Although Xiang Shaoyun had good opinions of Du Xuanhao, it did not mean he would offer a big help for nothing. After all, Du Xuanhao was not Hua Cheng. Neither was he a part of Cloud Margin Pavilion, which had suffered great losses because of him.
"I know. I only wish Young Master Xiang could give me an opportunity," said Du Xuanhao solemnly.
All these years, he had traveled far and wide, trying to look for some fortuitous encounters. Unfortunately, luck never seemed to be on his side, as he had never been able to get a tier-6 cultivation method. He did not wish to join a tier-5 organization and slave away there either. After all, even if he did so, there was no guarantee he could get the tier-6 cultivation method he wanted.
It was a different story with Xiang Shaoyun. Since he was willing to give the Cloud Margin Pavilion a tier-6 cultivation method and Hua Cheng a top-tier zither composition generously, it could only mean that giving those out did not mean much to him. That was why Du Xuanhao believed Xiang Shaoyun would be able to provide him with the fortuitous encounter he sought.
Looking at Du Xuanhao, Xiang Shaoyun replied, "I can do it, but the price might be a little bit high. Are you willing to pay it?"
"I am willing to pay whatever price to obtain a tier-6 cultivation method!" declared Du Xuanhao resolutely.
"Good. I want you to become a saber, a saber to kill for me! Can you do that?" asked Xiang Shaoyun seriously.
"If that is what you want, I can agree to it right this moment!" said Du Xuanhao, his voice deep and sonorous.
"Ok. Just for this promise, I will provide you with a tier-6 cultivation method. In fact, even a tier-7 cultivation method won't be a problem," said Xiang Shaoyun. "But before that, can you first tell me the reason for you to give up so much just for a cultivation method?"
"I must repay the grudge of having my wife killed!" replied Du Xuanhao with a seething hatred in his voice.
Xiang Shaoyun raised his brow. Evidently, the answer was something he had never expected. A sense of respect started rising in his heart toward this man. A man willing to commit such sacrifice for his wife was a real and loyal man.
"Looks like your enemy is very powerful. Otherwise, you wouldn't have resorted to this," said Xiang Shaoyun with a slight sigh. "You cultivate the power of fire. I will give you a tier-7 cultivation method, the Scorching Sun Manual. I hope it can help you reach the Soul Foundation Realm as soon as possible. As for whether you can climb higher than that, it will depend on yourself."
Tier-7 cultivation methods were extremely rare, and even an organization like Ziling Sect would only have a few of them in their collection. This Scorching Sun Manual was a cultivation method suited for those cultivating the power of fire. It was clear how highly Xiang Shaoyun looked upon Du Xuanhao to give him a cultivation method this valuable.
"T-t-tier-7 Scorching Sun Manual?" Du Xuanhao cried out in shock.
"That's right. This cultivation method is also paired with a tier-7 battle technique, the Eighteen Scorching Sun Sabers. This is a perfect pair for you," said Xiang Shaoyun generously.
"Y-you have so much trust in me? This pair of cultivation method and battle technique is enough to cause even Sovereigns to spill their blood!" said Du Xuanhao in disbelief.
"There is no point in using someone if I am going to place no trust in that person. I believe in your character, Senior Saber Emperor," said Xiang Shaoyun. "In any case, although you might think that these two are extremely rare, they are really nothing for me. If you really do abandon me after reaching your goal, it won't be that much of a loss for me anyway."
Looking at Xiang Shaoyun's nonchalance, Du Xuanhao sighed, "Young Master Xiang is indeed a person of extraordinary vision. No wonder you cared so little when I had offered to take you as a disciple."
"You don't have to downplay yourself. Your saber intent is really quite powerful, and I had only rejected your offer because I had seen even more powerful existences before," said Xiang Shaoyun earnestly.
"True. The Cloud Margin Pavilion is merely an organization in some small city. Only those who do not know the world will think so highly of mere Dragon Ascension Realm experts. In truth, they are merely frogs in a well. The Nine Gods Dominion is boundlessly large with innumerable experts, and this is something they won't be able to even imagine," lamented Du Xuanhao.
"Yes, one's view will change depending on one's station in life," said Xiang Shaoyun. "Let's go to the Chen Clan first. I will pass you the cultivation method and battle technique there. I can also introduce a Soul Foundation Realm expert to you. He can share some of his previous experience in breakthrough with you, which will help you reach the Soul Foundation Realm as soon as possible. We will prioritize getting you your revenge."
"Thank you, Young Master Xiang," said Du Xuanhao solemnly with a bow.
He had never expected that Xiang Shaoyun would be so easygoing. The generosity displayed greatly increased his loyalty to Xiang Shaoyun, and he declared, "After I take my revenge, I will give my all to assist you, Young Master Xiang!"
By the time the two returned to the Chen Clan, Chen Jiayan had already arranged a feast for them. Xiang Shaoyun did not reject and attended it with Duo Ji and Devouring Ghost, which was his way of showing his respect toward Chen Jiayan.
Xiang Shaoyun did not bother to invite the Thirteen Eagles. Their only task was to guard Ye Chaomu at all times. Chen Jiayan felt extremely honored that Xiang Shaoyun was willing to attend his feast.
The atmosphere during the feast was decent, but most people revolved around Xiang Shaoyun and had somewhat ignored Chen Jiayan, the host. But Chen Jiayan did not mind it one bit, and he was also one of the people continuously toasting Xiang Shaoyun.
Xiang Shaoyun drank to every toast he received, and after the first round, he was already feeling tipsy. His capacity for liquor couldn't really compare with these Emperors'. After the feast ended, the drunk Xiang Shaoyun returned to his room to be welcomed by a graceful figure. The pleasant fragrance of that person drifted into his nostrils, causing his heart to flutter.
"Big brother, why did you drink so much? You stink of liquor!" said Ye Chaomu, quickly stepping forth to help Xiang Shaoyun stand properly.
"Haha, because your big brother is very happy that he can finally see you again, little girl," said Xiang Shaoyun with a laugh when he finally saw who the person in the room was.
"Sure, sure. How many years has it been? You had not visited me once at Wuxie Valley!" grumbled Ye Chaomu grudgingly.
Xiang Shaoyun looked at the little sister right in front of him and gently rubbed her head as he said guiltily, "Yes, it's my fault. In the future—"
Before he could finish, Ye Chaomu covered his mouth with her hand. "I don't want to hear your promises. I only want you to be safe and well."
Ye Chaomu's ice-cold palm had touched Xiang Shaoyun's face, causing his breathing to quicken. Looking at the flawlessly beautiful face before him and smelling the pleasant fragrance coming from her, he had the urge to take her into his arms.
Whoosh!
Ye Chaomu was the one to throw herself into his arms. She let off a gentle groan, a blush growing on her face. The sensation of the gentle and soft body pressing against Xiang Shaoyun instantly stirred the lust within him.
His eyes turned red as he stared at Ye Chaomu, his breathing grew hurried, and he tightened his arms around her as though he was going to blend her into his body. A certain part of his lower body became like a steel rod, as if he was going to lose control over himself.