Song Changsheng and Peng Siying exchanged a glance, and both saw the confusion in the other’s eyes.

Given their location and the fact that this man was from the Black Market, the "Pavilion Master" he spoke of could only refer to one person: the one in charge of this very pavilion.

"Hey, wait a minute! Are you sure you’ve got that right? You’re certain the Pavilion Master is inviting *him* and not me?" Peng Siying was not pleased. She, the dignified young miss of the Wanlong Commerce Association, had spent a fortune here and had never even met the local Pavilion Master. ’How could this guy receive such an honor on his very first visit?’

The man replied in a flat, formal tone, "The Pavilion Master did, in fact, invite only this Fellow Daoist."

Receiving such an honor might have made others jump for joy, but Song Changsheng’s heart suddenly sank.

He had never considered himself special in any way, not even as a Transmigrator. He was just an ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator, nothing more.

In the Southwest Borderland of the Daqi Cultivation World, he might be considered somebody. But here in the Black Market, he was nothing more than a single, unremarkable star in a vast, glittering cosmos.

Therefore, he couldn’t think of any reason why a powerful figure from this place would single him out for special attention.

Connecting this with everything that had happened earlier, Song Changsheng already had a suspicion. ’I’m afraid the jig is up!’

’I hope I’m overthinking this.’

Sighing inwardly, Song Changsheng looked at the man before him and said, "I am honored by the Pavilion Master’s invitation, and of course, I will accept. Please, lead the way, Fellow Daoist."

"This way, Fellow Daoist." With that, the black-robed man turned and walked straight into the pavilion.

Song Changsheng cupped his fist toward Peng Siying. "I haven’t had a chance to properly introduce myself. I am Song Changsheng, from the Daqi Cultivation World. I’ll leave the matter of the Flood Dragon Scale in your hands, Fellow Daoist."

"Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? If something happens, given my status, I’m sure the Pavilion Master would show me some courtesy."

Peng Siying was no fool; her mind had just been a bit slow on the uptake. Now that she understood the implications, she couldn’t help but worry.

After all, she was the one who started all this.

Song Changsheng smiled and shook his head. "The Pavilion Master specifically requested me, and me alone. He wouldn’t let you come along. Besides, with his status, why would he go out of his way to make things difficult for a junior like me? This visit might even turn out to be a great opportunity, who knows? Don’t worry, Fellow Daoist Peng. I’ll be right here at noon on the sixth, waiting for your good news."

"You have a point. But if the Pavilion Master really is angry about the stone gambling and tries to take it out on you, just give him my name. I’ll take full responsibility."

It had to be said, while Peng Siying might be a compulsive gambler who lost nine times out of ten and cared deeply about her pride, she was incredibly loyal when it counted. This made Song Changsheng’s opinion of her improve even more.

"It won’t come to that. I’ll be on my way."

After bidding her farewell, Song Changsheng quickly caught up to the black-robed man.

The black-robed man led him straight to the top floor. He pointed to a closed door and said, "You may enter on your own, Fellow Daoist."

"My thanks."

Song Changsheng cupped his fist in thanks, then straightened his clothes before approaching the door. He bowed and requested an audience.

"Come in."

The voice was gentle and tranquil, as pleasant as a spring breeze. It immediately eased the tension in Song Changsheng’s heart. It didn’t sound like the voice of someone about to condemn him.

The first thing he saw upon opening the door was a screen embroidered with a landscape of mountains and rivers. Behind it, he could faintly make out the silhouette of a seated figure.

The room’s furnishings were exceptionally simple, yet the placement of each object seemed meticulously planned, creating a feeling of perfect order and comfort.

Song Changsheng dared not be presumptuous. Standing before the screen, he respectfully cupped his fist and said, "Greetings, Lord Pavilion Master."

"There’s no need for such formality. Come closer."

Song Changsheng rounded the screen and came to stand before the Pavilion Master. He saw a middle-aged man with a transcendent aura sitting cross-legged upon a Jade Bed. The man was dressed in a white robe with a silver fish motif and wore a tall crown. A Jade Pendant hung from his waist, and his feet were clad in Plain Shoes.

His aura was so restrained he seemed like a mortal. Only his eyes were like brilliant, twinkling stars, captivating anyone who met his gaze.

"I am the Pavilion Master of this establishment. You may call me Pavilion Master Bai." The middle-aged man’s face held a reassuring smile, and his tone was warm, completely devoid of the arrogance or intimidating presence one would expect from a person of his stature.

"This junior, Song Changsheng, from the Daqi Cultivation World, pays his respects to Pavilion Master Bai."

He had no intention of hiding his identity. As soon as he saw the middle-aged man, a single term surfaced in his mind: "unfathomable."

Over the years, he’d gained his fair share of experience and had met quite a few Purple Mansion Cultivators.

But the only person he had ever met who could compare to the man before him was the equally mysterious and unfathomable Great City Lord. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

Before such a figure, there was no point in hiding his identity. Trying to be clever would only backfire, and the potential losses far outweighed any possible gain.

"The Daqi Cultivation World..." Pavilion Master Bai motioned for Song Changsheng to take a seat in the chair behind the screen. "...things don’t seem too peaceful over there lately," he said faintly.

"There has been some unrest," Song Changsheng concurred, not daring to elaborate further.

’Some unrest? The Daqi Cultivation World was far beyond that—it had reached a point of crisis, a struggle for its very survival. If it were to attract the prying eyes of the outside world now, it would be an absolute disaster.’

"Heh. Are you wondering why I wished to see you?" Pavilion Master Bai asked with a faint smile, lifting a teacup from the low table beside him.

"I suspect it’s because of the stone gambling earlier," Song Changsheng replied honestly.

The corners of Pavilion Master Bai’s eyes crinkled in a smile as he gently stroked his beard. "If I’m not mistaken," he said, "you’ve cultivated some sort of unusual Pupil Technique, one that allows you to see through the stones, correct?"