The balance of power in Ling Province was undergoing earth-shattering changes, and after being trapped in Ten Thousand Swords City for nearly five days, Song Changsheng finally began his journey home.

They weren’t released because the thief had been found. Rather, on the third day of the lockdown, several menacing figures had descended upon the Celestial Sword Sect.

For the next few days, the entire Celestial Sword Sect, and even all of Ten Thousand Swords City, was shrouded in an invisible, oppressive aura. Even Song Changsheng found it impossible to cultivate in peace, constantly feeling as if he were being watched.

Fortunately, this situation only lasted for twenty-six ancient hours. On the fifth day, the oppressive aura vanished, and the Celestial Sword Sect finally announced the lockdown was lifted, allowing Song Changsheng to finally begin his journey home.

However, the identity of those mysterious figures remained a puzzle, and Song Changsheng realized the Celestial Sword Sect was far more complex than he had imagined.

During his days in the city, he had hit it off with Pi Xiu, who loved wine as much as he did. They became kindred spirits and close friends, not only exchanging numerous tips on appraising treasures but also allowing Song Changsheng to learn about the world beyond the Daqi Cultivation World through Pi Xiu’s descriptions. All in all, he had gained a great deal.

Song Changsheng had intended to invite Pi Xiu to travel with him, since Pi Xiu was also planning to wander throughout the Daqi Cultivation World, making it a perfect arrangement.

However, Pi Xiu had heard about a massive auction being held soon in Quan Province, so he had to decline Song Changsheng’s kind offer and rush off to attend it.

The Black Star Ship traveled quickly, reaching Xiang Province in just nine days.

Song Changsheng first visited Qiaojiang Mountain to call on Celestial Artisan Master Lu Tianchou, from whom he retrieved his repaired Flying Ship. While he was there, he also made another attempt to lure away Li Anmin and Lu Yuxiu.

Of course, in his search for the information broker Shen Yin, he followed the only clue Peng Siying had provided. This meant that whenever their route took them through a large city, Song Changsheng would take a chicken feather and make a tour of the local brothels.

After doing this several times, he grew accustomed to the routine and no longer felt the awkwardness of his first visits. Unfortunately, he still hadn’t found any trace of Shen Yin. Chi Huo Old Ghost, however, had started giving him increasingly odd looks.

One day, Song Changsheng piloted the Black Star Ship into Yang Province. It was the night of a full moon, and he sat cross-legged on the deck of the Quasi-Celestial Ship, absorbing Moonlight Qi.

Just as he finished his cultivation, Chi Huo Old Ghost sidled up to him furtively, seeming to be holding something.

Before Song Changsheng could speak, Chi Huo Old Ghost offered him a porcelain vial as if presenting a priceless treasure. A lewd smile was plastered on his face; it was obvious he was up to no good.

’But I have to admit, this old bastard has a real talent for being a suck-up. It’s only been a few months, and he’s already completely given up any resistance, becoming my loyal servant. He has none of the pride you’d expect from a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.’

"What is this?" Song Changsheng asked, eyeing Chi Huo Old Ghost suspiciously.

A sleazy smile spread across Chi Huo Old Ghost’s face as he quickly whispered, "Reporting to you, Young Master, this is a Rejuvenating Pill. Take it long enough, and it has the wondrous effect of keeping your ’golden spear’ from ever falling."

"What?"

It took Song Changsheng a moment to process what he’d said before he finally understood. So, this old bastard had seen him frequently visiting brothels but never staying for long and assumed he... couldn’t perform.

And now he was offering up his most prized possession to help.

Once he understood the implication, Song Changsheng was both exasperated and amused. ’Vulgar! So utterly vulgar! Does one go to a brothel merely to unleash one’s primal urges?’

’Am I that kind of person?’

’Besides, I’m perfectly capable, thank you very much. Why would I ever need this stuff?’

To prevent the old bastard from getting the wrong idea, Song Changsheng’s face fell, and he snapped in a righteous tone, "What do you think you’re doing? Put that away!

I go to brothels to find someone, not to seek pleasure.

I’ve given it some thought. Once we’re in Yang Province, you’re to disembark. I have two tasks to give you."

Hearing Song Changsheng’s rebuke, Chi Huo Old Ghost’s heart skipped a beat. He instantly realized his attempt at flattery had backfired spectacularly. When he heard that Song Changsheng had tasks for him, he quickly bowed his head and said respectfully, "Please give your orders, Young Master. This old servant will carry them out to the death."

Looking at his display of utter loyalty, Song Changsheng sneered and tossed him a chicken feather. "Since you seem so familiar with brothels, your first task is to take this token and find a man named Shen Yin. From him, you are to purchase any information regarding Flood Dragon Scales.

According to our leads, he is most likely in a brothel somewhere in the southern region of the Daqi Cultivation World. You’ll start searching tomorrow.

Your second task is also to find someone, a person you’re very familiar with: your old boss, the leader of the Taotie Demon Hunting Team.

I’m very interested in that treasure he knows about. You must find him by any means necessary and then send word to me.

If you handle these two tasks beautifully, I’ll reward you handsomely. I might even consider granting you your freedom.

You have half a year. If you can’t complete even one of them... well, you know the consequences!"

When Chi Huo Old Ghost first heard that he could get away from Song Changsheng, he was actually quite happy. After all, searching for people was like finding a needle in a haystack; no one could guarantee where they were.

With the heavens high and the emperor far away, wouldn’t he be free to do whatever he pleased?

As for the part about considering his freedom if the job was done well, Chi Huo Old Ghost paid it no mind. He had knocked around the criminal underworld for many years; what kind of empty promises hadn’t he been fed?

He wasn’t one to brag, but even though he couldn’t last a single exchange against Song Changsheng, he was still a Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. If their roles were reversed, he knew he wouldn’t willingly give up such a powerful enforcer either.