Clearly, to be the manager of the Seven Treasures Auction House, one must possess exceptional acumen.
Although Ning Rongrong hadn't informed him in advance about her sudden arrival in Tian Dou City and her specific request for a top-tier earth-attribute treasure, the manager seemed to have already guessed her intentions.
Thus, the manager turned his gaze toward Dai Chengfeng and began introducing the unique qualities of this mineral.
"Your Highness, please take a look…"
"This is called the 'Earth Vein Core.' It's not just a simple natural mineral; it's a rare substance formed over a thousand years as the essence of the earth condensed within the unique environment deep beneath the earth's veins."
"According to the treasury records, it has an exceptionally strong auxiliary effect on the cultivation of earth-attribute soul masters, particularly in solidifying their foundations and refining their soul power."
"Furthermore, if one continuously nourishes this core with soul power, it can subtly enhance the wearer's sense of 'gravity control,' allowing them to comprehend the power of mountains in stillness."
"When using earth-attribute soul skills, whether for defensive barriers or seismic shocks, its presence adds a profound heaviness and stability, increasing both the might and foundation of the technique. It's truly an excellent aid for steady progress and strengthening one's roots."
The manager's introduction was smooth and well-structured, clearly articulating the item's value and purpose.
After finishing, he clasped his hands in front of him, slightly bowed his head, and turned his gaze to Ning Rongrong, respectfully saying:
"Young Miss, this item meets your requirements. There is no superior earth-attribute inventory in our vaults."
"Please inspect it and let me know if you're satisfied?"
Ning Rongrong didn't even glance at what the Earth Vein Core looked like. Her little head had already turned toward Dai Chengfeng, her bright eyes fixed on him without blinking, eagerly asking directly:
"Dai Chengfeng, I've brought you what you wanted!"
"This stone sounds pretty impressive according to this guy, right? Here's the earth-attribute you requested!"
"Are… are you satisfied?"
Her tone carried a hint of pride, mingled with a subtle nervousness that betrayed how much she valued Dai Chengfeng's approval. Her thoughts were clear as day: 'Look at my accomplishment! Isn't the ability of this princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect impressive?'
Clearly, she had the mindset of a child.
Dai Chengfeng, however, didn't respond immediately. Instead, he took a deep breath and forced his attention away from the immensely powerful dragon core in his storage soul-guidance artifact—a core capable of forming a second soul nucleus.
He stepped forward, his gaze falling on the brownish-yellow "Earth Vein Core," and subtly moved his spiritual sense to perceive the stable and vast power within.
Though he wasn't particularly concerned with solidifying foundations or refining soul power—since his own martial soul wasn't earth-attribute—he could feel that this Earth Vein Core was indeed as pure and heavy as the manager described, brimming with the inclusiveness and strength of the earth.
It far exceeded his original expectations for an earth-attribute treasure.
"I wonder if it'll be enough to nurture the fifth leaf of the Four Symbols Five Elements Lotus?"
After all, the Four Symbols Five Elements Lotus, being the pinnacle among divine herbs, had exceedingly high attribute requirements…
The ice and fire leaves grew by absorbing the powers of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
The metal-attribute leaf only managed to grow after absorbing the extreme metallic energy within Dai Chengfeng's body over a long period.
As for the wood-attribute leaf—it was even more extravagant.
Countless divine herbs had been sacrificed to provide the essence needed for its growth.
Now, only the earth-attribute leaf remained…
Regardless, Ning Rongrong had clearly put her heart into this effort. Thus, Dai Chengfeng reached out and accepted the wooden box.
It was indeed heavy in his hands, like holding a small mountain.
Looking at the item inside, he said, "Satisfied! Very satisfied!"
Then, raising his head, he locked eyes with Ning Rongrong, his lips curling into a smile, his voice low and earnest:
"Miss Ning, I'll remember this great gift."
"If you ever need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask!"
Hearing the word "satisfied," Ning Rongrong's face instantly brightened again, and she lifted her chin slightly. "Hmph, satisfaction is all that matters! I told you—I always keep my promises!"
Watching Ning Rongrong's proud and triumphant demeanor, Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, though he genuinely appreciated her efforts.
This "Earth Vein Core" had far exceeded his expectations, and the favor she had done him was significant.
He carefully placed the wooden box containing the Earth Vein Core into his storage soul-guidance artifact, alongside the dragon core whose attributes were still unknown.
"I have other matters to attend to. My father has summoned me back to the sect soon, so I'll leave you to your business—but don't forget your promise to me!"
"Rest assured, I never break my word." Dai Chengfeng nodded solemnly.
"Very well!"
Ning Rongrong raised her chin slightly, lingered no longer, and turned to leave with light, confident steps, like a victorious little princess.
Ning Fengyuan also nodded to Dai Chengfeng before following her.
Soon, Dai Chengfeng watched Ning Rongrong and Ning Fengyuan disappear beyond the gates. He shook his head and prepared to return to the hotel to study these two treasures in detail.
---
Not long afterward, Dai Chengfeng had returned to the hotel.
On the second floor of the hotel…
Dai Chengfeng gently pushed open the door to his room, but the sight inside made him pause momentarily.
Direct sunlight streamed through the window, outlining a graceful yet aloof silhouette near the window.
Today, Bibi Dong wasn't wearing her ornate papal robes symbolizing supreme authority. Instead, she wore a simple, form-fitting outfit that accentuated her tall, slender figure.
She sat quietly on a dark red velvet sofa by the window. On the small table beside her was a glass of red wine. Judging by the amount of wine left in the bottle, it was clear she had been waiting for quite some time.
At that moment, the clouds dispersed, and golden sunlight slanted across half of her face, illuminating her peerless beauty like cold jade—noble and untainted by worldly dust.
However, the faint trace of weariness in her brows, almost imperceptible, revealed that she wasn't as calm as a statue.
Her gaze was fixed outside the window, but Dai Chengfeng instinctively knew that her awareness had already covered the entire corridor, patiently awaiting his return.
When she heard the door open, Bibi Dong slowly turned her head.
Her amethyst-like eyes, still as cold as stars in the sunlight, precisely landed on Dai Chengfeng's face.
"You're back?"
Her voice was cool and flat, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
Dai Chengfeng gently closed the door behind him, shutting out all external noise.
"Mm, Teacher, I'm back."
Dai Chengfeng replied warmly, taking a few steps closer.
He stopped beside the sofa, slightly leaning down to meet her gaze. Without beating around the bush, he asked directly:
"How long… have you been waiting?"
Bibi Dong's expression remained as detached and serene as ever, as if nothing in the world could stir her emotions.
"Not long."
She casually uttered those three words, offering no explanation for why she was waiting here for him.
But this deliberate nonchalance, in this place and at this moment, felt like undeniable proof.
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