Constructing a sound containment barrier, Wu Xiao asks—
"So, who are you really?"
"…"
Towards Wu Xiao's question, Tian Cheng continues to maintain a stoic look on her face, to which, the former remarks—
"You're clearly not something that could have been made with this world's technology. Similarly, to my dearest, you're also an outsider, correct?"
"…"
Not expecting an answer from Tian Cheng with just this, Wu Xiao continues to speak her mind, as she says—
"An existence like you—that is basically a soul held inside of a mechanical vessel… Hmm, Earthborn Elementals' Realm is the only thing that comes to mind."
"…"
Although her vessel's outward expression hasn't changed, the Tai Xuan Emperor can't help but widen her eyes within the dreamscape.
(She knows about the Earthborn Elementals' Realm?)
As much as the Tai Xuan Emperor wishes to ask Wu Xiao—what they know of her homeland, she doesn't dare to act out of character.
"I can promise you; I won't share our conversation with him."
As Wu Xiao refills her cup with the calabash, the Tai Xuan Emperor sinks into contemplation, and eventually asks—
"…Why are you bringing this matter up now?"
"Simply bored and curious—thinking, I might be able to hear an interesting tale from you."
"…"
Opening her vessel's eyes, and turning towards Wu Xiao, the Tai Xuan Emperor observes the latter for a full minute prior to replying—
"If you're looking to hear about surnamed *'s history from me, I'll have to disappoint."
"…"
Noticing how there is an odd power preventing the Tai Xuan Emperor from saying Long Hua's true surname, Wu Xiao raises an eye, and replies—
"Then how about yourself? My instincts tell me, you must have quite a background."
"…"
Narrowing her eyes at Wu Xiao, the Tai Xuan Emperor asks—
"…How far away is the Earthborn Elementals' Realm from the Everlasting Spirit Realm?"
"Hmm, hard to say. If you were in the Heaven Manifestation realm, and is able to travel at full speed at all times—perhaps 200 years' worth of distance away?"
"…"
Hearing this, the Tai Xuan Emperor frowns on the inside. That is quite a bit of distance to cover. However, it's surprisingly closer than what she had originally anticipated—causing her mood to rise.
(Hmm, dealing with the regional boundaries will be an issue, but dismissing it for the time being; right now… I currently have two options on hand. First, I can try and take over that surnamed *'s body after he emerges from the Leng Bing Realm. Or two, I trust his words—that he will let me go once his business here is settled. …Tch, if I could obtain his body as my vessel, it would save me from having to take the long way that is filled with uncertainties. Also, with that old tortoise having a barrier around the outside world… Ah, what a pain…)
"…"
Patiently waiting for the Tai Xuan Emperor to sort out her thoughts, Wu Xiao takes a sip from her cup.
Eventually, the Tai Xuan Emperor says—
"I…- I was once the ruler of a planet in the Earthborn Elementals' Realm."
...…
Pass the hour of nine PM, within the Refuge nightclub that belongs to the Ashen River Hall—
"…"
Pouring himself a cup of whiskey, Shao Tianming is just about to raise it to his lips, however—
"Shao-laoda, a familiar face came to visit. They're currently waiting on the second floor."
A member of the hall approaches to report him of this.
"A familiar face?"
Turning to the individual, Shao Tianming can't help but frown, and remarks—
"I don't recall having any arrangements to meet with someone today…"
Considering how this individual is currently waiting on the second floor, which is used to meet with the outer domain's individuals of power, Shao Tianming isn't negligent enough to forget about them—if they had a meeting scheduled for today at this hour.
(Well, scheduled or not, I probably shouldn't be keeping them waiting.)
Getting out of the sofa, Shao Tianming decides to take the whiskey bottle and glass with him, as he heads for the second floor.
...…
Upon arriving at the second floor, Shao Tianmings sees Chen Lan, and seated on the sofa—to the latter's left are two individuals.
One looks to be around ten years of age, while the other—
"Oh? Surnamed Yu?"
Seating himself on the sofa—to Chen Lan's right, Shao Tianming sets his bottle down.
Taking a sip of the beverage from his glass, Shao Tianming asks—
"So, what can I help you with?"
"…"
"…"
Seeing the expression of leisure on Shao Tianming's face—something about it causes both Yu Ji and Li to feel a bit unpleasant.
Considering how the Ashen River Hall had forcefully dragged members of the outer domain's Guilds into their circle—through the use of a contract book, Yu Ji and Li figured that establishing a deal with them would be the most efficient way to indirectly establish a deal with the Guilds that these individuals were and are still a part of on paper.
That being said, since the hall currently possesses this much power, it's natural for them to want to put on a bit of air. However—
(I need to kick this surnamed Shao down a notch.)
Thinking of performing a power move to do just that, Yu Ji leans back on the sofa, and folds her arms—while throwing Chen Lan a glance.
Prior to Shao Tianming's arrival, they had worked out their roles.
"Un."
Responding to Yu Ji's glance with a nod, and picking up the storage pouch that is to his side, Chen Lan—acting like a loyal henchman, takes out a stack of bundled NWDs from it, and places it onto the table.
"...…"
At first, Shao Tianming maintained a bored look on his face, as he watches Chen Lan build up a pyramid of cash, but gradually—
"...…?"
Gradually, Shao Tianming's expression turns solemn.
The number one issue that the Ashen River Hall faces is cash, and the amount of NWDs that are currently on the table between them is—
(This is at least five million…)
Shaking his head, Shao Tianming raises his left hand towards Chen Lan, and—
"Enough, you've got my full attention."
Saying this, Shao Tianming sets his glass of whiskey down.