Qian Xunji led Jiang Hao on a leisurely stroll, stopping frequently. The Seven Treasures Pavilion was overflowing with rare and exotic items, a dazzling array that almost overwhelmed Qian Xunji. After purchasing some essentials, Qian Xunji prepared to leave, but his gaze lingered on an item displayed on the counter, bypassing Jiang Hao.
The counter displayed an introduction: a fragmented map, said to have been brought out of an ancient ruin by a powerful Soul Master. Due to its antiquity, its true secrets could not be fully revealed. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School determined that several other fragmented maps were needed to uncover the ruins' true secrets. However, considering the vast distance in time, the visitor wishing to trade could speak with the Seven Treasures Pavilion's manager.
Qian Xunji immediately became interested and slowly released his spiritual energy to examine the map fragment on the counter. However, his spiritual energy vanished instantly, like a mud ox sinking into the sea.
Qian Xunji's face showed a strange expression, and he thought in surprise: What material is this map fragment made of? It actually absorbed my spiritual power, it feels very mysterious.
Qian Xunji stared intently at the map fragment, and saw that it exuded a simple and ancient charm, forming a vast aura that rushed towards him, as if taking him back to ancient times. After a while, Qian Xunji came back to his senses
, and shivered. This map fragment was too eerie, it was simply impossible to guard against. Qian Xunji called over the girl and ordered her to go and call their supervisor to see him. The girl nodded obediently and quickly went to do so.
After waiting for less than ten minutes, a person came over. Although he could not be described as refined and cultured, he was neat and clean, tall and upright. His clothes were ironed straight, the color was not eye-catching and there were no patterns, but the fabric had a subtle luster, and the white silk lining under the deep purple collar was spotless. He wore few adornments, except for a piece of mutton-fat jade pendant at his waist, its milky white color warm and pure, clearly of considerable value. His entire demeanor was unpretentious and elegant. Moreover, his voice was exceptionally pleasant, magnetic, gentle, and composed, and he was very approachable.
The newcomer was named Ning Chen, a direct descendant of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. However, due to his relatively low awakened innate soul power, he had been relegated by the sect to this main city as a manager, responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Seven Treasure Pavilion. He was considered a prominent figure in the city.
"Is this the honored guest who summoned me? What brings you here?" Ning Chen asked politely. Ning Chen looked at the man opposite him; his face was stunningly handsome, a rare beauty. His black robes gave him a sharp and capable air, and he was poised and elegant. An ancient black sword hung at his waist, indicating he was a swordsman. Seeing the powerful aura he exuded, Ning Chen concluded that his strength was not to be underestimated and that he must be treated with caution.
"It's me, my name is Qin Jian. I wanted to ask how much this map fragment costs at your Seven Treasures Pavilion?" Qian Xunji asked Ning Chen.
"Then I'll call you Brother Qin. Brother Qin, this map fragment has been appraised by the sect elders. It's incomplete. You'll need to collect at least three more pieces to piece it together. Leaving aside the difficulty of collecting them, the map has been corroded by time, and we don't even know if the ruins still exist. I suggest you really don't need to buy it; after all, we're just displaying it here as a decoration," Ning Chen said slowly.
"I'm sorry, but I have my own ideas. Tell me honestly how I can get it," Qian Xunji said firmly.
Seeing this, Ning Chen stopped trying to persuade him and said seriously, "Since Brother Qin insists, just pay my Seven Treasures Pavilion 1000 gold soul coins. Judging from Brother Qin's imposing presence, he must be a disciple of a major sect with considerable strength. I intend to make your acquaintance, so I'll give you a friendly price."
"Alright, 1000 gold soul coins is indeed not much, thank you," Qian Xunji nodded.
At this moment, a person emerged from the corner of the hall. It was an old man with gray hair and a withered face, clearly of advanced age, and his body was slightly hunched.
"Chen'er, come with me for a moment," the old man said.
Ads by Pubfuture
Pubfuture Ads
"Yes," Ning Chen replied.
"Brother Qin, please wait a moment, I'll be right back," Ning Chen said to Qian Xunji, who nodded.
Reaching the corner, Ning Chen greeted the old man, who accepted the greeting readily and asked, "Chen'er, why did you sell that map fragment to him for 1000 gold soul coins? Although nobody wanted it, it was quite valuable. The sect spent a great deal of effort to retrieve it from that soul master, and then carefully protected it for many years, investing a considerable amount in it."
Ning Chen replied softly, "Third Uncle, although this map is valuable, we can't unravel its secrets. I observed that the young man's strength was considerable, and behind him..." "His power must be considerable. If he wants it, he can definitely get it, but it will cost a lot. I think we should sell it to him at a lower price, do him a favor, and get acquainted with him so we can ask for his help in the future."
Uncle San stroked his beard and smiled, "Old people are old, and their thinking isn't as clear as yours young people. Oh well, I don't care anymore. It's just that, alas, Chen'er, it's a pity. It's a pity your innate soul power is a bit low. Otherwise, I would risk my old face to appeal to the sect and have you go to the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire as a manager."
"Uncle San, I'm fine. Since my soul master talent isn't good, I'll work hard in other areas and achieve something too," Ning Chen replied.
Qian Xunji had been focusing his spiritual power on them the whole time, so he naturally heard their conversation. Qian Xunji couldn't help but sigh inwardly: This Ning Chen is indeed a remarkable person. He's worldly-wise, adept at navigating social situations, and knows how to gain favor. Luckily, his strength isn't high, otherwise I'd have another person to be wary of. However, such a talent would be wonderful if he could be of use to me. Thinking this, he smiled. How could someone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School be of use to me? Never mind, I'll think about it later.
Hearing someone call his name, Qian Xunji looked up, breaking his reverie, and said, "Brother Ning is back?"
Ning Chen nodded and said, "Yes, Brother Qin, do you need anything else?"
Qian Xunji said, "No, I've stayed quite a while, it's time to go. Brother Ning, please wait." With that, Qian Xunji led Jiang Hao out of the Seven Treasure Pavilion. The
Martial Soul Hall in Suoya City was a massive domed building. The width of the facade alone exceeded one hundred meters, and it was twenty meters high, divided into three levels. The entire building is brown, and the Spirit Hall emblem above the main entrance features a longsword and a chrysanthemum, signifying that this is a main Spirit Hall.