Each Takes What They Need

Though Ning Yuan's doubts had not dissipated, 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 one piece. Perhaps if your luck is good someday, you'll come across another."

Though he said so, 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 angle of attack.

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

Ning Chuan took the opportunity to set down his teacup. The expression he had worn when bringing up the serious matter returned to his face, and he spoke with a hint of earnestness. "Old Master Ning, actually... the main reason I came into the city this time was to buy a few books."

"Oh? To buy books?" Ning Yuan stroked his beard and smoothly followed the change of subject, though something stirred in his heart.

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 revealing a sorrow and longing that did not match 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, broaden my horizons, and see whether I could find work as an accountant or clerk someday. It would still be better than farming for the rest of my life."

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

I want to find books that truly explain how Soul Masters cultivate, what Soul Power really is, and what the strange flowers and grasses of the continent actually look like... but I couldn't find a single one.

Old Master, you are widely experienced. 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 was not particularly interested in the origin of that strange metal. A child unable to become a Soul Master would naturally lack sensitivity toward such things. It made perfect sense.

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

But... the books he wanted...

Ning Yuan gave Ning Chuan a deep look before slowly saying, "The books you seek are no ordinary things."

"Methods of Soul Master cultivation are secrets never passed down by the great families and sects. How could they be casually printed into books and allowed to circulate among common folk? As for detailed herb guides, they are mostly controlled by Spirit Hall, the great sects, and a few alchemy families, all of whom regard them as part of their foundations. What circulates on the market is nothing more than crude, commonplace material."

A look of immense disappointment and faint unwillingness appeared on Ning Chuan's face at just the right moment. "Is there... really no way at all? I'm willing to pay however much it costs!"

Seeing Ning Chuan's anxious expression, a glint flashed through Ning Yuan's eyes. He suddenly smiled, his tone carrying a trace of deeper meaning.

"There is... a way, though it is not entirely impossible."

Ning Yuan lightly tapped the tabletop. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect built its standing through trade and has formed goodwill far and wide. The sect possesses a considerable collection of books covering a vast range of subjects. Core secret arts cannot be passed on, of course, but there are quite a few 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 leaped, but he struggled to maintain an expression of surprise and disbelief. "Old Master, you mean...?"

Ning Yuan leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, his smile becoming somewhat subtle. "If you truly have an interest in this path, this old man may be able to make some arrangements on your behalf. After all, you and the Seven Treasures Pavilion can be considered somewhat fated. It's just that..."

He drew out the last words, his gaze once again sweeping over Ning Chuan as if by chance. His meaning could not have been clearer.

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

And that price would naturally involve the source of that strange metal, or some other similar opportunity.

Ning Chuan sneered inwardly. Just as expected.

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

Ning Chuan revealed a conflicted and hesitant expression. He lowered his head, twisting his fingers together, and only after a long while did he speak softly. "But... Old Master, I truly don't know where there might be more of that kind of stone... 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 this boy truly did not know the metal's source, but the opportunity that might exist behind him was still worth investing in.

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

Thus, he laughed heartily, his tone turning gentler. "There is no need to make things difficult for yourself, young friend. I merely mentioned it in passing. Whether it succeeds or not will depend on fate."

"How about this? If you come across anything strange or unrecognizable in your village or nearby in the future, no matter what it is—even a stone or a piece of dead wood—you may bring it to this old man for a look.

"If it catches my eye, I certainly will 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. This was exactly the result he wanted.

He would establish a connection that was neither too close nor too distant. It would not bring disaster upon him, while also laying a reasonable foundation for anything he might bring out in the future.

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

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

Standing at the entrance, Ning Yuan watched Ning Chuan disappear into the crowd around the street corner. The smile on his face gradually faded, and his gaze turned profound.

"Ning Chuan... Holy Soul Village... Interesting," Ning Yuan murmured to himself.

Then he turned and returned to the shop.