102: Chapter 61 Zhang Fan's Conspiracy

A look of gloom flashed across Zhang Fan's face.

He put on a warm smile and hurried forward to greet them.

"Junior Brother Yun, you joke. I heard that the demonic disaster in the Xia Dynasty was dangerous, so I rushed over specifically to assist."

As he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Liu Lili.

Chen Xuan could see clearly what was hidden in that gaze.

Greed.

Covetousness.

And a kind of almost paranoid possessiveness.

Chen Xuan sneered inwardly.

Having lived three lifetimes, he had seen too many people like this.

With his character, someone like Zhang Fan wouldn't even deserve to stand behind the counter at the Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce in his second life.

But after all, Zhang Fan was a direct descendant of the Southern Sky Zhang Clan.

The Zhang Clan's influence in the Liuyang Sword Sect was second only to the Central Province Liu Clan.

That was why Zhang Fan could run rampant within the Sect and pester Liu Lili for years without anyone daring to intervene.

"Senior Brother Zhang is very thoughtful," Chen Xuan said indifferently.

"However, the demonic disaster in the Xia Dynasty has already been quelled; Senior Brother has arrived too late."

The corner of Zhang Fan's eye twitched.

Of course he knew he was late.

His original plan was to wait until Chen Xuan and that Golden Core remnant soul had fought to a mutual injury, and then step in to "assist."

If Chen Xuan died at the hands of the remnant soul, that would be for the best.

He could then logically play the "hero saving the beauty" and take advantage of the situation when Liu Lili was at her most vulnerable.

For this, he had even begged his Family for a Spiritual Artifact to save his life.

But he hadn't expected Chen Xuan to resolve the Golden Core remnant soul so quickly.

This kid's strength was a significant cut above what it had been during the Sect competition.

Zhang Fan's murderous intent intensified.

He could not let this kid continue to grow.

If given a few more years, he might really reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

By then, the Liu Family would certainly do their utmost to facilitate a marriage between him and Liu Lili.

All of Zhang Fan's schemes over the years would be ruined.

"Junior Brother Yun is truly a talent of heaven-sent aptitude," Zhang Fan said with a chuckle.

"Since the demonic disaster is over, why don't I invite you two to have a drink at the Zuixian Tower in Qingling Immortal City? It can be a celebration for Junior Brother."

Liu Lili frowned slightly and was about to refuse.

But Chen Xuan spoke first.

"That sounds good. How could we refuse Senior Brother Zhang's generous offer?"

Liu Lili looked at Chen Xuan in confusion.

Chen Xuan gave her a reassuring look.

He wanted to see what kind of tricks Zhang Fan was trying to play.

The three of them arrived at the Zuixian Tower.

Zhang Fan was generous with his spending and booked the entire third floor.

Once the wine and dishes were served, Zhang Fan personally poured wine for the two of them.

"The spirit wine at this Zuixian Tower is a specialty of the Qingcang Sect, brewed with Qingcang Linglong Fruit. Drinking it can refine one's mana."

He raised his glass and said, "Junior Brother Yun, this cup is for you."

Chen Xuan picked up his wine glass but did not drink.

He secretly activated his Dharma Eye and scanned the spirit wine in his cup.

There was no poison in the wine.

Zhang Fan was not stupid enough to poison someone in Qingling Immortal City.

It seemed he had another plan.

Indeed, after three rounds of drinks, Zhang Fan put down his glass and sighed.

"Junior Brother Yun, actually, I have another matter to attend to this time coming to the Qingcang Sect."

"What matter?" Chen Xuan asked, playing along.

Zhang Fan lowered his voice.

"Does Junior Brother know about the war in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range?"

Chen Xuan raised an eyebrow.

The war in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range was a secret operation where powerful Golden Core Masters joined forces to open up a shipping route.

All participants were Golden Core Masters; even Foundation Establishment Cultivators were not qualified to get involved.

How could Zhang Fan, a Qi Refining Cultivator, know about this?

"I have heard a little about it," Chen Xuan said calmly.

Zhang Fan looked worried.

"An Old Ancestor of my Zhang Family who is a Golden Core Master also participated in this war."

"The day before yesterday, the Family received a message saying that the Old Ancestor was seriously injured and urgently needed 'Qingcang Linglong Marrow' to refine a healing Medicinal Pill."

"But I have searched all the markets in Qingling Immortal City and haven't found such a treasure."

He turned to look at Chen Xuan, his expression earnest.

"Junior Brother Yun, I heard that you have ties with the Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce."

"The Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce is spread throughout the Southern Region and has the richest supply of goods."

"I wonder if Junior Brother could help me inquire where I might find Qingcang Linglong Marrow?"

"I, Zhang Fan, will keep this favor in my heart."

He spoke with such sincerity that his eyes even reddened slightly.

If not for Chen Xuan's experience over a hundred lifetimes, he might have truly been deceived by him.

Qingcang Linglong Marrow.

That was a Heaven And Earth Treasure unique to the Qingcang Sect, produced in a Secret Realm deep within the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range.

That Secret Realm was extremely dangerous, with a powerful Golden Core Yao Race beast lurking within.

Zhang Fan was trying to trick him into the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range to eliminate him using the hands of the Yao Race.

Chen Xuan's murderous intent surged within, but the smile on his face became increasingly gentle.

"Senior Brother's filial piety is something I, as a Junior Brother, can empathize with."

"I do indeed have some influence with the Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce."

"But this Qingcang Linglong Marrow is no small matter. I need to first confirm if the Chamber of Commerce has any in stock."

Zhang Fan felt a surge of joy.

He had taken the bait.

He quickly said, "Then I will have to trouble you, Junior Brother."

"As long as Junior Brother can help find it, my Zhang Family will definitely reward you handsomely."

Chen Xuan nodded, stood up, and said, "I will be back shortly."

He left the Zuixian Tower, but did not go to the branch of the Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce.

Instead, he found a secluded corner and took out the wordless heavenly book.

It invaded the secrets of heaven and earth to calculate the fates of people.

[Today's fortune: Great Omen.]

[Today's Heavenly Secret: Seven Killings.]

[Today's Destiny: Sword Cultivator.]

[Great Omen: Zhang Fan is using Qingcang Linglong Marrow as bait to set a trap. If you go to the designated area in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, you will encounter an ambush by a Golden Core Yao Race Cultivator, with ten deaths and no chance of survival.]

[Medium Omen: Stay in Qingling Immortal City and deal with his tricks as they come. If Zhang Fan's plan fails, he will surely hatch another one, or he might secretly attack during a conflict in the market.]

[Neutral: Return to the Liuyang Sword Sect immediately, and this situation will resolve itself. However, Zhang Fan might spread rumors within the Sect to ruin your reputation.]

After reading this, Chen Xuan was silent for a moment.

He crushed the Jade Slip of Great Omen.

The images within the Jade Slip unfolded.

It was a canyon deep within the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range.

The canyon was filled with Demonic Qi mist, and a massive body could be vaguely seen coiled within.

At the entrance of the canyon, seven or eight Cultivators had been eroded by Demonic Qi and had already turned into dry bones.

The clothing on those Cultivators was precisely the attire of Liuyang Sword Sect Disciples.

The murderous intent in Chen Xuan's eyes almost solidified into substance.

Zhang Fan wanted him to die without a burial place.

He put away the wordless heavenly book, and his face returned to calmness.

Then he turned and went to the branch of the Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he returned to the Zuixian Tower.

Zhang Fan was diligently pouring tea for Liu Lili, speaking some bland, flattering words.

Liu Lili's face was full of impatience, but when she saw Chen Xuan return, her eyes immediately lit up.

"Junior Brother!"

Chen Xuan smiled at her and then looked at Zhang Fan.

"Senior Brother Zhang, I have inquired about it."

"The Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce does indeed have a portion of Qingcang Linglong Marrow, but it is not in Qingling Immortal City."

"It is at the headquarters in Bihai Immortal City."

He took out a Jade Slip and placed it on the table.

"This is the pickup voucher I requested from the Chamber of Commerce."

"If Senior Brother takes this Jade Slip to Bihai Immortal City, someone will naturally hand the Qingcang Linglong Marrow over to you."

Zhang Fan was stunned.

He did not expect that Chen Xuan had actually managed to get the Qingcang Linglong Marrow.

This was a rare treasure from a Secret Realm in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range; even if a Golden Core Master took action, they might not be able to easily obtain it.

The Qingyuan Chamber of Commerce actually had it in stock?

He was suspicious, but the gratitude on his face became even more sincere.

"Junior Brother Yun, I, Zhang Fan, will remember this favor."

"In the future within the Sect, if Junior Brother has any difficulties, you can come to me."

He reached out to take the Jade Slip.

Chen Xuan pressed down on the Jade Slip and did not let go.

"Senior Brother Zhang, even close brothers must settle accounts clearly."

"You haven't asked about the price of this Qingcang Linglong Marrow yet."