Yinshan Record

Chapter 535 The Mysterious Capital's Refinement of the Spirit Finally Has a Method (Part 2)
When Su Che arrived at Yue Luan's thatched cottage outside, he finally saw the key point of this meeting.

A white cat exuding demonic aura, and a masked Taoist priest carrying four swords.

Regardless of the white cat, it was clearly a powerful demon that had cultivated the Elixir of Immortality. And this masked Taoist looked very much like the Jade Scenery Taoist Elixir of Immortality that I had met in the underground of Jiankang.

Back then, this person held sway over a region, and his imposing presence forced me to retreat. I never expected to run into him here again today.

"senior."

Su Che first bowed respectfully to Yue Luan, then quietly looked at the two people in front of him.

"Let me introduce you. This is my half-disciple, Liu Yi, now the Grand General of the Righteous Army, acting on behalf of Heaven to pacify the people. These two are friends from the East China Sea."

"The Great General Who Pacifies the People on Behalf of Heaven" was the self-title of Luo Rucai, a warlord known as "Cao Cao" during the late Ming Dynasty. Su Che's choice of this title was somewhat deliberate.

However, Yue Luan did not want to tell Liu Yi too much about the past.

In his current plan, Liu Yi is a pebble he throws out to ask for directions. If he can really find the way, he can naturally bring him into his fold. If he unfortunately sinks into the water, there is no need to put in any more effort.

The appearance of the ancient underworld is merely the beginning of a grand scheme. In this game, even earth immortals and demon gods may perish, and even someone with Yue Luan's cultivation level must be careful.

However, if one can gain some benefits from it, then one may be able to break free from the shackles that have long surrounded one's own body. One can retreat and reincarnate at will, or perhaps even ask the Venerable Earth Immortal for guidance.

"East China Sea?"

Su Che looked at the person and the cat in front of him.

When did it get involved with the East China Sea again?

"Brother Liu."

The white cat said in a hoarse voice, "I have long heard that Brother Liu is a man of exceptional talent, and today I see that he is indeed worthy of the title. I am Bai Xian, and this is Fellow Daoist Ling Zhenzi. We are both from the Rakshasa Sea. The reason we dare to come and pay our respects to Brother Liu today is that we wish to discuss a business deal with you."

Rakshasa Sea, it's them again.

Su Che recalled that Rakshasa Sea was a famous trading company in the East China Sea, and it operated countless businesses. He had met a few people from Rakshasa Sea in Cizhou before. At that time, he only felt that they were plotting something and had a vague connection with the Demonic Sect.

However, it now seems that this Rakshasa Sea is far more complicated than I thought.

It's even related to Yujingdao.

"Business?" Liu Yi smiled slightly, glancing at Yue Luan beside him. "I truly don't know what business we can discuss with Brother Bai. Since Yu Chen left, our righteous army has been in ruins, practically a blank slate. Business is about give and take, and I really have no capital here..."

"Brother Liu is far too modest."

The white cat licked its paws, glancing almost imperceptibly at Yue Luan beside it, before continuing, "I've heard that Brother Liu has slain Sikong Tu in battle and has three demon kings from Xuanshan assisting him. It's only a matter of time before he establishes a firm foothold in Xuanshan. As everyone knows, Cizhou is a place where ancient powerful beings rose from the sea, rich in natural resources and treasures. Xuanshan is the most auspicious place in Cizhou, a place of exceptional beauty and spiritual energy, brimming with spiritual treasures. Brother Liu already has a mountain of treasures in his grasp."

Su Che smiled slightly upon hearing this but did not reply.

The real intention behind these two men's visit was not just a business deal; they knew they weren't there for something more.

"That may be true, but my place is in dire need of rebuilding, and I really don't know in any way I can help you two..."

"When I arrived, I saw Brother Liu's troops building a fortress in these mountains. The daily food and supplies for the men and horses must be enormous," the white cat said casually. "If Brother Liu is willing, we can provide him with provisions and weapons, at least three thousand shi of grain per day. The cost can be put on the books..."

That's quite a generous gesture. Three thousand shi of grain a day—that's enough to supply most of the rebel army's needs. Ninety thousand shi a month—that's no small sum.

"I have heard that the Rakshasa Sea is home to the world's elite, with 365 divine lords each holding their own duties, all of them exceptional individuals. I wonder if there are any objections to Brother Bai's proposal within the Rakshasa Sea, since the amount is too large, and I may truly be unable to afford it."

As Su Che spoke, he looked at Yue Luan on the other side, wondering what role Elder Yue played in the Rakshasa Sea.

“Brother Liu, although I am not among the 365 Divine Lords, I have come here at the request of someone in charge. We are looking for a reliable ally in the Central Plains. Moreover, Brother Liu can afford to pay this bill.”

"Hmm? Brother Bai, do you have that much confidence in me?"

"Yes, after all, Brother Liu still has some goods that we think are in high demand. If Brother Liu is willing, we are willing to pay a high price to buy them. Not to mention these grains, we can also discuss military equipment, armor, warhorses, spirit beasts, and even secret manuals and spiritual treasures, as long as Brother Liu is willing to give them."

The white cat's voice was hoarse, yet its aura of malevolence was chilling.

"How come I didn't know I had such useful goods on me..."

"People. If Brother Liu is willing to sell us his men, the price is negotiable. Of course, we're not picky; the old, young, women, children, and able-bodied are all the same price. If Brother Liu is willing, he can certainly offload some of his burdens..."

people?
What do the Rakshasa Sea need so many people for?

Su Che couldn't help but recall a past event. After the incident involving the Prince of Wuling, he had met the Chang family of Licheng while wandering the Canglang River. Because someone in their family had become a disciple of the East Sea Sword Palace, the entire clan had moved to the East Sea. At that time, he had the opportunity to see the Chang family's account books, and those entries were quite interesting.

It seems they were also involved in the business of trafficking people to the East China Sea.

I wonder if it has anything to do with this Rakshasa Sea.

“If that’s how you speak, Brother Bai, then there’s no need for us to say anything more.” Su Che smiled slightly. “I’m willing to sell my own virginity for the right price, but I don’t sell people. If there’s nothing else to say, then let’s part ways amicably.”

Su Che cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, as if to see the guest out.

"Junior Brother Liu is quick-witted and outspoken, which I like very much."

The masked Taoist priest Lingzhenzi suddenly spoke up and took over the conversation.

"I've heard that Junior Brother Liu once received instruction from his martial uncle and comprehended the wondrous Five Weapons Sword Gu technique. I wonder if you could demonstrate it?"

This person changed the subject, but their words still carried that faint chill.

It was as if he had never had anything called emotion.

"Who is this……"

“Lingzhenzi is my senior brother’s disciple. Their lineage has long been in the Southern Wilderness and rarely interacts with us.”

Yue Luan added, "The reason for arranging this meeting is still because of one thing. But since we've already come this far, I might as well be frank: in fact, our lineage is the direct descendant of Yuyang Mountain."

Su Che looked at the unfathomable Elder Yue. A direct descendant of Yuyang Mountain? I don't believe you.

(End of this chapter)