Chapter 1037: Chapter 380: Secret Meeting at Dragon Loach Mountain (Part 2)
Under such circumstances, Lin Bufan would naturally seek out Zhu Xuanji to inquire and discuss, to see if there was a possibility of cooperation.
As a result, just as Sect Leader Lin finished writing the letter, he received a letter from Zhu Xuanji himself.
It turned out that Ning Zhuo’s letter was transmitted through various posts and eventually reached Southern Bean Country.
Southern Bean Country is controlled by the Zhu Family, so sending letters naturally has limited channels.
Zhu Xuanji received Ning Zhuo’s letter a whole day earlier than Lin Bufan did.
Upon opening the letter, Lin Bufan understood Zhu Xuanji’s intention.
Zhu Xuanji agreed to the transaction with Ning Zhuo and would travel with the caravan to Flying Cloud Country, but would not meet Ning Zhuo, only asking Lin Bufan to arrange suitable candidates.
Lin Bufan couldn’t help but wonder: “Divine Hunter Zhu is the face of our nation’s Golden Core Level, is there an important mission that requires him to act personally?”
“However, having him participate and escort the caravan along the way puts my mind at ease.”
Lin Bufan immediately wrote a reply letter.
In just half a day, the letter reached Zhu Xuanji’s hands.
Divine Hunter Zhu extended his Divine Sense, read it completely, revealing a look of distress.
“I didn’t expect Ning Zhuo to have already reached Flying Cloud Country.”
“Sigh, I also have to go to Flying Cloud Country. Luckily, with Ten Thousand Medicine Sect as the representative, I don’t need to meet him.”
“It’s best to keep a distance from the Son of Destiny.”
As for Lin Bufan’s inquiry about why Zhu Xuanji was heading to Flying Cloud Country, Zhu Xuanji chose to keep it confidential.
“It is a secret operation settled between our country and Flying Cloud Country long ago. It’s not convenient to disclose it to Lin Bufan.”
“Ning Zhuo is at the Main Mountain Gate of Myriad Images Sect, whereas I am headed to Dragon Loach Mountain.”
“We won’t meet, definitely won’t meet each other.”
This diplomatic mission was a subject of careful consideration by the Southern Bean Royal Family for a long time.
Ultimately, the task fell upon Zhu Xuanji.
Zhu Xuanji had already anticipated his selection.
After all, for a Nascent Soul Level cultivator to cross into another country requires passage credentials, otherwise, it’s considered provocation.
But this time, a meeting between Southern Bean Country and Flying Cloud Country should not be publicized, making the normal passage credentials impossible to issue.
In this situation, Zhu Xuanji, as the strongest Golden Core, without the restrictions of Nascent Soul Level, even if exposed, wouldn’t incite state-to-state conflict.
From this point alone, Zhu Xuanji was undoubtedly an excellent choice.
Liangzhu Country.
The Capital.
General Mu Mansion.
“The imperial edict has arrived—!” The envoy walked briskly into the courtyard.
“We, your servants, receive the decree.” Led by General Mu, many cultivators half-kneeled on the ground.
The envoy slowly unfolded the imperial edict in his hand and read the content aloud.
Among the cultivators, Mu Lan revealed a surprised expression after hearing half of it: “What? I am to be dispatched to Flying Cloud Country?”
Following that, a thought crossed her mind: “Oh, this is a good opportunity.”
“Ning Zhuo wrote two days ago, wanting to trade for a Ghost Dao Golden Core. I was considering forming a caravan.”
“Now going myself saves a lot of trouble.”
“But I don’t know what the specific mission of this envoy is?”
Flying Cloud Country.
Prime Minister’s Mansion.
Kong Zhaoming was tending to official duties in the study.
In appearance, he seemed to be between forty-five and fifty, with a square face, sharply defined features, slightly high brow bones, and deep eyes like a cold pool. A high nose bridge and lips pressed in a firm line.
Even sitting down, one could see his tall, straight frame, broad shoulders, and expansive back.
He exuded an introverted, heavy aura that naturally made people straighten their spines, holding their breath, not daring to overstep when near him.
His temples were slightly frosted, topped by a simply styled, non-metal, non-jewel dark crown holding up his hair neatly with not a single strand out of place.
He wore a plain brocade long robe, without fancy embroidery, only adorned with very fine, neat black cloud patterns or square patterns at the collar and cuffs.
A deep-colored jade belt fastened at his waist, with a simple, square buckle.
Much like himself, his personality was also strict and upright, abiding by etiquette. While being strict with others, he was even stricter with himself.
“Hmm?” He came across a letter from his son, Kong Ran.
“Someone wants to pay a high price to purchase a method for excavating Early Wisdom Talent?”
“This boy actually intends to agree?”
Kong Zhaoming couldn’t help but snort coldly, showing disapproval.
In his mind, he refuted: “If talent can be properly excavated, one can ascend and become divine skills. Divine skills are standard for the Transforming Spirit Level, and if a cultivator below Transforming Spirit Level possesses divine skills, they would naturally own the strength to challenge above their level.”
“The method regarding talent is immensely important and should not be easily handed out.”
“If within enemy forces, Transforming Spirit Level combatants emerge, what should be done?”
“Even if they don’t reach Transforming Spirit Level, if it aids Golden Core cultivators, it’s still inadvisable!”
Currently, in the cultivation world, cultivation countries actively arm themselves, mutually confronting and defending.
Nascent Soul Level cultivators cannot easily cross borders, but according to regulations, Golden Core cultivators are not under such control.
Therefore, even if a Golden Core cultivator acquired such knowledge, it might still pose a concern for the entire nation.
“Take this occasion as an example, our nation is secretly discussing with numerous countries’ envoys on Dragon Loach Mountain.”
“Those attending are at Golden Core Level.”
“In this process, there will inevitably be contests and challenges.”
“This means that the duels at the Golden Core Level decide the country’s reputation, potentially affecting subsequent negotiations.”
Known as the Eighth Son, Kong Ran has early wisdom talent, yet falls in the low-class.”
“Just for a mere Ideograph Brush, are you going to sell out your talent method like this?”
“Not allowed!”
Myriad Images Sect.
Bluestock Cave Mansion.
Lin Bufan climbed out of the Fetal Breathing Spirit Boat.
He moved around a bit and the stone skin on his entire body began to peel off, revealing his normal skin.
Though, part of it wasn’t just due to the increased essence of his mortal body; one would notice some faint shadowy spots only with close inspection.
“Moreover, it’s not just my physical body’s foundation that’s stronger; it’s also because I allowed my soul power to recover on its own.”
Collecting the Fetal Breathing Spirit Boat, Lin Bufan called out to Snow-colored Girl·Hui as it was the prearranged time.
For Qing Chi, those two hours seemed to fly by.
Seeing her reluctance, a thought crossed Lin Bufan’s mind: “Oh, this is a great opportunity.”
Lin Bufan activated his Five Elements Mana, and Snow-colored Girl·Hui soon fell behind and was defeated.
Every victory made Snow-colored Girl·Hui tilt her head slightly up with a sense of smugness.”
Xue Shuyu’s spiritual nature showed no signs of activity, but Lin Bufan had already anticipated this and was in no hurry.
Meanwhile, Gongsun Yan came to report the investigation results. He handed over a Jade Slip to Lin Bufan, which contained information about Ban Ji.
“Gongsun Yan also had a set of mechanism artifacts at the Golden Core Level?”
“He doesn’t practice the orthodox spell of the Ban Family, but a Demon Skill instead…”
With this, a slight smile appeared on Ning Zhuo’s lips.
Just as Ban Ji has a relationship with Pi Fujie, they are more enemies than not.”
“Even if it’s not the Transforming Spirit Level, as long as they can assist a Golden Core Cultivator, wouldn’t that give them the strength to overcome levels in challenges?”
“For example, this time, our country is having secret talks with envoys from various countries on Dragon Loach Mountain.”
“Also known as, the Golden Core Level battles decide the nation’s face and affect future consequences.”
Gongsun Yan, the one responsible for handling the secret affairs of various countries within the Myriad Images Sect, came to report the investigation’s results to Ning Zhuo. He submitted a Jade Slip to Ning Zhuo, and inside it was intelligence about Ban Ji.”
According to the information, Ban Ji was engaged in a demon skill rather than practicing the orthodox spell of the Ban Family…
Upon reading this, the corner of Ning Zhuo’s mouth curled into a sly smile.