Sage Monarch

How could someone as experienced as Yang Qi not be able to tell what Summer Vastcold was thinking? Of course, there was no way that she would simply trust him immediately. She was no fool. Considering the ridiculous amount of wealth he'd showered on her, it was obvious he had ulterior motives that went beyond his desire to defy the Eternal-Life God-Dynasty.

And as an experienced faction leader, she was fully capable of playing games.

The fact that Summer Soundfyre had invited Yang Qi to the Destined Marriage God Temple had created the perfect opportunity to get more information. Not only might she get more information about Summer Soundfyre's position, but she could also learn more about Yang Qi and his motives. Who wouldn't want to kill two birds with one stone in this way?

As for Yang Qi, he wasn't so full of himself that he assumed people would just instantly fall in love with him.

Of course, that wasn't his goal anyway. Once he had created a relationship so deep that Summer Vastcold and her faction had to stick by his side, he would be able to make a move on the Mahātmā Jade.

Furthermore, the more godstones and godnotes he threw at them, the more suspicious they would be, and the less inclined they would be to trust him. He was playing with fire, and knew he had to be very careful. If they learned the truth, they would definitely start thinking about taking advantage of him.

"Fine, I'll meet her," Yang Qi said. "That said, Miss Vastcold, I hope that after you reach the Unbounded level, you can help me with a certain matter. It won't involve betraying your sect, nor will it be a violation of morality and justice. What do you say? If you agree, then going forward, I'll do everything in my power to help you."

She smiled. "So, that's how it is. Well, I guessed that you had a reason for getting on my good side, Young Sir Void Qi. Only a complete moron would throw away tens of billions for no reason. What exactly do you need my help with?"

"It's nothing too important, and I'd actually hoped to wait until you reached the Unbounded level to explain. Basically, I need someone to help me open the Lord of Civilization's treasure storehouse." In order to dispel Summer Vastcold's suspicions, Yang Qi had to make up a story that was fantastic, but at the same time believable. If he kept her in the dark, she would be constantly on guard and worried. But if he told her something that could alleviate her concerns, it would loosen tensions and make it much easier to work with her.

"You want to open the treasure storehouse of the Lord of Civilization?!" Summer Vastcold seemed surprised. "Wait, do you mean that only someone with Unbounded will convergence can open it?"

He nodded solemnly. "That's right. Specifically, only my own Unbounded will can open it."

"Then what do you need my help for? Don't tell me you think I'm going to give you my Wisdom and Knowledge God Pill." She chuckled coldly.

He shook his head. "No, I wouldn't do anything like that. It's going to be very difficult for me to reach the Unbounded level, and the Wisdom and Knowledge God Pill won't help. I need something else!"

"Oh, what is it?"

"The treasure storehouse has the Engine of the One God, and within it, the imperial-heaven pre-beginning systems. With that, I can reform my constitution and push my will convergence to a higher level." He smiled faintly. "I'm sure you know a few of the secrets of the Cruiser of Civilization."

"Yes, I do," she replied.

"And isn't there a piece of the cruiser in the Eternal-Life God-Dynasty's treasure storehouse?"

"Oh, you know about that too?" Suddenly, everything clicked for her. "Are you saying the reason you're targeting the Eternal-Life God-Dynasty is because of that?"

"Yes, exactly. The truth is that I need someone who I can trust, an expert with Unbounded will convergence, to join me in a dual cultivation technique that will make me seem like an Unbounded expert. Then I can get into that treasure storehouse. Of course, you'll also be able to have your pick of the treasure."

"So that's how it is. And why exactly do you think you can trust me?" She still seemed a bit suspicious.

"Because I'm a good judge of character. Also, the Nacrelight Sageland is an orthodox sect. You people won't murder others just to get treasure. Besides, I plan to spend more time getting to know you. Once we're actually friends, I'll actually be able to trust you." Yang Qi was wording things so well that he had almost convinced himself of what he was saying.

His skill at lying had long since reached the ultimate level.

"Now I understand," she said. "In that case, I feel a bit better. Fine, let's team up. But first, you have to do everything you can to help me reach the Unbounded level."

"A word once spoken..." Yang Qi said, extending his hand.

"... cannot be taken back even by a team of four horses," Summer Vastcold finished, reaching out with her own beautiful, delicate hand to clasp his. With that, they formalized their agreement and reached a temporary position of mutual trust.

"You have to be very careful with Summer Soundfyre. She's not going to be easy to deal with...." As they continued along, Summer Vastcold went on to explain many details about Summer Soundfyre.

Meanwhile, off in the distance, Summer Soundfyre and her people were talking about Yang Qi.

"Elder Sister Soundfyre, that Void Qi is truly incredible. Where exactly is he from? He actually defeated Proud Realm with a single move! It's hard to tell what level he's really at. After all, Proud Realm is an early Consummate God."

"Whatever," Summer Soundfyre said. "Proud Realm is scum who used a bunch of medicinal pills from the Proud Clan to achieve his breakthroughs. If I didn't need to give face to the Proud Clan, I wouldn't give him the time of day. That said, I'm definitely interested in this Void Qi. I wonder who he really is."

"Elder Sister, are you really going to meet him tonight at the Destined Marriage God Temple?" another female disciple asked. "That's where couples usually go for dates. Isn't that going to give people the impression you're interested in him? Rumors will fly! You're an expert at manipulating men, but you've never had a date with someone at the Destined Marriage God Temple. So why are you starting now?"

"It's not a big deal," Summer Soundfyre replied coolly. "He's obviously key to Summer Vastcold's plan for her breakthrough. As long as I can get him on our side, and get access to his wealth, our Soundfyre Society will be able to move on to the next phase of our plan. Hmph! I'm definitely going to reach the Unbounded level before Summer Vastcold!"

"But how are you going to deal with him, Elder Sister?"

"Oh, I have my ways. Suffice to say, this meeting at the Destined Marriage God Temple is only to get an idea of what he's capable of."

"But Elder Sister, what if Void Qi doesn't show up?"

Summer Soundfyre laughed. "He'll definitely show up. If nothing else, Summer Vastcold will want to get more information about me, so she'll make him meet me. Trust me, I know her all too well."

Later that night....

It was evening, with only a bit of light left on the horizon, and a host of twinkling stars overhead. It provided a very romantic backdrop. The Destined Marriage God Temple of the Nacrelight Sageland was a place filled with beautiful, ancient statues, as well as inscriptions of poetry and countless fresh flowers. It was clearly a place devoted to romantic love, a location where people would whisper sweet nothings into each other's ears.

There were couples everywhere, and the atmosphere was filled with romance. Originally, it had been a location where female disciples would come to be married, but now it was mostly used for dating.

Normally speaking, when a young woman felt sparks with a young man, she would invite him here to see if true romance would blossom.

"Hey everyone, look! That's the leader of the Soundfyre Society, Summer Soundfyre. I can't believe she's here for a date! Don't tell me...."

"Summer Soundfyre usually manipulates men, nothing more. So why is she bringing one here for a date? Hasn't she sworn off all men in existence?"

"There's no man in existence who'll ever win Summer Soundfyre's heart," a man said. "It's hard to say how many men have fallen for her schemes."

As soon as Summer Soundfyre looked over at the gossipers, they went as silent as cicadas in winter and hurried away to other corners of the chapel.

WHOOSH!

A moment later, Yang Qi approached her.

"I knew you'd come," she said, smiling at him. "At first, you didn't want to, but Summer Vastcold convinced you to come fish for information."

"Impressive. You guessed exactly right. Now that I've done what she asked by coming here, I'm done." With that, he turned to leave.

"Hold on," she said hurriedly. "Maybe we can come to an agreement."

"You and Summer Vastcold are archenemies. Meanwhile, I'm just getting to know her. If I suddenly start working with you, it would ruin my relationship with her." He waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. I'm not interested in standing with a foot in two different boats. It might seem fun, but I'd only make a fool of myself in trying to be clever. Besides, getting mixed up with you two will only get me killed."

"Look, I know what you're after. You want to help Summer Vastcold reach the Unbounded level so she can help you with some task. Unfortunately, you've bet on the wrong party. How about you help me reach the Unbounded level instead? If you tie yourself to her, you're just going to make it harder on yourself in the future."

"You want to reach the Unbounded level?" He stopped and looked back, his eyes glittering. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

"Simple. Aren't you aware of Summer Vastcold's secret weapon? Her whole plan revolves around that Wisdom and Knowledge God Pill. But I don't care about that. You see, I know for a fact that I'll reach the Unbounded level before her. Want to know my secret?"

"What?" he said. "You're saying you have some secret weapon too? Don't tell me you have something superior to a Wisdom and Knowledge God Pill."

"I'll tell you in a moment. First, we have something else to discuss." Summer Soundfyre had slowly but surely seized the initiative in their conversation.