In a sparsely populated civilian district on the eastern outskirts of Yanhuang City stood a humble pavilion.
A string of bells hung at the door, so unremarkable that one might easily overlook that it was a Heaven-Grade Spirit Artifact.
Not far from the entrance, several ragged old women were sweeping away dust. Shen Zhao recognized them instantly as Wind and Rain Pavilion's operatives, each possessing a cultivation base in the Profound Void Realm.
Approaching the wooden door, Hu Yushu said to Shen Zhao, "Please wait a moment, sir."
She then knocked three times on the door with each hand, alternating between palm and backhand.
The door creaked open shortly after, and Hu Yushu nodded to Shen Zhao.
Stepping inside, they found themselves in a dilapidated ruin, seemingly abandoned for ages.
Shen Zhao, aware of the hidden complexities within, feigned surprise. "I never expected the esteemed Wind and Rain Pavilion to be housed in such a place. It's quite different from what I imagined."
Hu Yushu sighed. "The Wind and Rain Pavilion has always been a thorn in the court's side. Without such caution, how could we have maintained our foothold in Yanhuang City for centuries?"
Then, Hu Yushu produced a black cloth.
"Since you know of the Wind and Rain Pavilion, you must be aware of our rules."
"Of course, when in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Shen Zhao took the cloth and immediately blindfolded himself.
Following Hu Yushu's guidance, he entered the building.
A whirring mechanical sound echoed in his ears as he felt himself sinking downward.
After a long while, his descent halted. Hu Yushu then guided him to sit in a chair, and his body began to move forward again.
After winding through seven turns and eight bends for about half an hour, his body stopped once more.
A peculiar floral and herbal fragrance filled the air, causing his brow to furrow slightly.
Next, Hu Yushu led him into a side chamber.
Instantly, the delicate scent of sandalwood wafted into his nostrils, accompanied by the soft, melodious sound of a zither.
"We're here."
Hu Yushu removed the blindfold from Shen Zhao's eyes and bowed toward a screen embroidered with dark bamboo.
"Pavilion Master, the guest has been brought."
The zither music didn't pause as a soft, feminine voice spoke.
It was Ying Zhaoyun's voice, just as Shen Zhao remembered it.
"You may withdraw."
"Yes, Pavilion Master."
Hu Yushu withdrew respectfully, casting a wary glance at Shen Zhao before leaving.
Shen Zhao surveyed the surroundings, then cupped his hands toward the screen. "I am Chu Liuxiang, greetings to the Pavilion Master."
"You wish to purchase a Heaven-Burning Divine Stone?" Ying Zhaoyun cut straight to the point, bypassing pleasantries.
"Indeed."
"For what purpose?"
"The Wind and Rain Pavilion has always traded based on value, not use. Does the Pavilion Master intend to break your own rules?"
"This stone is exceedingly rare, found only in the magma core of the Blazing Heaven Burning Flame Mountain. Even a peak Supreme Realm cultivator would turn to ash upon touching it. You should know its value."
Shen Zhao rubbed his nose. "Does the Wind and Rain Pavilion not have this stone?"
"We do. But what do you offer in exchange?"
"How much? Name your price."
"Price? This stone is priceless, beyond the measure of mere currency."
"What does the Pavilion Master intend to offer in exchange?"
The zither music flowed on, showing no sign of stopping.
"Naturally, it would be a direct exchange of items, or you could provide Wind and Rain Pavilion with a completely new piece of intelligence."
Shen Zhao unfurled his fan and found a seat, then smiled. "May I ask what item you require in exchange, or what valuable intelligence you would like me to provide?"
"The intelligence would be yours to provide, but its value will be determined by Wind and Rain Pavilion."
"A fair transaction, but the intelligence I possess is so shocking that Wind and Rain Pavilion might not be interested. I'd rather stick to the first option: an item-for-item exchange."
"Oh? Intelligence that Wind and Rain Pavilion wouldn't be interested in? Tell me more; it might offset the value of the trade."
"Never mind. Even if I told you, no one would believe it. Let's not waste time and get straight to the point. Pavilion Master, what item do you require in exchange?"
Ying Zhaoyun: "Then let's use the Seven-Colored Cloud Gu from the Netherwheel Gu King as the bargaining chip."
"Ha."
Shen Zhao shook his head with a smile.
"The Pavilion Master's request is rather overestimating my abilities. The Seven-Colored Cloud Gu, also known as the Seven-Colored Heavenly Silkworm, is one of the Three Great Rare Gu of the world. Even Emperor Realm cultivators risk death and the destruction of their Dao upon contact. How could an ordinary person obtain it?
Moreover, the gu resides within the Netherwheel Gu King, fused into a single entity. To extract the gu, one must eliminate the Netherwheel Gu King while simultaneously preventing the gu's venom from erupting. Any misstep could lead to the deaths of tens of millions. I, for one, do not wish to become an eternal sinner.
If you are unwilling to trade, the Wind and Rain Pavilion will not force the matter. However, I must remind you that only three Heaven-Burning Divine Stones have been revealed in the Central Region: one at the Xiongnu Royal Court, one at the Weiyang Palace, and the last one is in our possession."
Shen Zhao lightly touched his nose, seemingly lost in thought.
Ying Zhaoyun continued, "Unless you are confident you can survive a confrontation with both the Xiongnu King and the Dragon Han Empress, you will never obtain the other two Heaven-Burning Divine Stones."
"It seems I have no choice, then?" Shen Zhao asked with a bitter smile.
"If you have sufficient confidence in your abilities, you could try your luck at the Blazing Heaven-Burning Mountain."
Ying Zhaoyun spoke with unwavering confidence.
"When should we trade?"
Shen Zhao's question caught Ying Zhaoyun slightly off guard.
"What do you mean, sir?"
"I've agreed to help you obtain the Seven-Colored Cloud Gu."
"Oh? You're truly not afraid of the Seven-Colored Gu's poison? Let me warn you, while the Netherwheel Gu King only has Supreme Realm cultivation, the toxins it carries would make even Great Emperor cultivators tread carefully."
"You don't need to concern yourself with that. I have my own methods."
"You seem overly confident, sir."
"That's my business. You needn't worry about it, Pavilion Master."
Ying Zhaoyun lightly plucked the zither strings and said, "Very well. Ten days."
"Ten days?" Shen Zhao frowned.
"What? Too short? I suppose so. Poison King Valley is over 28,000 li away. Even with the fastest flying spirit beasts available in the city, the round trip would take seven or eight days. That's indeed too demanding for you. In that case, the Wind and Rain Pavilion could prepare a Nirvana Realm demonic beast for you..."
Shen Zhao interrupted, "You seem to misunderstand, Pavilion Master. I said ten days is too long. The longer we wait, the more complications might arise. Let's set a three-day limit. After three days, I will bring you the Seven-Colored Cloud Gu for trade. Please ensure the item I require is prepared."
The zither's music abruptly ceased.
The atmosphere in the room turned noticeably cold.
"Three days?"
"Just three days!"
"Do you know the consequences of trifling with the Wind and Rain Pavilion?"
"Does the Pavilion Master truly believe I'd risk my life for a joke?"
Shen Zhao rose and bowed toward the hazy figure behind the screen. "I ask that the Pavilion Master uphold your promise in three days."
With that, he rang the transmission bell on the table.
Hu Yushu re-entered the room at the sound.
Shen Zhao voluntarily blindfolded himself.
As he stood, Ying Zhaoyun suddenly asked, "What is your name?"
Closing his fan, he smiled slightly at the voice behind him. "The Pavilion Master is truly forgetful. I am Chu Liuxiang."
With that, he followed Hu Yushu out of the room.
Once Shen Zhao had left, Ying Zhaoyun stepped out from behind the screen.
Her snow-white robes made her already peerless skin even more dazzling, and her long, raven hair cascaded softly to her waist.
Only half a butterfly mask concealed her celestial beauty, leaving only a pair of lightly made-up, crimson lips visible, from which emanated the fragrance of rare orchids.
"Strange... I can't see through his cultivation at all. Chu Liuxiang? Hmm..."
-----------------------
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