In the early morning, sunlight spilled across the Jun Family residence, adding a touch of warmth to the estate.
Ning Fengzhi, Dong Liu, and Xue Ye had gathered there, their expressions carrying hints of gravity and contemplation.
After learning that a Titled Douluo possessing a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring had appeared in Heaven Dou City, the Heaven Dou Empire and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect swiftly launched an investigation.
However, after a thorough investigation, everyone felt their minds go blank. They were completely numb.
"Nuoding City, Jun Family, Jun Lin."
"His childhood sweetheart Ah Yin, and his so-called older sister, Shui Linglong."
"Homebodies? Shopping, listening to music, drinking tea, and eating fine food?"
Was this really a genius with a thousand-year second ring and a ten-thousand-year fourth ring?
Was this really a Titled Douluo with a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring?
Rather than some lazy shut-in or a retired noble?
That sort of lifestyle made it difficult to associate him with a powerful genius and Titled Douluo.
Everyone was filled with doubt. They repeatedly verified the intelligence, yet still could not believe their eyes.
In the end, they could only sigh helplessly. The worlds of geniuses and Titled Douluo truly were full of personality—and utterly willful...
Once Ning Fengzhi and the other two came back to their senses, they saw Jun Lin extend a hand toward the seats that had long been prepared. Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly and stepped forward first, seating himself with elegance.
Xue Ye followed close behind, while Dong Liu strolled over at an unhurried pace before slowly taking his seat.
After everyone was seated, Jun Lin personally poured them tea. The fragrance curled through the air, soothing their minds.
Ning Fengzhi lifted his teacup and took a light sip, savoring the rich aroma spreading through his mouth.
At the same time, his thoughts raced. Jun Lin had Lady Linglong at his side; that was a force not to be underestimated.
Since they were not enemies at present, why could they not become friends? They had always sought balance and cooperation among the various powers, and now that this opportunity stood before them, they naturally could not let it slip away.
As for how to make friends, the richest sect and empire on the continent naturally had their own unique "methods."
"Brother Jun, our unannounced visit was truly presumptuous. As an apology, please accept this small token of our regard."
With a smile, Ning Fengzhi took two exquisite gift boxes from his Storage Soul Tool. His gaze was filled with sincerity. The boxes emitted a faint glow, seemingly hinting that the items within were far from ordinary.
After saying this, Ning Fengzhi placed the boxes on the table and pushed them toward Jun Lin.
Xue Ye nodded slightly from the side, expressing his approval of Ning Fengzhi's gesture.
Jun Lin froze for a moment, clearly not expecting Ning Fengzhi to make such a move. He looked at the gift boxes in Ning Fengzhi's hands and quietly guessed at what they contained. But he also understood that refusing at this moment would not be wise.
Thus, Jun Lin nodded slightly and accepted the gift boxes with both hands. "Brother Ning, you are too courteous. Since that is the case, I shall accept them gratefully."
Jun Lin then slowly opened the boxes. Two faint flashes of light appeared, revealing two tokens resting quietly inside.
One token was crystal-clear throughout and carried an ancient, solemn air, bearing the emblem of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. The other was refined and elegant, its Seven Treasure Glazed Tile pattern lifelike and vivid, displaying the distinctive charm of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Could these be?" Upon seeing the two highly symbolic tokens, Jun Lin vaguely understood what they were.
Seeing Jun Lin's puzzled expression, Ning Fengzhi smiled and explained, "Brother Jun, one of these is a Guest Elder token from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, while the other is a Guest Elder token from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With these tokens, you may enjoy many conveniences within both the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"As a Guest Elder, Brother Jun need not bear responsibility for our forces. In ordinary times, you may act freely without any restrictions. Should we require assistance someday, however, we hope that you will lend us a hand if it is convenient for you."
"The status represented by these tokens will also allow you to enjoy all manner of generous treatment within the territories under our control. Whether it is precious cultivation resources or protection in times of crisis, we will do our utmost to provide them."
Xue Ye nodded slightly at the side. "Brother Jun, the Heaven Dou Imperial Family has always wished to befriend outstanding figures such as yourself. With this token, you may contact the imperial family at any time."
Dong Liu remained seated in silence, quietly observing everything, though his eyes also revealed his expectations for Jun Lin.
Jun Lin looked at the tokens in his hands, his thoughts surging like a tide. He understood that there was no such thing as a free lunch. Accepting the tokens meant becoming inextricably linked to these two great powers. In the days ahead, he might be drawn into complicated situations against his will.
But on second thought, in this world where the strong preyed upon the weak, no one could truly remain detached. Having one more friend was indeed far better than having one more enemy.
If he could maintain good relations with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it might not be a bad thing for himself and those around him.
Besides, he was not without principles. If the day truly came when they needed his help, what harm was there in lending a hand so long as it did not violate his conscience or principles?
Jun Lin quietly considered his goal of establishing a "Soul Master Guild." To realize that goal, financial support would be indispensable. Recruiting talent, purchasing resources, and building bases all required immense wealth.
The Heaven Dou Imperial Family and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were immensely wealthy. By befriending them, he could obtain their financial support in the future while establishing the "Soul Master Guild." That way, the development of his own forces would proceed far more smoothly.
After careful consideration, Jun Lin gradually reached a decision. He clasped his hands and said, "I am honored by Brother Ning's and His Highness the Crown Prince's regard. Jun will certainly cherish this friendship."
Afterward, everyone held an in-depth discussion regarding the auction of the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone. Following deliberation, they unanimously decided to hold the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone auction three months later.
They would also widely publicize the news, letting more people know of the upcoming grand auction and drawing the attention and participation of all factions.
Once everyone had finished discussing the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone auction, the atmosphere eased somewhat.
Jun Lin took a light sip of tea, his gaze slowly sweeping across those present. With a composed expression, he said, "Everyone, Jun has long held an ambition: to establish a Soul Master Guild."
Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow slightly, revealing an interested expression. Xue Ye also leaned forward a little, waiting for Jun Lin to explain further.
Jun Lin continued, "On the Douluo Continent, there are countless soul masters, yet there is no organization that can truly provide guidance for them... The Soul Master Guild I wish to establish will become such a place."
"It will be an organization based on commissions. The Soul Master Guild will earn fees by accepting commissions from others. The scope of such commissions will be extremely broad, including but not limited to hunting Soul Rings for soul masters. In addition, soul masters outside the guild may also become certified mercenaries, using the Soul Master Guild as a platform to accept tasks and earn rewards, while the Soul Master Guild takes a portion as an intermediary fee."
"Even ordinary people without Soul Power may accept tasks by relying on the advantages of their own Martial Souls. In this way, soul masters will have more avenues to obtain resources, while ordinary people can also realize their own value. The strength of the entire Douluo Continent will be better integrated and utilized. I believe that the establishment of the Soul Master Guild will surely bring new vitality to this continent."
After Jun Lin finished, Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment before smiling. "Brother Jun, your ambition is admirable. If your Soul Master Guild can truly be as you describe, it will indeed be a good thing that benefits the soul master world. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is willing to provide whatever assistance it can at the appropriate time."
Xue Ye nodded as well. "The Heaven Dou Imperial Family is also willing to contribute to Brother Jun's grand ambition. If the Soul Master Guild can contribute to Heaven Dou's prosperity and stability, that would be even better."
Dong Liu remained silent, but the anticipation in his eyes became even more apparent.
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