Having learned of the situation from Alchemist Ruoxian, Lin Mu now had a rough idea of what he needed to do.
"Since the Grand Sky Pavilion is also heading to the Desolate Blood Battlefield, will this interfere in us obtaining the Hundred year old Essence Spring Stalactite?" Lin Mu asked.
"Yes. If the Grand Sky Pavilion discovers it, we can forget about ever getting it. They will seize everything and the only way to obtain it would be to buy it in auction for a very high price." Alchemist Ruoxian replied. "And I don't think we want that at all."
Lin Mu thought over it and nodded his head.
"I think I'll have to head out right away. That'll give us some advantage at the very least." Lin Mu spoke.
"That'll be close to impossible." Alchemist Ruoxian shook his head in disappointment.
"Why so?" Lin Mu asked.
"Even if you set out right now, you won't be able to reach the ruins or the cache in time." Alchemist Ruoxian replied. "The Grand Sky Pavilion has flying immortal vehicles that can transport multiple people at once at a high speed. They'll cover the distance in a significantly shorter time than you." He explained.
Lin Mu narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, but didn't lose hope.
"How much time does it take to reach the location of the ruins?" Lin Mu questioned first.
"For a first tribulation stage immortal cultivator, if they flew nonstop, it would roughly take them forty to fifty days to reach it. And this is if they don't encounter any trouble along the way, which they are bound to considering the current situation." Alchemist Ruoxian answered.
"And how fast is the flying immortal vehicles of the Grand Sky Pavilion?" Lin Mu questioned next.
"They should be able to cover the same distance in less than thirty days, with their speed being comparable to a fourth tribulation stage immortal realm cultivator." Alchemist Ruoxian answered.
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Lin Mu's face.
"Looks like we still have a chance then." Lin Mu spoke with a grin. "I can surely get there before that." He stated.
"Are you sure?" Alchemist Ruoxian asked in doubt.
"I can yes. If its just the speed of the Fourth Tribulation Realm immortal, I should be able to exceed that." Lin Mu replied.
"How?" Alchemist Ruoxian was stunned.
"I have my means." Lin Mu didn't reveal Little Shrubby's speed.
In fact, most wouldn't even be able to guess that the small kitten on his shoulders that seemed to only have Qi refining realm cultivation base could actually exceed the speed of a Fourth Tribulation Realm immortal.
Alchemist Ruoxian didn't have such thoughts either, guessing that either Lin Mu had an immortal tool that could boost his speed, or was also an immortal vehicle. He didn't question him either, knowing that everyone had their own trump cards.
'As long as he can get there in time, that's all that I need.' Alchemist Ruoxian thought to himself.
"If you have confidence, then I'll believe in you, Daoist Mu Lin." Alchemist Ruoxian cupped his hands.
The two of them talked about a few more details as Alchemist Ruoxian updated Lin Mu about the powers that will be involved in this.
While right now the ones involved were mostly the powers from and around Middle fort city, Alchemist Ruoxian told Lin Mu that others were already on their way to the city.
The biggest powers though, were the people from the Royal family, the Grand Sky Pavilion, The Blue Mountain Palace and the Blood Hook Company. Along with these, there were many smaller powers that weren't enough to mention, as well as itinerant cultivators involved.
Of these four big powers, Lin Mu knew about the Royal family, which was the ruler of the Holy Topaz Empire and the Grand Sky Pavilion. But he still didn't know the other two.
"I know the Blue Mountain Palace is the one that leaked the information, but what exactly are they and the Blood Hook Company?" Lin Mu questioned.
"The Blue Mountain Palace is actually the personal organization of one of the top nobles of the Dynasty. It is run by the Blue Mountain Duke and is said to be an organization that specializes in Interworld trade for the most part.
Though they are also known to sell information and have ties with other such organization like the Black Candle Pavilion." Alchemist Ruoxian said, and took a pause.
"As for the Blood Hook Company… they are a mercenary company on the surface, but in reality, they are just a group of assassins." Alchemist Ruoxian revealed.
"Oh? Assassins?" Lin Mu wasn't unfamiliar with such organizations, but was a bit surprised that they were allowed to exist openly.
"Yes. They have been in existence for a long time and have spread their roots deep in the continent. Though little is known about who leads them or how it came into being." Alchemist Ruoxian replied. "They are also the power that you need to be the most careful about." He emphasized.
"Let me guess, they don't fight 'fair'." Lin Mu spoke.
"That would be an understatement." Alchemist Ruoxian shook his head. "Their motto is to kill first, ask questions later. So forget about fair fights. They'll probably try to eliminate you though indirect means, whether it be poison, accidents or more." He revealed.
"Hmm… I'll keep that in mind." Lin Mu was thankful for such information. 'At least I know not to give them any leeway.' He decided to use all his power if he encountered any person from the Blood Hook Company.
"Another thing, the communication jade slips might not work normally in the Desolate Blood Battlefield. It is normal to encounter interference, so be careful about how you intend to use them." Ruoxian reminded.
"I know that." Lin Mu had already heard about it before.
"Also… we don't know when the other empires will get involved. If they do, I'm afraid the best option will be to run away." Alchemist Ruoxian suggested.
"We'll see if that time comes…"
