Seeing the Phoenix Prince silently staring at the large black block sword, the middle-aged man smiled and said, "Are you interested, young master? Since we've just met, the Sky Sword Pavilion will give this sword to you for free…"
A wide smile spread across both corners of his mouth. Quickly, Xiao Chen asked, "Really?"
"Hahaha… The Sky Sword Pavilion isn't that stingy. Even if the prince wants something else, I won't refuse…"
'He's already showing his intentions, trying to take advantage of you. So don't hesitate to take advantage of him too… Chen'er, look at that imperfect Emperor-grade sword. Take that one as well…'
'Why two swords, master? Am I being too greedy?!'
'Aiish, you know what… Just follow your master's instructions…'
"Ahem… Senior, if I may, I would also like that Emperor-grade sword."
Slightly surprised, the man quickly hid his reaction behind a smile.
'The Phoenix Prince has a truly strange taste… I offered it for free, and yet he chooses two useless swords…' he thought, smiling again as he retrieved a slightly golden-white sword.
"Take this sword… But before you put it away, I have a request."
Xiao Chen's expression immediately turned flat. "But senior, didn't you just say you'd give these as a free meeting gift?"
He nodded. "Although these two swords look worn and unsellable, the Sky Sword Pavilion prices each over a thousand gold coins. Do you think my pavilion would suffer a loss?"
'Xiao Chen, what he says is true. Now just ask your question… Besides, if the request is simple, you will benefit greatly…'
"Speak."
The middle-aged man's face lit up. "Are you interested in the Shao Yang Forest?"
Xiao Chen was quite surprised at the man's accurate guess.
"Prince, don't think I've been spying on you… but many foreign cultivators pass through this city only to go to the Shao Yang Forest…"
"Then what is your request?"
"If the prince finds the Flame Lotus, could you give it to the Sky Sword Pavilion? If you do, I, Hao Gang, would be deeply grateful. And should you ever need assistance, we would be ready to help…"
'Accept it.'
"Very well, I will accept your offer."
"Please, these two swords are yours…"
"Thank you."
Exiting the Sky Sword Pavilion, Xiao Chen wondered why his master immediately approved Hao Gang's request.
'What use does the Flame Lotus have, master?'
'This flower is quite rare because of its miraculous properties… It can heal severe wounds caused by potent poisons. Perhaps he needs it to treat someone…'
'If that's the case, won't finding the flower be difficult?'
'You'll see soon… It seems safe here, Chen'er. Take out that black block sword…'
After leaving Pao City and reaching the edge of the Shao Yang Forest, the star soul spirit revealed the secret of the large sword now in Xiao Chen's hands.
Buuuuuuug!
"So heavy!" Releasing his grip, Xiao Chen was shocked.
Swuuuuuuush!
The star soul spirit emerged from the subconscious of Luo Xiang. Using only its spiritual form, it lifted the sword with ease.
"So… strong?!"
The star soul spirit shook its head and examined the massive sword carefully, a mysterious smile curling at the corners of its lips.
"This sword is heavy because it contains an artifact suited for training your body… So, the sword itself is useless to you!"
Channeling a massive surge of energy, the spirit shattered the sword in its hands.
Buuuuuuug!
"W-why did you destroy the black sword, master?"
"I told you, the sword is useless to you… What is useful are the star rings."
Picking up four rings that had fallen when the star soul spirit destroyed the heavy sword, it quickly formed a formation and placed it into the star rings.
"Chen'er, wear these rings on your hands and feet."
Xiao Chen forced a wry smile. For some reason, he felt a bad premonition at his master's command.
'It seems master is hiding something… But as a true man, there's no way I'll be weak!' he thought, putting the star rings on both hands and feet.
"Chen'er, prepare your mind and body… The real training is about to begin!"
With that, the star soul spirit touched the rings on Xiao Chen's hands.
Swuuuuuuuuuush!
The formation activated instantly, causing Xiao Chen to widen his eyes in shock. His body felt as if a mountain had landed on him.
"G-gosh, this is so heavy!" Xiao Chen could only grit his teeth tightly.
"Yaa, you must endure this training… It may feel torturous now, but once you get used to it, you'll understand its benefits."
"Hehe… Remember, we've now entered the Shao Yang Forest… The Demon Beasts here are fierce and merciless… Chen'er, I feel drowsy, whatever happens, I leave it to your fate…"
"Master!" Xiao Chen shouted in frustration.