The Tong Inn was a powerful force, yet it maintained absolute neutrality during the large-scale wars across the realms. As a result, the Tong Inn grew stronger and amassed wealth.
When Wei Chen received this news from Killing God Senior, his admiration for the great Shopkeeper Shen of the Tong Inn surged like an unstoppable river.
Wei Chen looked at the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming and Ying Qin Supreme Deity, saying, "I suspect that the passage between the Boundary Gold Clan and this Golden Clan Secret Realm can be utilized by the Tong Inn at any time. Due to the Golden Clan's influence, this Golden Clan Secret Realm has been classified within the realm's power structure, allowing the Tong Inn access. With the presence of the Tong Inn, Shopkeeper Shen here is likely at least a Twelfth Level Divine Realm."
The Supreme Deity of Southern Ming and Ying Qin Supreme Deity exchanged glances, feeling a bit uneasy knowing that a Twelfth Level Deity was hidden nearby; anything they said could easily be overheard.
Ying Qin Supreme Deity voiced this concern, to which Wei Chen replied with a smile, "Don't worry. First, I've set up a formation here that prevents eavesdropping. If anyone tries to probe with Mental Strength, I'll detect it immediately. Secondly, the rules of the Tong Inn are strict; they won't break centuries-old traditions. Adhering to these rules is what ensures their longevity."
After hearing Wei Chen's reassurances, both deities felt somewhat relieved.
"Let's wait quietly for news from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect. Right now, anything we do would be futile. If we can establish a good cooperative relationship with Xiaoxiang Sword Sect this time, it will make things much easier when we face Bloodshed Shop in a decisive battle," Wei Chen stated.
For several days, Wei Chen and his companions waited for news within the Tong Inn.
To their surprise, no one from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect arrived.
Wei Chen couldn't comprehend this behavior; it was highly unusual! In recent days, Xiaoxiang Sword Sect had organized several large-scale operations, killing hundreds of soldiers and even eliminating someone from the Royal Family.
"Master, perhaps the people from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect are afraid we might betray them and are too scared to come," Ying Qin Supreme Deity suggested.
Wei Chen pondered for a moment before responding, "That is a possibility; their concerns are understandable. However, their failure to seek us out is even more abnormal."
"What should we do now? I think we should return to Endless Divine Realm for now; time is truly running short," Ying Qin Supreme Deity expressed her worries.
Regardless of what happened in the Golden Clan Secret Realm, matters within Endless Divine Realm were far more critical. What did their conflicts have to do with them? No matter how chaotic things became there, the Blood Slaughter Shop Selection Tournament was approaching its crucial moment. Returning early to prepare would bring peace of mind.
Ying Qin Supreme Deity's concerns were valid; they couldn't afford to waste any more time. The Supreme Deity of Southern Ming nodded in agreement with her suggestion.
Wei Chen pondered for a moment and said, "If the people from the Xiaoxiang Sword Sect do not arrive soon, we will take matters into our own hands, destroy the kneeling statue of Senior Xiaoxiang Sword God, and then leave. We can't wait for six months; if we haven't received any news within ten days, we will act directly and then retreat."
With Wei Chen's decision made, both the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming and Ying Qin Supreme Deity were satisfied. There was no need to wait for half a year; that kind of aimless waiting was truly torturous! Returning to the Endless Divine Realm to prepare for the first direct confrontation with Bloodshed Shop was the way forward.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Wei Chen exchanged glances with Ying Qin Supreme Deity and the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming. Had they instructed the Innkeeper to bring anything?
Upon opening the door, a middle-aged man with an imposing presence stood respectfully outside.
"Esteemed sirs, if it is convenient, please follow me. Shopkeeper Shen wishes to discuss something with you," the middle-aged man said.
"Your Shopkeeper Shen?" Wei Chen feigned ignorance as if he were unaware of Tong Inn's background. "We are not acquainted; what is your business?"
The middle-aged man maintained a gentle smile, neither servile nor arrogant. "Esteemed sirs, if it is inconvenient for you to go, I can report back. How about Shopkeeper Shen comes to your room instead?"
Wei Chen nodded. "Very well, we will await his arrival here."
After hearing Wei Chen's response, the middle-aged man left with a smile, showing no sign of anger.
Ying Qin Supreme Deity turned to Wei Chen and asked, "Master, can we really handle Twelve-Level Divine Realm Experts like this?"
"Remember, we are from the Endless Divine Realm and know nothing about this world or Tong Inn's background," Wei Chen said, casting a deep look at both the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming and Ying Qin Supreme Deity. "It's best to keep our wits about us."
Sometimes he felt that Ying Qin Supreme Deity was quite foolish! How did such a fool become a Supreme God?
Soon after, an elderly man with a crane-like neck arrived at the door.
"Esteemed sirs, I am Old Man Shen, the Shopkeeper of Tong Inn. I have come to pay my respects. If I have caused any disturbance, please forgive me."
So quickly, Shopkeeper Shen from Tong Inn had truly come in person.
Wei Chen replied calmly, "Please come in."
The Old Innkeeper entered the room where Wei Chen and his companions were, accompanied by his assistant, the middle-aged man from earlier.
"My lords, I apologize for the intrusion. We come at the behest of another, and it is truly unavoidable," the Old Innkeeper said with a grin, his gaze wandering to the barrier formation created by Wei Chen.
Wei Chen complimented, "Shopkeeper Shen has a keen eye."
"Ha ha, too kind," the Old Innkeeper replied without embarrassment. He had seen through Wei Chen's formation at a glance and was unfazed by Wei Chen's subtle mockery.
Wei Chen was quite bold; facing Shopkeeper Shen of Tong Inn, he remained calm and even dared to jest. That was impressive.
"Shopkeeper Shen, what brings you to us?" Wei Chen asked directly.
Shopkeeper Shen replied, "I come bearing a message on behalf of someone."
"Who is it? What is the message?" Wei Chen inquired.
The Old Innkeeper narrowed his eyes, looking deeply at Wei Chen. "It’s someone from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect. They asked me to tell you that there’s no need for a meeting; if you are sincere, you will naturally find them."
Upon hearing this, Wei Chen nodded. "In that case, thank you."
The Old Innkeeper smiled and said, "Friend, the Golden Clan Secret Realm is not a place for fun; it would be wise to return early."
"We know our limits; thank you for the warning," Wei Chen replied coolly.
After hearing Wei Chen's words, the Old Innkeeper clasped his fists in acknowledgment and left with his companion.
Once the door was closed, Wei Chen set up the formation again to seal off the room. "The people from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect are still worried about what we might do against them; their courage is lacking."
"What does Shopkeeper Shen of Tong Inn mean by that?" Ying Qin Supreme Deity asked.
Wei Chen pondered for a moment before responding. "The people from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect certainly understand what Tong Inn represents. They paid for this service and had the Innkeeper convey their message; that’s nothing unusual. However, his warning for us to leave is rather strange."
"Why bother if there’s no connection?"
Wei Chen was puzzled.
"The Xiaoxiang Sword Sect can surely find them if we put our minds to it. What does that mean?" Ying Qin Supreme Deity asked.
Wei Chen walked to the window and pointed at the square across the street. "What they mean is that they are probably going to take action."
"So soon?" Ying Qin Supreme Deity exclaimed in shock.
Wei Chen shook his head. "It's not soon at all. The kneeling statue of the Xiaoxiang Sword God is a great humiliation for them."
"Master, I don't understand. Since Tong Inn has so much confidence, wouldn't the people from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect have inquired earlier? They could find out the whereabouts or cause of death of the Xiaoxiang Sword God as long as they pay. Why are they only finding out now?" Ying Qin Supreme Deity asked.
Wei Chen smiled and looked at the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming. "Supreme Deity of Southern Ming, why don't you explain this issue to Ying Qin Supreme Deity?"
The Supreme Deity of Southern Ming knew this was Wei Chen testing him.
He stood up, paced for a moment, and finally returned to Ying Qin Supreme Deity's side, explaining, "In my opinion, Tong Inn must have known the news long ago, but they cannot act on it. No amount of money can buy this kind of information. They maintain neutrality, but if they sell this news, how can they remain neutral? Once the Xiaoxiang Sword Sect and the Golden Clan start fighting, Tong Inn won't be able to stay uninvolved."
After hearing the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming's words, Wei Chen clapped his hands in admiration. "Clever!"
They were all intelligent people; only Ying Qin Supreme Deity seemed foolish, asking questions without thinking...
Ying Qin Supreme Deity felt embarrassed.
"Since the Xiaoxiang Sword Sect has already discovered the truth about the Xiaoxiang Sword God's death, then Tong Inn will revert to their nature of facilitating information transactions. As long as they can make money, they will do it; after all, the Golden Clan can't blame them for it," the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming continued.
Wei Chen chuckled. "That's right. The people from Xiaoxiang Sword Sect are afraid we will betray them, so they can only use their own channels to have Tong Inn relay messages. This is quite obvious."
"Then are they going to take action tonight?" Ying Qin Supreme Deity asked.
Wei Chen nodded and then shook his head. "Maybe yes, maybe no; we can only wait until tonight to find out."
Not long after, the middle-aged man from before returned.
"Esteemed guests, tonight at Tong Inn, we will be holding an auction. If you are interested, feel free to take a look."
With that, a plaque was placed on the table. Before Wei Chen and the others could respond, the middle-aged man took his leave.
Wei Chen picked up the plaque and examined it closely for a moment. "This is a key to a private room. The plaque has a formation engraved on it; only by holding this plaque can one enter the room."
Ying Qin Supreme Deity had learned from experience this time and immediately said, "So the Xiaoxiang Sword Sect means they will be coming tonight?"
"Exactly. The signal they sent us is not to act tonight but to come to Tong Inn and let us find them ourselves," Wei Chen replied with a smile.
He then looked at the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming and Ying Qin Supreme Deity, saying, "Tonight's auction may lead to many interesting events."
As evening approached, luxurious carriages began to arrive outside Tong Inn. Many dignitaries from the Golden Clan entered the inn for dinner. The auction was the main event.
The room occupied by Wei Chen and his companions had an excellent view, allowing them to see the distinguished guests disembarking from their carriages—each one a prominent figure in Golden City. In fact, the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming even spotted a few members of the Royal Family, though none were acquaintances. Those familiar to him within the Royal Family held little status and were not qualified to represent them at Tong Inn.
Once most of the guests had arrived, Wei Chen and his companions were among the first to enter the auction house's private room. They had come two or three hours early to ensure no one would arrive before them.
Arriving early allowed them to see more people; arriving late meant they would only be observed by others.
This point was understood by Wei Chen and his companions, including the often talkative Ying Qin Supreme Deity, who refrained from asking why they needed to come so early. Those who could enter the auction were either wealthy or influential; being unfamiliar faces would attract unwanted attention if they arrived late, which offered no advantage.
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