Translator: CinderTL
Song Wen strolled leisurely through the streets of Phoenix Feather City, occasionally ducking into shops to purchase spirit grass and medicinal pills for his cultivation.
After about an hour, he figured he had completed his "act" for the day and was preparing to return to the inn when he suddenly felt a faint tremor from a Communication Jade Slip in his Storage Ring.
Using his divine sense, Song Wen probed the ring and discovered the jade slip belonged to Ye Bing.
Instead of immediately retrieving the jade slip, he continued his leisurely stroll back to the inn.
Only after returning to the small courtyard he had rented at the inn did Song Wen finally retrieve the Communication Jade Slip.
[Gou Jun, where are you? I need to discuss something with you.] This was Ye Bing's message.
[Rich Peace Inn, Courtyard 32.] Song Wen replied.
After sending his message, there was no immediate response from Ye Bing.
Yet, within a mere few dozen breaths, she appeared outside the courtyard.
Ye Bing had taken precautions to disguise herself. She wore a conical hat with a light veil hanging from the brim, obscuring her face. Her usual white robes had been replaced by a gray cloak.
The courtyard gate was ajar, so Ye Bing pushed it open and entered.
Her eyes immediately fell upon a large tree in the courtyard. Beneath it stood a stone table and several stone benches. Song Wen sat at the table, sipping tea.
Ye Bing strode to the stone table and sat down across from Song Wen without ceremony.
She removed her wide-brimmed hat, revealing her breathtakingly beautiful face. Picking up the teapot, she poured herself a cup of tea and drained it in one gulp.
"Excellent tea!" Ye Bing exclaimed, glancing up at Song Wen. "You certainly live a leisurely life."
"I merely steal moments of respite from my busy schedule," Song Wen replied.
As he spoke, he flicked a wisp of spiritual power toward the courtyard gate. The gate slammed shut, and the courtyard's inherent formation and restrictions activated.
"Aren't you afraid I might have poisoned your tea?" Song Wen asked, noticing Ye Bing pouring herself another cup.
"We have no grudges against each other," Ye Bing replied. "Moreover, my continued existence benefits you most. Why would you wish me harm?"
"The Immortal Maiden speaks truly," Song Wen acknowledged. "However, the human heart is fickle and unpredictable. I cannot guarantee I harbor no ulterior motives toward you. Your beauty is celestial, your allure irresistible. Which man in this world could remain unmoved? As a mere mortal, I am not immune to such temptations. Sinister thoughts occasionally stir within me. Aren't you afraid I might have laced your tea with aphrodisiacs?"
"It seems your recent fortunes have been too smooth," Ye Bing retorted, rolling her eyes at Song Wen. "You've even found time to tease me." After draining another cup of Spirit Tea, she continued, "Why did you come to Phoenix Feather City?"
Song Wen said, "Several months ago, I traveled to Ice Ling Island to visit the Immortal Maiden. However, she wasn't on the island at the time, and I couldn't even set foot there. Your subordinate, Ning Qiao, informed me that you had left on urgent business and hadn't returned for months. I surmised that the Immortal Maiden must have come to Phoenix Feather City. Fearing for her safety, I rushed here immediately. Now that I see her safe and sound with my own eyes, my heart is filled with joy."
Ye Bing remained unmoved by Song Wen's "deep affection," her expression one of helpless resignation.
"Gou Jun, can't you ever tell the truth?"
Song Wen replied, "Every word I've spoken is true. If the Immortal Maiden refuses to believe me, there's nothing I can do."
"Cloudveil City and Phoenix Feather City are separated by countless mountains and rivers, a perilous journey across treacherous terrain and dangerous waters. The safest route is by the Jin Family's Giant Flying Ship, which only makes the round trip every two years. I arrived on the ship over a year ago. How did you get here? By the time you set out, the Jin Family's ship would have already departed. Don't tell me you flew here alone?" Ye Bing had spotted a flaw in Song Wen's story and confronted him directly.
Her mind was as clear as a mirror; Song Wen's true purpose for coming here must be something else entirely.
"Heh heh..." Song Wen chuckled awkwardly, quickly changing the subject. "How long has the Immortal Maiden been in Phoenix Feather City?"
"It's been four months," Ye Bing said.
"The Immortal Maiden has been here for so long! Yet, judging by your encounter with Jin Xiuqi today, it seemed as if you had just met him," Song Wen remarked.
Ye Bing explained, "You know my purpose for coming here better than anyone. To avoid arousing Jin Xiuqi's suspicions, I refrained from using the Communication Jade Slip, despite having it. I had to conceal myself and secretly observe the Jin Family. After four long months, I finally saw Jin Xiuqi emerge. Only then did I reveal myself, pretending it was a chance encounter."
"I see," Song Wen said. "What's your plan for dealing with Jin Xun?"
"That's precisely why I came to you," Ye Bing replied. "I intend to use the guise of negotiating for Azure Scale Wood to lure Jin Xiuqi into inviting Jin Xun to meet outside the city. I'll then set up an ambush to strike them both. I was initially concerned about handling both Jin Xiuqi and Jin Xun alone, but your arrival is perfect timing. With our combined strength, dealing with them will be trivial."
Song Wen shook his head slightly.
Ye Bing frowned. "You're unwilling to help me? Don't forget, you have a share in the Void Union Primordial Breakthrough Pill."
"It's not that I'm unwilling to help," Song Wen clarified. "It's just that your plan has a glaring flaw."
"What flaw?" Ye Bing asked, her expression hardening.
Song Wen replied, "Jin Xun doesn't know you. Why would he agree to meet you at a location you specify? He'll either insist on meeting in Phoenix Feather City or bring powerful reinforcements to your chosen site. Either way, he'll have contingencies in place."
Ye Bing's brow furrowed deeper, her eyes reflecting a mix of contemplation and concern. "I hadn't considered that. What should we do?"
Song Wen remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering how to respond.
Just then, Ye Bing flipped her wrist, revealing a Communication Jade Slip in her palm. She activated her divine sense, reading the information within the jade slip while simultaneously using her divine sense to communicate with the sender.
Song Wen couldn't see the contents of the jade slip or know what message Ye Bing was sending, but he refrained from interrupting, watching quietly as she communicated.
After a brief exchange, Ye Bing put away the jade slip. Song Wen finally spoke. "Who was that?"
"Jin Xiuqi," Ye Bing replied. "Jin Xun happens to be in Phoenix Feather City right now. Jin Xiuqi has persuaded him to meet me to discuss the Azure Scale Wood deal. But as you predicted, Jin Xun insists on meeting within the city walls."
After a moment's thought, Song Wen replied, "Then go meet Jin Xun. Remember, no matter what trade conditions he proposes, refuse them by saying it's 'impossible to fulfill.' While you're there, try to find out which Spirit Herbs Jin Xun urgently needs."
Ye Bing didn't understand Song Wen's reasons for these instructions, but she nodded without hesitation.
"Alright."
With that, she put her conical hat back on, stood up, and left the small courtyard.
(End of the Chapter)
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