Luck at rock bottom, yet they called it no loss

"Welcome to the Nine Treasure Pavilion. If the four of you need anything, please let me know."

Faced with the maid's gentle bow, Ning Fengzhi did not rush to ask questions.

His gaze remained calm. With a slight stir of his thoughts, the translucent phantom of a nine-story glazed pagoda, radiant with jeweled light, quietly floated above his palm.

At the sight, the maid in the qipao abruptly grew solemn. Her pupils contracted slightly, and her voice filled with respect and trepidation:

"Forgive my poor eyes for failing to recognize your identity just now. I have been most discourteous. Please forgive me, honored senior of the sect!"

Ning Fengzhi slowly withdrew the phantom of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Looking composed and refined, he said softly:

"It is fine. There is no need for such formalities. Prepare a quiet private room for me. I have several important matters to ask you about."

"Yes! I shall see to it!"

The maid hurriedly answered, her attitude utterly respectful, not daring to show the slightest neglect.

Anyone who possessed the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had to belong to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Even if he only belonged to a Branch Hall overseeing trade, he was someone she absolutely could not afford to slight.

She stepped aside and gestured respectfully for them to follow.

"Honored seniors, please follow me upstairs."

With that, the maid led the way, taking Ning Fengzhi and the other three slowly up the carved jade staircase.

The stairs wound elegantly upward. Spiritual energy drifted through the corridors, and the carved beams and painted rafters were lavish in the extreme.

Before long, they entered a luxurious private room on the top floor.

The room was spacious and airy, its interior adorned with gold and jade and furnished with elegance. Every corner revealed the immense resources of a trading house belonging to a top-tier sect.

The maid hurried forward to brew and pour tea. Her slender, fair hands moved like flowing clouds and running water, soon filling a cup of steaming fragrant tea for each of them. Its delicate fragrance spread through the room, refreshing the heart.

Once everything was done, she stood respectfully to one side with her hands lowered and asked softly:

"What would you like to know, honored senior? I will answer truthfully and conceal nothing."

Ning Fengzhi lifted his tea and took a light sip. Calm and composed, he slowly began his questions.

"Tell me about how the Nine Treasure Pavilion and the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect have been doing recently."

The maid stood respectfully with her head lowered, not daring to hesitate as she answered truthfully:

"Honored senior, the city has been peaceful lately. Business at the Nine Treasure Pavilion is flourishing, with an endless stream of Soul Masters coming and going. Our Branch Hall conducts its affairs prudently and fairly, earning the deep trust of the city's Soul Masters. The Main Hall has also sent commendations several times, expressing great approval of our conduct and achievements."

After hearing her answer, a trace of deep puzzlement crossed Ning Fengzhi's eyes.

Uncertainty and surprise stirred within him. After a brief moment of contemplation, he pressed further:

"You keep addressing me as your senior, so I assume you also belong to our Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Then tell me, how much do you know about the sect's current circumstances?"

The maid hurriedly answered:

"Honored senior, naturally, I know a little. For instance, the sect's Soul Masters who focus on Strength Attack, Agility Attack, or control can serve in the Main Hall."

"The branches of the Nine Treasure Trading House across the land, meanwhile, are all managed by disciples specializing in support. They handle operations and coordinate resources, providing an uninterrupted supply of resources for the Main Hall's campaigns. The two complement one another and secure the sect's foundations."

At those words, Ning Fengzhi's hand paused slightly around his teacup, and sudden waves rose in his eyes.

In their original world, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was purely a support Martial Soul. Yet this world's Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had done more than break the Martial Soul's own shackles!

It had even pioneered cultivation paths for Strength Attack, Agility Attack, and control, dividing itself into a Main Hall and Branch Halls, with civil and military affairs separated and each performing its own duties!

Ning Fengzhi marveled inwardly, overcome with emotion.

This world truly is fascinating!

Once he had settled his emotions, his expression remained unchanged as he gave a calm instruction:

"Our travels have exhausted all the funds we brought with us. Go and bring us some money. We still have important business to attend to."

"Yes, I will see to it at once!"

The maid dared not question him in the slightest. Hearing that it was for the sect's needs, she immediately bowed in acknowledgment, then turned and hurried out of the private room to fetch the money.

Once she was well out of earshot and no outsiders remained in the room, Chen Xin could no longer hold back and spoke first:

"Fengzhi, that move of yours was truly impressive."

"You merely revealed your Martial Soul and asked a few questions, and you already figured out most of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's situation."

"Had it been Gu Rong and me, I doubt we could ever have thought of that."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head slightly, his expression modest.

"You flatter me, Uncle Jian. It was merely a spur-of-the-moment idea."

Beside him, Gu Rong joined in at just the right moment, his voice carrying a measure of admiration:

"With nothing more than a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul, you firmly established your standing over her, took the opportunity to probe the sect's foundations, and even withdrew a large sum of money along the way. Several gains in one stroke. Truly brilliant."

Ning Rongrong gazed at Ning Fengzhi with adoration, her little face full of admiration.

"This world's Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is so amazing! But it still isn't as amazing as Daddy!"

Faced with their praise, Ning Fengzhi gave his daughter an indulgent glance. Still refined and composed, he lifted his cup for another sip and said thoughtfully:

"But to return to the matter, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul can actually encompass Strength Attack, Agility Attack, and control... If that is truly so, the sect's resources and foundations may far exceed what I previously imagined."

At this point, a trace of greed and anticipation surfaced in his eyes.

"If we can fully uncover its mysteries and bring them back to our original world, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will completely rewrite its destiny!"

Barely a moment after he finished speaking, soft footsteps came from outside.

The maid who had left returned, walking slowly into the room with a small Storage Soul Tool in her hands. Its entire surface was lustrous white and adorned with intricate patterns.

She bowed slightly and presented the Storage Soul Tool with both hands, her manner exceedingly respectful:

"Honored senior, everything you requested is ready and stored inside. Please inspect it."

Ning Fengzhi reached out to accept the Storage Soul Tool. As his fingertips brushed its surface, a hint of surprise crossed his eyes.

The Soul Tool's craftsmanship was exceptionally intricate. Small as it was, its patterns were meticulously arranged, making it difficult not to wonder whether the Soul Masters of this world had long since fully mastered mature Soul Tool forging methods.

Whatever the truth, what lay before his eyes alone was enough to establish with certainty that this world was undoubtedly far more prosperous than their original continent.

Settling his thoughts, he nodded slightly and said softly:

"Thank you for your efforts. You may return to your work now."

"Yes."

The maid bowed again, then withdrew with light steps, leaving them undisturbed.

Ning Fengzhi casually put away the Storage Soul Tool and looked at the other three, speaking calmly:

"Our funds are ready. Let us continue exploring the town. Before night falls, we should learn more about this town and the mysteries of this world."

At his words, Chen Xin, Gu Rong, and Ning Rongrong all nodded.

The four lingered no longer. They rose and left the elegant private room, slowly descended along the corridor, and finally walked out of the grand Nine Treasure Pavilion.

After leaving the Nine Treasure Pavilion, they continued strolling along the old-fashioned streets, exploring the town's avenues and alleys.

Along the way, they kept gathering information about this world by asking about local rumors and reading notices posted beside the streets.

As the sky gradually darkened, the setting sun dyed the entire horizon red, and lights flickered on throughout the streets, one after another.

By a stroke of chance, they obtained a cultivation method far superior to that of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in their original world.

They also uncovered information about this world's Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

Originally, it too had been called the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, with foundations and a legacy no different from those of their own sect.

However, several hundred years ago, with Heavenly Evolution City's help, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had finally shattered its innate shackles, advancing into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. The sect had accordingly changed its name to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

Afterward, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had gradually perfected its Martial Soul cultivation system and divided itself into the Main Hall and Branch Halls, eventually growing into the supreme local power it was today, with vast accumulated resources.

Whether advanced Soul Tool craftsmanship or entirely new Martial Soul cultivation techniques, the source of every transformation seemed to lead back to that mysterious Heavenly Evolution City.

After learning the full truth, all four were shaken beyond words, and endless awe and curiosity toward Heavenly Evolution City arose within them.

But night had already enveloped the entire town. Voices in the streets and alleys gradually dwindled, and the evening breeze was slightly cool.

After spending nearly half a day on the move, they planned to rest for the night. They checked into a well-known, elegant inn in the town and settled in.

Afterward, detecting their intention to leave, the Virtual Screen appeared as expected. Their consciousnesses withdrew one after another, returning to the Game Pods.

They stepped out of the pods and returned to the little shop's main room.

After briefly straightening themselves up, they walked over to the counter together.

Ning Fengzhi looked toward the drowsy Lin Yue, his tone carrying a measure of wonder.

"Owner Lin, these Game Pods of yours truly are extraordinary. That other world is remarkable indeed."

He paused briefly, a trace of regret appearing on his face:

"Unfortunately, none of the items we carried could be brought inside. That deprived us of quite a few conveniences."

Hearing this, Lin Yue yawned and replied:

"Then why not try the Prize Machine over there?"

"Anything you win from it can be used in this world and taken straight into that game world. It works in both worlds."

"And the device beside it can also retrieve items you obtain in that world."

Ning Fengzhi looked over once more, a gleam flashing in his eyes.

"Oh? It has such a marvelous use?

"Then I must give it a proper try."

With that, he turned back, and his thoughts stirred.

A large quantity of Gold Soul Coins poured from the Storage Soul Tool he carried, once again covering the counter and forming a small mountain.

"Owner Lin, how many draws would these Gold Soul Coins buy?"

Looking at the mountain of Gold Soul Coins piled on the counter, Lin Yue could not help feeling somewhat speechless and shook his head.

"There's no need to hand them to me. Just put the Gold Soul Coins straight into the Prize Machine's bowl-shaped coin slot. A single draw costs one hundred Gold Soul Coins. A ten-draw has a ten-percent discount, so nine hundred coins will buy one round of ten."

"Thank you for letting me know, Owner Lin."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly in thanks.

Then he moved over to the Prize Machine with Chen Xin, Gu Rong, and Ning Rongrong. Without the slightest hesitation, he deposited all the Gold Soul Coins he had taken out into the coin slot.

Light flowed inside the Prize Machine as it swiftly calculated the amount.

A notification appeared.

Current user: Ning Fengzhi.

Available draws: 81.

Looking at the eighty-one draws displayed on the screen, Ning Fengzhi steadied himself and followed the instructions, raising his hand to press the Prize Machine's start button.

Beep, beep, beep!

Clear mechanical tones rang out.

The selection frame, previously resting motionless over a blank icon, instantly began sliding at high speed.

The items obtained in the first round were:

First draw: blank.

Second draw: blank.

Third draw: blank!

Fourth draw: blank!

Fifth draw: Low-Tier Stamina Recovery Potion! (Green quality)

Sixth draw: Low-Tier Soul Power Recovery Potion! (Green quality)

Seventh draw: Low-Tier Stamina Recovery Potion! (Green quality)

...

Tenth draw: blank.

The small hatch beneath the Prize Machine popped open gently.

Ning Fengzhi reached inside, took out several unremarkable potion bottles, and examined them closely.

"Potions that quickly replenish Soul Power and stamina, and can even heal injuries? Useful things indeed."

The potions' aura was mild and pure, carrying faint fluctuations of Soul Power. Although their names suggested their grade was not high, their effects were extremely practical.

Thus, Chen Xin and Gu Rong beside him also nodded slightly, expressions of approval appearing on their faces.

In a corner of the little shop, Lin Yue, who had silently watched the whole time, took in the scene and could not help giving an inward chuckle.

What else can I say? As expected of the man at the helm of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He really does have a vast fortune and estate.

A ten-draw had yielded mostly blanks without even triggering the most basic guaranteed reward. Their luck had truly hit rock bottom.

An ordinary person would have lost their composure long ago, yet this group actually felt they had suffered no loss. Even Lin Yue found that rather admirable.

And what would truly open his eyes was still to come.

Ning Fengzhi immediately pressed the draw button again.

The results of the second ten-draw were as follows:

First draw: common hundred-year soul beast teeth! (White quality)

Second draw: common hundred-year soul beast pelt! (White quality)

Third draw: blank!

...

Ninth draw: blank!

Tenth draw: Low-Tier Soul Power Recovery Potion! (Green quality)

Once again, there were only a handful of basic supplies and blanks.

Yet Chen Xin and Gu Rong remained calm, repeatedly remarking that the haul was quite acceptable.

Seeing this, Lin Yue was completely speechless. He even began secretly wondering whether his damned system had a particular grudge against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. These draw rates were simply too outrageous!

Then the third ten-draw began.

Time trickled by, and round after round of ten draws came up empty.

Forty draws, fifty draws, sixty draws, seventy draws...

After a full seventy draws, they had received nothing but recovery potions, an enormous number of blanks, and materials taken from hundred-year soul beasts.

At this point, only eleven draws remained on the Prize Machine's screen!

At the counter, Lin Yue was utterly dumbfounded. He silently called out to the system.

"System, what's going on with them? Surely there's something wrong with your rates?"

The system's cold response promptly sounded in his mind:

"There is no abnormality in the probability settings. This result is simply due to the user's excessively poor luck."

Half convinced, Lin Yue frowned, but ultimately said nothing more and turned his gaze back toward the Prize Machine.

At that moment, Ning Fengzhi had already raised his hand and pressed the button for his final ten-draw.

Hum!

This time, the Prize Machine no longer flickered with a faint, unremarkable glow. The entire screen erupted in a dazzling blaze of golden radiance!

At last, the guaranteed reward had triggered!

The Prize Machine's built-in electronic announcement rang out:

Congratulations, customer! You have obtained one Martial Soul Limit-Breaking Scroll! (Purple quality)