Any martial artist with some ambition and knowledge has basically heard of the Divine Weapons. After all, cultivation is truly grueling, and if there's a shortcut, everyone would prefer it. The surge in the number of Void Traversing martial artists is a testament to this—with firearms at their side, Void Traversing martial artists can utterly defeat any Combat Technique warrior of the same realm from ten meters away.

Divine Weapons, these ancient powerful hacks, are even signified by peerless artifacts like the Holy Sword Guangyao, which is said to grant an instant victory upon obtaining it. Naturally, martial artists are drawn to them like moths to a flame, but since the number of Divine Weapons is so few, most people have only heard of them, never seen them, much like how boys daydream about how soft girls' chests might be—it's ultimately just a fantasy.

Among the people present, Le Yuxin probably had the deepest understanding of Divine Weapons, having personally seen weapons like the Veil of Strife, Saint's Relic, the Madness Mask, the Soul Purification wicked sword secretly touched by Yin Yin, and even the imitation of the Holy Sword Guangyao in Wanxiang Forest. If he were to shout, "No one understands Divine Weapons better than I do," there would likely be few who could refute him.

Originally, Le Yuxin wanted to obtain a list of Divine Weapons from the Four Guardians of Guangyao, but His Excellency responded to him that the Four Guardians didn't have one either.

Although the Four Guardians of Guangyao is an organization passed down through the ages, it has been destroyed several times over. Previous intelligence is long gone, and much of the newly gathered Divine Weapon intelligence is just public hearsay—for instance, with the Twelve Extreme Divine Weapons, the Four Guardians have collected intelligence on seventy-two so-called Extreme Divine Weapons.

The most widely spread rumor about a Divine Weapon would be the "Extreme Divine Weapon·Domination Helmet," which is rumored to allow the wearer to dominate any human being. If you asked a bookshop owner for books about the Domination Helmet, they would recommend you at least five different classic novels, with domination stories ranging from emperors to neighbors' wives alone. Le Yuxin casually spotted eighteen fanfictions about the Domination Helmet in various bookshops he wandered into in Star Engraving, Mysterious Candle, and Yanjing.

Incidentally, the second most rumored Divine Weapon in fanfictions is the "Illusion Divine Weapon·Invisible Mist," which to this day, the Four Guardians have not been able to prove doesn't exist.

Therefore, even the Four Guardians couldn't sort out a correct list of Divine Weapons, all due to the boundless imagination of the common people.

"Anyone can harness the power of the Golden Touch?" someone repeated this statement.

The man by the lake said, "Yes, you just need to pay a small price… hey hey hey, Sword Breaker, please calm down, I don't intend to keep you guessing, I'll say it right away, this illusion cost me quite a lot, would you please remove your hand from the sword hilt?"

"Actually, the power of the Golden Touch can be summed up in one sentence: turn stone into gold, make dreams come true!"

"The Golden Touch can make any wish come true."

The man by the lake paused as he finished speaking, as if waiting for everyone's comprehension or cheer, yet only a cold inquiry arose from all directions: "Then, what's the price?"

"The original price of the Golden Touch was solely the wielders' Spiritual Power. As long as the wielder had enough Spiritual Power, they could indeed turn stone into gold. But once the Golden Touch broke and merged into the lake, the price was no longer Spiritual Power, but everyone's favorite asset: gold."

"The more complex and potent the wish, the more gold it costs."

"The extent to which it costs might surprise you," the man by the lake chuckled, "For example, my wish for a remotely controlled apparition with True Sight capability cost me 130 golden circles."

"Moreover, this illusion can only last half an hour."

"In addition, most of the uses you might have imagined in your mind are not feasible; the Imperial Court has already tried them. For example, wishing for a severed little finger to regrow—they dumped three hundred pounds of gold into the lake to accomplish that."

"Creating an apparition like I did is already considered a rather practical technique, and it's limited to this lake. If the illusion's position were to leave the lake by one meter, the cost would multiply."

"Don't think about using the Golden Touch to change matter—two years ago, someone proposed using the Golden Touch to resurrect the late emperor, yet the Imperial Court filled the lake with gold to no avail."

The man by the lake's explanation quelled most of the people's eagerness. If it were about consuming Spiritual Power, that could be replenished, but gold is scarce everywhere—the more stable the properties of gold, the more likely it is to transform into Luminous Stone under the sun, thus many Luminous Stone mines were originally gold mines.

In Guangyao, golden circles hold the highest value not only because they don't rust and can be stored for a long time but also because gold is seen as an associated mineral of Luminous Stone, 'remaining unwavering under bright blessings', gaining the reverence of the Guangyao people.

Actually, copper mines and iron mines also have Luminous Stone associations, but since they don't shine enough, well…

"Cannot change matter, so can change Spirit?" someone asked.

"Correct." The man by the lake smiled, "Of course, if you wish to forcibly alter someone else's Spirit, the cost is comparable to resurrecting a person... But if you willingly accept the change to your own Spirit, the cost is very low."

The raspy voice of the Curse Hunter arose: "Who would willingly have their Spirit altered? No matter how much force, brainwashing, or horrific abuse, nothing could change that to willingness."

"It doesn't necessarily have to be altering the Spirit—you could add something to it, which is quite inexpensive," the man by the lake explained, "for instance... adding a Contract Tribulation."

A silence filled the Golden Touch Lodge before someone finally spoke: "Officials from the Imperial Court often visit this place…"

"Though the essence of scheming is indeed an exchange of interests, the old foxes still don't trust it fully and come here to place one final lock on the contract." The man by the lake smiled, "During their conspiracies, they all came to the Golden Touch Lodge to set down contracts, swearing no escape route for either side. It's actually quite effective—many 'insincere' partners ended up paying the price after making their wishes."

"Alright, let's get back to our matter. Although everyone gathered here for Qin Le Yin, what we seek is not just Qin Le Yin, but…"

"The Holy Sword Guangyao."

"If I've guessed correctly, many of you initially planned to storm into the Imperial Academy and assassinate Shuiyun Palace, forcing the Sword Holder out to see if he could wield the Holy Sword Guangyao, right? If you could prove he could use the Holy Sword Guangyao, even dying would be worth it—but, the Curse Hunter's experience has already told you that such probing is meaningless, because you'll never know how the Sword Holder achieved it even upon death."

"Since we cannot probe the Sword Holder, we must resort to indirect combat." The man by the lake bowed, "The following is my personal opinion; please, if anyone disagrees, speak up."

"First, Qin Le Yin is the primary target; under no circumstances must the Shuiyun Palace side end the game early. But there's no need to kill Qin Le Yin; it's best to cut off his right hand, as the Sword Sheath's right hand back is said to have the imprint of the Holy Sword Guangyao engraved, which we can take away to study."

"Secondly, the most likely place for the Holy Sword Guangyao to be stored is the Platinum Tower, and to avoid Cha Huan from using the Platinum Tower's power, we need to invade the Platinum Tower and search."

"Finally, we should attempt to intercept and kill Cha Huan. Regardless of which power any of you belong to, Cha Huan's got you frustrated, hasn't he? He doesn't answer to any faction, yet his position as Principal is so crucial, and the Platinum Tower has the potential to threaten the Sword Holder. If we kill Cha Huan, regardless of who becomes Principal, your factions can make some moves instead of being helpless like now."

"Cut off the harpist, invade the Platinum, kill Cha Huan—these are our three objectives."

"If anyone has no objections and wishes to participate in this operation, please follow me in making the vow. After making the vow, we will discuss specific details."

The Curse Hunter asked, "Your real body isn't here; does your vow matter?"

"But my Spirit is inside this illusion," the man by the lake said, "If you still have doubts about our side, you can break my illusion, and take charge of the meeting yourselves—we don't mind."

"But we've been working together for a while now; don't you trust that we're on the same side as you?—at least for now, we're on the same side."

Le Yuxin suddenly realized a problem—he didn't know which power the man by the lake belonged to!

Qian Yuya also didn't say who was in contact with White Night!

The man by the lake said, "Now, I hope a benevolent person is willing to toss a golden circle into the lake. This is the cost required for us to make the vow."

A golden circle suddenly flew out from the thicket on the Curse Hunter's side, passed through the man by the lake's illusion, and plopped into the water.

"Thank you, Curse Hunter, for your generous help."

The man by the lake wasn't angry: "Now then, please follow me in signing the contract. You don't have to recite it entirely; just mutter the last sentence in your heart, and the contract will be completed."

"If anyone disagrees with the contract, please raise it immediately, but it's generally unproblematic, as it's a simple confidentiality agreement: as long as you don't disclose tonight's events, you won't breach it."

"With the True Sight eyes of the illusion, I can see who hasn't signed the contract, so please don't take chances, everyone."

The man by the lake spread his arms wide: "So, here's the contract text—"

"We vow not to intentionally leak tonight's discussions to anyone not present; those who intentionally violate…"

"Wait!" Before Le Yuxin could voice objections, someone said, "We still need to report back to our organizations!"

"Alright." The person in the center of the lake shrugged, "I promise not to take the initiative to disclose tonight's conversation to anyone who might sabotage our plan. If anyone deliberately violates this, they shall be scattered in the lake waters, and their heart shall fall to the lake's bottom!"

"Golden touch, make the wish come true!"

No one raised objections this time; a silence settled around the lake. The person at the center surveyed the surroundings, occasionally pausing as if waiting for those he was observing to take their oaths.

What should I do?

Do I need to make an oath?

But the problem is that my intention is precisely to sabotage their plan!

If I swear the oath, will I be doomed?

At the critical moment, Le Yuxin felt a slight vibration from the necklace, and then a message entered his mind.

「To Jun Zuo: The Flame Order is ready and in position.」

Made it in time!

How could Le Yuxin just come to this meeting unarmed?

Before coming, he had already contacted the Radiant Four Guards, instructing the Statistical Department of Yanjing to surround the Golden Pavilion and capture this group of evil villains who wanted to cut off his hand!

Not utilizing a great organization is like buying a game and not playing it, utterly meaningless!

Ha-ha, you are all doomed this time! How dare you make a move against Master Qian Le Yin? Now I shall let you understand what is meant by the state machine, the borrowed power of the tiger, and not daring to hit a dog without considering its owner!

Get ready to face the tempest of bullets as punishment!

Suddenly, another message arrived.

「To Jun Zuo: Who are attending the meeting?」

Le Yuxin replied, "There's the Curse Hunter, Mower, Brotherhood... and a phantom in the lake center, but I don't know who he is."

「To Jun Zuo: Ask about his background, then I'll have the Flame Order enter for the sweep.」

Alright!

The Radiant Four Guards helped him such a great deal this time. He couldn't possibly refuse such a minor effort, so he stepped out from behind the faux hill. Just in time, the lake central person looked at him, seemingly as if the others had already completed their oaths.

"I actually came this time by accident; I still don't know who you really are." Le Yuxin said bluntly.

"I also find it strange since I haven't contacted any of you. Why did that leader suddenly intervene uncharacteristically in our affairs..." The lake central person maintained a modest attitude, "Please allow me to introduce myself."

"I am Yan Shang, a representative from the National Relief Association."

National Relief Association? Sounds vaguely familiar.

Le Yuxin didn't think much of it, immediately forwarding this information to Jun Zuo. The lake central person was still courteously asking, "So, Hidden Sword Assassin, your oath…"

"There's no need for me to take one," Le Yuxin said confidently.

Because you all will die soon.

Before Le Yuxin could utter the second half of his sentence, word from the 'Heart of Nethes' arrived with a reply from Jun Zuo:

「To Jun Zuo: National Relief Association? Yan Shang? These two are targets we need to investigate. Hongle, enter their plan and gather more intelligence. I've ordered the Flame Order to withdraw.」

Le Yuxin was stunned.

「Hongle: Wait!?」

「Hongle: Jun Zuo, I'm in the middle of throwing threats! Isn't it better to just let the Flame Order come in and catch them?」

「Hongle: Jun Zuo, this will get me killed!」

「To Jun Zuo: Hongle, you said Yan Shang is just a phantom, the Flame Order can't catch him. It all depends on you now. Don't worry; the Four Guards will always be your dependable backup.」

「Hongle: What if something happens?」

「To Jun Zuo: Arrangements have been made for you.」

「Hongle: What arrangements?」

「To Jun Zuo: A cemetery.」

Le Yuxin was dumbfounded.

Encountering an unreliable big organization is like purchasing a crappy game—waste of both money and life.

Suddenly, a deadly chill pierced Le Yuxin. Le Yuxin looked up, and the person in the center of the lake was still watching him, while the others who had taken their oaths were eyeing him with predatory looks as if unable to hold back the desire to teach him a lesson.

"Why does your excellency find it unnecessary to take an oath?" The lake central person's attitude remained good, "Mower, please don't be hasty, perhaps this Hidden Sword Assassin has another reason."

No reason, that damn Mower will be coming to cut me, right?

If it weren't for the Ice Blood Physique, Le Yuxin would undoubtedly be sweating. Jun Zuo's attitude was clearly pushing him to the brink. He now had to save himself.

"Because…" Le Yuxin thought swiftly, "I am going to make a more vicious oath."

"Oh?"

"I swear to take everything from Qian Le Yin. His master shall obey me, his family shall become my tools, and his property shall belong entirely to me. If I don't succeed, my spirit shall scatter in the lake waters, and my heart shall fall to the lake bottom!"

"Golden touch, make the wish come true!"

Le Yuxin's voice was powerful and firm, echoing like thunder in the silent courtyard!

Moments later, the lake central person said, "It seems the reason you're attending this meeting is due to enmity with Qian Le Yin?"

"That's right!" Le Yuxin exclaimed loudly, "He deceived my property, sullied my reputation, abused my body, and even tried to lay hands on my fiancée! There can be no coexistence between us; with him, there's no me, and with me, there's no him. We cannot exist in the same world!"

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