Book 2 : The Masked Strength of the Sect's Trash Chapter 113

Shan Yue slammed the jade teapot onto the table with a sharp, echoing sound. "Now, can we finally talk?" she asked, barely containing her irritation.

Unfazed, Lu Shaoqing took his time pouring himself another cup, savoring it with a pleased murmur, "Ah, good tea!"

Seeing Shan Yue's murderous glare, he flashed a casual smile, set down his cup, and said, "Alright, let’s get down to business. After all, time is precious."

Shan Yue clenched her fists. Time is precious? She thought back to him lounging and drinking her spirit tea. Two whole pots of precious tea... wasted!

"So, what’s this big news you have about Ji Yan?" she asked.

He leaned forward. "I heard you're a fan of his?"

Shan Yue didn’t deny it. "Yes, Ji Yan is someone I admire. Who wouldn’t want to be as skilled as he is?"

Lu nodded thoughtfully before launching into an account of Ji Yan’s recent confrontation with Cang Zhengchu from Guiyuan Pavilion.

Shan Yue listened, her face transforming with surprise. "You’re saying Ji Yan clashed with Elder Cang Zhengchu and even held his ground?"

Lu shrugged. "Why would I lie about that? You could easily verify it."

Realizing he was right—such a large-scale incident would have been impossible to keep under wraps—Shan Yue scowled. "That despicable Cang Zhengchu! How dare he use his higher cultivation level to oppress Ji Yan!"

Lu inwardly smirked at her reaction. Definitely a die-hard fan. "So," he said, "you know what to write for tomorrow’s news, right?"

Shan Yue was already envisioning the article. "The headline could be: Guiyuan Elder’s Shameless Attempt to Crush Lingxiao Sect's Young Talent! I’ll expose his disgraceful conduct thoroughly."

Lu nodded approvingly. "Good. I think this is the kind of coverage that’ll do justice to the truth."

Shan Yue’s annoyance with him softened as she realized the value of the scoop. "Thank you, really. This news is timely."

But Lu only raised an eyebrow. "Just a thank you? A big story like this deserves a reward, don’t you think?"

Shan Yue felt herself bristle again. "Fine, fine—three hundred lower-grade spirit stones."

"Three hundred? That’s it?” Lu looked affronted. "I suppose I’ll accept, even though it barely covers my tea."

Shan Yue gritted her teeth, mentally envisioning whacking him with the jade pot. "Three hundred is the standard. Take it or leave it."

He shrugged. "You really ought to raise your rates; otherwise, who’d want to give you leads?"

Shan Yue bit her lip, barely concealing her frustration. Like there aren’t countless informants eager for a Tianji reward. “Anything else? I have work to do."

Lu grinned. "Rushing me out already? Is Tianji Pavilion stingy with courtesy too?" He leaned in. "Actually, I still have something to discuss."

Shan Yue forced a calm expression. "What now?"

"I need some information," he said, his tone turning serious.

Shan Yue shifted to business mode. "Depends on the type. Prices vary, but I can give you a discount for the story you provided."

Lu shook his head. "Not interested in paying."

Her eyes narrowed. Not interested in paying? She was about to show him the door when he said, “If you agree, I can give you as much news about Ji Yan as you like. Imagine that!”

She was skeptical. "You think you’re his... what, his manager?"

"Don’t believe me?" Lu produced a memory stone and activated it, displaying a high-resolution image of Ji Yan in striking, battle-worn armor. The captivating, almost dangerous energy in Ji Yan’s expression left Shan Yue speechless.

“You... actually have an image of Ji Yan this close-up?” She couldn’t hide her amazement.

"Who do you think I am?" Lu replied. "I’m his junior brother. I could get as many images as you want... even personal items.”

"Enough with the jokes," she snapped, irritated. "But... hypothetically speaking, what information do you need?"

Seeing her curiosity piqued, Lu leaned back with a smirk. “Everything you have on Dianxing Sect. I want their information down to the last detail. Even the guard dogs."