Each Takes What They Need

Ning Yuan's doubts had not dissipated, but he revealed nothing on his face. Instead, he chuckled and consoled him, "No matter, no matter. Opportunities cannot be forced. It is already a blessing that you found even one piece. Perhaps if your luck is good someday, you may come across another?"

Though he said this, he did not mention inviting Ning Chuan's family or friends again. Clearly, he did not fully believe the claim that it had been picked up, but for the moment, he could not find a better opening.

The atmosphere in the room fell into a subtle silence for a moment.

Taking the opportunity, Ning Chuan set down his teacup. The expression he had worn earlier when mentioning serious business returned to his face as he spoke with a hint of earnestness. "Old Mister Ning, actually... the main reason I came into the city this time was to buy some books."

"Oh? Books?" Ning Yuan stroked his beard and smoothly took up the topic, though his heart stirred.

This boy seemed unwilling to discuss the source of that valuable metal, yet he remained fixated on books? Interesting.

"Yes." Ning Chuan sighed, his face showing a worry and longing that did not suit his age. "I... failed my Martial Soul awakening. I have no Soul Power, so I'm afraid I won't be able to become a Soul Master in the future. I thought I should read more books and broaden my knowledge, to see whether I might find work as an accountant, a clerk, or something similar someday. It would still be better than farming for the rest of my life."

After speaking, he looked at Ning Yuan, his gaze clear and earnest. "But I visited several bookstores just now, and they only sold storybooks, or made-up legends about Soul Masters...

I wanted to find books that truly explained how Soul Masters cultivated, what Soul Power actually was, and what the strange flowers and herbs across the continent really looked like... yet I couldn't find a single one.

You are widely knowledgeable, Old Mister. Do you know where I could buy such books?"

As Ning Yuan listened to Ning Chuan, thoughts raced through his mind.

Failed Martial Soul awakening? No Soul Power?

That did explain why Ning Chuan did not seem particularly interested in the source of that strange metal. A child who could not become a Soul Master would naturally lack sensitivity toward such things. It was perfectly reasonable.

His desire for knowledge and search for another path also suited the mindset of a farm boy unwilling to live an ordinary life.

But... the books he wanted...

Ning Yuan gave Ning Chuan a deep look before slowly saying, "The books you seek are hardly ordinary things, young friend."

"Methods of Soul Master cultivation are secrets never passed on by the great families and sects. Why would they be casually printed into books and allowed to spread among the common folk? As for detailed herb illustrations, they are mostly controlled by Spirit Hall, major sects, and a handful of alchemy families, who regard them as part of their foundation. What circulates on the market are merely crude, commonplace goods."

Ning Chuan's face appropriately showed enormous disappointment and a trace of unwillingness. "Is there... really no way at all? I'm willing to pay any amount!"

Watching Ning Chuan's anxious appearance, a gleam flashed through Ning Yuan's eyes. He suddenly laughed, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning.

"A way... is not entirely impossible."

Ning Yuan lightly tapped the tabletop. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect built its name through commerce and fosters goodwill far and wide. The sect possesses a considerable collection of books covering a broad range of subjects. While core secret techniques cannot be shared, there are still many copies within the sect of basic Soul Power theory, general records of the continent, and even some non-core herb illustrations..."

Ning Chuan's heart jolted, but he tried hard to maintain an expression of surprise and disbelief. "You mean...?"

Ning Yuan leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, his smile becoming somewhat subtle. "If you are truly interested in this path, this old man may be able to make some arrangements on your behalf. After all, you and my Seven Treasures Pavilion can be considered to share a little fate. It's just that..."

He drew out his words, his gaze sweeping over Ning Chuan again as though by chance. His meaning was obvious.

There was no such thing as a free lunch. How could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's library be so easily accessed? He would surely have to pay an appropriate price.

And that price was naturally information about the source of that strange metal, or perhaps other similar opportunities.

Ning Chuan sneered inwardly. Just as expected.

This old fox wanted to use knowledge as bait to hook him, a little fish who appeared ignorant but might be hiding secrets.

Ning Chuan showed an expression of struggle and hesitation. He lowered his head, twisting his fingers together, and only after a long while did he speak softly. "But... Old Mister, I really don't know where there might be more of those stones... I... I'm afraid I can't afford the price of reading those books..."

Ning Yuan took in Ning Chuan's reaction completely and made his judgment. Perhaps the boy truly did not know the metal's source, but the opportunity that might lie behind him was still worth investing in.

Even if nothing came of it in the end, using a few unimportant copies of sect books to earn a potential favor would not be a loss for the Seven Treasures Pavilion.

Thus, he laughed heartily, his tone becoming more genial. "Young friend, there is no need to make things difficult for yourself. This old man merely mentioned it in passing. Whether it comes to pass depends entirely on fate.

How about this? If you see anything strange or unusual in your village or nearby in the future, anything you cannot recognize, bring it for this old man to examine. It does not matter what it is. Even if it is merely a stone or a piece of dead wood, you may bring it to me.

If it catches my eye, this old man will certainly not be stingy. At that time, I may be able to arrange for you to read some books. What do you say?"

This was a relatively long-term and gentle investment.

Ning Chuan understood inwardly that this was exactly the result he wanted.

He would establish a connection that was neither too close nor too distant. It would neither invite disaster upon himself nor fail to provide a reasonable source for things he might take out in the future.

Gratitude and hope immediately appeared on his face. He hurriedly rose and bowed. "Thank you, Old Mister! I will remember this! If I truly find anything unusual, I will definitely bring it to you first for inspection!"

"Good, good!" Ning Yuan nodded in satisfaction. After chatting idly for a few more moments, he personally escorted Ning Chuan out of the Seven Treasures Pavilion.

Standing at the shop entrance and watching Ning Chuan disappear into the crowd around the street corner, Ning Yuan's smile gradually faded, and his gaze turned profound.

"Ning Chuan... Holy Soul Village... interesting." Ning Yuan murmured to himself before turning and returning to the shop.