NOVPUBCangwen Yu thought to himself that even though this was his first meeting with Su Changkong,
he knew that Su Changkong had carried out numerous transactions with their Cangyun Pavilion. Being able to offer so much Innate Qi, he must be extraordinary, and there really wasn’t a problem in paying Su Changkong in advance for a high-tier Spirit Pill Recipe.
Thereupon, Cangwen Yu said, "Agreed, I, on behalf of my friend, give you my word. Once Brother Blade agrees to participate and we have rendezvoused, we will hand over the high-tier Spirit Pill Recipe to you!"
"Good...," Su Changkong nodded in satisfaction. Su Changkong’s demand for an advance payment wasn’t out of concern that the other party might renege on the deal, but rather because he feared something unforeseen might happen.
In case the operation against the Life Extinguishing Association didn’t go smoothly, Su Changkong would prioritize his own safety according to his nature. Securing the Pill Recipe in advance ensured that even if the mission failed, his efforts wouldn’t have been in vain.
"Since that’s the case, let’s meet in Black Wind Valley five days from now. Brother Blade, you should prepare thoroughly."
Having settled the matter with Su Changkong, Cangwen Yu informed him of the rendezvous location.
"Understood." Su Changkong nodded and bid farewell to Cangwen Yu.
"An important branch of the Life Extinguishing Association is to be eradicated?"
Su Changkong temporarily left Feiyun City and went to make preparations.
The Five-Qi Grandmaster from the Demon Suppressing Department wouldn’t dare to act against the Life Extinguishing Association without sufficient intelligence and assurance—they wouldn’t risk death so recklessly.
With Su Changkong’s current strength, he was confident that unless he faced a Martial Saint level combatant, he would be able to escape danger with ease.
The five days passed by in a flash, and in the early morning of the fifth day, Su Changkong, having made preparations, left Spirit Taoist Sect and headed towards Black Wind Valley.
Black Wind Valley, once inhabited by a gang of bandits who reigned with tyranny amidst its perilous terrain, was eradicated and had long since become a desolate place.
At dusk, Black Wind Valley bustled with nearly twenty people gathered, including Cangwen Yu.
Even though there were only twenty of them, each concealed their aura and hid the sharpness in their eyes; they were all top-notch powerful individuals!
The gazes of this group, when focused on one man, were filled with respect.
That man appeared to be a young man in his twenties. He had an ordinary look about him as if he hailed from an average family, but his eyes – deep and weathered – intimidated the bravest of souls. Gazing into them, one felt inherently subdued.
"Only Dao Wufeng has yet to arrive."
A person whispered. Everyone had arrived except for one.
Dao Wufeng, a name unheard of by anyone present, but since Cangwen Yu had invited him, Cangwen Yu’s judgment was not to be doubted. Everyone patiently awaited, eager to see just who this Dao Wufeng was.
"He’s here."
As dusk fell, a figure entered Black Wind Valley.
With a stern face and appearing to be no more than thirty years old, the man was clothed in black, a knife at his waist, another on his back, and a large bow wrapped in cloth slung over his shoulder.
Clearly, this man was the ’Dao Wufeng’ everyone had been expecting.
The ordinary-looking young man also revealed a hint of the unusual in his eyes. As a Five-Qi Grandmaster, despite ’Dao Wufeng’ seemingly practicing a method of Concealment, he could still sense, through intuition, that Dao Wufeng’s aura was profound and restrained, not that of an average Martial Artist!
"My name is Qi Gang."
The young man seated cross-legged stood up, a friendly smile spread across his face as he introduced himself to the approaching Su Changkong.
The name Qi Gang made Su Changkong nod slightly. He had heard the name before, particularly from ancient scriptures within Spirit Taoist Sect, which recorded information about various powers and strong individuals.
Qi Gang, born ordinary but with exceptional talent, possessed great natural aptitude in the sword arts. At a young age, he was spotted by the Great Flame Royal Family and recruited into the Demon Suppressing Department. Achieving Innate realm as a youth, he advanced rapidly, climbing the ranks within the Department.
After unlocking twelve Heavenly Pulses, he was granted access by the Great Flame Royal Family to the secretive ’Ten Thousand Soul Warrior Tomb.’ He didn’t disappoint, deciphering the Sword Intent during the venture, incorporating the Five Qi into his Sea of Consciousness, and stepping into the realm of a Five-Qi Grandmaster, becoming renowned throughout the Great Flame Empire!
At the time of attaining the Five-Qi Grandmaster status, Qi Gang was only in his thirties.
In the Demon Suppressing Department, aside from the high-ranking Lords, Qi Gang firmly held the third position of power, and advancing further to take charge of the Department wasn’t out of the question.
"This Qi Gang... is indeed remarkable."
Upon seeing Qi Gang, the Blade Intent within Su Changkong’s Sea of Consciousness trembled slightly, as though eager to clash with him, but Su Changkong suppressed this urge.
"Dao Wufeng," Su Changkong feigned simplicity, his demeanor cold as he announced himself.
"Hmm... Brother Blade, I appreciate your willingness to lend me a helping hand. This is a Spirit Pill Recipe I acquired earlier in life, which I used to ascend to the Sky Flower Realm by concocting the Heavenly Spirit Pill detailed on it."
Qi Gang had no airs of a Five-Qi Grandmaster; he spoke kindly and took out a parchment scroll from within his robes, handing it to Su Changkong.
Cangwen Yu had promised on behalf of Qi Gang to pay upfront, and Qi Gang didn’t refute his good friend’s face, trusting in Cangwen Yu’s judgment. Now that they had met, he directly handed the Heavenly Spirit Pill Recipe to Su Changkong.
Su Changkong accepted it, briefly glanced over it, and nodded slightly: "Thank you."
After all, Qi Gang was a prominent figure in the Demon Suppressing Department and a Five-Qi Grandmaster himself; he wasn’t likely to falsify the Pill Recipe.
