Yun Che walked out of the underground hall. The guiding glow on the key slowly faded, evidently indicating that the new secret key's direction had temporarily gone dormant. He would have to reach the next node to awaken its guidance again.
He retraced his steps through the underground passage. Just as he emerged from the entrance, he saw Luan Hanyan following with the surviving disciples of the Ice Moon Ancient Pavilion. Every one of them was injured, their faces frighteningly grim. They had entered with more than a dozen people, but now fewer than five remained. Their losses had been devastating.
Luan Hanyan approached Yun Che, bit her lip, and finally spoke again. "King Yun, could you let our Ice Moon Ancient Pavilion have that Azure Jade? Our pavilion is willing to pay any price."
Yun Che did not stop walking. He merely left her a flat reply. "If you want it, have your pavilion master come negotiate with me herself."
Watching Yun Che's retreating figure, Luan Hanyan dug her nails deep into her palms, yet dared not say another word. She could only lead the remaining disciples slowly after him and out of the valley.
Just as they left the valley, several immensely powerful auras suddenly rippled across the sky. Ice-blue cold instantly enveloped the entire valley. A dignified-looking middle-aged woman stood suspended in the air atop an illusory ice lotus, cold surging around her. She was none other than Fairy Bingyao, the current master of the Ice Moon Ancient Pavilion.
"Please wait, King Yun."
Fairy Bingyao spoke, her voice clear and cold as ice. "Hanyan was rash and immature, and offended you, King Yun. However, that Azure Jade is of vital importance to our Ice Moon Ancient Pavilion. Please part with it. In thanks, our pavilion is willing