“Elder Sun, Elder Sun, please don’t be angry, let me explain.” The gray-robed cultivator in the black market clasped his fists and apologized repeatedly.

The last time, Sun Lingtong, introduced by Yu Heyi, had conducted his first transaction with this gray-robed cultivator, buying all the souls he was selling.

Not only that, Sun Lingtong also ordered Qin De’s soul from the gray-robed cultivator.

Although Qin De was a Confucian cultivator, he had walked the demonic path and had been imprisoned in the Cloud Prison of the Zhuxie Tang for many years. It was quite normal for him to perish if he couldn’t endure it.

At that time, the gray-robed cultivator quoted 500,000 mid-grade spirit stones. Sun Lingtong not only agreed but also gave two Ghost Dao Golden Cores as both a deposit and a deterrent.

The gray-robed cultivator said, “I sincerely want to do this business, Elder Sun.”

“But since we parted last time, I went to the Zhuxie Tang to try and operate, and I found that Qin De’s supervision has become extremely strict!”

“It’s truly strange. This fellow has been almost completely ignored for the past ten-odd years, so why would he suddenly receive attention?”

Sun Lingtong’s face was ashen.

His hopes being dashed naturally put him in a bad mood.

He had always been very interested in Qin De, especially the *Sage Thief Scripture* he created, which had deeply touched Sun Lingtong at the time, making him feel it could be a great opportunity for himself.

Therefore, Sun Lingtong spared no expense to acquire Qin De’s soul for Ning Zhuo. This would not only allow Ning Zhuo to gain experience and memories from a Confucian cultivator but also obtain the *Sage Thief Scripture*, effectively killing two birds with one stone and achieving a win-win situation.

Sun Lingtong stared at the gray-robed cultivator, “What do I care about your situation? If this business isn’t done, you owe me compensation!”

The gray-robed cultivator sighed deeply and took out the two Ghost Dao Golden Cores from his embrace. He reluctantly admired their glow but eventually placed them back into Sun Lingtong’s hand.

Sun Lingtong first inspected the goods, confirming they were correct before putting away the two Ghost Dao Golden Cores.

Seeing him use five or six verification methods, all extremely skillfully, the gray-robed cultivator immediately smelled a fellow black market practitioner and a growing sense of unease in his heart.

The next moment, Sun Lingtong sneered at him, “This account isn’t right, is it?”

The gray-robed cultivator’s heart skipped a beat, “Two Golden Cores, returned in full, how is it not right?”

Sun Lingtong chuckled coldly, “Do you think I don’t know the rules of the black market? You offered a high price, and I agreed instantly, without even haggling. Now you tell me the business fell through, wasting so much of my time. Don’t you think you should compensate me for this?”

Sun Lingtong was not just a “black market peer”; he managed the black market in Huoshi Xiancheng and was very familiar with its intricacies.

In the black market, a long-term seller’s reputation and credibility are extremely important, even more important than life itself!

It might seem strange and ironic, but it was truly the case.

Trust was difficult to establish among rogue cultivators and demonic practitioners, yet trust was the foundation of business. While one-off deals were different, building long-term business required maintaining one’s reputation.

The gray-robed cultivator had been doing business in the black market for a long time, and he naturally protected his reputation.

Facing Sun Lingtong’s demand for compensation, he immediately lowered his voice and said fiercely, “Heh heh, I was wondering if this was a trap you deliberately set to frame me.”

“Why was this Qin De suddenly put under strict supervision at this time?!”

Sun Lingtong sneered, “Are you trying to default on your payment? Are you sure?”

“As long as you nod, I’ll scream right now and spread the news about you messing up and trying to renege.”

“Of course, it’s not just that. I’ll also circulate these rumors outside!”

“Just you watch, if I don’t ruin your business, I’m not surnamed Sun!”

The gray-robed cultivator also snorted, “I never show my true face. At worst, I’ll avoid this storm and come back to sell goods with a different identity!”

Sun Lingtong, “Heh heh, have you thought it through? Then I’m going to shout!”

Seeing Sun Lingtong genuinely opening his mouth wide, his nerves stretched to their limit, the gray-robed cultivator finally couldn’t hold on, “Wait, wait.”

He deflated, “Name your price, how much do you want me to compensate. But let me say this beforehand, if you make an outrageous demand, I’d rather start over!”

Sun Lingtong was quite experienced in negotiations. Having achieved a temporary victory, he didn’t press further, “I want to know about Qin De. Don’t tell me anything else, tell me something solid that others don’t know.”

The gray-robed cultivator was slightly startled and re-examined the cultivator before him. He suddenly realized that the other party genuinely wanted to make this deal.

His emotions immediately softened considerably, and he reiterated the relevant information, more detailed and factual than before.

He complained, “I spent a lot of money trying to grease the wheels, only to despairingly discover: it was an order from the very top!”

Sun Lingtong was surprised and confirmed, “Zhong Dao, the Hall Master of the Zhuxie Tang?”

The gray-robed cultivator nodded, “Exactly!”

“It is said that Duanmu Zhang, the leader of the Confucian cultivators, is good friends with Zhong Dao.”

“I suspect it might be due to this connection that the Confucian cultivators heard some rumors, which then influenced Hall Master Zhong Dao to do this.”

At this point, he looked at Sun Lingtong again.

Sun Lingtong snorted, “Don’t look at me with suspicion. How could I leak this transaction?”

He frowned deeply and sighed, not knowing what Zhong Dao was up to. In this situation, obtaining Qin De’s soul was almost a fantasy.

He never would have imagined that this change stemmed from the recent Eight Peaks Deliberation, which was closely related to Baizhi Xiancheng.

“When can you get Qin De’s soul?” Sun Lingtong asked.

The gray-robed cultivator found it strange, “You want it that badly?”

Sun Lingtong, “To be precise, I want all Confucian souls. But you only have Qin De as an option here, don’t you?”

The gray-robed cultivator immediately became vigilant, “Although I do business in the black market, I only buy and sell the souls of evil cultivators, which can be considered upholding justice on behalf of heaven.”

“Even if you offer more money, I will not kill the innocent for merit and commit crimes.”

“This is Wanxiang Zong, the largest righteous sect in Feiyun Guo!”

Sun Lingtong waved his hand, “Alright, alright, I’ll take back the deposit for now, but you need to continue monitoring Qin De.”

“I’ll take all the souls you have.”

“I still want to do the business of Qin De.”

The gray-robed cultivator nodded repeatedly, “Me too, me too.”

Sun Lingtong had twice bought all the souls he was selling, clearly indicating a major customer.

The business regarding Qin De’s soul alone amounted to 500,000 mid-grade spirit stones. He certainly didn’t want to miss out on such a big deal.

Sun Lingtong seized the opportunity, “I can forgo the compensation.”

“But we need to sign a divine pact to ensure basic trust.”

The gray-robed cultivator immediately hesitated, “This—”

“I have never signed a divine pact with any buyer, and besides, the rules of the black market—”

He hadn’t finished speaking when Sun Lingtong waved him off directly, “Don’t bother with these useless things. We can only continue doing business if we sign the divine pact, otherwise, it’s off the table.”

The gray-robed cultivator gritted his teeth, struggling internally for a few moments, and finally nodded, “Alright!”

Soon after, Sun Lingtong quietly left the black market with a pile of souls.

Currently, within the main sect of Wanxiang Zong, Ning Zhuo could not leave the premises, so the largest and most stable channel for acquiring souls was the gray-robed cultivator.

Signing the divine pact this time was equivalent to stabilizing this channel.

“My *Sage Thief Scripture* can be put aside for now. Xiao Zhuo needs souls, the more the better, and the supply cannot be cut off.”

“As for you—heh heh, how long do you plan to hide after signing the divine pact?”

“Sooner or later, I will uncover your true identity!”

In the courtyard, the aroma of tea lingered.

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng were chatting happily with Nangong Zhi.

Nangong Zhi appeared to be around thirty years old, a female Confucian cultivator. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, and she wore a sky-blue *ruqun*. Her movements exuded a scholarly air, along with a sense of efficiency.

Song Taosheng gently fanned himself, elaborating on the preliminary trial plan: “—For this Xingyun Xiaoshi, my intention is not to focus on arena duels. We should set up several checkpoints, presided over by us Confucian cultivators, to be conducted simultaneously. Each checkpoint will demonstrate a unique method for refining a specific type of paper, and ample materials will be provided to assist the participating cultivators in attempting papermaking. Ultimately, the victor will be determined by a comprehensive assessment of the types, quantities, and quality of paper produced within a specified timeframe.”

Nangong Zhi nodded slightly and said, “This is indeed ‘learning by doing,’ which can both showcase our Confucian sect’s craftsmanship and demonstrate our sincerity in exchanging ideas. Very good, it suits my taste.”

She smiled charmingly, “Since Senior Duanmu has given his golden word and values Ning Zhuo, I, too, cannot be stingy.”

“I am willing to contribute my savings to sponsor this trial and personally preside over the checkpoint related to the refinement of Tianxing Jian.”

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng were overjoyed at the news and simultaneously cupped their hands in thanks.

Nangong Zhi, “According to your two Daoist friends’ plan, who will be invited to preside over the checkpoints next?”

Chu Xuangui, “Situ Gu.”

Nangong Zhi raised an eyebrow slightly, “Daoist Friend Situ’s side—I’m afraid it won’t be easy. He has always been—hmm, he dislikes ostentation. Asking him to preside over the Haoran Xuan checkpoint and also contribute his unique refining techniques and treasured materials, I fear—”

Situ Gu’s mastery of Haoran Xuan was unparalleled. If he couldn’t participate in this Xingyun Xiaoshi, the foundation of this trial would undoubtedly be weakened.

The Confucian cultivators within Wanxiang Zong were all well aware of Situ Gu’s temperament.

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng had long prepared themselves for a lengthy process of persuasion and negotiation.

They bid farewell to Nangong Zhi and arrived at Situ Gu’s simple courtyard located halfway up the mountain.

The courtyard gate was open, and Situ Gu greeted them first.

He wore a semi-worn, dark brown Confucian robe, with a lean figure, a stern face, and three long strands of beard under his chin.

“Daoist Friend Chu, Daoist Friend Song! Come in, please come in quickly!” Situ Gu’s voice was eight octaves higher than usual, a somewhat unusually enthusiastic welcome.

He ushered the two into the courtyard and treated them to spiritual tea.

Song Taosheng cleared his throat, carefully choosing his words, and explained their purpose.

Situ Gu stroked his beard, “Since Elder Duanmu Zhang has affirmed it, then I naturally must contribute money and effort!”

His attitude was enthusiastic, and he readily agreed.

Things went unbelievably smoothly. Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng exchanged a few more pleasantries, expressed their gratitude repeatedly, and then rose to take their leave.

On their way back, Song Taosheng finally couldn’t help but whisper, “Brother Chu, don’t you think—Daoist Friend Situ was a bit too enthusiastic today?”

A sharp glint flashed in Chu Xuangui’s eyes, and he said in a low voice, “More than just enthusiastic. He agreed too readily, but there was an imperceptible flicker of urgency deep in his eyes, which is completely unlike his usual meticulous nature. There’s definitely something fishy about this.”

Song Taosheng sighed. The situation being too smooth made him wary.

After a discussion, both decided to convince others and then proceed to investigate the matter.

At the same time.

Situ Gu returned to his study and saw two new Confucian cultivators.

The one seated at the head wore a black deep robe, appeared to be around forty or fifty years old, with a gaunt face and eyes as deep as ancient wells. He was the great Confucian Zhao Hansheng. His aura was deep and composed; sitting there, he was like a deep pool or a towering peak, possessing an inherent captivating demeanor.

Below him was a young man, appearing to be just over twenty, dressed in a moon-white Confucian robe. His face was extraordinarily handsome, truly a paragon of elegance. However, the lingering arrogance in his brows and eyes made him a little less gentle and a bit more distant. He was Zhao Hansheng’s disciple, a contemporary genius renowned throughout Huazhang Guo—Gu Qing.

“Both Daoist friends have heard, I have agreed to participate in this Xingyun Xiaoshi,” Situ Gu said with a smile.

With a slight hesitation in his tone, he continued, “But I fear Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng have already noticed something amiss, and it won’t be long before it’s exposed.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Qing’s lips curled into a faint smile, a smile brimming with confidence and control. He picked up the teacup in front of him, taking a light sip, his movements elegant and composed, “Mr. Situ need not worry. We never intended to hide it.”

Zhao Hansheng stroked his beard, his voice steady, yet carrying an undeniable authority, “Indeed. Next, we will take the initiative to call upon Duanmu Zhang directly! Daoist Friend Situ, why not come along?”

Situ Gu hesitated for a moment but ultimately shook his head.

Gu Qing, smiling, was the first to rise, “In that case, we shall take our leave.”

Situ Gu hastily saw them off.

On their way, flying on clouds, Gu Qing sent a spiritual message, full of disdain, “Situ Gu is nothing special, hesitating in his actions. He wants to be close to us but also wants to save face. How can such a person achieve anything by being indecisive?”

Zhao Hansheng, “These are pretty much all the Confucian cultivators in Wanxiang Zong. However, for you, they still hold value.”

Gu Qing, “That’s true. My departure from the family to travel the world this time is precisely to accumulate merits, so that upon returning to Huazhang Guo, I can strive for higher status and fame.”

“From Situ Gu’s words, I’ve learned about the Confucian cultivators’ plans. Since they want to promote this outsider Ning Zhuo, even going so far as to set up several Xingyun Xiaoshi, then don’t blame me for taking advantage of this excellent opportunity to make a formal appearance and instantly gain fame by stepping on Ning Zhuo.”

Chu Xuangui and Song Taosheng found Li Guanyu under a weeping willow by a stream.

Li Guanyu was unkempt, with wine stains on his green robe, leaning against a tree trunk, pouring and drinking from his wine gourd.

“Daoist Friend Li, what fine leisure,” Song Taosheng said with a smile as he approached.

Li Guanyu looked up at the sound, his hazy, drunken eyes recognizing them. He grinned, revealing his white teeth: “It’s you two, come, come, accompany me in a drink!”

“Daoist Friend Li, let’s drink later. We are here on important business,” Chu Xuangui revealed the detailed concept of the Xingyun Xiaoshi.

Li Guanyu was very forthright, “Sounds interesting! Alright, I’ll take on this Xinhuo Su checkpoint!”

This was the most direct and convenient conversation.

Just as Chu Xuangui was about to express his thanks, a flying message arrived, sent by Duanmu Zhang.

“Zhao Hansheng? Gu Qing? So that’s how it is—” Chu Xuangui suddenly understood, handing the flying message to Song Taosheng.

After reading it, Song Taosheng immediately frowned, “Things have gotten complicated.”

Li Guanyu also read the letter, “Zhao Hansheng, I’ve heard of him, a famous great Confucian in Huazhang Guo, on par with our Elder Duanmu.”

“Gu Qing is of noble birth, exceptionally intelligent, and became famous at a young age. He is a true genius among our Confucian cultivators!”

“Given the current situation, are they also participating in this Xingyun Xiaoshi?”

“Ning Zhuo—”

“I’m afraid he’s no match for Gu Qing.”