The Dawn of the New World

"Well, no one really knows," Sixth shook his head.

"The military has tried looking into his background but couldn't find out much. He just appeared here a few years ago with a little bit of money and made an empire with it. He has connections all over the kingdoms and some say even abroad."

"If you need something done low-key, someone taken care off, need something or someone found, protection, etc, he can do it all. There are a few others but he has the best reputation. His word is his bond. There is no one more trustworthy than him."

"Hmm, so what is he called?"

"Yangdi. We call him Yangdi and he seems to like it so it stuck."

A few minutes passed and the door finally opened once again.

In walked a man dressed in a traditional Kimono. He looked very delicate and had a pale complexion and was so thin that it looked like a gust of wind was enough to blow him over.

He had long black hair that were coming down to his chest and if not for his Adam's apple and the slight stubble on his face, one could easily mistake him for a girl. He looked to be about 25-27 years of age and completely out of Hao Xuan's expectations.

He thought Yangdi would be a large fat man with gold all over him but this guy was the literal opposite.

"What the hell? He looks like a delicate young master from some rich family. Is it really him?" Hao Xuan looked over at Sixth with a confused and looked and got a nod in return, confirming his identity.

"Young master Jun, it's been a while. How is the old master doing?" Yangdi smiled and asked in a very friendly tone. With a single sentence from him, the entire atmosphere relaxed.

"Woah, what is with this guy? Is that his power or something?" Hao Xuan was on full guard. How could anyone be so charismatic? Even Hao Xuan himself wanted to become friends with this guy.

"Something is definitely not right," he clenched his fists.

"Father is good. He always tells me to go meet brother Yangdi so I thought why not since an opportunity presented itself today," Sixth seemed to be used to it and replied casually as well.

"Oh? What opportunity?" Yangdi asked with a surprised expression.

"I wanted to introduce someone. This is my senior, Brother Hao Xuan. He needed help with a few things and I thought you would be the perfect person for the job," Sixth gestured towards him, prompting Yangdi to also look over with a smile.

"How do you do. Like Jun has said, I'm Hao Xuan," he smiled in a similar care-free manner and nodded at him.

"Nice to meet you. I'm called Yangdi. I feel like I have seen brother Hao before, did we meet somewhere?"

"I would remember if I ever saw brother Yangdi before. I don't think we have had the pleasure. Maybe I just have one of those faces?" Hao Xuan laughed while Yangdi just looked at him with a smile, making him uncomfortable.

"So how can I help brother Hao today?" Yangdi asked while staring straight into Hao Xuan's eyes. He felt like he was naked in front of this guy.

"Fuck, does this guy have x-ray vision or something??!" Hao Xuan crossed his legs, just in case Yangdi did have something like but it was probably his imagination.

"Well, the topic is very sensitive. Is there somewhere we can talk in private?" Hao Xuan smiled at him which made Yangdi raise an eyebrow. He kept silent for a few seconds and then got up.

"Of course, please follow me," he walked out of the door with small steps.

"Brother, wait here. I'll be back in a bit," Hao Xuan said to Sixth and followed after him.

Yangdi took him through a few hallways and down several steps of stairs into a room which was covered by formations on all sides.

Hao Xuan had seen such rooms before like the one in the Den but this one was completely packed to the brim with all kinds of formations. Most of which he couldn't tell the function off, not that he knew anything about formations to begin with. There was not a single inch of the wall not covered by glowing runes and letters, moving around and melding together perfectly. It gave the spectators a feeling of harmony.

Hao Xuan was surprised yet again. How could this guy have something like this? He hadn't seen anything like it in even the Beast Hall.

"Please," he gestured towards one of the seats and sat on the other himself. Hao Xuan didn't waste time and sat down as well.

"You can speak freely here brother Hao. This is the most secure place in the entire city and no one will be able to eavesdrop on our conversation," he said calmly and picked up a cup of steaming tea that was sitting in front of the table.

There was another one for Hao Xuan but he didn't pick it up, making Yangdi smile once again.

"I heard you have connections everywhere in the kingdom. Is that true?" Hao Xuan asked curiously.

"Yes. More or less everywhere," Yangdi nodded in return.

"I need some information about the crown prince and General Yue Fei. Their routines, when they are alone, how many guards, their schedules, etc. Can you get that for me?"

Yangdi was about to take another sip but froze and the smile on his face vanished.

"Brother Hao, this is treason," he looked up to meet Hao Xuan's eyes.

"I know," Hao Xuan simply nodded back with a smile. Yangdi didn't say anything and continued looking at him. Hao Xuan didn't shy away either and met his gaze.

"Yes, I can get this information, but there are a few requirements," he finally nodded and looked away.

"Please enlighten me."

"First, it will, of course, be expensive. Second, once you have the information, you cannot tell anyone that you got it from me. You will have to make a vow with your soul on the line. If you break it then, well you can guess. Third, I will need you to bring me something back from the palace.. You will know more once you agree to these terms."