Chapter 257 - 133: Profound Spirit Secret Realm (3)

This business with Liang Cheng was something he, Qian Wanjing, had started, and he had to be the one to resolve it completely.

If anything else went wrong and dragged the Treasure Pavilion down with him, he, Qian Wanjing, would be the first one thrown out to take the fall.

He’d been on pins and needles for some time now.

News came from Bibo City that Liang Cheng had not only survived but had distinguished himself during the Beast Tide, joining forces with Ye Zhiqiu to slay a Tier Five Fierce Beast!

Even though it was a joint effort, Liang Cheng’s strength and the speed of his growth were enough to terrify him.

Then came the strange, unsolved case of Fu Chenzhou’s disappearance from Cyan Mist City.

Others might speculate about the reasons, but Qian Wanjing almost instantly made the connection to Liang Cheng.

’That boy is vengeful to a fault, decisive and ruthless in his actions. Fu Chenzhou tried to intercept and kill him; would he really just let it go?’

’To disappear so cleanly, without a trace—that was very much Liang Cheng’s style!’

’If this boy isn’t eliminated, he will become a major threat!’

Liang Cheng’s progress was simply too fast, so fast that it was starting to frighten him.

He had to eradicate him as soon as possible, before he grew his wings.

He had been vexed by the lack of a suitable opportunity. Liang Cheng was either at the Main Courtyard or had people like Ye Zhiqiu or even Chen Xuanfeng by his side, leaving him no way to make a move.

That is, until he learned that Liang Cheng planned to return home to visit family for the new year!

The sea route from Lin Wu City on Central Origin Island to Yunhai City on Canglan Island was long, and it passed through complex, dangerous waters.

This was, without a doubt, a perfect opportunity.

But he was still hesitant.

Liang Cheng’s true strength was unknown. If the assassination failed, the consequences would be unthinkable.

But now, the news of Liang Cheng’s failure to break through to the True Gang Realm was the last straw that tipped the scales, cementing his resolve to act.

’Cultivation in a Secret Realm already makes for an unstable foundation. He was greedy and reckless, forcing a breakthrough. His Primordial Qi must be severely damaged, and his internal organs injured!’

A cold glint flashed in Qian Wanjing’s eyes. ’Right now, Liang Cheng’s spirit is broken and his strength is a fraction of what it was. This is when he’s most vulnerable!’

’On the journey home, far from the Main Courtyard... This is a heaven-sent opportunity!’

He spun around, walked back to his desk, and unrolled a sea chart.

His finger moved slowly across it, finally stopping on a stretch of sea between Yunhai City and Central Origin Island marked "Hidden Current Reef Group."

The area was dense with hidden reefs and plagued by chaotic currents and frequent, heavy fog. It was a notoriously dangerous place—and the perfect location for an ambush.

"Right here."

Qian Wanjing tapped the spot firmly with his finger, a vicious look spreading across his face.

’I can’t wait any longer. It must be a single, fatal strike that eliminates this threat for good!’

He took out a specially made black Communication Talisman and burned his orders into it.

"Target has suspected internal injuries. Returning home for the new year. You can test him at the Hidden Current Reef Group on the southeast shipping lane. Once you confirm his condition is poor, strike immediately. Be sure to hide your tracks, leave no witnesses, and make it clean."

He activated the Communication Talisman, then slowly sat back in his chair and let out a long sigh, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"If you have to blame someone, blame yourself for stealing the spotlight and getting in my way."

Qian Wanjing let out a low, cold chuckle. He picked up the tea on his desk, long since gone cold, and drained it in a single gulp.

...

As the year’s end drew near, the atmosphere within the Main Courtyard became more relaxed and festive, filled with the anticipation of returning home.

Ye Zhiqiu knocked on the gate of Liang Cheng’s courtyard and smiled. "Junior Brother, we set off tomorrow. Are you free to take a stroll with me through Yunhai City today? I need to pick up some local specialties from Canglan Island as gifts for my family and friends back home."

Liang Cheng thought for a moment. He did need to buy some gifts to take back to Lin Wu City, so he nodded in agreement. "I’d appreciate it if you’d lead the way, Senior Brother."

The two left the Main Courtyard and entered the bustling streets of Yunhai City.

The streets were adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, and the crowds were even denser than usual.

Ye Zhiqiu knew his way around, leading Liang Cheng through several reputable old shops. They picked out some pearl accessories unique to Yunhai City, along with a few boxes of the local specialty, Cloud Mist Spirit Tea.

"That should be enough."

Ye Zhiqiu weighed the gift boxes in his hands and smiled. "How about we go check out the Treasure Pavilion? They happen to be holding a small auction today. We might find some interesting trinkets. Not for their value, just for the novelty."

Liang Cheng had no objections.

The two of them then turned toward the Treasure Pavilion’s building in the city center.

Today’s auction wasn’t a large-scale event. Most of the items were well-aged herbs and elixirs, along with a few decent-quality weapons.

For Liang Cheng, in his current state, they held little appeal.

Ye Zhiqiu, however, won the bidding for a lustrous Jade Pendant that could gather water vapor to nourish the skin, saying he would give it to the women in his family.

The auction ended without much excitement, and the two of them followed the crowd heading out.

Just as they stepped out of the auction hall, a familiar figure greeted them with a smile. It was the Treasure Pavilion’s Chief Steward in Yunhai City, Qian Wanjing.

"Young Master Ye, Young Master Liang! Your presence today brings great honor to the Treasure Pavilion!"

Qian Wanjing’s face was plastered with an enthusiastic smile. His gaze lingered on Liang Cheng for a moment before he asked in a seemingly casual tone, "Did you two find anything to your liking? If you have any needs, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will certainly do my best to accommodate you."

Ye Zhiqiu returned the polite gesture with a cupped-fist salute. "You’re too kind, Steward Qian. We were just browsing. My junior brother and I don’t have an urgent need for anything."

"I see."

Qian Wanjing’s smile didn’t falter. He turned to Liang Cheng, his tone growing even more cordial.

"Young Master Liang, you are so young and promising, and now you’re even number one on the Hero Ranking. Your future is boundless. I heard that you’ll be returning home to visit family soon. Would you like our humble pavilion to find some rare trinkets for you?"

Liang Cheng’s heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm. "Thank you for your concern, Steward Qian, but I don’t require anything at the moment."

"Not at all, not at all. Young Master, you’re returning home. If you have any needs, our pavilion can prepare some items for you. The price is negotiable, and it will surely bring you great prestige. After all, a place like Lin Wu City might not have such fine things."

His words were solicitous, painting a picture of someone looking out for Liang Cheng’s best interests.

A shadow passed through the depths of Liang Cheng’s eyes. He said coolly, "Thank you for your kind offer, Steward Qian, but my gifts are already prepared. I wouldn’t dare trouble you further."

"Oh, very well, very well."

Qian Wanjing didn’t press the matter, his amiable smile still in place. "In that case, I won’t disturb you two any further."

He personally saw the two of them to the door. Only after their figures disappeared around the street corner did the warm smile on his face slowly recede, replaced by a deep, inscrutable look in his eyes.

On the way back, Liang Cheng was silent for a while.

"Senior Brother," Liang Cheng said with a slight frown, "Qian Wanjing seemed certain just now that I was returning to Lin Wu City on Central Origin Island. How would he know that?"

Ye Zhiqiu, however, seemed unconcerned. "It’s normal for disciples of the Main Courtyard to return home for the new year, so it’s not strange that he’d guess. Are you saying you suspect him of having an ulterior motive? The Treasure Pavilion wouldn’t dare offend our Main Courtyard!"

"I can’t put my finger on it. I just feel that his enthusiasm today was a little... unusual. Perhaps I’m just being paranoid."

"Still, it never hurts to be careful."

Ye Zhiqiu patted his shoulder.

"If he really dares to try anything funny..." A cold glint flashed in Ye Zhiqiu’s eyes. "A disciple of our Main Courtyard is no pushover."

Liang Cheng nodded and said nothing more.