Silence enveloped the Spring Cloud Chamber in the Jade Pavilion.

Jiang Linglong had one hand splayed as she appraised the space ring that was on her forefinger. Then, she lifted her head to look at the others.

"What are you waiting for?"

Jiang Linglong cocked an eyebrow. Despite her young age, she had an authoritative aura.

Zhao Wuji was the first to react. He took a bow and smiled. "I was surprised by your words"

The shop owner quickly regained his wits and said to Manager Yu, "Allow the young master to make his purchase. Master Zhao has vouched for him. Manager Yu Never mind, I'll personally see to it."

The shop owner stood and bowed at Jiang Linglong before leaving. The portly Zhao Wuji rose from his seat.

"Go on. Meet me when you're done," Jiang Linglong said as she removed the ring from her finger. She placed it back into the rosewood box.

To the young lady, the matter was insignificant.

She had witnessed Fang Lang's sword strike in Luojiang Academy.

In her eyes, it was a praiseworthy technique that deserved a reward.

Manager Yu, the shop owner and Zhao Wuji left the Spring Cloud Chamber.

The trio made their way to the main hall of the Jade Pavilion.

Fang Lang was surprised to see a familiar face in the group.

"Uncle Zhao," Fang Lang greeted enthusiastically.

It was an unexpected meeting.

His father said Uncle Zhao came from Imperial City and was someone of note. Fang Lang wondered about his status.

Zhao Wuji greeted them with a smile and nod. "You're here to buy a space ring? Old Fang mentioned nothing about this. I hear you're looking to buy a space ring of two cubic meters and above. I can vouch for you."

Owner Xiao introduced himself with a smile. "I am the owner of the Jade Pavilion in Luojiang City."

Pleasantries were exchanged between Owner Xiao and Fang Lang.

Manager Yu stood behind the two men, poised and professional. A polite smile was on her face as she guessed at the relationship between Fang Lang and the young lady in the Spring Cloud Chamber.

They must be close for the young lady to request for the favor.

Fang Lang was glad for the turn of events. He was ready to resign to his fate and purchase two one-cubic-meter space rings.

The appearance of Uncle Zhao was a blessing.

Beside him, Yang Zhengyi and Ni Wen were dumbfounded.

The talkative Yang Zhengyi found no words.

Ni Wen was hunched over in her oversized green robe. Her heartbeat raced as she watched the important figures of the Jade Pavilion serve the young Fang Langher self-esteem took a hit.

Fang Lang glanced back and saw the hiding Ni Wen. The sadness on her face caught his eye.

Then, he put on a warm smile and patted her on the head.

"This little space ring is nothing compared to your talent and core. After the Imperial Examination, your results will have the elite sects at your feet. They will offer you things beyond a simple space ring. The road before you is as vast as the ocean, as bright as the stars."

Fang Lang painted a hopeful future for Ni Wen.

The gentleness of his voice prompted Ni Wen to look up.

Her racing heart calmed as she stared at Fang Lang.

'My future is as vast as the ocean, as bright as the stars.'

Stars sparkled in Ni Wen's eyes, forming a galaxy as she looked forward to a dazzling future.

After comforting Ni Wen, Fang Lang continued his discussion with the shop owner.

There was a large selection of rings once the one-cubic-meter restriction was lifted. Without a doubt, the price only went higher from there.

The 500 gold coins in Fang Lang's coin purse was not a jaw-dropping figure.

Ultimately, he chose a basic model that housed five cubic metersthe design and features of the ring were simple.

Owner Xiao taught Fang Lang the spiritual sense connection. Once a connection was secured, the space ring would be bound to Fang Lang, barring anyone else from accessing its space unless the protection rune was broken by a strong attack.

"After the binding, the ring will notify you when you store money and spirit crystals. Storing other items will not trigger a notification. Furthermore, the ring is carved with two basic runes. The first is a defensive rune that will activate when you're in danger. The second is an offensive rune that requires your spiritual sense to awaken it."

The additional features were why the space rings from the Jade Pavilion were popular. It justified the need for a second-class cultivator to vouch for the purchase.

Fang Lang nodded and handed over 500 gold coins.

Owner Xiao did not bother to count them. He passed the coins to Manager Yu for storage.

'Ding! The host has performed a cultivation-related transaction and completed the guide mission. A random reward has been added to your inventory.'

The System's notification popped out.

Fang Lang was flabbergasted by the random reward.

Then, a second message appeared and lightened his mood.

'A friendly announcement: Your experience bar is full. You have leveled up!'

He suppressed the joy in his chest.

The System display was shown.

Host: Fang Lang

Cultivation Discipline: Fifth-Grade Sword Disciple

Level: LV2

Experience: 0/10000

Core: 36 (White)

Cultivation Resource: 5,000 gold coins, 50 low-grade spirit crystals (usage limited to cultivation)

Items: 3X Amplification Card (2), Black Reward Egg (1)

Binding Partner: Ni Wen (50%), Empty (50%)

Sole Passive Ability: Additional rewards may be granted when the host bonds with the binding partner over cultivation.

Level up!

Fang Lang scanned through the details and took a deep breath.

Gaining a level gave him more cultivation resources.

A ten-fold increase!

Most importantly, a binding slot was unlocked.

It was a shame that with the partner-binding, he could only gain 50% of the partner's cultivation speed and cultivation inspiration.

The disappointment was short-lived. Fang Lang surmised the 3X Amplification Card would make up for it. He believed as he leveled up, he would one day be able to receive 100% of the partner's cultivation speed and cultivation inspiration without the 3X Amplification Card.

The space ring purchase was worth it.

His theory was right Exhausting his cultivation resources allowed him to level up.

The System was a Child of Wealth!

Fang Lang's smile widened.

Many new rewards came with leveling up and Fang Lang did not rush to investigate the Black Reward Egg. It was an odd item that puzzled him.

Owner Xiao and Manager Yu were not surprised by Fang Lang's excitement. It was his first space ring after all so the emotions were expected.

Zhao Wuji struck up a conversation with Fang Lang. "Lang'er, the sword technique you used during combat practice today was commendable."

The words elicited a curious expression on Fang Lang's face. "Uncle was in the academy today?"

Zhao Wuji blinked and said, "I was accompanying my charge to the academy and chanced upon your duel. I can see from your technique that you've been practicing hard. Your father was right."

He patted Fang Lang on the shoulder and said, "The lady has said good things about you."

Fang Lang's eyebrows went up. "A lady?"

He had pegged Old Zhao as an important man who came from Imperial City but he was just an attendant?

A faint smirk appeared on Zhao Wuji's face. He turned around and glanced at the direction of the Spring Cloud Chamber. "She is joining this year's Imperial Examination. There's probably less than ten candidates who could rival her in terms of core and talent. You're lucky to have gotten her attention. She's the one who ordered me to vouch for you," Zhao Wuji said with a chuckle.

Fang Lang was stunned by the man's words. Excitement thrummed in his veins.

Zhao Wuji's revelation replayed in his mind.

The lady was in possession of a rare core!

The empty binding slot in the System display made Fang Lang grin.

"She is most gracious. Uncle Zhao, your lady has done me a good deed. I wish to personally thank her for today. May I know the lady's name?"

A broad smile stretched across Fang Lang's face while his eyes sparkled in anticipation.

Zhao Wuji's smile slowly disappeared as he studied the change in Fang Lang's expression.

The boy's smile was off-kilter.

A danger to the lady?

An acolyte of Guan Yin.