C500 The Request of the Chamber of Commerce

The expansive residence was adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes, and the air was rich with spiritual energy. The Skyreach Consortium's manager, clad in simple attire, sat serenely on a white jade lotus throne, a gentle smile on her face and her eyes sparkling with an unusual hue.

She was curious about how Yu Yuan had managed to arrive at the door with such ease. As Jiang Yurong led the two of them inside, she prepared to inquire.

Before she could utter a word, Yu Yuan greeted them with a radiant smile and a respectful bow. "I am Yu Yuan, hailing from the Herbal Clan of Asvetaesi. I failed to disclose my identity before boarding the ship; please forgive the oversight."

Yuan Lianyao was taken aback by his introduction. She turned swiftly, her gaze fixed on Yu Yuan, her beautiful eyes brimming with bewilderment, as if to ask, "Why reveal your true identity so promptly?"

But then, understanding dawned on her. Both the manager seated on the white jade lotus throne and Jiang Yurong, who had escorted them, remained remarkably composed and detached after Yu Yuan's revelation. She was sharp enough to realize that the Skyreach Consortium had been aware of everything all along.

"You're quite astute, young man," Zhu Peining acknowledged with a nod, gesturing for him and Yuan Lianyao to sit on the adjacent white jade chairs. "You surmised that we knew who you were once Yurong invited you, didn't you?"

Yu Yuan responded with a smile, "A distant relative of the diminished Lee family doesn't usually have the clout to meet the true decision-maker of the Sea Wanderer."

"Since you're so clever, try guessing why I wanted to meet you," Zhu Peining said, her interest piqued.

"Is it because I encountered Zu Ann on Rosy Cloud Island?" Yu Yuan replied, unfazed. He gently guided the somewhat bewildered Yuan Lianyao to her seat and nonchalantly picked up a pastry from the tray between them. Biting into the smooth, tofu-like treat and savoring the dispersing spiritual energy, he remarked, "Sister Mayor, there's no need for formalities with the Skyreach Consortium."

He showed no hint of being a guest; as soon as he sat down, he began to eat. Zhu Peining couldn't help but chuckle at his forthrightness.

Over the years, she had welcomed a variety of guests into this room.

Be they young individuals of noble birth or cultivators with profound mastery, all initially behaved with a certain restraint upon taking their seats. Yu Yuan, however, was the exception, boldly helping himself to food and drink as soon as he arrived.

Yu Yuan and Yuan Lianyao entered together, he being a prominent figure of the Ruby Hand and the mayor of Asvetaesi, seemed somewhat out of his element.

Yet, this young man acted more like the master of the house than she did, nonchalantly eating and drinking as if he were alone.

"Aren't you worried that these pastries and spiritual snacks might be poisoned?" Jiang Yurong asked with a light chuckle.

Her curiosity about this young man, whom the merchants had dubbed the God of Plagues, was piqued. Despite his reckless demeanor, she sensed he was quite astute.

"This is the Skyreach Consortium's Sea Wanderer, and we're on the fifth level," Yu Yuan said with a smirk, polishing off the pastry in his hand. "If I were to die here, after being invited by the host, it would tarnish the Skyreach Consortium's millennia-old reputation. Haha, I trust you wouldn't want to shoulder that burden, right?"

Jiang Yurong nodded in agreement. "Our consortium has always operated with integrity; we would never resort to such tactics."

"Yuanyuan, this delicacy is delicious and can nourish the soul. It's perfect for you, now that your cultivation has stabilized," Yu Yuan said, sliding a plate of emerald fruits toward Yuan Lianyao and then turning his gaze to Zhu Peining.

The steward of the "Sea Wanderer" simply smiled back at him, taking her time before responding.

"It's not because of Zu Ann?"

Yu Yuan raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Is it because of my actions in the Embers Sea? Or did the Devil Palace and Shadow's Keep instruct the Skyreach Consortium to seek me out?"

Zhu Peining maintained her smile. "Keep guessing."

"That's a relief," Yu Yuan said with a feigned gasp of shock, patting his chest. "As long as it's not the Devil Palace or Shadow's Keep after me, that's somewhat reassuring. You're aware of me, so you've likely heard that the Crucible of Evil is in my possession. My concern is that the Devil Palace might come after the Crucible of Evil, willing to destroy me and snuff out my life to get it."

"That's not it," Zhu Peining replied, shaking her head.

"It's not because of Zu Ann, nor is it due to the Devil Palace or Shadow's Keep seeking me out..." Yu Yuan pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Then I'm at a loss."

"I had just complimented you on your intelligence. How did you suddenly lose your touch?" Zhu Peining said with a light laugh. "Think about it. What is the Skyreach Consortium known for?"

"Trading in magic items," Yu Yuan replied.

"Exactly. Our bread and butter is the buying and selling of magic items." Zhu Peining's eyes rested on the Bracelet of Holding in his hand, her smile genuine. "I invited you here because I want to secure a promise from you; I'm looking to strike a deal."

"Sunsorrow from the giant beast!"

Yu Yuan and Yuan Lianyao exclaimed together.

Jiang Yurong's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Indeed!" Zhu Peining was open about her request. "I've heard that you've harvested some of the vitality essence from cosmic giant beasts in the Embers Sea. Such an item is a rare and precious treasure, unheard of in the Everlands. A few influential individuals have asked our consortium to inform them immediately if there's any news of Giant Beast Sunsorrow."

"Their desire for the Sunsorrow is intense, and two of them have been of significant assistance to our consortium. That's why, once I knew that Lee Qi was actually Yu Yuan, I extended this invitation for a discussion."

"The Skyreach Consortium hopes to purchase two pieces of Sunsorrow from you. You're well aware of our consortium's reputation; we don't believe in coercion, and we assure you that the price will meet your satisfaction."

"Two pieces are the minimum we're looking to acquire. If you're willing to part with more, we're prepared to purchase all of the 'Giant Beast Sunsorrow' you have!"

The ship's master's demeanor was animated and his eyes were alight with excitement as he spoke of the "Sunsorrow of the giant beast."

A sliver of his consciousness slipped into the Bracelet of Holding, and after a brief glance, Yu Yuan said, "At most, two pieces."

Zhu Peining's smile widened. "Yu Yuan, if you trust us, hand over the two pieces of Sunsorrow first. We can negotiate the actual price and your requirements at our leisure."

"No," Yu Yuan shook his head. "I'll hold onto them. Once we reach the Sundering Isles, I'll inform you of my demands."

With a light huff, he added, "Senior, do you think I might not make it once I arrive at the Sundering Isles, and that's why you're pressing for the two pieces of Sunsorrow now?"

"Nonsense!" Zhu Peining exclaimed with a glare.

Yu Yuan chuckled, "I've already promised you that I'll reserve two pieces of Sunsorrow. Inform the buyers through the Skyreach Consortium to get ready and decide how many rare treasures they're willing to trade."

After securing Yu Yuan's promise, Zhu Peining pondered briefly before raising her hand. A delicate mask, as thin as a cicada's wing, drifted toward Yu Yuan.

"If you're going to assume a new identity, take it seriously," Zhu Peining said with a roll of her eyes. "This mask will allow you to pass as another Lee Qi. Unless you're a Solar Spirit, no one will be able to detect that the face is a facade. It's quite rare, so consider it a deposit from the Consortium."

Yu Yuan caught the mask, which then vanished into his Bracelet of Holding. "Thank you."

"I'm tired," declared Zhu Peining.

"Very well. Once we reach the Sundering Isles, I'll continue discussions with the Consortium." Yu Yuan rose, clearing the table of pastries and spiritual food with a sweep of his Bracelet of Holding. "Yuanyuan, it's late; we should retire for the night."

"Agreed."

Shortly after.

"How did you know the customs of Rosy Cloud Island? How did you know that man would die?"

"Did you actually meet Zu Ann on the mountain? And how are you so informed about the Skyreach Consortium?"

"I was under the impression that the Skyreach Consortium had invited me specifically to meet with you! That old woman, she never once gave me a proper glance!"

"It turns out she was there to meet you from the start, and I was just an afterthought!"

Back in his room, Zhu Peining's temper flared like a lit fuse on a powder keg, her frustration erupting in a flurry of pinches and twists on Yu Yuan's arm, making him grit his teeth in irritation.

Yu Yuan quickly bowed in apology, "Rosy Cloud Island is named after Zu Ann's late wife. It was also her place of cultivation."

"They fought together beyond our world, and after her passing, Zu Ann laid her to rest on that small hill."

"Zu Ann has his eccentricities; he kept this secret to have the misfortunate souls who perished unknowingly honor his wife. A fragment of her unconscious soul lingers in the eerie space within the hill, occasionally drawing on the essence of other souls to sustain its existence."

"Zu Ann has been a benefactor to this world. His actions, though unorthodox, were harmless, and no one took much notice."

"It's only the unaffiliated cultivators who don't understand the situation that would cause trouble on Rosy Cloud Island. If they die, no one pays it any mind."

"Zu Ann's Lunar Spirit resides below, at Skyreach Peak, while his Solar Spirit watches from the heavens. His true form, however, is stationed permanently in the Star River."

"Whether it's the upper sects, the Devil Palace, or the Skyreach Consortium, they all show some respect to Zu Ann. For centuries, he has been a guardian of the Everlands, protecting a vital part of our world."

"..."

Yu Yuan explained the intricacies of Rosy Cloud Island to her, gently easing her concerns.

They talked deep into the night, and only when Yuan Lianyao had a clear understanding did she let the matter rest. "So, Zu Ann is actually quite the romantic," she remarked.

"He's certainly devoted, but his wife, before she died, had her hands stained with the blood of countless victims," Yu Yuan said with a furrowed brow. "If Zu Ann weren't so powerful and hadn't contributed so much to the Everlands, the upper sects would have eliminated his wife long ago."

"I always thought Zu Ann was deeply in love—a true man!" Yuan Lianyao huffed.

Yu Yuan chuckled, choosing not to argue the point.

Soon after, the Sea Wanderer set sail once more. Many of the independent cultivators who had ventured onto Rosy Cloud Island never made it back to the ship.

Those who didn't return had mostly met their end on the island.

Several days later.

As Yu Yuan was practicing his Evil Body Refining technique, he was interrupted by a knock at the door. He was about to answer it when Yuan Lianyao beat him to it, flinging the door open.

He then heard Zhang Manman's timid voice from outside, "Um, our time on the second floor is up, and we've been evicted by the Skyreach Consortium. My sister and I... we've run out of soulstones..."

Yu Yuan's expression turned frosty, annoyed that Zhang Miao from the Nightbane sect seemed to be haunting him, evidently fixated on him.

Now, despite his association with Yuan Lianyao, the two sisters had the audacity to seek him out?

At the doorway.

Yuan Lianyao's eyes glinted dangerously. She ignored her puppet sister and the words that followed, focusing solely on her sister Zhang Miao, who stood there nervously clutching the hem of her garment with an anxious look.

Feeling her stare, Zhang Miao quietly lifted her gaze to meet the other's eyes.

The timidity and anxiety that once swirled in Zhang Miao's eyes slowly faded away.

They were replaced by a look of defiance and an icy chill.

She resembled a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, coiled and ready to strike at its prey.

"Get out!"

Yuan Lianyao huffed and slammed the door shut, her delicate frame quivering with fury. "Does that wretched girl have a death wish? Her audacity knows no bounds! She's infuriating!"

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