Chapter 13: The Eastern Heretic, Huang Yaoshi
Duke Li Ye of Tang clearly desired the Black Jade Interrupted Ointment, yet he insisted on adding two conditions, feigning a casual air as if he were in no great hurry.
Shopkeeper Tong, well-versed in the ways of business and human nature, immediately saw through Li Ye’s bluff. “Please, go ahead,” he said.
“First, the details of this transaction must remain absolutely confidential! If any news leaks out, I will hold your Wanbao Pavilion accountable!”
“Ha! Understood.”
“Second, the millennium fire spirit mushroom from the Duke’s estate was stolen by the Saint Wen Tao. You must fabricate a suitable origin story for this millennium fire spirit mushroom!”
Well then, the two conditions imposed by Duke Li were essentially meaningless, and Shopkeeper Tong readily agreed. The deal was struck!
After leaving with the blazing millennium fire spirit mushroom in hand, Duke Li fondly caressed the ointment nestled in its brocade box. “Ha! Watch how I display my prowess!”
How exactly Duke Li would demonstrate his might in the estate was another matter entirely.
Two days later, Zhang Zifan’s wounds had nearly healed. The sisters Qing Guo and Qing Cheng were both pleased, unanimously declaring Zhang Zifan as their destined husband.
Whether Zhang Zifan agreed no longer mattered — after all, he was no match for the twin sisters Qing Guo and Qing Cheng!
“Have you heard? Wanbao Pavilion has announced that tomorrow they will hold the transaction for the millennium spirit mushroom!”
“What does Young Master Li intend?” In just two days, Ji Ruxue and Li Xingyun had already been exchanging glances and secret signals.
“I suspect that the millennium spirit mushroom at Wanbao Pavilion is actually the millennium fire spirit mushroom from the Duke’s estate!”
“So Wanbao Pavilion knows where Wen Tao is?” Zhang Zifan’s spirit lifted. If Wanbao Pavilion had secured the millennium spirit mushroom, then whether it was the Longyuan Map or the Longquan Sword, obtaining either one would be a great achievement for the Tongwen Institute.
But Gao Wu silently cursed Wanbao Pavilion countless times in his heart, especially Shopkeeper Tong — truly a venomous viper!
If the world learned that the millennium spirit mushroom had fallen into their hands, they would immediately become the target of scorn. Gao Wu wondered whether Tong’s actions were intentional or deliberate.
“Zhang Lang, let’s just ask Wanbao Pavilion and find out!”
“Right, Wanbao Pavilion isn’t far; we know the way!”
“Hey, Gao Wu, weren’t you planning to buy the millennium spirit mushroom from Wanbao Pavilion? Could it be that you’re the one trading with them tomorrow?”
Qing Cheng’s big mouth couldn’t keep a secret!
Li Xingyun and the others, unaware of this, all turned to Gao Wu in disbelief.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Gao Wu shrugged. “Yes, I did request to purchase the millennium spirit mushroom from Wanbao Pavilion, but as to how they obtained it or from where, I know nothing!”
“Wanbao Pavilion’s rule is indeed to trade without questioning the source,” Li Xingyun said, lightly flicking her folding fan. Even in this cold weather, she maintained her poise. “Then tomorrow, we all go to Wanbao Pavilion together and see for ourselves, shall we?”
Gao Wu didn’t want to agree, but he couldn’t stop them.
Back in his room, Gao Wu quietly asked, “Have you decided? To exchange your Jade Maiden Heart Classic for the millennium spirit mushroom?”
Lying on her hemp mat, Liu Yifei nodded faintly. “The Dragon’s Roar Nine Heavens Technique is a rare qi-level inner cultivation method. Giving it to Wanbao Pavilion would be too generous. Besides, I suspect this technique conceals secrets—perhaps our time-traveling is connected to it!”
The little booklet Liu Yifei held was the Dragon’s Roar Nine Heavens Technique, which Gao Wu had painstakingly transcribed.
Though Gao Wu could only practice the first part, that didn’t stop him from memorizing the entire manual.
Liu Yifei had been studying the Dragon’s Roar Nine Heavens Technique diligently these past few days, even explaining it to Gao Wu as she read.
This technique was not only an inner qi method at the qi realm but also contained three complementary forms: Dragon Soaring the Nine Heavens, Thunder Dragon Sky Flight, and Divine Dragon’s Nine Manifestations.
Dragon Soaring the Nine Heavens used qi to wield a sword, capable of launching enemies into the air and chaining combos that left opponents unable to counterattack.
Thunder Dragon Sky Flight summoned three qi swords, then detonated them with sword intent, inflicting massive damage.
The final form, Divine Dragon’s Nine Manifestations, was a secret kill move only accessible at the qi realm; Liu Yifei had yet to comprehend it.
With her innate foundation, Liu Yifei found it easier to cultivate the Dragon’s Roar Nine Heavens Technique, but even after several days, she still hadn’t crossed into the qi realm.
The next morning, the group gathered at the entrance of the Qingfeng Inn.
Li Xingyun wore a crimson robe, exuding noble elegance, while Ji Ruxue had clearly taken care with her appearance, her pale makeup enhancing her delicate beauty.
Zhang Zifan stared unblinkingly at Liu Yifei, drool nearly escaping his mouth, much to the displeasure of Qing Guo and Qing Cheng.
The sisters flanked him on either side, blocking his view.
Gao Wu donned black battle attire and, aside from Qing Cheng, was the tallest among them, carrying an imposing presence.
Liu Yifei, unlike the Little Dragon Maiden who favored white, was clad in a teal battle outfit similar to Gao Wu’s, making them equally ready for combat.
When they arrived at Wanbao Pavilion, the hall was already packed with people.
Everyone was eager both to witness a significant transaction and to see if Wanbao Pavilion’s millennium spirit mushroom was truly the fire spirit mushroom.
The Mysterious Nether Sect had sent their venerated Saint Yan Jun, Jiang Chongde, a short and taciturn man with a steady demeanor, perfect for covert operations among the brothers, as the others were either too eccentric in appearance or quick-tempered.
Additionally, numerous local and foreign factions had dispatched agents for intelligence gathering. Even Duke Li Ye, disguised, mingled among the crowd.
“Welcome, esteemed guests, to Wanbao Pavilion to witness this momentous transaction!” Shopkeeper Tong took the stage and spoke plainly.
“The item for trade is a single specimen of the millennium spirit mushroom!”
“To ensure fairness and the authenticity of the treasure, we have specially invited the appraisal master, Huang Yaoshi, to serve as witness!”
No sooner had Tong finished speaking than a roar of chatter erupted in the hall.
“What? Isn’t Huang Yaoshi the master of Peach Blossom Island? How did he come to Kaifeng?”
“Wow, Wanbao Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation, able to invite one of the Five Great Masters of the World — the Eastern Heretic!”
“Master Huang is versed in astronomy, geography, the five elements, the eight trigrams, mysterious arts, and even the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. With him as witness, no one will dispute the transaction!”
“I hear Master Huang has a daughter as beautiful as a celestial being. I wonder if we might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse today!”
An elderly scholar dressed in blue robes and a matching square turban gracefully approached the center stage and took his place as witness.
Though lean and tall, his bearing was refined and commanding, exuding an air of serene elegance and almost divine presence.
“Eastern Heretic!”
“Huang Yaoshi!”
“Eastern Heretic!”
“Huang Yaoshi!”
The hall suddenly burst into cheers, as if fans had gathered to meet their idol.