Master of Strange Dao

"I need to go out for a trip, you accompany me."

"Your Highness, what requires such a risk?" Yan was slightly startled and hurriedly advised, "Your Highness, it's not safe outside recently. Although I have reached the Third Tribulation Realm, I'm afraid I might not be able to fully protect Your Highness if something happens."

"No, I must go this time. You know about the Jade Pillar and Jade Tablet, you've seen them.

This object was created in the Forbidden Land of Jinlan Mountain. I must personally go to Jinlan Mountain.

This is the greatest opportunity encountered by my father, my grandfather, and me across three generations.

I must seize it. I want to personally talk to that person.

I won't be at ease if I don't talk. I want to understand what that person truly wants.

That Jade Tablet is sold so cheaply; if he doesn't seek profit, then his motives must be immense, beyond my understanding.

If his motives conflict with mine, taking rash actions could amount to fetching water in a bamboo basket.

I just can't calm down without talking to him in person."

Yan, seeing the emperor's restlessness, hesitated a moment but did not continue to dissuade him.

"Then, I shall accompany Your Highness on this journey.

Although the reputation of Jinlan Mountain is good, considering we're going unexpectedly, the necessary courtesies must be maintained."

"Bring some oirans with us?"

"No, the people of Jinlan Mountain probably won't like that. Your Highness needn't worry about it; I will prepare everything. We will set out in three days."

Three days later, the Emperor Kuihou set out quietly with Yan, leaving Kuihou Country and heading westward, entering the Wilderness.

Upon entering the Wilderness, the temperature began to drop, and the deeper they went, the colder it got.

Even though it was supposed to be summer, after venturing a thousand miles into the Wilderness, some places still exhibited snow.

They traveled east of Jinlan Mountain, feeling a strong pressure even from afar.

Several giant demon heads, like mountains, burning with black fire, stood in the locust forest, forming the eastern gate.

Just a glance made the Emperor Kuihou's eyes subtly tremble.

Recently, he had vaguely heard rumors about war in the northwest of Dali, a cooperation between the Dali court and Jinlan Mountain to slay the demons emerging from the Abyssal Rift.

However, within Kuihou Country, there was no perception whatsoever of the distant war in the northwest of Dali.

Only in recent days, had he heard from brothel patrons that the previously scarce devilish materials had dropped in price and were easier to purchase.

Even junior cultivators found talismans slightly cheaper due to the abundant supply of demon blood.

No matter how fierce the outside world raged, Kuihou Country remained the same.

Now, leaving Kuihou Country and witnessing this sight, the Emperor Kuihou realized how much of what he had heard was incongruent with reality.

At least Jinlan Mountain was far from being as weak as rumors suggested, and not merely populated by hungry ghosts.

Upon seeing visitors, a hungry ghost emerged from the locust forest to inquire.

Yan waved her hand, producing a greeting card with gifts that floated towards them.

"My master, the Emperor Kuihou, is here to visit, with some modest gifts as a token of respect."

The hungry ghost guarding the east received the greeting card, courteously saying,

"Please wait a moment."

Shortly after, Yu Ziqing received the greeting card.

It was written with great courtesy, stating that Emperor Kuihou, Qu Pingzhi, had acquired the Jade Tablet and Jade Pillar, finding them astonishing and unparalleled, unable to eat or sleep. Hence, he came especially to visit, eager to meet the master who created them.

He even included detailed test records, which were astonishly comprehensive.

Proper tests consuming manpower and resources were done, comparing them to the performances of top oirans skilled in singing.

In truth, Yu Ziqing admitted, he could not afford such tests due to lack of conditions.

Upon reviewing the gift list, none were particularly precious items, but there was an abundance.

From materials to Spirit Plants and Spiritual Medicine, most were not very esteemed, though there were some valuable points, they mostly comprised materials.

All were needed by Jinlan Mountain.

Very realistic and practical.

Yu Ziqing put away the greeting card, deciding to meet this Emperor Kuihou.

He certainly did not hold a favorable impression of Kuihou Country initially, understanding why it might be so after some contemplation.

If Kuihou Country were to robustly develop its forces, one must assume that were they to show any signs of growth, a conflict between two Ninth Tier Strong could unintentionally devastate their barracks.

In the eastern locust forest, a new mansion was built specially to entertain guests.

When Yu Ziqing arrived, Qu Pingzhi and Yan were already there, respectfully serving tea, waiting.

Seeing Yu Ziqing, the Emperor Kuihou immediately stood up.

"I am Qu Pingzhi, greetings to you."

"I am Qing Ziyu, meeting Your Majesty."

"Forgive my presumptuous visit, Master Qing. Please do not address me as Your Majesty outside of Kuihou Country; I am but a common cultivator."

"Oh, okay. What brings you here, Daoist Friend Qu?"

"I've made arrangements for purchasing Jade Tablets, but received word that Almsgiving Town does not have the quantities I wish to obtain. I also have some matters to discuss with you, therefore the presumptuous visit."

"How many Jade Tablets does Daoist Friend Qu want? And how many Jade Pillars?"

Yu Ziqing, after seeing the test results, understood that this Emperor Kuihou certainly recognized quality.

"Truth be told, I had previously commissioned the Langya Institute to research similar items, but they were simply too costly and plagued with various defects.