As Wuji made his way through the dim, narrow streets of the city, the faint glow of lanterns guided his path, casting long shadows on the cobblestone road. The air was heavy with a chill, yet the anticipation of the unknown filled him with an energy that blocked out the cold. His black robe fluttered quietly as he walked, and his wooden mask and the rice hat obscured his face, hiding his identity as he moved deeper into the marketplace. His destination was clear: the Jade Eye, a renowned intelligence organization operated by the powerful Qin family, one of the four great dukes of the dynasty.
The Jade Eye had earned its reputation for excellence through strict adherence to discretion and efficiency. They were not merely a network of spies or informants; they were masters of covert operations and information gathering, trusted by those in power for their absolute commitment to secrecy. From rogue cultivators to noble families, the Jade Eye served a diverse clientele, earning respect across the Golden Lotus Dynasty for their reliability and precision.
Wuji finally arrived at an unassuming, two-story building nestled among a crowded row of shops and homes. Its exterior, crafted from weathered stone and darkened wooden beams, bore the unmistakable signs of age. A faded, unremarkable sign hung above the door, displaying a single jade-green eye symbol. It was subtle, almost inconspicuous, yet to those who knew of the Jade Eye, it was a mark of authority. Lanterns on either side of the entrance glowed faintly, casting an eerie ambiance over the building, as if guarding the secrets hidden within.
Wuji took a deep breath, adjusted his mask, and pushed open the door. Inside, the first floor revealed a modest, sparsely furnished room. A low counter stood across from the entrance, and a few unadorned chairs lined the walls for waiting clients. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the room, giving it an air of mystery and quiet intensity. Behind the counter, a discreet partition hinted at private rooms where information could be exchanged without interruption.
He observed the room carefully. Several people stood waiting or speaking in hushed tones—some were masked members of the Jade Eye, dressed in black robes and wearing black masks. Each mask had a distinct feature: a vertical third eye above the two eye holes. The colors of this eye varied, with most masks bearing a white third eye, while a few had light green or full green markings. Wuji surmised that these colors indicated rank or position within the organization.
Approaching the counter, Wuji steadied his voice, keeping it low and controlled.
“I’d like to buy some information,” he said calmly.
The attendant behind the counter regarded him with a nod before signaling to one of the nearby Jade Eye members, whose third eye was a light green color. The member stepped forward, his movements smooth and calculated, a quiet authority in his gaze that pierced through the mask.
“Follow me,” he instructed in a soft, yet firm voice.
The man led Wuji through a narrow hallway and up a dimly lit staircase. Wall-mounted lanterns cast flickering shadows on the worn wooden steps as they ascended to the second floor. At the top of the stairs was a row of private rooms, each one discreetly shielded by thick curtains and soundproofed walls. The rooms were small and sparsely furnished, containing only a wooden table, two chairs, and shelves lined with coded scrolls and ledgers. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and wax, an atmosphere designed for quiet and confidentiality.
The attendant gestured for Wuji to enter one of the empty rooms and took a seat across from him. After Wuji settled in, the attendant’s voice broke the silence.
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“What is it that you seek, honored guest?” the attendant asked, his tone respectful yet businesslike.
“I need all the information you have on the Ironclad Mountains,” Wuji replied, keeping his voice steady.
The attendant paused, seemingly gauging the seriousness of the request, then nodded slowly. “The Ironclad Mountains… It is not a common request. Most who inquire about that region seek more than simple knowledge. Are you sure that is your request?”
Wuji inclined his head, eyes fixed on the man. “Yes. I want everything you have—faction dynamics, known cultivator clans, movements, dangers, alliances. Leave nothing out.”
The attendant leaned back, his hands folded neatly on the table, considering the breadth of Wuji’s request. “The Ironclad Mountains are south-east of the Golden Lotus Dynasty—a rugged, lawless region where rogue cultivator factions, mercenary clans, and bandit sects have taken control. It is a place of unrestrained violence and power struggles, where the strong dominate and the weak are crushed or enslaved. Many have attempted to conquer it, yet none have succeeded in taming its lands. What is it, specifically, you hope to find in such a volatile place?”
Wuji’s eyes narrowed behind the mask. “That’s for me to know. Just provide me with the information, and we’ll both leave satisfied.”
The attendant gave a slow nod. “Understood. For comprehensive intelligence on the Ironclad Mountains, the price will not be light. A detailed report such as this will cost you no less than 100 gold coins. Do you agree to these terms?”
Wuji, recalling the pouch his master had given him, nodded. “Hundred gold it is.”
The attendant’s eyes glinted behind his mask. He withdrew a thin scroll from within his robe and placed it on the table, sliding it toward Wuji. “This scroll will serve as your contract with the Jade Eye. We guarantee that the information provided will be accurate and thorough. Sign your initials here, and we will prepare the materials within the hour.”
Taking the small ink brush offered to him, Wuji inscribed his initials on the scroll. The attendant carefully folded the contract and slipped it back into his robe.
“Please wait here,” he instructed. “I will return shortly with your request.”
The attendant exited, leaving Wuji alone in the quiet room. Wuji exhaled slowly, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He didn’t know all the details of what he would uncover, but he was certain that the Ironclad Mountains held more than just rumors and danger. He wanted to be prepared, to know who controlled the lands and what forces operated in the shadows.
After nearly an hour, the attendant returned, holding a thick packet bound in a red silk cord. He placed it on the table, his expression neutral. “The information you requested.”
Wuji reached out, feeling the weight of the packet. The attendant’s eyes remained fixed on him as if assessing whether Wuji truly understood the gravity of the information he’d just obtained.
“Within this packet, you will find detailed reports on the main factions that control the Ironclad Mountains, their leaders, known strengths and weaknesses, areas of influence, and recent activities. We have also included an outline of notable independent cultivators, as well as a section on rumored ancient ruins that attract explorers and treasure hunters alike. Lastly, there is a detailed map highlighting the most dangerous regions, areas where rogue cultivators are frequently active, and territories dominated by bandit sects. This information is accurate to the best of our sources.”
Wuji’s hand tightened around the packet. “Thank you for the information. If I need further assistance, can I rely on the Jade Eye?”
The attendant gave a curt nod. “Of course. Our doors are always open to those who can afford our services. But remember—information is our business, and loyalty is not for sale. Should you face trouble in the Ironclad Mountains, do not expect our protection. We deal only in knowledge.”
Wuji understood the unspoken warning. He rose, nodding his thanks before tucking the packet into his robe. The attendant opened the door for him, allowing Wuji to slip back into the darkness of the hallway.
As Wuji exited the Jade Eye building, his mind was abuzz with thoughts of the Ironclad Mountains. The information he held was valuable, but it was only as useful as his ability to act on it. He would need to study it carefully, map out his approach, and plan accordingly.