On the eve of their departure, the moonlight streamed like water over the quiet courtyard of the Li residence. Marco was in his room packing his belongings, carefully arranging necessary clothing, medicine, and some dry rations. Qing Yu stood quietly at the corner of the table, tilting her small head as she watched her master busy himself.
"Marco, come to the study." Li Zhaoyan's steady voice came from outside the door.
Marco set down the items in his hands, straightened his robes, and quickly made his way to his father's study. Pushing the door open, he saw Li Zhaoyan standing before the desk, holding a sealed letter and an ancient-looking token.
"Father." Marco bowed respectfully.
Li Zhaoyan turned and handed the letter and token to Marco, his expression solemn. "Marco, you will set out on your journey tomorrow. I have a task to entrust to you."
Marco received them with both hands, and when his gaze fell upon the token, his heart jolted. The token was made of dark gold, heavy to the touch. On the front, the two powerful characters "Qianjun" were engraved, while the back featured an exquisite angel pattern with outstretched wings, emanating a sacred aura.
Qianjun! As a transmigrator, Marco naturally understood the significance of these two characters—Qianjun Douluo of the Elder Hall in the Spirit Hall! He was a 96th-level Titled Douluo specializing in assault, one of the peak powerhouses in the continent's Soul Master World. Could it be that his father had ties with an elder from the Elder Hall?
"During your travels, make a trip to Spirit City on my behalf," Li Zhaoyan's voice was low and serious. "Take this token to the Spirit Hall, and they will guide you to two seniors. Simply deliver this letter to them."
Suppressing his shock, Marco carefully stored the token and letter close to his body. "Rest assured, Father. Marco will fulfill this task." He thought to himself that although Qianjun Douluo was not extensively described in the original work, as a member of the Elder Hall, his strength was beyond doubt. If his father had connections with such a figure, it seemed the Li family had many secrets behind them.
Li Zhaoyan nodded, a complex look flashing in his eyes. "Those two seniors... have some ties with me. When you meet them, simply say you are Li Zhaoyan's son, and they will understand. Remember, do not speak of this matter to others."
"Yes, Marco understands." Marco could sense the importance of this matter. An elder of the Elder Hall was an existence even the Heaven Dou Empire's royal family would regard with awe.
Li Zhaoyan offered a few more words of advice about precautions during the journey before dismissing Marco to rest.
Back in his room, Marco rubbed the token in his hand, his thoughts swirling. Qianjun Douluo—a name that thundered across the Soul Master World. The fact that his father had ties with such a person sparked even more curiosity about his father's past. He recalled how, though usually low-key, his father carried an extraordinary demeanor in his every gesture. It seemed there were indeed untold stories behind it all.
Early the next morning, as dawn barely broke, the front gates of the Li residence were already bustling. The carriage was prepared, and Ye Qingwan and Ye Lingling waited there early, their faces full of reluctance.
"Marco, be careful in everything while you're away." Ye Qingwan adjusted her son's collar, tears glistening in her eyes. "Don't be reckless if you encounter trouble—safety is most important. Remember to eat on time, add more layers when it's cold..."
"Don't worry, Mother, I'll take good care of myself," Marco comforted softly, a warm current surging in his heart.
Ye Lingling, her eyes red-rimmed, stuffed a small bundle into Marco's hands. "Brother, I've prepared some snacks and medicine for your journey. And this..." She pulled out an exquisite protective charm. "I specially went to the temple yesterday to get this—it will keep you safe on your travels."
Marco accepted the charm, deeply moved by his sister's concerned gaze. "Thank you, Lingling. Your brother will definitely return safely."
Li Zhaoyan stood nearby. Though he didn't say much, the concern in his eyes was evident. He patted Marco's shoulder. "Remember what I told you yesterday. The meaning of traveling isn't about how many places you visit, but how much you witness of human affairs and how many truths you comprehend. The world outside is vast—observe more, listen more, reflect more."
"Your son will remember Father's teachings," Marco replied with a solemn bow.
Dugu Bo also came to see him off, handing Marco a small porcelain bottle. "Kid, these are three Antidote Pills that can neutralize hundreds of poisons. When traveling, you'll inevitably encounter venomous insects and toxic plants—keep these for protection."
"Thank you, Grandfather Dugu," Marco said gratefully as he accepted them.
Finally, with Qing Yu perched on his shoulder and his luggage packed, Marco bowed deeply to his family before turning to embark on his journey. In the morning light, his figure stood tall and resolute, gradually fading into the distance. Ye Lingling couldn't help but chase after him a few steps, her eyes filled with reluctance.
After leaving Heaven Dou City, Marco decided to head first to Seven Treasures City. On one hand, it was relatively close to Heaven Dou City; on the other, Ning Fengzhi's invitation during the auction still echoed in his ears—since he had accepted, he naturally ought to honor the appointment.
After three days of travel, Marco finally caught sight of the city renowned as the "Wealthiest in the World." Unlike the grand solemnity of Heaven Dou City, Seven Treasures City's first impression was one of refinement and prosperity.
The city walls, constructed from blue stone, weren't particularly tall but were meticulously maintained. Merchant caravans streamed endlessly through the city gates in an orderly fashion. Entering the city, Marco noticed the streets were wider than those in ordinary cities, paved with smooth stone slabs.
The storefronts lining the streets were tidy, mostly two-story buildings with an elegant uniformity in their architectural style. Though not literally paved with gold and silver as one might imagine, closer inspection revealed numerous refined details—shop signs were often intricately carved from premium wood, window lattice patterns were delicate and precise, and even the lanterns hanging outside ordinary shops were made of high-quality silk.
Strolling through the streets, Marco observed that commerce here was indeed developed. Not only were there general stores selling daily necessities, but also numerous shops specializing in items for Soul Masters. In one store named "Ancient Artifact Pavilion," he spotted several ancient Soul Tools, all precious spatial storage artifacts.
"You have a good eye, sir," the shopkeeper introduced. "These are all relics from antiquity. Though no one can create new Soul Tools now, the quality of these old pieces is unquestionable."
Marco noted that prices here were indeed higher than in Heaven Dou City, but not to an exaggerated or unreasonable extent. The ordinary residents appeared well-dressed with rosy complexions, indicating a decent standard of living.
At a street corner, Marco saw a free clinic set up by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, where Healing-type Soul Masters from the sect were providing complimentary treatment for commoners. This detail improved Marco's impression of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School considerably.
Continuing his stroll through the city, Marco noticed the distinctive layout of Seven Treasure City. The commercial, residential, and Soul Master districts were clearly demarcated and did not interfere with one another. The Soul Master district housed numerous training facilities, all open to the public by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, reflecting the sect's magnanimity.
While resting at a teahouse, Marco overheard merchants at the next table discussing: "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School truly lives up to its reputation as the wealthiest sect in the land. Even the public facilities in the city are superior to those elsewhere."
"Indeed," another chimed in, "I've heard Sect Leader Ning often provides financial support to impoverished Soul Masters. Such generosity is rare."
These conversations gave Marco deeper insight into Ning Fengzhi's character. It seemed the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was indeed as reasonable and broad-minded as the rumors suggested.
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