Chapter 3025: Looking For Multiple Sources Of Information

Daoist Chu narrowed his eyes upon hearing the men’s words. "And then?"

"They disappeared. Vanished without a trace. No one saw them leave. Not even the city guards who man the gates."

Daoist Chu tilted his head. "Were they followed?"

"They were being cautious. Maybe they suspected someone was tailing them. Or they found something that made them drop off the grid."

The runes dimmed slightly.

Daoist Chu considered the words, then stood up, brushing a few stray strands of hair behind his ear. "You’ve been helpful."

"Does that mean you’ll remove—"

Daoist Chu raised a brow, and the runes dissipated into harmless sparks.

They slumped with relief.

He left a small pouch of low grade immortal stones on the bar. "That’s for your trouble," he said, turning on his heel. "And for not trying anything foolish."

He strode out into the night, cloak fluttering behind him like a silk shadow. As the tavern returned to life behind him, whispers already began to spread:

"Who the hell was that?"

"Some sect maniac... but sharp."

Daoist Chu walked into the streets of Ash Crown, pulling out a jade slip. "Meng Bai," he said, activating the message spell. "I’ve found something. Meet me by the eastern district entrance. I need to check a few more thing. I think we’re getting closer."

A short while later...

Daoist Chu stood near the archway marking the boundary between Ash Crown City’s central ring and the eastern district, the air around him humming faintly with a subtle formation to keep the ash at bay.

The streets here were narrower, the stone beneath their feet cracked and smudged with soot. Fewer merchants walked this way, and those that did carried themselves with careful steps and wary glances.

Soon, Meng Bai arrived, flanked by Ashy perched proudly on his head and the twin snakes—Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang—slithering loosely under his shoulders like coiled sashes.

"You look like a miniature sovereign," Daoist Chu commented dryly.

Meng Bai grinned. "Don’t I always?"

The two exchanged a brief chuckle before Meng Bai’s expression turned curious. "So... what did you find?"

Daoist Chu’s gaze turned toward the ash-hazed skyline, his tone calm. "The two elders were indeed seen entering the city about a year ago. They passed through the central district and made their way toward the eastern edge. That’s where their trail ended. No official records of them leaving."

Meng Bai blinked. "Then why are we waiting here? Shouldn’t we be heading straight for the eastern ash pits?"

Daoist Chu held up a hand. "Patience. We’ve only heard from one source. We need to verify it. It’s unwise to go running off just because someone painted a story well enough."

Meng Bai nodded in understanding. "Right... smart. Who knows who’s watching this place."

Daoist Chu glanced at him. "And what about you? Found anything?"

Meng Bai sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Not really. People here are tightlipped. Even when I tried bribing a few, they just took the immortal stones and started spinning wild tales about ghost swords and dragons hiding in the ash pits."

Daoist Chu arched a brow.

"I didn’t cause a scene, if that’s what you’re wondering," Meng Bai added quickly. "No point fighting idiots for a few lies. Let them keep the stones. It’s not like I’m short on them."

"Wise," Daoist Chu said with a satisfied nod. "They likely took advantage of your age. You’re young, still haven’t reached immortal realm, and they probably thought you were just another rich young master playing adventurer."

Meng Bai gave a resigned shrug. "Guess that’s true."

Ashy chirped indignantly, flapping her wings from Meng Bai’s head. "If they tried anything," she said with pride, "Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang would’ve gobbled them whole!"

The two snakes hissed lazily in agreement, tightening slightly around Meng Bai’s shoulders.

Meng Bai grinned. "Exactly. Would’ve been over in a flash."

Daoist Chu’s eyes flickered with quiet amusement. "Which is why Lin Mu sent them with you. Even if you’re not strong enough to deal with trouble, they are."

Meng Bai smiled, then tilted his head. "So, where are we headed now?"

Daoist Chu gave him a long, unreadable look.

"To a place that sees everything but speaks of nothing. A place where truth comes wrapped in silk and scent."

Meng Bai blinked. "You’re being poetic again. Just tell me."

Daoist Chu adjusted the sleeve of his robe with deliberate care. "A Courtesan Pavilion."

Meng Bai’s jaw dropped.

"...Seriously?" he managed after a pause.

Ashy chirped in surprise too, ruffling her feathers. Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang slithered down his arm, as if curious.

Daoist Chu smirked. "Don’t look so scandalized. In a city like Ash Crown, the courtesans don’t merely sell company—they sell secrets. They hear what others whisper in the dark. Mercenaries, rogue cultivators, traveling traders... all of them talk. And the pavilion listens."

Meng Bai blinked several times before straightening himself. "R-right. Of course. Intelligence-gathering... not what I thought."

Daoist Chu gave him a knowing smile. "What exactly did you think?"

"I didn’t think anything!" Meng Bai said a little too quickly, drawing another amused chuckle from Daoist Chu.

"Relax," the man said. "You’re not being taken there to indulge. We’re there for business."

"I know that," Meng Bai mumbled, cheeks slightly red.

Daoist Chu stepped forward, gesturing with two fingers. "Come. The pavilion we’re heading to is called the House of Ember Veils. It’s one of the finest in the city, and more importantly, it has a reputation for discretion and neutrality. Information flows there like wine—and both can be bought with the right price."

Meng Bai followed, still trying to look completely serious. "You’re the expert, Senior Chu. I’ll follow your lead."

As they walked deeper into the eastern district, the streets gradually shifted. The rough cobbled alleys gave way to more carefully laid stone, the ash-slick walls decorated with faint murals that shimmered faintly under the warm glow of elemental lanterns. The air itself seemed to grow subtly fragrant—faint traces of jasmine, camellia, and something warm like sandalwood.

Ahead of them rose a building unlike any other in Ash Crown.

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