Chapter 70 The Stance of the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion

"Young Master Xu is indeed insightful. This person is indeed extraordinary; at such a young age, he has already reached the peak of the Grandmaster realm. Furthermore, his swordsmanship is equally formidable, centered around speed. According to our intelligence, a vast majority of those who previously fell to him didn't even get the chance to draw their swords."

Since she needed Xu Feng to step in, Lady Rong naturally had to share all the intelligence transparently without endangering him. Having prepared well in advance, she compiled all the information onto a single sheet of paper and handed it over to Xu Feng.

Xu Feng glanced over it roughly. At first, many had come seeking a reputation, but as more and more people died at the opponent's hands, very few dared to accept the challenge anymore.

Of course, some fearless individuals continued to throw themselves into the fray, but without exception, they all ended in defeat.

It was not that the pugilistic world lacked individuals capable of reining him in; the real trouble was that among the younger generation, virtually no one was a match for him.

If the older generation were to step in, they could certainly resolve the matter directly, but that would seem somewhat dishonorable, winning without fairness.

There was also another possibility: the opponent might have reached an agreement with certain factions in the martial arts world, ensuring that true top-tier experts would not intervene. This was why Lady Rong had sought out Xu Feng.

Regardless of the outcome, it pointed toward a massive conspiracy.

After a brief scan of the compiled intelligence, Xu Feng casually tossed the paper onto the table.

"Before we proceed, may I ask Lady Rong a question?"

Xu Feng always acted with measured caution. Even if he were to accept, it would be after careful deliberation, driven purely by rationality rather than a surge of youthful recklessness.

"Young Master Xu, please feel free to ask whatever is on your mind. Anything I know, I will not withhold."

"I am rather curious about the stance of the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion."

On the surface, the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion appeared to be a martial arts faction, but through his interactions with Sword Wind Mountain, Xu Feng had gradually realized that these pugilists were far from simple.

Most of their backers held prominent positions within the imperial court; otherwise, they would never have been given the opportunity to grow.

The Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion was undoubtedly no exception.

In the past, before donning the uniform of the Brocade Guard, Xu Feng could have agreed without a second thought to return a favor.

However, his circumstances no longer allowed him to act with unbridled recklessness as before. He had to weigh all factors carefully, ensuring at the very least that this matter would not jeopardize his official career.

Lady Rong did not answer immediately. After a moment of thought, she spoke slowly, offering a rather ambiguous reply that did not directly address Xu Feng's point.

"Young Master Xu need not worry about such matters. The Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion is definitely not on the opposite side of the Brocade Guard."

"As for the specific identity of the person backing the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, Young Master Xu will naturally find out once your standing in the court rises. For now, however, it is still a bit too early."

In other words, knowing too much would do him no good, though Lady Rong phrased it with utmost courtesy.

Xu Feng stopped while he was ahead and did not press further. There was no reason for Lady Rong to deceive him.

However, the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion was ultimately not the Brocade Guard. If they wanted him to take action, they naturally had to offer substantial benefits. He could not risk his life for them without cause, especially since this mission posed a mortal danger.

Xu Feng was by nature someone who would not scatter the eagle without seeing the rabbit; he was certainly not some naive, goody-two-shoes.

Without seeing tangible benefits, getting him to act was no easy task.

"Then I'll be blunt. If you want me to make a move, what can the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion offer?"

Hearing this, Lady Rong showed not the slightest trace of anger; instead, she burst out laughing.

"Young Master Xu is as straightforward and decisive as ever. I like this trait of yours. Rest assured, I won't let you lend a hand for nothing. There are indeed benefits."

Cooperating with Xu Feng brought very little pressure to most people, precisely because everything was laid openly and squarely on the table.

Consequently, there was no need to worry about lingering disputes or haggling afterward.

Lady Rong clapped her hands, and soon a servant girl entered the room carrying a tray of exquisite items.

"This is the Ten-Direction Great Pill, which can rapidly breakthrough your cultivation. Even a Grandmaster's power can be pushed forward in the shortest possible time."

"This body-hugging defensive armor is even finer than the one provided by the Brocade Guard. Ordinary blades and swords can hardly scratch it by a fraction, ensuring your safety is worry-free."

The Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion proved to be extremely generous. Xu Feng had long heard of the renown of the Ten-Direction Great Pill, though he had never laid eyes on one.

Only the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion possessed such financial resources; other martial arts factions might not be able to produce it, or at least not assemble it in such a short time.

As for the body-hugging defensive armor, it went without saying. The greatest fear when wandering the martial world was that while open spears are easy to dodge, hidden arrows are hard to guard against.

With hidden adversaries waiting for an opportunity, one never knew when an attack might come. Possessing such defensive armor would drastically increase one's survival coefficient. It was clear that the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion had spared no expense this time.

With a month remaining before the opponent swept all the way to Gusu, these ten pills would be enough within that month to push Xu Feng's realm into the mid-Grandmaster stage.

"You may inspect them first. They are undoubtedly genuine. Everything I just said is without exaggeration. If the Ten-Direction Great Pill and the soft armor prove ineffective, you are entirely free to refuse."

Lady Rong generously invited Xu Feng to verify the items. Inspection was hardly necessary, as the reputation of the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion was entirely trustworthy.

These two treasures were desperately needed by Xu Feng at present. Although he possessed the Human Emperor Banner to enhance his power, pushing his realm so high in such a brief span might be beyond even the banner's capabilities without triggering a massive massacre that would easily draw unwanted attention.

The Ten-Direction Great Pill had no such worries. Most importantly, it carried no side effects, allowing him to elevate his strength recklessly—though naturally, it was only effective up to the Grandmaster realm.

Once he broke through to a higher realm, it would likewise lose its effect.

"Hahaha, I knew that since the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion was asking someone to act, they wouldn't disappoint. My read on people has always been accurate—I agree."

Having secured the treasures, Xu Feng no longer hesitated and readily accepted, the items naturally falling into his possession.

"I must still remind Young Master Xu not to underestimate the opponent. His strength is formidable. You can use this period to hone your swordsmanship further. If you have any requests, just voice them, and the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion will satisfy them."

Lady Rong still harbored deep confidence in Xu Feng's strength; her only concern was his practical combat experience.

In truth, there was no need to consider this issue at all. Xu Feng's combat experience far surpassed that of most people, especially since every time he used the Human Emperor Banner to absorb others' souls, it yielded the profound effect of divine enlightenment.