The gray-robed cultivator immediately became alert: "Although I do business in the black market, I only trade the souls of demonic cultivators. This can be considered as upholding the path of righteousness."
"No matter how much money you offer, I won’t kill innocents to gain merits and commit crimes."
"This is the Myriad Images Sect, the most renowned righteous sect in Flying Cloud Country!"
Sun Lingtong waved her hand: "Alright, alright, I’ll take back the deposit for now, but you must continue to monitor Qin De."
"I’ll buy all the souls you have available."
"I’m still interested in doing business with Qin De."
The gray-robed cultivator hurriedly nodded: "I agree, I agree."
Sun Lingtong has made two purchases and acquired all the souls he was selling, clearly indicating she’s a major client.
The soul business concerning Qin De even amounts to fifty thousand Mid Grade Spirit Stones. He certainly doesn’t want to miss out on this big deal.
Sun Lingtong followed up: "I can forgo the compensation."
"But we need to sign a Divine Contract to ensure the basic level of trust."
The gray-robed cultivator immediately hesitated: "This..."
"I’ve never signed any Divine Contract with buyers before. Besides, the rules of the black market..."
He didn’t finish speaking, as Sun Lingtong directly interrupted him with a wave: "Don’t talk about useless things. Sign the Divine Contract, and we can continue doing business. Otherwise, forget it."
The gray-robed cultivator gritted his teeth and struggled internally a few times before nodding: "Alright!"
Not long after, Sun Lingtong quietly left the black market with a pile of souls.
Currently, within the Wanxiang Sect’s Main Mountain Gate, Ning Zhuo couldn’t leave, and the largest and most stable channel for acquiring souls was through the gray-robed cultivator.
This time, by signing the Divine Contract, it stabilized this channel.
"I can put the matters of my ’Saint Thief Scripture’ aside for now. Little Zhuo needs souls, the more the better, and supply cannot be interrupted."
"As for you... haha, having signed the Divine Contract, how long do you plan to hide?"
"I will uncover your true identity sooner or later!"
In the courtyard, the fragrance of tea lingered.
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng were enjoying a lively conversation with Nangong Zhi.
Nangong Zhi appeared to be around thirty years old, and she was a female Confucian Cultivator. Her long black hair was like a waterfall, and she wore a sky-blue ru skirt. Her movements carried scholarly air and also exuded competence.
Song Taosheng gently waved his folding fan, and began to explain the preliminary plans for the trial: "This time, the Xingyun Trial, I intend to focus less on arena battles. Instead, we’ll set up several stages, hosted by us Confucian Cultivators, and conduct them simultaneously. Each stage will demonstrate a unique method of paper-making and provide ample materials to assist in the participating cultivators’ attempts to make paper. Ultimately, judging the types, quantities, and quality of the paper produced within the stipulated time, the best will claim victory."
Nangong Zhi nodded slightly and said: "This truly embodies ’learning by doing,’ showcasing our Confucian Sect’s skills while demonstrating sincerity in exchange. Very good, it suits my taste."
She smiled pleasantly: "Since Elder Duanmu has spoken highly of Ning Zhuo. I cannot be stingy either. I am willing to contribute my savings to sponsor this trial and personally oversee the stage related to the Heavenly Star Paper."
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng were delighted upon hearing this and expressed their gratitude with clasped hands.
Nangong Zhi: "According to both fellow Daoists’ plans, who do you intend to invite to host the stages next?"
Chu Xuangu: "Situ Gu."
Nangong Zhi raised an eyebrow: "Fellow Daoist Situ, on that side... may not be easy. He usually dislikes drawing attention. This time, getting him to host the stage for the Haoran Xuan and contribute his unique crafting secrets and treasured materials might be..."
Situ Gu’s expertise in the Haoran Xuan is unmatched, and if he doesn’t participate in this Xingyun Trial, then the foundation of this trial will undoubtedly be weakened.
The Confucian Cultivators within the Myriad Images Sect all understand Situ Gu’s temperament.
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng had already prepared to cajole and negotiate patiently.
They bid farewell to Nangong Zhi and arrived at Situ Gu’s simple courtyard located halfway up the mountain.
The courtyard door was open, and Situ Gu greeted them first.
He wore a deep brown Confucian robe that was slightly worn, his figure was lean, his face stern, and he had three long strands of beard below his chin.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, Fellow Daoist Song! Come, please come in!" Situ Gu’s voice was eight degrees higher than usual, which was unusually enthusiastic.
He welcomed both inside and treated them with Spiritual Tea.
Song Taosheng lightly coughed, deliberating before speaking his purpose.
Situ Gu stroked his beard, saying, "Since we’ve received Elder Duanmu Zhang’s approval, of course, I’ll contribute both financially and physically!"
His enthusiastic demeanor led him to agree outright.
The matter progressed so smoothly it was hard to believe. Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng exchanged a few pleasantries and, after expressing their gratitude multiple times, stood up to take their leave.
On their way back, Song Taosheng could no longer hold back, lowering his voice, "Brother Chu, don’t you think... Fellow Daoist Situ was a bit too enthusiastic today?"
Chu Xuangu’s eyes flashed with insight, his voice steady, "It’s not just enthusiasm. He agreed too readily. Deep in his eyes, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible flash and eagerness, not in line with his usually meticulous character. There’s something amiss here."
Song Taosheng sighed, the too-smooth progress of matters had him on high alert.
After a brief discussion, they both decided to convince others to begin an investigation into this matter.
At the same time.
Situ Gu returned to his study and met two new faces belonging to Confucian Cultivators.
In the seat of honor was a man in dark clothing, approximately in his forties or fifties, with a lean face and eyes as deep as an ancient well—he was the great scholar Zhao Hansheng. His aura was still and profound, sitting there like a mountain, exuding an impressive grace.
The other was a young man apparently in his early twenties, clad in moon-white robes, strikingly handsome, a true gentleman. Yet, his ever-present pride in his eyes and brow lent him an element of aloofness. He was Zhao Hansheng’s disciple, and even within Huazhang Country, he was renowned as a contemporary genius—Gu Qing.
"Both of you fellow Daoists have heard, I’ve already agreed to participate in this Xingyun Trial." Situ Gu’s face bore a faint smile.
His tone tinged with hesitation, he continued, "But I’m afraid Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng have sensed something odd and won’t be left in the dark for long."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qing’s lips curved into a faint, assured smile, full of confidence as if he had control over everything. He picked up the teacup before him, sipping it elegantly and calmly, "Mr. Situ, there’s no need to worry; we never intended to conceal it."
Zhao Hansheng stroked his beard, his voice calm yet exuding an undeniable authority, "Indeed. Going forward, we will make our move first. We’ll directly visit Duanmu Zhang! Fellow Daoist Situ, why not join us?"
Situ Gu hesitated momentarily but eventually shook his head.
Gu Qing stood with a smile, "In that case, we shall take our leave first."
Situ Gu promptly saw them out.
On the road cloud-bound, Gu Qing used Divine Sense Transmission, speaking with disdain, "Situ Gu is just like that—hesitant and indecisive in his actions. He wishes to be close to us while wanting to maintain his dignity. With such duplicity, how can he accomplish anything?"
Zhao Hansheng replied, "The Confucian Cultivator group within Myriad Images Sect is no more than this. However, for you, they still hold value."
Gu Qing chuckled, "That’s true. This journey away from my family to travel the world is precisely to accumulate achievements so that upon returning to Huazhang Country, I can push for a higher status and fame."
"Learning of the Confucian Cultivator group’s plans from Situ Gu—they intend to support Ning Zhuo, an outsider, even establishing several Xingyun Trials. Then don’t blame me for using this opportunity, formally stepping onto the stage, leveraging Ning Zhuo to make a name for myself."
Chu Xuangu and Song Taosheng found Li Guanyu underneath the weeping willows by a creek.
Li Guanyu was unkempt, his robe stained with wine, leaning languidly against the tree trunk, holding a gourd of wine, drinking alone.
"Fellow Daoist Li, such an elegant pastime," Song Taosheng smiled as he approached.
Upon hearing the voice, Li Guanyu raised his head, his drunken eyes bleary but upon recognizing them, he smiled broadly, revealing white teeth, "Ah, it’s you two. Come, come, join Li in a drink!"
"Fellow Daoist Li, let us drink later. We have come for important business." Chu Xuangu detailed the Xingyun Trial proposal.
Li Guanyu responded heartily, "Sounds interesting! Alright, I accept the challenge of this ’Heart Fire Essence’ test!"
This was the most direct and convenient conversation.
Just as Chu Xuangu was about to express his gratitude, a Flying Message arrived; it was from Duanmu Zhang.
"Zhao Hansheng? Gu Qing? So that’s how it is..." Chu Xuangu was suddenly enlightened, handing the message over to Song Taosheng.
After reading it, Song Taosheng immediately frowned, "Things have become complicated."
Li Guanyu also glanced at the message, "Zhao Hansheng, I’ve heard of him, a renowned scholar in Huazhang Country, comparable to our Mr. Duanmu."
"Gu Qing—noble background, exceptional innate talent, famed at a young age—is truly a genius among us Confucian Cultivators!"
"Given the situation, are they also participating in this Xingyun Trial?"
"Ning Zhuo..."
"He likely isn’t Gu Qing’s match."