Zhou Qing sat down as instructed, his expression still cautious.

Mo Tianheng’s gaze was profound. He said slowly, "It is rare for a cultivator to face an opponent of the same realm, let alone one who can defeat nine opponents and counter-kill them."

"To be honest, in all my years of cultivation, this is the first time I’ve seen such a feat."

"It was just luck." Zhou Qing shook his head, his tone humble.

Mo Tianheng nodded slightly, then said seriously, "Since that’s the case, I’ll be direct—I admire you and would like to invite you to become a tributor for our Duobao Trading House."

Zhou Qing’s brow furrowed slightly, just about to politely decline when Mo Tianheng handed him a Jade Scroll with a smile. "Don’t be so quick to refuse, take a look at the terms first."

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment, took the Jade Scroll, and scanned it with his divine sense, his pupils instantly constricted, a look of shock flashed in his eyes.

The terms listed on it were astonishingly generous.

Spiritual materials, cultivation techniques, resources—all were top-notch, and there were even internal privileges of the trading house...

He took a deep breath, suppressing the surge in his heart, and finally shook his head, "Thank you, senior, for your kindness, but..."

Mo Tianheng seemed to have expected this and smiled before Zhou Qing could finish, "I know what you’re concerned about."

"Rest assured, the trading house won’t restrict you in the slightest. If needed, help if you can, and if you don’t want to, that’s fine."

He paused and added, "As for those few people from the Nangong Family, they’re just minor troubles that can be settled with money, and the trading house will handle it for you."

"Besides, the trading house’s intelligence network spans the Eight Prefectures and Seventy-Two Mansions. Whatever you wish to inquire about, you’ll get the news first."

"And all resources within the trading house can be acquired by you at half price."

Zhou Qing was silent for a moment, then returned the Jade Scroll solemnly, "I appreciate your generous offer, senior."

"But I am accustomed to being independent, unwilling to be tied down by any force."

"Moreover, the path of cultivation ultimately requires one to tread step by step by oneself. Relying too much on external assistance might lead one to lose their true self." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Upon hearing this, Mo Tianheng’s eyes first showed a trace of regret, which then turned into deeper admiration.

He stroked his beard and laughed heartily, his voice like a large bell, "Good! What a ’not willing to lose one’s true self.’ I indeed have not misjudged you."

"Among us cultivators, there are perhaps one in ten thousand who can refuse such temptation."

He gazed intently at Zhou Qing, "Your determination is truly rare. If you ever change your mind, the doors of the Duobao Trading House will always be open for you."

Zhou Qing stood up and cupped his fist again, "Thank you, senior, for your understanding."

Before he finished speaking, the hall doors were pushed open.

Jin Mantang hurriedly walked in, holding a delicate storage bag in his hands.

"Greetings, Chairman!" Jin Mantang greeted respectfully.

Mo Tianheng nodded slightly, "Did you bring everything?"

"Yes." Jin Mantang presented the storage bag with both hands, "All the top-grade wood attribute spirit stones in the trading house are here."

"Exchanged at an internal rate of one to ten, we were able to obtain fifty-three top-grade wood attribute spirit stones, with one hundred thirty-six top-grade spirit stones remaining."

Upon mentioning this, Jin Mantang could hardly conceal his astonishment.

When he had gone to the exchange hall, the Hall Master had everything prepared, indicating the chairman had planned this in advance.

Apparently, this Mr. Ji holds a much heavier place in the chairman’s heart than he had imagined.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing’s eyes flashed with a keen light.

Fifty-three top-grade wood attribute spirit stones! This number far exceeded his expectations.

As expected of a top-tier trading house that can establish itself in the Imperial City, its foundation is indeed profound.

Mo Tianheng accepted the storage bag but did not immediately hand it to Zhou Qing. Instead, he took out a Purple Gold Order from his sleeve.

The order token was shimmering all over, the words "Duobao" engraved on the front, and thirty-five branch markings on the back.

"Since you are unwilling to be bound, I won’t force it," Mo Tianheng handed out the token and the storage bag together.

"This VIP token is a token of our meeting. With it, you can mobilize resources from thirty-five branches of the trading house and enjoy priority purchasing. All items are settled at internal prices."

His gaze was profound, his tone suddenly solemn, "Such a token, I have only given out seventeen."

"Because, on the surface, of the Holy Martial Dynasty’s Spirit Severing Realm—" Mo Tianheng deliberately emphasized the words "on the surface," "there are exactly seventeen people!"