"I agree. But before I set out, I must see Li Yue with my own eyes and make sure she is safe," Jin Xiuqi replied.
"It seems Li Yue truly had a discerning eye and did not give her heart to the wrong man. You, too, are a man of deep affection and loyalty, Fellow Daoist Jin, willing to risk yourself for the woman you love. Such sincere devotion makes you a match made in heaven."
Song Wen lavished praise on him, then abruptly changed tack.
"Forgive me, fellow Daoist, but I cannot let you see her just yet."
Jin Xiuqi demanded, "How can I trust you without seeing her myself? What if she has already fallen victim to your vicious hands... At least let her contact me herself. Only then can I set out with peace of mind."
Song Wen said, "Three thousand li due south of Phoenix Plume City, there is a deep pool about a li across. In the mud at its bottom, I left an Image-Recording Stone. It contains recent images of Fellow Daoist Li Yue, enough to prove she is still alive. Beside the Image-Recording Stone is a jade slip containing the life-extending formation."
"I will not set out until I have confirmed whether Li Yue is alive or dead," Jin Xiuqi said.
Song Wen said, "It seems you still fail to understand your situation. If you want Li Yue to remain safe, you had best do as I say. Otherwise... I have cultivated the ghost path for two thousand years. My body is withered, and I am old and decrepit. I have had no interest in women for many years, but for a beauty as breathtaking as Li Yue, I could reluctantly make an exception and have a little fun with her."
"You..." Jin