Translator: CinderTL
After Ye Bing left, Song Wen also rose to depart from the inn.
However, he did not cancel his reservation for the courtyard.
He walked straight out of Phoenix Feather City, circled the perimeter, donned a mask and cloak, and returned to the Rich Peace Inn, renting Courtyard No. 36.
This courtyard was three units away from his previous lodging, Courtyard No. 32.
From this vantage point, he could clearly observe any unexpected events at Courtyard No. 32.
Though he intended to help Ye Bing seize the Spirit Herb from Jin Xun, he feared unforeseen complications.
What if Jin Xiuqi's deep affection for Ye Bing was merely a facade?
If so, Ye Bing would be walking into the lion's den.
Should she be captured, interrogation or soul-searching would be inevitable, potentially exposing Song Wen as well. Renting a new courtyard offered a safer position.
To Song Wen's surprise, Ye Bing returned remarkably quickly.
"Gou Jun, open the door. I'm back," Ye Bing called softly from outside Courtyard No. 32.
However, after waiting a moment, the courtyard gate remained closed, and no sound came from within.
She didn't dwell on it, assuming Song Wen had simply stepped out.
[Gou Jun, I'm outside your courtyard. Return immediately.] Ye Bing retrieved her Communication Jade Slip and sent a message to Song Wen.
Song Wen, who had been constantly monitoring Courtyard No. 32, naturally noticed Ye Bing's return.
After observing for a moment and confirming that Ye Bing showed no signs of injury and was not being followed, he replied:
[I'm at Courtyard No. 36.]
Ye Bing was slightly surprised, but remembering Song Wen's usual cautious nature, she found it unsurprising. She flashed to Courtyard No. 36.
Creak!
The courtyard gate swung open automatically.
Ye Bing stepped inside.
The courtyard's layout was identical to Courtyard No. 32. Song Wen sat beneath the large tree at the stone table, leisurely sipping tea.
"Immortal Maiden, please have a seat," Song Wen said, gesturing to the stone stool opposite him.
At the same time, he waved his hand to close the courtyard gate.
After Ye Bing sat down, she said, "Gou Jun, sometimes I really want to beat you up!"
Song Wen looked genuinely puzzled. "Why? I don't believe I've ever offended you, Immortal Maiden."
Ye Bing retorted, "I'm charging into battle at the front lines while you hide in the back, scheming and acting like a coward."
Song Wen immediately understood that Ye Bing was criticizing him for secretly changing his residence.
He smiled faintly. "We cultivators must be cautious. Without vigilance, we'd be lucky to live as long as mortals, let alone achieve immortality."
Song Wen quickly changed the subject. "Immortal Maiden, did you obtain anything on this trip?"
Ye Bing replied, "I followed your plan and didn't make a deal with Jin Xun. However, I couldn't complete the transaction either. Jin Xun's condition for trading Azure Scale Wood was either a thousand-year-old Earthfrost Vine or spirit grass that could extend lifespan by at least a century. I have neither. Even after Jin Xiuqi repeatedly urged him, Jin Xun refused to budge on his terms."
"Did you exchange Communication Jade Slips with Jin Xun?" Song Wen asked.
Ye Bing nodded. "We did. What's our next move?"
"Disappear for a while, then reappear and contact Jin Xun," Song Wen instructed. "Claim you've found someone who possesses the Earthfrost Vine and can broker a deal. Jin Xun has been searching for years without success, so he's undoubtedly anxious. He won't let any opportunity slip through his fingers. At that point, you'll hold the initiative, and the transaction location will naturally be determined by you."
Ye Bing glanced sideways, her gaze deep and penetrating as she studied Song Wen.
Previously, she had only perceived Song Wen as cautious and adept at seizing opportunities. Now, she realized the depth of his understanding of human nature—his ability to grasp and analyze the subtlest nuances of the human heart.
"Alright, we'll proceed as you suggest," Ye Bing said after a brief pause. "What about you? Are you planning to leave Phoenix Feather City with me, or..."
Song Wen shook his head. "I have other urgent matters to attend to. I can't leave with you."
"When will we meet again?" Ye Bing asked.
After a moment's thought, Song Wen replied, "I'm not sure. Once I've resolved my affairs, I'll come find you."
"How long will that take?" Ye Bing pressed.
"It could be a few months at the shortest, or several years at the longest," Song Wen said. "I can't say for certain right now."
"Without your help, I doubt I can lure Jin Xun out and capture him alone," Ye Bing said.
Song Wen's plan required at least two people to execute. Moreover, Ye Bing wasn't confident she could defeat Jin Xun in a one-on-one confrontation.
"I'll return to you as soon as I've finished my business," Song Wen assured her.
After hearing this, Ye Bing remained silent for a moment, but seeing no other option, she nodded.
"Five million li west of Phoenix Feather City lies Azure Oak Lake. I'll wait for you there."
With their plan settled, the two left the Rich Peace Inn separately.
Ye Bing needed to bid farewell to Jin Xiuqi, primarily to relay a message to Jin Xun through him: Ye Bing had learned of clues regarding the Earthfrost Vine and was setting out to find it, hoping Jin Xun would refrain from taking action against the Azure Scale Wood for the time being.
As for Song Wen, he had lingered in Phoenix Feather City long enough. To avoid Chi Pei thinking he was neglecting his duties, he planned to visit nearby ghost markets and markets for a while.
Over ten days later, Song Wen piloted a small, ten-zhang-long Giant Flying Ship through the sky.
Today was the day Chi Pei had set for their rendezvous, and Song Wen was hurrying toward the meeting point.
Standing at the ship's bow, Song Wen suddenly felt a faint stirring in his heart. He sensed someone rapidly approaching from behind.
Immediately on alert, Song Wen swept his divine sense backward and discovered the approaching figure was none other than Shi Man.
So, Qi Luo failed to eliminate Shi Man, Song Wen thought to himself.
Shi Man's animosity toward Qi Luo had ignited a murderous intent in Qi Luo's heart, though she lacked the confidence to kill Shi Man herself. Before parting ways with Song Wen, she had instructed him to investigate Shi Man's past enemies, hoping to use them as a weapon to eliminate her rival.
Shi Man's death would bring Song Wen no benefit. Therefore, he had ignored Qi Luo's instructions.
Qi Luo, however, would undoubtedly pursue this plan herself.
Now, with Shi Man unharmed, it was clear Qi Luo's scheme had failed.
Since the approaching figure was Shi Man, Song Wen felt no threat to his safety. He pretended not to notice her and continued piloting the ship forward.
Shi Man, however, had clearly noticed him.
"Ye Hua, I never expected to encounter you here."
Shi Man's voice, though soft, carried clearly across the vast distance to Song Wen's ears.
Song Wen's face registered surprise as he abruptly turned to look behind him.
It seemed he had only just noticed Shi Man, for his expression of surprise immediately transformed into one of delight.
Slowing the Giant Flying Ship, he bowed respectfully in her direction.
"This junior greets Senior Shi Man."
The moment his words left his lips, the light before him dimmed slightly as Shi Man materialized on the ship's deck.
"Ye Hua, are you heading to meet Young Master Chi Pei?"
"That is correct," Song Wen replied.
"Then let us travel together," Shi Man suggested.
"It would be this junior's honor to accompany Senior Shi Man," Song Wen said.
With that, Song Wen resumed control of the ship and set course once more.
Shi Man stood on the deck, gazing at the distant clouds on the horizon, silent for a long while, as if deep in thought.
Song Wen refrained from disturbing her.
Suddenly, Shi Man's voice echoed in Song Wen's ears.
"Ye Hua, were the words you spoke that day... were they true?"
(End of the Chapter)
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