NOVEL NEXT Chapter 295: Meeting Gift
"Truly the finest of Luoyang."
Tao Yu watched the beautiful maids moving between the pavilions, and it must be the blessing of the world that made these beauties all above average, yet here they were mere ordinary servants.
An unexpected piece of information he hadn't deliberately inquired about before made known to him that the three greatest courtesans here, Qing Ju, Qing Lian, and Qing Ping, were all beauties without equal in the world.
It seemed there was no exaggeration in this claim.
In the group of the Song Faction led by him, aside from himself, there was also a tall and beautiful woman.
If one were to talk about her absolute beauty, it felt somewhat lacking, yet she had a unique temperament.
The name Song Yuzhi flashed through Tao Yu's mind.
However, he did not strike up a conversation, seemingly because of the presence of an outside male, Song Yuzhi did not share a chamber with them but went to the next one over.
Tao Yu squeezed in with Xu Shiji at Song Faction's spot.
By this time, a platter of candied fruits had already been arranged in front of them, and Tao Yu sat down and started to pick at them right away.
"The travel by carriage and boat has just brought me into the city, and not a drop has entered my stomach, leaving me thirsty and hungry. Brother Song, please don't take it amiss."
Tao Yu ate the candied fruits with a smack, causing Xu Shiji beside him to want to cover his face.
"Haha, we do have food for dining here as well, I'll go and have them bring up some dishes."
Under the pressure from Song Que, Song Faction had always maintained a tight front; one could say his entire persona was most fitting for the description of a 'noble scion.'
Although Tao Yu's actions seemed somewhat impolite, his forthrightness and ease were actually what Song Faction envied.
He himself could not achieve such a demeanor.
He promptly had someone bring up some hot dishes.
"When did little brother Tao make their acquaintance? I wonder what they've said about me."
Song Faction did not doubt Tao Yu's words because he knew very few people were aware of his connection with the Twin Dragons; it felt more credible to invoke the name of anyone other than the Twin Dragons.
"Uh, actually, I haven't met them yet, but it feels like I'm about to. I came to Luoyang specifically to look for them."
While Tao Yu was swindling food and drink, he was somewhat open about his intentions.
His words also made Xu Shiji start; here to find the Twin Dragons? Then what was the purpose of capturing me? To deliver me to them?
Song Faction didn't expect Tao Yu to respond in such a manner, a hint of surprise showing in his eyes, but he wasn't angered and still used his refined voice to say,
"Oh? Then I wonder what brother Tao seeks from them? The treasure trove of Yang Gong perhaps?"
Currently, the greatest secret associated with the Twin Dragons was without a doubt the treasure trove of Yang Gong.
This bonus, similar to that of the He's Jade Disc, was such that whatever lay within the treasure trove of Yang Gong, those contending for the world need only to secure this famed treasure to be seen as holding a part of the grand momentum, significantly enhancing their prestige.
At the same time, the treasure trove of Yang Gong seemed to also involve the Demon Sect, indeed another whirlpool.
Song Faction was a man of deep feeling, under the sentiment of cherishing the house for the sake of the crow, he also held a protective affection towards the Twin Dragons.
And now Kou Zhong, in reality, had already come to an agreement with Song Que; if he managed to prevent Li Mi from seizing Luoyang, he would have the chance to wed Song Yuzhi. Otherwise, the Song Faction might consider forming an alliance through marriage with Li Mi.
This was, in fact, the initial motivation for Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling's arrival in Luoyang; the matter of the He's Jade Disc could only be said to be a coincidence.
"Well, if given a chance, I would indeed like to take a look at the treasure trove of Yang Gong, but I'm not contending for the world. The thing that interests me the most is still the Longevity Secret."
The object of Tao Yu's endeavor was no secret, nor was it a forbidden topic for the Twin Dragons.
There was no need for beating around the bush.
However, just then, a servant came in to inquire,
"Second Young Master Song, there's someone outside claiming to be Fu Renzhong, saying they are your friend, should we…?"
This servant also felt something curious; Second Young Master Song of the Song Faction seemed like someone who specialized in freeloaders.
The first two guys who were stopped earlier hitched a ride upon arrival, and now three more had shown up!
At this moment, however, a flicker of realization crossed Song Faction's eyes as he said,
"Indeed, they are my friends."
After speaking, he even glanced at Tao Yu with a smile and said,
"I'll go out to meet them; this is quite timely."
At first, Tao Yu didn't immediately catch on, but his expression soon turned peculiar.
Could it be, they've arrived so soon?
Fu Renzhong, that seems to stand for 'Zhong,' well done. If they weren't currently the topic of conversation, who could have made the connection so quickly? Kou Zhong, that rascal, even resorted to riddles—he's not illiterate, is he…
"Then I'll wait here,"
Tao Yu prepared to let Song Shidao go ahead and give them a heads-up.
Though it was a bit sudden, he indeed had no malicious intent.
Everything had been discussed openly before, so naturally, meeting in person would be no issue!
Their wariness was heightened due to Yang Gong's treasure trove, but as long as their temperaments matched, it would be easy to gain their trust.
Tao Yu hadn't planned on any nefarious schemes; sincerity was the ultimate killer move.
Tao Yu didn't have to wait long before Song Shidao arrived at the door of the room with three others.
Listening to their footsteps, Tao Yu could sense that all three brought by Song Shidao were experts.
Especially among the two, whose breaths were barely perceptible, no doubt they were the Twin Dragons who had reached the level of congenital True Qi!
The other was also stable and powerful, probably Ba Fenghan.
The door creaked open.
Tao Yu could feel three gazes land on him simultaneously, and he also took in the appearances of the trio.
One with a scarred face, one with a pockmarked face, one with a dark face; all with a robust build, they certainly didn't look like good men at a glance.
But after a brief moment of surprise, Tao Yu knew that two of them were wearing masks. Given their current involvement and notoriety, it was only natural for them to wear masks.
Such good stuff, if it weren't for my knowledge of the plot, I wouldn't have recognized them at first glance.
Before Tao Yu could speak, the pockmarked-faced man blurted out,
"Xu Shiji?! What are you doing here, did you arrange this with your wife?"
As they came in, they had just bumped into Shen Luoyan!
Xu Ziling was even teased by Shen Luoyan.
But having different paths, they should not scheme for the same goal; Xu Ziling and Shen Luoyan had drawn a clear line between them.
"Ah? Shen Luoyan is here too? No wonder he kept wanting me to stay. Don't worry, this is my prisoner, you can have him if you want."
Tao Yu looked at the two men with a smiling gaze,
"How you wish to deal with him is up to you, consider it a meeting gift..."
It was then Song Shidao realized that Tao Yu's little follower was none other than Xu Shiji, quite a renowned figure of Wagang.
This was somewhat unexpected.
And a prisoner?
Xu Shiji was no mediocrity, yet he was captured so effortlessly by this lad who even looked younger than the Twin Dragons?
"Ah, how could we accept such a grand gesture? We're still strangers, and to accept such a gift..."
The man with the pockmarked face must be Kou Zhong, who was always robust; he started rubbing his hands as if dealing with an irritating fly.
Though claiming reluctance, even though wearing a mask, one could tell he was keen to accept.
Now with Li Mi's army closing in on Luoyang, capturing Xu Shiji would indeed be most satisfying!
After drawing a clear line with Shen Luoyan, Xu Ziling had not thought about returning Xu Shiji either, but his thoughts were deeper, calmly looking at Tao Yu he said, Explore more stories at empire
"Brother Song mentioned that you wished to get acquainted with us, but I still have no idea what you ultimately desire to do."
Ba Fenghan, though silent behind, also watched Tao Yu with interest.
"As I said before to Young Master Song, my main goal is the Longevity Secret, which is of utmost importance to me. In exchange, even if you want me to help you steal He's Jade Disc or fight against the likes of Empress Yin, I am willing to agree,"
Tao Yu had merely made a casual remark.
But now, this trio was indeed wholeheartedly fixated on stealing He's Jade Disc. This direct exposure of their intent made Kou Zhong chuckle awkwardly,
"Brother, you really have a way with words. The two of us aren't worth that much. To be honest, the Longevity Secret isn't all that important now..."
"If I believe it's worth it, then it is worth it. This is sincerity."
Tao Yu pushed Xu Shiji forward.
Having seen Tao Yu's strength, Xu Shiji obediently came forward to stand before the two men.
Back when Li Mi rebelled, he had once pursued the two, but now he was their prisoner, and his fiancée along with other Wagang experts were nearby, which truly made him feel a bit miserable...
Meanwhile, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, although surprised, had already experienced much and took things in stride. If the other party really sought the Longevity Secret, that wasn't much of an issue.
Actually, both had never really cared for the Longevity Secret; their skills were honed through the Eight Practices of Xi Ji, and they were indeed curious if someone could comprehend it and give guidance...