Chapter 38: To Tell the Truth
The chief steward, seeing his sincere words, gave him a final reminder.
Ximen Feixue thanked the steward once again and said, “I will keep your warning firmly in mind. In three days, I will be punctual for the meeting. Let us see how matters unfold. I have troubled you long enough today; I shall take my leave.”
After returning to Tongtian Peak, Ximen Feixue recounted every detail of what he had witnessed in the Dragon Treasury Pavilion to Ye Xinghe.
Upon hearing the report, a cold gleam flashed in Ye Xinghe’s eyes. He said to Ximen Feixue, “Apprentice, you have done well this time. Since they have set this trap, we shall meet them three days hence.”
Three days later, dappled sunlight filtered through the dense foliage.
Ye Xinghe, accompanied by Zhao Changsheng and Ximen Feixue, arrived early near the Clear Breeze Pavilion. Like lightning, they swiftly ascended a large tree with lush branches, watching the pavilion from above.
Sure enough, before long, the people from the Dragon Treasury Pavilion hurried over carrying a sealed box.
The box was enveloped in layers of restrictive seals, and one could sense the extraordinary nature of its contents—though it was far inferior to the treasure the system had given Ye Xinghe.
Inside must be the Chaos Spirit Pearl.
The members of the Dragon Treasury Pavilion looked tense, their eyes cautiously scanning the surroundings as they carefully placed the box on the stone table in the pavilion.
They then scattered, hiding among the nearby grass and behind trees, clearly awaiting the other party to the deal.
Soon, figures appeared outside the Clear Breeze Pavilion.
A group approached from the east. The leader wore robes similar to those of Tongtian Peak disciples, but the fabric and craftsmanship were coarse, obviously counterfeit.
Behind him were several fierce-looking henchmen, each radiating a roguish aura.
The large man swaggered into the pavilion and glanced at the box on the stone table.
The chief steward of the Dragon Treasury Pavilion hurried forward, cupping his hands and bowing. “Brother, are you not the envoy sent by Ye Xinghe, the Peak Master of Tongtian Peak? Today is the appointed time for the transaction; the goods are here for your inspection…”
The man flopped onto a stone bench, crossing his legs carelessly. “Steward, this Chaos Spirit Pearl is indeed a fine item, but after careful consideration these past few days, I feel the price is rather steep.”
“Peak Master Ye instructed that if the price was unreasonable, the deal would not proceed.”
The steward’s expression shifted slightly as he replied, “Brother, this price was agreed upon beforehand, and you have already paid a deposit. How can you back out now?”
“Our Dragon Treasury Pavilion has a reputation in this town. If you casually change the terms, it would harm Tongtian Peak’s standing.”
The large man laughed dismissively. “Steward, don’t use Tongtian Peak to pressure me. Though the Chaos Spirit Pearl is precious, the market is unpredictable these days.”
“Perhaps in a few days, cheaper sources may appear. Besides, my own Peak Master holds considerable status in the sanctuary. If your Dragon Treasury Pavilion is wise, you should offer us a discount. Otherwise… hmph!”
The people of the Dragon Treasury Pavilion realized this was a clear attempt to renege on the deal.
One young assistant couldn’t help but speak out, “How can you do this? Business requires honesty. If you didn’t want to buy, you shouldn’t have come or paid a deposit. Now, trying to renege? No way!”
“You insolent brat, how dare you talk back to me? Do you know who I am? I am a trusted aide of Ye Xinghe, Peak Master of Tongtian Peak. If Dragon Treasury Pavilion offends me, prepare to be crushed by Tongtian Peak!”
The large man’s expression darkened. He suddenly stood and pointed at the assistant, berating him sharply.
Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, the chief steward quickly stepped forward, restraining the assistant and smiling apologetically. “Brother, please don’t be angry. We can negotiate the price again. But you understand the value of the Chaos Spirit Pearl; we simply cannot lower it too much.”
When the Dragon Treasury Pavilion refused to budge, the man’s face twisted with rage. Suddenly, he lunged forward, aiming to grab the Chaos Spirit Pearl from the table.
His movements were swift and fierce, as if trying to snatch the pearl outright.
Alarmed, the steward shouted, “Stop him!”
The guards of Dragon Treasury Pavilion reacted promptly, drawing their weapons and rushing to intercept.
The man roared and swung his long blade like a silver curtain, forcing the approaching guards back.
One guard seized an opportunity to strike from the side, his sword thrust like a venomous snake aiming for the man’s waist.
Sensing the attack behind him, the man whirled around and struck the sword with his blade, producing a loud clang as the sword shattered into two.
He followed up with a kick to the guard’s chest, sending him flying and crashing heavily onto the ground, blood gushing from his mouth.
The steward, seeing the dire situation, unleashed beams of blue spiritual energy toward the man.
The man failed to fully evade and was slashed on the arm, blood immediately oozing out.
Furious and humiliated, his eyes bloodshot, he locked onto the steward and charged recklessly.
The steward dodged swiftly, but the man feinted and then stabbed the steward’s abdomen with a reversed strike.
The steward, unable to evade, was pierced; blood stained his clothes.
Clutching his wound in pain, the steward heard the man sneer close by, “Remember, this is Tongtian Peak’s doing. If you dare investigate, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
At this critical moment, a figure dashed in like lightning.
Zhao Changsheng had arrived!
His gaze was cold and fierce as he looked at the injured steward and the arrogant man, shouting, “Cease your arrogance!”
The man turned, sneering upon seeing Zhao Changsheng.
“Kid, where did you come from? Get lost and don’t meddle, or you’ll be dealt with too!”
Zhao Changsheng’s eyes sparkled with mockery as he shouted, “You claim to be from Tongtian Peak, yet I am truly a disciple of Tongtian Peak. How is it you don’t even recognize me? That’s simply ridiculous!”
The man hesitated briefly, then argued shamelessly, “Why should I know you? Tongtian Peak has many disciples; I can’t know them all. Don’t try to scare me with that. If you know what’s good for you, leave now, or don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
Zhao Changsheng found the whole situation laughable.
He had always thought his master preferred peace and quiet—otherwise, Tongtian Peak wouldn’t have only the three of them.
Seeking to assert his dominance, the man suddenly shouted and slammed his palms down on the stone table beside him.
With a thunderous crash, the sturdy stone table shattered into countless fragments, dust swirling about.
The man expected this to intimidate Zhao Changsheng and smirked with satisfaction.
Yet Zhao Changsheng only shook his head gently and said aloud, “That was mere bluster. Coincidentally, I recently learned the art of fire manipulation but have yet to have the chance to use it properly. I’m curious—what would happen if this fire touched a person?”
The man was utterly enraged by Zhao Changsheng’s words. With a roar, he charged like a mad beast.
His speed was incredible, whipping up a fierce wind as he raised his long blade high.
But Zhao Changsheng remained calm.
At the instant the man was about to strike, Zhao Changsheng waved his palm lightly, and the faint flame flickering in his palm instantly transformed into a fiery serpent that slithered up his arm.
The fire snake curled precisely around the man’s hair, igniting it in blazing flames.
The man felt a searing pain on his scalp, the smell of burning hair filling his nostrils.
He screamed in terror, frantically slapping at the flames, but the fire only grew stronger and could not be extinguished.
Tormented by the flames, the man writhed on the ground, unable to continue his attack, begging desperately, “Spare me! Please put out the fire!”
His henchmen, seeing their leader in such a pitiful state, panicked. Some wanted to rush forward to help extinguish the flames but were too frightened to approach.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Changsheng stepped forward, pressing his sword to the man’s throat, his voice cold and commanding, “Speak! Why are you impersonating Tongtian Peak disciples? Who sent you? If you lie, today will be your last day!”