Translator: CinderTL
"This matter is urgent. How can we delay?" Qi Luo said, her voice tinged with dissatisfaction.
Song Wen replied, "But we can't think of any countermeasures right now. What good will rushing do?"
Qi Luo's expression softened with resignation. "Fine, we'll set this aside for now. However, I have another matter that requires your assistance."
"What is it?" Song Wen asked.
"Kill Shi Man," Qi Luo transmitted telepathically, her face twisting into a grimace.
"Kill Shi Man!" Disbelief flashed in Song Wen's eyes. "Qi Luo, why do you want to eliminate her? I'm only at the Nascent Soul Stage—how could I possibly kill her? Your cultivation surpasses hers, so why not handle it yourself?"
Qi Luo explained, "I sense Shi Man harbors murderous intent toward me. Keeping her around is a disaster waiting to happen. It's better to strike first. While my cultivation surpasses hers, I'm not skilled in combat. If I confront her directly, I can't guarantee her elimination."
Song Wen countered, "Then I certainly can't kill her."
Qi Luo said, "I'm not asking you to act personally. While you're investigating the Blood-Eyed Divine Ape, also look into Shi Man's past. See if she has any enemies in Phoenix Feather City. If you find any, leak her whereabouts to them and let them deal with her."
Song Wen replied, "I will keep this in mind."
Qi Luo nodded slightly and ended the divine sense communication, soaring away.
Song Wen also took to the skies, heading toward Phoenix Feather City.
Chi Pei's orders were for him to investigate the so-called "Exchange Conference."
Phoenix Feather City was the largest cultivator city in the surrounding region.
Given that it was a conference for high-tier cultivators, it was most likely to be held there.
Upon arriving in Phoenix Feather City, Song Wen wandered through the streets and alleys before checking into an inn.
He did this partly to show Chi Pei and his group, who might also be in the city, that he was diligently carrying out his orders.
For the next three days, Song Wen made daily appearances in Phoenix Feather City, pretending to wander aimlessly through the city.
That day, just as Song Wen stepped out of the inn, he spotted a familiar figure: Ye Bing!
She was walking side-by-side with Jin Xiuqi on the main street outside the inn.
Ye Bing noticed Song Wen too, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes, but she didn't acknowledge him, maintaining her composed demeanor. She occasionally offered brief replies to Jin Xiuqi's incessant chatter.
As for Jin Xiuqi, he remained completely oblivious to Song Wen's presence.
Firstly, he had never met "Ye Hua"; during their initial encounter, Song Wen had used the alias "Fang Pengyi."
Secondly, his entire attention was focused on the beautiful woman beside him, his words flowing endlessly, his face radiant with enthusiasm.
"Fellow Daoist Ye Bing, the spirit banquet at Heavenly Star Pavilion is unparalleled in the world. Each dish is infused with rich Spiritual Qi from heaven and earth, boasting exquisite flavors, aromas, and presentation that leave an unforgettable impression. Would you honor me by joining me at Heavenly Star Pavilion to partake in this spirit banquet?"
Ye Bing's expression remained indifferent. "Thank you for your kind invitation, Fellow Daoist Jin. I came to Phoenix Feather City for urgent business and must decline the banquet. I hope you'll understand."
Jin Xiuqi showed no embarrassment at being directly rejected, his smile unwavering.
"What brings you here, fellow daoist? The Jin Family holds considerable influence in Phoenix Feather City. Perhaps we can lend you a hand."
Ye Bing's expression softened, no longer as coldly indifferent as before. A hint of hesitation flickered across her face.
Jin Xiuqi's eyes brightened slightly at this change.
"Fellow Daoist Ye Bing, is there something you're reluctant to reveal? If you have concerns, I won't press you further."
"It's not a secret," Ye Bing replied. "I simply worry about troubling you too much."
"Serving you would be an honor," Jin Xiuqi said. "Besides, what might seem like a thorny issue to you could be a trivial matter for the Jin Family."
Ye Bing sighed. "Very well. Then I thank you in advance, fellow daoist. I came to Phoenix Feather City upon hearing that someone here possesses Azure Scale Wood. I wish to forge a flying sword and seek this Spirit Wood."
"So you're after Azure Scale Wood? This is simple," Jin Xiuqi declared confidently.
A look of surprise crossed Ye Bing's face.
"Do you happen to have Azure Scale Wood on hand?"
Jin Xiuqi shook his head, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"I don't have it myself. But my uncle, Jin Xun, does."
"That's wonderful! I wonder what Uncle Ling would require in exchange for the Azure Scale Wood?" Ye Bing asked, her face lighting up with excitement.
Ye Bing wasn't surprised to learn that Jin Xun possessed Azure Scale Wood. Years ago, while traveling on the Jin Family's Giant Flying Ship, Jin Xun had publicly declared his possession of a Azure Scale Wood and his desire to trade it for a millennium-old Earthfrost Vine.
"Over two decades have passed, yet the Azure Scale Wood remains in Jin Xun's hands. It seems he hasn't successfully obtained the Earthfrost Vine," Ye Bing mused inwardly.
Unaware of Ye Bing's thoughts, Jin Xiuqi remained all smiles. His joy wasn't feigned; it stemmed from genuine happiness at reuniting with Ye Bing and having the opportunity to assist her.
"Fellow Daoist Ye Bing, rest assured. My uncle is my father's younger brother and has always been fond of me. If I intercede, he'll surely grant me some face and part with the Azure Scale Wood for you."
Ye Bing turned, her face filled with gratitude as she looked at Jin Xiuqi. Her eyes curved into crescent moons, sparkling like distant stars.
"Then I must thank you, fellow daoist," she said. "If we can successfully complete the transaction with Uncle Ling, I will forever remember your kindness."
Jin Xiuqi's smile grew even brighter, his entire being radiating like the morning sun, his face flushed with warmth.
Song Wen stood at the inn entrance, watching Ye Bing and Jin Xiuqi walk past him, his heart filled with satisfaction.
Ye Bing had finally heeded his advice and made a move against Jin Xun.
If she could refine the Void Union Primordial Breakthrough Pill sooner, it would be a great boon for Song Wen as well.
From her words and actions, it was clear she planned to use Jin Xiuqi to lure Jin Xun out before striking.
However, her methods were far too naive.
Jin Xiuqi trusted Ye Bing, but Jin Xun would never be so easily swayed.
Even if Jin Xun agreed to meet Ye Bing to discuss the Azure Scale Wood transaction out of consideration for Jin Xiuqi's reputation, he would undoubtedly insist on meeting within Phoenix Feather City. This would leave Ye Bing with little opportunity to act.
In Song Wen's view, the easiest way to lure Jin Xun into a trap was to offer him something he desperately needed. Only then would Jin Xun risk meeting Ye Bing in a remote location.
(End of the Chapter)
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