C45 Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce

"What exactly is the Soul Imprint Needle?"

Yao Tianbian had never encountered such a thing.

After pondering for a moment, Mong Kun explained, "The Soul Imprint Needle is a unique attack technique created by Soul Cultivators. It utilizes Soul Power for execution and is difficult for an opponent to detect during use."

"In essence, the Soul Imprint Needle is made of Soul Power. However, an ordinary Soul Imprint Needle is quite fragile. It's so weak that it can't even harm an average person. But once the Soul Imprint Needle penetrates the sea of consciousness, it unleashes a formidable destructive force, swiftly obliterating a person's soul. Once a soul is destroyed, not even deities can revive them."

After a contemplative silence, Yao Tianbian ventured, "Does this mean Bao Houdi was killed by a Soul Cultivator?"

Mong Kun nodded affirmatively, "It seems very likely."

Yao Tianbian fell into thought. The deaths among the Celestial Eagle Gang members varied: some succumbed to overwhelming palm force, others to the slice of a blade. Yet uniquely, Bao Houdi perished from the Soul Imprint Needle—a peculiar anomaly indeed.

"What truly intrigues me is who could wield the Soul Imprint Needle. As far as I know, let alone in Azure Sun City, there's no one in the entire Great Qi Country known to use such a technique. Where could the killer have learned it?" Mong Kun mused.

Soul Cultivators were not uncommon. Pill Refining Masters, Artifact Refining Masters, Talisman Puppet Masters—all fell under the umbrella of Soul Cultivators. Yet, their pursuit of Soul Power was solely for their occupational needs. They had never delved into the combative applications of Soul Power, much less considered it as a means for murder.

Yao Tianbian shared the curiosity about this mysterious assassin. Bao Houdi was one of the four formidable Tyrants of Azure Sun City, a bona fide Spirit Sea Stage Expert. Their powers had always been closely matched. Now, with a mysterious figure capable of slaying Bao Houdi, it stood to reason that Yao Tianbian could be next on the list.

"Could the killer be that young man?"

After a brief pause, Mong Kun shook his head, "I'm not sure, but he doesn't strike me as the type."

Soul Power was elusive and intangible. Cultivating Soul Power was exponentially more challenging than cultivating Spiritual Force. Given his youth, he hadn't had enough time to master Spiritual Force, let alone the extra time required to cultivate Soul Power or delve into the complexities of the Soul Imprint Needle. The Soul Imprint Needle, a particularly difficult technique to master, was also cumbersome to use. Even seasoned elders who had dedicated decades to its study might fail to wield it effectively—much less a young man.

"Regardless, the mysterious expert has done our Yao family a great service this time. The Celestial Eagle Gang no longer has any reason to exist. Yao Tianfeng, Yao Jinhai, inform the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce and the Lo family. Our three families shall jointly consume the Celestial Eagle Gang."

With Bao Houdi gone, the Celestial Eagle Gang was like a dragon without a head. Now was the perfect opportunity to eliminate them.

"Yes, Patriarch."

It wasn't long before the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce, the Yao family, and the Lo family reached a unanimous agreement. They immediately mobilized their forces and launched an assault on the Celestial Eagle Gang. The gang's strength had severely diminished, rendering them incapable of resisting the combined onslaught of the three formidable powers. The Celestial Eagle Gang crumbled in an instant.

Within a single day, Azure Sun City witnessed a dramatic shift in power. The once-prominent Celestial Eagle Gang dissipated, becoming a footnote in history.

Upon Zhuang Xing's return to Azure Sun City, he went largely unnoticed as the city's attention was fixed on the fall of the Celestial Eagle Gang.

His injuries were grave; his sternum was shattered, and his organs were damaged. Such severe wounds meant recovery was not possible within a mere day or two, and not even the most precious medicinal herbs could expedite the process.

The Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce buzzed with activity as usual.

Zhuang Xing entered the bustling chamber and made a beeline for the area where spirit medicines were sold, familiar with the location from his previous visit to the city.

"Sir, what can I assist you with today?" the sales associate inquired, greeting him with a warm smile.

Zhuang Xing returned her glance and, reaching into his sleeve, produced a slip of paper which he handed to her.

"Could you take a look at this list of herbs and tell me if you can procure all of them?"

The server glanced at the paper and her face turned pale. The list contained a variety of herbs, all of which were exceedingly rare and valuable. An average person would have to spend a fortune to purchase just one of these items.

"Sir, if you could please wait a moment. The items you wish to buy are bulk goods, and I'm not authorized to make such decisions. I'll go consult with our General Manager; please bear with me for a short while."

"Alright, but please be quick."

Zhuang Xing was well aware of the value of these items and doubted that even the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce would have them all in stock.

"Sir, please have a seat. It will just be a moment."

The server promptly headed into the back room. A minute later, she returned, this time accompanied by another elegant woman.

"Sir, this is our General Manager."

Zhuang Xing observed the beautiful woman before him. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, with her hair swept up into a sophisticated bun, exuding grace and luxury. She radiated a mature allure.

"Sir, my name is Gan Tingting, and I am the General Manager of the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce," the woman introduced herself.

Zhuang Xing watched her silently. She, too, was a Cultivator, possessing the cultivation level of Spirit Wheel Stage Level Seven Heaven, and her talent was quite impressive.

"Sir, are you interested in purchasing these items?"

Gan Tingting held the list as she addressed Zhuang Xing. Being a Cultivator herself, she could see that Zhuang Xing was concealing an ailment and had sustained serious injuries. However, the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce was solely focused on trade. They were indifferent to whether a customer was injured or ill; as long as the customer could pay, that was all that mattered.

Zhuang Xing nodded, "Indeed, I am. However, I'm not sure if you have all these herbs available here?"

Gan Tingting's brow furrowed slightly as she replied, "To tell you the truth, we can only supply some of the herbs listed here."

"Only some of them?"

Zhuang Xing felt a twinge of disappointment. The herbs listed were crucial for treating his injuries, and missing even one could significantly diminish their effectiveness.

Gan Tingting added, "Zhuang Xing, the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce has a limited selection, offering only fifteen types of medicinal herbs. However, if you truly need it, we can inquire about the location of other items for you, like Mincing Grass. To my knowledge, the Lo family might have some in their possession."

"There's Mincing Grass in the Lo family?"

Zhuang Xing's eyes sparkled with interest. Mincing Grass was an exceptionally valuable medicinal herb known for its beneficial effects on bone fractures.

"Yes, the Lo family has a Mincing Grass. If you're in need, the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce can assist you in acquiring it, though I must warn you, it may come at a premium."

Zhuang Xing regarded her thoughtfully. It appeared he had been underestimated once more.