"I fear I must disappoint you, benefactor. I have no ties with the elders of Spirit Herb Peak and cannot help you," the old monk said.
Song Wen did not reply immediately. After studying the monk for a moment, he took out another ten superior spirit stones.
"Please lend me your assistance, Master."
This time, however, the old monk refused to accept the spirit stones, seemingly unwilling to get involved.
"Please forgive me, benefactor. I truly am powerless to help."
Unwilling to give up easily, Song Wen tried earnestly to persuade him, but the old monk would not budge.
Song Wen could only abandon the attempt. He put away the spirit stones, bade farewell, and left.
After leaving the Ghost Market, Song Wen took a winding route and made a wide detour. Only after confirming that no one was following him did he remove his cloak and head toward his cave abode.
The sky was still pitch-black when he returned to Cloud-Hidden City.
As he passed the Brahma Sound Pavilion, two figures emerged from it and flew toward North City.
They traveled one behind the other, both dressed as monks.
The man in front looked to be in his twenties and had foundation establishment early stage cultivation. He had a fat head, large ears, and a body covered in fleshy rolls, with a faint air of arrogance between his brows.
The man behind him bowed and scraped, his face constantly plastered with a fawning expression. Song Wen recognized him: the monk Ming Cheng.
As they were traveling toward each other, the two men soon noticed Song Wen as well.
"Greetings, Master Mi Hai," Ming Cheng offered first.
Song Wen slowed his flight and stopped before them.
"Young friend Ming Cheng, where are you headed? And who might this young friend