Chapter Ninety-Three: A Visit to the Door

Quickly tell your master that Lina of the Azure Gold Merchant Guild is here to see him, and have him hurry to the reception hall to wait for us.

After speaking, Lina paid no heed to the gatekeeper’s reaction and walked straight into the Zhu residence with Lin Zhi. The guards, who had looked listless only moments ago, were suddenly brimming with energy, especially after hearing the name of the Azure Gold Merchant Guild.

None dared to stop them, and the two entered the courtyard with great composure. Just inside the gate lay a large pool, and the pair strolled slowly while surveying their surroundings.

The people who had just been on the road gathered around in astonishment, wanting to see who it was that could enter the Zhu residence without an appointment.

Move aside, all of you, make way.

The guard brandished the spiritual sword in his hand and pointed it at the crowd on the road, shouting loudly until the sound rang in their ears.

A mere watchdog, what’s so impressive about that?

A plainly dressed youth on the road looked at the guard and let out these words.

As soon as they left his mouth, everyone by the roadside turned to look. The youth appeared to be seventeen or eighteen, holding a spiritual sword in his hand. His hair was tied high with a blue cloth band. He had fair skin and wore a blue robe, standing in the middle of the street with utter disregard for anyone around him.

When the guard heard this, he thrust the spiritual sword straight at the youth. The stone slabs beneath his feet were crushed by the force of his step, cracks spreading outward from him. The sword in his hand was also humming violently. Those who had been watching for entertainment quickly retreated to the side.

A large open space cleared in the street, and the two stood facing each other.

The youth merely glanced at the guard, then drew his own sword. Looking at the gleaming blade, he blew on it lightly before dragging it across the ground.

It seems I’ll have another soul on my hands. Since you’re all so eager to die, I can only accept you as you come.

The youth spoke slowly, his expression unchanged, as though he did not care the least bit about the other man’s feelings.

What did he say? He actually dares speak to someone from the Zhu residence like that? There is a saying that a gatekeeper to a chancellor is still a seventh-rank official. Ordinary people would not dare offend him, yet this boy actually threatens to kill him.

Bull, you don’t know this, but just now a man and a woman went in too. They looked quite young, and they also went in after saying what they had to say, without the slightest courtesy to the guards of the Zhu residence, as if they were returning to their own home.

Two young men talked among themselves, discussing what had just happened and the conclusions they had drawn from what they saw.

That man and woman were from the Azure Gold Merchant Guild. The Azure Gold Merchant Guild is not someone just anyone can afford to offend. I hear its power is vast, and that it comes from the upper realms. That is why so many things circulated by the Azure Gold Merchant Guild have never been seen on the Wind-Rushing Continent. Like that rumored spatial talisman this time, it is said to allow one to ascend directly without needing to ascend.

While the three were speaking, the youth had already vanished. His sword plunged into the guard’s chest. The guard widened his eyes in disbelief; he had sensed nothing at all, and yet he had already lost his life.

The other three guards beside him saw their companion fall and attacked together.

“Sir, please show mercy.”

A middle-aged man ran out from the residence, shouting at the top of his lungs as though afraid no one could hear him.

As the man drew near, everyone on the road could make him out clearly. He wore a suit of armor, fully geared, with every exposed inch of his body covered so completely there was not a single gap. Only his eyes were visible, deep and bright; otherwise, all that could be seen was the armor itself.

This was Elder Ma of the Celestial Immortal Palace, and also the commander of the city guards of Celestial Immortal City. He held several positions at once and usually lived in the Zhu residence. Whenever there was any disturbance in the city, he would appear. For that reason, many people recognized him.

When the youth heard someone call for him to stop, he finally halted. The spiritual sword had already been put away. Hearing the familiar voice, the guard also withdrew his own spiritual sword and stood straight at the entrance to the Zhu residence.

You must be the disciple of Senior Mo. I have long heard of Senior Mo’s great name. Though I have never seen the man himself, I could still recognize you. Your technique is practically identical to Senior Mo’s, not a single bit off.

After hearing the middle-aged armored man’s words, the youth smiled faintly, with a hint of pride in his expression.

My master is Mo Ziliang. But I have nothing to do with my master. I am myself, and my master is my master. There’s no need for you to show him any favor on my account. If you want to make a move, then make one. No need to stand on ceremony with me.

Yet the middle-aged man did not attack. Instead, he looked at the three guards beside him and issued an order.

You three do not need to act. You are no match for him. That rash fellow just now will have to pay the price for this. Return to your posts at once.

I would not dare bully Senior Mo’s disciple. Young man, if you have the time, grant this old man a little courtesy and come inside for a cup of tea. Please, young master.

The young man straightened his chest and walked into the Zhu residence. More and more people gathered at the gate, but this time the guards said nothing; they merely stood at their posts.

Lin Zhi and Lina had reached the reception hall of the Zhu residence. They had only taken a few sips of tea when they heard hurried footsteps outside.

“Oh dear!”

A middle-aged man stumbled at the entrance to the reception hall. He looked somewhat embarrassed, but when he raised his head and saw the two people inside, he no longer cared about that. Instead, he immediately knelt on the ground and performed a full prostration.

Seeing the middle-aged man bowing, Lina glanced back at Lin Zhi, who sat motionless in the seat of honor, and she did not dare speak.

Only after completing his grand salutation on the ground did the middle-aged man begin to speak.

Zi Fuchen did not know that the envoy had come in person. Failing to greet you at the door, I beg your forgiveness.

Having said that, he did not forget to bow again.

Lin Zhi, seated in the place of honor, set down the teacup in his hand and fell into thought for a moment before finally speaking.

No need for such formality. I have come today because there is a matter I need you to handle. If you do it well, there will be limitless benefit. If you fail, then I will have no choice but to act myself. By then, whether the Zhu family can still preserve its place in Wind-Rushing Continent is by no means certain.

That brief sentence struck Zi Fuchen like a bolt of lightning. It was a long moment before he came to himself, hurriedly promising to comply with Lin Zhi’s request.

Please rest assured, Envoy. Whatever you command, our Celestial Immortal Palace and the Zhu family will not hesitate even if it costs us ten thousand deaths. Just give the order, Envoy.

As he spoke, he looked at Lin Zhi with reverent eyes, his face brimming with apparent loyalty.

Master of the household, a disciple of the Mo family has come to pay a visit.

Before Lin Zhi and Zi Fuchen could finish speaking, the voice of Elder Ma, Ma Bufan of the Celestial Immortal Palace, sounded from outside the door.

I have an important guest. Take the disciple of the Mo family to the side hall and have him wait there. Once I am done here, I will go over.

After speaking, Zi Fuchen looked apologetically at Lin Zhi in the seat above, his expression carrying a trace of unease.

Call your son out. I have come to find him this time. If you have matters to attend to, then go and handle them.

Zi Fuchen was greatly shocked upon hearing Lin Zhi’s words. Had his dissolute son somehow offended this plague god? The fear that had just gripped his face now became even more apparent.

I’m only asking him a couple of questions and need one thing from him. If he gives it to me, that will be enough.

Having said this, Lin Zhi waved a hand, signaling Zi Fuchen to hurry and make the arrangements.