Chapter Fifty-Two: News of the Heart-Guarding Elixir

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“Hm, what’s going on?” Seeing that he wasn’t joking, Song Changsheng immediately grew serious.

Zhu Yiqun’s features twisted into a frown as he sighed. “Ah, it’s my old man again. Back when he was young, he was wild beyond measure and made far too many enemies. Just a few days ago, one of his old foes tracked him down and there was a fierce confrontation. Although the old man was more skilled and managed to drive the other away, word got out. Now, enemies show up at our door one after another—I’ve spent this whole time running for my life. A few days back, the old man couldn’t hold out any longer and said he was going to lay low for a while. The heartless old guy left me behind! I only dared to come to the market to meet you after hiding for several days and confirming no one was after me anymore.”

That last part was squeezed through Zhu Yiqun’s gritted teeth—clearly, his anger had yet to subside.

“Your old man is…?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you—my old man is my master. I’ve grown up by his side since I was a child.”

“To have trained a disciple like you, Brother Zhu, your master must be a hidden master indeed,” Song Changsheng said with a cupped-fist smile.

“At best, he’s only at the Foundation Establishment stage. He barely paid attention to me, except for treating that broken sword of his like a treasure. Just talking about it makes me angry. Never mind the old man—let’s not mention him. Now, you said you were looking for me. What’s the matter?”

“First, I wanted to ask if you’d managed to deal with that batch of demonic artifacts. Second, I hoped you could help me find two things,” Song Changsheng quickly stated his purpose.

“The artifacts have already been dealt with. Altogether, they sold for over two thousand spirit stones—we each get more than seven hundred. I’ll give you your share in a bit. So, what are you looking for?”

“Dragonblood Orchid and Heart-protecting Pill.”

Zhu Yiqun’s brow furrowed immediately. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Dragonblood Orchid is a tier-two spiritual herb, brimming with vital blood energy. Only a few grow each year, and as soon as they appear, body cultivators snatch them all up. Except for some private collectors, it’ll be very hard to find any more in Lingzhou this year. Still, with the Song family’s influence, you might have a shot. As for the Heart-protecting Pill, I might have a lead.”

Song Changsheng had only been trying his luck, so he was overjoyed to hear Zhu Yiqun actually had a clue. He said excitedly, “Please, Brother Zhu, point the way. I will surely reward you handsomely.”

“Oh, it’s just a bit of information. If you want to thank me, just treat me to a good drink.” Zhu Yiqun waved his hand nonchalantly and continued, “I know a senior rogue cultivator who, ten years ago, refined a batch of Heart-protecting Pills—five pills in total. I’m not sure if he has any left.”

Song Changsheng was elated and quickly cupped his hands. “Where does this senior reside? I would like to visit him in person.”

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“Sorry, Changsheng, but I can’t tell you that,” Zhu Yiqun replied apologetically. “This senior came to Lingzhou to hide from his enemies and rarely contacts the outside world. If it weren’t for some old ties with my master, I wouldn’t even know of his existence. I’ve promised never to reveal his whereabouts.”

Song Changsheng was a bit disappointed but understood. “In that case, please trouble yourself to speak to him for me. I am willing to pay whatever price is required for the Heart-protecting Pill in his possession.”

“All right, leave this to me.” Zhu Yiqun patted his chest in assurance, then produced a storage pouch. “Here are your spirit stones from the sale of the artifacts.”

“Thank you.”

“No need for thanks—just remember to buy me a drink.”

—

Zhu Yiqun’s efficiency could not be denied. Three days later, he brought reliable news to Song Changsheng.

“Brother Zhu, what did the senior say?” Song Changsheng asked, a hint of urgency in his voice.

Zhu Yiqun frowned. “I suppose you could call it good news. The senior does still have one Heart-protecting Pill left.”

Song Changsheng was overjoyed, but Zhu Yiqun immediately doused his enthusiasm. “Don’t celebrate just yet. The senior said he wants neither spirit stones nor anything else—he only needs you to do something for him.”

“Do something? Let’s hear it first.” Song Changsheng frowned slightly. If the senior had named a price, as long as it wasn’t too outrageous, he could likely manage it. But asking for a task meant uncertainty—it was unlikely to be simple, or Zhu Yiqun wouldn’t look so hesitant.

“Sigh, it sounds simple enough, but I have a feeling it’s not as straightforward as it seems.”

“As long as it doesn’t violate morality or my bottom line, danger doesn’t matter.”

Seeing the resolve in Song Changsheng’s eyes, Zhu Yiqun could only nod. “Very well. The senior wants you to bid on an item for him at the auction in the market next month. He will provide the funds; all you need to do is secure the item.”

“That’s all?” Song Changsheng’s brows lifted. Sometimes, things that seemed simple were anything but. If the senior was a friend of Zhu Yiqun’s master, he was likely a Foundation Establishment cultivator. In Lingzhou, such a person could walk unhindered and was always a welcome guest, especially at an auction. Why would he need someone else to bid for him?

Either his enemy was powerful enough that even attending the auction in disguise was too risky, or the item he wanted had some problem that made it inappropriate for him to bid personally.

Whichever the case, there was a trap here.

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Song Changsheng hesitated. Should he get involved? If he walked away now, there would be no trouble, but finding another Heart-protecting Pill would be almost impossible. If he accepted, he risked attracting new misfortune—something he could ill afford, given how many already had their eyes on him.

“Changsheng, I don’t think this is wise. The senior’s identity is… complicated. If you get involved, it could be dangerous. Let me see if I can find another way.”

“Heart-protecting Pills require rare ingredients, and skilled alchemists are even scarcer. If I miss this chance, who knows how long I’ll have to wait? Time is not on my side.” Song Changsheng didn’t want to get involved, but missing this rare opportunity was even less acceptable. After some thought, he finally decided to agree. In the market, he would still be safe, and when he left, his elders would come for him. He’d just stay with his family until he broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage before coming down the mountain again. As long as a Nascent Soul cultivator didn’t intervene, he would be safe.

And it couldn’t be a Nascent Soul cultivator—if it were, finding someone in Lingzhou would be trivial for them.

“Are you sure?” Zhu Yiqun tried to persuade him once more.

“I’m sure.” Song Changsheng nodded resolutely.

“Here are the spirit stones the senior prepared. The details of the item he wants you to bid for are inscribed in this jade slip. The rest is up to you,” Zhu Yiqun said, as though he had anticipated this decision and made all the preparations.

Song Changsheng took the storage pouch and, opening it, was startled. “Ten thousand spirit stones?”

…