234: Chapter 234 Recommendation Quota

Everyone looked over and saw a middle-aged man in a silk long robe, with a ruddy complexion and shrewd eyes, walking down from the second floor. It was Qian Fugui, the shopkeeper of Duobao Pavilion.

He first glared at his son, then his gaze fell on Ye Tian, scrutinizing him carefully.

As a businessman, his eyes were sharper. Although he could not see through Ye Tian's depth, that steady demeanor was definitely not something an ordinary Ningyuan Realm Cultivator could possess.

Moreover, he had heard some of the discussions just now and knew that this young man was not simple.

"This guest, my son is ignorant and has offended you, I hope you will be magnanimous."

Qian Fugui cupped his hands, his attitude polite. "I wonder what business you have with Qian?"

Seeing the main person appear, Ye Tian couldn't be bothered to pay attention to Qian Duobao anymore. He said to Qian Fugui: "Shopkeeper Qian, can we speak a step away?"

Qian Fugui pondered for a moment and nodded: "Guest, please follow me to the private room on the second floor. Duobao, you behave yourself!"

He glared at his foolish son again, full of helplessness.

Although Qian Duobao was unconvinced, he dared not disobey his father, so he had to hum resentfully and walked to the side with his followers.

Ye Tian took Hou Xiaojie and the Mini Dragon Ape and followed Qian Fugui to an elegantly decorated room on the second floor.

After the waiter served fragrant tea, he withdrew.

"How should I address you, guest?" Qian Fugui asked.

"Surname Ye."

Ye Tian sipped his tea and went straight to the point. "Shopkeeper Qian, let's not beat around the bush. I heard that the core area of the Ancient Sword Mansion Ruins requires a 'sword manor key order' to enter. Does your shop know the whereabouts of these key orders? Or, is there a way to obtain the qualification to enter the core area without going through the auction?"

Hearing this, a flash of shrewdness appeared in Qian Fugui's eyes, but his smile remained unchanged. "Young Master Ye is well-informed. Indeed, the sword manor key orders are rare. The five known ones are held by the Governors Mansion, the Jing Family, the City Lord's Mansion, and two mysterious individuals. Such precious treasures usually do not change hands easily, nor are they publicly circulated in the market."

He paused, observing Ye Tian's expression. Seeing that he looked calm, he continued, lowering his voice: "However... if Young Master Ye really wants to go in, it is not entirely impossible, it just... requires some Opportunity and courage."

"Oh? I would like to hear the details."

Ye Tian put down his teacup, becoming interested. He hadn't held out much hope, so having a way now was naturally good.

"As far as Qian knows," Qian Fugui's voice was lower, "the five forces holding the key orders, although they have blocked the core area on the surface, have a tacit understanding in private. They allow some Loose Cultivators or small forces with strength and potential to obtain temporary entry qualifications through a 'trial'."

"Trial?"

"Exactly."

Qian Fugui nodded. "This trial is not organized by any single party, but tacitly approved by all five, held in a specific area on the periphery of the ruins. It is said that a special Restriction of the Ancient Sword Manor remains there, capable of simulating part of the environment of the core area and setting up checkpoints. As long as one can pass the trial and prove their strength and potential, they may be favored by one of the forces and obtain a temporary quota to enter the core area with them."

Ye Tian's heart stirred.

This was a path!

It was more direct than bidding for a quota, and it tested real ability.

"When and where is this trial held? What are the requirements?"

"The time is not fixed, usually held when the key orders are gathered and the core area is about to open. The location is the 'Sword Testing Platform' in the depths of the Jianming Mountains; that is a Martial Arts Arena left behind by the Ancient Sword Manor. As for the requirements..."

Qian Fugui looked at Ye Tian. "It requires at least True Martial Realm cultivation, and... a 'letter of recommendation'."

"Letter of recommendation?"

"Correct."

Qian Fugui explained. "Although this trial is tacitly approved, it is not open to just anyone. It requires a recommendation from a force or person with a certain reputation in Cangya County to act as a guarantor. Firstly, to filter out those who are just trying to fish in troubled waters, and secondly, to give the recommender an Opportunity to befriend potential experts."

Ye Tian understood.

This was equivalent to a non-public selection mechanism.

"Does Shopkeeper Qian know how one can obtain this letter of recommendation?"

Qian Fugui smiled, looking at Ye Tian meaningfully. "To be honest with Young Master Ye, my Duobao Pavilion still has some face in Cangya County. If Young Master Ye is interested, I might be able to recommend you on your behalf."

Ye Tian's eyes flashed, and he immediately understood the other party's intention.

This was seeing his potential and wanting to invest.

He asked calmly: "I wonder what Shopkeeper Qian needs Ye to do?"

"Hehe, Young Master Ye is straightforward."

Qian Fugui smiled. "I am a businessman, and I value long-term investment. If Young Master Ye can pass the trial and gain something in the core area, I hope that in the future, if you refine any extra Medicinal Pill, or have any Cultivation Technique or Secret Manual that you don't use, you will prioritize selling them to Duobao Pavilion. Of course, the price will be absolutely fair. In addition, if Young Master Ye becomes famous in the Northern Region in the future, just remember this favor from Duobao Pavilion."

This condition was not harsh; it was equivalent to a priority trading right and an investment in a favor.

Ye Tian pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement: "That is acceptable. If Shopkeeper Qian can help me obtain the trial qualification, Ye will be very grateful. In the future, if I have any gains, I will definitely prioritize Duobao Pavilion."

"Good! Young Master Ye is refreshing!"

Qian Fugui clapped his hands and smiled. He took out a jade token engraved with a treasure tripod pattern from his bosom and handed it to Ye Tian. "This is my token. Three days later, at the 'Sword Testing Platform' in the Jianming Mountains, you can participate in the trial with this jade token. The specific time and location will be guided by the jade token when the time comes."

Ye Tian took the jade token and could feel a trace of spiritual power fluctuation.

"Thank you, Shopkeeper Qian."

"I wish Young Master Ye success!" Qian Fugui cupped his hands.

With the matter settled, Ye Tian got up to leave.

Qian Fugui personally sent Ye Tian to the stairs.

As soon as he went downstairs, he saw Qian Duobao still waiting there. Seeing Ye Tian come down, his eyes were complex, but he dared not be disrespectful again.

Qian Fugui gave his son a few more instructions before sending Ye Tian out.

Leaving Duobao Pavilion and walking on the road back to the inn, Hou Xiaojie asked curiously: "Senior Brother, is that Shopkeeper Qian reliable? Could there be a trap?"

Ye Tian played with the jade token in his hand and said: "Merchants pursue profit; what he values is the potential return on investment. As of now, the cooperation outweighs the disadvantages. As for the trial, whether it is true or false, we will know when we go."

What he cared more about was the "Sword Testing Platform" and that special Restriction.

This made his interest in the Ancient Sword Mansion Ruins even stronger.

"Three days later, Sword Testing Platform..."

Ye Tian looked towards the Jianming Mountains in the east of the city. "It seems I need to prepare well. This trial is probably not going to be easy."

Returning to the inn, Ye Tian began his retreat.

Three days passed in a flash.

In these three days, Ye Tian almost didn't step out of the inn.

He focused on his retreat, fully adjusting his state, consolidating his newly broken through True Martial Realm Sixth Level Early Stage cultivation, and carefully comprehending the mystery of the "Power Realm" Martial Dao Will, while using the sword soul stone obtained from the Broken Sword Valley to hone his Sword Intent.

Cultivation has no sun or moon.

When the first ray of sunlight on the third morning shone through the window into the quiet room, Ye Tian slowly opened his eyes.

The sharp light in his eyes was restrained, his aura was as heavy as a mountain, and a sharp intent flowed faintly around his body, which was then completely retracted into his body.

After three days of precipitation, his Realm had completely stabilized, his control over power had improved to a higher level, and especially his understanding of the Taiyi Light-Splitting Sword Art had deepened significantly due to the guidance of the sword soul stone. Although he had not broken through his sword Dao Realm, it was more harmonious and free when displayed.

"It's about time."

Ye Tian sensed the Duobao Pavilion token jade token in his arms. The spiritual power fluctuation coming from it pointed to a specific location in the Jianming Mountains in the east of the city.

He got up and stretched his muscles and bones. His True Qi was full and surging, and his state had been adjusted to the Peak.

Pushing open the door, Hou Xiaojie was already waiting outside, looking excited and nervous.

The Mini Dragon Ape was squatting on his shoulder, chewing happily on a spirit fruit.

"Senior Brother, are you ready?" Hou Xiaojie rubbed his hands.

"Hmm, let's go."