Chapter 52: News of the Heart Protection Pill
"Hmm, what's going on?" Seeing that he wasn't joking, Song Changsheng's expression immediately turned serious.
Zhu Yiqun's features crumpled, and he sighed, "Alas, it's all because of my old man. He was incredibly reckless in his youth and offended far too many people. A few days ago, an old enemy came knocking and had a skirmish with him.
Although the old man was more skilled and repelled that person, the news still leaked out. Since then, a constant stream of vengeful enemies has been showing up. I've been practically fleeing for my life these past few days.
A few days ago, the old man couldn't hold out anymore and said he needed to go into hiding for a while. That heartless old man abandoned me! I hid for a few days, and only when I realized no one was looking for trouble did I dare to come to the market to meet you."
The latter part of Zhu Yiqun's speech was practically squeezed through gritted teeth, clearly indicating how much it had infuriated him.
"Your old man is...?"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. My old man is my master. I grew up with him since I was a child."
"To be able to train a disciple like Brother Zhu, your esteemed master must surely be a reclusive expert," Song Changsheng said with a clasped-hand salute and a smile.
"At most, he's only Foundation Establishment cultivation. Besides treating that broken sword of his like a treasure, he basically never bothered with me. Speaking of it makes me angry. Never mind, let's not talk about that old geezer. You said you were looking for me; is there something you need?"
"Firstly, I wanted to ask if you've dealt with that batch of demonic artifacts. Secondly, I wanted to ask for your help in finding two items," Song Changsheng quickly stated his purpose.
"The demonic artifacts have been dealt with. They sold for over two thousand spirit stones in total. We each get over seven hundred. I'll give you your share in a bit. Oh, what are you looking for?"
"Dragon Blood Orchid and Heart Protection Pill."
Zhu Yiqun's brow immediately furrowed. He pondered for a moment before saying, "Dragon Blood Orchid is a second-rank spiritual herb, containing abundant vital essence. There are only a few stalks each year, and they're snatched up by body cultivators as soon as they appear.
Aside from some private collections, it'll be difficult to find any in Ling Province this year. However, with your Song clan's influence, it's not impossible to find.
As for this Heart Protection Pill, I actually have a lead."
Song Changsheng had only held a 'give-it-a-try' attitude, never expecting Zhu Yiqun to actually have a lead. He was overjoyed and quickly clasped his hands, saying, "Please, Brother Zhu, enlighten me. I will surely offer a generous reward."
"Eh, it's just a piece of information, after all. If you want to thank me, just buy me a meal and some drinks."
Zhu Yiqun waved his hand dismissively, then said, "I know a senior loose cultivator. Ten years ago, he once refined a batch of Heart Protection Pills. Five pills were formed at the time. I wonder if he still has any left."
Song Changsheng was instantly overjoyed and quickly clasped his hands again, saying, "Where does that senior reside now? I will personally pay him a visit."
"Apologies, Changsheng, but I can't tell you that. This senior came to Ling Province to avoid his enemies and rarely interacts with the outside world. If my old man didn't have some connection with him, I wouldn't even know of his existence. I once promised not to reveal his whereabouts," Zhu Yiqun said with a hint of apology.
Song Changsheng was somewhat disappointed but could understand his predicament. "In that case, then I'll trouble Brother Zhu to make a trip for me, to meet that senior. I will offer a sufficient price to acquire the Heart Protection Pill in his possession."
"Alright, leave this matter to me," Zhu Yiqun patted his chest in assurance, then took out a Qiankun bag. "These are the spirit stones from selling the demonic artifacts."
"Much obliged."
"Don't be so polite. Just remember to treat me to some drinks."
It must be said that Zhu Yiqun's efficiency was remarkably high. Three days later, he brought Song Changsheng reliable news.
"Brother Zhu, what did that senior say?" Song Changsheng asked, somewhat eagerly.
Zhu Yiqun frowned and said, "It's good news, I suppose. That senior indeed still has one Heart Protection Pill left."
Song Changsheng was overjoyed, but Zhu Yiqun quickly doused his enthusiasm. "Don't get too happy too soon. That senior said he doesn't want spirit stones or anything else. He only needs you to do one thing for him."
"One thing? Tell me about it first." Song Changsheng's brow furrowed slightly. If the other party had stated a price, no matter how outrageous, he would have found a way to meet it.
But for the other party to ask him to do something, the scope was much wider, and it likely wasn't simple, otherwise Zhu Yiqun wouldn't have that expression.
"Alas, this matter sounds simple, but I always feel it's just the surface."
"As long as it doesn't violate integrity or my bottom line, danger is nothing."
Zhu Yiqun looked at the determination in Song Changsheng's eyes and could only nod. "Alright, what that senior wants you to do is to bid for an item on his behalf at the market's auction a month from now. He will provide the funds; you just need to help him acquire it."
"That simple?" Song Changsheng's brow slightly raised. Sometimes, the simpler something appeared, the less simple it truly was.
Given that this unknown senior was a friend of Zhu Yiqun's master, he should also be a Foundation Establishment cultivator. In Ling Province, Foundation Establishment cultivators could practically walk sideways; they were honored guests everywhere, and attending an auction was trivial for them.
So why would he need someone else to bid for him?
Either his enemy was incredibly powerful, and attending the auction in disguise would still carry the risk of being discovered.
Or, the item he desired was problematic, preventing him from bidding on it himself.
No matter how he looked at it, there was a trap here.
Song Changsheng immediately found himself in a dilemma: should he get involved?
If he gave up, he would naturally have clear skies ahead, but finding another Heart Protection Pill would be difficult.
If he accepted the other party's conditions, he might invite some misfortune, which he did not want to see, as he already had enough people targeting him.
"Changsheng, I don't think this matter is very reliable. That senior's identity is a bit special, and you getting involved rashly could be dangerous. I'll try to think of another way for you."
"Alas, Heart Protection Pill materials are hard to come by, and there are even fewer alchemists who can refine it. Missing this opportunity, who knows how long it will delay things? Time waits for no man."
Song Changsheng also didn't want to get involved, but he even less wanted to miss out on this rare Heart Protection Pill. After much deliberation, he finally decided to agree.
No matter what, he was still safe in the market, and when he left, an elder would pick him up. At that time, he would stay in the clan, break through to Foundation Establishment, and then descend the mountain.
As long as a Purple Mansion cultivator didn't make a move, he would be safe.
The other party definitely wouldn't be a Purple Mansion cultivator, because with the means of a Purple Mansion cultivator, finding someone in Ling Province wouldn't be difficult at all.
"Are you sure?" Zhu Yiqun still wanted to persuade him.
"Sure," Song Changsheng nodded firmly.
"Alas, these are the spirit stones that senior prepared, and the item he wants you to bid on is also inscribed in that jade slip. You can consider it carefully and make your own decision." Zhu Yiqun seemed to have anticipated his choice and had everything prepared.
Song Changsheng took the Qiankun bag, opened it, and was immediately surprised. "Ten thousand spirit stones?"
(Chapter End)