Jie did so. "You know," she said, "you still haven't introduced yourself. I have no idea what to call you."

The man chuckled and his eyes twinkled with mirth. Jie wondered if it was genuine or if he was just that good.

"I wasn't sure someone of your status would be bothered to know my name. I am Jiang Feng. I run this branch of our esteemed auction house," he said.

"It's nice to meet you Jiang Feng," Jie said, "I hope you can help me."

Jiang Feng smiled, and again it looked utterly genuine. "I shall certainly do my best. I've been informed of your dilemma, and unfortunately, we truly do not have such powerful items. Nor are we in contact with anyone of such power. I doubt any auction houses in the realm of mortals possess such things," he said.

"The realm of mortals?" Jie said.

"Gods are things of legend. I won't pretend to know who they are, where they are, or how many of them there are, but they don't seem to spend much time with mortals. Perhaps they have cities in places no one without their strength dares to venture," Jiang Feng said. His eyes twinkled as he said that as though he suspected that Jie knew more than he did on the subject.

Jie nodded. If that's what he thought, it might serve her well.

"If you don't mind me asking, why can't your family teach you or find someone to do so? Surely, they're better equipped to do so," Jiang Feng said.

"Unfortunately, healing isn't one of our specialties. Those in my family... well, let's just say they're of the mind that if you kill anyone before they can touch you, things like defense aren't all that meaningful," she said.

Jiang Feng nodded sagely. "There is great wisdom in that," he said, "but, you wish to heal."

"Yes," Jie said, "so, you see my dilemma."

Jiang Feng's face turned more thoughtful. "There is... rumor... of a place with a powerful alchemist. No doubt he could teach you how to heal and practice alchemy as the two are so closely linked much of the time. But, I'm afraid I can't say if there's any truth to it," he said.

"This alchemist... how powerful is he said to be?" Jie said.

"They say he's an immortal. Supposedly more powerful than the Spectral Emperor himself. But, an Angel ranked cultivator could be seen as an immortal to those of lower cultivation and I doubt many have the ability to sense the true strength of such a personage. I take it such a thing is too low for your needs?" Jiang Feng said.

"Unfortunately," Jie said.

"Then, a rumor is all I can offer you," Jiang Feng said.

"Tell me about him, at least. I may look into it. Just in case," Jie said.

"I know very little, but the rumors say he presides over a city as a just and fair ruler. But he's also said to be a little bit... mad. Of course, this is all hearsay, and I have no desire to offend such an illustrious existence," Jiang Feng said.

"Don't worry, I have no plans to tell any gods that you spoke ill of them," Jie said.

Jiang Feng seemed to relax a little at that. "He's said to be gifted with alchemy. That he was once a prodigy among prodigies and stepped where none could follow. It's also said that those in his city are eternally healthy because he wills it. That healing even mortal wounds on the highest ranked cultivators takes no more than a casual gesture," he said, "If there's any truth to these rumors, I believe he would have to be a god to achieve such feats. Or, close to it at the very least."

Jie nodded and stroked her lips with the back of one knuckle. It's not much, but it might be worth checking out... she thought.

"Where is this alchemist?" Jie asked.

"He's said to reside beyond the Cursed Lands, but beyond that... I don't know. Not many dare to venture there, and those who do either don't return or come back as maddened monstrosities. Vicious shadows of whoever they once were," Jiang Feng said.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"But, if that's the case... how did the rumors begin?" Jie asked.

Jiang Feng smiled. "You're very perceptive on top of being a talented cultivator," he said with a slight bow of his head, "In truth, there are a few who have succeeded in traveling through those lands and some who are thought to know of secret ways to The Shining City of Luoria."

"So, what are these secret ways? Who claims to know of them?" Jie asked.

"I've investigated it before, but unfortunately, I've only ever found scam artists. Usually, people out to con innocent folk who they then deliver to slavers," Jiang Feng said.

Jie clenched her fists so tight her knuckles turned white.

"I'm sorry I can't be of use to you in that. In truth, I suspect anyone who knows of an easy way there will keep it to themselves. But... there is one whom you might ask..." Jiang Feng said, "if you can get him to tell you that is."

"Who?" Jie asked. Though she had a sneaking suspicion of where this was going.

Jiang Feng smiled. "Your Headmaster, of course. He hails from beyond the Cursed Lands and succeeded in venturing through it to this region. He may know how to make it through safely, and he may even have seen the city you seek," he said, "but... I should warn you... he isn't very forthcoming with such information."

Jie frowned. "Any idea why not?" she asked.

Jiang Feng sighed softly. "The Cursed Lands are... not conducive to fond memories. The rumor goes that when he set out... he had a party of friends with him. He arrived alone. In shredded robes. Driven half mad by what he'd been through and on the brink of death, lucky not to have fallen over the edge.

"I've often asked him about his experiences there, but his lips remain sealed. Even when tempted by coin, or items of incredible power. I've heard that many students have approached him too, and he always turns them away. Often harshly. If you want to learn what he knows... I can only say good luck," he said.

What could he want? Would Elder Shi know? Maybe I could get an audience with him somehow, and at least hear what he has to say... I wanted something closer and more definite but it sounds like this might be my only option... Jie thought.

"Thank you, Jiang Feng," Jie said seriously, "I shall think on your words and decide on a course of action."

Jiang Feng nodded. "You are wise beyond your years, I think," he said.

Jie smiled softly. "Thank you," she said.

"I apologize once again that I couldn't lead you directly to a god of your choice. I shall ask around however and let you know if I find anything. I trust you don't have a problem with me asking for you at the academy?" Jiang Feng said.

"Feel free. I want to know as soon as possible," Jie said.

"If you don't mind my asking, why are you in such a rush? It should be some time yet before your cultivation will be high enough for such things," Jiang Feng said.

"I'd like to have it all arranged in advance. I can't know what my affinities will be, and anyone capable of healing at the level my family demands won't be easy to find. Besides, I doubt it'll take me very long to advance anyway," Jie said.

Jiang Feng bowed his head. "Of course, I sometimes forget who I'm talking to. Even I am not used to dealing with those of such an illustrious background," he said.

Jie kept herself from smirking, but not without great effort. It felt ridiculous to be talked to that way, but... was he really that far from the truth? How many people got transported across worlds and had a god teaching them? Even if that god was badly injured...

I'll get you better, you old snake... just hang in there... Jie thought.

"Is there anything else you need?" Jiang Feng asked.

Jie tilted her head to one side and considered that question. She'd only come because she wanted to look for something for Ming... and for cultivation resources. And... maybe she could get some healing resources for Ming? Even if they were weaker... maybe they'd help him just a little?

"Actually... you might be able to do so," Jie said, "do you sell cultivation resources? And, I might want to have a look at the strongest healing items you have available as well."

"Certainly, we sell both. What level of cultivation resources do you wish for? For your current rank?" Jiang Feng asked.

"For my current rank, and beyond I think," Jie said, "I'd hate to have to constantly make trips back and forth every time I advance after all."

Jiang Feng looked a little stunned for a moment but quickly recovered. "I'm sure we can arrange something. I can get you a variety of whatever you wish that I can sell to you now directly, but we also have an auction taking place later. We usually sell our items through auction, and we are obligated to do so by contract in most cases.

"But I understand your wish to avoid needless travel. If you like, we could arrange for a proxy to bid in your stead? You could set limitations on what you're prepared to pay for each item and such. Then, we'll deliver anything you win to you at the academy in a discrete fashion. This is something we don't normally offer, but we can set it up for you," he said.

Jie nodded and tried to look like she knew what the hell she was doing. "I'll want to inspect what you have available. You can tell me what the usual winning bids are and what each item is worth at the same time," she said.

I hope I don't get ripped off too much... she thought.

Jiang Feng pressed his hand against the red orb on his desk, much like in the office of the other man, and it too glowed in response.

"Someone is coming with a listing of anything that fits what you asked for. There are also a few other items that may be of interest to you. If you wish to see them?" Jiang Feng said.

Jie shrugged. "That's fine. As long as you don't waste my time," she said.

Jiang Feng smiled easily. "I'd never dream of doing that," he said.

And how would you talk to me if you didn't think I had a family of gods watching out for me? Do I even have enough money to pay for anything? I'd better think of something to say if I don't... Jie thought.