Ye Kunlun approached the alley, completely concealing his presence. Even Gu Changsheng wouldn't have detected his approach.
Within the alley, Gu Changsheng's aura had been meticulously erased, making it impossible for anyone to track him.
However, Ye Kunlun still managed to capture his scent.
Following Gu Changsheng's trail, Ye Kunlun navigated two turns within the alley before arriving at a two-story building.
Ye Kunlun slipped inside.
On the second floor, Gu Changsheng removed his hat and addressed the middle-aged man sitting opposite him, "What is it? You insisted I come here. If anyone had discovered my presence, you know how serious the consequences would be."
The middle-aged man smiled and poured Gu Changsheng a cup of tea. "As the esteemed楼主 (lōuzhǔ -楼主) of Qintian Tower, who would be able to detect your movements if you wished to come?"
Gu Changsheng took a seat. "Get straight to the point, I have other matters to attend to."
"Changsun Qingwan has returned. You should be aware of that."
Hearing this, Gu Changsheng guessed the man's intentions and replied with a focused tone, "It's not the right time yet. Furthermore, Nangong Yunshao's health has encountered some issues. We need to wait!"
The middle-aged man's gaze turned grim. The tea in his cup instantly froze. "I can wait, but that esteemed individual cannot."
He placed the cup on the table, narrowing his eyes. "Gu Changsheng, let me remind you, don't forget who bestowed upon you everything you possess today!"
Gu Changsheng scoffed. "I haven't forgotten. But there was an unexpected turn of events. Nangong Yunshao's former fiancé reappeared, she returned the Xinghun Jade, and as a result, her health deteriorated!"
The middle-aged man listened quietly to Gu Changsheng, his expression darkening.
"I've heard what you said. I investigated Ye Kunlun's background. That old ghost from Wujian Prison is his master."
"However, that old ghost disappeared years ago. Now, a so-called disciple has emerged, and there must be a secret behind it."
"If he further disrupts our plans, eliminate him first."
A murderous intent gleamed in the middle-aged man's eyes.
Gu Changsheng's brow furrowed slightly. "I've clashed with him. Although this young man is inexperienced, his strength is considerable. I couldn't gain any advantage against him."
"Are you certain?"
The middle-aged man looked surprised.
"I am certain!" Gu Changsheng replied.
"I understand. I will have someone discreetly keep an eye on him." The middle-aged man picked up the frozen tea and brought it to his lips; the ice instantly melted.
"I will give you another two months."
The middle-aged man drank the tea in one gulp and said to Gu Changsheng, "In less than three months, the Yellow Springs Secret Realm will open. If you delay the esteemed individual's plan, you know the severe consequences."
Although Gu Changsheng's expression was unpleasant, he said nothing.
"Additionally, there is one more matter you need to handle." The middle-aged man chuckled. "Find a way to facilitate a marriage alliance between the Qian family and the Qiao family."
"Why?" Gu Changsheng showed a hint of surprise, not expecting such an outlandish request.
He, the esteemed楼主 (lōuzhǔ -楼主) of Qintian Tower, was being asked to play matchmaker.
Gu Changsheng found the idea preposterous.
"I will tell you later." The middle-aged man said with a smile. "Alright, I won't keep you for dinner today. Feel free to visit my small building more often."
Gu Changsheng stood up and left.
Every word of their conversation reached Ye Kunlun's ears.
Gu Changsheng questioned whether Gu Changsheng and the middle-aged man were targeting Nangong Yunshao and Changsun Qingwan.
What was the identity of the esteemed individual behind them?
Ye Kunlun pondered, deeming the matter unrelated to him. Just as he was about to leave, he glimpsed a mark on the middle-aged man's left wrist.
"Hmm?" Ye Kunlun's eyebrows rose. The mark on the man's wrist was identical to the one on Zhou Lie's arm.
It was a soul imprint.
This meant the middle-aged man's soul had also been contracted.
Ye Kunlun's heart pounded. The disappearance of the Witch God's trail had temporarily left him without a breakthrough.
Unexpectedly, he had discovered a new clue here.
Ye Kunlun suppressed his impulse and quietly departed. This hard-won clue must not be disturbed.
The fact that the middle-aged man could directly contact Gu Changsheng indicated his significant standing.
Perhaps, through him, the hands behind the scenes could be exposed.
"Mr. Ye has returned."
Qian Rou Rou had been glancing in the direction Ye Kunlun had gone from time to time and saw him emerge from the alley.
When Ye Kunlun returned to the teahouse, Qian Rou Rou poured him tea. "Sir, the tea at this teahouse is quite good."
Ye Kunlun took a sip and smiled. "It is indeed good."
"Are your matters settled?" Liu Meng couldn't help but ask.
Ye Kunlun nodded, sensing a subtle change in Liu Meng's attitude towards him.
He cast a suspicious glance at Qian Rou Rou, feeling as if she had said something to Liu Meng.
Otherwise, given Liu Meng's usual disposition, she should have been targeting him constantly.
Qian Rou Rou, noticing the doubt in Ye Kunlun's eyes, covered her mouth and giggled. "Sir, after we finish our tea, please help Xiao Meng pick something out."
Ye Kunlun gave a faint hum and gazed at the bustling street, leisurely sipping his tea.
Qian Rou Rou's beautiful eyes were fixed on Ye Kunlun, her heart beating wildly.
She didn't know what it was about Ye Kunlun that attracted her. If it was because he was her savior, she'd thought about it carefully, and it didn't seem to be the case.
She remembered being attracted to an inexplicable aura about Ye Kunlun the first time she met him.
Later, everything had been initiated by her, yet Ye Kunlun had always maintained a cold, indifferent attitude towards her.
"Let's go!"
Ye Kunlun withdrew his gaze and suddenly spoke.
"Ah? Okay..."
Qian Rou Rou was startled by Ye Kunlun's sudden remark, and her face flushed crimson.
"Sir, let's go to Songhe Tower. Songhe Tower is the largest establishment on this street; they should have some suitable items."
Qian Rou Rou quickly composed herself and signaled the waiter to pay the bill.
As they descended the stairs, Ye Kunlun noticed a nearby Xinxin Gold Shop.
"How much do you know about Xinxin Gold Shop?" Ye Kunlun asked Qian Rou Rou.
In response to Ye Kunlun's abrupt question, Qian Rou Rou smiled and replied, "Behind Xinxin Gold Shop is Changsun Che of the Changsun family."
"What? Sir, are you planning to buy gold or silver jewelry?" Qian Rou Rou's eyes lit up.
Ye Kunlun remembered that he hadn't bought any gifts for Yun Chuxue.
In a few days, if she were to come to the capital with Zhuge Chu, it would be inappropriate for him to arrive without a gift.
"Yes!" Ye Kunlun gave a faint hum.
"Who is Mr. Ye giving it to? I can help Mr. Ye choose."
Qian Rou Rou looked at Ye Kunlun with anticipation.
"Chuxue. You've met her," Ye Kunlun replied, and started walking towards Xinxin Gold Shop.
"Oh." Qian Rou Rou felt a little wronged and quickly followed Ye Kunlun.