The three of them were taken aback, but before they could exchange any words, Ling Tianhou had already arrived in front of them.
The surrounding martial artists from the mountains and seas also cast curious glances at this sight, and whispers could be faintly heard.
Ling Tianhou stopped a few meters away, scrutinizing this man who was possibly the youngest king in China. He vaguely sensed an unfathomable aura from the man's indifferent eyes. In a moment of realization, he was not facing a young man who was not much older than himself, but an insurmountable mountain.
Ling Tianhou nodded to Ling Xiao first, "Has Marquis Jingcheng not returned yet?"
"Reporting to Lord Lingtian, my teacher has not yet returned." Ling Xiao was probably much older than Lord Lingtian, but his respectful demeanor remained unchanged.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ling Tianhou turned his gaze to Liu Changqing. Shen Qian keenly noticed a subtle change in Ling Tianhou's expression.
In contrast, Liu Changqing's expression also became somewhat unnatural.
Shen Qian was initially surprised, but recalling Liu Changqing's sigh when he mentioned Ling Tianhou, Shen Qian keenly realized something.
These two are contemporaries; perhaps there's some story between them.
"Liu Changqing, it's been four or five years since we last met. You've finally broken free from your shackles and entered the world of mountains and seas. Your progress is remarkable and commendable."
Ling Tianhou laughed, his deep gaze seemingly seeing through everything about Liu Changqing in an instant.
"Heh, just lucky." Hearing Ling Tianhou's congratulations, Liu Changqing could only manage a weak smile.
"Lingxi mentioned you a while ago; you haven't come to the several gatherings of our fellow villagers. You can't be absent next time."
Ling Tianhou continued.
Shen Qian glanced at Liu Changqing, because he noticed that after Ling Tianhou finished speaking, Liu Changqing's body tensed up for a moment, and his fists clenched tightly.
Who is Lingxi?
Shen Qian wasn't stupid; he instantly realized that this name might have great significance for Liu Changqing.
Moreover, this woman named Lingxi is most likely the source of the subtle atmosphere between Ling Tianhou and Liu Changqing at this moment.
Judging from Ling Tianhou's words, the two were clearly not just peers; they had probably spent time together somewhere.
Liu Changqing took a deep breath before smiling and saying, "Okay, I'll definitely come next time."
Ling Tianhou nodded, his gaze finally turning to Shen Qian.
It was only then that Shen Qian suddenly realized that Ling Tianhou was actually after him.
"A perfect score in the college entrance examination for martial arts students is unprecedented. You have done what I have not done."
Ling Tianhou immediately praised Shen Qian upon speaking.
"Lord Lingtian, you flatter me. I was just lucky."
Because Liu Changqing and Ling Tianhou clearly didn't get along, Shen Qian remained vigilant and only gave a perfunctory reply.
Seemingly sensing Shen Qian's resistance, Ling Tianhou raised an eyebrow, his smile gradually fading. He said calmly, "Name your price."
"An offer?" Shen Qian was taken aback and didn't react for a moment.
"I want those three Chaos Stones you obtained. Just name your price, and I will agree to anything within my means."
"I am Ling Tianhou," he said slowly.
Before Chen Qian could react, the surrounding area erupted in uproar upon hearing this.
No one expected that the white pebbles emerging from the bronze door would interest even kings and nobles!
Moreover, he was a top-tier noble like Marquis Lingtian.
The fact that they agreed to everything within their capabilities only shows that this stone, called the "Chaos Stone," is so precious that even kings and nobles would find it extremely rare.
Xu Nian's body visibly trembled, probably not expecting that this extraordinary treasure was far more precious than he had imagined.
Many people, while feeling frustrated, also cast envious glances at Shen Qian.
A promise from a top-ranking nobleman is, in some ways, far more valuable than any priceless treasure.
However, amidst the discussion, Shen Qian shook his head after regaining his senses, "I'm sorry, Lord Lingtian, I do not intend to sell this Chaos Stone."
The surroundings fell silent instantly.
Countless martial artists from the Mountain and Sea Realm showed expressions of astonishment.
Shen Qian... actually refused?
Moments later, an even bigger uproar erupted.
At this moment, in front of everyone, Shen Qian's refusal was not just a simple refusal; it also meant that he directly rejected Ling Tianhou's face without any thought.
Moreover, this was after Ling Tianhou had given them a great deal of room to bargain.
"How about I only take one?"
Ling Tianhou seemed surprised that Shen Qian would refuse so decisively. His expression darkened for a moment, but Ling Tianhou was no ordinary person after all. He quickly calmed down and continued to speak.
"The conditions remain the same; feel free to speak."
Many martial artists from the Mountain and Sea Realm looked at Shen Qian. While they were surprised that Ling Tianhou could still make concessions, they also realized that the Chaos Stone was probably several levels more precious than they had imagined.
Shen Qian was somewhat surprised, but without much thought, he shook his head and said, "I won't sell a single one."
The atmosphere in this void became oppressive once again. A sharp glint flashed in Ling Tianhou's eyes as he stared at Shen Qian for a long time without saying a word.
Shen Qian remained calm and simply stared at Ling Tianhou.
After an unknown amount of time, and even when some of the onlookers were already drenched in cold sweat, Ling Tianhou finally spoke.
"You... are not bad."
After those three simple words, Ling Tianhou disappeared from the spot without any expression.
"call!"
At this point, many martial artists from the Mountain and Sea Realm secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
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