Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1552 - 958: Meeting Gift

Baili An couldn't help but recall the Half Puppet that had taken the lives of him and Qingxin.

His eyes flickered, and in a probing tone, he inquired, "I wonder, young lady, what brings you to Shifang City?"

Qingxin had previously mentioned that Fang Geyu had secretly issued a destruction order.

This implied that behind the outwardly peaceful facade of Shifang City, a clandestine guard force was relentlessly searching for mechanical puppets.

Fang Geyu's methods were known for their swiftness and decisiveness, and Shifang City itself was renowned for its exquisite mechanical techniques.

Despite having been in the city for several days, Baili An had not encountered a single mechanical puppet.

This fact alone demonstrated the thoroughness and efficiency of Fang Geyu's clandestine operations.

Yet, she (Jiushijiu) could openly appear here, suggesting she possessed significant backing, enough to evade detection by the denizens of Shifang City.

Alternatively, it was possible that a high-ranking official within Shifang City was deliberately providing her sanctuary.

Baili An had intended to subtly extract information from her, surmising that with the astute mind of the woman before him, bluffing his way through would not be too difficult.

To his surprise, Jiushijiu calmly declared, "To overthrow Shifang City, obliterate the Heavenly Dao, and flatten the Nine Heavens Upper Pure Immortal Realm – that is my lifelong ambition."

Such an immense aspiration was voiced with an air of casual indifference, as though discussing mundane matters.

Baili An could perceive, beneath her composed and icy demeanor, an extreme loathing for both humanity and Shifang City.

After overcoming his initial astonishment, Baili An regained his composure and stated with solemnity, "You cannot achieve such a feat."

Jiushijiu remained silent, appearing to concur. After a brief pause, she faintly remarked, "Stepping into the unknown, the outcome remains uncertain."

Baili An then inquired, "In that case, young lady, why have you chosen to await me here tonight?"

Jiushijiu's gaze was sharp as a torch. "I am aware that your arrival in Shifang City to aid Fang Geyu was merely incidental. Your true purpose here is for the Golden Immortal auction, isn't it?"

Baili An's eyes flickered slightly. Her words indicated that she had been observing him for some time.

Facing this enigmatic Yinghuo puppet, Baili An chose to maintain his composure for the moment. "Which guest visiting Shifang City is not here for the Golden Immortal auction?"

Jiushijiu met Baili An's gaze directly and stated, "You are determined to acquire the grand auction item this time: the Ancient True Dragon."

"Three years ago, your physical form perished in the Chaotic Netherworld Valley, torn apart by countless Netherworld Crows, your soul nearly dissipating and scattering."

"Later, through the Taiyin Emperor's execution of the Yin Yang Forbidden Technique, you were resurrected against the heavens, but this state will not endure indefinitely."

"Should you desire a complete resurrection, you must reclaim your skeletal remains. With the three parts reunited as one, a full rebirth can be achieved."

"Otherwise, in your current condition, though your bodily meridians may appear stable, any slight misstep could disrupt your internal equilibrium, leading to a catastrophic collapse and eternal damnation."

As Jiushijiu spoke, Baili An's mind was profoundly shaken, his fingers unconsciously clenching into tight fists.

Since his return to the mortal realm, he had been presenting himself under the guise of Ji Xinnian.

Under this identity, he had even become a disciple of Wen Hanwei within the Taixuan Sect.

This woman had patiently awaited him here, having surmised his connection to the leader of 'One Drop of Blood.' Given her abilities, this was not entirely unexpected.

However, 'Baili An' had supposedly met his demise three years prior at the Xijian Sect. This was an identity he had meticulously concealed.

Aside from a select few trusted individuals in his immediate circle, no one else was aware that he was still alive in this world.

Yet, she had managed to meticulously uncover his origins, his true identity, and even the intricate details of his resurrection process.

Could a mere puppet hailing from Shifang City truly possess such extraordinary capabilities?

Baili An fixed his gaze intently on Jiushijiu and asked, "Did you investigate me?"

Jiushijiu poured herself another cup of wine. Despite being a puppet, she exhibited an undeniable fondness for alcohol.

Her appearance suggested she had even fully developed human-like senses of taste.

"Young master, do not be alarmed. I am merely a puppet, incapable of the divine perception of the gods."

"However, approximately a decade ago, one of my eyes inadvertently fell upon a certain individual, granting me the ability to perceive what she sees. This, in turn, provided me with profound knowledge concerning your affairs, young master."

Baili An raised his gaze with seriousness. "Are you referring to Fang Geyu?"

Jiushijiu offered a faint smile. "You are indeed a perceptive individual, young master."

Baili An's expression turned cold as he made to stand. "I believe there is no room for negotiation between us."

Unexpectedly, Jiushijiu suddenly extended a warm hand, its touch soft as boneless flesh, yet with clearly defined muscular textures.

It appeared no different from that of an ordinary human.

Disregarding any distinction between genders, she placed her hand upon Baili An's and looked at him calmly. "What if I were to say that I could assist you, young master, in obtaining that True Dragon at the Golden Immortal auction?"

Baili An rebuffed her touch, her gaze chilling. "I possess my own methods for obtaining what I desire, and I require no assistance from you, young lady."

Jiushijiu maintained her composure. "I do not doubt the young master's capabilities; your appearance in Shifang City indicates thorough preparation.

However, the young master must recognize that Shifang City currently hosts more than just the hundred immortal sects of the Mortal World.

It is the sole remaining True Dragon in the Six Realms, and its value attracts attention far beyond these human cultivators.

Even the immortals from the Upper Pure Realm might stoop to shamelessly concealing their identities to descend for it, wouldn't they?

The Dragon Clan's entire being is a treasure. Moreover, with the ever-volatile Demon Clan, how could they possibly forgo such a magnificent opportunity?

The young master has spent years in the world and is undoubtedly familiar with the Demon Clan's tactics. My investigation reveals that

the Demon Clan's Lord of Three Rivers, Wang Yi, and the Lord of Four Rivers, Ning Feiyan, have both arrived in Shifang City, intent on securing that Ancient True Dragon.