122: Chapter 122 Taikang Tower

Taikang Tower was the premier restaurant on Taikang Island.

Standing nine stories high with flying eaves, bracket sets, red lacquer, and golden tiles, its grandeur was extraordinary.

Furthermore, it employed the spatial technique of "Sumeru in a Mustard Seed"; though it appeared to occupy only a few acres, the interior was a world of its own, with the first-floor hall alone capable of hosting over a thousand people for a banquet without feeling crowded.

Those coming and going within the tower were either wealthy or noble, and people with profound auras were everywhere.

The air was filled with the fragrance of spiritual food and medicinal cuisine, mixed with the scent of wine and a faint spiritual essence, making one feel refreshed; however, the prices were exorbitant, far beyond what an ordinary Martial Artist could afford.

Fourth floor, Heaven-grade private room.

Jiang Tao and Qin Wen sat by the window.

Outside the window was Taikang Island's most prosperous Central Avenue, a wide stone road broad enough for eight horse-drawn carriages to pass side-by-side.

At this moment, the street was bustling with people; besides the common local attire of the East Sea and West Sea, there were many merchants from various Western nations with blonde hair, blue eyes, high noses, and strange clothing weaving through the crowd, adding a touch of exotic flair to the island.

Jiang Tao's gaze seemed to rest on the street, but in reality, his mind had already drifted far away.

"Do you think Zeng Guan will come?" he asked in a low voice.

Qin Wen picked up a celadon teacup and took a sip of spiritual tea, his expression calm.

"Based on my understanding of Zeng Guan, he will undoubtedly come. This man appears suspicious and cautious, but in reality, he is greedy and decisive. As long as he catches a whiff of profit, he will come to investigate even if he knows it might be a trap. Not to mention..."

He paused and looked at Jiang Tao.

"On the invitation we sent, we specifically mentioned the words 'greater benefits.' Zeng Guan has managed the Heavenly Heart Sect's external affairs for many years and is most adept at playing all sides and seizing advantages. He won't be able to resist biting such bait."

Jiang Tao nodded and said no more.

His thoughts, however, involuntarily drifted back to a few days ago, to that moonlit night at sea.

That single strike, "The Mortal World."

It was not purely physical destruction; rather, it targeted the heart directly, dismantling obsessions and severing Karma.

The path of "fierce and violent" power he had pursued all his life seemed so pale and childish before that strike.

Had Jiang Hanzhou not stayed his hand at the last moment and offered some guidance, he would likely have a shattered Dao Heart by now, reduced to a cripple.

Surrender?

There was not much resentment in Jiang Tao's heart.

He was indeed afraid of death, but he was even more afraid of dying pointlessly, like Chen San, who ended up in the belly of a fish for the sake of some petty profit.

The strength, talent, and Heart-Nature displayed by Jiang Hanzhou far exceeded his understanding.

Viscera Burning Realm Perfection, breaking through to Dragon Elephant in a single month, and mastering two types of True Intent... such a person would undoubtedly be a true disciple candidate even in the inner sect of Dragon Abyss Palace!

Following such a master, perhaps... he really could see the scenery from a higher vantage point.

"He's here," Qin Wen's voice pulled Jiang Tao's thoughts back to reality.

Jiang Tao looked up.

Below the restaurant, a luxurious carriage pulled by two "Snow-Treading Rhinoceroses"—creatures entirely snow-white with single horns and auras at the Iron Bone Realm Perfection—slowly stopped in front of the main entrance of Taikang Tower.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a lean, middle-aged man dressed in deep purple brocade robes with a three-strand long beard stepped out slowly.

It was the Heavenly Heart Sect's external Hall Master, Zeng Guan.

He only brought two servants with restrained auras and sharp eyes; his demeanor was composed, showing no sign of wariness or tension.

"He really only brought two people, keeping up appearances perfectly," Qin Wen whispered. "In the shadows, I'm afraid the 'Shadow Guards' are already lurking nearby."

Jiang Tao gave a cold laugh. "No matter, today is not a Hongmen Banquet."

Before long, there was a soft knock on the door of the private room.

"Please come in."

The door opened, and Zeng Guan entered with a smile, cupping his hands. "Chairman Jiang, Mr. Qin, it's been a long time. I was delayed on the way and kept you both waiting. My apologies."

"Hall Master Zeng is too polite, please take the seat of honor."

Jiang Tao rose to greet him with a face full of smiles, as if the previous friction between the Prodigal Society and the Heavenly Heart Sect had never happened.

Once the guests and hosts were seated, beautiful maidservants served fragrant tea and spiritual fruits, then quietly withdrew, closing the door behind them.

Zeng Guan did not directly mention business; instead, he stroked his beard and smiled.

"This 'Azure Sea Tidal Tea' of Taikang Tower is made from the tender leaves of 'Tidal Sound Tea Trees' that grow beside the thousand-year-old sea eye deep within Star Continent Anchorage, supplemented by seven types of deep-sea spiritual flowers. When brewing, one must use spring water and simmer it over a slow fire to obtain its true flavor. Chairman Jiang, Mr. Qin, why not have a taste?"

Jiang Tao picked up his teacup and tasted it as instructed. Indeed, the tea was a clear green, slightly astringent upon entry but quickly turning sweet. A cool, moist Spiritual Qi flowed down his throat, cleansing his lungs, and he seemed to hear the faint sound of the tide echoing in his ears.

"Fine tea," Jiang Tao praised. "Hall Master Zeng is indeed a man of refined taste."

"It's just pretending to be elegant," Zeng Guan waved his hand, then changed the subject. "I heard Chairman Jiang personally visited Dragon Abyss Palace's Fishing Ground No. 4 a few days ago? And even cleaned up a few blind fools while you were at it?"

Here it comes.

Jiang Tao understood in his heart, but his face showed a mix of helplessness and anger.

"Don't even mention it! That fellow Chen San had been with me for over ten years, and I treated him well! Who knew he'd be blinded by greed and dare to collude with outsiders behind my back, intending to plunder Dragon Abyss Palace's Spirit Fish! Had I not discovered it in time and rushed there to deal with it, once Dragon Abyss Palace caught wind of it, all hundred-plus members of my Prodigal Society would have likely been buried with him!"

His tone was indignant, his acting seamless.

"In a fit of rage, I sent that traitor and all the confidants he took with him into the sea to feed the fish! I even destroyed that fast boat along with them. From now on, I've completely severed ties with those filthy dealings!"

Zeng Guan listened quietly, his fingers lightly stroking the rim of his teacup, his eyes deep and unreadable.

How could he not understand? Jiang Tao meant that they would no longer help the Heavenly Heart Sect with the theft of Spirit Fish in the future.

But he didn't care; there were plenty of people to do this for them, and they were all single-line contacts, so there was no fear of being betrayed. Even if something went wrong, these small factions would take the blame.

"Chairman Jiang's act of placing righteousness above family is truly admirable," he said slowly. "However... the Prodigal Society is a large organization, and the brothers all need to eat. Having cut off this source of income, what are Chairman Jiang's plans for the future?"

"I was just about to discuss this with Hall Master Zeng." Jiang Tao leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. "To be honest, although this trip to Dragon Abyss Palace was to clean house, it also allowed me to sense some unusual movements."

"Oh?" Zeng Guan raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

"I can't say too much about the specifics," Jiang Tao spoke vaguely, then shifted the topic. "In short, Dragon Abyss Palace seems to be... tightening things up recently. Things they used to turn a blind eye to might not work anymore. Though I, Jiang Tao, am a rough man, I know how to judge the situation. Some money is too hot to handle; it's better not to earn it."

Zeng Guan remained noncommittal, simply watching Jiang Tao quietly.