"You have sharp eyes, Pavilion Master. I have indeed cultivated a Pupil Technique. However, I don’t believe there was any rule forbidding the use of pupil techniques for stone gambling?" Seeing that the other man had no intention of blaming him, Song Changsheng grew bolder and started to justify his actions.

"You don’t have to worry. I have no intention of blaming you. To be precise, the original purpose of establishing this Gambling Stone Pavilion was to find talented people just like you, my young friend."

Song Changsheng was taken aback.

Seeing his confusion, Pavilion Master Bai smiled and said, "I won’t keep you in suspense.

You may have already learned about the origin of these gambling stones. That’s right. They were excavated from an Ancient Immortal Demon Battlefield.

Our initial goal in excavating these stones was to find a certain... item. But for some specific reasons, we need a great number of talented individuals like you, my young friend, who can see the truth hidden within the stones.

The Gambling Stone Pavilion was founded for this reason. Therefore, using special techniques for stone gambling is not forbidden here.

I noticed you the first time you used your Pupil Technique, my young friend. Then, after the dispute between those two juniors from the Chen and Peng Families, I confirmed the unique nature of your Pupil Technique. That is why I had someone summon you.

My young friend, I wonder if you’re interested in lending me a hand? Afterward, regardless of success or failure, I guarantee I will not treat you unfairly."

Song Changsheng hadn’t expected the man to state his intentions so bluntly. He’d never imagined he was summoned for such a reason.

’According to him, if I agree, I’ll have to take a trip to that Ancient Immortal Demon Battlefield.’ This made him hesitate greatly. ’If I go, my survival is not guaranteed.’

Seeing Song Changsheng’s hesitation, Pavilion Master Bai didn’t pressure him, saying lightly, "My young friend, why don’t you state your conditions first?"

The man’s attitude was surprisingly benevolent. In truth, with just a lift of his finger, he could force Song Changsheng to comply, leaving him no room to resist.

But the man was actually willing to let him name his price, which honestly left him feeling both flattered and alarmed. It was also a sign of the man’s sincerity.

’Still, no matter how good the reward, you have to be alive to enjoy it.’ His mind raced, trying to figure out how to turn the man down.

Unexpectedly, the man set down his teacup and said, "Speaking of which, I’ve been a bit forward, making it difficult for you to decide on the spot.

Given your youth and impressive cultivation, you must be close to the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection stage. I’ll make the decision for you, then. How about a Yin Yang Purple Tree Heart?"

"The Yin Yang Purple Tree Heart?" Song Changsheng’s heart leaped. This time, he was genuinely tempted.

’Song Xianming is about to enter seclusion to break through to the Purple Mansion stage. With his outstanding talent and previous breakthrough experience, his chances of success are high; he has no need for this item’s assistance.’

’Meanwhile, my cultivation has reached the peak of the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, and my Mental Realm is already at the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection level. With the help of the Thousand-Year Stalactite Spiritual Liquid I acquired earlier, I can break through to the Late-stage Foundation Establishment at any time.’

’The Purple Mansion Stage is getting closer, so I need to plan ahead and prepare.’

’The risks of breaking through to the Purple Mansion Stage are ten times greater than for Foundation Establishment. No one is ever completely certain of success, and I don’t have much confidence either.’

’So, this Yin Yang Purple Tree Heart is indeed extremely important to me.’

’But the risks involved are also ridiculously high.’

"My young friend, you don’t need to rush your decision. It will be several years before the Ancient Battlefield opens again. We are simply building up our reserve of talent in advance."

"During this time, you can carefully consider the pros and cons. If you are interested in participating, report to this location on the first day of the tenth month, five years from now."

With that, Pavilion Master Bai handed him a Jade Scroll, then waved his hand. "I am a little tired. You may go, my young friend."

Holding the Jade Scroll, Song Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the man hadn’t forced him to make a decision. He bowed sincerely and then backed out of the room.

The black-robed man who had led him upstairs reappeared silently in front of him. "Please follow me."

——————

After stepping out of the Gambling Stone Pavilion, Song Changsheng let out a long sigh. He stared at the Jade Scroll in his hand, his expression complicated. ’Is what happened today really over just like that?’

"Hey, how are you out so fast? The Pavilion Master didn’t give you a hard time, did he?" Peng Siying suddenly popped out from one side, speaking in a flurry.

Song Changsheng shook his head. "The Pavilion Master is a very kind person; he didn’t blame me."

"See? I told you so. An esteemed elder like him wouldn’t blame us over such a small matter. Where are you going now?" Sensing that Song Changsheng didn’t want to dwell on the topic, Peng Siying naturally changed the subject.

"My haul this time has greatly exceeded my expectations. I’m planning to find my companions. They’re waiting outside the Black Market."

Although Pavilion Master Bai had said he could freely use his Pupil Technique for stone gambling, Song Changsheng no longer had the inclination. Right now, he just wanted to get far away from this place.

"Oh, is that right? In that case, I’m going the same way. The exit is in the same place, anyway."

——————

While Song Changsheng was entering the Black Market, Chi Huo Old Ghost was also strolling through Ten Thousand Swords City with Song Qingxing, Song Qingxi, and Little Lingyun.

For Song Qingxi, this was an unprecedentedly novel experience. It was her first time entering such a bustling city; neither the old Liuyun Marketplace nor the City of Independent Cultivators they had stopped at previously could compare to this metropolis.

Along the way, the young girl found everything novel and bought quite a few trinkets.

After wandering for over an ancient hour, led by Chi Huo Old Ghost, they finally arrived at the Celestial Weapon Pavilion the guide had mentioned.

The Celestial Weapon Pavilion covered a vast area and stood a hundred zhang tall, with a constant stream of people coming and going.

"This is the Celestial Weapon Pavilion?" Song Qingxi tilted her head back, looking at the building that was so out of place with its surroundings, her little face filled with curiosity and anticipation.

"Young Miss, shall we go in for a look?"

"Hmph. Are there any other places for us to go besides here?" Song Qingxi pouted, then walked inside holding Little Lingyun.

Song Qingxi was already exceptionally beautiful, and holding an infant in her arms, she instantly attracted numerous gazes upon entering.

A capable-looking attendant came forward and greeted them warmly, "Welcome, everyone. Is there anything you need?"

Song Qingxi thought for a moment before saying, "I’d like to buy a few suitable Magical Artifacts."

"Our Celestial Weapon Pavilion has a vast selection of artifacts, encompassing everything from Tier One artifacts to Magical Treasures. May I ask what tier you’re looking for?"

After glancing at Song Qingxing, who stood beside her like a block of wood, Song Qingxi said to the attendant, "We need both Tier One Top Grade and Tier Two Low Grade."

Hearing that they needed Tier Two artifacts, the smile on the attendant’s face grew even wider. He said enthusiastically, "Then let’s look at the Tier One Top Grade artifacts first. Please, follow me."

The group followed the attendant up several floors in succession. It turned out the Celestial Weapon Pavilion dedicated an entire floor to each minor grade of artifact; no wonder it was a hundred zhang tall.

This made it clear that the attendant’s claim about the Celestial Weapon Pavilion having a vast selection of artifacts was no exaggeration.

Arriving on the fourth floor, the attendant pointed to the dazzling array of artifacts and said proudly, "These are all Tier One Top Grade artifacts. The left side is for defense, the right is for offense, and the middle is for support. If you have any questions, Fairy, I can answer them."

Song Qingxi stared at the thousands of artifacts before her, momentarily stunned. Even she was dazzled by the sight.

Fortunately, Chi Huo Old Ghost was experienced. After asking for her detailed requirements, he quickly picked out three suitable artifacts for her.

They were a Brocade Long Skirt, a Long Sword, and a Protective Jade Pendant, costing a total of over two thousand Spirit Stones.

Three Tier One top-grade artifacts for that price was certainly not cheap, but the quality of the Celestial Weapon Pavilion’s artifacts was worthy of the cost.

Next was selecting a Tier Two Low Grade flying sword for Song Qingxing, but after looking around, they found nothing satisfactory.

Just as it seemed they would be leaving empty-handed, the attendant suddenly said, "The Celestial Weapon Pavilion has never had a precedent of disappointing a customer. Every floor in our pavilion has ten signature treasures. Since these haven’t caught your eye, Sir, I invite you to take a look at them. If those still fail to satisfy you, our pavilion can custom-make one for you."

At these words, the group stopped in their tracks.

...