Besides Mistveil Lake, Song Wen selected three other places as alternatives.
Then he put away the map jade slip and traveled to all four locations to inspect them in person.
After comparing them carefully, he found that Mistveil Lake was still the most suitable place for the exchange.
The mist above Mistveil Lake was formed from condensed water vapor. It could not block divine sense, but it could obscure vision.
Small islands lay scattered across the lake. Perhaps because the mist never dispersed throughout the year, the islands received little sunlight. Coupled with the sparse spiritual energy here, most were barren, with only a few weeds stubbornly growing between cracks in the rocks.
After flying a circuit above the lake and examining every island in turn, Song Wen plunged into the water.
He descended to the lakebed and conducted another thorough search, eventually discovering several underground rivers in its trenches.
The water from Gorge River that accumulated here drained away through these hidden currents.
After memorizing the locations of all the underground rivers, Song Wen flew out of the water and headed for Rockshade City.
He chose an inn at random in the city, rented a secluded chamber, and settled in.
Soon, the day agreed upon with Blood Skeleton Lord arrived.
Noon.
Blood Skeleton Lord's message arrived right on time.
[Gou Jun, the appointed hour has come. Isn't it time you told me the location and time of our exchange?]
After reading the message, Song Wen did not reply. Instead, he placed a slip of paper he had prepared beforehand on the wooden table.
Written plainly on the paper were the words: Come to Mistveil Lake at once. Remember, you must come alone.
Song Wen placed the paper inside a jade box, then formed hand seals and left two restrictions