413 Laughing in the Face of Stirred Fates (1/2)

”What is it? I'd only know if I can agree to it once I hear your request.” Meng Qi spoke calmly, compassion filling his eyes.

It wasn't that he felt sympathy for Sitong Ku. He was merely lamenting his fate. Sitong Ku was a capable Half-step Exterior Scenery master who was able to end his five fights with Young Master Lotus with a draw each time. He was gifted in the art of concealment and deception, Body Movement techniques and Lightness Skills, disguise as well as usage of concealed weapons. He was incredibly tenacious and remained at large despite his repeated crimes.

Yet, such a person had been reduced to such a pitiful state due to the havoc he had wrought. One was truly helpless against the currents of the perilous Jianghu.

For Meng Qi, he had no choice. He was swept into the World of Samsara and was forced to brave the Jianghu. He had to strengthen himself through various trials or he would just be a sitting duck in his Samsara tasks. His only goal, at least for now, was to become stronger and then go all out! That was the only way he would have a chance at reviving Senior Brother Zhang and the rest and have the hope of unraveling the secrets of the World of the Six Samsara and liberate themselves.

Of course, if not for the Party of Happycloud piquing his interest, he would have chosen a quiet location and train in peace for six months. Since he had learned many things recently, he desperately needed to digest them instead of continuing to acquire new attainments. For example, he had to gradually enhance his Immortal Pressing Arts, the Solitary Heavenly Knife, the Hallucination Body Movements and other recently acquired techniques through the cultivation of the first volume of the Muscle-bone Strengthening Scripture. He also had to study the first stance of the Buddha's Palm technique, the immediate requirement to grasp the Turning Heaven and Earth Upside and Down technique, the Standing Still technique, the Tri-Gem Wish Fists technique and the Five Thunder Bombardment of Sky technique. There was also the assimilation of the Muscle-Bone Strengthening Scriptures, hastening the process of unsealing his Ninth Apertures, completion of the final level of his Golden Bell Shield protection spell, and training of his Eight-Nine Mysteries technique. There was so much to do!

Sikong Tu didn't realize that Meng Qi was familiar with his story. He experienced a moment of lucidness before his death and croaked, ”I was momentarily consumed with greed and thought I could increase my profits by drawing the attention of two opposing factions. I tried to wring the best price I could from them, but who knew they would act like vengeful wolves and set blood-thirsty hunters on me. Haha! In the end, it was greed that became my undoing...”

Death was upon him. He had long lost the ability to walk. If not for the spells burning his soul, he likely wouldn't be able to speak at all.

”A treasure?” Meng Qi feigned ignorance.

”Seeking danger in the Jianghu is the most taboo act of them all...” Sikong Tu lamented. ”I came across a hidden tomb in the Valley of Unkempt Tombs and found a treasure crafted by Emperor Ai of the previous dynasty. The user would be able to accumulate the fortunes of people and use them to strengthen his own fate as the Destined Ruler. Due to its similarities to the Sword of the Human Sovereign, it's called the True Emperor Seal.”

”The treasure is of no real use to ordinary people but priceless to anyone who bears the right to be future Destined Rulers or practices the art of mysticism and divination. The former will be able to strengthen their fortunes to be future monarchs, where even the weakest will enjoy tremendous prosperity while their enemies suffer bad luck. The latter would enjoy a smooth training process, allowing them to achieve breakthroughs in their craft with ease.

”Emperor Ai had apparently tried to use the treasure to rejuvenate his court but alas, it wasn't the Sword of Human Sovereign. The seal wasn't strong enough to overturn the tides of fate, thus ending his rule.”

The flesh on the remaining half of his face convulsed as if he was struggling with great pain. Meng Qi couldn't help feeling sympathy for him and helpfully added, ”Thus you passed on the word about the treasure to the Capital so the Crown Prince and Prince Jin would come here to bid for your treasure. This arrangement would allow you to get the best deal. Did I get that right?”

”How did you know?” Sitong Tu appeared surprised. His entire being was fighting against pain. He was worried about dying before he could explain everything.

”Prince Jin is currently staying with the Mi Clan while the Crown Prince is lodging at the Samantabhadra Temple. It's hardly a secret to anyone who can perform simple deductions,” Meng Qi explained vaguely.

Sikong Tu smiled bitterly. ”I suppose so. In this world, few have a need for the treasure. The treasure can only flourish in the hands of the right owner. Too bad the owner turns out to be someone who wants my life.

”I had planned on retiring after completing this deed and spend a peaceful life with my family. That was why I planned to get as much profit as possible and have my son walk on the righteous path by entering the Huanhua Swords Sect. I wanted to see him become a great master using the treasures I give him. I wanted him to live without fearing for his life.”

He was overwhelmed with complex emotions as if he felt guilty for not being able to see his son grow up.

In the perilous Jianghu, disciples of aristocratic families and prominent sects often lived better and longer lives than ordinary folks. Many of them were able to die in their beds at ripe old ages.

Most who speak of retiring or going home to marry their sweethearts after doing one final job often end up dying... Meng Qi said nothing, merely staring at Sitong Ku as he waited for him to bring up his request.

”Greed ruins, indeed. I have no one to blame for my fate today.” Sikong Tu's eyes were full of emotions. ”Since I'm about to die very soon, I should at least leave my family with something. My friend, please sell the treasure to either of the princes. You can keep half of the reward and send the rest to my family.”

Meng Qi chuckled. ”You're already immobilized. Aren't you worried I'd just snatch it?”

”What person would carry the treasure with him while bargaining?” Sikong Tu's eyes remained clear as he stared unblinkingly into Meng Qi's eyes. ”If you snatch it from me, I'd carry the secret to my grave. No one will ever find the treasure!”

He took in a breath, suppressing the pain. ”I know this is a dangerous task. You're not only contending with the two princes but other mysterious forces as well. It'll be difficult to outmaneuver them. If you're not careful, you'll end up like me. But if you're not greedy and decide on the buyer as soon as possible, you'll still have the hope of leaving with the reward unscathed.”

”But neither the princes are good men. I might not be able to walk away after reaping benefit from them.” Meng Qi remained calm, suppressing a smile. He showed no hint of distress.

Sikong Tu nodded. ”Yes. This is a dangerous task. Consider my proposal seriously but I can't last much longer.”

He added, ”The Crown Prince is a relatively safe choice, being a believer of Buddhism. When he has a choice, he won't be too cruel.”

Meng Qi pondered a split second before agreeing. ”Very well. I'll accept your request.”

His quick response unsettled Sikong Tu and he stared at him incredulously. ”You're not going to consider it any longer? This is a very dangerous task!”

”Fortune favors the bold, my friend,” Meng Qi answered curtly.

Sikong Tu was already dying. He had neither the strength nor the time to question Meng Qi's speedy decision. He took a deep breath. ”What is your name, my friend? Will you please make a Soul-pledging Oath?”

”I'm Su Meng.” Meng Qi exhaled.

Sikong Tu looked stunned. ”Killing Blade? No wonder...”

Strong men naturally had the right to say 'fortune favors the bold'!