Chapter 282 - 114: Just Know That I’m Treating You Well; So I Owe Him a Favor Now?

’In that case, she definitely doesn’t want the Great Xia Royal Family to notice her identity or origins either.’

Shang Mingyu’s expression grew serious. "What will it take for you to give me the Exotic Stone?"

"Whatever Life-extending Divine Objects you spent, I can compensate you with items of equal value afterward."

When Ye Ming had tried to threaten her just now, killing intent had already flared within her.

’This man cannot be allowed to live. He might have already figured out my origins.’

However, Ye Ming would never have guessed that just a short while ago, she had met with Jiang Lan. The two had even had a pleasant conversation; there was no so-called animosity between them.

If she wanted to, she could sell Ye Ming out in a heartbeat.

"It’s quite simple," Ye Ming said. "Swear on your Dao Heart that you will publicly announce the news that you acquired the Exotic Stone from my hands, and that you will not betray me."

He needed Shang Mingyu to draw attention away from him. Besides, with the Exotic Stone in her hands, she would offend Jiang Lan whether she wanted to or not, unless she was willing to hand the stone over.

This way, no matter how unwilling Shang Mingyu might be, she would be forced to become his ally and face Jiang Lan together with him.

Hearing this, Shang Mingyu’s expression shifted before she let out a cold laugh. "Young Master Zhang Yuan, what a clever scheme. Forcing me to help you deal with the young master of the Prime Minister’s Mansion."

Ye Ming gave a slight bow, a hint of apology in his tone. "My hand was forced. You wanted that Exotic Stone. If I hadn’t stepped in at the auction, you would have gravely offended Jiang Lan anyway. Now, I’ve taken a huge risk to win the Exotic Stone for you, and I’ve even gained you an ally."

"No matter how you look at it, you’re not losing out. And in the end, the Exotic Stone will be back in your hands."

With a terrifying enemy like Jiang Lan lurking in the shadows, watching his every move, he truly couldn’t eat or sleep in peace.

Otherwise, Ye Ming wouldn’t have chosen to take such a great risk to recruit an ally for himself.

With his current strength, it was almost impossible to eliminate Jiang Lan. His only chance was to accumulate power, gather allies, and wait for the right opportunity.

As long as Jiang Lan lived, he would not know a day of peace.

Listening to his words, Shang Mingyu seemed to fall into deep thought, weighing the pros and cons.

Ye Ming didn’t rush her, quietly waiting for her answer.

After a long while, Shang Mingyu seemed to emerge from her calculations and gave her response.

"Fine. I agree to your request. But if you dare to deceive me, I will have you torn to shreds, no matter the cost."

Hearing this, Ye Ming finally broke into a smile. He assured Shang Mingyu that he was a man of his word and told her to find him at the inn the next day at noon, at which time he would certainly present the Exotic Stone.

After that, he didn’t stay long and chose to take his leave.

Now, Shang Mingyu was in the same boat as him. Once Jiang Lan learned that the Exotic Stone was in her hands, he would definitely not let her go.

With the oath on her Dao Heart binding her, he wasn’t afraid that Shang Mingyu would get the Exotic Stone and then immediately sell him out.

Shang Mingyu said nothing more, remaining seated and quietly watching Ye Ming leave.

Only then did a smile touch her lips—a smile that was part mockery, part something more profound.

’Threatening me like this... his identity as "Zhang Yuan" must be fake. Not only that, but he could also guess what’s inside that Exotic Stone...’

’With such abilities, how did he become enemies with Jiang Lan?’

’Jiang Lan is truly terrifying. He anticipated and planned for all of this. This guy probably won’t even know how he died...’

She cupped her cheek in her hand, considering whether she should sell Ye Ming out. But she hadn’t gotten her hands on the Exotic Stone yet.

Since Jiang Lan knew Ye Ming would seek her out, he must also know that the Exotic Stone would end up in her possession.

’It seems he really does intend to let me have the Exotic Stone; he wasn’t just saying it...’

’But in that case, I’ll owe him a favor.’

...

「Desire Immortal Pavilion, within the Lishui Pavilion overlooking the river.」

Song Youwei arrived as promised. She wore white socks and wooden clogs, her hair styled in a misty, cloud-like chignon. Her slender, snow-white neck seemed to gather the winter frost, and she carried a faint, elegant fragrance, looking both dignified and exquisitely beautiful.

The two sat facing each other, a tea set placed between them. An Incense Burner smoldered to the side, and the curtains on either side were drawn, blocking any gazes from the riverbank.

Jiang Lan sipped his tea while listening to her report on the Blood Immortal Sect’s recent plans.

He hadn’t expected the Barbarian Race to have changed their original plan.

In the original story, the Barbarian Race was supposed to use the opportunity of the Southern Hunting exercise to rescue one of their high-ranking members imprisoned in the Observatory.

This high-ranking barbarian was the son of a chief from a major tribe. Born under the Barbarian God’s protection, he possessed immense strength and formidable power.

Many years ago, during a battle with the Great Xia army on the border of the Southern Wilderness Province, he was defeated by Great Xia’s war goddess, Xia Jin, and taken captive to be imprisoned in the Observatory.

’The Barbarian God Pill... has it appeared ahead of schedule?’

This was the reason for Jiang Lan’s slight surprise.

In the original story, the Barbarian God Pill was a mysterious elixir refined by high-ranking barbarians during sacrifices to the Barbarian God, using numerous Spiritual Objects and Barbaric Patterns. After consuming it, one could unleash power several times greater than their normal strength.

For the barbarian leaders, this pill had an even more important function: it was used in sacrificial rites to communicate with the Barbarian God. It allowed the consumer to briefly receive the Barbarian God’s blessing, or even summon a phantom of the Barbarian God.

’Even if it’s just a phantom of the Barbarian God manifested through sacrifice and faith, it’s not something an ordinary cultivator can deal with...’

’This Southern Hunting exercise should be quite eventful.’

However, compared to the Barbarian Race’s plan, Jiang Lan was more concerned with the Blood Immortal Sect’s scheme.

"Do you have any of the Muddy Blood prepared by the Blood Immortal Sect?" Jiang Lan asked, looking at Song Youwei.

Song Youwei shook her head. "No, only the Elders have it."

"But I can go ask for some. Given my status, the Elders will probably give me some."

Jiang Lan nodded slightly. "Then bring me half a bottle."

"Half a bottle?"

Song Youwei’s small, glossy lips parted slightly in surprise. The Blood Immortal Sect had only managed to refine a single bottle of Muddy Blood in total.

If they couldn’t steal the Great Xia’s National Treasure, the Dragon-Suppressing Seal, they planned to use the Muddy Blood to corrode and defile it.

Even though she was the future Saintess of the Blood Immortal Sect, there was no way she could get half a bottle.

Noticing Song Youwei’s somewhat reproachful gaze, Jiang Lan knew that this would likely be difficult for her.

But if he had half a bottle, he might be able to use the opportunity to pull a switch, replacing the Muddy Blood with his own refined Blood Essence.

By doing so, he might even be able to secretly refine and gain control of the National Treasure.

"Half a bottle is indeed a bit much," Jiang Lan said after a moment’s thought, changing his tune. "Just do your best. Bring as much as you can get, and it will be returned later."

"..."

Song Youwei faintly guessed his objective. She lifted her teacup with both hands and took a gentle sip.

The Blood Immortal Sect’s plan this time was incredibly meticulous.

But in truth, she didn’t want the Blood Immortal Sect’s conspiracy to succeed.

If Great Xia’s National Treasure were destroyed, the nation’s fortune would no longer be suppressed, the empire would become unstable, and chaos would surely erupt everywhere. Countless people would be displaced and left homeless.

Although the current Emperor Xia’s power was waning, he could still be considered diligent and dedicated, striving to govern well for the country and its people. Unfortunately, in the court, a treacherous Prime Minister held sway, and the true authority had fallen into other hands...

At this thought, she glanced at Jiang Lan. Calling the Prime Minister "treacherous" was a bit harsh, considering he was Jiang Lan’s father.

But she had been working for Jiang Lan for some time now, yet she still couldn’t fathom his thoughts or objectives.

’What is he trying to do?’

"How are things with the Qi Family in Yangchun City?" Jiang Lan suddenly asked.

Song Youwei’s thoughts returned to the present. "As for the Qi Family," she answered, "they have already made preparations to send people over, just as you instructed..."

"Tomorrow, you will accompany me to Yangchun City," Jiang Lan said with a nod.

Madam Qi of the Qi Family in Yangchun City was a devout follower of Daoism.

On the fifteenth of every month, she would take the most favored young members of the family’s Direct Lineage to Jiyun Mountain to offer incense at Jiyun Temple.

And Qi Qingxuan, having been well-read in poetry and classics since childhood, was exceptionally accomplished in literature.

The Temple Master of Jiyun Temple was also a man who loved reading the Scriptures. For this very reason, Madam Qi often brought Qi Qingxuan along with her.

Great Xia’s former Chief Eunuch, Duke Wei, was always by Qi Qingxuan’s side, protecting him.

It wouldn’t be easy for Jiang Lan to make a move against him, but now, just such an opportunity had presented itself.

When Qi Qingxuan went to Jiyun Temple, he planned to have Song Youwei arrange for people from the Blood Immortal Sect to lure Duke Wei away beforehand.