Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 957 - 957 0574 Potential Moves the Heart_2

Chapter 957: Chapter 0574: Potential Moves the Heart_2 Chapter 957: Chapter 0574: Potential Moves the Heart_2 However, as strange as it was, it wasn’t easy for Qi Tian to figure it all out. That place lay in the deepest part of Wanjie Commerce, and without an invitation from Wanjie Commerce, it was impossible for Qi Tian to break in with his current strength. All he could do now was to harbor doubts and firmly remember this place in his heart, hoping that an opportunity might present itself in the future to learn what it really was.

While Qi Tian was detecting Wanjie Commerce, Xiang Bo had already finished purchasing the gifts, and Gao Jinmei had also spent a few Low Grade spirit stones on a present, and incidentally, she bought one for Qi Tian as well. Afterward, with the accompaniment of a guide from Wanjie Commerce, the three of them left.

On the way back, although Qi Tian cast a somewhat casual glance over Hundred Treasures Street and spotted some nice items, he didn’t stop to buy any. He had felt that the Imperial Family Secret Territory was extremely dangerous from the moment he entered, and now was even more certain of this suspicion. All he wanted to do now was to better conceal himself. He would only take action when it was truly necessary to reveal his edge. At present, for the sake of some treasures that weren’t all that important, he would not risk exposing himself by picking up sesame seeds while losing watermelons.

After leaving Hundred Treasures Street, it was about time, and the three headed toward the Princess Manor.

The architectural layout of Eastern Capital City was quite interesting. Unlike in the capital city of Great Zhao Nation, where the imperial palace lay at the very center of the city, in Eastern Capital City, several palaces were lined up in a row, all located to the due north of the city. Beyond the palaces, further north, was the city wall of Eastern Capital City.

To the south of the imperial palaces was where the manors of princes, high officials, and nobles were located, and further south was where everyone else lined up, with the most common citizens living on the southernmost edge of Eastern Capital City.

This urban layout was determined by the unique geographical environment of the Imperial Family Secret Territory. The closer to the north or to the core area of the Imperial Family Secret Territory one got, the higher the concentration of Spirit Qi. Emperors naturally took the places with the best Spirit Qi and wouldn’t concede such good locations to others.

Of course, Zhao Ninglu was only a Princess and not even counted as a Prince. Her Princess Manor was basically in the central area of Eastern Capital City, which in Great Zhao Nation would be an enviable location, but there, it was neither at the top nor at the bottom. Nonetheless, it was still a place many people envied.

Qi Tian, Gao Jinmei, and Xiang Bo, all cultivators, didn’t need to ride flying swords or mounts to travel swiftly, and they reached the gates of the Princess Manor in no time. Zhao Ninglu’s manor covered an area of about 20 acres, with guards stationed outside the gate, one man and one woman, both in the Foundation Establishment Stage, dressed in armor and looking formidable.

Looking at these two cultivators, Xiang Bo was full of admiration. The gear of either one was something he had coveted greatly in the past, something that even his entire family’s fortune couldn’t afford. Yet now, look – even a guard standing at the gates of the Princess Manor was adorned so lavishly; truly, comparisons could be maddening.

Upon seeing Qi Tian and the others approaching the manor, the female cultivator guarding the gate called out, “Unrelated persons are not allowed near. Please leave immediately.”

Both Qi Tian and Gao Jinmei turned their gaze towards Xiang Bo. Wasn’t it said that Zhao Ninglu herself had extended the invitation for them to come over? How come they were being shooed away upon arrival?

Xiang Bo’s old face reddened, and he hurriedly took out a jade token from his bosom, handed it over, and explained, “It was the Princess who invited us over, this is the token of entry.”

The female cultivator took it, glanced at it, and immediately realized the situation, quickly holding the jade token in both hands and returning it to Xiang Bo, saying respectfully, “Are you Young Master Xiang Bo? I’m truly sorry, for I was as blind as a bat and offended you, please don’t hold it against me.”

Xiang Bo suddenly felt clear-headed and refreshed, the cultivation realm and strength of the female cultivator in front of him far exceeded his own, yet now she was treating him with such respect, something he wouldn’t have dared to imagine before. He took back the jade token, feigning magnanimity, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing, please go and inform the Princess, tell her that I have already arrived.”

The female cultivator hurriedly said, “The Princess has already given instructions that when you arrived, there was no need for a special report; she told me to directly take you in. Young Master Xiang Bo, and these two sirs, please follow me, I will take you inside.”

Qi Tian and his two companions followed the female cultivator into the Princess’s manor.

Zhao Ninglu somehow seemed to know of Qi Tian and his companions’ arrival, as she came out beaming with a welcome, calling from afar, “Brother-in-law is truly punctual in keeping his promise. I especially prepared an abundant dinner for you, come, let’s go inside.”

Zhao Ninglu led Qi Tian and the other two into the Flower Hall, where a table full of sumptuous dishes had already been set. Every dish, made with spiritual ingredients, was worth dozens, if not hundreds, of low-grade spirit stones, and not just anyone could afford it.

Zhao Ninglu had Qi Tian and his companions sit down at the dining table, while she took the head seat. She looked at Qi Tian and Gao Jinmei, saying, “You must be Master Qi and Master Gao. My brother-in-law has spoken highly of you in front of me, saying that without you, he wouldn’t be where he is today. As his sister, I must express my gratitude on his behalf. Here, I’ll drink to you first.”

After finishing the drink, Zhao Ninglu personally refilled the cups for Qi Tian and Gao Jinmei, then picked up her cup again, asking with a smile, “Master Qi and Master Gao, please don’t take offense at my directness. There’s something I’m quite unclear about and hope to receive an answer from you. How did you discern my brother-in-law’s uniqueness from the multitude, considering that before meeting you, his performance was quite ordinary? What made you think he was different from others?”

Qi Tian had anticipated this question and responded with a smile, “Actually, we don’t have any special skills, just that we felt Young Master Xiang Bo is sincere and kind-hearted, his assistance also meant a lot to us, so we spent a bit of time getting to know him. Not to hide from you, our sect does possess some methods to tap into the potential of fellow cultivators, although not everyone possesses such potential, and whether it can be stimulated depends on luck. Clearly, Young Master Xiang Bo is someone with exceptional fortune. He not only had potential, but, fortunately, we managed to awaken it. Back in New Nine City, under the guidance of my companion, he directly advanced from the first level of the Foundation Establishment Stage to the second level. Afterwards, my companion accompanied Young Master Xiang Bo to the Eastern Capital City, where all along the journey, he continued to guide Young Master Xiang Bo with the secret techniques of our sect, gradually drawing out the latent potential within him. That’s how during the day, the Princess witnessed the exceptionally brilliant performance of Young Master Xiang Bo.”

The moment Zhao Ninglu heard this, her eyes lit up. As a cultivator, there are many things that can capture their attention, among which lies potential. Every cultivator wishes to believe they have boundless potential within them, it’s just that they have not found the way to awaken it. Now suddenly encountering someone who could unlock the potential within Xiang Bo, how could Zhao Ninglu not be thrilled?