Chapter 1809 — Bingtang's Sister
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 2
"Elder Zhang, might I trouble you to make an introduction, so that we may go and put our request to the Valley Master in person?" Though Tang Zhi knew the request was somewhat excessive, she had no other choice.
"Girl, I'd advise you both to leave..." Elder Zhang smiled bitterly. Xueli was still smarting from the rebuff she had received from Bingtang, and her temper was foul. That was precisely why, earlier, he had not even finished speaking before Xueli cut him off with a flat "No." So in his view, Tang Zhi could talk until the heavens fell and Xueli would never agree to their proposal. After all, there was no precedent for such a thing in the history of Snow Valley—whoever heard of buying on credit?
"Elder Zhang, I beg you. We truly can gather the money, but my friend cannot wait that long..." Tang Zhi bowed deeply to Elder Zhang once more. "Please, I beg your help!"
"Girl, nothing can be done without rules. I believe your words, but the Valley Master may not. If Snow Valley were to conduct business this way from now on, would we not descend into chaos?" Elder Zhang said. "Girl, perhaps you do not know—the Valley Master is not someone who can be seen simply because one wishes it. Even the sect's own disciples may not gain an audience with her, even if they beg for one..."
Elder Zhang had not put it too bluntly, but his meaning was plain enough: for people of Tang Zhi's standing even to request an audience with the Valley Master was simply impossible.
Tang Zhi hesitated, then gritted her teeth and said, "Elder Zhang, please tell the Valley Master that I am the sister of Bingtang, Master of the Ice Palace. Ask her to set her mind at ease—we will not short her a single coin. This time my friend has consumed the Ice Spirit Sacred Fruit, and I will go to the Ice Palace to fetch the money..."
"What?" At Tang Zhi's words, Elder Zhang's face at once filled with utter astonishment. He had assumed that Tang Zhi was merely connected to some minor family or petty sect, and had come to Snow Valley on their recommendation—after all, Snow Valley differed from other ancient sects in that its location was widely known and was no secret at all.
"We can even leave my friend here as security, and once we have fetched the money, we will take him away..." Fearing Elder Zhang would refuse, Tang Zhi added another sentence.
Yet an odd expression came over Elder Zhang's face. "You say... you are the sister of the Ice Palace Master?"
"Yes!" Tang Zhi nodded.
Elder Zhang could scarcely make sense of it. Was Bingtang not said to be an orphan? How had a sister suddenly appeared? What on earth was going on?
"So far as I know, the Ice Palace Master is an orphan. How could she have a sister?" Elder Zhang asked.
"We only became kin just recently..." Tang Zhi said. "If you do not believe me, Elder Zhang, then if you can reach the Ice Palace, by all means send word and verify it..."
Tang Zhi had not wished to invoke this connection, but now she truly had no alternative. If she did not speak of it, they would be driven out on the spot, and so she had chosen to say it.
"Wait here a moment. I shall report to the Valley Master once more..." Elder Zhang was deeply shaken and uncertain, yet Tang Zhi's earnest and solemn manner did not seem feigned. After all, such a thing could be checked with ease; there was no need for her to lie.
If Snow Valley were to learn that she had lied, she could forget about ever obtaining the Ice Spirit Sacred Fruit.
"Thank you, Elder Zhang!" At his words, Tang Zhi's heart eased, and at last there seemed to be a glimmer of hope.
"Might I ask your name?" Elder Zhang inquired.
"Tang Zhi!" she replied.
"Very well. Wait here." With that, Elder Zhang left the guest chamber once more.