The person in charge looked away quickly, a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, yes, it turns out the young master is from the Blood Tavern. After the 10% discount, the price is 10,800. I'll remove another 800 spiritual crystals from the total for you."

"Okay, thank you." Ethan nodded politely.

Though his expression was calm, inside he was a bit shocked.

Eight hundred top-grade spiritual crystals was no small amount—and it had been removed without hesitation. This Myriad Treasures Pavilion was clearly wealthy.

Ethan's first thought, however, veered to the relationship between Myriad Treasures Pavilion and the Blood Tavern.

How close must their ties be, for such a generous discount and favor?

"Here are your 10,000 spiritual crystals. Let's wrap this up," Ethan said handing over the spiritual crystals..

"No need to check, just store it away," the shopkeeper replied.

"It's been a pleasure serving you." Ethan carefully put away the Phoenix Blood Crystal and turned to leave.

"I hope Mr. Ethan is satisfied," the shopkeeper murmured once he was out of earshot.

In truth, most Blood Tavern members could only get a mere 10% discount here; very few enjoyed such extra generosity.

Only those personally under Manager Lana's observation received the 'round off' favor.

Moments before, she had instructed all of them to treat Ethan with special courtesy.

She fully understood the importance.

Managing relations with the Blood Tavern's elites meant keeping alliances strong and favor flowing.

…

Above the third floor lay the fourth and fifth floors of Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

Yet Ethan did not ascend further.

His Phoenix Egg inside the storage ring began moving restlessly—and it was clear the creature craved to absorb the fresh Phoenix Blood Crystal.

Ethan sensed that once the egg absorbed the crystal, it might hatch unexpectedly.

Better to return to the tavern and allow the Phoenix Egg to absorb the crystal in peace before treasure hunting further.

He hastened back down to the first floor.

"Young Master Ethan, how was the search for treasures? Have you found what you seek?" Manager Lana inquired warmly.

"I have. This is indeed the famed Myriad Treasures Pavilion of the Continent. You stock all manner of wondrous items," Ethan praised graciously.

"Are you pleased with our service?" Lana asked.

"Very satisfied," Ethan answered, giving a thumbs up, then cupped his hands respectfully.

"I must depart now due to urgent matters but will return at leisure," he added.

"Good," Lana nodded and watched him leave.

She returned back area, a slight smile dawning on her face.

"Rain, should I keep an eye on Ethan? He hardly seems special beyond being good-looking," she remarked mischievously.

"That's because you lack sharp vision," Rain emerged from the shadows.

None suspected that Rain had also been in Myriad Treasures Pavilion all along.

"Haha, you took my words seriously. But of course, I know Ethan's true worth. A Dharma Body Realm cultivator strong enough to parry blows from a Ninth-turn Mahayana cultivator of the Vernal Dawn royal family—though not yet in real combat—still amazes."

"I don't know what the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets is up to, but ranking Ethan beyond tenth on the prodigy list is simply baffling," Lana shook her head.

"Don't fret, his ranking will likely move even higher tomorrow."

"I wonder how he compares to Cain Ashenvale and the others." Lana's eyes gleamed with hope.

"Strong. Not weak," Rain answered tersely.

"Oh, Rain, are you confident in him?"

"Haha, naturally. He's the only one worthy of my affection," Rain said proudly, arms crossed and radiant.

Ethan returned to the Blood Tavern.

He paused briefly before the door, observing stray gazes from the nearby streets and alleys.

He couldn't tell if they watched him or the tavern itself.

Ethan ignored them and stepped inside.

Rain had just returned from the pavilion.

She emerged from the backyard, twisting her slender waist as she glided past the door curtain.

"Back," she greeted warmly upon seeing Ethan.

'Someone's watching outside the tavern,' Ethan remarked.

"Surveillance. Those are members of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets. Ignore them."

Rain waved carelessly.

"The Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, huh?"

"Yes. Where else would their intelligence come from? Besides their divination and prediction arts, they heavily rely on spies. Those spies roam all over the Oceanreach Continent collecting information."

"Some of our Blood Tavern members likely hail from Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, but no need to worry. They only gather intelligence, and don't dare act rashly."

"For example, the Pavilion's spies often appear near our taverns. If you glare at them twice, nothing happens. That's because the Pavilion is not easily trifled with."

"I see," Ethan nodded.

"The news of your conflict with that man has almost surely reached the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets. They'll update your information soon. I expect you to climb several spots on the Skyreach Territory Heaven's Prodigy List."

"Rankings mean little to me. I wish mine were lower," Ethan replied.

"As expected of the man I like most. Cautious, as always. This way, you'll live longer. You must be vigilant. Don't die halfway through, or I'd be sad."

Rain rested against the counter, cheeks flushed as she admired Ethan's handsome features.

"Brother Ethan, tell me, how do you compare with the top three peerless geniuses on the Heaven's Prodigy List?"

"Top three? You'll only truly know if we fight," Ethan said with a smirk.

"Your tone is confident."

"Cultivators defy heaven and fight all challengers. Without confidence, one should hang up cultivation or dig a grave to bury themselves in."

"Brother Ethan speaks wisely."

"If you fight them someday, spare no effort. I'll bet with anyone you're stronger than the Holy Land's finest."

Rain's smile was bright with joy.

"Praise effectively, but never underestimate."

Ethan shook his head, smiling wryly.

"Brother Ethan, I believe you. Why look unhappy?"

"Not unhappy. If I win, I will have half the spoils."

"It seems you're a bit money-hungry. Why not stay with me tonight? I'll give you plenty of spiritual crystals," Rain teased, waving her hand.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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