「Dali Realm Capital, north of the city.」

BOOM!

The void suddenly split open, and the disheveled Realm Lord of the Dali Realm appeared.

"These are the ashes left after Divine Crystals were drained of their energy! Jinye was definitely here!"

After a moment of observation, he rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping the area like lightning.

Ten billion Divine Crystals had been stolen; he’d be lying if he said it didn’t hurt. But in comparison, he was far more concerned about Jinye.

Jinye was the name he had given to the golden carp. He had no idea of its true origins, only that it fed on Divine Crystals. He had acquired it by chance decades ago, and although it had never shown any divine traits, he knew it was far from ordinary. It was very likely an existence that transcended Ancient Times, as there was no record of it even in the old texts. This was highly unusual.

The reason he hadn’t flown into a rage earlier was that he had considered Jinye the culprit all along. He had seen the four bodies in the Secret Vault and had inspected them. All four had been extremely powerful. He doubted any of the arriving Law Enforcement Officers could have instantly killed them while they were on guard. He was more inclined to believe those unlucky souls had tried to steal his Divine Crystals, angering Jinye in the process. That must have been why it acted.

Now, catching Jinye’s aura here again, the Dali Realm Lord became even more convinced of his theory.

It was a pity that Ning Xuan and the Zhang father and son were unaware of this. If they had known, Ning Xuan would have been secretly overjoyed, while the Zhangs would have definitely slapped themselves silly.

Unaware of the Realm Lord’s thoughts, the Zhang family was currently being questioned by numerous Law Enforcement Officers. The father and son were furious and heartbroken, yet they inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. They might have lost nearly half their fortune, but at least the suspicion against them had been cleared. To them, it was worth it.

As soon as Ning Xuan appeared in the crowd, Zang Peng’s demanding voice rang out.

"Where did you just go?"

"How many Divine Crystals do you have left?" Ning Xuan countered, ignoring the question.

Zang Peng immediately grew wary. "Why are you asking?" This damn Ning Xuan is full of dirty tricks. I have to be careful, or he’ll screw me over completely!

"Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just... that roast chicken you brought for me earlier was so delicious. I was thinking that giving you just one Divine Crystal was a bit stingy of me."

Hearing this, Zang Peng immediately understood. I know what this bastard Ning Xuan is trying to do. He’s trying to frame me!

Zang Peng shot back, "Actually, I don’t like Divine Crystals. I’m not interested in them at all. That one you gave me? I tossed it to a beggar on the way here."

If I didn’t know his background, I’d have to ask him if his last name was Ma!

"Well then," Ning Xuan said, "that’s perfect, because I’m very interested. How about this? I’ll go collect the winnings from your bet for you."

Zang Peng’s mouth twitched. He might claim to be uninterested in Divine Crystals, but without them, he could barely function here. In the Tianyang Realm, the Human Race couldn’t cultivate with the local energy, and he was no different. Here, he had to consume large amounts of Divine Crystals and Demon Crystals every day just to suppress his aura. He had brought plenty of Crystal Stones, but he had been here far longer than expected, and his supply was now dangerously low. Otherwise, he never would have placed that bet in the first place. He had only said that to get Ning Xuan to drop the idea of shifting the blame onto him, but this damn bastard had latched onto it and wouldn’t let go. Damn it all. Does he have to be such a scoundrel?!

"What’s the matter? Unhappy? Or are you actually short on Divine Crystals?" Before Zang Peng could even answer, Ning Xuan continued, "You should have just said so! I can talk to everyone, maybe we could all pitch in to help you out."

"Fine, they’re yours! Take them all!" Zang Peng’s expression changed as he instantly caved. This bastard Ning Xuan is utterly shameless. He just keeps finding new ways to screw with me! I’m no match for him at all. I can’t keep this up! Damn it all, let the world burn! Why isn’t it dawn yet?!

Zang Peng was desperate to vent his frustration, and fighting was undoubtedly the best way to do it.

"Alright, stop the search. Everyone, get some rest and prepare for tomorrow’s selection," a voice suddenly announced.

Zang Peng was overjoyed and vanished on the spot. I can’t stay near Ning Xuan for a second longer. That guy is just toxic. I’ll go adjust my state of mind and get ready for the selection tomorrow!

The one who had spoken was one of the ten elders of the True Servant Society, so naturally, all the Law Enforcement Officers obeyed. In moments, most of them had departed.

The Zhang father and son were dumbfounded. It’s over, just like that? Something isn’t right! Shouldn’t they at least have asked us about what happened? Leaving without a word... what’s going on?! Did we spend all those Divine Crystals for nothing? Does this mean the Realm Lord never even suspected us?

The moment they realized this was likely the case, the father and son felt their world crumble.

"Father, what if I go and sound out Ning Xuan? See if we can get some of it back?" Zhang Yi proposed. The thought of all those lost Divine Crystals made his heart ache.

Zhang Zhaoshen was tempted, but he said hypocritically, "That doesn’t seem right."

"What’s not right about it? It’s simple. You just invite Ding Heyan to our residence again, and I’ll ask Miss Lu to come and play a piece on her Qin."

Hearing Zhang Yi’s words, Zhang Zhaoshen’s eyes immediately lit up.

Seeing that his father agreed, Zhang Yi immediately sent someone to invite Ning Xuan. It was the same burly man as before. When the man arrived and explained the purpose of his visit, Ning Xuan readily agreed, "Of course. As soon as the selection is over, I will certainly honor the invitation."

"Ahem, my young master meant right now," the man clarified.

The Zhang father and son had already personally gone to invite their other guests. As for why now? They were afraid Ning Xuan would be killed in the selection. Over four hundred Law Enforcement Officers were competing this time. With Ning Xuan’s strength, even making it into the top fifty would be a challenge. The selection was a life-or-death affair; if Ning Xuan’s luck ran out, who would they get their Divine Crystals back from?

"The selection starts in just a few hours. I need to cultivate," Ning Xuan said, flatly refusing. He knew exactly what they were thinking.

"Please don’t worry, it won’t take up too much of your time. Besides, Elder Ding’s Swordsmanship and Miss Lu’s music on the Qin are both truly exceptional. I guarantee that after you enjoy this audio-visual feast, both your strength and your Mental State will improve significantly!" the burly man persuaded him tirelessly.

Seeing they were so determined, Ning Xuan’s eyes suddenly lit up. "Well, since you put it that way, I’m actually quite eager to experience it for myself!"

Overjoyed, the burly man immediately took his leave.

This Elder Ding must be that so-called ’Ox-Butchering Divine Blade’ master. As for Miss Lu... I really hope she isn’t from Lu Jing’s family, Ning Xuan murmured.

He then closed his eyes to compose himself, but just as he settled into a meditative state...