247: Blood-Filled Lord Murong Qianye

One week later, Juyan City, Blood-Filled Tower, the deepest secret chamber.

There were no windows here; the light came from several eerie blue crystal lamps on the walls that never went out, casting a cold glow over the room. The air was stagnant, filled with a faint scent of rust and old scrolls. Behind a wide black iron desk sat the current Master of Blood-Filled Tower—Murong Qianye. He looked to be about forty years old, his handsome face reflecting the majesty of one who had long held a high position and a hint of inscrutable weariness, his eyes as deep as an ancient well, and his well-defined fingers were lightly tapping the cold tabletop. He wore a low-key dark purple brocade robe, with subtle mandala patterns that looked like dripping blood embroidered on the collar and sleeves.

Opposite him were two uninvited guests: Zhongli Wu, the Sect Master of the Yin Demon Sect, and the Corpse Demon Sect Master. Although the two had restrained most of their auras, the faint pressure belonging to a Martial Emperor and their unique, sinister Death Qi still made this secret chamber feel even more oppressive.

"Brother Zhongli, Corpse Demon Sect Master, your presence in my small Blood-Filled Tower truly brings honor to my humble abode." Murong Qianye's voice was calm and steady, betraying no emotion. "If it is still for the same matter as before, wanting to recruit my Blood-Filled Tower to join your sect... or rather, to join the 'grand plan' of the Heavenly Demon Sect behind you, I am afraid I must disappoint you both. I, Murong Qianye, and everyone in this Blood-Filled Tower, are only interested in tangible benefits. We have little interest in grand ambitions of hegemony or struggles for national restoration."

The corner of Zhongli Wu's mouth, hidden under his hood, seemed to twitch as he let out a low laugh. "Brother Murong, you misunderstand. I did not come here to persuade you this time. The Great Cause of the Sacred Cult has its own laws and does not force outsiders."

"Oh?" Murong Qianye's eyebrows rose slightly as he struck a listening pose.

"I have heard that your Tower is not only peerless in the art of killing but also has unique methods in finding people and exploring secrets, with an intelligence network spanning everywhere. Especially regarding traitors." Zhongli Wu's voice carried a deliberately suppressed coldness. "Coincidentally, I have recently encountered an enemy who is as slippery as an eel, repeatedly ruining my great affairs, yet I cannot find his tracks. Therefore, I would like to ask Brother Murong to do me a favor."

Murong Qianye leaned back slightly against the cold back of his chair, his fingers stopped tapping, and he said indifferently, "An enemy who can cause Sect Master Zhongli such a headache and even prompt a personal visit for help... Could it be the recently famous 'Specter'—Qin Feng?"

Zhongli Wu's black robe shook slightly, and his tone took on a hint of grimness. "Brother Murong is well-informed; your reputation is indeed well-deserved. It is precisely that scoundrel!"

"It seems I guessed correctly." Murong Qianye smiled faintly. "This lad has indeed been 'active' lately; even I have heard a thing or two. So, what kind of 'favor' does Sect Master Zhongli want? To hire an assassin? However, as far as I know, he seems to have become involved with the imperial court. Moving against him will not come cheap."

"Not so." Zhongli Wu shook his head. "As for killing him, my Yin Demon Sect will handle it ourselves. I only need his exact whereabouts, the more detailed the better, and ideally a prediction of his next move. As for the price... Brother Murong need only name it. Furthermore..." He paused, his tone becoming even more subtle. "I heard that by his side is a former Gold Medal Assassin of your Tower, 'Qing Xue'?"},{