The transaction had its hiccups, yet the outcome was surprisingly smooth, truly catching everyone off guard. The woman’s demeanor shifted from anger to joy, leaving no one certain of her true intentions. Her subtle display of her mastery over the profound arts of divination only added to the mystery.
However, the completion of the transaction was paramount, and Qian Ye did not wish to linger in this perilous place. Although he had many questions for Song Zining, they could be asked upon their return. Thus, the group swiftly boarded the airship and set sail back to Nanqing City at full speed.
On the airship, the old man sat silently in the main cabin, his eyes closed. When Song Zining entered with the others and saw the old man, he was immediately shocked, exclaiming, “Eunuch Liu!”
The old man’s eyes slightly opened, casting a half-amused glance at Song Zining. “You’re quite daring for your age, managing to trick me into coming to the Neutral Zone. Quite rare, indeed.”
Song Zining respectfully bowed, setting aside his flippant attitude. “I never expected to trouble you, truly. Please forgive me, Eunuch Liu.”
Eunuch Liu waved his left hand lightly, saying, “It’s fine, what’s a little trouble? After being cooped up in the palace for so long, these old bones need some exercise, or they’ll rust. Even a light breeze can make my joints ache!”
Song Zining immediately replied, “This Neutral Zone has many good things. I’ve heard there are medicines that can treat rheumatism, especially suitable for those with deep origo cultivation. These medicines aren’t very rare, just a bit hard to find. Qian Ye and I will get them for you.”
Eunuch Liu seemed quite interested, nodding. “Your filial piety is commendable. But I can’t stay long; I must return tomorrow. This Neutral Zone is still your domain.”
Song Zining was taken aback. “So soon? Then I’ll send the medicines to you once we find them.”
Eunuch Liu smiled contentedly. “If they’re not too expensive, get more. The palace is cold and damp, and many of my old comrades suffer from the same ailment. If the medicine is scarce, it might not be enough to go around.”
“Rest assured, Eunuch Liu, we will do our best. I was wondering why the woman was so easy to deal with, agreeing to leave so quickly. Now I know it was because of you.”
Eunuch Liu nodded slightly. “That woman was troublesome, and I didn’t want to deal with her, so I let her know who I am, to avoid further complications.”
Turning to Qian Ye, Eunuch Liu beckoned him. “You must be Qian Ye. Come closer, let me take a look.”
Qian Ye glanced around, seeing Li Kuanglan and Song Zining nod in encouragement, he approached Eunuch Liu. Truthfully, he was instinctively wary of approaching such a formidable and enigmatic figure, much like a wild beast would avoid another. Before, when his strength was lesser, the instinct was muted. Now, with his rapid advancement in blood and origo, the instinct was growing stronger.
Eunuch Liu smiled. “Come closer, there’s nothing to fear. I won’t eat you.”
With a gulp, Qian Ye took another step forward, still two meters away. At this distance, he hesitated. His instincts were screaming, warning him that Eunuch Liu was far from the calm appearance he presented, brimming with power ready to strike.
Eunuch Liu did not insist, instead examining Qian Ye closely, nodding in approval. “Impressive, I wasn’t this strong at your age.”
Eunuch Liu placed his thumb against his index finger, snapping it, producing a crisp sound. The snap caused Qian Ye’s heart to race uncontrollably, pumping blood furiously throughout his body.
Qian Ye was stunned. Usually, his heart played a diminishing role due to the presence of the Blood Core. If not for the Dawn Force protecting it, even this vital organ might have been transformed by the Golden Blood.
Whatever technique Eunuch Liu used, a mere snap had bypassed Qian Ye’s layers of defenses, reaching directly to his heart. It was a terrifyingly powerful move.
Shaken, Qian Ye’s blood and origo reacted instinctively, using his robust body to suppress his racing heart, lest it burst from the strain.
Eunuch Liu stopped after one snap. As the reverberations faded, Qian Ye’s heartbeat gradually returned to normal.
Eunuch Liu nodded. “Indeed impressive. I envy this body. Qian Ye, after I leave, consider some matters carefully. With someone willing to protect you, your past transgressions are nothing.”
Qian Ye was bewildered, unsure who Eunuch Liu referred to. Pointing to the top of his head, it must be someone high in the palace. A prince, princess, a noble consort, or even the Emperor or Empress?
Uncertain of his connection to these powerful figures, Qian Ye remained puzzled as Eunuch Liu closed his eyes, remaining silent.
Li Kuanglan stood by the window, motionless, staring outside as if mesmerized. His behavior was suspicious. Qian Ye looked at his back, and Li Kuanglan’s shoulders tensed, indicating a reaction.
This only heightened Qian Ye’s suspicion. In his view, Li Kuanglan’s actions were a clear sign of unease, hiding something from Qian Ye.
As Qian Ye prepared to question him, Song Zining tugged his sleeve, signaling him to follow.
Outside the cabin, in the quiet corridor, Song Zining explained, “Eunuch Liu is a very important figure, a general under the late Emperor. After the Emperor was attacked, severely injured once, Eunuch Liu entered the palace to protect him. Over the years, countless dark race assassins fell to his hands. He is the strongest in the palace, as far as I know.”
Qian Ye was shocked. No wonder Eunuch Liu’s presence was so overpowering, and his technique of controlling the heart with a snap was so eerie and powerful. In a fight, such a move could be fatal.
“Why is Eunuch Liu here in the Neutral Zone? Shouldn’t he be in the palace protecting the Emperor?”
Song Zining replied, “His presence indicates the importance of the matter.”
“What matter?” Qian Ye was still confused.
Song Zining dodged the question, “You’ll know in time. It concerns you.”
Song Zining’s evasiveness only piqued Qian Ye’s curiosity, but Song Zining was tight-lipped.
As they conversed, Eunuch Liu’s voice echoed in their ears, “This matter is crucial, or I wouldn’t be here. Little Seven, you should understand the significance since I’m here. If it succeeds, all is well. If not, you know the consequences. I may have to come again, but it won’t be pleasant then. Proceed with caution.”
Song Zining’s expression changed, a bitter smile on his face, pondering deeply.
Eunuch Liu continued, “In the eyes of that person, nothing is more important. Since you proposed it, you must see it through. Don’t think of making amends; failure means no amount of merit will help.”
Song Zining’s face fell, and he sighed heavily.
Even Qian Ye sensed the gravity, asking, “Zining, what is it? Can you tell me, at least to help ease your burden?”
Song Zining only sighed, “Help? You’d be lucky not to add to my woes. It’s my fault, for not gauging the situation properly.”
Qian Ye was mystified, “What is it, and how does it concern me?”
“More than you know.”
The airship sped away, with Eunuch Liu sitting calmly, eyes closed. Li Kuanglan and Song Zining were preoccupied, one staring out the window, the other banging his head in a corner. Only Qian Ye remained baffled, his curiosity unquenched.
Meanwhile, another airship had landed in Tidetide City, where Luo Bingfeng awaited. When Luo Yun entered the study, his gaze fell on the two sealed boxes, and he asked, “Did you get it?”
Luo Yun handed over the boxes, saying, “Everything went smoothly. Qian Ye passed the Heart Sutra test, and the secrets inside are genuine.”
Luo Bingfeng took the boxes, smiling, “Good. With this, Nan Nan’s cultivation will improve, and her injuries can be healed.”
Luo Yun reported, “Lord, the Wolf King demands compensation for delivering Song Zining.”
Luo Bingfeng, in good spirits, replied, “Give him what he wants, as long as it’s reasonable.”
“Yes, Lord,” Luo Yun agreed, but hesitated. Luo Bingfeng, puzzled, asked, “Is there more?”
Luo Yun hesitated, “Yes, there is. I’m not sure if I should say it.”
“Just say it, don’t beat around the bush.”
“Madam was present during the transaction.”
Luo Bingfeng was shocked, standing up. “What? Why was she there?”
A soft voice came from the doorway, “Why can’t I be there? Are you afraid I’ll know?”
Luo Bingfeng was at a loss, “Why would I be? I have nothing to hide.”
The woman entered, pointing to the boxes, “You got them. Aren’t you going to look?”
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