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Hearing Xu Zimei’s words, Jiang Mochou’s expression changed slightly, but he still tried to remain calm, "I don’t know you."
"Whether you know me or not isn’t important, but we can make a deal," Xu Zimei said.
"I have nothing to trade with you," Jiang Mochou replied indifferently.
"No, you do," Xu Zimei leaned in slightly, whispering, "The third Battle Body, the Crimson Flame Emperor Body."
As soon as Xu Zimei finished speaking, Jiang Mochou’s demeanor suddenly became explosive as he glared at Xu Zimei.
The Crimson Flame Emperor Body was something he had painstakingly gathered over three years, and only recently completed. How could the man before him possibly know of it?
"Don’t be so nervous; I mean no harm. You help me with a task," Xu Zimei said, "and I’ll give you an opportunity to become a powerful figure.
You should understand that even though you currently possess the Crimson Flame Emperor Body, you lack the backing of a major power.
In the path of martial arts, wealth, companions, law, and land are indispensable. Without my help, heaven knows how long it’ll take for you to get your revenge."
"Why should I believe you?" Jiang Mochou looked at Xu Zimei warily.
"Because I am the True Martial Holy Sect’s Saint Heir," Xu Zimei said calmly, "Behind me is a massive entity, with four Emperors in a single Sect Gate. I can supply you with cultivation materials and many other things."
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jiang Mochou asked, puzzled.
Xu Zimei leaned down and whispered a few sentences into Jiang Mochou’s ear.
Jiang Mochou’s face showed surprise, "You want me to be bait?"
"I must point out one thing; I cannot guarantee your safety," Xu Zimei nodded and replied.
After a moment of silence, Jiang Mochou finally said, "Let me think about it."
"Once you’ve decided, you can find me at the Chi Family," Xu Zimei nodded and returned to his own seat.
Sitting at the table, Jiang Mochou looked somewhat lost. He ate a few bites of his meal and then left.
"Senior brother, do you know that person?" Xiao Guizi asked curiously.
"A very useful pawn," Xu Zimei smiled and said.
Watching Jiang Mochou’s retreating figure, Xu Zimei said in a low voice to Xiao Guizi, "Follow him, and don’t let him discover you."
"I understand," Xiao Guizi was taken aback, then quickly nodded.
"I’ve given him a week’s time. If he hasn’t come to find me at the Chi Family after one week, grab him and bring him over," Xu Zimei said faintly.
"Senior brother, why not just grab him now?" Xiao Guizi asked curiously.
"It’s all part of the show. If he’s willing to cooperate, all the better. Otherwise, I’ll just have to go to a bit more trouble," Xu Zimei laughed, responding with a trace of mystery.
Xiao Guizi nodded and then quietly followed.
...…
Watching the two figures disappear, Xu Zimei continued eating his meal.
In reality, at his level of cultivation, he could go for long periods without eating.
It was just an occasional indulgence in culinary desires.
There were some matters he was not in a hurry to attend to, preferring to drag them out, but since he had coincidentally encountered Jiang Mochou, it seemed a good opportunity to settle them.
After all, that item was still quite important to him.
After finishing his meal, Xu Zimei returned to the inn for a night’s rest. Early the next morning, he mounted his Dark Heaven Tiger and dashed northward.
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...
As the Imperial Rule Immortal Sect of the Eastern Continent, it ruled the northern half beyond Tianyan City.
When the Ice Snow Emperor heeded Destiny, in fact, the entire north belonged to the Chi Family’s territory.
However, as new emperors emerged, the Chi Family gradually declined and now only maintains control over half of its land.
The Chi Family is fundamentally a clan, which is somewhat different from those Family Sects.
The Chi Family is located in the heart of the north, within a city named Heavenly Pool City.
Everyone within this city is essentially a descendent or disciple of the Chi Family, from the direct lineage to the collateral branches.
The Chi Family can be likened to a great tree - blossoming and shedding leaves, and then spreading its roots far and wide.
Xu Zimei, riding the Dark Heaven Tiger, traveled for another seven days and finally arrived at Heavenly Pool City.
Heavenly Pool City is like the main base of the Chi Family; other than its own descendants, no outsiders are allowed entry.
The entire city stands like a giant erected between heaven and earth, bereft of excessive decorations.
From afar, it gives the impression of being imposing, majestic, and solemn.
Xu Zimei, mounted on the Dark Heaven Tiger, approached the city gate but was stopped by two disciples guarding the entrance.
"What business do you have in our Heavenly Pool City?" asked the disciple in a white garment, his tone neutral.
"I’m looking for your Saintess, Chi Qianxue," replied Xu Zimei.
The disciple was taken aback; Chi Qianxue had only recently been conferred the title of Saintess, having done something of great importance for the family.
Moreover, the news of her enshrinement hadn’t yet spread far.
He frowned slightly and said to Xu Zimei, "Who are you?"
"That doesn’t concern you," replied Xu Zimei indifferently. "Just report to your Saintess, and she’ll understand."
Hearing Xu Zimei’s words, the disciple snorted coldly and said, "Not just anyone is granted an audience with our Saintess. If you can’t clearly state your identity, I won’t pass your message on."
"Do you know? The last person who challenged me now has grass over his grave two meters high," Xu Zimei said calmly. "I’ll give you one chance, and if you refuse to report, I’ll just turn around and leave.
The consequences that follow will be for your Chi Family to bear."
"Who do you think you are intimidating? Take a good look, this is Heavenly Pool City, the domain of the Imperial Rule Immortal Sect," the disciple said disdainfully.
"That’s enough, Chi Lei. This is our duty," interrupted another disciple, frowning slightly as he addressed Xu Zimei. "You wait here; I’ll report to our Saintess. Whether she agrees to see you or not is out of my hands."
Xu Zimei nodded with a faint smile.
As the other disciple left to deliver the message, Chi Lei snorted coldly towards Xu Zimei and remarked, "Kid, if our Saintess decides not to see you, I wonder what you’ll do then?"
Xu Zimei shook his head helplessly and said, "Sometimes, I too get tired of killing people, but some flies are indeed too noisy."
As Xu Zimei’s voice faded, the light of Tyrant Shadow Wu Geng’s blade hung inverted in the air.
The disciple’s gaze hardened, unable to react in time, and he fell instantly into a pool of blood.
"Actually, I wanted to put on a show and let Chi Qianxue be the one to kill you after she arrived," Xu Zimei said, looking at Chi Lei’s corpse and shaking his head. "Sorry, I just couldn’t hold back."
With Chi Lei’s death, the situation quickly drew the attention of others within the city.
Just as a large number of people rushed towards the city gate, Chi Qianxue arrived soaring through the air, her aura at the pinnacle of the Empty Vein Realm billowing around her.
She furrowed her brows slightly, observing everything at the entrance of the city.
