Chapter 607: Iron Garment Pavilion

Maoling, a shop selling brushes, ink, paper and inkstones.

This time, Meng Qi once again requested seven “Zhenlong Dianjing” brushes. The shopkeeper, as usual, asked indifferently whether there were custom orders, and if so, asked Meng Qi to present his seal.

Meng Qi smiled, stretched out his left hand, revealing a small gap that emitted a hazy silver glow.

A Silver Seal bounty hunter… the shopkeeper’s gaze stiffened slightly, his breathing deepened, and then he quickly put on a flattering smile: “Ah, an honored guest! Please follow me to the back to collect your items.”

At this level of the Silver Seal, in the eyes of ordinary people, one would be a mighty figure capable of ruling a city and commanding the winds and rains!

Stepping into the rear chamber, the shopkeeper immediately bowed: “Salutations to the Silver Seal. The information you requested has arrived. It was transmitted orally and not written down.”

Meng Qi nodded slightly: “Please proceed.”

The matter concerning the “Nine Heavens Thunder God Karma” involved one of the Nine Evil Paths and also connected to the hidden location of the “Immortal Women’s Realm.” At present, Meng Qi had not the slightest clue regarding this matter. However, the matter could not be delayed. First, the karma was gradually beginning to affect him directly, which would hinder his cultivation progress—both in terms of insight and the comprehension of laws—thus slowing his growth in strength. Second, no one could predict how long it would take to resolve this karma. If he delayed until the last moment, rushing to handle it in desperation would be akin to suicide.

Most importantly, with sufficient time, many choices that involved extreme risks could be carefully considered and abandoned if necessary, allowing him to proceed with patience!

For instance, the idea of cooperating with Gu Xiaosang—if there were other options or if it weren’t a last resort, Meng Qi would never dream of making a pact with a tiger. Moreover, she had merely entered the ruins of the Ninth Heaven, having only an indirect connection with the “Immortal Women’s Realm,” a fragment of the Celestial Court, and there was no guarantee she could actually help.

Still, she had told me about the “Overlord’s Severing Blade” from the very beginning and incited me to confront the disciples of the Immortal Women Sect. Perhaps she had long harbored plans in this regard… As these thoughts spun in his mind, Meng Qi suddenly considered: as the Holy Maiden of one of the Nine Evil Paths, seeking out Gu Xiaosang was probably just as difficult as seeking out the Immortal Women’s Realm. Every time they met had been orchestrated by her. Would he really have to wait around passively for her to approach him?

Therefore, Meng Qi decided to start by increasing his interactions with the heretical and sinister sects, gradually gathering clues. His primary focus would be on the Immortal Women Sect, with Gu Xiaosang as a secondary target. If he could identify an opportunity among the former, he would completely abandon the idea of collaborating with the demoness.

“In the common martial world, most of the heretical and sinister sects operate below the Outer Scenery level, frequenting places like black markets, brothels, and gambling dens. Those who surpass the Outer Scenery level usually bear blood feuds and killings, having offended major forces to varying degrees. As a result, they tend to act covertly. Unless one happens to stumble upon them by chance, it’s generally extremely difficult to track them down,” the shopkeeper recounted, conveying intelligence from the Six Gates headquarters.

Meng Qi understood this well. Otherwise, the experts of the heretical sects would have long been eliminated by the orthodox forces. Snakes have their paths, and mice have their holes; those who survive and thrive do so for a reason!

If it weren’t for the Six Paths Bureau’s pricing for karma resolution starting at thirty thousand Virtuous Merits, varying according to the difficulty of the karma involved, with the highest reaching up to a million, Meng Qi would rather pay to avoid trouble than go through all this hassle!

Unfortunately, the karma involving the “Overlord’s Severing Blade” and the “Immortal Women’s Realm” was certainly not going to be cheap.

“Are there any suspected experts from the heretical sects?” Meng Qi asked casually, knowing that the Six Gates’ intelligence would not stop at such a superficial level.

The shopkeeper didn’t hesitate and answered fluently: “Duanmu Bei, the master of the Jiangdong Branch of the Iron Garment Guild, known as ‘Haining Baichuan.'”

“An expert from the Iron Garment Guild belonging to the heretical sects?” Meng Qi showed slight surprise.

Like the Great River Gang, the Iron Garment Guild was one of the Six Pillars of the martial world, with deep roots and many experts. However, it was relatively more secretive. Its main headquarters were unlocated, reportedly on a hidden island in the Eastern Sea, while its branch offices spread across the country, such as the Jiangdong Branch and the Divine Capital Branch.

Depending on the strategic importance of the location, the master of each branch could be an ordinary Outer Scenery expert, a top-tier expert, or even a Grandmaster. Duanmu Bei was a Fifth Heaven expert.

They were neither clearly righteous nor evil, similar to the Beggar Sect, not openly committing acts that violated orthodox principles, but secretly engaging in some shady dealings. Rumors claimed they had a mysterious “Red Sash Pavilion,” specializing in assassination contracts, second only in skill to the Benevolent Pavilion.

Such large-scale organizations, structured differently from martial sects and aristocratic families, often recruited members mid-career, teaching them secret techniques to meet expansion needs. Thus, it wasn’t strange for them to have infiltrated the heretical paths. What was strange was that even the Six Gates suspected them, yet the Iron Garment Guild had yet to take action.

Had the core “Punishment Pavilion” fallen to such a state?

Realizing his words might have caused misunderstanding, the shopkeeper quickly shook his head: “Duanmu Bei himself is not from the heretical sects.”

He paused and explained: “Experts from the heretical sects often acquire treasures through plunder and slaughter, which they themselves may not need. However, they can’t openly trade these items to obtain what they need. Therefore, there are ‘local thieves’ in every region who specialize in laundering stolen goods and supplying urgently needed items, profiting handsomely from these transactions. These individuals often appear clean and respectable, backed by powerful forces, and act secretly and discreetly. Unless they are directly exposed, it’s nearly impossible to accuse them.”

“So Duanmu Bei is one of these local thieves?” Meng Qi suddenly understood.

The shopkeeper flattered: “The Silver Seal sees ten thousand miles afar. The Iron Garment Guild itself is neither clearly righteous nor evil, and secretly engages in many such trades. Duanmu Bei is simply particularly skilled at it, gaining considerable fame among the heretical sects.”

Indeed, through such individuals who straddled both the black and white paths, one could contact the ‘true’ heretical experts… Meng Qi mused thoughtfully.

The shopkeeper added: “Duanmu Bei appears openly lecherous and flamboyant, but his actions are secretive. We only know of his reputation but lack actual evidence. It’s said that unless one has a personal recommendation or a very high reputation among the heretical sects, he won’t even meet you. Even if he does, he will put on a face of disdain and hatred, driving you away immediately, or even capturing you.”

This ensured that those engaging in transactions were truly heretical experts, not spies from the Six Gates or orthodox forces!

Meng Qi slightly furrowed his brow; this indeed posed a challenge.

Creating a temporary “heretical identity” wouldn’t work, as he lacked both reputation and connections with any heretical experts familiar with Duanmu Bei.

…

The Jiangdong Branch of the Iron Garment Guild was located in Ying City. Meng Qi transformed himself into a rat once again, sneaking in to gather intelligence and prepare for an “official visit.”

The core of this branch was a two-story building painted in vermilion and purple, standing alone at the center of the garden, surrounded by a large open space.

Before even approaching it, Meng Qi suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He immediately stopped, spread his awareness, and let his mind reflect the surroundings like a still lake.

To his perception, Meng Qi was startled. Within a ten-zhang radius around the small building, there was no sign of life—no rats, no insects, no birds.

Was it specifically designed to guard against transformation techniques?

Or perhaps the master had a particular obsession, and no small animals were allowed near his residence?

As he pondered, a magpie flew in from the outer garden, attempting to pass through this area.

As it approached, it suddenly stiffened, as if it had collided with an invisible wall. Then, a faint light flickered, and the magpie silently disintegrated into ashes.

In this present age, to be guarded against transformation techniques—how mysterious the Iron Garment Guild truly was… Meng Qi frowned inwardly, quietly retreating to investigate other small buildings in the garden.

After “observing” seven other small buildings, Meng Qi discovered that Duanmu Bei’s reputation for lechery was indeed well-earned. The youngest of his concubines, a pair of twin sisters, were only fifteen or sixteen years old—much younger than his grandchildren.

“Hmm, they carry internal allure and have practiced related techniques,” Meng Qi, in the form of a bird, silently observed the twin sisters, detecting a slight anomaly.

These two concubines had petite figures, youthful faces, and charming appearances. At first glance, there was nothing unusual about them. However, Meng Qi had recently learned the “Yuxu Divine Calculation” from Duke Huan of Qi, Lord Xiaobai, who during his prime was also known for his lustful nature and often used women as examples to teach. Upon closer inspection, Meng Qi realized that the two concubines carried an internal allure, half innate and half cultivated through some secret technique.

Such techniques were rare. Could it be a gift from the Immortal Women Sect, meant to aid Duanmu Bei in the “Yin Nourishment” practice to maintain their relationship? Or was it secretly given by someone else, pretending to be a gift to entice Duanmu Bei into a trap, luring him into indulgence and ultimately controlling him from the shadows? As these thoughts swirled, Meng Qi quietly withdrew from the garden housing the Jiangdong Branch, planning to pay an official visit.

At a secluded spot, he transformed himself, becoming a middle-aged man with frosty temples, wearing a green robe, a soft cap on his head, with deep features and a refined, weathered demeanor.

This was none other than the once-notorious figure of the heretical path—the Poisonous Hand Demon Lord!

He had died in Bomi, known only to Doumu and Meng Qi himself. It was the perfect disguise!

During the time when the Poisonous Hand Demon Lord was active, Duanmu Bei had already been a well-known Outer Scenery expert in the Iron Garment Guild. Even if they had never met, Duanmu Bei should have heard of him. Such a vicious and notorious figure could not possibly be a spy from the orthodox forces or the Six Gates!

Meng Qi’s transformation of the Poisonous Hand Demon Lord appeared relatively young, not showing the aged and tormented look he had in his later years, but rather resembling his appearance before he fled to Bomi, to avoid Duanmu Bei failing to recognize him.

…

Outside the Jiangdong Branch, several servants were watching the young mistress play joyfully. She was Duanmu Bei’s youngest daughter, born six years ago to one of his concubines, a delicate and charming little girl.

The girl chased butterflies, running and sweating, when suddenly she saw a butterfly land on a strong, white hand.

She opened her eyes wide, looked up, and saw a graceful and refined uncle figure, wearing a green robe, with frosty temples, calm in posture, and smiling gently.

“Thank you, Uncle,” she joyfully thanked him as the butterfly was handed to her.

“Stay away from her!” At that moment, a deep voice rang out. A man appeared on the spot—gray-haired but wrinkle-free, none other than Duanmu Bei, the master of the Jiangdong Branch.

Meng Qi smiled, withdrew his right hand behind his back, and calmly looked at Duanmu Bei without uttering a word.

“You’ve offended the orthodox forces, offended the Heaven-Extinguishing Sect, the Luo Sect, and the Beggar Sect. How dare you show your face again?” Duanmu Bei’s voice was heavy.

He recognized me… Meng Qi, hands behind his back, smiled confidently: “Different times, different circumstances.”