Chen Tian looked towards the east. Currently, information was scarce; he only knew the other party was heading east, but their specific location remained unknown. Finding them was like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially after the world fusion had expanded the map, making it impossible for Chen Tian to search the entire expanse, even from the world's apex. The City Lord, seemingly sensing Chen Tian's dilemma, spoke, "Dragon tribes often favor the base of mountains as locations for their treasures, transforming the areas beneath them into dragon tombs. I believe this information will be useful to you."
"Any other treasures you obtain during your mission are yours to keep. I only desire that one key. Come back to me when you have acquired it, adventurer! You should depart now."
The City Lord gently waved his arm, and his entire being was enveloped in an aura. Before Chen Tian and Chen Ling could react, they found themselves outside the city gates, in front of the City Lord's mansion. Chen Tian gazed at the mansion, certain that this City Lord was no ordinary NPC. He had no inkling of what methods were used to expel them. Chen Tian queried the system, "System, who is that City Lord? Is he really an NPC?"
"Answering the host, he is indeed an NPC. However, this NPC is not just any NPC. The host need not worry; he poses no harm to you. You are not yet privy to the secrets surrounding him."
Since the system had spoken, Chen Tian ceased his contemplation. His immediate priority was to ascertain the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon's whereabouts. Any shred of information would be helpful. If Chen Ling had a suitable weapon, Chen Tian would have already ventured into the dark world to find his brother. However, along the way, he could assist Chen Ling in recovering her strength, killing two birds with one stone. Chen Tian looked east, then opened his interface, checking the forum to see if anyone had any information.
Chen Tian browsed for a considerable time, but no one on the forum mentioned seeing the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon. Logically, a dragon of its size should have been visible upon departure, given the dragon tribe's ability to fly. Yet, there was no news on the forum, which struck him as peculiar.
"It seems I need to find an intelligence organization."
Chen Tian devised a plan. Searching for it himself would take too long. He brought up the city distribution map, the buildings clearly laid out. Chen Tian quickly located what he needed. He put away the map and said, "Ling'er, wait for me outside the city gate. Brother will be back soon."
"Okay, brother, be quick!"
"Mhm!"
Chen Ling was obedient, her innocent and pure demeanor intact. Chen Tian's figure flickered, and he departed from the City Lord's mansion. In a corner of Yuan City stood a nine-story pavilion, its grand entrance bearing the inscription: Wan Xi Pavilion!
The Wan Xi Pavilion was an organization comprised of individuals with special professions, their sole ability being to gather information. This pavilion was highly regarded by players; any information you sought could generally be found here, including the whereabouts of the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon. Each floor represented the value of information, with different prices for different intel. As long as you could afford it, any information could be purchased.
Chen Tian arrived here, realizing that searching for the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon alone was too difficult. Coming here to obtain readily available information would save time. Chen Tian replenished his Chrono Coins and Era Coins, determined to acquire information about the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon.
Chen Tian entered the first floor of the pavilion. The receptionist was a young player who greeted him, "Hello, welcome to Wan Xi Pavilion. What information do you require? We have all sorts of intel, and we can even send people to gather it if needed. We won't disappoint our customers."
"I need information about the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon. Do you have it?"
"Please wait, I am checking."
"This guest, information about the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon is on the seventh floor. You need to go to the seventh floor where the receptionist can provide it. My level is too low to access it."
"Thank you!"
Chen Tian proceeded to the seventh floor, realizing the information about the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon was quite valuable. On the seventh floor, he approached the receptionist, a young female player. She said, "Customer, this is the information you requested. The price for this information is thirty million Era Coins and one Chrono Coin."
"Alright, I'll buy it."
Chen Tian purchased it without hesitation, unaware that several individuals were watching him. Chen Tian paid them no mind; they were merely insignificant pawns. Chen Tian received the information scroll, which soon transformed into his information panel. Wan Xi Pavilion's method was quite effective; only the purchaser could view the information, while others could not.
Chen Tian quickly reviewed the information about the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon. He then spoke, "This information is incomplete. Is there a continuation?"
"Yes, this customer, what you purchased is only the first scroll. There are eight more scrolls."
"Urgh!!"
Truly skilled in business!
Chen Tian grumbled inwardly. One head, one piece of information; nine heads meant nine prices. They certainly knew how to make money, so cunning. Yet, Chen Tian had no choice but to spend money to buy it. The first scroll stated that the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon was a special boss with a level of thirty-three in the Sky Dome, which was equivalent to the Divine Monarch level for players. Chen Tian hadn't expected its level to be so high, no wonder it could breach the city and escape. However, this also involved plot elements, but its formidable strength was beyond the capabilities of other players.
The first scroll detailed the abilities and skills of its first head, very thoroughly. This Wan Xi Pavilion truly lived up to its name; where did they get such detailed data? Chen Tian took a deep breath and said, "I want the full set. The remaining eight scrolls, what is the price?"
"A total of twenty-five Chrono Coins."
Chen Tian transferred the Chrono Coins to the other party without a second thought. The information then entered his mind. Chen Tian left Wan Xi Pavilion. As he departed, a group of people followed him. Fighting was not allowed within the city, but it was permitted outside. They were waiting for him to leave the city.
Chen Tian noticed the small rats trailing him but paid them no mind. They were like ants; let them follow. If they attacked, Chen Tian would show no mercy and kill them all.
"If others do not offend me, I will not offend them." These individuals were merely coveting Chen Tian's possessions and were acting on greed. Chen Tian had encountered this too many times. Chen Tian walked to the city gate and shouted coldly, "Come out. If you don't, you'll lose your chance. I know you're following me."
No one appeared. Chen Tian sighed, then snapped his fingers twice and silently departed the city. Chen Tian's expression turned stern. "The aura of the Evil Spirit race. The people from the Yun Shui Guild are truly not good people."
Chen Tian had just used Time Stop and Existence Erasure to eliminate the group of followers. They carried the aura of the Evil Spirit race, and their names above their heads had the prefix "Yun Shui." These were people from the Yun Shui Guild, and Chen Tian hesitated no longer. People from the Yun Shui Guild must die!
Chen Tian arrived at the place where Chen Ling was waiting. Seeing Chen Tian, Chen Ling skipped towards him. Chen Tian touched Chen Ling's forehead and then said, "Let's go to Gui Ming Mountain."
"Okay."
After purchasing the information, Chen Tian learned that the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon was hiding in Gui Ming Mountain. Gui Ming Mountain was located east of Yuan City, midway between it and the next city. Passing through Gui Ming Mountain would lead to the next world. The Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon had nine heads, each with its own ability, one of which was to conceal its aura. The terrain of Gui Ming Mountain was special, allowing it to further enhance its concealment abilities, which was precisely why no players had seen the Nine-Headed Demonic Dragon leave the City Lord's mansion.
Gui Ming Mountain was quite far from Chen Tian's location. Chen Tian decisively opened a portal, and the two figures stepped into it, disappearing from Yuan City. Gui Ming Mountain, a place that seemed like the domain of the dead. It was a map where players of Purple Light, Dao Emperor, and You grades went to improve. It was not desolate; players were numerous, and most chose to level up here.
Chen Tian and Chen Ling reappeared in a secluded spot and entered Gui Ming Mountain. Upon entering, surrounding players scoffed, viewing Chen Tian and Chen Ling as novices who were courting death by entering Gui Ming Mountain.
A group of people looked at Chen Tian and Chen Ling as if watching a play, anticipating something to happen soon. No one offered them a warning. Chen Ling felt the strange gazes and asked, "Brother Chen Tian, why are they all looking at us like that? It feels so uncomfortable being watched this way."
"Heh heh, it's nothing. They are them, and we are us. We'll be fine," Chen Tian said with confidence. "You want to see us make a fool of ourselves? I'm sorry to disappoint you."