misty Rain Tower would officially accept bounties in Qingzhou City was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

Through Langya Pavilion's channels, it swept across Qingzhou within half a day.

Qingzhou City, a private room on the top floor of Wenxian Tower.

Xingluo Yao stood by the window, listening to the maid's report, twirling a strand of hair around her finger with a slight smile on her lips.

"Misty Rain Tower established a bounty stele in the Black Market? They're quite swift."

She chuckled softly. "It seems the person behind Misty Rain Tower is no ordinary individual."

The maid beside her whispered, "Miss, Misty Rain Tower knows there's a mission hall in the Black Market, yet they still established a bounty stele. What does this mean?"

"Should we send someone to remind them that they must obey our orders in the Black Market?"

"No need." Xingluo Yao waved her hand, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.

"The situation in the Eastern Region is volatile now. Having one more friend is better than having one more enemy."

"Let them establish their bounty stele. After all, I believe Misty Rain Tower doesn't know that Star Pavilion is behind the Black Market."

"Besides, assassin organizations have their own strongholds. This kind of thing is normal. We're not going to offend them just to earn a bit of spirit stones."

"You may go."

"Yes, Miss."

The maid responded and retreated, leaving Xingluo Yao alone in the private room.

She gazed out the window, murmuring to herself:

"Misty Rain Tower... is this how they officially step into the murky waters of the Eastern Region?"

Qingzhou City, Shadow Guard stronghold.

The Right Emissary of the Shadow Guard sat at the head of the hall, with several confidantes seated on either side. He was currently listening to a subordinate's report, his brow slightly raised.

"Misty Rain Tower is establishing bounty outposts? They're officially taking bounties now? They're certainly quick." He picked up his teacup, gently blowing on the foam.

"It seems they want to rise rapidly after their battle with the Qingyun Sect."

A Thousand-Household officer said solemnly, "Right Emissary, Misty Rain Tower's rise this time might disrupt the order in our Qingzhou."