My Antique Mirror Is A Portal To Another World-Chapter 605: Equivalent Exchanges

The Minister of Rites scanned the empty main hall, only to see that the golden statues were covered in spiderwebs and dust. After a moment of observation, he took a step forward.

Just as he walked a few steps into the main hall, a sudden gust of wind swept through, blowing the dust into the air.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!" The Minister of Rites coughed while waving his sleeve, trying to clear the dust.

When the dust finally settled, a cold male voice echoed in the silent hall.

"What a rare guest. Minister of Rites of the Yu Empire’s imperial court, it is an honor to have you here tonight. What kind of wish do you have now?"

Hearing the chilling voice, the Minister of Rites raised his eyes and saw the silhouette of a man sitting on top of the dusty altar.

Knowing that he must be the envoy of the Hong Sha Pavilion, the Minister of Rites put down his hand-held lantern and clasped his hands.

With a slight bow, he said calmly, "Greetings, Envoy of the Hong Sha Pavilion. This old minister’s wish is to find out whether my family members imprisoned by Prime Minister Wen are still alive or have already left this world. This old minister hopes that they can return home safely."

Listening to his words, the envoy stared at him in silence. His eyes, hidden behind the black mask, coldly scanned the Minister of Rites’ face, trying to find even the smallest clue to his true intention.

After a brief moment of silence that felt like forever, the envoy finally said, "Minister of Rites, there is a price for everything. What can you offer to my Hong Sha Pavilion for helping you realize this wish?"

Before coming here, the Minister of Rites had already investigated the Hong Sha Pavilion’s rules. Although he couldn’t find much useful information, he managed to learn some basic information and knew that the Pavilion had only conducted equivalent exchanges since its establishment more than a decade ago.

The Minister of Rites thought for a moment before replying, "This old minister is willing to offer my entire wealth in exchange for my family’s freedom."

Rubbing the hilt of his sword, the envoy considered his offer. A few seconds later, he said, "Not enough. That price can only buy one life."

The moment his words fell, the Minister of Rites closed his eyes resignedly.

’As expected. Money is the least valuable thing to them. It seems I can only offer something else that might interest them.’

With this thought, he opened his eyes again.

Raising his head, he looked at the envoy and said calmly, "This old minister has information that may be valuable to the Hong Sha Pavilion."

"Oh?" The envoy raised his brows slightly. "Minister of Rites, don’t you know my Pavilion’s specialty?"

"This old minister knows." The Minister of Rites replied calmly.

Receiving his answer, the envoy continued as a flicker of interest flashed in his eyes, "Since you know that assassination is only our secondary business while information gathering is our primary one, do you think there is anything in this world that we do not already know?"

The Minister of Rites’ jaw tightened at his words. Clenching his hands, he forced himself to remain calm despite his nervousness.

Staring directly into the envoy’s cold eyes, he said, "This old minister believes that my information will benefit your Pavilion Master greatly."

The moment he mentioned the Pavilion Master, a murderous intent flashed in the envoy’s eyes.

Although the Minister of Rites was a civil official who knew no martial arts, he had served the imperial court for decades and experienced many dangerous situations.

When he felt the cold aura directed at him, he knew it was the envoy’s killing intent.

Standing in the middle of the hall, his back was already drenched in cold sweat. Yet, his face remained calm.

After a long silence, the envoy finally asked, "What kind of information?"

Knowing that only a blood contract can bind the Hong Sha Pavilion, the Minister of Rites shook his head and responded, "This old minister cannot tell you before we sign the contract."

At that moment, both sides doubted each other’s sincerity.

While the envoy doubted the value of the Minister’s information, the Minister of Rites doubted whether the envoy could truly be trusted.

Seeing that the Minister of Rites wouldn’t reveal the information without any promise from his side, the envoy frowned slightly.

’This old man has served three generations of emperors in the imperial court. Based on our information, he is someone with integrity and can be trusted. Should I agree to his conditions?’

The envoy pondered for a while before saying, "Since the Minister of Rites cannot trust us, then there is no need to continue this conversation. The door is there. You may leave now."

Realizing that the envoy held the advantage in this negotiation, the Minister of Rites became anxious.

As he observed him, the envoy noticed the hidden anxiety and urgency in his eyes.

’Interesting. He has no confidence that we will accept this mission, yet he almost fooled me with that calm expression. This old man is truly interesting.’

Not knowing that his value had increased in the envoy’s eyes, the Minister of Rites gritted his teeth and said, "Fine. This old minister will tell you part of the information. If you find it valuable, then this old minister hopes the Hong Sha Pavilion can save my family from the Wen Clan."

Seeing that he had taken a step back, the envoy gestured for him to continue.

Reaching into his sleeve, the Minister of Rites took out an old, thin book. From its yellowed pages, it was clear that it was at least a few hundred years old.

Presenting the book, he said, "This old minister happened to stumble upon this ancient book a few years ago. Envoy, you may be interested in the information written inside."

After he spoke, the envoy jumped down from the altar and walked toward him. Taking the book, he carefully opened it. The moment he read the first few lines, his eyes widened in shock.

’This—! So this is the reason why the Feng Army is unbeatable?!’