Translator: CinderTL
As Song Wen retracted the surrounding blood sea and stowed away the formation flags of the Nether Corpse Purgatory Formation, he explained to Ye Bing:
"Yun Xinghai's life essence is nearing its end. To survive, he would stop at nothing. Jin Xun possessed the Devouring Soul Array, capable of extending one's lifespan by three Sexagenary Cycles. With this, he could exchange for the Purple Spirit Ginseng and Celestial Star Grass from Yun Xinghai, and even demand that Yun Xinghai attack us to retrieve the storage ring."
Ye Bing sighed suddenly, shaking her head gently, a complex expression flickering in her eyes.
"Gou Jun, your speculation isn't without merit. But with Jin Xun dead, how can we still make the exchange with Yun Xinghai?"
Song Wen countered, "Without Jin Xun, do you think we two can't negotiate with Yun Xinghai ourselves?"
"We're just rogue cultivators with no backing. What if Jin Xun was right, and Yun Xinghai simply attacks us, killing us for our treasures?" Ye Bing frowned slightly, her voice tinged with worry.
Song Wen fell silent, considering her words.
Ye Bing's concerns were not unfounded.
It was not uncommon for the stronger party in a transaction to forcibly seize the treasures. Moreover, with Yun Xinghai's life essence dwindling, he might act even more recklessly.
"Even if we can't personally conduct the exchange, we don't necessarily need Jin Xun," Song Wen said. "Immortal Maiden, don't forget about Jin Xiuqi. His status and position within the Jin Family are no lower than Jin Xun's, and his father, Jin Fengyu, is a Void Refinement Stage cultivator. Yun Xinghai would likely hesitate to act rashly against him."
Ye Bing retorted, "Jin Xiuqi is nothing like Jin Xun. As the Jin Family's Heaven's Chosen, he has access to all their resources. Why would he risk meeting Yun Xinghai himself when he doesn't need to personally search for Purple Spirit Ginseng and Celestial Star Grass?"
Song Wen had already stored away the Blood Sea Seal and the Nether Corpse Purgatory Formation. He turned to gaze at Ye Bing's breathtakingly beautiful face.
"Immortal Maiden, you underestimate your own charm. With just a little effort, you could make Jin Xiuqi obey your every command."
"Are you suggesting I offer myself to Jin Xiuqi?" Ye Bing asked, her voice tinged with anger.
Song Wen replied, "Jin Xiuqi possesses extraordinary talent and striking looks, and his devotion to you is genuine. Becoming his dao companion and joining the Jin Family would be a mutually beneficial arrangement for you."
Ye Bing's delicate eyebrows arched sharply, her anger intensifying.
"When I was young, my family forced me to marry into the Jiang Family, making me a pawn in a political marriage. I endured countless cold stares and contempt. Through my own relentless efforts, I've climbed to where I am today. How could I possibly betray myself for a mere two Spirit Herbs?"
As she spoke, Ye Bing's gaze burned like a torch, her eyes unwavering.
"I walk my own path, beholden to no one. I guard my own heart, refusing to compromise my principles."
Song Wen pursed his lips, feigning regret.
"Immortal Maiden Ye's resolve is truly admirable. Since you insist, I won't press the matter further. In truth, there's no need for you to resort to such measures."
Ye Bing's eyes lit up. "Oh? Do you have another plan?"
Song Wen replied, "Jin Xun's death will undoubtedly draw the Jin Family's attention. This isn't a safe place to talk. We should leave immediately."
"Very well, let's discuss it as we go."
With those words, the pair transformed into a streak of light, vanishing into the distant horizon.
Azure Oak Lake was teeming with rogue cultivators. Their fierce battle with Jin Xun must have been witnessed by many, and the Jin Family would soon arrive seeking answers.
It was easy to predict that the Jin Family would scour Azure Oak Lake for clues to the killer's identity in the coming days.
The entire region was likely entering a period of turmoil.
Disguised as a golden core-stage cultivator with a white beard, Song Wen flew to Phoenix Feather City.
Within the city, everything appeared normal, as if Jin Xun's death had caused no significant ripples—at least on the surface.
Song Wen navigated the city's winding streets and alleys until he arrived at a relatively inexpensive cultivator's inn. He rented a room and settled in.
After activating the room's inherent formation, Song Wen retrieved a Communication Jade Slip and began transmitting a message:
[Fellow Daoist Jin, I require your assistance with a matter.]
The message was sent, and Song Wen quickly received a reply, its tone clearly tense and panicked:
[Who are you? Why is this Communication Jade Slip in your possession? What has happened to Fairy Li Yue?]
The Communication Jade Slip in Song Wen's hand had been given to him by Ye Bing; it was Jin Xiuqi's personal communication device.
[Fellow Daoist, remain calm. Fellow Daoist Li is currently safe and unharmed. However, this is only temporary. If you fail to meet my demands, her life will likely be extinguished.] Song Wen transmitted.
[What have you done to her?] Jin Xiuqi's reply was filled with barely suppressed fury.
[Rest assured, I haven't harmed her. She was foolish enough to challenge me for the treasures, but her strength proved insufficient, and I wounded her. Originally, I intended to kill her, but as she lay dying, she whispered a wish to spend her next life growing old with you. It was then I realized there was some connection between you two. And since I happen to need your assistance, fellow daoist, I spared her life and imprisoned her instead,] Song Wen replied.
[Did she really say that?] Jin Xiuqi's voice carried a faint hint of joy.
[Of course,] Song Wen replied. [Otherwise, how would I have learned such a private matter as her affection for you?]
[What do you want me to do for you?] Jin Xiuqi asked.
[For you, fellow daoist, this task is as simple as lifting a finger. I wish to ask you to make a trip to Xin Tang Mountain and conduct a transaction with Yun Xinghai,] Song Wen replied.
[Yun Xinghai's life essence is nearly exhausted; he has few days left to live. Rumor has it that his temperament has become extremely violent. Even the Void Refinement Stage elders of my clan are unwilling to venture to Xin Tang Mountain, lest they invite unwarranted disaster. Attempting a transaction with him at this time is exceedingly risky. What exactly do you want that requires you to approach such a dangerous individual?] Jin Xiuqi, though captivated by beauty, hadn't lost his wits and didn't readily agree to Song Wen's request.
Song Wen replied, [Purple Spirit Ginseng and Celestial Star Grass.]
[You intend to refine the Void Union Primordial Breakthrough Pill?] Jin Xiuqi asked.
[Precisely,] Song Wen confirmed. [Fellow Daoist, do you possess these ingredients? If you can provide five stalks of each, I will immediately release Fellow Daoist Li Yue.]
[You overestimate me, Fellow Daoist. I don't have a single stalk, let alone five of each,] Jin Xiuqi replied, then continued transmitting, [If you seek Purple Spirit Ginseng and Celestial Star Grass, Yun Xinghai is unlikely to agree easily.]
Song Wen countered, [I have a formation capable of extending one's lifespan by three Sexagenary Cycles. I believe Yun Xinghai will not refuse such a trade. The only question is whether you, Fellow Daoist, have the courage to venture to Xin Tang Mountain for the sake of your beloved.]
(End of the Chapter)
Translator's Corner
As soon as we reach 13M words on site, there will be a discount live for 1 week on the site. Stay Tuned!
🔓 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦 — 13 Series (7 Ongoing) | 14+ New Chapters Daily | 6,100+ FREE