[I cannot do it.]
This time, Kong Ling replied without the slightest hesitation.
[Since you have no regard for old ties and no intention of saving Jiang Linger, I will trouble you no further. That suits me well enough, though. Jiang Linger is a beauty rarely seen in this world, and I, too, have grown fond of her. I intend to keep her as my private plaything. It is rather a pity, however. After Lao Jian toyed with her for a thousand years, she has now fallen into my hands. Truly, beautiful women so often suffer ill fates. What a miserable lot hers is,] Song Wen said.
[You...]
Kong Ling was beside himself with rage, but seemed unable to decide what to do for the moment.
[Farewell, Fellow Daoist Kong Ling!]
Song Wen's tone was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation, giving the impression that he was about to end the exchange immediately.
[Wait!] Kong Ling said hurriedly. [Give me some time to consider.]
[Certainly. After all, four Blazing-Fire Purifying Talismans cannot be drawn in a mere moment. I will contact you again in one month, but that will also be the last time. If you decide to save Jiang Linger, draw the four Blazing-Fire Purifying Talismans within that month. I do not have much time to sit around waiting,] Song Wen said.
[Very well. We will do as you say. However, I must first verify one thing-is Jiang Linger truly still alive, and is she really in your hands?] Kong Ling said.
[That is easily done. You need only go to Ancient River City, three million li away. There is an inn in the city called the Immortal Dao Pavilion. In courtyard seventy-eight, I have left a grand gift for you,] Song Wen said.
[What grand gift?] Kong