Zhou Qing’s heart and spirit were shaken severely; he never imagined Jin Mantang would be so loyal, willing to testify at the cost of his damaged divine soul.

A warm current surged in his heart, yet it was also mixed with a bit of guilt.

Just as the servant was about to leave, Zhou Qing hurriedly added, "Please convey another message, saying ’An old friend is visiting, two top-grade wood attribute Spirit Stones.’

The servant paused upon hearing this, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

Two top-grade wood attribute Spirit Stones?

Could it be that Shopkeeper Jin owes this distinguished guest such a heavy debt?

He was secretly tongue-tied but dared not ask more, simply nodding respectfully and hastening toward the inner courtyard.

Zhou Qing watched the servant leave and turned to walk toward the outer hall.

Several shopkeepers were surrounded by a large group of cultivators, tirelessly recounting the details of the battle in the Sea of No Light.

A dozen surviving guards were also there to corroborate, occasionally demonstrating the thrilling scenes of that time.

The hall was bustling with voices, as every day there were new cultivators requesting to verify the matter personally.

...

Meanwhile, in the quiet room of the inner courtyard.

Jin Mantang was half-lying on a soft couch, his complexion still pale, with a Soul-Calming Talisman sticking to his forehead.

Regarding the voluntary request for the president to perform a soul search, he had no regrets.

If not for Mr. Ji’s rescue, he would probably have died in the Sea of No Light.

Moreover, between the early-stage Divinity Transformation and Divinity Transformation Realm Perfection, apart from differences in battle power, there wasn’t much they could alter.

The lifespan for both is two thousand years, and as a shopkeeper who doesn’t need to fight, he might live more comfortably than them.

As for the Spirit Severing Realm? That was an even more remote, unattainable luxury.

At this moment, a knock sounded outside the door, and he struggled to open his bloodshot eyes.

"Shopkeeper," the servant tiptoed in, whispered, "Outside there is a distinguished guest wearing a silver pattern mask, claiming to be an old friend, and mentioned two top-grade wood attribute Spirit Stones. He said he wishes to see you, do you—"

Upon hearing this, Jin Mantang instinctively waved his hand.

Though the president was in the Spirit Severing Realm and likely carried out the soul search gently, his sea of consciousness was still fiercely shaking.

At this moment, he only wished to rest, seeing no one.

Seeing Shopkeeper Jin’s rejection, the servant, seemingly having anticipated it, didn’t say much more and prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment!" Just as he was about to close the door, Jin Mantang suddenly jostled.

He abruptly propped himself up but due to moving too fast, his vision darkened and he nearly collapsed onto the bed.

The servant hurriedly stepped forward to assist, but Jin Mantang grabbed his wrist, "You, what did you just say? Two top-grade wood attribute Spirit Stones?"

"Indeed..." the servant was startled by the shopkeeper’s unusual reaction, "That distinguished guest is currently in the outer hall..."

Jin Mantang took a deep breath, then patted his forehead hard.

After the soul search, his brain was indeed slower.

Regarding recruiting a second-grade Array Master at Yaoguang Mansion back then, he promised Chicken one top-grade wood attribute Spirit Stone.

And during the life-or-death moment facing Jieyun Thief in the core area of the inner cabin, he distributed all rewards in advance, allowing everyone to flee...

It was two top-grade wood attribute Spirit Stones given to Mr. Ji as compensation.

This matter was reported to the headquarters here, needed for reimbursement, but outsiders were unaware.

And an old friend visiting, needless to say, Mr. Ji is here for him.

"Wait a moment!" After figuring it out, Jin Mantang quickly got up, fumbling to put on his outer robe.

"Shopkeeper, go slower..." the servant noticed he even wore his shoes backward, quickly reminded him.

But Jin Mantang hardly cared about these.

After taking a step, he felt dizzy, black spots danced before his eyes, and cold sweat soaked his clothes instantly.

The servant stared wide-eyed at the shopkeeper’s panicked look, bewildered: Who exactly is this personage that makes Shopkeeper Jin lose composure?

"Quick! Help me over there!" Jin Mantang grabbed the servant’s shoulder, his voice trembling slightly due to excitement.

The servant dared not neglect, quickly held Jin Mantang’s arm, carefully aiding him to the outer hall.

...

In this way, the servant supported Jin Mantang through the winding corridors.

Every step brought searing pain from his torn sea of consciousness, but he gritted his teeth and only quickened his pace.

Almost breaking free from the servant’s aid several times.

Until they turned the last screen, the clamor of the outer hall swept over.

Jin Mantang squinted his blurry eyes, urgently scanning the crowd for that familiar figure.

"It’s him!" The servant, sharp-eyed, pointed to Zhou Qing in the corner.

Zhou Qing also sensed something and slowly turned his head.

Upon seeing Jin Mantang’s pale complexion, he furrowed his brows deeply beneath the mask, sighed heavily, and stepped forward.

Jin Mantang immediately recognized those deep yet keen eyes, smiling inadvertently.

But then he remembered the Nangong Family was still energetically pursuing him, quickly restrained his expression and waved the servant away, "You can go about your business."

The servant understood, respectfully retreated.

"Why bother yourself like this," Zhou Qing stepped forward to support him.

Weakly, Jin Mantang said, "You saved me, I just want to do what I can."

Zhou Qing said no more, simply stabilized his swaying body.

"It’s alright, alright..." Jin Mantang waved repeatedly, then lowered his voice, "Master, are you here for those top-grade Spirit Stones this time?"

Seeing Zhou Qing nod, Jin Mantang continued, "Initially, I estimated the highest price to be around five hundred and thirty, but the president specifically mentioned six hundred and sixty-six, implying you’ll have smooth sailing despite Nangong Family’s pursuit."