Transaction, Hunting Ring

Ning Fengzhi nodded and sat down as well. "Then what kind of trade do you have in mind?"

Qian Qizhou replied, "I have already severed ties with Spirit Hall, and I have no desire to join any other faction."

"However, I require a region that is relatively safe for me to build my home, as well as a massive amount of gold soul coins."

Ning Fengzhi paused for a moment, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the scepter in his hand. "The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect does not have any existing territory that could be carved out separately."

Besides, wouldn't it be more appropriate for him to discuss such matters with the Heaven Dou Empire's imperial family?

Hearing this, Qian Qizhou shook his head. "I have my own methods; I do not need you to cede an inch of land."

Since Ei could create a space like the Plane of Euthymia, he, having obtained her authority, should also be able to partition a space of his own.

Observing Ning Fengzhi's expression, Qian Qizhou chuckled. "As for my bargaining chip..."

He suddenly raised his hand, and the entire great hall was instantly enveloped in a warm, sacred light.

Almost simultaneously, a cluster of scorching red flames and a bolt of purple lightning erupted from his palms, transforming into two intertwined streams of light that lunged straight toward the hall doors.

Then, they collided with a thunderous boom just a short distance before the entrance!

The shockwave, laced with electric arcs, exploded outward, causing the surrounding glazed windows to shatter instantly.

"And, a promise from me."

"The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, one of the Upper Three Sects, the only support-type sect."

He looked slowly toward Chen Xin and Gu Rong. "You have two Title Douluo holding down the fort."

But there are only two Title Douluo; all the direct descendants are support-type, possessing no combat capability.

"In terms of combat power, not to mention Spirit Hall, you are inferior to both the Clear Sky Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family."

Even if Chen Xin and Gu Rong could hold off the opponent's high-level combatants, what of the disciples under their banner?

Under such circumstances, his promise might be worthless now, but in the future, it would be priceless.

Ning Fengzhi's gaze met those of Sword and Bone Douluo; a flash of shock crossed the eyes of all three men simultaneously.

The talent Qian Qizhou displayed was indeed... if he could grow, his promise would play a vital role for the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect in the future.

But risks and opportunities coexist; if they reached a deal with him, they would have to bear the consequences he might bring together.

After a long silence, Ning Fengzhi squeezed out a smile and said to Qian Qizhou, "Deal. All your expenses from here on out will be covered by the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect."

Hearing this, Qian Qizhou raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh?"

Was this an attempt to curry favor with him? He hadn't expected such an unexpected gain—they were actually covering all his future, unknown expenses directly.

"Consider it..." Ning Fengzhi poured himself a cup of tea, brought it to his lips, and took a light sip, "...an investment in the future number one soul master of the world."

Just then, Chen Xin and Gu Rong looked toward the entrance, where they saw Guang Ling flying in.

He glanced at the three men, nodded, and then walked up to Qian Qizhou. "Little Zhou, why did you run off here? You didn't even say a word."

Qian Qizhou put away the soul power radiance in his hands and smiled. "I made a deal with Sect Master Ning; I'll be living here from now on. Do you want to join me?"

Guang Ling looked at Ning Fengzhi, then back at Qian Qizhou, but didn't ask further. He just smiled helplessly. "Fine, whatever you say."

Time flew by, and two days passed in the blink of an eye. Qian Qizhou's condition had fully recovered.

Star Dou Forest.

Guang Ling retracted his martial soul, looking a bit embarrassed as he rubbed his nose. "My apologies, Little Zhou. It was an accident..."

Qian Qizhou looked at the three soul beasts on the ground, now frozen into ice sculptures, and his mouth twitched. "Let me handle it myself."

"You've accidentally killed three of them already. At this rate, I'm afraid I won't be able to obtain my first soul ring by tomorrow."

Could it be that he hadn't fought in too long, or hadn't faced such weak enemies in so long, that he couldn't control his strength?

Hearing this, Guang Ling retreated to the side helplessly. "Alright, then be careful."

Qian Qizhou nodded. Shimmering, colorful energy wings manifested behind his back, and a brilliant crown appeared above his head.

He looked around with curiosity, then suddenly froze.

A silver-white figure streaked through the bushes, trailing sparks of electricity.

"That is... a Lightning Marten?" He gave a soft exclamation, tapped his toes lightly, and chased after the soul beast. "I didn't expect to encounter one."

Guang Ling, standing to the side, also recognized the soul beast and looked at Qian Qizhou's retreating back with pleasant surprise.

The attributes of this soul beast were a perfect match for Little Zhou, and its quality was very high. However, it only existed in ancient texts and hadn't appeared on the continent for many years.

It looked to be a thousand-year-old one, too. He hadn't expected such good luck; his first soul ring was off to a great start.

At the same time, the Lightning Marten discovered Qian Qizhou, who was charging toward it without any attempt at stealth.

It whipped around, its tail lashing out a blinding arc of electricity that struck straight at the intruder.

But to its horror, Qian Qizhou merely let out a cold snort, and the electric arc vanished without a sound.

The Lightning Marten was so terrified that its fur stood on end, and it scrambled backward in a panic.

Crackling arcs of electricity erupted from its body as it arched its back in vigilance, eyes locked onto the dangerous human before it.

Qian Qizhou hovered in mid-air, the wings of light behind him fluttering gently.

He gazed down at the wary Lightning Marten, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Suddenly, scorching flames roared to life on the ground, encircling the Lightning Marten.

Following this, Qian Qizhou slowly raised his right hand, and a blinding bolt of purple lightning slammed toward the Lightning Marten.

Feeling the lightning that exerted a terrifying suppression over it, the Lightning Marten's fur stood on end in fright. It let out a shrill, piercing shriek and turned to bolt backward with all its might.

But no matter how fast it was, it could not outpace the speed of thunder, especially with the surrounding barrier of flames blocking its path.

Driven to a dead end, the Lightning Marten let out a roar, its entire body's current erupting as it lunged toward the incoming lightning.

With a thunderous boom, the two violent currents collided fiercely, scattering countless blinding arcs of electricity.

The scattered sparks fell into the surrounding raging flames, instantly triggering even more violent explosions as waves of fire surged skyward, entwined with flashes of light.

Qian Qizhou was also forced back a few steps by the sudden blast of air.

That was to be expected, however; he possessed the power, but lacked the experience of combat.

Just then, a streak of silver lightning shot out from the roiling smoke and arrived right before him in an instant.

Qian Qizhou had no time to think, relying solely on instinct as he crossed his arms before his chest.

An energy shield, hastily condensed, manifested in an instant, taking the brunt of the vicious pounce.

"Boom!"

The immense impact slammed him hard into the ground, carving two deep furrows into the earth with his feet. Though he remained uninjured, he looked somewhat disheveled.

Seeing the Lightning Marten transform back into lightning and vanish into the smoke, Qian Qizhou could not help but be surprised: "As expected of a rare soul beast, its desperate counterattack possesses such power..."