That Afternoon – Classroom
When Wang Yan dismissed class, Chen Junting prepared to fetch Wu Feng and head to Class Three to meet Ning Tian for the Treasure Viewing Gala.
Just then, Huo Yuhao dragged Wang Dong over. "Brother Junting—will you attend the gala tonight?"
Chen Junting arched a brow, gesturing toward Class Three. "Of course. Want to join us?"
Huo Yuhao opened his mouth to agree—but Wang Dong jabbed his ribs, making him yelp and swallow his words.
"Nope! We'll go ourselves," Wang Dong chirped, already yanking Huo Yuhao away. "We'll invite Wu Feng and Xiao Xiao too. You and Sister Xiao Tian go alone!"
Chen Junting instantly grasped Wang Dong's intent. Smarter than Huo Yuhao—knows to clear the path for our "date."
---
Shrek City – North Gate
As one of Douluo Continent's four great cities, Shrek City blazed with evening splendor—crowded yet orderly streets thronged with revelers.
Accustomed to the scene, Chen Junting strolled hand-in-hand with Ning Tian through the throng, savoring their private world without haste.
Half an hour later, they arrived at a four-story golden edifice—the Treasure Pavilion—its opulent facade resembling a colossal treasure basin.
At the entrance, eight elegantly dressed young ladies stood guard—identical to the one who'd delivered Chen Junting's invitation.
Spotting their Shrek uniforms, one attendant approached with a practiced smile. "Honored guests—here for the gala?"
Chen Junting, arm looped by Ning Tian, presented two invitations. The young ladies' eyes lit up. "Please follow me."
Inside, luxury assaulted the senses: gilded halls, crystal chandeliers—a stark contrast to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's refined austerity.
Two rows of stunning young ladies lined the hall, bowing in unison as the couple passed. "Welcome, honored guests!"
After exchanging polite nods, they ascended to the second floor. Crystal-displayed treasures gleamed under strategic lighting—each piece exuding immense value.
The attendant halted. "The gala is held here. Browse freely. For purchases, visit the west counter for registration or credit assessment. Your evaluation determines discounts and credit limits."
"Understood," Chen Junting said. "We'll explore on our own."
The attendant curtsied and left.
Chen Junting led Ning Tian westward—not for credit, but to claim their due discounts.
Along the way, they spotted treasures aplenty. A gem-type soul bone made Ning Tian pause—such bones were rare. But its 30,000-year age disappointed her.
"Note the display number," Chen Junting suggested. "Gem-type bones are scarce. We'll buy it for the sect."
"Agreed." Ning Tian moved on—price wasn't an issue.
At the west counter, an attendant greeted them. "Assessing credit limits?"
"No—just our discount tier."
They filled out forms detailing name, age, and cultivation. Moments later, they received black cards: 1 million gold soul coins credit, 25% discount.
Chen Junting swiped the card, purchasing the gem bone for direct delivery to the Nine Treasures Pavilion in Shrek City.
"Let's see more," he said, guiding Ning Tian eastward.
Soon, they found familiar faces huddled around a display.
Wang Dong's nose was nearly pressed to the glass.
"Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Feng," Chen Junting called.
Huo Yuhao and Wu Feng turned—but Wang Dong remained glued to the case, conflicted.
"Brother Junting! Sister Xiao Tian!"
"Sword-face! Ning Tian!"
"What's caught your eye?" Chen Junting peered inside: a golden-red left arm bone—the Golden Radiance Bone from a 10,000-year Golden Earth Dragon King. Its pure dragon bloodline and potential Light Flame attribute suited Wu Feng well.
But Wu Feng showed no interest.
Ning Tian leaned close, her breath warm against Chen Junting's ear: "During the holiday, Grandpa Wu gave Xiao Feng a 70,000-year Blazing Fire Dragon left arm bone."
Chen Junting nodded. True dragon blood indeed surpassed this.
His gaze shifted to Wang Dong. "Short on funds?"
"No! I've got money," Wang Dong insisted, flustered. "But even with discount, 9.5 million's too much upfront. I'll credit it—grab the bone before it's gone!"
"Forget credit." Chen Junting handed him a black-gold card. "Borrow from me. Shrek's credit terms are harsh."
"But… will you have enough left?"
As Wang Dong hesitated, a teasing voice cut in from behind:
"Wang Dong—joking, right? Worried Chen's gonna be short on cash?"
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