Chapter Twenty-Seven: Bargaining with a Tiger Ends in Death (Please Bookmark, Vote Monthly, and Keep Reading)

"Oh?" Master Kongxu's expression softened, though his eyes remained fixed on the statue of the River God. "I wonder, Lord River God, how you intend to cooperate with me?"

When a Foundation Establishment cultivator's spirit sword could be easily brushed aside by a mere mortal like himself, Master Huang knew his plan was half-successful.

"The River God hopes that you, Young Master, will strike back at the critical moment," Master Huang said with a smile.

Strike back?

Master Kongxu wore a look that was half-smile, half-sneer. "So, you want me to turn traitor."

"Are you aware that neither Wen Renjie nor Qiao Xuan are easy to deal with?"

"Not to mention there is also a disciple of the Lanyue Sect."

"That Xu Xiao is the personal disciple of Elder Kong Lan of the Lanyue Sect. If that Purple Mansion expert is disturbed, neither your River God nor I will find ourselves in a good position."

Master Huang chuckled. "Rest assured, Young Master. My master, the River God, is certainly not someone a minor Purple Mansion elder from the Lanyue Sect can handle."

At these words, a flash of sharpness crossed Master Kongxu's eyes. He caught the subtle implication in Master Huang's words: *a minor Purple Mansion.*

Would a River God of the Purple Mansion realm speak of the Purple Mansion in such dismissive terms?

Could it be that this River God was not merely at the Purple Mansion stage?

Connecting this to the annual River God Festival held across the thirteen counties of East Prefecture, Master Kongxu felt as if he had stumbled upon something significant.

Master Kongxu was clever—exceedingly so; otherwise, he never would have discovered that hidden cave of a deceased Purple Mansion cultivator to obtain his legacy and resources, nor would he have achieved Foundation Establishment.

Therefore, with just that one sentence, Master Kongxu realized that the waters of Qingshan County were far deeper than they appeared on the surface.

But what did that have to do with him?

He was merely a rogue cultivator. No matter how great his reputation in Qing Prefecture, he was still just a minor Foundation Establishment rogue.

In an ordinary county, small families might hold him in high regard. But before the prominent clans of the commanderies, the noble houses of the prefecture, and the Golden Core sects that dominated the region, what was a Foundation Establishment cultivator?

It was precisely because he knew his situation so clearly that Master Kongxu hungered to reach the Purple Mansion realm.

He had a clear understanding of himself: he was a rogue cultivator, a hyena willing to risk his life for resources, and hyenas never had loyalties.

Since the River God was so confident and could offer such vast resources, Master Kongxu was willing to cooperate.

Once he reached the Purple Mansion realm, what would it matter if the River God flooded Qingshan County?

As a dignified Purple Mansion master, was he not worth more than the lives of hundreds of thousands of mortals?

With these thoughts, Master Kongxu finally smiled. "I can cooperate with Lord River God. Furthermore, I can provide the Lord with a piece of information."

Master Huang was delighted. "Please, go ahead, Young Master."

Master Kongxu thought of Jiang Sheng, who always appeared indifferent, detached, and aloof.

Thinking of Jiang Sheng’s origins, his current monastery, and his growing reputation, the smile on Master Kongxu’s face widened. "Does Lord River God know that a Taoist from Penglai has appeared in Qingshan Mountain?"

"He is a ruthless character; his strength is comparable to a Purple Mansion expert..."

The next day, Master Kongxu left the Huang residence with a gentle smile and graceful, polite manners, departing as elegantly as a carefree young noble wandering the world.

Inside the secret chamber of the Huang residence, Master Huang was reporting the information he had obtained from Master Kongxu to the River God with a solemn face.

"The Eight Wolves of East Prefecture? I have heard of them. They are merely eight Foundation Establishment cultivators, the strongest of whom is only at the mid-stage. They were arrogant because of a little fame; it seems they were indeed a bunch of trash."

"It is normal for a Taoist from Penglai to deal with eight rogue cultivators of the same rank, and since he is a sword cultivator, it is nothing to be surprised about. But he is merely at the Foundation Establishment stage—what capability does he have to kill a Purple Mansion expert?"

"The Eight Wolves claimed they could withstand a Purple Mansion expert, and people believed them? What a joke! A bunch of ants who have never opened their Purple Mansion—how could they know the difference between the Purple Mansion and Foundation Establishment!"

"Moreover, my avatar is not as simple as a common Purple Mansion expert! If he thinks he can defy my avatar at the Foundation Establishment stage, his sword is not fast enough!"

Master Huang offered flattery upon hearing the River God’s words, but cautiously reminded him: "My Lord, those low-level Foundation Establishment cultivators are naturally no match for you."

"However, rumors have been spreading recently that this Jiang Sheng is highly skilled in fire arts. It is said that the combined magical artifacts of the Eight Wolves were comparable to a half-step Purple Mansion level, and that Jiang Sheng destroyed their artifacts and killed them by summoning a fire dragon."

"If his fire arts are truly that powerful, it would be unfortunate if he were to damage your divine body during a desperate counterattack."

The River God was silent for a moment before saying, "There is some truth in what you say."

"I am of the water element, and he is adept at fire; it is a natural opposition. If his fire arts are truly formidable, I must indeed make preparations."

"Send men to investigate and see if this Taoist named Jiang Sheng is truly skilled in fire magic."

Master Huang readily agreed, dispatching many men to Qingping Town to gather intelligence. He even made a public show of his intentions, declaring that he would personally visit the Qingxuan Monastery to pay his respects to Daoist Jiang.

As a famous gentleman of Qingshan County, Master Huang’s actions naturally drew countless eyes toward Qingshan Mountain. It was only then that people remembered there was a powerful Daoist Jiang on the mountain.

During these past days, Jiang Sheng had been quietly residing in Qingshan Mountain. The people of Qingshan County had been so preoccupied with various rumors, the petitions of the gentry, and the pleas of the commoners that they had forgotten about this formidable figure.

Now that Master Huang was going to the mountain to offer incense, everyone else wanted to see what he was up to. Did he intend to ask Daoist Jiang to come down the mountain and stop the County Magistrate?

Under the watchful eyes of many, Master Huang led a group of servants carrying several large boxes of gifts up the mountain.

In the dead of winter, climbing Qingshan Mountain was certainly no pleasant task. But for the sake of the River God’s great plan, Master Huang overcame these difficulties.

Supported by his servants as he struggled halfway up the mountain, he saw the black-bricked, blue-tiled monastery and the wisp of blue smoke drifting from it. Master Huang heaved a sigh of relief—he had finally reached the Qingxuan Monastery.

The mountain was sparsely populated, and in the depths of winter, the monastery appeared particularly lonely and devoid of life.

Only a young man in a simple Taoist robe was sweeping the snow at the entrance.

Master Huang stepped forward and smiled, "Little Daoist, Huang Shiren pays his respects."

Tian Ming'an quickly returned the gesture, looking somewhat reserved. "Greetings. May I ask what business brings you here, Layman Huang?"

Huang Shiren assumed an expression of reverence. "I have heard that Daoist Jiang possesses extraordinary means and slew those notorious villains, the Eight Wolves of East Prefecture. I am filled with admiration! I have come up the mountain to pay my respects to Daoist Jiang on behalf of the gentry of Qingshan County, and to offer a small token of our appreciation, as well as to request a talisman."

His words began with flattery regarding Jiang Sheng’s strength, then transitioned into praising him as the savior of the gentry, and finally concluded with a small, seemingly reasonable request.

Huang Shiren’s cunning and depth of intrigue were not to be underestimated.

Upon hearing this, Tian Ming'an clearly lowered his guard. He said with some embarrassment, "Layman Huang, you may not be aware, but my master has been in secluded meditation to cultivate his sword, and is not currently receiving visitors."

Huang Shiren looked visibly disappointed but forced a smile. "In that case, would it be permissible for me to leave these gifts and offer a stick of incense?"

After some hesitation, Tian Ming'an nodded. "You may, but only to offer incense in the front hall."

"I shall follow your instructions, Little Daoist." Huang Shiren appeared very amiable.

"Please, Layman Huang." Tian Ming'an led him into the monastery.

Once inside, Huang Shiren felt that the monastery was indeed extraordinary. The layout subtly aligned with celestial patterns and harmonized with the natural flow of the mountains and rivers, yet it did not feel overwhelming or aggressive; it carried the essence of a hidden dragon in the abyss.

Moreover, being there made one feel physically and mentally at ease, fresh and natural, as if connected to heaven and earth.

As Huang Shiren observed the surroundings, he sighed in admiration, "Daoist Jiang’s sanctum is truly remarkable. Being here makes one feel the profound mysteries of creation. It is truly a land for immortals!"

Tian Ming'an was quite proud of the praise, though he maintained a modest facade. "It is just an ordinary monastery; you flatter me, Layman Huang. We have arrived; please proceed."

Upon reaching the front hall, Huang Shiren looked up and saw the portrait.

In the painting, the Penglai Patriarch was draped in ritual robes with a clear, luminous halo behind his head. His left hand was forming a mudra, while his right held a ruyi, surrounded by cranes and auspicious clouds, appearing dignified and noble.

When Huang Shiren looked at the portrait, it felt as if he had locked eyes with the Patriarch. In an instant, Huang Shiren felt as though his deepest, filthiest secrets had been laid bare. It was as if he had been stripped naked in a blizzard and thrown into an icy river, causing him to shiver violently.

He instinctively averted his gaze, steadied himself, and hurriedly offered three sticks of incense before leaving the front hall.

Only then did Huang Shiren feel he could breathe again. Suppressing his inner terror, he asked as if unintentionally, "Little Daoist, why does this front hall look as if it has been recently renovated?"

Tian Ming'an sounded clearly indignant. "It was those Eight Wolves!"

"They attempted to ambush my master in the middle of the night, but they were no match for him. Driven to desperation, they summoned a giant snake, dozens of feet long, in a final attempt to fight to the death, but my master’s Taoist arts were superior!"

As he spoke, Tian Ming'an’s expression revealed a hint of pride. "My master summoned a Heavenly Dragon and brought down celestial fire to destroy them!"

"It is only a pity that the front hall and courtyard were heavily damaged in the battle and had to be renovated."

A flash of joy crossed Huang Shiren’s eyes, though his face remained masked with regret. "What a pity that I did not get to witness such an immortal spectacle!"