Monarch Qian Chuan paused slightly, then smiled. "I guessed you would come for this. That 'Soul-Locking Ring' is indeed a rare treasure. Since you are flush with spirit stones now, that could not be better."
As he spoke, he brushed a hand over his waist.
With a flash of spiritual light, it transformed into a three-inch ring, blue-black throughout, with the two ancient characters "Soul-Locking" engraved upon it.
"By the way, I only have ten Top-Grade Spirit Stones to spare. How about I make up the rest with Thunder Essence Amethyst?"
With a wave of Zhou Xun's hand, a purple lump of gold the size of a pigeon egg appeared on the table.
"It seems this trip brought you quite a harvest, little brother!" Monarch Qian Chuan smiled faintly as he picked up the Thunder Essence Amethyst and examined it carefully.
After a moment, Monarch Qian Chuan nodded slightly. "This Thunder Essence Amethyst is of excellent quality, truly a rare and precious material. It is worth quite a few Top-Grade Spirit Stones. Since that is the case, this 'Soul-Locking Ring' shall return to its rightful owner." With that, he handed the three-inch ring to Zhou Xun.
Zhou Xun accepted the Soul-Locking Ring, his heart brimming with delight. He thanked Monarch Qian Chuan again. "Thank you, Dao Brother, for making this possible. Zhou will remember this kindness."
Monarch Qian Chuan waved a hand. "There is no need for such courtesy between us. If you need anything in the future, come find me anytime."
Zhou Xun spoke with Monarch Qian Chuan for a while longer, then rose to take his leave and departed Seatown Grand Hall.
After returning to his cave abode, Zhou Xun's life settled into tranquility once more.
Every day, aside from cultivation, he studied several of the hundred arts