Ning Fengzhi nodded and sat down as well. "Then what kind of deal did you have in mind?"
Qian Qizhou said, "I've left Spirit Hall, and I don't want to join any faction."
"But I need a relatively safe area where I can build a home for myself, as well as a vast amount of Gold Soul Coins."
Ning Fengzhi froze for a moment, unconsciously rubbing his fingers against the scepter in his hand. "I'm afraid the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect doesn't have any territory it can set aside on its own."
Besides, wouldn't it make more sense for him to discuss this sort of matter with the Heaven Dou Empire's royal family?
At that, Qian Qizhou shook his head. "I have my own way. I don't need you to give up even an inch of land."
Since Ei could create a space like the Plane of Euthymia, then he, too, should be able to carve out a separate space now that he had received her powers.
Seeing the look in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, Qian Qizhou chuckled. "As for what I can offer..."
He suddenly raised his hand, and the entire hall was instantly bathed in warm Holy Light.
Almost at the same time, a cluster of blazing red flames and a streak of purple lightning burst from his palm, turning into two intertwined streams of light that shot straight toward the hall's entrance.
Then, while still some distance from the door, they crashed into each other with a thunderous boom!
A shockwave laced with electric arcs exploded outward, shattering the surrounding stained-glass windows.
"And one promise from me."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is one of the Upper Three Sects, and the only auxiliary-type sect."
He slowly turned to Sword and Bone Douluo as he spoke. "With two Titled Douluo holding down the fort."
But they had only two Titled Douluo, and all their direct descendants were auxiliary-type Soul Masters, without the ability to fight.
"In terms of combat strength, never mind Spirit Hall—you're not just weaker than the Clear Sky Sect, but the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan as well."
Even if Chen Xin and Gu Rong could hold off the enemy's high-level fighters, what about the sect's disciples?
In these circumstances, his promise might not be worth much now, but in the future, it would be priceless.
Ning Fengzhi and Sword and Bone Douluo exchanged glances, astonishment flashing through all three of their eyes.
Qian Qizhou's talent was indeed... If he could grow into his potential, his promise would one day be of great value to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
But risk and opportunity went hand in hand. If they struck a deal with him, they would also have to shoulder the consequences he might bring.
After a long pause, Ning Fengzhi forced a smile and said to Qian Qizhou, "Deal. From now on, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will cover all your expenses."
At that, Qian Qizhou raised his brows in surprise. "Hm?"
Was Ning Fengzhi trying to win him over? He hadn't expected this bonus—a promise to cover all his expenses from now on, whatever they might be.
"Consider it..." Ning Fengzhi poured himself a cup of tea and brought it to his lips for a light sip. "An investment in the future greatest Soul Master under heaven."
Just then, Chen Xin and Gu Rong looked toward the entrance. Guang Ling flew in.
He glanced at Ning Fengzhi and the others, nodded, then walked over to Qian Qizhou. "Xiao Zhou, what are you doing here? You didn't even tell me."
Qian Qizhou dismissed the glow of Soul Power in his hand and smiled. "I made a deal with Sect Master Ning. I'll be staying here from now on. Want to join me?"
Guang Ling looked at Ning Fengzhi, then at Qian Qizhou. He didn't ask any questions, though, and only gave a helpless smile. "All right, whatever you say."
Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and Qian Qizhou had recovered.
Star Dou Forest.
Guang Ling sheepishly dismissed his Martial Soul and rubbed his nose. "Sorry, Xiao Zhou. It was an accident..."
Qian Qizhou looked at the three Soul Beasts on the ground, frozen into ice sculptures, and twitched his lips. "Just let me handle it myself."
"You've accidentally killed three already. At this rate, I'm afraid I won't even be able to get my First Soul Ring tomorrow."
Could it be that he hadn't fought in too long, or that he hadn't faced such weak opponents for too long? Had he lost control of his strength?
At that, Guang Ling stepped aside helplessly. "All right. Be careful."
Qian Qizhou nodded. Iridescent energy wings unfurled behind him, and a dazzling crown appeared above his head.
He looked around curiously, then suddenly stopped.
A silver-white figure streaked through the trees, trailing sparks of lightning.
"Is that... a Lightning Marten?" he murmured. He tapped the ground with his toe and chased after the Soul Beast. "I didn't expect to run into one."
Guang Ling recognized the Soul Beast, too, and watched Qian Qizhou's retreating figure with delight.
This Soul Beast's attributes suited Xiao Zhou, and it was high quality, too. But it only existed in ancient texts; none had been seen on the mainland for many years.
It looked to be a thousand-year Soul Beast as well. What a lucky start for his First Soul Ring.
At the same time, the Lightning Marten spotted Qian Qizhou charging straight toward it without the slightest attempt to hide.
It spun around, lashing its tail and sending a blinding arc of electricity straight at him.
But to its horror, Qian Qizhou merely snorted, and the electric arc vanished without a sound.
The Lightning Marten's fur immediately stood on end with fear, and it hurriedly sprang backward.
Crackling electric arcs burst from its body. It warily arched its back and fixed its gaze on the dangerous human before it.
Qian Qizhou hovered in midair, the light wings on his back gently beating.
He looked down at the wary Lightning Marten, a smile curling at the corner of his lips.
Suddenly, scorching flames roared up from the ground, surrounding the Lightning Marten.
Then Qian Qizhou slowly raised his right hand and sent a blinding bolt of purple lightning crashing toward it.
Feeling the lightning's terrifying suppressive force, the Lightning Marten's fur stood straight on end. It let out a piercing shriek and whirled around, fleeing for its life.
But it couldn't outrun lightning, and the walls of flame surrounding it blocked its way.
With nowhere left to turn, the Lightning Marten roared and unleashed the electricity coursing through its body, slamming it into the lightning bolt hurtling toward it.
With a thunderous boom, the two raging currents collided, exploding into countless blinding electric arcs.
The scattered arcs fell into the flames around them, triggering an even more violent explosion. A wave of fire laced with lightning surged into the sky.
The sudden shockwave forced Qian Qizhou back a few steps.
But that was only natural. He had the power, but no combat experience.
Just then, a silver bolt of lightning burst from the churning smoke and suddenly appeared right in front of him.
Qian Qizhou had no time to think. Instinctively, he crossed his arms before his chest.
A hastily condensed energy shield unfolded in an instant, barely managing to withstand the vicious pounce.
"Boom!"
The tremendous impact slammed him into the ground. His feet carved two deep furrows across the earth. He wasn't injured, but he looked rather disheveled.
Seeing the Lightning Marten turn into lightning once more and disappear into the smoke, Qian Qizhou couldn't help but marvel. "As expected of a rare Soul Beast. Even its death throes pack this much power..."
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