Ning Chen

Qian Xunji led Jiang Hao along, stopping now and then. The Seven Treasure Pavilion had far too many curious items—an overwhelming, dazzling array. Even Qian Xunji nearly became dazzled by the selection. After purchasing some necessities, he was ready to leave, but his gaze passed straight over Jiang Hao and fixed on an item displayed on the counter.

The counter bore the following description: A damaged map, said to have been brought out of ancient ruins by a powerful Soul Master. Its age could no longer be verified. After appraisal by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it was determined that the other fragments of the map had to be gathered before its true secret could be uncovered. However, given the immense passage of time, even its origins could no longer be investigated. Distinguished guests wishing to trade for it may speak with the person in charge of the Seven Treasure Pavilion.

Qian Xunji immediately took an interest in it. He slowly released his Mental Power to inspect the Map Fragment on the counter, but the moment his Mental Power entered it, it vanished without a trace, like a clay ox sinking into the sea.

A strange look appeared on Qian Xunji's face as he thought in surprise, What material is this Map Fragment made of? It actually absorbed my Mental Power. It feels very mysterious.

Qian Xunji stared intently at the Map Fragment. It emitted an unadorned, ancient charm that formed a vast and desolate presence, rushing toward him as though it had transported him back to antiquity. Before long, Qian Xunji came back to his senses and shuddered. This Map Fragment was far too sinister—one could hardly guard against it.

Qian Xunji called over the young girl and instructed her to summon their manager. The young girl obediently nodded and hurried off in quick, small steps.

Less than ten minutes later, someone approached from the other side. Though he could not be called scholarly and refined, he was neat and clean, tall and upright. His clothes were pressed perfectly straight, their colors understated and without patterns, yet the fabric carried a faint sheen. The white silk lining beneath his dark-purple round-collared robe was spotless. He wore few accessories, save for a piece of creamy white jade at his waist, warm and pure in luster, clearly worth a fortune. He did not appear ostentatious in the slightest, but rather exceptionally elegant. His voice was also magnetic and pleasant to hear, while his speech was gentle, his manner calm, and his attitude toward others amiable.

The man was called Ning Chen, a direct descendant of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. However, because his Innate Soul Power had been rather low upon awakening, the sect had sent him down to this main city to serve as manager, overseeing the affairs of the Seven Treasure Pavilion. In this city, he could be considered an important figure.

"Was it this distinguished guest who summoned me? May I ask what urgent matter you have?" Ning Chen asked politely. Looking at the man before him, Ning Chen saw that he possessed peerless features and was an exceptionally handsome young man. His black robes made him appear sharp and capable, while his bearing was open and poised. An Ancient Black Sword hung at his waist, making him seem to be a swordsman. Sensing that the aura he gave off was not weak, Ning Chen concluded that his strength was certainly not to be underestimated and that he had to be treated carefully.

"It was me. My name is Qin Jian. I would like to ask how your Seven Treasure Pavilion intends to sell this Map Fragment," Qian Xunji said as he looked at Ning Chen.

"Then I shall call you Brother Qin. Brother Qin, the Elders of the sect have appraised this Map Fragment. It is incomplete; you would need to gather at least three more pieces before you could assemble a complete map. Setting aside the difficulty of collecting them all, this map has already been eroded by time, and it is unknown whether those ruins even still exist. I would advise you that there is truly no need to buy it. After all, we only placed it here as a decoration," Ning Chen said slowly.

"My apologies, but I have my own reasons. Just tell me how I can obtain it," Qian Xunji said firmly.

Seeing this, Ning Chen no longer tried to persuade him and instead said seriously, "Since Brother Qin insists, you need only pay our Seven Treasure Pavilion one thousand Gold Soul Coins. I can see that Brother Qin carries himself with distinction. You must be a disciple of a Great Sect, and your strength is surely exceptional. I wish to befriend you, so I will give Brother Qin a friendly price."

"Alright. One thousand Gold Soul Coins is indeed not much. Thank you," Qian Xunji said with a nod.

At that moment, someone emerged from the corner of the hall. He was an old man with graying hair and a withered face, clearly advanced in years, his body slightly stooped.

"Chen'er, come with me for a moment," the old man said.

"Yes," Ning Chen replied.

"Brother Qin, please wait a moment. I will return shortly," Ning Chen said to Qian Xunji. Qian Xunji nodded.

After reaching the corner, Ning Chen bowed to the old man. The old man calmly accepted the bow and asked, "Chen'er, why did you sell that Map Fragment to him for one thousand Gold Soul Coins? Though no one wants that Map Fragment, it is still quite valuable. The sect went through great trouble to seize it from that Soul Master, and over the years, we have carefully preserved it. We have invested no small amount into it."

Ning Chen lowered his voice and said, "Third Granduncle, although this map is valuable, we cannot decipher its secret. That young man appears quite strong, and the force behind him must also be formidable. If he truly wants it, he will certainly be able to obtain it, only at a greater cost. I thought it would be better to sell it to him at a lower price and do him a favor, so that we may become acquainted. If anything happens in the future, we may be able to ask him for help."

Third Granduncle stroked his beard and smiled. "When one grows old, one truly grows old. My thinking is no longer as clear as that of you young people. Fine, I will not interfere. It is only... ah, Chen'er, what a pity. What a pity your Innate Soul Power is somewhat low. Otherwise, even if I had to throw away all my dignity, I would petition the sect to let you serve as manager in the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire."

"Third Granduncle, I am fine. Since my talent as a Soul Master is lacking, I will work hard in other areas. I will still achieve something," Ning Chen replied.

Qian Xunji had been gathering his Mental Power all along to keep watch on them, so he naturally heard every word of their conversation. He could not help but sigh inwardly, Ning Chen truly is someone remarkable. He understands the ways of the world and handles human relationships perfectly. He knows how to earn people's goodwill. Fortunately, his strength is not high, or I would have one more person to guard against. Still, it would be wonderful if such a talent could be used by me. After thinking that, he smiled. How could a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect possibly be used by him? Forget it. He would think about it later.

Hearing someone call him, Qian Xunji raised his head, breaking free from his thoughts. "Brother Ning, you have returned?"

Ning Chen nodded. "Yes. Does Brother Qin need anything else?"

"No. I have stayed for quite some time, and it is time for me to leave as well. Brother Ning, no need to see me off." With that, Qian Xunji left the Seven Treasure Pavilion with Jiang Hao.

The Spirit Hall of Suoya City was a massive domed structure. Its front alone was over a hundred meters wide and twenty meters tall, with three floors in total. The entire building was brown. The Spirit Hall emblem above its front entrance bore a long sword and a chrysanthemum, signifying that this was a Martial Soul Main Hall.

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