Chapter 48: Wugeshanli

Chapter 48: Wugeshanli

Qi Xuansu led Shangguan Dun over and caught up with Zhang Yuelu and the group. At this time, Zhang Yuelu chose a decent spot to set up camp. When she saw Qi Xuansu, she spoke to Lingquanzi and motioned for Qi Xuansu to talk in private.

Zhang Yuelu and Qi Xuansu walked aside, while Shangguan Dun stood far away. Shangguan Dun was tactful enough to give them space.

Qi Xuansu roughly recounted the conversation between him and Shangguan Dun. Zhang Yuelu did not care about the expenditure of 500 Taiping coins since they did not have to pay this money out of their own pockets. Tiangang Hall had a special fund for foreign affairs.

What Zhang Yuelu cared about was Shangguan Dun’s identity. “Is a quack reliable?”

Qi Xuansu said, “Such people are naturally unreliable, but as long as they are given sufficient money, they will do anything for you. Normal people won’t dare to provoke this group of vicious demons. But, of course, we cannot fully count on him. As you mentioned earlier, we just need a guide to show us around.”

Zhang Yuelu pondered for a moment and nodded. “I guess we have no other choice.”

Qi Xuansu waved to Shangguan Dun.

The latter hurried over and wanted to salute Zhang Yuelu again.

“No need for pleasantries.” Zhang Yuelu waved her hand and took out two large notes worth 100 Taiping coins each from her magical receptacle. “This is the deposit.”

Shangguan Dun glanced at the magical receptacle on Zhang Yuelu’s wrist with some envy, but he did not reach out to take the cash notes. He whispered, “If I may, Respected Mage, only big cities like Loulan have banks. Will you be so kind as to offer me coins instead?”

Zhang Yuelu put away the cash notes and took out two small bags of Wuyou coins, tossing them to Shangguan Dun.

One Wuyou coin equated to ten Taiping coins. Thus, 200 Taiping coins were equivalent to 20 Wuyou coins. The biggest advantage of Wuyou coins was that they were more convenient to carry. Thus, they could be used to deal with situations where cash notes could not be used, such as at this moment.

Shangguan Dun caught both money pouches, with the inscription “10 Wuyou coins” on each of them. The name Tiangang Hall was also printed on the pouch. He was shocked, but he dared not open the pouch to count the money. He merely held the pouches and glanced at Zhang Yuelu.

Zhang Yuelu reminded him. “Remember, you are taking Tiangang Hall’s money.”

“Yes, Mage.” Shangguan Dun bowed. Of course, he understood the implication of Zhang Yuelu’s words. Tiangang Hall’s money was not so easy to earn. Although Tiangang Hall would not break their promise, they were vicious if provoked.

Zhang Yuelu turned to Qi Xuansu. “Give him a horse.”

Qi Xuansu responded.

Tiangang Hall did not issue two horses per person, but they had spare horses to carry supplies. Thus, it was no big deal to provide a horse for Shangguan Dun.

Qi Xuansu found his subordinate, Cao Liyou, and asked him to prepare a tent and a horse for Shangguan Dun.

Since leaving Jade Capital, Qi Xuansu has shown the group his capability. His status as the deputy hall master’s confidant also made others fear him. Thus, they would not openly show their defiance.

Ai Li met with Zhang Yuelu and spoke in fluent Great Xuan Dynasty Mandarin. “Respected Mage, I would like to invite you to my mansion as a guest, but you have too large of an entourage...”

To everyone’s surprise, Ai Li had the Imperial Capital accent when she spoke Mandarin, reminiscent of a wealthy lady born in the Capital rather than the owner of this remote Western Region city.

Zhang Yuelu said, “Deacon Qi and the guide will follow me into the city while the rest of you will follow the command of Superintendent Lingquan and stay put here.”

Lingquanzi nodded and whispered, “Deputy Hall Master, please be careful.”

Qi Xuansu had not spoken, but he felt for his sword and gun at his waist. He glanced at Shangguan Dun again and found that the old man looked calm.

The three of them followed Ai Li into the city and made their way to the city lord’s mansion.

Along the way, it was evident that the city was quite lively and prosperous. Although it was not as grand as Loulan, the largest city in Xizhou, and could not be compared to Jade Capital, it was similar to the ordinary prefectures and counties in the Central Plains.

The city lord’s mansion was situated in the inner city. It had once been the royal palace of the Wugeshanli Kingdom, thus occupying a large area and quite luxuriously decorated. At the moment, it belonged to the Ai family. It served not only as the government office where the city lord handled various matters but also as the residence of the entire Ai family.

Under Ai Li’s guidance, the trio entered the inner city unimpeded and arrived at the city lord’s mansion.

Ai Li entertained the three of them in the huge living room, which was decorated with stained glass. A gorgeous maid served high-grade tea from the Central Plains and even brought out celadon teacups. This was not something that could be prepared in a hurry. Coupled with Ai Li’s proficiency in Mandarin, it was proof that the Ai family had assimilated into the local culture, perfectly reflecting a blend of East and West cultures.

The young city lord was well-versed in the etiquette of the Central Plains. As a host, she did not pick up the teacup. Zhang Yuelu also had no intention of drinking tea and went straight to the point. “I came to see the city lord this time because I have a favor to ask.”

Ai Li said, “The mage comes from the powerful Daoist Order, and I am just an insignificant city lord. What do you need my help with?"

Zhang Yuelu shot Qi Xuansu a look.

Qi Xuansu responded, “After all, this is not the territory of the Daoist Order. As a guest, it is reasonable to seek help from the local master. To be honest with you, we are looking for a group of demons.”

“Demons?” A look of surprise appeared on Ai Li’s face, making it difficult to tell whether it was genuine.

“City Lord, are you unaware?” Qi Xuansu, who was very good at controlling his expression due to Madam Qi’s guidance, also feigned surprise. “A group of foreign demons entered the Western Region, attacked caravans, plundered property, and killed people. Thirteen Daoist priests were murdered, and the sages were infuriated, ordering the eradication of this group of lawless demons.”

This was why Zhang Yuelu asked Qi Xuansu to speak. She had long discovered that Qi Xuansu was very good at acting, which happened to be her weakest point.

The slight surprise on Ai Li’s face turned into full-blown shock. “How appalling!”

Qi Xuansu said seriously, "That's why we need your help, City Lord."

Ai Li was silent for a moment and said, “Although I am a city lord, I am also a businessman, so I would like to ask. What can I get in return?”

Zhang Yuelu spoke again. “You will gain the friendship of the Daoist Order.”