Chapter 478 - 2: Buddhist Sect Black Market (Part 2)

On the surface, Fang Cheng’s cultivation was inferior, and his background was worlds apart from Xi Yinglong’s. Furthermore, he was the one asking for a favor. The fact that Xi Yinglong had agreed to meet him at all was a small courtesy, so it was only natural that his words would be careless.

Fang Cheng smiled serenely. "I was wondering if Fellow Daoist Xi has any leads on the Red Profound Association."

Xi Yinglong was taken aback for a moment, then frowned. "Why are you asking about the Red Profound Association?"

Fang Cheng answered candidly, "I wish to join."

An amused smile touched Xi Yinglong’s lips. He slowly shook his head and said, "While I may not know much about the Red Profound Association, I know one thing for certain: Dharma Realm cultivators absolutely cannot join. Unless..."

Fang Cheng asked, "Unless what?"

Xi Yinglong let out a long, leisurely sigh. "Unless you have some other special opportunity. But as for what that special opportunity might be, I have no idea."

He paused before adding, "Perhaps my master knows a thing or two."

Fang Cheng’s expression turned serious. "Then I must ask for your help, Fellow Daoist. If you can find out about this so-called opportunity, I will be sure to reward you generously."

Xi Yinglong said nonchalantly, "My master has been in seclusion for the past century, focused on Artifact Refining and preparing for his tribulation. How could I possibly disturb him over such a trivial matter?"

Fang Cheng gave a relaxed smile. "Fellow Daoist, if you have any conditions, feel free to state them plainly. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse."

Xi Yinglong fell silent, pondering for a moment before speaking. "There is, in fact, a matter I could use your help with soon. If you can help me accomplish this, then I will risk my master’s wrath to ask on your behalf."

Fang Cheng’s expression remained unchanged upon hearing this. In a calm voice, he asked, "And what might that be?"

Xi Yinglong replied, "This matter involves the Ancient Evil Race. I have invited several other fellow cultivators to assist. If you agree, come back here in ten days. Once everyone has gathered, I will explain the details."

"Very well," Fang Cheng said. "Then I will trouble you again in ten days."

Xi Yinglong nodded and picked up his teacup, a clear gesture of dismissal.

Fang Cheng immediately stood, took his leave, and walked out of Yinglong Mansion.

Inside the great hall, Xi Yinglong set down his cup and let out a cold, mocking sneer.

*

*

*

’Elder Yingya’s name doesn’t carry much weight, does it...’

After leaving Yinglong Mansion, Fang Cheng couldn’t help but let out a wry laugh.

But he was new to the Mingxiao Domain and in no hurry. He certainly wasn’t about to pin all his hopes on someone like Xi Yinglong.

’I’ll have to find another way.’

The Beast Vehicle was still waiting for him. After he boarded and took his seat, the driver asked respectfully, "Senior, where to next?"

Fang Cheng mused, "Take me to visit an... understanding Female Cultivator. One with whom I can discuss the Dao, and who only requires a payment of some Spirit Stones..."

The driver’s expression flickered. He immediately understood the implication and smiled. "And what realm of Female Cultivator did Senior have in mind for this... encounter?"

Fang Cheng leaned back, asking with great interest, "What, are you telling me you could find a Tribulation Realm Female Cultivator if I asked?"

The driver quickly replied, "I’ve never heard of any Tribulation Realm Great Powers available, but there are a few at the Dharma Realm. They’re rumored to be from the Yin Yang Sect, one of the seven great sects of the Demon Dao. They are experts in the Celestial Demon Marrow Sucking Technique, and an ordinary Cultivator wouldn’t stand a chance against them."

Fang Cheng waved his hand. "Forget it. I’ve grown accustomed to discussing the Dao with younger Female Cultivators these days. I have no interest in some old hag who’s been cultivating for several hundred years."

The driver bowed his head. "This junior understands."

With that, he drove the vehicle, carrying Fang Cheng deeper into the Immortal City.

After about the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, the Spirit Beast Vehicle stopped before an extraordinarily grand Nine-Story Immortal Tower.

"Senior, we’ve arrived."

The driver was clearly very familiar with the area. He recommended to Fang Cheng, "This place is said to have the most virgin Tripod Furnaces in all of Red Bright Immortal City. Many a Fairy is initiated in this tower before moving on to other establishments... Senior, you can go take a look. If you’re not satisfied, I can take you somewhere else."

Fang Cheng disembarked from the Spirit Beast Vehicle and carefully examined the Nine-Story Immortal Tower.

The tower was called the Drunken Immortal Tower. It was built entirely from Five-Colored Jade, the height of extravagance. It was magnificent and radiated an immortal aura.

He nodded in satisfaction, paid the driver his Spirit Stones, and smiled. "No need to wait for me."

With that, he walked into the tower.

He was a stranger in a strange land, and his true purpose for coming here was to gather information.

And, of course, to experience the local customs of the Mingxiao Domain.

...

「Yinglong Mansion.」

Xi Yinglong stood with his hands clasped behind his back before a jade wall thirty feet square, staring intently at the countless points of light upon it. His expression was somewhat peculiar.

The points of light on the jade wall varied in color. Some were still, others moved. Though they appeared densely packed and chaotic, they secretly conformed to some unknown pattern.

Behind Xi Yinglong stood a richly-dressed old man with an extraordinary bearing. His Magical Cultivation was also, impressively, at the Early Dharma Stage.

The man had a square, dignified face and a full beard. He was clearly someone who had long held a position of great power and authority.

At that moment, he spoke in a deep voice, "This jade wall is truly a treasure worthy of your respected master’s hand. To think it can display the movements of every Cultivator in the city... its craftsmanship is truly divine."

His words were tinged with flattery.

Xi Yinglong smiled faintly. "Unfortunately, it can only track cultivators below the Tribulation Realm. Still, Red Bright Immortal City has stood for eight thousand years, and this wall is a major reason why. The slightest disturbance among the city’s cultivators can never escape its notice."

The richly-dressed old man added, "Are you observing the wall because of that Cultivator from the East Cyan Domain, Fellow Daoist Xi?"

Xi Yinglong nodded. His gaze fixed on a particularly brilliant point of light on the jade wall. "This man is far more than he seems. On the surface, he appears placid, but he carries an arrogance that looks down on the entire world. His demonic intent is profound. He is a master."

Hearing this, the richly-dressed old man mused, "In that case, he could be a powerful ally. Perhaps I should go and meet with him in the next few days and get to know him. Where is he staying at the moment?"