Tang Yan

"Leave the maps to me!" "I'll definitely get you two of the most detailed ones!" As his voice fell, Tang Ru's expression grew somewhat grave. Looking at Li Guanqi, he said in a heavy voice, "I still hope you'll consider this matter carefully." "After all, with my second brother's connections and resources, whoever he recruits is bound to be extremely formidable!" "We can't even rule out the possibility that they can fight above their realm, just like you." "If you have any misgivings, I won't force you at all." "Even if things go wrong in the end, my previous promises will still stand!" "Your own safety comes before everything else. Money can always be earned again once it's gone." Li Guanqi smiled faintly. Right now, he also needed cultivation resources in the form of spirit stones, and high-grade spirit stones were more than enough for his cultivation. Even for him, the pure spiritual energy contained within a single high-grade spirit stone could last three to five days. One thousand of them just to escort someone out of the city—it was a great deal! Besides... He took a deep look at Tang Ru. He had a favorable impression of this fellow. Even though this matter likely concerned the most crucial assessment within his clan, Tang Ru still told him not to worry too much about it and to prioritize his own safety. Moreover, he had spoken with utter sincerity; Li Guanqi hadn't sensed the slightest fluctuation in his emotions. It was clearly what he truly felt, not mere polite courtesy. Li Guanqi rose slowly and said softly, "Don't worry, I'll do my best." "In that case, I'll head back for now. I'll be here on time in three days." Tang Ru bowed deeply to Li Guanqi's retreating back. He knew that Li Guanqi was not someone who chased after profit. Knowing his temperament, if not for him, Tang Ru, probably no amount of money could have moved him. Li Guanqi was a man who knew exactly what he wanted. Tang Ru fell silent for a long time, then spoke in a low voice, "Old Qian, find me two maps. Make sure they're the most detailed available!" "Also, prepare the payment!" The elder's figure slowly materialized. Frowning, he asked, "Young Master, the matter hasn't even been settled yet. Why are you in such a rush to prepare the money?" "What if that kid ends up dead?" "I think it would be better if this old man handled it instead. I can call an old friend over to protect Young Master's safety." Boom! Tang Ru's aura suddenly erupted. Narrowing his eyes, he cast a frigid glare at Qian Feng. "Old Qian, I hope that's the last time I hear words like that from you." Tang Ru turned around slowly and said softly, "I don't need anyone to make decisions for me, and that includes you." "As for him... I believe in him!" "Since he gave his word, consider this matter settled." "What we need to think about next... is how to properly repay my dear second brother." Hearing Li Guanqi agree had set Tang Ru's heart completely at ease. Meanwhile, as Li Guanqi stepped out of the Treasure Pavilion, an inconspicuous old woman in the crowd glanced up at him, not drawing Li Guanqi's attention in the least. Because she was nothing more than an ordinary mortal. *** Late at night. In a pavilion far away in the Southern Domain, a young man clad in purple robes swirled his wine cup, savoring the stillness. Buzz! The shadow beneath the man's feet rippled slightly before taking the shape of a figure in black robes. The figure stood quietly behind the man, speaking only when the man raised a hand to grant permission. "Second Master, Tang Ru found a helper. A blind man." Upon hearing this, the man in the chair frowned slightly, opened his eyes, and slowly stood up. His handsome face was somewhat gaunt, and his eyes were as sinister and ruthless as a jackal's. His eyes flickered as he murmured, "A blind man?" Tapping a finger lightly against the wine cup, he turned to the black-robed man. "A blind man... Could it be that Li Guanqi from the Northern Region?" "I received word that he happened to appear at the Wind Thunder Sect in the Eastern Domain not long ago, where he even served as a guest elder for a while." "Yet he left two months ago. According to the timeline, it matches up perfectly." The black-robed man was secretly astonished; he hadn't expected the man before him to remember so many disparate pieces of information. Hearing what the man said, he bowed and replied, "Though we didn't see the sword casket on his back, based on Second Master's deduction, I think it must be him!" Bang! Tang Yan struck in an instant, his left hand violently clamping around the black-robed man's throat while his right fist lashed out like lightning! Instantly, the black-robed man was knocked into the air, his body curling into a shrimp-like posture as a mouthful of blood sprayed from his lips! Pfft! Tang Yan narrowed his eyes, a chilly murderous intent gleaming within them. Slowly hoisting the black-robed man into the air, he said in an icy tone, "I don't want to hear another uncertain answer from your mouth." "I don't keep useless idlers under me." "If you can't even find out who a person is, what do I need you for?" With that, Tang Yan violently hurled his arm, and the black-robed man shot out like a cannonball, slamming into the wall and carving out a deep crater! Curled up on the floor, the black-robed man spat out mouthful after mouthful of blood. Yet he didn't dare make the slightest rash move, his entire body trembling involuntarily out of terror. Prostrating on the ground as submissively as a dog, he stammered, "Y-Yes... This subordinate... this subordinate will go confirm it right away!" Tang Yan gave a cold snort and looked out the window, murmuring softly, "Hasn't he already arrived in Wuzi City?" "Pass down the orders. This time... failure is not an option!" "If the mission fails, there's no need for him to exist anymore." The black-robed man lying on the ground shuddered violently! The person Tang Yan spoke of was a monstrously talented genius. Moreover, he was someone renowned throughout the Eastern Domain! Yet... hearing Tang Yan's words... That person was actually his man! The black-robed man nodded silently, his figure gradually fading from the room. Standing by the window, Tang Yan looked at the dark clouds overhead and murmured, "Wouldn't it have been fine to just remain an idle playboy? My dear little brother..." A strange smile tugged at the corner of Tang Yan's mouth as he drained his cup in one gulp. A ferocious storm of overt and covert strife was about to unfold completely. And Li Guanqi, seeing through it all, still chose to step into the fray. *** In the pitch-black void, a bare-chested figure swung the crimson longsword in his hand without pause. Even without channeling a shred of primal energy, that terrifying sword momentum remained horrifying beyond measure! With his eyes closed, Li Guanqi silently endured the tearing force of the void, swinging his sword again and again. The injuries on his body also slowly knit together amidst repeated tears. Three days slipped by in a flash. Over these three days, Li Guanqi spent almost every waking moment tempering his physical body within the void. The sensation was a blend of pain and pleasure, but through it, he had finally mastered his physical strength completely. Augmented by this power, the speed of his sword swings had reached an unbelievable level. Moreover, every strike was heavy and mighty, carrying momentum enough to cleave mountains!