Black Wind City lay on the outskirts of the Cursed Land, near the edge of the Heavenly Earth Vein. It was a bustling metropolis filled with cultivators of every level, and even demon cultivators could occasionally be seen wandering openly through its streets.
As they entered the city, Gao Feng led Liang along the crowded avenues.
"That's the city center," Gao Feng said, pointing ahead. "Most of the powerful cultivators reside there."
Liang nodded slightly and glanced at him.
"Good. Now, Gao Feng, I have a task for you."
Gao Feng looked at Liang Yifei with suspicion but remained silent.
"You are going to gather information for me," Liang continued calmly. "I want to know everything about the demon cultivators living here, as well as those in the other major cities around the vein. Understood?"
Gao Feng nodded. "Yes, I understand. But… where am I supposed to find such information? Demon cultivators aren't exactly easy to locate."
Liang chuckled softly.
"You're a thief, Gao Feng. You should know how to obtain information. Use your skills, and you'll find what I need."
Gao Feng's mouth twitched. He inwardly lamented his terrible luck. His new master already seemed convinced that Gao Feng had been the one trying to rob him, rather than the other way around. Still, he nodded, though he hesitated for a moment.
"But… what about my treasures? Will you return them to me?" he asked, feeling wronged. After agreeing to serve this new master, his storage ring had been takenڍ
Liang smiled faintly.
"Of course, Gao Feng. I always keep my promises. Once you've gathered the information I want, your treasures will be returned. And who knows—perhaps I'll even reward you further."
Relief washed over Gao Feng's face. He nodded again, then quickly departed to carry out the task.
---
After wandering through the city for some time, Liang arrived before a tall, magnificent building.
Its exterior was constructed from red and gold marble, engraved with intricate carvings and symbolic patterns. The heavy doors were made of solid oak, fitted with brass handles shaped like coiling dragons. Above the entrance hung a plaque forged from violet gold, upon which the words "Free Heart Pavilion" were elegantly carved.
A faint smile appeared on Liang's face. Everything seemed to have developed exactly as he had arranged.
He stepped inside.
At the counter stood a woman with long black hair flowing down to her waist, framing a delicate, heart-shaped face. Her emerald eyes widened slightly when she saw him. It was unusual for a mortal to enter this place.
"Can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but cautious.
"I'm here to see the owner," Liang replied casually.
The woman raised an eyebrow.
"The owner?" she repeated. "You mean Lord Wu?"
Liang shook his head.
"No. I mean the current Wandering Shadow Master."
Shock flashed across her face, though she quickly composed herself. Bowing respectfully, she said,
"Please follow me, sir."
She led Liang through the labyrinthine interior of the building. They climbed multiple flights of stairs, her graceful figure moving fluidly ahead of him. Finally, they stopped before a grand, ornate door.
She knocked firmly and announced in a clear voice,
"Lord Wu, a visitor has come to see you."
The door swung open, revealing a spacious chamber filled with luxurious furnishings. Shelves lined the walls, packed with books, while potted incense burned gently, filling the room with a soothing aroma mixed with the scent of polished wood.
"Didn't I make it clear?" an irritated voice boomed from within. "Do not disturb me unless it's something urgent."
Liang narrowed his eyes slightly, then spoke in a commanding tone.
"Yang brat. Hurry up and come out."
"Master!" a man's voice replied instantly, now filled with respect.
A tall man emerged, his sharp features framed by elaborate black robes trimmed in gold. His hair was tied in a neat topknot.
He stared at Liang in shock and disbelief.
"Master… as expected, you didn't die out there."
Liang frowned.
"It's been two hundred years. You should have accumulated enough Nascent Souls for me by now."
"Of course," Lord Wu replied quickly. "I've been collecting them diligently, just as you instructed."
"Excellent. Then my efforts on you were not wasted." Liang paused. "Tell me—how many Spirit Severing cultivators remain?"
Lord Wu shook his head.
"The number shouldn't be much different from two centuries ago. Only the ten cultivators who fought the Devil Kings are missing."
Liang smiled faintly.
"Then my original estimates were accurate."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Prepare everything as I instructed. I have other matters to handle first."
Lord Wu bowed deeply.
"Yes, Master. Everything will be ready when you return."
---
Liang soon left the building and headed toward the outskirts of the city.
A subtle smile appeared on his lips. He could clearly sense someone following him.
Before long, he reached a dark, deserted corner where two figures stepped forward, blocking his path.
The first was a tall man clad in black robes, his expression cold and detached.
The second was a young woman with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, radiating a fierce and confident aura.
"I was wondering when you would show up," Liang said calmly, unsurprised.
The woman stared at him coldly. A severed human head suddenly appeared in her hand.
It was Gao Feng's.
Blue flames erupted around it, reducing the head to ashes within moments.
"You won't be getting any information from him," she said with a trace of satisfaction.
Liang's lips curled into a sly grin.
"Is that so?"
The tall man stepped forward, exuding a dangerous aura. His cultivation was clearly at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm.
"We know you're a Nascent Soul expert," he said coldly. "There's no need to pretend."
Liang only shrugged casually, his grin widening.
"If that's what you believe."
The woman scowled.
"Enough talk. Come with us. No matter how strong you are, you won't escape."
Liang's lips curved slightly.
"Oh, I have no intention of running."
His eyes gleamed with quiet amusement.
"In fact… I was counting on you taking the bait."