True Solution of the Sword Dao
Chapter 340 - 319 Borrowing Money I

Chapter 340: Chapter 319 Borrowing Money I

Inner World

"To join the Temple of the Gods, the first requirement is to enter Cloud City," the man in golden robes explained. "Cloud City is the largest nearby city and is a third-level city under the jurisdiction of the Temple of the Gods. Though it’s a third-level city, its scale is comparable to that of New York in the Outer World. It’s enormous. Although Cloud City’s principle is the freedom promoted by the Temple of the Gods, some preparation is still needed to pass through the outer protective barrier."

Lin Fei frowned and said, "My age is a stumbling block. I’ve only been practicing cultivation for a few years, but my strength is too formidable to avoid attracting scrutiny. Is there any solution?"

"You can disguise your strength. Purple Raw Ore should be supplied in large quantities to most core members. To outsiders, Purple Raw Ore is a precious resource, but for major powers, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. So, my lord, you only need to reveal the qualification of core members. There’s no need for contact with the top echelons. The organizational structure of the Temple of the Gods is regional, which needn’t worry you," Yuan Yicheng chimed in.

Lin Fei nodded.

"Which direction is Cloud City in, and what are the requirements to enter?"

"To enter Cloud City, you need to prove that you are not from the Original Domain. As long as you’re an Earthling from the Inner World, you can enter. However, since Cloud City is only a third-level city, its strongest are likely to be leaders at the B-level. Given the strength and influence of the Temple of the Gods, their B-level powerhouses are undoubtedly formidable. We’d better keep a low profile," the man in golden robes said, having apparently done extensive intelligence work recently and being very clear on these matters.

"Additionally, if we want to go to Cloud City, just the two of us won’t be able to find the way. Perhaps we should find some people to guide us," Yuan Yicheng suggested.

"Okay. We should be able to find someone here, right?" Lin Fei turned back and looked at the small town.

"Of course."

*************

Yellow Sand City

At the city gate, a number of horse-drawn vehicles were neatly lined up waiting to depart. Some people in grey clothes were busy loading and unloading items into the vehicles. A group of people in white robes stood beside the horse-drawn carts, speaking with a short, stout man.

"Who are those three?" the person in white robes asked with a frown. "Didn’t you say earlier that only our group would be setting off together? Why are three additional people suddenly joining us?"

The short, stout man offered an ingratiating smile, "They’ve also joined us at the last minute and are heading to Cloud City with us. It’s on the way, after all, and there’s no harm in giving them a ride. Our caravans have enough space for both your party and them."

"I paid you sufficiently in advance for this trip, and now you’re bringing me three extra people," the one in white robes said coldly. "You’d better explain yourself!"

"My lord, it’s still on the way, and with so many of you, including some powerful individuals in your company, are you still afraid of just three more people? They’re also quite wealthy and not a concern. Now, I need to prepare to set off. Please make yourselves comfortable. It’s best to get on the carts and ready yourselves; I won’t be held responsible if you fall behind," the stout man turned and left directly.

The white-robed person’s face turned livid with rage, and even behind a veil, one could sense their teeth grinding with anger.

As the stout man walked away, he muttered under his breath, "What nonsense! I’m a businessman, not someone to be bossed around by you! The Violet house is nearly ruined, and they’re still trying to be haughty!"

The person in white robes shook with fury, clenching their fists until the veins stood out.

"Lila! Don’t be rash!" a crisp female voice called out from behind the person in white robes. "Right now, it’s best we seek refuge in Cloud City. We don’t have much time."

The person in white robes took a deep breath and gradually relaxed their body, then spoke in a low voice.

"Yes, Miss."

"This merchant caravan is well-backgrounded, which is precisely why it’s secure. But because it’s secure, the backgrounds are complex, so please don’t act hastily," the female voice continued to instruct, before falling silent.

Lila nodded, glancing past the people moving cargo, fixing her gaze on the three figures behind the merchant caravan.

One of the three leaned against an empty horse cart, while a man and a woman were talking with each other.

As soon as Lila looked over, the woman among them suddenly lifted her head and smiled faintly, sending a wave of enticing charm and a hint of icy aloofness with the gesture.

"It seems they’ve noticed us,"

Lin Fei leaned against the carriage, turning her face to look at the group of white-robed people.

"I’m quite intrigued by their violet eyes. There seems to be an inexplicable power within," the man in golden robes said with a smile. "Very peculiar. However, it doesn’t seem to be meant for combat."

"Let’s not digress. Reaching Cloud City is all that matters. I bought a map from the head of the caravan," Yuan Yicheng took out a map from his pocket, seemingly made of some leather material, and handed it over to Lin Fei.

Lin Fei accepted it and slowly unfolded the map. Thin, clear lines on the pale yellow parchment outlined a somewhat chaotic shape. The place names were marked in English, with a scale and regional name in the top left corner.

In the bottom right corner, there was a line of tiny signatures, likely the mapmaker’s.

Only a few place names were marked on the map; one of them was Cloud City. Next to it, a river called Haila River was marked, with the Eastern Forest across it, sprawling endlessly, then a blank area, obviously not yet explored.

To the left of Cloud City, two small dots were marked; one labeled Yellow Sand Town, the other Yellow Wind Town. Across from both towns lay another city – Desert City.

This was the entire map. Quite simple.

"It’s not very useful, only good for a rough understanding of the surrounding terrain," Lin Fei said indifferently.

"This one is self-made; it’s said that there are also official printed maps, but only available for purchase in Cloud City and at a high price," Yuan Yicheng added.

"Yuan Yicheng, go back first. Golden here still needs assistance, and Ye Yuhua is unfamiliar with the situation by himself. Just the two of us are enough here," Lin Fei glanced at the white-robed people standing in front. "These people are too weak. It’ll take another four days to reach Cloud City; we don’t need to all gather here. One person staying behind is enough."

"Then I’ll stay behind. My lord, you must have matters to attend to on the Outer World," Golden said with a smile. "But staying here is also fine~~ Sharing a cart with my lord, we could do other things too..."

Lin Fei gave her a dispassionate glance. "We’ll talk about that later."

"Once on the horse cart, as long as we prevent outsiders from entering, we can conceal our departure. If we’re discovered, you know what to do,"

Golden laughed playfully: "Of course. I won’t let a single one escape."

******************

Outer World

Hua Nation, Ping City

Within the Quiet Room of the Swordsmanship Club

Ye Yuhua sat cross-legged on the ground, her Longsword resting on her lap, as she meditated with her eyes closed.

Hiss...

As delicate background noise rose, a blurry figure suddenly twisted into existence in the Quiet Room.

Soon, the figure rapidly became clear.

It was none other than Lin Fei, who had just returned from the Inner World.

"My lord," Ye Yuhua stood up and respectfully said.

"Using you as a beacon makes it really convenient to enter and exit the Inner World. Has Yuan Yicheng left?" Lin Fei scanned the surroundings.

"Yes, he’s already returned. Communicating via messages isn’t the same as being present in person. Also, your sister Lin You has been trying to call you. I didn’t answer," Ye Yuhua took out Lin Fei’s mobile phone, which had been entrusted to her before he entered the Inner World to avoid missing any calls or messages.

"Is that so?" Lin Fei was slightly startled, "Why would she suddenly contact me?"

He took the mobile phone; the screen showed new messages, three in a row from Lin You.

Gently, he opened them.

"Are you there?" That was the first message.

"I need to talk about something." The second one.

"I need to discuss something with you, can you come back?" That was the third message.

The missed call was from two ten in the afternoon.

Lin Fei glanced at the time; it was now three twenty-seven, more than an hour had passed.

He promptly replied with a message. "I was caught up with something just now and just saw your messages, what’s up?"

No sooner had he sent the message than a reply came back immediately. Clearly, she had been waiting for a response.

"When will you be back?"

"I’ll be right back," Lin Fei said with a smile.

*******************

Lin You sat on the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling, lost in thought.

"Xiao You, the burden of the family now rests on your shoulders. You must understand that personal dignity is not significant. For the safety of the family, for ensuring our future livelihood, we must have sufficient funds. You’re not seeking money for money’s sake, you’re striving for the safety of everyone! Keep it up!" Merrill’s emotional words kept echoing in Lin You’s ears.

"Stop worrying over nothing, why so tense? It’s just a loan," Feil stretched lazily at her side.

"I... I..." Lin You’s mind was a mess, and she didn’t know what to say. She thought back to the Lin Fei of the past—mediocre, a bad student, impatient, slovenly, messy, a recluse, a pervert...

Then she thought of the Lin Fei of the present—handsome, gentle, patient, sociable, academically successful, always smelling nice...

"If I tell him I need to borrow money..." Lin You’s mind began to simulate scenarios.

"Borrow money?" Lin Fei crossed his arms and glanced at her scornfully. "You know Lin You, you used to be so arrogant. Weren’t you the one who excelled? Didn’t you look down on me? Now that you’re in trouble, you come to me for a loan? Do you think I’ll lend you money? With your sub-100 IQ, even you should realize that’s not going to happen."

Lin You’s eyes were vacant.

"It’s... It’s over... He’s definitely going to say that!!"

"Didn’t I get the money quite easily last time?" Feil yawned, "Or should we switch bodies again, and I’ll handle it?"

"No way!" Lin You’s cheeks instantly turned tomato red. "I’ll do it myself!"

Feil swept an unreadable glance at Lin You. "Looking at you just makes me anxious."

"I can’t take this. I’m going to take a nap." Feil, not bothering with her anymore, flipped over and sprawled out to sleep.

A moment passed.

Click!

The sound of a key turning in the lock echoed from the living room door.

Lin You suddenly looked towards the doorway, nervous.

Lin Fei walked in with a calm expression, wearing a black tight-fitting shirt paired with lightly faded slim jeans, and his eyes as composed as ever, exuding the charm of a top-level handsome man.

"Xiao You, did you need me for something?" Lin Fei set down his things, having casually bought some snacks on the way back.

Lin You glanced at the snacks and felt a surge of irritation.

She had often been the one to demolish those snacks, believing they were specially purchased by her parents, only to discover they were bought by Lin Fei...

"There’s... something..." Lin You felt a burning sensation from her face to her neck. Her body was overheated as if a fire blazed within her.

"I... I want to... buy a ballpoint pen... a Finley brand one... it’s just a bit expensive..." she stammered, digging for an excuse.

"A ballpoint pen?" Lin Fei paused, "How expensive can a ballpoint pen be?" He burst into laughter. "Don’t be so nervous, I’m not going to eat you. Take your time."

"I..." Lin You didn’t even know what she was doing anymore, she mustered all her strength.

"Xiao You, seduce him..." Feil whispered to her.

Lin You looked down: "I..."(To be continued. If you like this book, welcome to qidian.com to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)