Seven Treasure Pavilion [Bonus Chapter for 20230323130102557's Tip]

The golden hall exuded extravagance. Crystal chandeliers hanging high overhead bathed the entire chamber in brilliant light, while a five-meter-wide staircase covered in red carpet stretched straight ahead.

After walking along the Red Carpet for a while, a spacious hall appeared before the two of them. Looking around, they saw that the entire space had been divided into dozens of sections, each marked with signs for different categories.

However, Qian Xunji did not enter the hall.

The items here were relatively ordinary, all common things found outside. Thus, the two did not linger and went directly to the lift platform at the rear.

Several young girls in long dresses were stationed here as well, responsible for helping guests select which floors to go up or down to.

Before Qian Xunji and Jiang Hao could approach, one of the young girls slowly walked over and asked with a professional smile, "Honored guests, which floor would you like to visit?"

Qian Xunji asked, "Which floor sells clothes and ornaments?"

"Honored guests, floors six through eight sell all sorts of unusual clothing. We have a complete range of products, and our clothing is designed by renowned designers. We guarantee your satisfaction," the young girl explained.

Qian Xunji revealed a smile and slowly nodded. "Thank you. Then we'll go to the sixth floor."

The sudden smile on Qian Xunji's face was like a spring breeze. Combined with his devilishly handsome features, it was simply irresistible. The several young girls blushed at the sight and avoided his gaze, not daring to look at him.

As greeters of the Seven Treasure Pavilion, the people they usually encountered were either handsy or wore lecherous expressions. They did not dare resist. They were merely ordinary people, completely incapable of fighting back. Most of the visitors were of high status, either nobles or soul masters. If they were lucky enough to catch a noble's eye, they could become a concubine and live out the rest of their days without worrying about food or clothing. If they were unlucky, even if they were toyed with to death, those honored guests would only need to pay a few Gold Soul Coins in compensation.

That was simply how this era was. Human lives were as worthless as grass, the division between classes was stark, and this was the fate of those at the bottom.

When Qian Xunji arrived on the sixth floor, he found a dazzling expanse of gold before his eyes. A broad corridor gleamed magnificently, its extravagant decor breathtaking. The passage was over ten meters wide, with the floor paved in precious ivory-white jade tiles. Every ten meters along either side stood a pair of pillars carved from the same material and adorned with splendid patterns, while the walls looked as though they had been wrapped in gold foil.

The patterns carved upon them were intricate and gorgeous. With a brief examination using his powerful Mental Power, Qian Xunji was immediately astonished by their exquisite craftsmanship. This was merely decoration for the walls! It was difficult to imagine just how exquisite things would become further inside.

At the top of the corridor, luxurious crystal chandeliers hung one after another, yet they did not feel oppressive in the slightest, because the corridor was a full five meters high. The lighting was a soft warm yellow, and against the golden walls on both sides, the three-dimensional golden world was enough to dazzle anyone.

As they approached, rows upon rows of clothes and ornaments filled their view in a dazzling array. Paired with the warm yellow lighting, it felt as though they had entered a king's palace.

Qian Xunji turned to look at Jiang Hao and saw the foolish boy staring like a country bumpkin. His mouth hung wide open and his pupils had contracted slightly; he was clearly shocked beyond belief.

"Stop staring. You look like you've never seen the world before. This is how Douluo Continent's upper class lives—extravagant and corrupt. And this is only a peripheral main city. Just imagine what the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire must be like," Qian Xunji said.

"Then why is it that we commoners work diligently every day, yet still live in poverty and go hungry, while nobles never engage in production but are rich beyond measure? Why is that, Big Brother? Can you tell me?" Jiang Hao clenched his fists, a trace of determination in his eyes as he looked at Qian Xunji.

Approval appeared in Qian Xunji's eyes. Jiang Hao was very clever to have recognized this issue at such a young age. Unfortunately, his world was still far too small, and he needed proper guidance. Thus, Qian Xunji said, "I didn't expect you to think of that. Very good. But I won't give you the answer. You need to uncover and understand that answer for yourself. What I tell you would only be my own thoughts. Only when you truly figure out this question will you truly understand this world. Jiang Hao, your talent is quite good. I have high hopes for you." With that, Qian Xunji gently patted Jiang Hao's shoulder and strode away.

Jiang Hao watched Qian Xunji walk away and carefully reflected on what he had just said. He silently swore to himself, I'll definitely find the answer. I swear!

Qian Xunji went from row to row, pleasantly picking out clothes and occasionally gesturing with his hands. He called Jiang Hao over and asked what kind of clothes he liked, but Jiang Hao lowered his head timidly. Qian Xunji thought he did not like these things, so he brought him to the seventh floor.

Yet when Qian Xunji was not looking, he failed to notice that Jiang Hao's eye sockets had reddened and that his body was trembling. He asked himself, Why is he treating me so well? I'm only an orphan, a commoner. If not for this chance encounter, perhaps I would never have met him in my entire life. Jiang Hao silently swore that he would repay Qian Xunji properly in the future. From that moment onward, Qian Xunji became a part of his life.

Unlike the somewhat cluttered sixth floor, the seventh and eighth floors were more orderly and slightly smaller in area. However, the items here were more exquisite and expensive than those on the sixth floor, appearing incomparably luxurious.

The entire hall had ten rows of display cabinets, each row containing dozens of display stands. A hemispherical glass cover sat over each stand, beneath which were all kinds of rare treasures collected by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The spaces between each row of cabinets were also broad, roughly enough for three people to walk side by side. Every item displayed here was exceptionally valuable. However, guests who entered the seventh floor generally had a certain amount of wealth and would usually purchase several interesting items.

At that moment, the young girl approached Qian Xunji and said, "Honored guest, is there anything I can help you with?"

Qian Xunji thought for a moment before saying, "First, find him an outfit that suits him. It needs to fit properly and be easy to wear—not too flashy, but not too plain either." Qian Xunji pointed at Jiang Hao as he spoke to the young girl.

"Certainly. Please follow me," the young girl said with a smile.

Qian Xunji and Jiang Hao followed the young girl to the counter and waited quietly. Before long, she returned with clothes for Jiang Hao to try on. The outfit was entirely black, with golden marks embroidered along the hem. These golden marks formed a strange pattern, while the cuffs and collar were cleverly designed. Once Jiang Hao put it on, he looked sharp and capable, brimming with youthful vigor. Qian Xunji nodded in satisfaction and said to the young girl, "Bring me ten sets. They can be a little larger, so he can wear them in the future."

The young girl glanced at Jiang Hao enviously; everything was left unsaid. That outfit was no ordinary item—it cost at least ten thousand Gold Soul Coins. Yet that man had spent the money without even blinking. The young girl nodded. "Certainly."

Qian Xunji sensed someone watching him. Turning his head, he found Jiang Hao looking at him with grateful eyes. Qian Xunji paused, then said, "Alright, don't look at me like that. If you truly mean it, then cultivate properly and repay me with your strength."

Jiang Hao said, "I understand. I definitely won't disappoint Big Brother's expectations. Definitely."

Qian Xunji nodded, reached out to rub Jiang Hao's head, and said, "Jiang Hao, remember this: everyone who comes into this world has their purpose. If you encounter difficulties in the future, don't give up. You must overcome them. This is my advice to you. Keep it firmly in your heart."

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