Eternal Saber-Chapter 295 - 19: The Proprietress

Chen Tang suddenly understood.

No wonder none of the Middle Concealments around here had their eyes on him.

The bounty offered by that woman from the Divine Land was two million taels of silver. Even if the Shadow Tower took half, there would still be a million left.

With this money, one could retire comfortably.

On the Hermit Continent, most of the time, transactions were conducted in silver taels.

Only in certain specific places would Hermits use Hidden Coins among themselves.

Chen Tang asked, "Is the target in the Shadow Tower?"

"Yes."

The Old Blacksmith nodded and said, "Her external and internal injuries aren't light, and she's been poisoned. Without a special antidote, it's impossible to cure."

As he spoke, the Old Blacksmith glanced at the gradually darkening sky and said, "By the time I've calculated, she should be coming out soon. I heard she only has enough Hidden Coins on her to stay until today."

Chen Tang asked, "Is this person really that formidable? Can they really reach the Purgatory Level?"

"Formidable, naturally formidable."

The Old Blacksmith said, "So young and already cultivating to the peak of the Fourth Grade, with many Hermits falling under her sword with remorse. However, generally speaking, she's at most at the Nightmare Level."

"The reason she's at the Purgatory Level is because the employer's task requires capturing her alive."

After a pause, the Old Blacksmith chuckled and said, "All the Hermits have learned their whole lives, every skill they have is a means to kill. To suddenly make them capture someone alive, they can't help but be restrained, and the task's difficulty naturally increases by a level."

So that's how it is.

Looking at the Shadow Tower not far away, Chen Tang asked, "Is it expensive to spend inside?"

"Hard to say."

The Old Blacksmith said, "Staying at the inn costs one Hidden Coin per day and night."

"That's not so bad." Chen Tang nodded.

The Old Blacksmith added, "But if you order a bowl of wine inside, that's another Hidden Coin."

"That's a robbery!"

Chen Tang clicked his tongue.

Previously, he heard Brother Yin say that the Shadow Tower had the strongest liquor, and he wanted to find a chance to have a drink.

After floating on the sea for three months, his mouth was dry from boredom.

Now it seems, let alone having a drink, even a single bowl needs weighing carefully.

"The wine at the Shadow Tower is worth it."

The Old Blacksmith suddenly winked at Chen Tang with a somewhat lewd smile and said, "Not only does it taste excellent, but you'll also get a good look at the flirtatious innkeeper. I guarantee you'll feast your eyes."

Chen Tang: "..."

Is this blacksmith's skill really reliable?

Chen Tang was a bit skeptical.

However, since he was already here.

He heard that many rules and regulations regarding Hermits could be seen in the Shadow Tower, so he might as well go and witness them, just to have an idea.

Chen Tang left the blacksmith's shop and headed towards the nearby Shadow Tower.

He wasn't worried about the Old Blacksmith making off with the Flood Dragon Skin he left behind.

After all, a business relying on the Shadow Tower was closely tied to Hermits. With so many rules in the Hermit Realm, if something like this happened, the Hermit Realm probably wouldn't tolerate him.

Standing in front of the Shadow Tower's entrance, Chen Tang looked at the tightly closed door and pushed it open.

Outside, it was still cold and desolate, with the sky darkening. Just after entering the lobby, it was brightly lit inside, almost fully seated with people.

They were gathered in groups of twos and threes at each table, with emptied wine cups and leftover dishes laid out.

Strangely, despite so many people gathered in this spacious lobby, it was exceptionally quiet.

Some people were conversing, but only in whispers.

Everyone who could eat and drink in this lobby was almost certainly a Hermit!

As soon as Chen Tang entered, many Hermits seemed to sense something and glanced in this direction, their expressions varied.

These Hermits immediately recognized Chen Tang wasn't from the Hermit Continent, nor a Hermit!

But soon, the Hermits withdrew their gazes, occasionally glancing at the staircase leading to the second floor, as if they were waiting for something.

Chen Tang closed the door, looking around.

He saw walls of the Shadow Tower inscribed with dense writing, all about the rules for Hermits.

The first rule on the left wall: "Without rules, nothing can be accomplished."

The second rule: "Absolute loyalty to the Hermit Organization, and unconditional compliance with its arrangements."

The third rule: "Accept payment to resolve troubles for others; if conflicts arise with the Hermit Organization, follow the second rule."

...

Chen Tang glanced over briefly, noticing various clauses, filled with details.

For instance, when two or more Hermits are involved in the assassination of the same target, the attribution of credit is clearly written.

Including the transactions of Hidden Coins.

According to what was stated, the most important rule among Hermits is mutual contracts.

The circulation of Hidden Coins is one form of contract representation.

The value of Hidden Coins is unrelated to the price of silver, it's case-by-case, similar to one Hidden Coin being one request, enough to stay a night at the Shadow Tower undisturbed, or may simply be for buying a bowl of wine...

If the other party agrees, a contract is reached, and a transaction can be made.

If not, more Hidden Coins may be offered.

Chen Tang browsed through briefly before proceeding towards the counter.

There was a lady draped in a light gauze, appearing to be around thirty years old, dressed like a matron, with jet-black hair, fair skin, a slender jade neck, reclining lazily with her chin propped up on her hand, looking charming and captivating.

This should be the innkeeper mentioned by Brother Yin and the Old Blacksmith.

Next to the innkeeper stood a man in long robes, thin and gaunt, his cheeks haggard, and seemed so frail that a gust of wind could topple him.

Behind the counter, likely leading to the kitchen, wafted the aroma of cooked dishes.

However, this doorframe appeared somewhat peculiar, exceptionally tall and wide, more than enough for two people walking side by side, with a massive curtain hanging down, obscuring whatever was inside.

Chen Tang approached the counter.

This time, without waiting for a question, he fished out his last Hidden Coin from his bosom.

Seeing Chen Tang, the innkeeper's eyes lit up, and she immediately sat up, smiling and saying, "Little brother, you're quite handsome. Here to have a bowl of wine?"

Coming closer, Chen Tang unwittingly raised his eyes, and his heart skipped a beat.

The innkeeper draped in gauze was wearing just a light pink bodice underneath, an expanse of snowy white barely contained, striking the heart with its allure.

"No rush."

Chen Tang steadied his mind, retracting his gaze, and said, "Can I see the bounty tasks?"

"You're not a Hermit, what task do you want to see?"

The innkeeper's smile diminished by three parts when Chen Tang didn't buy wine, and her tone became considerably colder.

In his heart, Chen Tang thought, "This innkeeper is quite petty, her attitude changes too drastically."

"How does one become a Hermit?"

Chen Tang asked.

"One Hidden Coin."

The innkeeper extended her hand and said, "Lady Yun here is kind enough to introduce you."

Chen Tang was merely asking out of curiosity.

There were so many rules among the Hermits, he wasn't particularly interested.

Seeing that Chen Tang refused to spend a Hidden Coin, the innkeeper's smile faded again by three parts.

Quite handsome, but unfortunately a miser.

Perceiving the innkeeper's disdain, Chen Tang didn't take offense.

With only one Hidden Coin left, he naturally couldn't use it rashly.

"Then will you be staying at the inn?"

The innkeeper raised her brows and asked, retracting her smile.

"No."

Chen Tang shook his head.

"Hehe..."

The innkeeper laughed, suddenly slamming her palm heavily on the counter and exclaimed, "You're not staying, nor drinking. Are you here to mock me?"