Translator: Silavin
[Damn it! For this Young Master to have actually fallen to such a state!] Discovering that his entry had not attracted much attention, Liu Yun could not help but curse inwardly.
The continuous sensation of wood shavings and that peculiar taste of pinecones flooding his senses nearly drove Liu Yun to the brink of collapse. Were this not the territory of the Gathering Space Tower, where exposure would mean mortal danger, he would never have subjected himself to such degradation, even under threat of death.
Observing Liu Yun’s unsightly expression, Qin Yichen smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping across the vast city, unable to suppress a murmur of admiration.
This city’s scale surpassed even that of River Forest City they’d encountered earlier. In fact, it matched the size of Heavenly Dragon Imperial City itself.
“It seems the Gathering Space Tower is stronger than your Rainbow Light Pavilion.” Qin Yichen remarked with appreciative laughter.
“*Hmph!* This is merely one of the Gathering Space Tower’s main cities. That River Forest City is nothing but a minor outpost of my Rainbow Light Pavilion!” Liu Yun scoffed dismissively. In truth, both the Gathering Space Tower and Rainbow Light Pavilion possessed comparable influence. Over a thousand years, neither had managed to overcome the other.
Ultimately, the trio slipped into an inn without drawing attention.
*Ptui!*
The moment the door closed, Liu Yun urgently spat out the pinecone from his mouth.
Watching Liu Yun continue to spit, Qin Yichen couldn’t help but shake his head with amusement, his gaze drifting through the window toward the streets beyond.
“What’s your plan for reaching the Imperial Dynasties Assembly?” After considerable time, Liu Yun finally regained his composure. He swept the room with a cautious glance before abruptly shutting the window and asking.
“The Transport Array, obviously?”
Qin Yichen blinked, somewhat puzzled by the question. However, upon hearing it, an uneasy premonition crept over him. Things might not be so simple.
Sure enough, Liu Yun released a cold laugh before slowly explaining. “You think the Transport Array is available for just anyone to use!? Activating the Transport Array once costs no small sum. Most importantly, only core personnel from one’s own Sect have any right to access it!”
Liu Yun continued with a sardonic smile. “If you intend to fly there from here, even with my guidance and travelling at full speed, it would take at least half a month to arrive.”
Qin Yichen understood the vast expanse of the Heart Trial Territory far exceeded that of the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Dynasty. Everything Liu Yun said was true.
Yet the entry period for the Imperial Dynasties Assembly lasted merely one week. Having already wasted a day, waiting another half-month would render the journey pointless. The assembly would have long passed.
“Apart from those affiliated with the Gathering Space Tower, is there truly no other way to temporarily use the Transport Array?” Qin Yichen frowned.
Liu Yun shrugged his shoulders in a helpless gesture.
“If we handed over the Young Pavilion Master of Rainbow Light Pavilion to the Gathering Space Tower, would they perhaps be accommodating enough to lend us temporary access?” Qin Yichen mused aloud in a contemplative tone.
Hearing this, Liu Yun broke into a cold sweat, his face darkening with parallel black lines.
“What an excellent idea!” Long Qingyao clapped her delicate hands in agreement from the side. Her eyes then shone brilliantly as they fixed upon Liu Yun, as though glimpsing salvation itself. It was a look he had certainly never encountered during his attempts at courting her.
However, facing Long Qingyao’s sudden regard, Liu Yun found no cause for celebration.
“Well… actually, there might be another way…”
Under their scrutinizing gazes, as though they were observing their prisoner, Liu Yun cleared his throat awkwardly and stammered.
“Generally speaking, only core members can utilize the Transport Array. However, most Forces maintain various commercial enterprises. Take the Gathering Space Tower for example, their primary industry involves Shooting Star Spirit Crystals. As long as you possess sufficient wealth and can establish yourself as a major client of their Crystal House, a VIP patron, you’d qualify to use it at your own expense…”
Liu Yun explained slowly, though he held little hope for either of them.
Although Long Qingyao was a Princess of the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Dynasty, in his eyes, she might as well be penniless.
As for Qin Yichen… by all appearances, he seemed anything but wealthy.
Liu Yun couldn’t possibly know that Qin Yichen could casually produce Pill Formulas worth a fortune.
“Six days…” Hearing this, Qin Yichen’s brow furrowed slightly. Time no longer permitted seeking alternatives.
With Rainbow Light Pavilion’s current situation being uncertain, he dared not venture with Liu Yun to cities under their control. Even visiting other cities would likely present similar complications.
“Why not give it a try? With your capabilities, I don’t know if you’ll achieve VIP status, but they’ll certainly be eager to send you on your way.”
Long Qingyao greatly admired Qin Yichen’s exploits at Water Moon Crystal House. Covering her mouth, she laughed as she spoke.
Yet Qin Yichen felt somewhat helpless. His success at Water Moon Crystal House stemmed from his intimate knowledge of the many Shooting Star Spirit Crystals from memory.
However, he had yet to advance to the Earth Grade. His Spiritual Body had not activated its Divine Hands or Divine Eyes. Crystal Appraisal would not be as simple as Long Qingyao imagined.
“I’ll go take a look first.” After brief contemplation, Qin Yichen smiled and spoke.
Though not yet having broken through, he had still researched the Dao of Crystal Appraisal extensively. While perhaps unable to profit handsomely, breaking even shouldn’t prove problematic.
Moreover, without attempting this, he truly had no alternative.
“I’ll go with you.” Long Qingyao spoke with eager anticipation. She had only heard tales of Qin Yichen’s feats second-hand and had long desired to witness them personally.
Gazing at Long Qingyao’s face, despite the simple disguise, it was still remarkably refined and attractive. Qin Yichen could not help but hesitate.
He had not forgotten yesterday’s troubles with this burden!
“I promise not to cause trouble! Besides, I won’t dress up. I’ll go just like this!”
As though perceiving Qin Yichen’s concern, Long Qingyao patted her plentiful chest and solemnly vowed. This gesture left Liu Yun momentarily stunned once more.
“Fine. But you cannot cause any trouble! Otherwise, I really will abandon you both!” Qin Yichen understood a woman’s stubborn nature all too well. To spare himself Long Qingyao’s constant pestering, after careful consideration, he agreed.
Watching the two depart one after another with undisguised eagerness, without even a glance in his direction, Liu Yun’s mouth twitched uncontrollably.
The dignified Young Pavilion Master of Rainbow Light Pavilion, completely ignored by these two!
[*Tch!* They’ll be fortunate not to lose everything they own…] Watching their retreating figures, Liu Yun muttered internally.
He currently dared not show his face casually. If undetected, it was all well and good. But should his identity be discovered within Gathering Space Tower’s territory, he could not guarantee he would be able to escape.
Now, what he must do was swiftly contact the Rainbow Light Pavilion Master or several steadfastly loyal Elders to resolve this urgent crisis.