Shang Yuxian said, "Fellow Daoist Li, I don't quite understand. Why do you want to learn about these things?"
Li Ling said, "It never hurts to be prepared."
Shang Yuxian said, "All right. But you must be extremely careful when dealing with them. The Earthly Sha Sect is full of cunning, greedy people. Don't blame me for leading you into trouble later."
Li Ling said, "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
Shang Yuxian said, "You seem interested in Black Market intelligence? Let me first introduce you to someone who has frequent dealings with the Shang Family. His name is Qi Qiushan, and he's the intelligence chief working here. At least he's somewhat reliable."
With that, she led Li Ling and the Ninth Princess toward a corner of the marketplace. They soon entered an alley and reached the residential compounds deep among the buildings.
Before long, Shang Yuxian arrived outside one of the residences and stepped forward to knock.
A stooped, hunchbacked elderly servant of the Mortal People opened the gate and asked with a trace of wariness, "What brings the three of you here?"
Shang Yuxian took out a token and handed it to him. "I've come to visit Steward Qi. Here are my credentials. You can tell him the Shang Family has brought guests to introduce."
The old servant glanced at her, then at Li Ling and the Ninth Princess behind her, with mild surprise. "Please wait a moment while I report your arrival."
A deep male voice came from behind the gate. "No need. I was just about to head out. I never expected Miss Shang to visit in person. Forgive me for not coming out to welcome you."
The speaker was a middle-aged man in brocade enchanted robes, with a broad forehead and square face. Two