Chapter 136: An Invitation from Ning Yujiao

After Elder He recovered from his initial shock, Wu Tian and Niu Wuji were officially registered as disciples. They were issued the standard swords and uniforms of the Qitian Sect, though, as new arrivals at the headquarters, these were merely entry-level items of little practical value.

Later, Zhou Zheng led them to their future living quarters. While Qitian Sect disciples were not strictly required to live within the sect, many lacked the silver to afford housing outside, leaving them no choice but to stay in the free communal rooms provided. Fortunately, these accommodations were quite decent—certainly far better than the thatched hut Wu Tian had previously inhabited.

"Junior brothers, this will be your room for now. Since you have just arrived and hold low rank, you are restricted to these communal quarters. However, as your cultivation levels improve and your contributions to the sect grow, you may eventually be granted private rooms. For now, you will have to bear with it," Zhou Zheng explained as he led them inside.

"It’s no problem at all. I’ve always lived in places like this, and this is a hundred times better than Pingyang City," Niu Wuji remarked with satisfaction.

Wu Tian, however, was not keen on communal living. He possessed many secrets—such as his alchemy and artifact-refining techniques—that required a private space to avoid unwanted attention. He decided that he would eventually find a place to stay outside the sect.

"I have already told you the essential rules: focus on your training, cultivation, and making contributions. It is much the same as it was at your branch. Very well, I have other matters to attend to, so please make yourselves at home," Zhou Zheng said.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Zhou, for helping us get acquainted with the Qitian Sect. We are most grateful," Wu Tian said with a polite bow.

Zhou Zheng waved his hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. You are so talented that I may have to rely on you in the future. I am merely trying to stay on your good side! Haha! Anyway, I must be going. Farewell!"

With that, Zhou Zheng hurried away, clearly preoccupied with urgent business.

Once he was gone, Niu Wuji set his belongings on a bunk and asked, "Boss, what do you plan to do now?"

"The registration is taken care of. I’m going out to find Xiao Hui. What about you?"

"I think I’ll stay for now. I hear the library here is incredible, and I’d like to explore it."

"Very well, I’ll be off then."

Wu Tian left the Qitian Sect and headed to the inn where Xiao Hui was staying.

Upon his arrival, Xiao Hui presented him with a letter. "Young Master, someone from the Shunfeng Trading Company delivered this for you just a moment ago."

"The Shunfeng Trading Company is certainly well-informed. We had only just arrived in the Imperial City, and they already knew," Wu Tian noted as he took the envelope and broke the seal.

The letter was from Ning Yujiao, the eldest daughter of the Shunfeng Trading Company. She requested a meeting at an inn called "Zhuixiang Pavilion." It was clear that this was a summons to settle debts.

Wu Tian set off for Zhuixiang Pavilion. The establishment was quite famous in the Imperial City, and a passerby quickly pointed him in the right direction. When he arrived, he understood why it was so well-known; it was a massive, grand structure, perhaps akin to a five-star hotel from his previous life on Earth.

"Young Master Wu, it has been a long time! I trust you have been well?" To his surprise, Consultant Hu, an old acquaintance, was waiting at the entrance to greet him personally.

"I am quite flattered to be welcomed by Consultant Hu himself!" Wu Tian replied with a smile.

"Young Brother Wu, you jest! It is my great honor. If not for you, I would never have been brought to the Imperial City by the Young Lady. This is the capital—it is in a league of its own compared to Pingyang City," Consultant Hu said, patting Wu Tian on the shoulder with exuberant spirits.

"It seems things are going well for you, Consultant Hu; you are positively glowing."

"As I said, it is all thanks to you. You are my lucky star, my greatest benefactor!" Consultant Hu sighed with emotion before gesturing toward the building. "The Young Lady has been waiting for some time. Let us go in."

Consultant Hu led Wu Tian to a private chamber where Ning Yujiao sat alone. As Wu Tian entered, she smiled warmly. "Young Master Wu, please come in. I have been looking forward to your arrival."

Ning Yujiao remained as elegant and beautiful as ever, her intelligent eyes bright. She was dressed in more formal attire today, lacking her usual ornate accessories, yet her slender, graceful figure remained striking.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting, Miss Ning," Wu Tian said with practiced courtesy.

"That does not sound like you, Young Master Wu," Ning Yujiao teased.

"Haha, you flatter me, Miss Ning. In truth, that is exactly my style," Wu Tian laughed, plopping down into a chair and picking up an apple from the table. The table was laden with fine wine and delicacies, clearly prepared in advance by Ning Yujiao.

"Young Brother Wu, why bother with fruit? It has been such a long time—let us have a drink," Consultant Hu said, pouring wine into Wu Tian’s cup.

"Let’s drink, then," Wu Tian agreed, raising his glass to join him.

After a cup, Consultant Hu leaned in. "Young Brother Wu, the reason we invited you here today is that our Young Lady has something important to discuss. I imagine you know what it is about."

Ning Yujiao filled Wu Tian’s cup again and smiled. "I know you are a straightforward person, Young Master Wu, so I will get right to the point. Two months ago, you made me a promise. I wonder if you are able to fulfill it now?"

Wu Tian did not mind her directness; he preferred it. He disliked dawdling, and it seemed Ning Yujiao understood his character well.

Draining his cup, Wu Tian chuckled. "Since I gave you my word, Miss Ning, I will certainly fulfill it—and I guarantee you will be satisfied."

"Oh? Does Young Brother Wu intend to surprise us today?" Consultant Hu asked, watching him with anticipation. His long acquaintance with Wu Tian had taught him that every encounter brought a new surprise.

"Perhaps. See for yourselves." With a mysterious smile, Wu Tian produced a pill in the palm of his hand. "Consultant Hu, can you tell what this is?"

Consultant Hu did not recognize it at first, but upon closer inspection, his expression shifted instantly. "This... could this be a peak-grade Earth-tier 'Spirit-Enhancing Pill'?"

"Consultant Hu lives up to his reputation as a master alchemist; your eyes are sharp indeed. This is indeed a peak-grade Earth-tier Spirit-Enhancing Pill. Now, can you identify this one?"

As he spoke, Wu Tian revealed another pill in his palm.

Upon seeing the second pill, Consultant Hu’s expression changed even more violently, and he nearly stumbled over in shock.