Chapter Ninety-Four: The Hollow Jasper Stone

After realizing that Yuan Yong had ulterior motives, Jiang An’s heart became unexpectedly calm. He continued his questioning, wanting to see what the other man’s intentions truly were.

“Could you perhaps reveal what kind of mission this was? How did so many people get involved?”

“At first, intelligence indicated that chemical weapons had been discovered in that chaotic region, and there was a risk they might spread across the border into our country. So, the higher-ups dispatched the Divine Square Squad to investigate and, if the threat proved real, to destroy them. The mission itself was accomplished, but it ended up drawing them into other matters,” Yuan Yong explained, his tone pausing before he continued, “They happened upon an Empty Jade Stone! As for what that is, perhaps Fellow Daoist Han can explain.”

“According to reports from the Divine Square Squad, they chanced upon an unknown stone radiating white light. No attack could harm it, but when true energy was channeled into it, it vanished like a drop in the ocean. The manor consulted ancient texts based on their description and confirmed it was an Empty Jade Stone. This is a magical artifact created by ancient qi refiners during the decline of the Dao, designed to prevent the loss of their traditions. It’s akin to a storage pouch, but far more advanced—often sealing numerous cultivation manuals and treasures within. Such an item is of immense importance to the manor,” the female spellcaster explained.

“So, the higher-ups ordered the Divine Square Squad to return immediately, but they were then surrounded by enemy forces. To prevent news of the Empty Jade Stone from leaking, we did not loudly dispatch master cultivators; instead, we sent the Divine Dragon Squad to support them, with an enshrined master waiting at the border. Who could have predicted that after infiltrating, the Divine Dragon Squad was attacked by a mysterious master? Our enshrined support rushed in upon hearing the news and got trapped as well. However, we can confirm they are alive, still maneuvering through the dense jungle against the enemy.”

Jiang An, Song Han, and Ouyang Shi were all captivated by this information—especially the Empty Jade Stone, a spatial artifact said to seal many valuable items. With some luck, its contents could even produce a new generation of master cultivators for Huaxia!

Yet, for such crucial news to be shared so openly by the Elder Council was peculiar, hinting at deeper meanings.

“So, what is the Elder Council’s intention?” Jiang An asked.

Yuan Yong gave a wry smile. “Since we’ve revealed the matter of the Empty Jade Stone, I expect you’ve guessed part of it. The current situation is this: the higher-ups cannot deploy large forces or third-stage masters to the Triangle Region. That would be too sensitive and could trigger war, which the central authorities do not wish to see. If we send weaker masters, it would be mere attrition, worsening the situation. Jiang An, you are known as the Devil—so many of your peers have fallen by your hand, you are considered foremost below third-stage masters! After much deliberation, the Elder Council believes you are the most suitable person for this mission.”

The words were finally spoken. Jiang An’s expression remained unchanged, Ouyang Shi frowned slightly, and Song Han’s eyes flashed with a sharp light.

“This mission is classified S-level, highly dangerous. You may choose to accept or refuse. If you decline, the manor will assign you other tasks. If you accept, we can discuss the mission reward with you,” Yuan Yong said, businesslike.

Jiang An did not answer directly, but asked, “Are there any formidable opponents in the Golden Triangle?”

“That is the convergence of three countries—a chaotic place. Laos and Myanmar are small nations; even their masters are of little consequence. Thailand, however, is a major regional power with flourishing martial arts and many experts. Additionally, there is Cai Xinkong, a Chinese master who fled there during the civil war, notorious for being troublesome. But the last intelligence suggests that the mysterious master who attacked our side might not be from any of these countries, but from Nan Yue!”

“Decades ago, our nation fought a war with Nan Yue. The National Protection Manor dispatched many experts, nearly severing Nan Yue’s Daoist lineage. They have been hostile ever since. The Triangle Region doesn’t border Nan Yue, but it’s not far off; their interference is unsurprising.”

Yuan Yong finished and fixed his gaze on Jiang An, as did the others.

Jiang An fell silent. This was not a conspiracy, but an open scheme: laying everything bare and letting him choose whether to go or not. Would Jiang An accept?

“I understand. I’ll take this mission!” His words stunned everyone. Song Han feigned a cough, as if to remind him, “You’re due for a duel with Kamitani of Japan on the second day of February…”

“No matter—that’s a trifling affair! If this mission goes swiftly, it can be settled within a week, leaving ample time to prepare for the battle,” Jiang An replied, exuding an indomitable aura, as if it were not his own fate at stake. “As for the reward, I wish to be promoted to Enshrined Master upon completion, and not be assigned any missions for a year.”

He laid out his terms. The elders exchanged glances, some faces shifting, others expressionless. Yuan Yong was uneasy, but steeled himself and said, “Very well! In the name of Chief Elder of Skills, I promise you—complete the mission, and you will be directly promoted to Enshrined Master, with no tasks for a year!”

“Good, it’s settled!” Jiang An smiled faintly.

Yuan Yong felt a pang of unease at Jiang An’s calm demeanor, but quickly firmed his resolve. This was a death trap!

“Since you’ve agreed, I have nothing more to say. The detailed mission briefing will be handed to you soon. For now, please present your temporary jade token,” Elder Lü Qiu said, withdrawing a small, emerald jade token from his storage pouch.

Jiang An returned the temporary token he’d received upon entry, and Elder Lü Qiu handed him the official token. “This restricted token is your credential and your pass for entering and leaving the Nine Dragons Barrier and the Emerald Peak Barrier. Keep it safe.”

“Thank you, Elder,” Jiang An replied, accepting the token. “Do the elders have anything else to add? If not, perhaps Fellow Daoist Ouyang could show me around Emerald Peak?”

The five elders looked at one another; some faces shifted, others remained impassive. In the end, none spoke further. Seeing this, Jiang An took his leave, and Song Han and Ouyang Shi departed the Hall of Diligence as well.

Once the three were gone, the five elders sat in silence. After a while, the Chief Elder of Justice suddenly stood and said coldly, “Yuan Yong, I recognize your favor this time, but only this once. In the future, even if you invite the Emissary himself, it won’t work! Hmph!” With that, he swept his sleeves and left without hesitation.

Yuan Yong looked aggrieved. “Ah, Elder Tao has misunderstood me—I didn’t force anyone to accept the mission.”

“Enough, Yuan Yong. You know my abilities, and I find your words offensive!” the female cultivator said with mockery. “This time, you’ve spent all your favors, even inviting Emissary Bai to intervene. Otherwise, we would never have turned a blind eye. Don’t try any more tricks—National Protection Manor does not tolerate internal strife!”

As soon as she finished, the female spellcaster snorted coldly and left the Hall of Diligence.

Watching them depart in anger, Elder Lü Qiu sighed, “Ah, Yuan Yong, you’re too attached. You know that in two months he faces Kamitani, with little hope of survival. Why make things more complicated?”

Yuan Yong simply smiled, saying nothing.

Elsewhere—

Soon after, the female spellcaster arrived at the Four Gods Hall of Jade Yang Peak.

“Lord Black Tortoise, your subordinate requests an audience!” she called into the hall.

“It concerns Jiang An, doesn’t it?” came a cold voice from the depths. “How is his cultivation?”

“From my observation, his techniques indeed belong to the ancient qi refiner lineage, quite distinct from spellcraft. I couldn’t see through his true realm; only what he wished others to see,” she replied honestly. “By the way, Lord Black Tortoise, didn’t you once say you wanted to meet him? Why did you cancel?”

“I am indeed interested in meeting him, but the time is not yet right.”

Hearing this, the female spellcaster’s expression shifted, but she finally asked the question that nagged at her most. “Surely Yuan Yong’s little schemes haven’t escaped the Emissaries’ notice. Why do the lords tolerate his actions? Such factional maneuvering could cause internal unrest in the manor.”

Silence reigned for a moment. After a long pause, the cold voice spoke again:

“Since you wish to know, I’ll tell you. We tolerate Yuan Yong’s actions because we cannot see through Jiang An either. We need to test him.”

“For nearly two months, the manor has gathered intelligence about him. His other deeds are clear, but the five years he disappeared—there’s not a trace of him in the country. Even how he reappeared in Lin City after that remains unknown. It’s as though he vanished and appeared from thin air. No one knows where he went or how he learned his skills. This lack of control makes the manor unable to fully trust him, yet we cannot drive him away. Thus, we need this test. It may reveal something interesting. As for his safety, rest assured—the Vermilion Bird will follow him in secret.”

“The Vermilion Bird will step out as well!” the female spellcaster was greatly surprised.

“Yes, everything is under control. But Yuan Yong has also woven his own web; soon, we’ll find some excuse and remove him…” The voice faded and disappeared. The spellcaster sensed Lord Black Tortoise had not finished speaking, but wisely refrained from further questioning.

“Brother Jiang, I’m truly curious—why did you accept this mission?” Ouyang Shi asked in a low voice as soon as they left the Hall of Diligence.