CHAPTER 93: CHAPTER 91 THE BIG BUSINESS OF FOUR SEAS PAVILION

The former Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion was an old granny.

She was the hidden puppeteer who had arranged for Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan to participate in the ’Nine Deaths, One Crippling’ Human Emperor trial in the Northern Wilderness.

When Wu Wang first received the Yan Emperor Order and was building a new house for Predecessor Shen Nong, he had caught a glimpse of the old crone during a gathering of the Human Domain’s high-ranking officials summoned by Predecessor Shen Nong.

At that time, the old woman had directly contradicted Predecessor Shen Nong. His poor father-in-law, whose lifespan was dwindling, could only endure it.

Later, after Predecessor Shen Nong successfully extended his life and returned to the Human Domain, he immediately replaced the former Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion. He also strictly forbade the Pavilion from conducting any more so-called fate trials.

This was the reason behind Wu Wang’s question, "Is it the current one or the former one?"

If it were the former Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion, Wu Wang would directly present his Yan Emperor Order to avoid being ’accidentally killed’ by her.

If it were the current one, then a meeting would be acceptable.

Actually, he could tell from the voice transmission that the person was a man, but Wu Wang still felt somewhat uneasy.

A moment of silence filled the attic before the voice transmission entered Wu Wang’s ears again, "I have only recently assumed the position of Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion, so I should be the current one."

"My apologies."

Wu Wang cupped his hands and gave Lin Suqing a reassuring look. He then slowly pushed open the door before him.

An old man with a lean face stood before the main hall. His Daoist aura was faint and ethereal, his white hair and beard contrasting with his rosy complexion. He wore a tall coronet and a blue robe; merely standing there, he exuded the transcendent air of an immortal.

Wu Wang made a Daoist salute and said with a smile, "This junior’s whereabouts truly cannot escape the notice of the Four Seas Pavilion."

The Pavilion Master smiled and nodded, his voice warm. "My Daoist name is Feng Zhizi. I took the liberty of entering and waiting here without Young Master Xiong’s permission. Please forgive any discourtesy."

"HAHAHAHA, Senior, you’re just trying to protect my identity. I should be the one thanking you," Wu Wang responded.

Wu Wang gestured for Feng Zhizi to be seated, showing no signs of nervousness or restraint. His smile was broad and hearty as he strode to the host’s seat, sitting down at the same time as Feng Zhizi, who took the guest’s seat.

Since this senior hadn’t waited for him in the main seat of the hall, Wu Wang understood that the other party likely had a request.

Lin Suqing bowed slightly to Feng Zhizi in respect, then turned to prepare tea, her movements natural and graceful.

Having been with the Young Master for so long, even when seeing one of the top five most powerful figures in the Human Domain, she felt no nervousness.

Much less pressure than facing Lord Cang Xue.

Feng Zhizi chuckled, stroking his beard. His wide robe sleeves swept out as he set up a Barrier within the attic, clearly intending for their subsequent conversation to remain private.

He said, "It’s truly admirable that Young Master Xiong, at such a young age, can face the Evil God without the slightest hint of cowardice. That Liu Baiyi talks my ear off whenever he sees me; I’m about to get calluses on my ears."

"Master Liu flatters me," Wu Wang said with a smile. "We men of the Northern Wilderness possess a spirit that defies heaven and earth. We believe only in the Star God. That so-called Whistling Serpent daring to call itself a god is truly laughable."

"HAHAHA! The Star God is still relatively gentle towards the Northern Wilderness. He merely restricts the growth of the Northern Wilderness clans and forbids the living beings of the Northern Wilderness from cultivating."

"Frankly, it’s quite surprising that Young Master Xiong managed to walk the path of cultivation."

"Merely a stroke of luck," Wu Wang said, his eyes narrowed in a smile. He then added, "Senior, for you to hold such an important position as Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion and possess the deep trust of Predecessor Shen Nong, you must be an extraordinary and transcendent individual. Meeting you today, your remarkable presence is truly impressive."

The two exchanged glances before both bursting into hearty laughter.

A little way off, Lin Suqing, who was approaching with a tray of tea, pursed her lips slightly.

Do interactions between great figures always involve such insincere flattery? Not a single word sounds genuine!

She put on a polite smile, brought the tray over to Feng Zhizi, and said softly, "Senior, please have some tea."

"Thank you, Miss Lin," Feng Zhizi replied warmly, his eyes lighting up as he chuckled. "This Miss Lin has an extraordinary physique, and her eyes are brimming with spiritual light. She is truly a rare cultivation prodigy, the kind seen only once in a thousand years."

As he spoke, Feng Zhizi took out a Jade Talisman.

"I happen to have a copy of the ’Heavenly Phoenix Birthing Fragrance Art.’ It seems fated for Miss Lin. Would Miss Lin be interested in learning it?"

Here it comes! A classic case of ’testing the waters!’

Lin Suqing naturally didn’t dare to accept it immediately and instead looked towards Wu Wang.

Wu Wang laughed and said, "An elder’s gift should not be refused. Suqing, you happen to be lacking a superior cultivation method. Pavilion Master Feng Zhizi’s gift will surely not disappoint you."

"Yes," Lin Suqing responded softly, accepting the Jade Talisman and bowing to Feng Zhizi. "Thank you, Senior Feng Zhizi."

Feng Zhizi nodded with a smile, having understood the implicit message.

After Lin Suqing had left, Feng Zhizi let out a light sigh, his expression somewhat somber.

Wu Wang seized the opportunity to continue, "Senior, could it be that the situation in the Northern Region is unstable?"

"It is certainly secure," Feng Zhizi sighed. "His Majesty personally oversees the Northern Region, and countless sons of the Human Domain are shedding blood and fighting the enemy..."

"Senior," Wu Wang said earnestly, "it would be more appropriate to say ’countless heroic sons and daughters’ here."

"Right, right, half of the army consists of women. My wording was indeed improper."

Feng Zhizi reorganized his thoughts and said,

"It’s just that, as Young Master Xiong also knows, Magic Treasures and magical artifacts naturally wear down with prolonged use.

The war between the Human Domain and the Heavenly Emperor of the north has been ongoing since ancient times, lasting for many long years. The treasure mines and precious materials within the Human Domain have already been mostly depleted.

It is precisely for this reason that His Majesty established our Four Seas Pavilion: to exchange elixirs, magical artifacts, food, and other such goods for treasure mines and spirit grass in the lands of the Nine Wildernesses."

"So, are we running short of ores?"

"Indeed," Feng Zhizi sighed lightly. "My visit today is to ask Young Master Xiong to make some accommodations, to ask the Northern Wilderness Mining Alliance to allocate us a larger share. We can pay a higher price for it."

Wu Wang pondered for a moment and said, "Since Senior sought me out, you must have already discovered my identity in the Northern Wilderness."

Feng Zhizi nodded with a smile.

"I can help with this," Wu Wang said slowly. "Since arriving in the Human Domain, I have also witnessed its difficulties. Though I am of the Northern Wilderness Human race, I am willing to lend the Human Domain a hand.

How much of a price increase can you offer?"

Feng Zhizi almost stumbled. "Well... five percent."

"Don’t misunderstand," Wu Wang said seriously. "If the Human Domain were to take large quantities of ores without a price increase, the Northern Wilderness would likely be blamed by the Heaven Palace.

The situation outside is different from the Human Domain; we don’t possess the strength to resist the Heavenly Emperor as the Human Domain does.

Moreover, within the Mining Alliance, only the Big Wave Tribe and my Xiong Bao Clan are predominantly of the Human race. The Hundred Races are all represented there."

"We understand, we all understand."

Feng Zhizi sighed, "The Human Domain merely wishes to survive peacefully here and has no intention of encroaching upon the living space of the Hundred Races. In that case, how about an increase of ten percent?"

"Five percent is sufficient," Wu Wang said with a smile. "We just need the pretext of ’the highest bidder wins.’

If I were to make ill-gotten gains while the Human Domain faces the Beast Tide, I would be ashamed to call myself human."

A divine light flashed in Feng Zhizi’s eyes, and his smile became much more natural.

As they spoke, Wu Wang took a thumb ring from his sleeve and pushed it towards Feng Zhizi with his mana.

"Give this to the Chief Priest on duty at the Mining Alliance. Say nothing more; he will naturally increase the Human Domain’s purchase quota by thirty percent from its current level."

"Oh?"

Feng Zhizi clutched the thumb ring tightly in his palm as if it were a priceless treasure.

"Many thanks, Young Master Xiong!"

Wu Wang laughed. "Senior, you’re too kind. The Northern Wilderness isn’t losing out either."

"Well," Feng Zhizi paused, then continued, "Can our two sides establish a long-term agreement? The Human Domain has grain, elixirs, medicinal herbs, and also Magic Treasures and artifacts. We can provide a continuous supply to the Northern Wilderness."

"You should discuss these terms with the Mining Alliance," Wu Wang said. "I am not in the Northern Wilderness at the moment, and I am only the Young Master of a single clan. I cannot make decisions for them all.

However, if you show them this thumb ring, they should not refuse."

"HAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHA!"

Feng Zhizi stroked his beard and laughed heartily, tucking the thumb ring into his sleeve before taking out a Treasure Sack.

He said, "Now that the business is concluded, I won’t be secretive any longer. I didn’t present this item earlier because I was afraid it might seem as though Young Master Xiong only granted a larger quota because he received benefits from me."

Feng Zhizi flicked his wrist gently, and the Treasure Sack landed in Wu Wang’s hand.

"What is this?"

"Young Master Xiong, open it and have a look."

The Storage Bag had no restrictions on it. Wu Wang pried it open with his fingers and glanced at the treasure inside. His eyes couldn’t help but light up.

It was a suit of full-body Treasure Armor, meticulously crafted from toe to helmet, complete with a faceplate on the helmet.

The Treasure Armor shone a brilliant gold, adorned with delicate golden scales. Upon closer inspection, these scales were identical to those of the Golden Dragon Body Wu Wang manifested when he activated the Star God’s bloodline—there was no difference whatsoever.

Feng Zhizi lowered his voice and whispered,

"This armor was commissioned by His Majesty himself, who gathered twelve master refiners from the Human Domain to forge it over forty-nine days. All materials used are of the highest grade. When worn, it can resist Divine Weapons. Without needing any mana, it can withstand attacks from anyone below the Heavenly Immortal realm.

Its marvelous uses are endless, and Young Master Xiong may explore them at leisure.

His Majesty also asked me to pass on a message to Young Master Xiong... He knows about your direct confrontation with the Evil God. You should diligently focus on improving your own strength and not worry about other matters.

If, when His Majesty next sees Young Master Xiong, you have not yet become an Immortal, then he might just have to consider arranging that childhood betrothal."

Wu Wang’s eyes widened, and he stood up abruptly, barking, "He wouldn’t dare!"

Feng Zhizi was stunned.

Wu Wang, realizing his words had been too forceful, quickly managed a smile and said in a gentle voice, "I mean, surely Predecessor Shen Nong isn’t that kind of elder who goes back on his word, right?"

Feng Zhizi forced an awkward smile.

Rumor has it that the Little Golden Dragon is deeply favored by His Majesty, their relationship like that of grandfather and grandson... It seems those rumors are eighty percent true.

"Ahem, does Young Master Xiong have any other requests? Feel free to mention them to me."

"Young Master Xiong has none, but Wu Wangzi does."

Wu Wang said, "I require Cultivation Methods from the Human Domain. I’ll trouble the Pavilion Master to relay this to the Human Emperor; He will understand which Cultivation Methods to give me.

Also, the Ten Evils Hall seems to be targeting me now. My ability to use the Praying Star Technique in the Human Domain is severely restricted; its power is only comparable to an Immortal Method at the True Immortal Realm..."

Feng Zhizi immediately said, "I have a disciple who is currently in the late stage of the Heavenly Immortal Realm. When I return, I will send this disciple to remain by your side as a close guard."

Hmph, late-stage Heavenly Immortal Realm? Couldn’t he just openly send a Transcendent?

The Human Domain is currently short-handed. Even if the Ten Evils Hall has Transcendent masters, they usually wouldn’t dare to show their faces. Having an expert whose strength is close to that of the Annihilation Sect’s Grand Elder as a guard would provide a great deal of reassurance.

Wu Wang smiled and cupped his hands. "Then I must thank you for your consideration, Senior."

"Your assistance today, Young Master Xiong, has greatly relieved the Human Domain. It is I who should be thanking you."

"Ah, Senior, you’re too kind. Why not stay for a simple drink?"

Lin Suqing, who had been sitting quietly by the second-floor staircase, immediately rose and hurried to Wu Wang’s side.

Normally, hearing such an exchange signaled the host’s intention to see the guest off.

Sure enough, the immortal-looking old man chuckled. "No, no, I must hurry to the Northern Region to arrange for manpower to head to the Northern Wilderness!"

...

Wu Wang couldn’t quite discern how the Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion departed.

After the old man walked out of the attic, his figure transformed into a wisp of cloud-like smoke and slowly dissipated in the gentle breeze. He didn’t disturb Yang Wudi at all, who was sitting in a distant pavilion, reading a book and snickering.

Perhaps this is what it means to be a true master.

"HOO—"

Wu Wang exhaled, his entire body relaxing. "Dealing with such masters is truly exhausting."

Lin Suqing giggled, casually closing the door. She added, "That Senior truly had the air of an immortal, a genuine celestial being."

"Air of an immortal? What air?"

Wu Wang shook his head and muttered, "His mouth spouted benevolence and righteousness, but his heart was all business. If I had agreed to that ten percent price increase just now, I wouldn’t have gotten this Treasure Armor.

Our Human Emperor is never one to take a loss."

"Huh?"

Lin Suqing looked a little puzzled and asked, "But isn’t the Human Emperor said to be very benevolent?"

"Hmph, benevolent. Oh, so benevolent."

Wu Wang slumped back into his wooden chair, a corner of his mouth twitching. "Have you ever seen a ’benevolent’ old man who would hang an outstanding up-and-coming talent like me from a tree and thrash him?

I used a tiny bit of ’latrine dew’ on him, and that ’benevolent’ old man pinned me down and thrashed me for six hours!

He didn’t use any mana, nor did he hit any vital spots! He just made sure it was painful! And when the pain became too much, he’d even feed me top-grade Healing Pills!

Him, benevolent? Pah!"

Lin Suqing immediately burst into a series of ’HONK HONK HONK’ giggles, clutching her stomach. She then took out the Jade Talisman of the ’Heavenly Phoenix Birthing Fragrance Art.’

Wu Wang, however, gestured for her to keep it, smiling as he said,

"This should be a cultivation method suitable for women. Even if it’s not a top-tier technique, it should be a first-rate one.

Start practicing this from today. It’s easier for you to switch since your cultivation level is low. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask. Don’t try to figure it out on your own.

Your aptitude is quite good now. In the future, you might become a powerful expert in your own right. Then, when you go out with me, you won’t have to be escorted away first whenever we encounter danger, like today."

"Oh," Lin Suqing put the Jade Talisman away, not feeling particularly strongly about it. "Becoming an Immortal... that’s something I wouldn’t dare to hope for."

"Imagination," Wu Wang wagged his finger beside his head. "You need imagination. Go and practice. I also need to focus on my cultivation for a while.

The Nascent Soul Realm is still far too weak in the Human Domain."

Lin Suqing agreed and, humming a little tune, floated upstairs.

Wu Wang then took out the numerous bottles and jars he had confiscated earlier. He inspected them one by one, his interest waning.

They all contained diluted blood of an Evil God, with very little essence.

Better than nothing, I suppose, but just barely.

He then took out the suit of Golden Armor. He searched it all over but couldn’t find any clasps. The armor was seamlessly forged as a single piece.

This?

Do I have to slip in through the helmet?

Wu Wang, recalling some literature he had read in his previous life, bit his fingertip and dripped a couple of drops of blood onto it.

No reaction?

At the top of the stairs, Lin Suqing peeked out and said softly, "Young Master, I’ve heard that some high-grade Immortal treasures need to be refined with one’s Nascent Soul and absorbed into the Spirit Platform."

Wu Wang was speechless.

The Young Master puffed out his chest, a slightly sinister smile playing on his lips. "This is called a blood sacrifice."

Lin Suqing giggled, stamping her feet on the second-floor landing, making quite a racket.

Black lines appeared on Wu Wang’s forehead; he was tempted to go up and teach her a lesson.

Looks like it’s indeed time to teach that old aunty Suqing a lesson.

Wu Wang shook his head, pondering how to get back at her, while taking out a few crystal balls and setting up a Barrier around himself.

Then he sat cross-legged before the Golden Armor, first permeating it with his Divine Thought. Afterwards, his Nascent Soul slowly flew out from his chest, connecting to the Golden Armor with numerous golden threads.

The attic briefly blazed with golden light, which then quickly subsided. Once again, it didn’t alarm Yang Wudi outside, who was clutching a book, chuckling "HEH HEH," his face flushed red.

Seriously... some guard he is.

After absorbing the Golden Armor into his Spirit Platform, Wu Wang silently floated behind Yang Wudi and whispered in his ear,

"Your offering for the year after next is gone."

The bald, burly man stiffened, almost bursting into tears on the spot.

Wu Wang, hands clasped behind his back, had already floated away with a somewhat contented smile, heading towards the Treasure Hall of the Annihilation Sect.