A finely crafted carriage traveled along the broad road—this was naturally Tang San's.
"Young Sect Master, according to the map, we're about to arrive at Heaven Dou Imperial City," a crisp voice came from inside the carriage. This time, it wasn't Tailong accompanying him as the study companion, as Tailong had obtained some fortuitous encounters in the Ancient Ruins and was now preparing to break through to the fortieth rank to obtain his Fourth Soul Ring.
Hearing this, Tang San slowly opened his eyes, withdrawing from his cultivation state, and glanced at the young girl beside him.
Bai Chenxiang was a disciple of the Speed Clan, the granddaughter of its clan leader, Bai He. Though only a little over half a year older than Tang San and just approaching fourteen years of age, she already possessed a tall and well-proportioned figure, with the graceful curves of a young woman. Her appearance was also quite beautiful. Due to her origins in the Speed Clan, she was light and slender, though slightly on the leaner side.
Though the Speed Clan was one of the affiliated families, Bai He was Tang San's great-uncle, making Bai Chenxiang, while not part of the main lineage, his cousin in terms of kinship. Within the Clear Sky Sect, Bai Chenxiang was quite famous—more so than Tailong, despite the latter having higher cultivation. After all, Bai Chenxiang was much younger than Tailong and had recently broken through to the thirtieth rank in Soul Power.
For a fourteen-year-old to reach the thirtieth rank was already quite impressive.
"Mm. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's castle isn't far from Heaven Dou Imperial City. Let's rest there for the night before heading over." Tang San wasn't in a hurry. He could already feel that he was close to breaking through to the fortieth rank—perhaps it might even happen here in Heaven Dou Imperial City.
"Sunset Forest isn't too far from here either. If the Rakshasa God doesn't appear to grant additional God Trials, we could also search for my Fourth Soul Ring in Sunset Forest."
Tang San and Bai Chenxiang easily entered Heaven Dou Imperial City in their carriage. As the capital of the empire, Heaven Dou Imperial City was naturally bustling with activity, quite different from places like Clear Sky City, which were dominated by Soul Master sects. Heaven Dou Imperial City had countless walls and structures, serving as the largest gathering place for ordinary people. Far more commoners lived here than Soul Masters.
Heaven Dou Imperial City was once hailed as the birthplace of humanity. Legend had it that in ancient times, humans first took root here. After enduring the chaos of Spirit Beast conflicts, it wasn't until the first emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire emerged, sheltering humanity and driving out the Spirit Beasts, that the Heaven Dou Empire was finally established. Heaven Dou Imperial City had been the stronghold of that era.
Even now, ordinary people who couldn't become Soul Masters remained firmly rooted here, under the protection of the Heaven Dou imperial family.
Naturally, the Clear Sky Sect also had its own properties and residences within Heaven Dou Imperial City.
"Before it gets completely dark, let's visit some Soul Master shops and auction houses in Heaven Dou Imperial City to see if there are any special Soul Guidance Devices for sale."
Tang San had become somewhat obsessed with Soul Guidance Devices. Especially for the Clear Sky Sect, which already possessed advanced forging techniques and the Clear Sky Hammer—if they could truly develop Soul Guidance Devices, their sect would undoubtedly gain a significant advantage.
"As you wish, Young Sect Master."
Though Tang San kept a low profile, Bai Chenxiang beside him made it difficult to remain inconspicuous. No matter where they went, a beauty like her was dazzling and impossible to ignore.
Bai Chenxiang, who was naturally proud and aloof, couldn't help but frown at the gazes of passersby. Apart from Tang San, she found everyone else's looks extremely uncomfortable.
Walking through the Heavenly Dou Imperial City, after an unknown amount of time, Tang San's gaze settled on a treasure displayed in the window of a large shop.
Seeing this item, Tang San couldn't help but smile. Bai Chenxiang immediately noticed his expression and looked up at the Soul Master shop named "Heavenly Spirit Store." She then asked, "Young Sect Master, shall we go in and take a look?"
"Let's go in and see," Tang San smiled and nodded as they stepped into the shop.
The "Heavenly Spirit Store" was enormous, even in a place like the Heavenly Dou Imperial City. This Soul Master shop was among the best, with shelves filled with all kinds of treasures—weapons forged by the Grandmaster, refined iron, precious herbs, and even pills from the Breaking Clan were available for sale.
As the two of them entered, the shopkeeper personally came forward to greet them. Though Tang San dressed modestly, the noble aura he had cultivated over the years and his composed demeanor were not something an ordinary person could imitate. Accompanied by a beauty like Bai Chenxiang, it was clear he was no common guest.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with the shopkeeper, Tang San pointed to a crystal on the windowsill and asked, "Shopkeeper, how much for that crystal?"
Hearing this, the shopkeeper quickly brought the crystal over. The crystal itself was transparent but contained large patches of dull yellow impurities, making it far from beautiful. The shopkeeper explained, "Young master, you have a keen eye. This crystal was just acquired by our shop yesterday from a Soul Saint. The Soul Saint mentioned that he found it in an ancient perilous land, stored in a treasure box—definitely no ordinary item."
The shopkeeper went on and on, especially emphasizing the words "Soul Saint," trying to prove the crystal's value. After all, even a Soul Saint treasured it.
But neither Tang San nor Bai Chenxiang showed any reaction. A Soul Saint? So what?
Tang San examined the crystal carefully, as if unwilling to miss even the smallest detail, and finally nodded. "This crystal is indeed worthy of being stored in a treasure box. It truly counts as a treasure."
Tang San had no intention of downplaying the item to haggle over the price. If something was good, it was good—no need to deceive.
"How much?"
The shopkeeper smiled warmly. "Since this item seems destined for you, young master, I'll sell it to you for two thousand gold coins."
Anyone could tell this was an inflated price. After all, this was the usual bargaining tactic—start high and negotiate down.
"Fine, here's the payment."
"Yes—wait, what?" The shopkeeper was stunned. This wasn't how the usual haggling went! He had even prepared his sob story.
Bai Chenxiang didn't hand over gold coins but instead produced a note, wrote "two thousand gold coins" on it, and stamped it with the Clear Sky Sect's seal.
"Shopkeeper, this is a gold note from our Clear Sky Sect. You can collect two thousand gold coins at the Clear Sky Tower in the eastern part of the city."
Upon hearing the words "Clear Sky Sect," the shopkeeper's face instantly paled, his eyes widening in shock. After all, ordinary people didn't have the authority to issue such a note. When he verified the note was genuine, he shuddered and nearly burst into tears, wailing, "I beg your pardon! This lowly one failed to recognize Mount Tai—I had no idea it was a distinguished member of the Clear Sky Sect gracing us with your presence. In truth, this crystal only cost me five hundred gold coins to acquire, not two thousand. I deserve death for my deception—please, young master, show mercy!"
This is bad—I've swin
dled a young master from the Clear Sky Sect!
(End of Chapter)