Chapter 989: Walk Well, No Seeing Off

"Clap, clap, clap!"Soon, applause echoed from a distance.

The Water Ghost raised an eyebrow slightly, looking surprised. He hadn't noticed anyone lurking before.

"Who's there?"

An old man with white hair walked towards him, shrouded in mist, his face indistinct. He spoke in a faint voice, praising:"What a grand scheme! Using the Sea-Guiding Divine Halberd as a rod, the Nine Deaths Thunder Tribulation and the power of the Great Void as bait, fishing at Solitary Sound Cliff… Rumor has it that Bazun An fished in Yunlun, casting a vast net that lured people one after another, but I, the Saint, haven't seen whether any big fish were caught. Yet, your fishing at Solitary Sound Cliff has clearly caught quite a few. Impressive!"

'I, the Saint'… The Water Ghost's eyes darkened, startled by the old man's self-proclamation. But then he realized, who beneath the Demigod realm could silently enter his spiritual perception range? The newcomer must truly be a Saint!

"I don't know if Bazun An's fishing was successful, but I truly didn't expect a big fish like you to arrive at this trouble spot, Solitary Sound Cliff," the Water Ghost stood up, looking directly at the old man with an undiminished aura. His ability to directly confront a Demigod was solely because the old man's true face was obscured by the surrounding mist. Otherwise, the Water Ghost, not yet a Saint, could never have remained so calm and collected during this standoff.

"It's been so many years since I've appeared, and I never thought I, the Saint, would also become a 'big fish' in people's eyes…" The old man chuckled, completely unfazed by the impudence of the person before him. He introduced himself, "Jiang Buyi, of the Jiang clan of Puxuan in the Northern Region."

Demigod Jiang Buyi! Information about this person flashed through the Water Ghost's mind. However, most information about Demigods that remained in the world was often reduced to just those two words: "Demigod." The Water Ghost's thoughts raced. Instead of focusing on Jiang Buyi himself, he linked the Jiang clan of Puxuan in the Northern Region to Jiang Xian, the young master of the Jiang family who had a conflict with Xu Xiaoshou in the Eastern Imperial City.

Jiang Xian possessed the Three Disdainful Pupils, but after the night battle in the Imperial City, the pupils mysteriously disappeared. According to Night Cat intelligence, on that night, while a major battle erupted around the Lingque Auction House in the Southern District of Eastern Imperial City, Yao Ye of the Yao family in the XC District lost his Dao Sword, the Taiyi Water Sword. In the direction of the Tianqi Forest north of the Northern District, there was an outpouring of Saint power, and finally, traces of Saint God Guards appeared. The two most troublesome Demigod descendants in Eastern Imperial City, besides Xu Shao Xu Deyie, were Jiang Xian. The Water Ghost knew Xu Shao's identity, so the final Saint power fluctuation could only have come from Jiang Xian. Therefore, Jiang Xian had fought a major battle there and subsequently lost his Three Disdainful Pupils. The loss of the Three Disdainful Pupils, whether voluntary or involuntary, gave Demigod Jiang Buyi of the Jiang clan of Puxuan in the Northern Region an excuse to get involved. So, his arrival at this moment…

"For the Tear Family Children?" The Water Ghost's thoughts collided in a flash of lightning, then settled with a clear plan, and a knowing smile returned to his lips. He asked softly.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk…" Demigod Jiang Buyi shook his head in admiration, "Becoming your enemy would be a tremendous headache. It's only been a few breaths since I revealed my identity, and you're already so certain… Intelligent!"

The Water Ghost didn't want to deal with a Demigod, or rather, it wasn't the right time. He directly refused, "I don't have the Tear Family Children. You've probably come to the wrong person."

"No, I, the Saint, am certain again. I've definitely not come to the wrong person!" Jiang Buyi's voice remained ethereal. Changing the subject, he said: "However, before you, young friend, I, the Saint, have already revealed my identity in advance and restrained my power, showing sufficient respect and sincerity. Yet, this approach hasn't earned me an introduction from you, young friend… Young friend, do you think this might be a bit rude?"

The Water Ghost silently watched the old man before him. Indeed, he detected no power fluctuations from the old man, as if the person before him was truly just an ordinary, unremarkable elder. But the opponent's calm demeanor, relaxed posture, and composed air all indicated immense confidence.

"My apologies," the Water Ghost's lips relaxed slightly, saying with a hint of regret, "Night Cat, Water Ghost."

"Night Cat?" Jiang Buyi softly savored the word, unable to recall which major dark force it belonged to. He shook his head, "Young friend, you're truly not honest, even hiding your identity?"

"Night Cat is just a small intelligence agency within Eastern Imperial City. Naturally, it wouldn't catch a Saint's eye, and you might not have even heard of it," the Water Ghost explained nonchalantly, "But some people prefer to stay in their own corner, don't they?"

"A small organization like that couldn't produce a talent like you," Jiang Buyi said with a faint smile.

"There's nothing for it. I'm capable, but the organization hasn't produced other talents, which is why Night Cat isn't well-known yet. Who can blame that?" The Water Ghost shrugged.

"My Jiang clan…"

"Apologies, but I have no plans to move for now. I imagine a Demigod family doesn't lack people like me."

Their rapid exchange left no time for a complete sentence. But both understood each other's intentions, and after their blunt exchange, silence fell upon the scene.

"You truly are clever," Jiang Buyi sighed. "To be honest, my Jiang clan genuinely lacks people like you."

"Senior, let's change the topic. You didn't come here to recruit me," the Water Ghost spread his hands. Facing a Demigod, he still showed no trace of inferiority, as if he had weathered countless storms in his life and could even treat a Demigod as an equal.

"Very well, I, the Saint, like your directness and your tenacity," Jiang Buyi changed his tone. "I'm not here to ask about the secrets behind your Night Cat organization. I've simply taken a liking to you as a person and wish to cooperate with you."

"Senior, you must be crazy," the Water Ghost said bluntly. "No matter what, Night Cat is just an underground organization. My actions at Solitary Sound Cliff are purely personal. This place is still supervised by the Holy Divine Palace. Would a dignified Demigod family from the Northern Region lower itself to cooperate with a small Night Cat leader like me?"

"Precisely," Jiang Buyi nodded definitively.

"Heh heh," the Water Ghost sneered a few times, "What's the catch?"

"As you said, the Tear Family Children."

"But I also said I don't have the Tear Family Children. Even if you kill me, you won't find a single one!"

"You can do it. I, the Saint, believe you."

The Water Ghost's eyes narrowed, a silent sneer of disbelief twisting his lips. He thought that if the timing and conditions weren't right, he would definitely throw the old man into the deep sea world, then through a void gate, and be the first to slaughter him. Across all lands, no one had ever made the Water Ghost do anything with just words. Even Bazun An paid a huge price for his help. This minor Jiang family Demigod, after talking nicely for so long, hadn't even mentioned the cost of his action, just wanting to rely on his reputation? Who did he think he was? Did he really think the Water Ghost hadn't slain Saints before?

"Senior, why do you seek me out?" The Water Ghost ultimately showed no hint of murderous intent, as he knew it would likely be seen as utterly ridiculous by the other party. After speaking, he continued to persuade kindly, "The Demigod families of the Northern Region should cooperate with the Holy Divine Palace. Why would you need a small dark force to help with what you intend to do?"

Jiang Buyi strolled casually through the ruins of Solitary Sound Cliff, hands behind his back, and said, "If Rao Yaoyao were half as clever as you, I, the Saint, wouldn't have sought you out."

The Water Ghost scoffed inwardly. It was clear to him that overt forces couldn't be involved, and covert organizations could be discarded once used.

"Senior, you flatter me. My humble talents are nowhere near even a tenth or two of Sword Immortal Rao's," the Water Ghost lowered his head slightly in a gesture of humility, then surprised him by asking, "What price can Senior pay for my help?"

This question directly silenced Jiang Buyi. After a long pause, he finally chuckled, "Has anyone ever told you that your 'direct' nature can sometimes make people uncomfortable?"

"Yes," the Water Ghost smiled back, adding internally, "But those who dared to say it aloud are already dead."

"But I, the Saint, like it!" Jiang Buyi was remarkably tolerant, completely unfazed by a junior, a Grand Void, meticulously calculating against him, a senior and a Demigod. He spoke openly, "If you want to discuss compensation, I, the Saint, can understand. You fear I might renege on a deal. But since I've even revealed my identity to you, I've come with sincerity. What do you want?"

The Water Ghost internally corrected him: *It's a price, not compensation!* And what he wanted, the old man probably couldn't afford. His expression merely held a smile. He remained silent, waiting quietly.

After Jiang Buyi finished speaking, seeing that the person before him still offered no conditions, he raised an eyebrow slightly, "I, the Saint, can help you achieve Sainthood."

The Water Ghost thought, *'Do you think you're a god, or do you take me for a three-year-old child? What nonsense! Since when can a Demigod help a Grand Void achieve Sainthood? Are you planning to pour your entire lifelong inheritance into me? Sorry, I really look down on your Jiang clan's inheritance!'* The Water Ghost shook his head, "The Grand Void is already the peak of this era. I have no aspirations for Demigod status, so there's no need for Senior to intervene."

For the first time, Jiang Buyi's face, hidden beneath the mist, furrowed its brow. After pondering for a moment, he spoke again, "Then I, the Saint, can help your Night Cat grow. Not to the extent of rivaling the Holy Slaves or the King Yama's organization, but at least to secure a place for your Night Cat in the dark world."

"Hah!" The Water Ghost accidentally let out a laugh. He realized the old man was trying to directly recruit him. If he couldn't recruit the Water Ghost, he would recruit the entire Night Cat, indirectly recruiting him? *'Tsk, tsk, truly worthy of a Demigod…'* Soon, the Water Ghost suppressed his smile and shook his head in refusal again, "They're just a pile of mud that can't be helped up a wall. If they can't do the job, kill them and replace them. Why should Senior bother? My Night Cat isn't worthy of that!"

Jiang Buyi's tone became wistful, "Decisive in action, indeed speaks my mind. A phoenix rests on the wutong tree, not in vulgar form. Sometimes, I, the Saint, truly wish I had your mindset…"

"The Jiang clan of Demigods, you can't kill half a person," the Water Ghost said coldly, not wanting to waste time. "Senior, just tell me what you want me to do, and then we can discuss the price."

Jiang Buyi pondered for a moment, then solemnly stated, "King Yama!"

The Water Ghost was growing quite impatient. He noted how the old man seemed to struggle, even speaking in broken segments. He cut him off decisively: "King Yama, Huang Quan, has spatial-temporal attributes and Grand Void cultivation. Although he hasn't reached Demigod status, even I can't handle him; at best, we'd fight to a draw. Across the land, it would probably take a Demigod to personally intervene to kill or capture him. As for the other members of King Yama's organization, most possess the Tear Family Children, with strange abilities and unpredictable movements. When dealing with them, don't easily make a move unless you're mentally prepared for potential setbacks. Senior, please speak plainly. Do you want to deal with Huang Quan, or just take the Tear Family Children from the other members of King Yama's organization? Please specify."

A barrage of free information was rattled off like popping beans. The Water Ghost clearly no longer wished to entertain this old man.

Jiang Buyi, however, felt a profound sense of sincerity, "I didn't expect you to know so much about King Yama. This Night Cat organization…"

"Night Cat is just a small force, Senior. There's no need for you to understand it. Even if you waste time trying to understand Night Cat, you'll only conclude that your time was wasted," the Water Ghost looked up, expressionless, and said, "Let's get to the point!"

Jiang Buyi was once again choked by this junior. The old face hidden beneath the mist finally showed a hint of displeasure. *'What an impolite young man…'* But a Demigod's tolerance was vast enough to accommodate anything. An extraordinary person must have extraordinary qualities, and an unusual temperament is understandable. Jiang Buyi no longer wasted words: "I want Huang Quan, and I, the Saint, also want the Tear Family Children from the other members of King Yama's organization! As for your task, you'll only be responsible for providing the whereabouts of King Yama's members. You won't need to take any action beyond that, and you won't be in any danger."

What an enormous appetite! The Water Ghost was astonished by the old man once more. A pair of Tear Family Children could be enough to overwhelm a Demigod family. A Grand Void of the Tear clan could even provoke a Saint Emperor family to act. How dare such a small Jiang clan claim to swallow everything? No wonder he didn't ask Rao Yaoyao for help. If this matter were known to the righteous path, the Northern Region Jiang clan would probably be overthrown instantly and cease to exist. As for himself, the Water Ghost scoffed inwardly, *'After helping you so much, I'd probably end up dead, because only the dead can keep all secrets.'*

"What do I get?" the Water Ghost asked knowingly.

"What do you want to get?" Jiang Buyi countered.

The Water Ghost realized the old man wanted his help but also planned to silence him by killing him. "Heh heh," the Water Ghost smiled, his gaze sweeping back and forth over the old man a few times, his lips curving even higher. "You."

"Me?" Jiang Buyi paused, then quickly understood, and also burst into laughter: "Haha, good! Even though you're only responsible for providing information, if this succeeds, I, the Saint, will still owe you a favor! As long as it's not against the Holy Divine Palace, I, the Saint, can help you with anything in the world, once."

The Water Ghost didn't listen to these empty promises, maintaining his smile, he nodded and extended his hand, "Deal."

Jiang Buyi glanced at the extended hand, his gaze not lingering, and simply bypassed it, then turned and walked away into the distance. "I'll give you three days for now. I, the Saint, want information on the first person."

The Water Ghost watched him leave, his hand still extended. His gaze dropped to his hand, then he looked at the receding figure and surprisingly called out, "The deal's done. Aren't you going to shake my hand?"

Jiang Buyi's steps faltered slightly. He clearly thought, *'Isn't that obvious?'* For the first time, he doubted his own perception. For a moment, he even suspected he had misjudged him. *'Could this Water Ghost not even read such basic body language? How did he function as a person?'* He stopped and looked back. Jiang Buyi's gaze returned to that hand—the Water Ghost's hand was still extended. *'What gall! Shake hands with a Demigod? You probably couldn't even withstand a touch!'* Jiang Buyi's voice turned cold. Picking up from where he left off, he continued, "As for Huang Quan's intelligence, the sooner the better. I don't want this matter to drag on for three or five years… I, the Saint, expect concrete information within a month."

"Slap!" Under Jiang Buyi's gaze, the Water Ghost extended his left hand and forcefully smacked down his own outstretched right hand. His smile deepened.

"No need for a month. In just one day, I will present all the specific information on King Yama's members."

"Oh? That would be excellent!"

"Senior, safe travels."