Chapter 989: Farewell, No Send-Off

“Clap, clap, clap!”

Not long after, applause echoed from the distance.

Shui Gui’s eyebrow twitched slightly. He looked over, surprised, as he hadn’t sensed anyone spying on him before.

“Who is it?”

A white-haired elder approached, enveloped in swirling mist that obscured his face. He praised in a faint, ethereal voice:

“What a grand scheme!

“Using the Yu Hai Shen Ji as the rod, and Jiu Si Lei Jie and Tai Xu power as bait, fishing at Gu Yin Ya...

“Rumor has it that Ba Zun is skilled at Yun Lun fishing, casting a vast net that draws people in endlessly. But whether he has caught a big fish, I, this saint, have yet to see.

“Yet your fishing at Gu Yin Ya has already hooked quite a few—impressive!”

This saint... Shui Gui’s eyes darkened, startled by the elder’s self-referential title.

But upon further thought, who other than a saint could enter his spiritual perception range so silently?

The newcomer must indeed be at the saint level!

“I’m not sure if Ba Zun’s fishing was successful, but Gu Yin Ya is a forbidden place. I never expected such a big fish like you to show up.” Shui Gui stood up, meeting the elder’s gaze directly, his demeanor unflinching.

His ability to face a saint so calmly was only possible because the elder’s true face was hidden behind the mist.

Otherwise, in this confrontation, Shui Gui, who had not yet reached the saint level, could never appear so composed.

“How many years has it been since I last emerged, and I’ve become a big fish in people’s eyes...” The elder chuckled, unbothered by the disrespectful words, and introduced himself: “From the Northern Domain, Pu Xuan Jiang clan, Jiang Buyi.”

The saint Jiang Buyi!

Information about this figure flashed through Shui Gui’s mind.

However, intelligence on saints that remained in the world was mostly limited to the title "saint."

Shui Gui's thoughts raced, not focusing on Jiang Buyi himself, but connecting back to the Pu Xuan Jiang clan of the Northern Domain, and to Jiang Xian, who had clashed with Xu Xiaoshou in Dongtian Wangcheng.

Jiang Xian possessed the San Yan Tong Mu, but after the night battle in Wangcheng, the San Yan Tong Mu had mysteriously vanished.

According to Night Cat's intelligence, that night, a fierce battle erupted around the Ling Que trading event in the southern district of Dongtian Wangcheng. At the same time, in the XC district, Yao Ye from the Yao clan lost his Dao sword Tai Yi Sheng Shui Jian, and in the northern district near Tian Qi Lin, there were traces of saintly power leaking out, followed by the appearance of the Sheng Shen Guards.

Among the saint successors causing trouble in Dongtian Wangcheng, besides Xu Shao Xu Deshui, it was Jiang Xian.

Shui Gui knew Xu Shao’s identity, so the final saintly fluctuations must have come from Jiang Xian.

Thus, Jiang Xian must have been in that battle and lost the San Yan Tong Mu.

Whether it was voluntary or forced, the loss of the San Yan Tong Mu gave the Northern Domain’s Pu Xuan Jiang clan’s saint, Jiang Buyi, an excuse to intervene.

So, his appearance now...

“For the Lei Jia Tong?” Shui Gui’s thoughts collided like lightning, quickly forming a clear picture, and a knowing smile returned to his lips as he asked casually.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk...”

Jiang Buyi shook his head in admiration: “To be your enemy must be a headache. It's only been a few moments since I revealed my identity, and you’ve already figured it out so confidently... How clever!”

Shui Gui had no desire to deal with a saint, or at least not at this time. He rejected outright: “I don’t have the Lei Jia Tong. You’ve probably got the wrong person.”

“No, I’m absolutely certain I haven’t.” Jiang Buyi’s voice remained ethereal, shifting the topic: “That said, before speaking with you, I’ve already revealed my identity and restrained my power to show proper respect and sincerity.

“Yet, this hasn’t earned me even a basic introduction from you...

“Doesn’t that seem a bit rude?”

Shui Gui fell silent, gazing at the elder.

He detected no trace of power from the man, who seemed like an ordinary elderly mortal.

But the elder’s relaxed poise and unshakable confidence spoke volumes about his immense strength.

“My apologies.” Shui Gui relaxed his lips slightly, offering a hint of regret: “Night Cat, Shui Gui.”

“Night Cat?” Jiang Buyi gently mulled over the term, unable to recall it as a major dark force, and shook his head: “You’re not being entirely honest, hiding even your identity like this?”

“Night Cat is just a small intelligence outfit in Dongtian Wangcheng. It’s natural it wouldn’t catch a saint’s eye—you might not have even heard of it.” Shui Gui explained casually, “But some people prefer to stay in the shadows, don’t they?”

“A small group that produces someone as talented as you? Impressive.” Jiang Buyi smiled ambiguously.

“What can I say? I’m capable on my own, but my organization doesn’t have other talents, so Night Cat remains obscure for now. Who’s to blame?” Shui Gui shrugged.

“My Jiang clan...”

“I’m sorry, but I have no intention of switching allegiances. A saint clan like yours wouldn’t miss someone like me anyway.”

Their exchange was rapid, cutting off before full sentences could form.

But both understood each other’s intent. With the directness laid bare, the scene fell into silence for a moment.

“You really are clever.” Jiang Buyi sighed: “Truth be told, my Jiang clan does need someone like you.”

“Let’s change the subject. You’re not here to recruit me.” Shui Gui spread his hands, facing the saint without a hint of inferiority, as if he’d weathered great storms and could stand as an equal.

“Very well, I like your straightforwardness and resilience.” Jiang Buyi adjusted his approach: “I’m here not to ask about Night Cat’s backing, but simply because I see potential in you and want to collaborate.”

“You must be out of your mind.” Shui Gui retorted bluntly: “Night Cat is just an underground organization stirring things up at Gu Yin Ya—that’s my personal doing. This place is under Sheng Shen Hall’s oversight, and a prestigious Northern Domain saint clan like yours is stooping to partner with a minor Night Cat leader?”

“Exactly.” Jiang Buyi nodded affirmatively.

“Heh.” Shui Gui let out a cold laugh: “What’s in it for you?”

“You mentioned it—the Lei Jia Tong.”

“But I also said I don’t have it. Even if you killed me, you couldn’t get even one!”

“You can obtain it. I believe in you.”

I don’t believe you at all!

If the circumstances weren’t right and the timing wasn’t ideal, I’d toss you into the deep sea world and then through the void gate, and be the first to finish you off!

A fierce glint flashed in Shui Gui’s mind.

Throughout the world, no one had ever made Shui Gui act based on words alone.

Even Ba Zun had paid a steep price for his help, and this minor Jiang clan saint thought sweet talk would suffice without offering anything? Who do you think you are?

Do you really believe I’ve never slain a saint before?

“Why are you seeking me out?” Shui Gui suppressed any murderous intent, as it would likely seem laughable to the elder. After speaking, he advised: “The Northern Domain saint world should collaborate with Sheng Shen Hall. Why involve a small dark force for your affairs?”

Jiang Buyi strolled leisurely through the Gu Yin Ya ruins, hands behind his back: “If Rao Yao Yao were half as clever as you, I wouldn’t need to seek you out.”

Heh!

Shui Gui sneered inwardly—it’s probably because open forces can’t be used, so you’re turning to underground organizations that can be discarded afterward!

“You flatter me. My talents are nowhere near one-tenth of Rao Jianxian’s.” Shui Gui bowed slightly in feigned humility, then stunned with his next words: “So, what price are you willing to pay for my help?”

This direct question left Jiang Buyi silent for a long while before he burst into laughter: “Has anyone ever told you that your ‘straightforwardness’ can be unsettling at times?”

“Yes.” Shui Gui smiled back, adding silently in his heart: But anyone who said it aloud is already dead.

“But I like it!” Jiang Buyi’s tolerance was vast, unbothered by a junior’s calculations against a senior saint. He opened up: “If you want to discuss compensation, I understand—you’re worried I might betray you later. Since I’ve revealed my identity, I’m coming with sincerity. What do you want?”

It’s compensation, not payment!

And what I want, you probably can’t provide!

Shui Gui corrected inwardly, his expression neutral as he smiled and waited quietly.

Seeing no conditions from Shui Gui, Jiang Buyi raised an eyebrow: “I can help you achieve sainthood.”

As if you’re a god, or you think I’m a child? When did saints start helping Tai Xu reach sainthood? Are you planning to pour your entire legacy into me?

Sorry, I have no interest in your Jiang clan’s heritage!

Shui Gui shook his head: “Tai Xu is already at the peak of the mortal realm. I have no aspirations for sainthood—don’t trouble yourself.”

For the first time, Jiang Buyi’s hidden face frowned beneath the mist.

After a moment of thought, he continued: “Then, I can help your Night Cat grow. I won’t say it’ll rival Sheng Nu or Yan Wang, but at least in the dark world, Night Cat will have a place.”

“Heh!”

Shui Gui couldn’t help but laugh.

This is basically recruiting me outright!

Can’t get me, so you’ll recruit Night Cat to get to me indirectly?

Tsk, tsk, as expected of a saint...

Quickly composing himself, Shui Gui shook his head again: “A bunch of useless mud that won’t stick to the wall—just kill and replace them. Why bother you? Night Cat isn’t worthy yet!”

Jiang Buyi’s tone turned wistful: “So decisive and ruthless—it echoes what I’ve thought. A phoenix perches on the wu tong, not mingling with the vulgar, and sometimes I wish I had your mindset...”

“The Jiang saint clan can’t afford to kill anyone.” Shui Gui responded coldly, unwilling to waste more time: “Get to the point. What do you want me to do, and then we’ll talk price.”

Jiang Buyi pondered briefly before saying seriously: “Yan Wang!”

See, old age makes people wordy, squeezing out sentences in bits... Shui Gui was growing impatient and cut in:

“Yan Wang Huang Quan, with space-time attributes and Tai Xu cultivation. Though not a saint, even I can’t defeat him—we’d at best end in a draw.

“In all the world, only a saint acting personally might kill or capture him.

“As for the other Yan Wang members, they mostly carry Lei Jia Tong, with strange abilities and elusive movements. Don’t act without preparing for potential failure.

“So, what’s your aim—targeting Huang Quan, or just the Lei Jia Tong on the other members? Be clear.”

Shui Gui spilled out the free intelligence like rapid gunfire, clearly eager to see the elder off.

Yet Jiang Buyi felt the full sincerity: “I didn’t realize you knew so much about Yan Wang. This Night Cat organization...”

“Night Cat is just a minor force. No need for you to investigate—it’d only waste your time and yield nothing.” Shui Gui lifted his gaze, expression blank: “Let’s get to business!”

Once again, Jiang Buyi was taken aback by this junior.

His hidden face finally showed irritation.

“What an ill-mannered young man...”

But a saint’s tolerance could encompass everything.

Those who surpass others must have exceptional traits, and an unusual temperament is understandable.

Jiang Buyi stopped the small talk: “I want Huang Quan, and the Lei Jia Tong from the other Yan Wang members! As for your task, just provide the members’ whereabouts. You won’t need to act—there’ll be no danger to you.”

What a massive appetite!

Shui Gui was stunned again by the elder.

A single Lei Jia Tong could overwhelm a saint clan.

A Tai Xu from the Lei clan could even draw a Sheng Di clan’s involvement.

How dare a small Jiang clan claim to swallow it all?

No wonder you’re not seeking Rao Yao Yao’s help—if the righteous path found out, the Northern Domain Jiang clan would be toppled in an instant.

As for me... Shui Gui sneered inwardly. Help you with all that, and I’d probably end up dead, as only the dead can keep secrets.

“What would I get out of it?” Shui Gui asked knowingly.

“What do you want?” Jiang Buyi countered.

Want me to help and then silence me...

“Heh.” Shui Gui smiled, his eyes scanning the elder up and down, his lips curving higher: “You.”

“Me?” Jiang Buyi was slightly taken aback, quickly understanding, and laughed heartily:

“Ha, excellent!

“Though you’ll only provide intelligence, if things succeed, I’ll still owe you a favor!

“As long as it doesn’t involve attacking Sheng Shen Hall, I can assist you with anything in the world.”

Shui Gui ignored the empty promises, kept his smile, and nodded, extending his hand: “Deal.”

Jiang Buyi glanced at the outstretched hand, his eyes lingering briefly before he turned and walked away.

“I’ll give you three days for the first piece of intelligence.”

Shui Gui watched him depart, his hand still extended.

His gaze dropped to his hand, then back to the receding figure, and he called out: “The deal’s done. Aren’t you going to shake on it?”

Isn’t that obvious?

Jiang Buyi paused briefly, doubting his own judgment for the first time.

For a moment, he wondered if he’d misjudged—this Shui Gui couldn’t even read basic body language? How does he function?

Turning back, Jiang Buyi’s eyes fell on the hand again—it hadn’t been withdrawn.

Such audacity?

Shaking hands with a saint? You couldn’t handle it for a second!

Jiang Buyi’s voice cooled as he continued from his earlier words: “As for Huang Quan’s intelligence, the sooner the better. I don’t want this dragging on for years... I need concrete details within a month.”

Smack.

Under Jiang Buyi’s watch, Shui Gui used his left hand to slap away his right, his smile widening.

“No need for a month. In just one day, this junior will deliver detailed information on all Yan Wang members.”

“Oh? That’s even better!”

“Safe travels, senior.”

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