Chapter 284: The Transaction
At the Poison Sect’s compound, Jiang Gaoxuan sat upright in a chair within the reception hall, silent and waiting.
His face, swollen from yesterday’s humiliating retreat, was half-concealed beneath a mask. After that bitter defeat, he had coincidentally run into someone from the Poison Sect. A short tailing session later, and he’d discovered the sect’s temporary residence in Qingling.
This morning, he came here personally—not for courtesy, but with a clear goal in mind.
It was for dealing with Luo Qingqian.
Though his True Qi was undeniably denser than hers, if they fought head-on, the most he could achieve was mutual destruction. He had no means to subdue her outright. And that outcome? It wasn’t one he could accept.
But the Poison Sect—ah, now that was another matter entirely. Known throughout the hidden martial world for their peerless toxins, if he could use poison to bypass brute strength, he just might have a chance to bring Luo Qingqian down.
So today, Jiang Gaoxuan arrived bearing his identity openly, requesting a formal audience.
A minor disciple led him in, placing him in the reception hall before heading off to report to higher-ups.
He waited for over ten minutes before footsteps approached. A woman entered—voluptuous, draped in a black dress that clung to her curves. She was beautiful in a way that didn’t merely draw the eye—it snared it. This was none other than Shao Wanwan, the Poison Sect’s Holy Maiden.
Jiang Gaoxuan met her once or twice before. He remembered her face, not because he desired her, but because she was memorable—and dangerous. But desire? That, he had none.
First, his eyes were fixed on Luo Qingqian. Second, this was a woman who played with poison like a lover played with silk. Even if she let him take liberties, who would dare? One wrong move and you’d be a corpse before morning.
Still, he frowned.
“Only the Saintess comes to meet me? Does this place not have a single Elder present?” His voice held a hint of disdain, as if he were owed more.
His dissatisfaction wasn’t baseless. First, they made him wait over ten minutes. Second, not even a single cup of tea had been served. Though, granted, even if they had offered it, he wouldn’t dare drink it. But still—a show of respect was required.
“I hold a position equal to the Elders within the Poison Sect. If I’ve come to see you, consider yourself honored,” Shao Wanwan replied coldly.
In truth, the Fifth Elder had returned to headquarters to deliver a message. For now, Shao Wanwan was the highest authority at this outpost. She had no choice but to deal with him personally. But of course, she wasn’t foolish enough to admit as much.
“Hah. So what if you’re the Saintess? You dare speak to me like that? Tired of living?” Jiang Gaoxuan’s voice dropped to a simmering chill.
In terms of sect strength, he believed himself far superior to the Poison Sect. He didn’t see the need to hold back.
But Shao Wanwan only sneered. “Try it. Not just me—touch any member of our sect, and you’ll never make it back alive.”
Her confidence was surprising. Unshaken, unafraid—her tone carried the weight of someone backed by something… or someone.
Jiang Gaoxuan narrowed his eyes and considered her demeanor. Something stirred in his memory. “The rumors… Is it true your sect’s Ancestor is still alive?”
“Oh? Your information network is quite impressive,” she said with a faint smile.
He scrutinized her carefully and could find no hint of bluff or hesitation. She wasn’t posturing—she truly had someone behind her. The thought sent a cold breath down his spine.
The Poison Sect’s Ancestor. A figure whose name alone once inspired dread across the martial world, even a century ago. If that person still lived…
Jiang Gaoxuan’s expression shifted. His tone softened like wax under flame.
“Haha, just a jest, Saintess. Please, don’t take it to heart.”
Now that he realized who he was dealing with, his arrogance deflated. He hadn’t come here to make enemies—he came with a request.
Shao Wanwan wasn’t surprised by his sudden humility. After all, her Ancestor’s name alone was enough to make even sect masters bend the knee. If Jiang Gaoxuan hadn’t backed off, now that would’ve been strange.
“Speak plainly. You wouldn’t show up at our door for nothing,” she said curtly, not interested in exchanging pleasantries.
“You’re sharp, Holy Maiden,” he smiled flatteringly, then leaned forward slightly. “I’m here to request a particular poison.”
She didn’t blink. “For what purpose? Who is the target? And what do we get in return?”
A triple strike—precise, fast, and without ceremony.
Given Jiang Gaoxuan’s status—top of the Hidden Dragon and Rising Phoenix Ranking—whoever could force him to resort to poison had to be formidable. If this backfired, the Poison Sect would bear the heat. She wouldn’t hand out trouble for free.
Of course, if the reward was juicy enough, that was another story.
“There’s a woman. She stole something from me. I tried reasoning—multiple times—but she refuses to return it. I’m left with no choice but to use… less civilized methods to take it back.” He kept things vague, his eyes avoiding hers.
“You haven’t said who she is,” Shao Wanwan reminded calmly.
A pause. Then—“Luo Qingqian.”
He hesitated but told the truth. There were few women who could give him a headache. A lie would fool no one, least of all Shao Wanwan.
She raised her brows slightly. Of course she knew that name—second on the Hidden Dragon and Rising Phoenix Ranking, a prodigy among prodigies, with a formidable background to match. Tangling with her wasn’t picking a fight—it was courting disaster.
Jiang Gaoxuan saw her hesitation and upped the ante. “One superior-grade movement technique. One superior-grade sword technique. Both genuine.”
Her eyes glimmered.
Superior martial techniques were treasures among top-tier sects. What he was offering was enough to make even her heart waver.
Luo Qingqian might be hard to deal with, but for this kind of reward? Worth the risk. Besides, with the Grand Elder behind her, there was little she had to fear. And if Jiang Gaoxuan was the instigator, all blame would fall on him.
Still, she saw a chance to milk more.
“In addition to that,” she said slowly, “I want ten types of rare medicinal herbs. A thousand jin of each.” She gestured to a subordinate, had them bring over brush and paper, and swiftly wrote out a list before handing it to him.
She wasn’t just being greedy—those herbs were core ingredients in their more potent poisons. Each one cost a fortune to procure. But Jiang Gaoxuan’s sect sat in an ideal region for cultivating them. Now that he had come asking for a favor, she would naturally squeeze him dry.
Jiang Gaoxuan glanced at the list, paused, and then nodded. “Deal.”
Shao Wanwan’s heart leapt.
She had expected negotiation. She purposely asked for an outrageous sum, prepared to settle for half. But he agreed in one breath.
Without wasting time, she drafted a contract and had him press his handprint.
Once the deal was sealed, she asked, “What kind of poison are you after?”
“I want one that… makes a woman lose control. The kind that makes her… obedient.” His smile curled with a twisted, malicious glint.
Understanding flickered in her eyes, followed quickly by a flash of contempt. She found him disgusting.
But business was business.
She enjoyed bringing ruin to righteous beauties most of all. Since Jiang Gaoxuan had already sold his conscience, why not help him ruin another?
She pulled a small vial from her robes and tossed it lightly.
“Take it.” Jiang Gaoxuan caught the bottle, turning it over in his palm with a thoughtful gaze.
Poison from the Poison Sect needed no verification. Its efficacy was beyond doubt. But Luo Qingqian was no simple woman. Dosing her would not be easy.
Just in case, he probed further. “I’ve heard the Poison Sect’s methods are… unconventional. Would you be willing to assist me in this?”
“That,” Shao Wanwan said smoothly, “will cost extra.”
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