Kapitel 173: Chapter 173: Breakthrough, Level 76!

Chapter 173: Breakthrough, Level 76!

In Heaven Dou City, the sky was clear and cloudless.

Kong strolled down the street with a smug expression, though no one knew what he was so pleased about. By the look of him, he resembled a pampered scion of a wealthy family.

"This time, I didn't lose!"

Of course, he hadn't won either.

Not losing meant Kong had made significant progress.

As for winning, he still fell short by a power level equivalent to that of a demon god.

After absorbing the 100,000-year-old Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone, Kong's soul power had risen from level 73 to level 76, an impressive three-level increase.

This progress was already remarkable, considering his soul power was at a relatively high level to begin with. For this, Kong was quite satisfied.

As he always said: Soul Core, keep working hard!

The heights he could reach and how quickly he could grow all depended on it.

Unconsciously, Kong found himself standing outside a clothing shop. This particular shop belonged to Shui Yue'er's mother, Shui Ningshuang.

It was the changing of the seasons, and Kong had planned to buy some clothes for Yingbao and the General. However, the store's doors were tightly shut, and there was no sign of Shui Ningshuang.

"Maybe she went to restock?"

Kong shook his head at the thought.

Without dwelling on it, he decided that if this shop was closed, he'd simply visit another one.

Just as he was about to leave, a gentle yet slightly mature voice stopped him.

"Master Kong, are you here to shop for clothes?"

The speaker was none other than Shui Ningshuang, who had just returned. As Kong had guessed, she'd been out "restocking." Specifically, she had visited both Tianshui Academy and the Frozen Forest.

Seeing Kong standing at the shop's entrance, seemingly lost in thought before preparing to leave, Shui Ningshuang naturally assumed he was here to buy clothes.

As for whether he was looking for Shui Yue'er?

If Kong were truly looking for Shui Yue'er, he wouldn't have come to the shop. He would've gone straight to Tianshui Academy.

This left Shui Ningshuang feeling a little disappointed.

If Kong were to become her son-in-law, wouldn't that be wonderful?

Unfortunately, this guy seemed entirely immune to such thoughts.

Noticing Shui Ningshuang's slightly travel-worn appearance, Kong confirmed his suspicion: she had indeed gone to restock.

At Tianshui Academy, women didn't just learn soul power techniques; they also studied needlework (weaving, embroidery, sewing), posture, and cooking.

The garments sold in this women's boutique were almost all handcrafted by the students and instructors of Tianshui Academy.

They sold their creations to Shui Ningshuang, who then brought them to Heaven Dou City to sell at a higher price. Most of the resulting profit was used to support Tianshui Academy.

"Yes, I thought the owner might be away, but it seems my timing is perfect after all."

Wasn't it though?

He hadn't known when she left, but the moment he arrived, she came back.

Coming early wasn't as good as coming at the right time.

"That's quite the coincidence," Shui Ningshuang said with a smile. "I've just brought some new designs, and there happen to be items in Madam's size."

She added this with particular emphasis, referring to the size of Raiden Shogun's attire. In the past, garments in that size were rarely available in the shop, as few people bought them.

While speaking, Shui Ningshuang opened the shop's doors and tidied up briefly before inviting Kong inside.

"Thank you for your trouble!"

This wasn't Kong's first visit, so Shui Ningshuang naturally understood his preferences. She began selecting from her new stock, retrieving items from her storage soul device.

Of course, her storage soul device couldn't hold everything. It wasn't that spacious.

Some of the less expensive clothing was still en route, being transported by others, but it hadn't arrived yet.

The more valuable clothing items were carefully packed into Shui Ningshuang's storage soul device and personally brought by her. As a Soul Saint-level powerhouse, she hardly needed to fear anyone attempting to rob her.

After some meticulous selection, Shui Ningshuang picked out over twenty outfits in no time. These clothes were top-quality in craftsmanship, design, and materials.

Once the clothing was packed, Shui Ningshuang earnestly said, "I must thank the Young Sect Master for guiding Yue'er in her practice. This time, I won't charge you. The Shui family will forever be grateful for your kindness!"

The value of the clothes was finite, but the value of guidance in practice was immeasurable. Kong's guidance on how Shui Yue'er could train correctly was akin to granting her a second life. Such a monumental favor could not be repaid with just a few pieces of clothing.

Hearing this, Kong waved his hand and replied with a serious expression, "You flatter me. I wouldn't call it guidance; it was merely an exchange of practice insights between friends. No need for such formality."

"Heaven Dou Academy and the Shui family are not particularly affluent right now. It's better to charge the regular price."

The situation of the Shui family and Heaven Dou Academy was not ideal, and while Shui Ningshuang's kind gesture was appreciated, Kong didn't mind paying for the clothes. He didn't lack gold soul coins.

Hearing this, Shui Ningshuang was momentarily stunned, then deeply moved. She hadn't expected Kong to be such a considerate person.

If only Kong were my son-in-law! Even if both Bing'er and Yue'er married him together, I'd feel at ease, she thought to herself.

Since Kong had made his stance clear, it would have been impolite to insist further. Shui Ningshuang resolved to remember this favor and repay it in the future.

After receiving the metal card Kong handed over, Shui Ningshuang calculated the clothing's value at the standard price and completed the transaction.

"Thank you for your patronage! Please visit again!"

Shui Ningshuang had initially wanted to say something like, "If you encounter any trouble, feel free to seek me out," but when she considered Kong's strength and status, the words stuck in her throat.

If Kong faced an enemy he couldn't handle, what could she possibly do to help?

With the large bundles of clothes stored in his soul device, Kong bid farewell to Shui Ningshuang and headed toward the hotel.

No need for training, no soul master academy obligations, no need to scramble for gold soul coins—his days were as "dull and monotonous" as ever.

Not long after leaving the women's boutique, Kong encountered two familiar figures.

"Uncle Ning, Senior Chenxin."

Ning Fengzhi and Chenxin were engrossed in a conversation. Hearing Kong's greeting, they paused and looked toward him.

Upon recognizing him, both smiled warmly, their expressions reflecting a good mood.

"Kong, Uncle Sword and I were just about to visit the Heaven Dou Auction House. Are you interested in joining us?" Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.

He was a frequent visitor to the auction house, where nearly anything could be found. For treasures that could be purchased with gold soul coins, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan never hesitated to spend.

The Heaven Dou Auction House's inventory was vast and varied, even occasionally including soul bones.

Even if they weren't high-grade, ordinary ten-thousand-year soul bones were as good as treasures for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. To them, buying such items with gold soul coins was akin to picking them up for free.

Hearing this, Kong pondered for a moment before nodding. With nothing else to do, a visit to the auction house seemed like an excellent idea.

"It would be an honor."

"Haha! You're so polite, child. Let's go. It's a pity that Rongrong insisted on focusing on her practice today and didn't want to accompany us..."

(End of Chapter)

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