578: Chapter 88 To be discussed later

Upon hearing Old Nian's words, Wan Wanwang slightly furrowed his brow: "You don't know?"

He had originally thought that Old Nian, as the Sect Master of the Blood Refining Hall, had not only met the Black-Hearted Old Man but also received the subsequent Cultivation Technique of the Blood Refining Hall from him, so he must know his whereabouts. He didn't expect this to be the result.

Old Nian spread his hands, his tone flat: "Although I have met the Old Ancestor and was fortunate to receive his teachings, he did not tell me his whereabouts."

"He only said that if there was a need, he would come to find me himself."

"As for when he would come, that I don't know."

These words were a mix of truth and falsehood. It was true that he had met the 'Black-Hearted Old Ancestor,' received the teachings, and did not know his whereabouts. The last part, however, was false.

Meng Li had never said he would come find Old Nian if there was a need.

Old Nian's purpose in saying this was simple—to borrow the tiger's might!

Through their earlier exchange, he knew that although his strength had greatly increased, the Blood Refining Hall still could not contend head-on with the Ghost King Sect. To prevent Wan Wanwang from harboring any ill intentions, he had no choice but to invoke the Black-Hearted Old Ancestor to deter him somewhat.

After all, there was nothing majorly wrong with this statement. Even if the Black-Hearted Old Ancestor found out, he likely wouldn't go out of his way to deny it.

Then, as if remembering something, Old Nian changed the subject: "However, you could go ask Jin Binger of the Hehuan Sect. She might know the Old Ancestor's whereabouts."

"Jin Binger?" A trace of confusion flashed in Wan Wanwang's eyes.

"That's right." Old Nian nodded and continued, "Last time in Yudu City, it was she who took me to see the Old Ancestor. Later, after I received the teachings, I had matters to attend to and left first. She stayed behind, so it's highly likely she knows where the Old Ancestor went."

Immediately after, he added, "If you don't believe me, I can go with you to Yudu City to find her and verify it."

Seeing Old Nian speak with such certainty, Wan Wanwang felt he probably wasn't lying and nodded in agreement: "Very well, then I'll trouble Sect Master Nian to accompany me on this trip."

Old Nian didn't say much more. He turned and gave a few instructions to the Wild Dog Daoist and the other Disciples of the Blood Refining Hall.

Once he confirmed everything was in order, he and Wan Wanwang immediately set off towards Yudu City.

To avoid wasting time, the two of them used escape techniques the whole way, traveling at great speed. Before long, they arrived in Yudu City.

Yudu City remained as bustling as ever, but the two had no time to admire it. They headed straight for the Jinxiu Workshop.

As soon as they entered the Jinxiu Workshop, A Cheng, who was handling affairs, spotted them and recognized Old Nian.

Her expression changed slightly. She hurriedly said something to Ding Ling beside her, instructing her to inform Jin Binger, while she herself went forward to greet Old Nian.

Old Nian remembered A Cheng, knowing she was not only a Disciple of the Hehuan Sect but also a trusted aide of Jin Binger. He didn't make things difficult, simply stating his purpose briefly. After all, the Blood Refining Hall's relationship with the Hehuan Sect was passable. Even if it wasn't, one had to consider the faces of the Black-Hearted Old Ancestor and Jin Ling.

Just as he finished speaking, Jin Binger, having received Ding Ling's notification, came out.

Seeing Wan Wanwang and Old Nian, Jin Binger was somewhat surprised.

If she remembered correctly, Old Nian had once ambushed Wan Wanwang's wife and daughter, ultimately leading to the death of his wife, Xiao Chi.

While the hatred for killing one's wife may not compare to that for parents or children, it was still a significant grudge.

Now these two were actually together? What was going on?

Puzzled in her heart, Jin Binger didn't ask immediately. Instead, she led them to an inner reception room.

After they were seated and tea was served, Jin Binger asked, "What brings you here?"

Wan Wanwang got straight to the point: "Jin Binger, we came to ask you about the whereabouts of the Black-Hearted Old Ancestor."

Upon hearing this, a strange glint flashed in Jin Binger's eyes, followed by a cold laugh: "Why should I tell you?"

The Hehuan Sect had many past grievances with the Ghost King Sect. Although she didn't know Wan Wanwang's purpose in seeking the Black-Hearted Old Ancestor, due to old enmity, she naturally wasn't willing to help easily.

Wan Wanwang's expression darkened: "Jin Binger, a wise man submits to circumstances. If you insist on not speaking, don't blame us for being impolite."

The word "us" was clearly meant to drag Old Nian into it.

Old Nian frowned slightly: "Sect Master Wan, watch your words."

Then, he looked at Jin Binger and truthfully explained the situation, concluding with a tone of helplessness: "I have no intention of disturbing the Old Ancestor's peace, but circumstances leave me no choice."

After listening, understanding dawned on Jin Binger. After a moment's thought, she said, "It's not that I'm unwilling to say, but I also don't know the Black-Hearted Old Ancestor's whereabouts. However, I can contact my sect's Ancestral Master, Jin Ling, through a secret technique. Perhaps she knows."

Wan Wanwang immediately said, "Then contact her quickly."

Jin Binger hesitated no longer. She mobilized her magic power, forming hand seals and chanting incantations. As magical light intertwined, a complex rune formed in the air before her.

A moment later, the rune flickered, seeming to establish a connection with some distant place.

Jin Binger spoke to the rune: "Madam, it's Jin Binger. I have something to report."

"What is it?"

Shortly after, Jin Ling's voice came from the rune, aloof and cold.

Jin Binger organized her thoughts and truthfully relayed the matter of Wan Wanwang and Old Nian wanting to cooperate with the Black-Hearted Old Man.

After a brief pause, Jin Ling replied, "My husband recently had a sudden insight and is currently in seclusion. Regarding this matter, I will inform him after he emerges. I will give you a reply then."

With that, the connection broke, and the rune stopped flickering.

Jin Binger withdrew her technique and looked at Wan Wanwang and Old Nian: "You both heard Madam's words. As for the cooperation, we'll discuss it after the Old Ancestor emerges from seclusion."

Wan Wanwang was very dissatisfied in his heart, but considering the Black-Hearted Old Man's unpredictable strength and the fact that he was the one seeking help, he didn't show it. He merely politely stated that he would stay in Yudu City for a while and hoped Jin Binger would inform him as soon as there was any reply from the Black-Hearted Old Ancestor.

Jin Binger did not refuse.

Afterwards, Wan Wanwang left together with Old Nian.

Elsewhere, at Dazhu Peak.

After learning from Jin Binger that Wan Wanwang wanted to cooperate with the Black-Hearted Old Man, Mei San Niang did not immediately tell Meng Li, as there was no suitable opportunity.

It wasn't until nighttime that she found a chance to sneak into Meng Li's room.

"Husband."