The two men facing each other were well-known figures in their respective factions. One was Aiden, the demon who had gained fame during the battle of Misty Forest, while the one standing opposite him was none other than Song Zining.
Aiden looked Song Zining up and down, his eyes narrowing. “You dare to come here, truly bold. What’s wrong, has something been bothering you recently, making you tired of life?”
Song Zining remained calm. “I’m enjoying my life, with plenty of youth left to waste. Why would I be tired of it? As for you, daring to meet me alone, is there something on your mind? If so, speak it out and let me have a laugh.”
Aiden sneered, “I only need to send a signal, and within moments, many powerful figures will arrive. And this place is already within the range of the Flame of Eternal Burn. Do you think you can escape?”
“Escape? Since I came, I didn’t plan on leaving alive. Why would I escape?”
After a moment, Aiden’s expression softened slightly. “Let’s not waste words. Tonight, I’ll enter the Great Vortex. Since you’re so fearless, if you have something to say, say it now. I’ll deal with you swiftly after that.”
Song Zining said, “I have some information you might find interesting, in exchange for your cooperation on two matters.”
Aiden replied coldly, “I don’t see how we could cooperate. But since you think it’s important, go ahead and tell me.”
Song Zining smiled slightly. “It’s about Nightshade. Do you want to hear it?”
Aiden’s face changed, and he stepped forward, grabbing Song Zining’s collar. “How did you know?”
He squeezed hard, making it difficult for Song Zining to breathe. But there was no fear in Song Zining’s eyes, only a hint of mockery. Startled, Aiden loosened his grip. “Maybe you heard something, but it was just a guess. Now, I’ve confirmed it for you.”
Song Zining straightened his clothes and said, “Still smart, no wonder you beat those trash in Misty Forest.”
Aiden’s brows furrowed. “Are you looking down on me?”
Song Zining didn’t back down. “I’m not looking down on you, just saying your opponents were too weak. If Qian Ye hadn’t been driven away, would you have the chance to become famous?”
Aiden’s face darkened. In the battle with Qian Ye in Misty Forest, even with his superior cultivation and equipment, he nearly lost. By the end, he could barely defend himself, losing the Shadow Ode. If Qian Ye hadn’t left, Aiden would have had to leave or die at Qian Ye’s hands.
Song Zining’s words, though harsh, were true. Aiden, proud as he was, couldn’t deny the truth.
Aiden said sternly, “Did you come just to humiliate me?”
“Not at all. On the contrary, I think you might be a worthy opponent in the future, so I came to trade.”
“What’s the connection?”
Song Zining stood with his hands behind his back. “Without the same breadth of vision, how could you be a worthy opponent to Song Qi?”
“Good point, well said!”
Song Zining smiled. “Interested in the trade now?”
“Speak, I’m listening.”
“I’ll tell you about Nightshade’s recent news. In return, I need you to do two things.”
“Nightshade has news? Alright, what are they?” Aiden was trying to suppress his excitement.
Song Zining held up one finger. “First, you need to get the Flame of Eternal Burn to lure the King of No Light, Malthus, into the Neutral Zone, preferably to the East Sea.”
Aiden was shocked. “You’re going against the King of No Light? Are you mad?”
Song Zining smiled. “The King of No Light isn’t as strong as he appears, and you demons know that best. Besides, it’s not about me dealing with him, just luring him in. The East Sea would be best.”
Seeing Song Zining wasn’t elaborating, Aiden didn’t press further. “What’s the second thing?”
“The second is that you must not attack Qian Ye or his companions when you enter the Great Vortex.”
Aiden frowned. “Companions? How do I identify them?”
Song Zining said, “Whoever is with him when you see him.”
“Simple. Your turn. How is Nightshade now?”
“She’s in the Neutral Zone. I can’t tell you her exact location, but she’s doing well and recovering. However, she faces danger.”
Aiden’s face changed. “She’s injured? What kind of danger?”
“She was injured but should be recovered by now. We’ll handle the danger.”
Aiden stepped forward, his voice low. “Tell me! Who wants to harm her?”
Song Zining sighed. “Does it matter? It’s the King of No Light.”
Aiden’s face fell. “Are you joking?”
Song Zining continued calmly. “When Nightshade was captured by the Empire, the King of No Light tried to buy her back. After she escaped, he sent people to injure her. Do you think it’s a coincidence that a Dark Lord targets a small figure twice? You can verify this easily.”
Aiden’s face was uncertain, and he slowly nodded.
Song Zining said, “That’s all. I’m leaving.”
“Wait.” Aiden stopped him. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll renege?”
“You’ve agreed, that’s enough. No need for guarantees.”
Aiden sneered. “I’ve heard the news. Why should I let you go? Killing you here means one less future war god for the Empire.”
Song Zining smiled. “Kill me, and who will you trade with next time?”
“We’ve fought for a thousand years.”
“And traded for a thousand years.”
“But I don’t see the need to trade.”
“Trading is about mutual benefit. If I don’t trade with you, someone else will.”
Aiden said seriously, “Don’t you think trading is aiding the enemy?”
Song Zining nodded. “It is, but the enemy also aids me. It’s about mutual benefit. How we use our resources is up to us. If I use them well, I gain an advantage. If you do, the same. So, the nature of the trade depends on ourselves. Of course, if you admit you’re not as good as me, then that’s fine, as others will step in.”
“Why choose me?”
“I only trade with those who are worthy of being my enemies.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“No, it’s a warning. Those who oppose me don’t end well.”
Aiden sneered. “I’ll see about that.”
“So will I.”
They glared at each other, their gazes like swords, clashing silently. Aiden said, “I’ve heard that Song Qi is well-rounded and unimpeachable in big matters. But now, it seems different. For example, our trade, no matter the reason, will be hard to explain to the Empire, right?”
Song Zining’s smile faded. He opened his fan and fanned himself lightly, calming his mind. “There are always unavoidable things to do. I, Song Zining, am alone, so who cares if I take the blame?”
With that, Song Zining turned and left, exposing his back to Aiden without fear.
Watching him leave, Aiden’s expression was complex, but he didn’t stop him. Suddenly, a hoarse voice rang in his ear, “Come and see me.”
Aiden’s face changed, and he quickly flew toward the Sky Whirl. Only those permitted by the Flame of Eternal Burn could fly around Tide City.
In a flash, Aiden appeared before the Flame of Eternal Burn. He bowed slightly, not daring to meet the demon lord’s gaze.
The Flame of Eternal Burn chuckled, his tone gentle. “No need to worry. The little guy chose to speak to you here, knowing I’d hear it.”
Aiden relaxed slightly. But a scorching heat suddenly enveloped him, making him feel like he was in a furnace. Aiden knew the Flame of Eternal Burn was watching him and endured it. Fortunately, the heat soon subsided. If it had lasted longer, even Aiden wouldn’t have been able to bear it.
Aiden was shocked, realizing the Flame of Eternal Burn’s terrifying power. Just his gaze was almost unbearable. If they were truly enemies, the Flame of Eternal Burn could incinerate him with a mere wisp of void flame.
The Flame of Eternal Burn nodded, the first clear movement. “You’re better than I expected. Haha, your current leader misjudged you, again.”
Aiden, recovering, said, “My Lord, about the King of No Light…”
The Flame of Eternal Burn said mildly, “I know Malthus wants to capture Nightshade. I don’t know his motives, nor do I care. But that human’s audacity is interesting. Giving him a lesson might be fun. Don’t worry, I’ll cooperate. I’m curious to see what the little guy can do.”
“How do you plan to do it?”
“Simple. I’ll leave early, and by choosing the right route, I can ensure Malthus appears in a specific area. Once he knows I’m gone, he won’t resist, and will rush into the Neutral Zone, trying to avoid my notice. This way, his options will be limited, perhaps leaving him only one choice.”
“Understood. But, my Lord, was letting Song Zining go a mistake?”
The Flame of Eternal Burn chuckled. “That little guy is interesting. Even if he becomes another war god for the Empire, what does it matter? He’s right; we’ve fought and traded for a thousand years. The line between enemy and friend isn’t always fixed. An enemy from a thousand-year perspective might be a friend from a ten-thousand-year perspective. Humans are a contradictory race, short-lived but often think long-term, surpassing many of us.”
Aiden was surprised by the high praise for Song Zining and humans.
“Go back. I hope you continue to be worthy of trading with him in the future.”
Aiden, solemn, said, “I will work hard.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage