Chapter 52: News of the Heart Protection Pill

"Hm? What’s going on?" Seeing he wasn’t joking, Song Changsheng immediately grew serious.

Zhu Yiqun’s face scrunched up, and he sighed. "Sigh, it’s all because of my old man. He was incredibly wild in his youth and offended far too many people. A few days ago, one of his old enemies came looking for him, and they had a go at it.

Although the old man was more skilled and managed to drive the guy off, word got out. Now, there’s an endless stream of enemies coming for revenge. I’ve basically been running for my life this whole time.

A few days ago, the old man couldn’t handle it anymore and said he was going to lay low for a while. That heartless bastard left me all by myself! I hid for a few days, and only when I saw no one was coming after me did I dare come to the Marketplace to meet you."

Zhu Yiqun practically gritted out that last part, clearly furious.

"Your ’old man’ is...?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. The old man is my master. I grew up with him."

"To have trained a disciple like you, Brother Zhu, your master must be a hidden expert," Song Changsheng said with a smile, clasping his hands.

"An expert? He’s a Foundation Establishment Cultivator at best. All he does all day is treasure that broken old sword of his; he’s barely ever paid me any mind. Ugh, just talking about him gets me worked up. Anyway, forget that old coot. You said you were looking for me? What’s up?"

"First, I wanted to ask if you’ve dealt with that batch of Demon Artifacts. Second, I need your help finding two things," Song Changsheng quickly stated his purpose.

"The Demon Artifacts are all sold. They went for over two thousand Spirit Stones in total, so we each get a share of over seven hundred. I’ll give them to you in a bit. Right, what are you looking for?"

"A Dragon Blood Orchid and a Heart Protection Pill."

Zhu Yiqun’s brow furrowed. After a moment of thought, he said, "The Dragon Blood Orchid is a Tier Two Spirit Medicine. It contains abundant Qi and Blood Power. Only a few stalks grow each year, and they’re snatched up by Body Cultivators the moment they appear.

Aside from some private collections, it’ll probably be very hard to find one in Ling Province this year. However, with the Song Clan’s resources, it’s not impossible.

As for the Heart Protection Pill... I might actually have a lead on that."

Song Changsheng had only asked on a whim, not expecting Zhu Yiqun to actually have a lead. He was overjoyed. "Please, Brother Zhu, tell me more. I will be sure to reward you handsomely."

"Eh, it’s just a bit of information. If you want to thank me, just treat me to a round of drinks."

Zhu Yiqun waved his hand dismissively. "I know a senior who’s a Loose Cultivator. He refined a batch of Heart Protection Pills ten years ago. He got five pills out of it. I’m not sure if he has any left."

Song Changsheng was ecstatic and quickly clasped his hands. "Where does this senior live now? I must pay him a visit in person."

"Sorry, Changsheng, I can’t tell you that," Zhu Yiqun said apologetically. "This senior came to Ling Province to hide from his enemies and rarely has contact with the outside world. If my old man didn’t have some history with him, I wouldn’t even know he existed. I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone."

Song Changsheng was a little disappointed but understood his friend’s predicament. "In that case, I’ll have to trouble you, Brother Zhu, to act on my behalf and meet with that senior. I’m willing to pay a sufficient price to acquire the Heart Protection Pill he has."

"Done. You can leave it to me," Zhu Yiqun said, patting his chest in assurance. He then took out a Qiankun Bag. "Here are the Spirit Stones from selling the Demon Artifacts."

"Thank you for your trouble."

"Don’t mention it. Just remember to buy me those drinks."

——————

Zhu Yiqun was impressively efficient. Three days later, he brought Song Changsheng some reliable news.

"Brother Zhu, what did the senior say?" Song Changsheng asked, a bit of urgency in his voice.

Zhu Yiqun frowned. "It’s good news, I suppose. The senior does indeed have one Heart Protection Pill left."

Song Changsheng was ecstatic, but Zhu Yiqun quickly poured cold water on his excitement. "Don’t get too happy just yet. The senior said he doesn’t want Spirit Stones or anything else. He just needs you to do one thing for him."

"One thing? Let’s hear it first." Song Changsheng’s brow furrowed slightly. If the other party had named a price, he could have found a way to meet it as long as it wasn’t too outrageous.

But asking him to do something instead... the scope of that was far too broad. It probably wasn’t a simple task, or Zhu Yiqun wouldn’t be making that face.

"Sigh... The task sounds simple, but I have a feeling that’s just on the surface."

"As long as it doesn’t violate my principles or cross my bottom line, danger is not an issue."

Seeing the determination in Song Changsheng’s eyes, Zhu Yiqun could only nod. "Alright. What the senior wants you to do is bid on an item for him at the Marketplace’s auction a month from now. He’ll provide the funds. You just need to win it for him."

"That’s it? That simple?" Song Changsheng raised an eyebrow. ’Sometimes, the simpler things seem, the more complicated they really are.’

’Since this unknown senior is friends with Zhu Yiqun’s master, he must also be a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. In Ling Province, Foundation Establishment Cultivators can pretty much do as they please. They are honored guests wherever they go, and attending an auction is a trivial matter for them.’

’So why would he need someone else to bid for him?’

’Either his enemy is incredibly powerful, and he risks being discovered even if he attends the auction in disguise.’

’Or there’s something problematic about the item he wants, which prevents him from bidding on it himself.’

’No matter how I look at it, this is a trap.’

Song Changsheng was torn. ’Should I get involved?’

’If I give up, I’ll be free and clear of any trouble, but finding another Heart Protection Pill will be incredibly difficult.’

’If I accept his condition, I could very well bring disaster upon myself, which is the last thing I want. After all, enough people have their eyes on me already.’

"Changsheng, I don’t think this is a good idea," Zhu Yiqun said. "That senior’s identity is a bit... special. It’s dangerous for you to get involved so recklessly. Let me try to find another way for you."

"Sigh... The ingredients for a Heart Protection Pill are rare, and Pill Masters who can refine it are even rarer. If I miss this chance, who knows how long it will be delayed? Time waits for no one."

Song Changsheng didn’t want to get involved either, but he was even more reluctant to miss out on this rare Heart Protection Pill. After weighing the pros and cons, he finally decided to agree.

’In any case, I’ll be safe within the Marketplace. An elder will come to pick me up when it’s time to leave. After that, I’ll just hole up in the clan compound and won’t come down the mountain again until I break through to Foundation Establishment.’

’As long as a Purple Mansion Cultivator doesn’t make a move, I can protect myself.’

’The enemy definitely won’t be a Purple Mansion Cultivator. With the methods of a Purple Mansion Cultivator, finding someone in Ling Province would be no trouble at all.’

"Are you sure?" Zhu Yiqun tried to persuade him one last time.

"I’m sure." Song Changsheng nodded with determination.

"Sigh... Here are the Spirit Stones the senior prepared. The item you need to bid on is described in this Jade Scroll. You can think it over and decide for yourself." It seemed Zhu Yiqun had anticipated his choice and had everything ready.

Song Changsheng took the Qiankun Bag, opened it, and was instantly stunned. "Ten thousand Spirit Stones?"

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