Chapter 531: The Deal

Creak!

The maid bowed and withdrew, closing the door behind her, instantly cutting off the outside noise.

The room was small but exquisitely arranged. The antique furniture, seemingly placed at random, were all rare treasures. In one corner stood a bronze censer shaped like an exotic beast, burning high-quality incense, filling the air with a fragrance reminiscent of orchid and musk.

Wu Ming sat carelessly on a sandalwood chair, his spiritual power spreading outward. In an instant, he had a clear view of the entire Xiyu Pavilion.

“Hmm? This place resembles a private room from my past life. There are thirteen secret rooms currently conducting transactions… This all-seeing Tianji Building must be the largest branch. Could there actually be a Tianxiang martial cultivator guarding the inner sanctum?”

Just as Wu Ming was scanning the library section, his mind beginning to consider certain unpleasant thoughts, an elderly man finally arrived late.

“Your arrival is such an honor that I failed to greet you properly at the door. I beg your forgiveness!”

The old man appeared to be in his sixties or seventies, his face deeply lined with age spots. Yet his eyes were sharp and full of vitality. His smile was warm and welcoming as he held a tray in both hands, upon which sat two celadon teacups: “Though Beifeng Domain lies on the frontier, this snow lotus tea is truly rare. Please, enjoy!”

Wu Ming picked up the cup and immediately sensed the tea’s unique aroma, along with a faint nourishing effect.

Even before revealing his true strength and intentions, he had already received such hospitality. It was clear that this place was wealthy beyond measure.

“Indeed excellent!”

He, confident in his abilities, took a small sip and said with a smile.

“I’m glad the honorable guest enjoys it…”

The old man sat down casually and began chatting about random topics, showing no signs of getting down to business. Wu Ming inwardly smiled, knowing the man was trying to probe his background.

However, how sharp was Wu Ming himself? After a series of vague and ambiguous exchanges, the old man had not only failed to extract any useful information but had unwittingly revealed quite a bit of his own intelligence, leaving him somewhat frustrated. Still, he forced a smile and asked: “May I ask what kind of information the honorable guest wishes to purchase?”

He paused, then continued: “Our Xiyu Pavilion classifies intelligence into three tiers. The top tier, Heaven Grade, is quite expensive and mostly involves Tianxiang martial cultivators. Some intelligence can only be traded with proof of alliance and close relations with our organization, otherwise we can only express regret… The second tier, Earth Grade, consists of secrets from various prefectures and information regarding the distribution of forces across the land… The lowest tier, Human Grade, mostly includes oddities and rumors, or intelligence we ourselves cannot verify. While not guaranteed to be entirely accurate, there are certainly valuable insights hidden within…”

“What if I were to inquire about information regarding the Martial Emperor?”

Wu Ming smiled slightly.

“The Martial Emperor?”

The old man was momentarily taken aback before replying: “There are many rumors surrounding the Martial Emperor. Since the fall of the Wu Dynasty, countless martial cultivators have sought to uncover his hidden treasures in hopes of gaining sudden wealth. Accumulated over time, we have gathered thousands of such pieces of intelligence. May I ask which specific aspect the guest is interested in?”

“All of it!”

“All of it?”

The old man was even more surprised, his gaze now scrutinizing Wu Ming: “The guest should be aware that among these pieces of intelligence, many are Earth Grade, and some even Heaven Grade…”

“Are you questioning my purchasing power?”

Wu Ming smiled. With a wave of his hand, several jade bottles and half a volume of ancient scripture appeared on the table.

“What is this…”

The old man flipped through the scripture and, after reading only a few lines, his expression changed dramatically: “Heaven Grade martial technique?!”

“This half-volume martial arts manual indeed comes from a secret manual capable of guiding one all the way to the Tianxiang realm… As for these jade bottles, each contains different medicinal substances. Some enhance essence and increase cultivation power, while others can heal injuries and save lives on the brink of death…”

Wu Ming explained slowly.

Upon arriving in the Shenwu World, he had certainly not remained idle. After thoroughly studying numerous texts, he had resumed his alchemical and medical skills, using Shan Gui Xiong and several Tianji Guards as test subjects, leading to significant breakthroughs in his research.

These pills and manuals were merely byproducts of his studies on the Xuan Shui Zhen Fa, mostly concocted casually by himself. The martial techniques were even derived from materials obtained from Shan Gui Xiong.

Though he himself might not consider them particularly valuable, in the Shenwu World, such items were extremely rare.

Otherwise, in terms of sheer wealth, he had little to offer, insufficient to impress the all-seeing Tianji Building.

Of course, if the other party still refused or attempted any underhanded tactics, he would not hesitate to tear down the building and forcibly seize the information through sheer force.

“My apologies… This transaction exceeds my authority. Please wait a moment…”

Although uncertain of Wu Ming’s identity, anyone capable of casually producing such items could hardly be ordinary.

Sweat appeared on the old man’s forehead as he hurriedly exited.

But only moments later, Wu Ming’s eyebrows lifted as he sensed the hidden Tianxiang martial cultivator had been alerted and was now standing beside his private room.

Creak!

The door opened again, and this time a middle-aged noblewoman entered. The old man humbly led the way, and after she entered, he stepped outside and closed the door behind him, behaving like a servant.

“My name is Yu Linglong. I happen to manage this building. May I ask the honorable guest’s name?”

Dressed in a snowy white fox fur coat, the noblewoman sat down directly with a smiling expression.

Wu Ming only needed one glance to recognize that this seemingly delicate Linglong Madam was actually an experienced martial artist at the Deyuan realm.

Even if Lin Xinlan came, she would struggle to subdue her easily.

“Wu Ming!”

“Oh! So it’s Master Wu!”

Yu Linglong showed slight surprise, and in an instant, she thought of someone.

At the same time, the Tianxiang realm martial artist beside her intensified his vigilance significantly.

Although the name “Wu Ming” was ordinary and common, there were not many individuals with such a mysterious background and formidable power.

As the manager of the all-seeing Tianji Building, Yu Linglong naturally knew about a recently emerged Tianxiang realm martial artist who coincidentally shared the same name and surname as the person before her.

She dared not be careless and became even more respectful: “Although it may seem impolite, may I once again inspect these items?”

“Please, go ahead!”

Wu Ming waved his hand casually.

Yu Linglong’s expression turned solemn. She picked up a pill between her jade-like fingers. As the rich fragrance of the pill spread, her expression subtly changed.

“A top-grade pill… Its medicinal power is exceptionally pure, sufficient to grant several years of cultivation to a Deyuan realm martial artist…”

She seemed to possess some secret technique. After closing her eyes briefly, she affirmed confidently: “Master Wu, being able to present such treasures, especially pills of this caliber, may I ask if these were personally concocted by you? From what I know, even among the Eight Great Holy Sects, such divine medicines are extremely rare…”

Yu Linglong asked with a smile.

“Are you planning to trace their origins?”

Wu Ming countered with a question: “You’ve already verified the authenticity of these items. Now, can you tell me whether you’re willing to proceed with the transaction?”

“Well… I…”

Yu Linglong hesitated. The items the guest presented were all priceless treasures, but the requested intelligence was extremely sensitive, including Heaven Grade secrets.

Yet, if she refused, considering the guest’s likely identity, she felt somewhat apprehensive.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, a secret voice transmission reached her ears.

Yu Linglong was momentarily stunned before breaking into a charming smile: “Originally, Heaven Grade secrets are only available to our allied factions. However, for Master Wu’s sake, I shall make an exception.”

She bowed gracefully and elegantly left the room. Not long after, a line of strongmen entered one after another, each carrying piles of scrolls.

“Some of these scrolls are top secret and can only be viewed within the Xiyu Pavilion, while others may be taken away… Does Master Wu have any specific preferences?”

Yu Linglong asked cautiously.

“No need!”

Wu Ming directly picked up a scroll marked with the Heaven Grade label and began reading it at a glance.

Yu Linglong showed no sign of urgency, smiling as she carefully stored the secret manuals and pills, then ordered someone to prepare tea, watching leisurely as Wu Ming browsed through the books.

Unconsciously, evening approached.

Wu Ming put down the last scroll and stretched lazily.

“How is it?”

Yu Linglong asked with a smile: “Has Master Wu found anything useful? It’s getting late. Perhaps you should continue tomorrow. I’ve already arranged for excellent accommodations…”

“Just some minor findings…”

Wu Ming recalled the information he had seen: “As for tomorrow, it won’t be necessary!”

“What?”

Yu Linglong was startled. Then she realized: this person possessed an extraordinary memory, capable of reading an entire book at a glance, and had seemingly memorized everything he had read throughout the day.

“I’m quite satisfied with this transaction. I’ll take my leave now…”

As Wu Ming stood up to leave, Yu Linglong quickly became anxious: “Master Wu, please wait!”

“Oh?”

Wu Ming turned around, looking at her with interest: “Madam, do you have anything else in mind?”

“You misunderstand me, Master Wu!”

Yu Linglong pouted slightly, appearing somewhat wronged: “I merely meant to say that although Heaven Grade intelligence is already the highest level in the Tianji Building, there exists an even higher level called Divine Grade, accessible only to the building’s master. I wonder if Master Wu is interested?”

“This… I’ll think about it…”

Wu Ming smiled slightly, glanced in a certain direction, and then left without hesitation.

“How is it…”

Yu Linglong waited silently for a long time before finally asking: “Is he really the celestial being who defeated Shan Gui Xiong?”

“There’s no doubt!”

After a long silence, a figure emerged from a hidden door beside her, his expression somewhat grim: “He must be a Tianxiang realm martial artist without question. Just now, he definitely noticed me hiding nearby…”

“Your ‘Wind Walk Without Trace’ technique comes from the Martial Emperor’s true transmission. Even martial artists of the same realm would find it difficult to detect you…”

Yu Linglong’s face showed astonishment mixed with a bitter smile: “His martial prowess is already extraordinary, and his alchemical skills are terrifying… Truly unfathomable! And yet he remained unknown until now. I almost suspect he really is a celestial being descended from the heavens…”

…

“Heh…”

Under the cover of night, Wu Ming glanced back at the all-seeing Tianji Building, a faint smile curling his lips: “Bait?”

Clearly, the previous offer to conduct the transaction and the introduction of higher-level intelligence had been a ploy to lure him in.

Unfortunately, Wu Ming was not the kind of person to let others control the initiative. He had immediately left without hesitation, turning the situation in his favor and leaving himself ample room for maneuver.