Although each family kept their own hidden guards, some matters were best left uninvestigated. If pursued, harboring assassins was tantamount to treason.
Xie Jiayan gazed at the two daggers on the table. One was given to him by his father when he learned woodcarving, the other, a curved blade, was a gift from a friend, used for slicing meat on the grasslands.
His martial arts master had said that kung fu was for self-preservation, not for killing. When the intent to kill arose, any tool became a suitable weapon.
Ultimately, Xie Jiayan did not bring them. He was not going to kill anyone.
The message he carried would surely make the sect leader agree to an exchange for another person.
Li Jing Men
"Sect Leader, someone broke through the Five Elements Formation in less than a quarter of an hour. I fear they are from Ghost Valley."
Li Changfeng, the first sect leader of Li Jing Men, had originated from Ghost Valley. Although he had left his sect, he had established a rule not to kill anyone from Ghost Valley. His subordinates, not daring to act on their own, reported to the sect leader.
"Only a quarter of an hour?" Such speed. They are likely a disciple of Ghost Valley.
"Yes!"
"Where is the person?"
"He claims to have important news to exchange with you, Sect Leader, and will only speak to you. I dared not bring him in and asked him to wait in the main hall."
"To exchange news with Li Jing Men? I'd like to see what foolish wretch dares to do this." Even with a ghost mask, the terrifying killing intent in his eyes could not be concealed.
Despite the late hour, everything in Li Jing Men was as usual. These guards were not specifically targeting him; one could tell from their aura that they were top-tier experts without engaging them.
Xie Jiayan also wore a mask. Unlike the fanged ghost masks of Li Jing Men, his was a white fox mask, slightly at odds with his calm demeanor.
He sat there, calmly drinking tea, as composed as if he were visiting a friend.
"Sect Leader!" everyone bowed.
Xie Jiayan had actually heard the footsteps. However, as a guest, it was impolite to upstage the host, so he only rose from his chair after these people noticed him.
"Sect Leader."
Upon hearing a young man's voice, the sect leader scoffed, "You are the one who wants to make a deal with me?"
"Yes!"
"I heard Li Jing Men rescued someone today. I wish to take that person away," Xie Jiayan stated directly.
The masked man laughed, his voice suddenly turning cold, "Such arrogance. I'll let you leave out of consideration for your ties to Ghost Valley. Otherwise, do not blame me for being impolite."
"I have something that I believe the Sect Leader will be very interested in."
As Xie Jiayan reached into his sleeve to retrieve something, the guards became highly alert. However, the masked sect leader waved them off dismissively, thinking any attempt at trickery before him was suicidal.
Xie Jiayan then produced a map. "I know Li Jing Men has been secretly searching for an iron mine left by the previous dynasty. I know where the iron mine is."
The masked man narrowed his eyes, his vigilance spiking. "Who are you?"
The Great Wei had been established for decades, yet remnants of the previous dynasty still caused trouble. This person knew about the iron mine; could he be connected to the previous dynasty?
"A person of official standing." Xie Jiayan, guessing the sect leader's thoughts, directly revealed his identity.
The masked sect leader laughed heartily. "Are you not afraid that your candor will reach the Sage's ears?"
"If the Sect Leader wishes to speak of it, I will not stop him. I am here today to take that person away."
"Who is that person to you? Do you know why he fell into Li Jing Men's hands?"
"This person is a timid servant from my household. He might have offended Li Jing Men's people in a moment of recklessness. I will discipline him thoroughly when I take him back, and not a word of today's events will be leaked."
"He is a servant from your household?"
"Yes!"
The masked sect leader fell silent, his eyes fixed on Xie Jiayan's eyes beneath the mask.
"Sect Leader," someone entered from outside, clearly with something to report.
"What is it?" The masked sect leader withdrew his gaze.
"A lady has arrived outside with a cartload of jewels, saying she wishes to exchange them with the Sect Leader for a person."
The masked sect leader burst into laughter. "It's quite lively today. Everyone is coming to exchange people with me. Do you think this is a marketplace?"