The young girl wore an expression of grievance, but under Hong Kui's stern pressure, she reluctantly kowtowed to Ning Tianchen to apologize.
Hong Kui smiled apologetically, "My daughter, Hong Xinyue, is used to playing around. She has offended you, and the Hong family is willing to pay any price to make amends."
Ning Tianchen took a deep breath.
To be honest, given the girl's earlier attitude, he had almost unleashed his killing intent.
With only thirty-nine levels of soul power, how could she withstand the impact of his killing intent? She might have exploded on the spot.
After calming himself, Ning Tianchen looked at Hong Xinyue. On her, he seemed to see a reflection of Ning Rongrong from the past.
Deciding not to dwell on the matter, he swirled his teacup and said indifferently, "Master Hong, your guest has arrived. We can discuss our matters later."
Hong Kui's guest was a healing-type Soul King, but this person had a lot of airs. It was likely that Hong Kui needed something from him, which explained why he was so eager to clear out the teahouse.
Hong Kui was no fool. After a quick thought, he smiled and said, "Young friend Tianchen, why don't you come with me to meet Master Pengshun?"
This person was young yet possessed such strength—clearly backed by a powerful force.
Whatever Hong Kui wanted to achieve would be trivial in front of a major power. If he could hitch onto a strong ally, it would greatly benefit the Hong family.
Ning Tianchen didn't refuse and followed Hong Kui downstairs.
"Master Pengshun, long time no see," Hong Kui greeted politely with clasped hands.
The healer named Pengshun nodded slightly and immediately found a table to sit at.
Hong Kui didn't dare to delay and quickly served him the finest tea.
Once seated, Pengshun remarked indifferently, "Master Hong doesn't seem to discipline his subordinates well. Since when are servants allowed to sit at the table?"
There were four people at the table: besides Pengshun, there were Hong Kui, his daughter, and Ning Tianchen.
Hong Xinyue was quite famous; this person should know her. Therefore, the "servant" he referred to was undoubtedly Ning Tianchen.
Within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, there was one Soul Sage-level healer, over ten Soul Emperor-level healers, and countless Soul King-level healers. Referring to them as "commonplace" wouldn't be an exaggeration.
What did this Pengshun think he was, to put on such airs?
Just as Ning Tianchen was about to get angry, Hong Kui quickly interjected, "Master, please forgive my ignorance. This is the eldest son of an old friend of mine. He is visiting the Hong family, and we cannot neglect our guest, can we?"
Pengshun stopped pressing the issue, sipped his tea, and said leisurely, "I already know about your father's situation, Master Hong. But what about the compensation you promised me?"
Hong Kui bowed, "Master, rest assured—I will not break my word."
Meanwhile, Ning Tianchen quietly analyzed the situation.
Those who falsely claimed the title of "master" often lacked real talent. This Pengshun must have seized upon the Hong family's weakness to act so arrogantly toward Hong Kui.
From Hong Kui's attitude, it was clear he urgently needed this master's help.
Pengshun was a healing-type soul master, so it was likely that the Hong family had an urgent need for treatment.
"Master, please follow me?" Hong Kui gestured respectfully.
Pengshun snorted, "Is this how you treat your guests, Master Hong? I've traveled thousands of miles to get here, and I haven't even finished my tea."
As he spoke, he rubbed his stomach.
Hong Kui immediately understood, "My apologies—I was being shortsighted. Later, I will host a banquet at the Xiang Yue Pavilion. Please honor us with your presence."
Though he sought Pengshun's help, Hong Kui wasn't keen on humoring him.
After receiving an affirmative response, Hong Kui quickly excused himself, claiming he needed to contact the restaurant, and left the teahouse.
"Master Hong seems to have an urgent matter that requires this person's assistance?" Ning Tianchen asked casually.
Hong Kui didn't answer directly but instead countered, "If you were in my position just now, what would you have done?"
Ning Tianchen sneered, "Regardless of whether he has real talent, that attitude alone warrants a lesson."
If Pengshun had put on airs in front of Ning Fengzhi, without Ning Fengzhi even saying anything, the sect disciples would have made sure Pengshun understood the consequences.
Hong Kui gave a bitter smile, "To be honest, my father sustained an injury. If it isn't treated promptly, it may affect his vitality and lifespan."
"Xinyue, take our guest around the city. I have some matters to attend to."
With that, he bowed to Ning Tianchen, "Excuse me, young friend."
After Hong Kui left, Hong Xinyue fully revealed her true nature.
However, Ning Tianchen's earlier display of strength had instilled fear in her. Without Hong Kui around, she dared not disrespect him.
"Hey, hey, what's your relationship with Ning Tianchen of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?" Hong Xinyue asked bluntly.
Seeing a reflection of Ning Rongrong in her, Ning Tianchen replied with interest, "What do you think is the difference between us?"
After a moment's thought, Hong Xinyue said, "My father says your strength isn't inferior to his. So, the only similarity between you and Ning Tianchen is probably your name. Ning Tianchen was a Soul King during the Soul Master Tournament two years ago. Even if he advanced quickly, you can't possibly be him."
Ning Tianchen smiled faintly, "Oh? Have you met him?"
Hong Xinyue placed her hands on her hips and proudly declared, "I was there at the finals! Oh, I forgot to tell you—I was a substitute for Qinglan Academy. Although our academy was eliminated in the first round of the finals, we stayed to watch the matches from the sidelines."
Qinglan Academy—Ning Tianchen vaguely remembered it as an academy within the Star Luo Empire.
Hong Xinyue's current strength was close to forty levels. Two years ago, her soul power was likely around thirty-six levels, which indeed qualified her as a substitute.
However, Ning Tianchen hadn't paid attention to Qinglan Academy back then. Moreover, his demeanor had changed significantly now—only those familiar with him could recognize his identity.
As for Hong Xinyue, she might not have paid attention to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect team initially. She probably only noticed them during the finals. And during the finals, the eliminated teams could only squeeze into the audience seats—it was uncertain whether she could even see the arena clearly.
"Is that so? I didn't expect someone as young as you to become a substitute for a team," Ning Tianchen remarked casually.
Hong Xinyue, as if opening a floodgate, began chattering nonstop, "Let me tell you, the only reason I was a substitute at Qinglan Academy was that I was younger back then. My family wanted me to gain experience. For the next Soul Master Tournament, my father said he'd send me to a better academy to become a main team member."
In three years, her strength would reach mid-level Soul Ancestor, qualifying her to be a main team member.
Given her playful nature, her cultivation hadn't fallen behind, indicating her innate soul power was no less than level eight.
"What a pity—you won't have the chance three years from now," Ning Tianchen remarked lightly.
In the original timeline, due to the Spirit Hunting Operation, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were either injured or destroyed, causing panic across the continent. As a result, the Soul Master Tournament didn't proceed as scheduled. Following that, years of war ensued.
It could be said that for the next decade or more, there wouldn't be any Soul Master Tournaments.
"Pfft, don't talk nonsense! With my strength, as long as I train diligently for a while, I might even become the team captain or vice-captain. How could I miss out on participating?" Hong Xinyue said, somewhat annoyed.
Ning Tianchen didn't respond and turned toward the nearby horse market.
"Hey, hey, are you even listening to me?" Hong Xinyue stomped her feet in frustration.
But she wasn't a match for Ning Tianchen, and Hong Kui had instructed her to take care of him. No matter how displeased she felt, she had no choice but to endure.
Catching up to Ning Tianchen, she finally realized they were at the city's horse market.
Relatively speaking, horses in the north were larger, while those in the south were smaller.
Within the Star Luo Empire, the tall and majestic Ferghana horses were mostly imported from neighboring northern countries.
Most of the horses in the market were local breeds. Occasionally, one could spot tall steeds, but these horses were old, their hooves heavily worn—clearly rejects from elsewhere.
"Isn't that Miss Hong? Why is she following that young man?"
"Hmph, look at how obedient Miss Hong is acting. She must have been 'taught a lesson,' right?"
"Shh, shh—they're coming. Everyone knows Miss Hong's personality."
Ning Tianchen's perception was sharp, and he heard the surrounding gossip. He chuckled softly, "It seems you're quite famous."
Hong Xinyue pouted, "These people just love to gossip. Just wait and see how I'll deal with them later."
Through the eyes of these bystanders, Ning Tianchen could roughly gauge Hong Xinyue's character.
Their eyes held worry and tension, but not fear or terror. Clearly, Hong Xinyue wasn't some irredeemable villain. At most, she relied on her status to intimidate others but wouldn't ruin anyone's life.
After a pause, she curiously asked, "Are you buying a horse?"
Ning Tianchen nodded.
She continued, "Then you've come to the wrong place. The horse markets in the Star Luo Empire are full of these short-legged horses. If you want good horses, you should go to the Tian Dou Empire."
With a sly grin, she added, "But if you sweet-talk me a bit, maybe I'll soften up and let you pick a few fine horses from our estate."
Hearing her words, Ning Tianchen relaxed.
The Hong family definitely had fine horses!
Now that he had established a connection with her, acquiring good horses wouldn't be a problem.
Ignoring her, Ning Tianchen looked through the horses on his own.
"Excuse me, young sir—the Hong family's main business is selling horses. If you want fine horses, you should go to them," a stall owner who overheard the conversation chimed in.
Hong Xinyue proudly declared, "Our customers include the imperial army. Flatter me a bit, and you can pick any fine horse you like."
Ning Tianchen shook his head helplessly. This girl really reminded him of Ning Rongrong.
However, he had no interest in Hong Xinyue.
Glancing at the sky, he said, "It's almost noon. Let's head back—it's time to eat."
"Hmph!" Stomping her feet, Hong Xinyue reluctantly led him back.
After they left, the horse market became lively.
Witnessing Miss Hong being humbled was surely a topic of gossip for after-dinner conversations.
---
Hong Kui had booked the entire Xiang Yue Pavilion, treating Pengshun with utmost respect.
However, during the meal, Pengshun found fault with every dish, repeatedly embarrassing Hong Kui.
In the end, it was only when Hong Kui brought in dancers to distract Pengshun that the awkwardness subsided.
After the meal, Hong Xinyue approached Ning Tianchen. "My father invites you to visit the Hong estate. Will you go?"
"Is this how you invite someone?" Ning Tianchen countered.
Hong Xinyue gritted her teeth and said, "It's my fault. May I ask, esteemed young master Tianchen, would you like to visit the Hong estate?"
"Lead the way," Ning Tianchen replied with a straight face.
The Hong estate wasn't in Flowing Water City but twenty miles away in Feng Wu City.
As soon as Ning Tianchen stepped into the Hong family's carriage, he could tell that the horses pulling it were cold-resistant fine steeds.
Hong Xinyue was taken by Hong Kui to entertain Pengshun, leaving Ning Tianchen to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Half an hour later, the carriage entered Feng Wu City and headed toward the city center, stopping in front of a sprawling mansion.
After getting out of the carriage, Hong Kui had to personally attend to Pengshun, so Hong Xinyue led Ning Tianchen on a tour of the estate.
"Are you not taking me to see your grandfather?" Ning Tianchen asked.
He had several medicinal herbs for treating injuries. Though they might not work as quickly as healing-type soul techniques, they were still effective for most wounds.
Hong Xinyue's face flushed with anger, though her ire wasn't directed at Ning Tianchen. "Don't cause trouble. My father has spent a great deal to bring in this healer. He should be able to cure Grandfather."
Ning Tianchen smiled and asked, "Did that Pengshun try anything inappropriate with you?"
Hong Xinyue's expression changed dramatically, and she hurriedly explained, "Of course not! Don't spread lies or tarnish my reputation!"
After Ning Tianchen repeatedly insisted, Hong Xinyue reluctantly led him to the room of the elder patriarch.
"Why are you here?" Hong Kui casually asked but didn't press further, seemingly unconcerned about the outcome.
Ning Tianchen asked, "Has Pengshun gone in?"
Hong Kui replied, "The master has been inside for a few minutes now. Hopefully, he can cure the old man."
His lack of confidence was evident. Clearly, before this, he had invited other healers, none of whom had succeeded.
About the time it took to burn a stick of incense later, Pengshun emerged from the room.
Hong Kui anxiously inquired about the situation.
Pengshun scolded, "Master Hong, you didn't tell the truth! The elder patriarch is clearly poisoned, yet you told me it was an internal injury. How am I supposed to treat him like this?"
It seemed he was trying to use his angry tone to cover up his incompetence.
Ning Tianchen interjected, "Let me take a look. I have some methods for dealing with poison."
"You? A brat like you—what do you think you are? How dare you interfere when even I couldn't fix this!"
Before Pengshun could finish his sentence, a chilling, pale killing intent erupted from Ning Tianchen's body, enveloping Pengshun within it.
The Killing God Domain!
In Pengshun's eyes, it was as if countless ghosts and ghouls were rushing toward him. Terrified out of his wits, he froze stiff, and a yellowish liquid trickled down his legs.
"What do you think you are? A mere healing-type Soul King dares to act so arrogantly!"
Ning Tianchen's words were like those of an Asura, sending Pengshun into a frantic plea for mercy.
This time, Hong Kui chose to stay out of it.
After Ning Tianchen entered the room, he even ordered his men to strip Pengshun naked and toss him onto the street.
Inside the room, smoke filled the air.
According to Hong Kui, it was a type of incense meant to suppress the poison.
On the bed lay a gaunt old man with sunken eyes.
The moment Ning Tianchen touched the old man's arm, the latter weakly grabbed his wrist.
"Young man, at sixteen, you possess such strength—you must hail from a powerful faction," the elder said feebly.
Ning Tianchen responded indifferently, "Were you hunting souls and angered a venomous spirit beast? Did it claw you?"
The elder's emaciated face twisted into a bitter smile, making him look even more ghastly. "A few years ago, while searching for medicinal herbs in the Great Star Dou Forest, I encountered two people."
"I don't know the identity of one, but I remember the other clearly—it was Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo."
Ning Tianchen was puzzled.
The poison affecting the elder had nothing to do with the venom of the Jade Phosphor Serpent. Why bring up Dugu Bo?
From the elder's subsequent explanation, Ning Tianchen finally pieced together what had happened.
Years ago, when Dugu Bo helped Ke Jie obtain his ninth soul ring, they accidentally triggered a rampage among the spirit beasts.
While searching for herbs, the elder had been drenched in venom sprayed by a forty-thousand-year-old Blackwater Giant Python.
Though he had cleaned himself immediately, the venom had already seeped into his body.
Later, he encountered Dugu Bo and Ke Jie, who took pity on him. Dugu Bo gave him a bottle of antidote pills, temporarily suppressing the venom within him.
A year ago, after the antidote pills ran out, the venom became uncontrollable and eventually erupted.
More crucially, a year ago, while helping an old friend hunt souls, the elder had suffered severe injuries from a spirit beast.
The combination of poisoning and serious internal injuries had reduced this sixty-year-old Soul Sage to his current frail state.
"Are you sure it's the venom of the Blackwater Giant Python?" Ning Tianchen asked.
His knowledge of medicine was limited, making it difficult for him to identify which toxin caused the symptoms.
The elder weakly replied, "Not long ago, a healing-type soul master examined me and confirmed it's only the venom of the Blackwater Giant Python, not a mixture of poisons. Unfortunately, he could only stabilize my internal injuries. Unless the poison is removed, my internal wounds will never heal."
If it was snake venom, then it was simple.
Ning Tianchen turned away, took out a small knife, and sliced his palm open. He caught the dripping blood in a crystal cup, then retrieved several powdered medicines from his soul tool, mixing them into the blood.
Thanks to the tempering of the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, his blood was almost immune to all poisons. The powders were just ordinary antivenoms.
With these two measures combined, the venom of the Blackwater Giant Python was no longer a concern.
After diluting the blood with water, he handed the concoction to the elder to drink.
"Check the results in two hours. If there's improvement, I'll prepare another dose for you. Afterward, we'll also need to address your internal injuries."
"Thank you," the elder said before closing his eyes.
The earlier conversation had clearly drained him, and he needed rest.
After leaving the room, Ning Tianchen spoke with Hong Kui.
He wasn't a physician and couldn't guarantee a complete cure, but keeping the elder alive wouldn't be a problem.
Hong Kui clasped his hands together and said, "Young friend, why don't you stay at our estate for now? Later, I'll host a banquet to thank you."
Ning Tianchen waved his hand dismissively. "No need for formalities. We're simply exchanging favors."
His purpose for coming here was clear: to obtain enough cold-resistant fine horses from the Hong family.
Hong Kui understood and felt a sense of relief.
After all, if Ning Tianchen had no requests, he might not have put forth his full effort during the treatment. Now that he had a demand, he would surely do his best.
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