“This person… is truly extraordinary! A Five-Qi Grandmaster, perhaps?”

At the depths of Su Changkong’s eyes, a look of gravity flashed. With Su Changkong’s strong perception of spiritual energy, he had not been able to detect the man’s presence before he spoke. Considering there was not the slightest leakage of aura from his body, wholly integrated and likely the work of a Five-Qi Grandmaster whose Five Qi had returned to the Sea of Consciousness!

Su Changkong had also guessed the man’s identity by now.

The man sized up Su Changkong, who practiced the Turtle Breath Technique to conceal his aura, and likewise, he could not discern the extent of Su Changkong’s cultivation. However, from the intelligence he had received previously, he knew that ’Dao Wufeng’ was a top-tier fighter capable of slaying a Five-Qi Grandmaster!

“Brother Blade, please take a seat. As expected of the one who could slay that traitor, you truly are a rare talent!”

The man invited Su Changkong to sit with great enthusiasm.

“My name is Lian Tianlu, I’m the Deputy Lord of the Demon Suppressing Department.”

Once Su Changkong sat down, the man introduced himself and revealed his identity.

“So you are from the Demon Suppressing Department…”

Su Changkong was not too surprised.

Qi Gang, the third in command of the Demon Suppressing Department, had betrayed the Great Flame Empire and intended to join the Life Extinguishing Association but was killed on the spot by a master known as Dao Wufeng. This matter was undoubtedly significant to the Demon Suppressing Department, bringing immense concern to both its Lord and Deputy Lord.

After an investigation, the Demon Suppressing Department learned the specifics of the incident. Besides being outraged by the tarnishing actions of the traitorous Qi Gang, the prowess of Dao Wufeng who killed him also caught their attention.

A Five-Qi Grandmaster unheard of before had single-handedly slain Qi Gang and destroyed a branch of the Life Extinguishing Association; the Demon Suppressing Department was extremely interested in this individual claiming to be ’Dao Wufeng.’

Even the Deputy Lord Lian Tianlu personally took charge of the matter, and after some investigation, the details available on Dao Wufeng were sparse; it was only known that he visited Cangyun Pavilion in Feiyun City every once in a while.

Thus, Lian Tianlu arrived in Feiyun City a month earlier to wait for Su Changkong’s appearance, guarding the stump, waiting for the rabbit.

“So you are Deputy Lord Lian, do you need something from me?”

Su Changkong nodded slightly without showing a telltale expression on his face.

“Our Demon Suppressing Department wishes to thank Brother Blade for killing that traitor Qi Gang. Had he successfully joined the Life Extinguishing Association, our Demon Suppressing Department would have definitely lost face and leaked many secrets. Thank you for your righteous intervention! If there is anything you desire, feel free to mention it!”

Lian Tianlu expressed his gratitude sincerely.

Qi Gang’s defection, intending to join the Life Extinguishing Association, had undoubtedly caused the Demon Suppressing Department to face severe criticism from the royal family. The only piece of good news was that Qi Gang’s plan did not succeed as he was killed by the mystic warrior known as ’Dao Wufeng’ on the spot!

By personally seeking out Su Changkong, aside from expressing gratitude, Lian Tianlu also wanted to win him over. It would be beneficial to be on good terms with such a powerful expert.

Hence, Lian Tianlu declared that the Demon Suppressing Department would strive to fulfill any desire that Su Changkong had.

Upon hearing this, Su Changkong was inwardly moved, “I wish to collect the Real Beast Paintings by Bai Xingzhi. If the Demon Suppressing Department could help me with this, it would be much easier!”

The Demon Suppressing Department was a special agency within the Great Flame Empire, backed by the Great Flame Royal Family. Its intelligence system was far superior compared to some sects.

Whether it was the Cangyun Sect or the Spirit Taoist Sect, they were leagues below the Demon Suppressing Department.

The whereabouts of the paintings left by Bai Xingzhi were unknown, but as long as they were within the Great Flame Empire, with the Demon Suppressing Department’s capabilities, finding their locations or even collecting them were not impossible!

Since Lian Tianlu wanted to repay him and win him over, Su Changkong decided not to be courteous and simply made his request.

Thinking this, Su Changkong appeared to ponder deeply, as if he had come up with something, he then looked up at Lian Tianlu, “Deputy Lord Lian, I indeed have an audacious request!”

“There’s no harm in speaking up, Brother Blade!” Upon hearing this, Lian Tianlu’s eyes lit up, promptly responding.

Lian Tianlu had come personally with the intent to befriend and win over this mysterious martial artist; he was not afraid of any requests, only of a lack of desires or needs.

A master who could slay Qi Gang, repel Kuotuo and the envoys of the Life Extinguishing Association, and annihilate a branch of the association was definitely worth befriending. Perhaps he could be of use in the future!

Su Changkong was not bashful either, and plainly stated, “I, in my lifetime, have been passionately fond of calligraphy and paintings. Some time ago, I chanced upon a ’Ape Demon Star Picking Picture’ by the Paint Saint Bai Xingzhi. After a thorough examination, I found it utterly captivating and exceptional. I have heard that Bai Xingzhi has left behind other paintings, and I wish to collect them…

to appreciate at leisure.”

Su Changkong expressed his request, seeking Lian Tianlu’s assistance in obtaining the paintings left by Bai Xingzhi.

The more, the better; even if they were not categorized among the Five Animals, having them for study would be beneficial.

“Paint Saint Bai Xingzhi?”

Upon hearing this, Lian Tianlu fell into contemplation.

Lian Tianlu, as the Deputy Lord of the Demon Suppressing Department, well-informed and experienced, was naturally familiar with the name Bai Xingzhi.

Bai Xingzhi was a Martial Saint who had left his mark in history and was quite famous even among other Martial Saints.

“The era of Bai Xingzhi is so distant, and there’s no record of him having descendants. Some of his paintings might not even be within the Flame Empire… However, since Brother Blade is interested in these paintings, I will keep an eye out for you.”

Lian Tianlu did not hesitate much and readily agreed.

“Then, I thank you, Deputy Lord Lian.”

Su Changkong offered his thanks.

For the Demon Suppressing Department, collecting the paintings of Bai Xingzhi wasn’t a big issue.

After all, although these paintings were precious, they were not some secrets of divine skills forbidden from being shared. With some effort, they should be obtainable!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Madara Web Novel