Refining the Mountains and Rivers

As the two old demons left, Qin Yu paced around his room. Suddenly, he walked out.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t calm down…okay, he really was unable to calm down right now, even though he had no idea why he was so flustered.

But he was clearest about how stable his mind was. Since he couldn’t sit still then he would go out for a walk. Perhaps he would have some harvests.

Unfortunately, Qin Yu’s luck wasn’t particularly good today. After wandering around for two hours and drinking a great deal of high-priced tea, all he had heard were some random tidbits of information that weren’t too valuable at all.

Of course, it wasn’t for nothing. For example, the closure of Nine Nether Pagoda for the Nightmare Clan to use for themselves wasn’t a secret.

But judging from the unwillingness and helplessness from the tone of these demons, even though they knew about this and also knew that the Nightmare Clan was handling it in a crude manner, there wasn’t anything they could do about it.

Without a doubt, this indicated that obtaining the qualifications to enter Nine Nether Pagoda while it was sealed was extremely difficult.

When Qin Yu returned to the inn, although he was distracted, his sharp senses still discovered something off. He suddenly stopped and spun around. Demons were milling about on the street, but the feeling of being peeped at had disappeared.

Qin Yu furrowed his eyebrows, a cold light flashing through his eyes. Could it be someone sent by that wicked girl again?

What was she trying to do!?

He took a breath and pressed down the cold chill in his heart. He turned and walked into the inn.

Black Astral had already returned. When he saw Qin Yu, he bitterly smiled, “Sir, it might be extremely difficult if you want to enter Nine Nether Pagoda right now.”

Qin Yu’s heart sank but he maintained his composure. He indicated for Black Astral to continue speaking.

Although Qin Yu was calm, Black Astral didn’t dare to hesitate. He quickly recounted the news he obtained.

After listening to it, Qin Yu forced a smile. He rubbed his eyebrows.

Only those from the Nightmare Clan, and those that were approved, had the qualifications to enter Nine Nether Pagoda. Was there no chance for anyone else? With Black Astral’s status, since the other person had said this, it was absolutely impossible to conceal it. This had to be the truth.

Moments later, Old Fox hurried back. One couldn’t help but praise the Fox Clan’s outstanding ability at socializing and interpersonal communication.

Although he didn’t have Black Astral’s good luck, he was still able to obtain the same news in a short period of time.

Qin Yu let out a breath and waved a hand, “You two are probably tired. Go and rest.” Seeing that Qin Yu didn’t seem too interested right now, the two old demons didn’t dare to say anything. They bowed and backed away.

Qin Yu pursed his lips together, unwillingness in his eyes. Was it over with this? He didn’t want to give up, but what else could he do? With things having reached this step, this was already a lost game.

As Qin Yu was deep in thought thinking that there was no path left for him, somewhere else in Adversity Peak City there was a massive courtyard that was finely constructed. There, a demon knelt in place and said, “Sir, we have located that person’s whereabouts.”

“Were you discovered?” A faint voice asked from above.

The kneeling demon stiffened. “Yes, I only took one look…that person’s sensory abilities are indeed terrifying!”

“I told you not to be meddlesome. Go down and punish yourself.”

“Yes, sir.” The demon respectfully bowed and stood up. Then, he quietly departed.

The demon referred to as sir was facing a window. His back was tall and straight and he naturally emitted a terrifying aura. It was easy to see he was someone who stood at the top.

“Tell the Clan Elder that he has been found. As for what happens afterwards…ask the Clan Elder to arrange it.” The shadows outside the door slightly quivered. Although there was no response, his order had undoubtedly been passed on.

“Qin Yu…” A whisper spread through the room. Though it was calm and indifferent, complex emotions were mixed in.

There was some anticipation, but even more restlessness.

…

An invitation letter was placed in front of Qin Yu. It was cut from top grade demon crystals and a fine pattern was carefully carved onto its surface.

After opening it, one could see that it was the highest quality dragon stationary paper. A single sheet was said to cost an astronomical price and it was said to be produced using dragon’s blood. Its surface had a texture similar to dragon scales and it was soft and delicate to the touch, even better than the skin of a woman.

Abandoning all else, just this invitation made one feel a noble and heroic spirit, one so thick that it suffocated the throat.

Not to mention that this dragon-pattern paper had imposing characters that resembled flying dragons and phoenixes. It started with the name Bluetile Courtyard.

The general idea was that Qin Yu was invited to participate in a banquet that would be held at noon tomorrow, and they hoped he would arrive on time. The letter was sincere, and while it showed a high style, it didn’t give off any sense of arrogance.

In short, the person who wrote this invitation was skilled in linguistics. This was confirmed by Old Fox, who nodded in admiration repeatedly after reading it.

But at this time, Qin Yu wasn’t in the mood to care about the value of this invitation or how eloquent the writing was.

His eyes fell on the words Bluetile Courtyard and he touched his chin. He narrowed his eyes, “I remember you told me that this is the name of the temporary palace where the old King’s lineage is staying in Adversity Peak City.”

Old Fox nodded. “There’s no mistaking it. Sir, please look at the fine patterns carved onto the front of the invitation. This is a type of hidden clan seal only used by some great nobles of the abyss. Only people of the same level of status would be able to distinguish it. This seal represents the status of the old King’s lineage, and Bluetile Courtyard is where they built their temporary palace in Adversity Peak City.”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but glance at Qin Yu. He thought that it was unexpected that His Excellency Qin Yu was able to receive an invitation from the old King’s lineage. The Nightmare Clan was ranked in the top ten royal families of the abyss, and their arrogance was proportional to their strength.

A Demon King was fine. They obtained the approval of the abyss’ will and could even be regarded as a formidable existence that was a part of the abyss’ source. Even the Nightmare Clan had to show them their due respect and awe.

But others…

A Demon Commander would be shown face, but only a limited amount.

To be given such a formal invitation with the family seal of the Old King’s lineage carved into it, this showed how sincere and courteous they were being. With this invitation alone, it could be seen that the old King’s lineage respected and approved of Qin Yu.

Could it be that there was some connection between Qin Yu and the old King’s lineage? But if this were true, if Qin Yu wanted to enter Nine Nether Pagoda he could simply look for them and ask them. Why go through so much trouble?

Black Astral was silent, but his flickering eyes proved that he was thinking the same thoughts.

In truth, let alone these two curious old demons, even Qin Yu was confused about what was happening.

Old King’s lineage?

He had heard of them before but had never come into contact with them. Why would they send such a solemn invitation?

He thought for a moment. With how the Nightmare Clan demon who delivered this invitation acted towards him, he didn’t think it was because they sent it to the wrong address.

He let out a breath, his thoughts racing. Several breaths of time later a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

If Old Fox and Black Astral could think of something, he wouldn’t be ignorant of it either. No matter what the reason was, since he had an invitation, he shouldn’t reject it.

As one of the three major factions within the Nightmare Clan, the old King’s lineage undoubtedly had a decisive say in the affairs of the clan.

Through them, perhaps he could obtain the qualifications to enter Nine Nether Pagoda.

Of course, not to mention the matter of whether it would be easy or not, even if he achieved his goal he feared he would have to pay a corresponding price.

But this was also normal. There were losses and gains for everything in the world. There were no meat pies that fell from the skies.

“Make preparations. Tomorrow I will attend the banquet at Bluetile Courtyard.”

Old Fox and Black Astral were definitely coming with him. He had no idea why the old King’s lineage would invite him, but one of the key aspects to quickly forming close relationships between two parties was to expose a suitable degree of strength.

The next day soon arrived. Two hours before the banquet began, a carriage drove out from the inn.

Since he wanted to expose his strength, he couldn’t be cheap about it. Old Fox bought this carriage at a high price and the four tall steeds that pulled it all had variation bloodlines. Their eyes were dark red and their scales seemed to be constantly burning.

Although he didn’t ask about the cost of the carriage, if such a high-level transportation vehicle had to be found at such short notice, the price paid was likely far higher than normal.

Qin Yu wore black robes, and a demon jade crown rested above his head. A purple gold talisman hung from his waist and his black hair was tied neatly behind him. He gave off a bold and imposing aura that was also noble and precious.

It was said that people relied on clothes and horses relied on saddles…inborn factors were important, but the beautification afterwards also couldn’t be ignored.

Qin Yu didn’t feel any different, but when Mian Ya helped him get dressed her complexion grew increasingly red and her eyes were so limpid they seemed as if they would drip water.

Old Fox and Black Astral sighed secretly. His Excellency Qin Yu was definitely a diamond in the rough. After a bit of polishing, his charm was irresistible.

The carriage peacefully drove forward, smoothly arriving at the street where Bluetile Courtyard was.