Chapter 87: A Pleasant Conversation

Jiang Xiaofei nodded gravely. “That is precisely why I wish to ask for your help, President Lin. I sincerely hope you can lend me your strength to eliminate the Demon Emperor.”

Lin Ying sighed softly. “I have encountered the Demon Emperor before, and even fought him once. You must have noticed the scar on my face, haven’t you?”

“Yes,” Jiang Xiaofei replied, nodding slightly. “Was it the Demon Emperor who wounded you?”

Lin Ying nodded. “It was he who left it. Back then, I thought that after breaking through to the Dao-Extreme Realm, there would be few in this world who could rival me. I was proud, perhaps too much so. It wasn’t until I met the Demon Emperor that I realized how arrogant I had been. His power was overwhelming. When I fought him, I could not gain the slightest advantage. Had I not fled swiftly, I would have died by his hand. I’ve always wanted to take revenge, but he’s elusive, impossible to track.”

Her face grew serious. “Now, after more than a decade has passed, I can only imagine his cultivation has reached new heights. To face him now would be harder than ever.”

Jiang Xiaofei nodded in understanding. “That is all the more reason we cannot allow the Demon Emperor’s power to go unchecked. We must destroy him before he ascends to godhood. If that happens, who in this world could possibly stand against him? It would spell catastrophe for all.”

Lin Ying shook her head with a wry smile. “You worry too much, Brother Xiaofei. The Gate of Divinity was closed before the ancient era. No one has reached godhood since then. Otherwise, those old fellows from Maoshan, Longhu Mountain, and Daluo Temple would have become gods long ago, and would not be stuck at the Dao-Extreme Realm.”

Jiang Xiaofei countered, “But then how did King Xiao achieve divinity?”

Lin Ying chuckled. “King Xiao was a prodigy, the reincarnation of a great deity. He was destined for godhood, incomparable to us mere mortals.”

“Well, I see,” Jiang Xiaofei replied, nodding. “But even so, we cannot let the Demon Emperor’s influence spread unchecked!”

Lin Ying nodded. “Of course I have considered this. But the Demon Emperor hides in the shadows. Unless he reveals himself, there is no way for me to find his lair, no matter how powerful I am.”

“That’s true,” Jiang Xiaofei agreed. “But what if I could find him?”

“If you can find the Demon Emperor, the Sorcerers’ Association will surely aid you. Even if it costs me my life, I will not refuse,” Lin Ying vowed.

Jiang Xiaofei was overjoyed and quickly offered his thanks. “Then I shall rely on your help, President Lin!”

“No need for thanks. Demon-hunting is our purpose. The Demon Emperor has plagued the world for a thousand years—we cannot stand idly by. I just never thought we’d be fighting our own country’s demons, rather than those from abroad.” Lin Ying’s words carried a faint sigh, as if weighed down by unspoken cares.

Jiang Xiaofei said no more. Though he could sense Lin Ying’s troubles, he chose not to pry.

At that moment, Ouyang Xiaofeng entered and said, “President, dinner is ready. Shall we eat now, or wait?”

Upon hearing this, Lin Ying turned to Jiang Xiaofei with a smile. “Brother Xiaofei, you and President Zhou must have come all the way from Sanjiang without supper. Come, let’s dine.”

Jiang Xiaofei hurriedly declined. “We appreciate your kindness, President Lin, but we must return to Sanjiang on urgent business. We won’t trouble you further.”

Lin Ying laughed. “How could it be trouble? I am delighted to meet a kindred spirit like you, Brother Xiaofei. Come, let us drink together.”

“No, really, we must decline,” Jiang Xiaofei insisted.

Lin Ying frowned slightly, displeased. “Do you look down on me, Brother Xiaofei? Refuse to be friends?”

Jiang Xiaofei shook his head. “Not at all.”

“Then what is it?” Lin Ying pressed.

Zhou Shiqin gave Jiang Xiaofei a slight nod.

Jiang Xiaofei relented. “Very well, but I’m not much of a drinker.”

“Then let’s have red wine,” Lin Ying replied with a hearty laugh, rising and leading the way out.

Jiang Xiaofei and Zhou Shiqin exchanged a glance and followed.

Under Ouyang Xiaofeng’s guidance, they entered an elegantly appointed room. The space was large, with tall air conditioners in each corner, sending cool air throughout. In the center, four plush chairs surrounded a massive crystal table.

Four young women in cheongsams were setting seafood dishes, bottles of fine red wine, bowls, and glasses on the table. Noticing Lin Ying’s arrival, they bowed and stepped aside to wait quietly by the wall.

Lin Ying took a seat and said, “Please, make yourselves at home.”

Jiang Xiaofei and Zhou Shiqin sat down.

Lin Ying called out, “Xiao Lu, pour Brother Xiaofei a glass of wine.”

Xiao Lu nodded, approached Jiang Xiaofei, and poured the wine. Standing so close, her exquisite figure accentuated by the cheongsam, made Jiang Xiaofei uncomfortable; he dared not look directly at her.

Seeing this, Zhou Shiqin quickly motioned Xiao Lu aside and poured the wine herself.

Lin Ying noticed and laughed. “It seems President Zhou is quite fond of Brother Xiaofei!”

“Not at all,” Zhou Shiqin protested, her cheeks reddening.

Lin Ying chuckled. “Let’s not dwell on that. Come, let’s drink.”

Jiang Xiaofei clinked glasses with Lin Ying and drank. The wine was sweet and fiery—a fine vintage.

“If you like the wine, Brother Xiaofei, feel free to take a few bottles home,” Lin Ying offered.

“Thank you, President Lin,” Jiang Xiaofei replied.

“No need for such formality. If you don’t mind, call me ‘elder brother’ from now on,” Lin Ying said warmly.

Jiang Xiaofei was taken aback. “Isn’t that a bit much? We’ve only just met.”

“Nonsense,” Lin Ying laughed. “Fate has brought us together. Don’t be so reserved. If you refuse, I’ll be cross.”

“Very well,” Jiang Xiaofei agreed, unable to refuse.

Lin Ying beamed. “Good! Let’s drink to our new friendship.”

They toasted again.

“Let’s not just drink—let’s eat and chat,” Lin Ying said.

Jiang Xiaofei nodded and, together with Zhou Shiqin, began to eat.

So, with food and conversation, the meal soon ended. Jiang Xiaofei, somewhat tipsy, stood and said, “Thank you, elder brother, for your generous hospitality. It’s getting late. We must take our leave.”

Lin Ying, still in high spirits, tried to persuade them. “Stay a little longer. Why not spend a few days in the capital? Later, I’ll take you somewhere special—full of beautiful women! If you wish, Brother Xiaofei, you’ll have company tonight.”

Jiang Xiaofei knew all too well that Lin Ying meant a nightclub. He declined quickly. “No, I really have urgent matters. Next time I am in the capital, I will be sure to visit.”

“Very well,” Lin Ying conceded. He then turned to Zhou Shiqin with a smile. “Men like Brother Xiaofei are rare. You must hold on to him.”

Zhou Shiqin said nothing, but looked at Jiang Xiaofei. “Let’s go back to Sanjiang.”

Jiang Xiaofei nodded, and they left the room together.

Shortly after their departure, Lin Ying’s demeanor changed. He looked at Ouyang Xiaofeng and said, “Doesn’t Jiang Xiaofei remind you of King Xiao?”

Ouyang Xiaofeng nodded. “He looks very similar, even his personality is alike, but he lacks King Xiao’s presence. They can’t be the same person.”

Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaofei and Zhou Shiqin left the Ouyang residence, took a taxi to the capital airport, and caught the night flight home to Sanjiang.

On the plane, Jiang Xiaofei gazed out at the night sky, replaying the dinner in his mind. He hadn’t expected to make such a powerful friend on this trip, and the thought was both pleasing and worrisome.

Though Lin Ying had promised aid, China was vast. Where could he possibly find the Demon Emperor? If the Demon Emperor chose to stay hidden, there would be no trail to follow.

The more he thought of it, the more daunting the task seemed.

Noticing his troubled look, Zhou Shiqin asked with a smile, “What are you thinking about, looking so glum?”

Jiang Xiaofei said nothing.

Seeing this, Zhou Shiqin fell silent as well. She leaned her head on Jiang Xiaofei’s shoulder, closed her eyes, as if to sleep.

After the long flight, they finally landed at Sanjiang airport around midnight. Taking a car to Fengshan Lake Estate, they arrived home a little after two in the morning. Yet the lights were still on.

Zhou Shiqin unlocked the door. Inside, Lin Xuan sat on the sofa, happily playing on her phone.

When she saw them come in, she put down her phone at once. “So, did you meet the president?”

Jiang Xiaofei said nothing, heading straight upstairs.

Lin Xuan frowned and looked at Zhou Shiqin. “Didn’t you meet the president?”

Zhou Shiqin shook her head. “That’s not it.”

Lin Xuan was puzzled. “Then why does Xiaofei look so downcast?”

Watching Jiang Xiaofei’s retreating back, Zhou Shiqin replied, “He’s been like this since we started back. I asked, but he won’t say a word.”