Death… and me

The leader of the three darkly clothed men laughed before he spoke, "Martial Brother Li, wasn't it part of the terms that both you and Minister Diwu agreed upon? "We shall aid you by eliminating one of your oppositions – the in the disposal of Wu Yun Liang. We will then classify the Beyond the Heavens Sect as an imperial sect thus ensuring that your sect will be under our protection. In addition to this, your disciples will be able to become officials of the court, bringing glory to their family and giving them a promise of a bright future ahead."

"This is simply too good a position to be in, even the leader of the Sects' Alliance would be touched by our generosity." He smiled, continuing. "How can you feel this way? That these few pieces of information that you have given us are worth more than a lifetime of riches?"

Li Jinsong was infuriated by the words that he spoke. "You already hold the lives of my entire household in the palm of your hand. Yet, you still want to talk about riches?"

The leader who was dressed in black paused for a moment in deep thought before he lowered his voice and spoke. "Martial brother Li, to be honest with you, your request for a Thousand Year Old Crystal mushroom is extremely demanding because of how rare it is. The Minister has already sent 18 teams in search of it. Once it is found, it will be brought to you. Do not worry."

He then continued cheerfully, "The Minister is aware that you are growing increasingly concerned. You are in fact an extreme idealist. Even though there are things that we want, we might not always be able to get them. The Thousand Year Old Crystal mushroom is such a mysterious and rare treasure. If you do not have the patience to wait, there is really nothing much that can be done."

Feeling indignant, Li Jinsong spoke in an angry manner, "I am able to wait for perhaps even a century. However, my wife is in dire need of this, she is dependent on it to save her life!"

"We are aware of your situation. That is why Minister Diwu is willing to provide you with Three Thrice-Born Pills in the meantime before they find the Thousand Year Old Crystal Mushroom." The leader of the three dark-clothed men said as he laughed in contempt.

Li Jinsong perked his head, "Really?"

Li Jinsong and Chu Yang who both had heard this was shocked beyond words. Thrice-Born Pills and Thousand Year Old Crystal Mushrooms! Both of which were extremely rare treasures! Why would Li Jinsong even need such precious items?

Thrice-Born Pills were a type of fruit from a strange tree. This tree has three phases of growth. In the first stage, the tree would sprout, growing branches and wilt after 10 years. After another 20 years, it would grow more branches for a period of 50 years, making itself a small tree. During this time, it would wilt for another 50 years before sprouting again for the third time. It would then take another 200 years for the small tree to grow a full grown tree which would bloom a poisonous flower. The Thrice-Born Pills were, in fact, the fruits from these flowers!

These fruits were the size of a grape. However, after the last phase, the tree would wilt and perish permanently.

Because this tree would need to have to be born three times, over a period of 330 years to only bear fruit once made the value of the fruits beyond measure. It was extremely effective when used as medicine. It was said that it could cure chronic illnesses, keep incurable diseases at bay, treat serious injuries, increase internal energy, and increase life expectancy!

The Thousand Years Crystal Mushroom, on the other hand, had an even higher efficacy as a form of medicine. It was said that it could save lives, regrow limbs etc… Even Chu yang himself was not aware of the specifics.

Both of these items are forms of medication used to treat the sick or injured. Is it possible that Li Jinsong's wife is sick?

This Minister Diwu was really generous. He was willing to give Li Jinsong three Thrice-Born Pills in one shot!

"Three Thrice-Born Pill fruits, enough to keep my wife safe for three years!"

The black-clothed individual took out a jade box and said: "Minister Diwu said that if he is unable to find the Crystal Mushroom within 3 years, he will definitely find some other way to compensate you."

He began to raise his voice and said, "Minister Diwu was clear on this matter. For the umpteenth time, the minister will not deceive you! The minister said that this relationship is mutually beneficial. However, honesty and earnestness are crucial! These words came straight from the minister's mouth."

Li Jinsong bowed his head and said in a low, serious voice, "Thank you for the minister's honesty and sincerity. Li Jinsong understands!"

Chu Yang sneered as he saw Li Jinsong bowed his head in gratitude. However, from this conversation, Chu Yang realised that Minister Diwu was an individual with great power and influence. Upon deeper reflection, Chu Yang remembered a phrase that Li Jinsong said: "You already hold the lives of my entire household in the palm of your hand. Yet, you still want to talk about riches?"

Chu Yang came to a conclusion, that despite Li Jinsong being a greedy person, he was not doing this out of free will and instead was possibly being threatened. The person who was threatening him was talking about trust? If Li Jinsong really believed him, he must truly be a fool!

"These Thrice-Born Pills are extremely precious. Whenever you open this box, their efficacy will decrease. Should you want to preserve their potency, only open it when necessary…"

The leader then continued "with regards to Iron Cloud, we will need to report this right away to Minister Diwu. He will certainly do something about it. Martial Brother Li, farewell!"

With an authoritative voice, Li Jinsong said, "I won't see you off then…" And with that, he carefully pocketed the jade box into his robe.

As the squad of three disappeared, Li Jinsong stood at the same spot. He heaved a heavy sigh before disappearing into the darkness with the jade box hidden within his robe.

Chu Yang continued to stand still in his hiding place behind the boulder. He maintained his breathing without any change.

Almost as predicted, the sound of the wind rose and Li Jinsong appeared once again. He made a few rounds, checking his surroundings before leaving to make sure that he was indeed alone.

"He finally left", Chu Yang sighed inwardly. He knew that the secrets he heard today were closely related to the survival of Beyond the Heavens Sect. This was extremely important! If he were discovered, it would be difficult to escape alive!

One certainly cannot be too careful!

Who would imagine that the mole in Beyond the Sects was the second highest ranking member of the sect, the powerful Li Jinsong!

Chu Yang wanted to move and stretch his arms and legs which seemed to have hardened when suddenly his whole body stiffened. He quietly looked up ahead.

In place of where the four were just talking, another individual clothed in dark robes appeared from out of nowhere.

Chu Yang felt slightly uneasy as he had not been able to detect the presence of this individual or when he had arrived!

This person was dressed in black. His tall and slender stature stood motionless… after a moment, he suddenly sighed and said casually, "Chu Yang, come on out!"

The hair on Chu Yang's neck stood on its ends. It seemed this person clearly knew where he was. Moreover, who he was!

It was too late for escape now. Plus, from the sound of his voice, it did not seem he had any malicious intentions. Chu Yang decided to come out of hiding as he walked forward step by step. "You heard everything?" That person asked with his hands clasped behind his back. With his back toward Chu Yang, he asked in a leisurely manner.

"Yes, you heard everything as well? However, compared to me, you probably had a much easier time listening in, right?" Chu Yang smiled slightly as he narrowed his eyes and rebutted with a question.

The other person let out a deep laugh before slowly turning around. The darkest period had now passed, and the sky slowly brightened. The early morning sun rays from the horizon weakly shined upon his face. His black beard loosely hung in front of his chest with his face straight and serious that out an aura which demanded respect…

After seeing his face and realising who he was, Chu Yang could not help but become even more shaken. He was so surprised that he was speechless.

This person was the Sect Master of Beyond the Heavens Sect – Wu Yun Liang!

Why was he here? If he was here, then he definitely already knew what Li Jinsong was up to… why didn't he stop him?

At that moment, a curtain of doubt was raised inside Chu Yang… he only felt hazy and confused. Even a person who lived two lifetimes like him could not make sense of this confusion.

"Follow me." Wu Yun Liang said, looking at brightening sky. Suddenly, he grabbed Chu Yang's sleeve and pulled him. They ran with great speed, turning east and west until they got to a crevice in the mountain not too far from Purple Bamboo Garden.

This crevice was not particularly secluded but was relatively empty and deserted. This was because there was nothing of interest in this crevice so Chu Yang and the others normally did not bother to come here.

On the wall, there was a spot that had collapsed making a perfect little cave almost two meters deep.

"Come in." Wu Yun Liang said as he entered first.