Imperial City, within the tea house!

Three masked figures sit quietly in a corner, revealing only sharply defined jawlines.

They leisurely sip their Spirit Tea, surrounded by the discussions of nearby cultivators.

Zhou Qing never expected that, even half a year later, everyone would still be enthusiastically talking about the bloodstained battle in the Ancient Beast Wilderness.

Especially concerning the Nangong Family's elder ancestor, who had long since personally arrived at the Imperial City.

However, not for revenge, but to publicly declare that everything was due to the arrogance and conceit of their clan member, Nangong Xiao.

Wishing for bygones with Mr. Ji, even offering the position of guest elder and more.

This lofty rhetoric, let alone Zhou Qing, even the most naive cultivators in the tea house sniffed at it.

Twenty-five Divinity Transformation Perfection blood debts cannot be dismissed with a mere "misunderstanding."

Anyone with insight can see that the Nangong Family is now caught between a rock and a hard place.

Unable to publicly seek revenge for fear other Spirit Severing family interferes, yet unable to swallow their pride.

What's more difficult is that several Spirit Severing Realm forces have discreetly extended olive branches to "Mr. Ji," muddling the waters further.

Zhou Qing gently tapped the teacup with his fingers, brows furrowed beneath the mask.

What perplexed him was how the matter of his eight thousand Spirit Seals had spread so widely.

Logically, the Nangong Family would never publicize their disgrace nor let him become a coveted prize for various factions...

Unless someone intentionally stirred the waters.

"The waters of the Imperial City run deeper than imagined..." Zhou Qing sighed inwardly.

His gaze then passed through the tea house window and landed on the Duobao Trading House opposite.

Not to mention the area around the Trading House, it's hard to tell how many are lying in wait here at the tea house, ready for "Mr. Ji" to appear.

After all, up to now, only the Duobao Trading House had stepped in to negotiate with the Royal Family, withdrawing their search mission on him.

If he were indeed to align himself with any faction, the Duobao Trading House would undoubtedly be the most probable choice.

"What a nuisance!" Ghost Mastiff transmitted, "So many watching, entry is impossible."

Luo Lingling's gaze wandered between Zhou Qing and the Trading House, knowing Zhou Qing was in dire need of those Wood Attribute Spirit Stones.

But these people have waited here for half a year, eager to glimpse Mr. Ji's appearance, unlikely to leave any time soon.

"How about I go," she suddenly suggested.

Zhou Qing shook his head, "The Trading House is different from families, relations more complex, and no one knows which big figure stands behind those welcoming stewards."

"Let's wait for an opportunity," he said.

The two exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

"Young friend, you've arrived!"

Just as Zhou Qing set the teacup down, preparing to leave, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

Before he could react, the surrounding scene distorted abruptly.

The hustle and bustle of the tea house receded like the tide, golden light flowed before his eyes, and once settled, he found himself in a magnificent hall.

Duobao President Mo Tianheng stood stroking his beard, smiling, "It's been half a year, young friend, and your demeanor has surpassed the past."

Zhou Qing felt a chill within, though he'd experienced this before, such instant transfer of the realms of Spirit Severing indeed evoked both envy and trepidation.

"Greetings, Elder Mo!" Zhou Qing respectfully bowed.

"Let me guess," Mo Tianheng chuckled while stroking his beard, "here to deal with those 'spoils' from the Nangong Family? Like the last time with the Jieyun Thief?"

Zhou Qing's lips curved slightly, a glint of understanding in his eyes, "Elder Mo, you see it clearly. But no need to gather that six-six-six grand package this time."

"Hahaha!" Mo Tianheng laughed out loud, "Last time nine were involved, this time over twenty from the Nangong Family. If you really gather a six hundred sixty-six count, young friend might flee in panic."

As the laughter faded, Zhou Qing had already presented his Storage Bag with both hands.

Mo Tianheng took it, his fingertips lightly slicing the bag's opening, releasing a burst of treasure light.

After a brief glance, he said, "Knowing you urgently need Wood Attribute Spirit Stones, old man has been collecting from all branches over the past half-year and requested purchases from a few old friends."

He suddenly squinted, "Care to guess the quantity?"

Zhou Qing's eyes glinted brightly, and with a sweep of his sleeve, several Storage Bags were neatly arranged on the table, "Senior, however much there is, exchange that much!"

Mo Tianheng weighed the Storage Bag with a smile, "These should definitely suffice, perhaps even with reserves left."

Seeing Zhou Qing solemnly salute, he waved his hand, and after his Divine Sense scanned the Storage Bag, a flash of light from his waist.

Sixty luminous Wood Attribute Spirit Stones floated in the air, Zhou Qing's breath caught.

Then two hundred eighty-eight top-grade Spirit Stones followed in succession.

"This batch priced at eight hundred eighty-eight."

As Mo Tianheng's words fell, Zhou Qing understood, gaining substantial advantage.

However, with his existing savings, his top-grade Spirit Stones had now surpassed the thousand-mark, enough to support his Spirit Severing needs.

Once handling the Spirit Stones, Mo Tianheng's expression suddenly turned serious, presenting a Cyan Jade Scroll, "As a major client bonus, here are some tidings."

The Jade Scroll in hand felt cool, Zhou Qing probed with his Divine Sense and was instantly astounded.

Inside, detailed records of all Holy Martial Dynasty's Spirit Severing experts, along with the distribution of factions' territories, even marking secret posts throughout the Imperial City.

"The Dynasty has yet to have a Fourth-level Array Master," Mo Tianheng suddenly lowered his voice, "current Emperor Xuanyuan Hao is searching for you. His mind is deeply cunning, young friend must be cautious."

Zhou Qing grasped Elder Mo's hint, promptly bowing in gratitude.

Mo Tianheng nodded slightly and then said, "Alright, I won't keep you longer. Come to me anytime if needed."