Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 1105: Tongtian Floating Pagoda

Leng Feng stayed late at the inn, chatting with Ren Ziling — they even used three bottles of that expensive bottled water just to boil tea.

Only after that did Leng Feng get into a military jeep and leave.

The driver was another young man in uniform, also exuding a remarkable aura.

Afterward, Akiko said she was tired and returned to her room early to rest — though that wasn’t quite true. In reality, she wanted to go back and quietly process everything she had learned tonight.

Akiko had never forgotten the reason she came. Even though Song Ying hadn’t given her any new instructions lately, Akiko still tried her best to gather as much information as possible about this “Young Master Qiu.”

She had already figured out Ren Ziling’s personality and thought she had investigated Luo Qiu’s background thoroughly — yes, that’s what Akiko believed.

But tonight changed that impression — especially with the appearance of Leng Feng.

A man holding the rank of major in the military district of Beijing, China — and the best friend and sworn brother of Luo Qiu’s father. From his conversation with Ren Ziling, Akiko could clearly tell that Leng Feng was deeply concerned about his brother’s widow and child.

Moreover, their talk revealed people Akiko hadn’t heard of before — like Ye Yan, apparently working for Interpol.

Or a woman named A Li, who seemed to work in a significant department in China. And several other names came up as well.Akiko had assumed that the “Young Master Qiu” came from an ordinary police family, perhaps with connections through someone like Uncle Ma, but never imagined this single-parent family might be backed by such a terrifying personal network.

Was Young Master Qiu’s father… really just a regular policeman?

Akiko had been in town for some time. Though she had only seen this Young Master Qiu from a distance a few times while in South America with the Song family, her curiosity about him was now stronger than ever.

She sat by the bed, holding a satellite phone — her link to Song Ying. It had been a while since her last report. Song Ying had told her to halt communication temporarily.

“But this matter… I should report to Miss,” Akiko thought.

It was also a good excuse to hear Song Ying’s voice again.

The call connected quickly, and Akiko finally heard Song Ying’s voice again.

---

“Leng Feng?”

Song Ying was briefly stunned.

She instinctively wrapped her down jacket tighter around her. As she spoke, visible white vapor came from her mouth — almost freezing into icy shards. She gazed at the vast area of dense fog ahead, visibly distracted.

Just half a day ago, the Song family had been evacuated from the foggy zone — rescued by two men in black suits who claimed to be sent for that purpose. They also brought a message from Mr. Blind.

Apparently, Mr. Blind had learned that Song Tianyou was trapped inside the fog, so he sent these two agents.

Once they delivered the Song family to safety, the men in black left immediately. For now, the family was staying in a nearby small town — though with the fog continuing to spread, they might need to evacuate again in just a few days.

After discussion, the three main Song family members decided to wait a little longer — several warriors from their clan were still missing due to the fog. Uncle Wu and Song Haoran were trying to make contact. Once everyone was accounted for, they would consider leaving. After all, the Song family’s base was still in South America — they couldn’t stay in China permanently.

“Miss? Miss?”

“Oh… I was just thinking. Continue.” Song Ying refocused and resumed listening to Akiko’s report — though she was still a bit absent-minded.

This whole investigation had started long ago, and Song Ying hadn’t found a good reason to recall Akiko since. Then she returned to China, and the matter dragged on.

After the ice cellar incident, Song Ying’s perspective had shifted. She’d long since abandoned her caution toward Luo Qiu… Now, she was more concerned that if Akiko returned and accidentally revealed she’d been spying on him — and if Luo Qiu heard about it…

“You’ve done a great job, Akiko!” Song Ying suddenly said. “But it’s not enough! I need more! From now on, your mission is clear: dig out everyone connected in this network! It’s very important for the Song family. Understand?”

“Yes, Miss. I understand!”

“Thank you for your hard work,” Song Ying said softly. “I have some matters here to deal with. Report back if anything new comes up… Oh, and since Miss Ren is nearby, try to keep her safe. No matter what, she’s still part of our Song family.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

After sending Akiko off, Song Ying yawned and lay back on her bed — they had been trapped in the ancestral mansion for days, nerves on edge, barely any rest.

Now that she was out of the fog and lying down in peace, she finally felt exhausted, mentally and physically.

“Wait a minute… Didn’t Luo Qiu say he went home for the New Year? Why is his stepmom here instead?”

Just then, sleep overcame her like a tide. Her eyelids grew heavier… and finally closed.

The instant they did, a vision of a desolate, ruined city flashed across her mind — rotting corpses wandering through the ruins…

---

This was already the best hotel left in town… but it was nearly empty now. Most guests had already left.

Late at night, the lights were still on in one room.

“It’s still spreading. This thing is like a beast, devouring everything,” Song Haoran said, using night vision binoculars to observe the fog outside town.

“During the great battle years ago, the mist of the ‘Four Seasons Glazed Scroll’ covered a thousand kilometers. Continued expansion is no surprise.”

A gentle female voice sounded behind him — Princess Chuyang.

She had changed into modern clothes, and her hair hung loose without styling — yet it still looked silky like fine silk.

“You’re saying it could reach over 500 kilometers?” Song Haoran turned to look at her pale face.

These days, he’d made sure Princess Chuyang kept a safe distance from the Suihou Pearl. Still, their interactions had calmed — no longer hostile, and they could talk normally now.

Song Haoran brought Princess Chuyang a tablet. After leaving the fog-covered area, electronic devices were usable again… It wasn’t impossible to assign her a dedicated tutor to teach her about modern society, but given the current situation, it wasn’t very practical.

Fortunately, this princess had excellent comprehension and was quite intelligent. She often inferred more from less and had, in a short time, actually begun to understand the workings of the modern world.

"That depends on whether the person using the ‘Four Seasons Glazed Scroll’ has the strength to fully unleash its power," Princess Chuyang replied casually without even looking up, her eyes fixed on a map of China. "However, the ‘Four Seasons Glazed Scroll’ isn't without a method of counteraction."

“Oh?” Song Haoran was immediately intrigued. “Didn’t you say it won’t stop unless the spellcaster dies or cancels it?”

Princess Chuyang lifted her head and looked at Song Haoran. “What I meant was the way to move through the fog, not a way to disperse it. I’ve already said that back in the day, the imperial dynasty once borrowed the power of the ‘Four Seasons Glazed Scroll’ to repel invading beasts. When this artifact is activated, it affects both friend and foe alike. Without a safe method of moving through it, how would the imperial army have hunted monsters within the fog?”

Song Haoran frowned… He didn’t ask why she hadn’t said this earlier — their relationship wasn’t that friendly to begin with. The princess had no reason to care about his survival.

Or maybe, if something did happen to him, the Suihou Pearl would just return to her?

Several Song family warriors were still trapped inside. If there really was a way to move safely through the fog, it would greatly help in rescuing them.

“How will Your Highness teach me?”

It all came down to mutual benefit… Song Haoran understood this well, so he got straight to the point.

Princess Chuyang glanced at Song Haoran meaningfully before slowly saying, “Though I have awakened, the place of my eternal rest has been disturbed… I must get to the bottom of this.”

Song Haoran, sharp as ever, chuckled and said, “Princess, you’re unfamiliar with this era and need someone to work for you, right?”

Princess Chuyang remained silent.

Young Master Song smiled faintly. “Your method might indeed help me recover my lost subordinates more efficiently. But even without it, I believe my men will find their way out eventually. It’s just a matter of time. I don’t see why I need to become your assistant over that.”

Princess Chuyang suddenly said, “Song Haoran, you desire power, don’t you?”

Song Haoran raised an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?”

Princess Chuyang replied calmly, “I’ve seen the ancient book you secretly study… It’s a cultivation manual, isn’t it? But you’re struggling to understand it.”

“You can read it?” Song Haoran narrowed his eyes.

Princess Chuyang said coolly, “Try me.”

After some thought, Song Haoran tossed the mysterious ancient book — the one from the man with the bronze mask — to her.

He wasn’t afraid she might destroy it; he had already memorized it word for word.

Princess Chuyang picked it up without expression and began casually flipping through it.

She ended up reading for over two hours. Song Haoran noticed various emotions flash across her face — starting from indifference to growing concentration… enough that she completely lost track of time.

But Song Haoran was patient by nature, so he simply watched her read for two full hours.

Finally, Princess Chuyang spoke. “Although I don’t know who wrote this book, they were undoubtedly a genius. It indeed records a cultivation technique, and its origins lie in the imperial dynasty. However, it has been modified and refined into something even more profound.”

“You’re saying… this cultivation method came from the Qin dynasty?” Song Haoran asked in surprise.

Princess Chuyang responded matter-of-factly, “What’s so strange about that? Back when demons plagued the land and heretical forces stirred chaos, if our Emperor Qin dynasty had no means to counter them, how could we have brought order to the world? This technique is called ‘Tongtian Floating Pagoda.’ It was a secret method granted to meritorious individuals. Among the many techniques of the imperial dynasty, it was one of the most esteemed. Now that it’s been enhanced, it’s even more formidable. You’re quite fortunate to have acquired this book.”

“Then, please guide me, Princess.” Song Haoran smiled. “I’ve never lacked manpower, resources, or money.”

“I shall first teach you the introductory Qi-guiding technique,” said Princess Chuyang calmly. “I will only say it once.”

“Oh… Alright, let me record it first.” Song Haoran tapped his phone to start recording.

Princess Chuyang: ……

---

The first to come out was Gui Ying, followed by Kui Qianyi, then Long Xiruo and the others.

It was nighttime, and the exit was still behind the grain depot. But once they emerged, Long Xiruo’s group found something odd.

Near the exit, there had been many tents — now all empty. Gui Ying immediately inspected the surroundings.

“Judging by the signs, there were quite a few people here not long ago. But they left in a hurry for some reason.”

“It’s probably because of that,” Long Xiruo said with a deep frown as she looked up.

Since leaving the Penglai Vault, her expression had remained terrible. Upon seeing the massive fog ahead, it worsened further.

“This is…” Kui Qianyi murmured with a furrowed brow. As if realizing something, he blurted, “The Four Seasons Glazed Scroll? Who activated that thing?”

“Who else?” Long Xiruo sneered. “Kui Qianyi, did you forget who specifically came to visit me before?”

“You mean… Gongsun Shiyu?” Kui Qianyi’s expression darkened.

The Palace of Xuanyuan was divided into Qian and Kun divisions. Kun handled the subjugation of strange demons and species, while Qian consisted of descendants of the Gongsun clan — they also oversaw the Palace’s Treasure Vault.

If anyone could easily access the vault’s treasures, it would be the Gongsun clan of the Qian Division.

“What are you talking about? Gongsun who?” asked Su Zijun, who had just exited, frowning.

“Who else? That poor kid you ditched at the altar,” Long Xiruo shrugged.

Su Zijun froze. “That self-righteous idiot showed up here?”

(End of Chapter)