In truth, just as the three had worried, Zhu Mei's instruction had indeed ceased to have any effect over the following days.
On the appointed day, Song Wen bade farewell to the two women, placed Jiang Linger inside the corpse coffin, and headed for the meeting place he had arranged with Rong Shao.
With no pressing matters to attend to, Rong Shao had carved out a cave at the designated location to serve as a temporary dwelling.
Thus, Song Wen saw Rong Shao as soon as he arrived.
After leaving Jiang Linger in Rong Shao's care, Song Wen headed to Heavenly Mountain City.
He casually picked a restaurant in Heavenly Mountain City. After entering a private room, Song Wen stayed only briefly before turning around and leaving, heading straight out of the city.
He found a secluded place outside the city and changed his appearance before returning to Heavenly Mountain City and checking into an inn.
Then, Song Wen took out Kong Ling's communication jade slip and began sending messages.
[Kong Ling, were you satisfied with the grand gift I sent you last time?]
Several breaths later, Song Wen received Kong Ling's reply.
[Very satisfied. Lao Jian is still alive, but he is suffering a fate worse than death. I must thank you for fulfilling one of my long-cherished wishes.]
[So long as you are satisfied, Kong Ling. However, Jiang Linger is still in my hands. Have you prepared the four Blazing-Fire Purifying Talismans?] Song Wen said.
[I told you before: I must personally see her, or see an Image-Recording Stone documenting her recent condition, to confirm that she is safe and sound before I agree to trade with you. Thus far, I have seen neither.] Kong Ling said.
[Private Room Thirty-Five, Yellow Section, at First-Rank Pavilion. You will find