The gilded surface had been rubbed so bright that the edges were even worn down.

"So be it..."

He murmured softly, his fingers brushing over the "Duobao" characters on the emblem.

"This wretched life of mine was given by the guild anyway." He couldn't help but recall the time he was a little beggar begging on the streets a thousand years ago.

"If not for the president's shelter, I would have starved to death in some gutter..."

"Not to mention later..." His voice choked, "Helping me step into cultivation, reaching Divinity Transformation Realm, and becoming a shopkeeper of a region..."

Jin Mantang tightly clenched the emblem in his palm: "The guild made me, Jin Mantang... Today, it's time to repay."

He slowly stood up, adjusted his robes, and a hint of a relieved smile appeared on his face.

As he turned around, his gaze was clear, as if he had laid down a heavy burden, and then he walked out...

...

In the core cabin.

Now everyone had left, Luo Lingling hugged an old hen and asked softly, "Shall we leave?"

Zhou Qing did not answer immediately, but instead stretched his muscles, and his neck made a light cracking sound.

He glanced over the damaged array core, the corner of his mouth slightly lifted: "There's still over a year to reach the Imperial City, riding the wind on the ship... it's quite comfortable."

Saying this, he weighed the two top-grade wooden spirit stones in his hand and gently put them away.

Luo Lingling chuckled at his words, a sly glint flashing in her eyes: "I also think so, but I feel heartache letting you control the flying ship, and my spiritual power can't compare to yours."

Saying this, she hugged the old hen and walked outside, "Since you're confident, then we won't leave."

"I'll protect you."

Zhou Qing nodded, suddenly stepping forward with his foot——

"Buzz!"

Four thousand spirit seals poured down like a galaxy, instantly illuminating the entire cabin!

Each spirit seal was crystal clear, its surface flowing with mysterious runes, weaving into a brilliant web of light in the air.

"Four... four thousand?!"

Luo Lingling's eyes widened, and even the old hen in her arms seemed startled to let out a "guh" sound, its feathers exploding.

She clearly remembered that when they were at the Taichu Dojo, Zhou Qing had only shown three thousand spirit seals!

Every spirit seal an Array Master condensed, like a cultivator's cultivation, became increasingly difficult as they progressed.

But how did Xiao Qing suddenly have so many more?

Could it be that he had low-key chosen to hide it before?

Just like this time pretending to be a Level 2 Array Master with those two hundred spirit seals?

Zhou Qing did not explain, instead proceeding with a [Daily Reflection] assessment, obtaining the relevant information, then quickly sealing with his hands.

"Go!" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

With a light command, four thousand spirit seals plunged into the core array area, beginning precise matching and repair...

At this moment, the sounds of slaughter and explosions outside were endless, the entire Cloud Whale was groaning under the burden, and the deck was long tilted.

Jin Mantang staggered out of the cabin, his rough palm brushing over the mottled railing, a flash of reluctance in his eyes: "Old pal, sorry..."

"If there's any breath left, get up and fight with me!"

Then, he suddenly roared, his fat body exploding with astonishing momentum.

A gilded abacus flew out from his sleeve, the abacus beads burst like rain, each bead wrapped in fierce spiritual power, piercing the three Jieyun Thief cultivators who pounced on him on the spot!

"Kill!"

The remaining guards, already bloodthirsty, roared in fury and charged again upon seeing their shopkeeper so brave.

At this moment, Zou Lun hid in the shadows on the edge of the battlefield, nervously scanning around.

"No one must escape..." he mumbled to himself, cold sweat dripping from his forehead.

Even though he had pledged allegiance to the Jieyun Thieves, he knew well that if today's incident spread, even if he became a Level 3 Array Master in the future, he would be despised by everyone in the circle.

Besides, the Big Leader's promised notes for a Fourth-level Array Master were just the basics, further cultivation would require the resources of the Duobao Trading House...

"I must ensure everything is foolproof, by the way, where is Mr. Ji? Why hasn't he shown up yet?"

His gaze was fixedly searching the battlefield.

"Boom!"

Another round of fierce clashes, and the five tributors swiftly gathered together, breathing heavily with their backs to each other, three of them already heavily injured.

Elder Mo's left arm was severed at the shoulder, blood staining half his body red, yet he gritted his teeth and maintained the protective spiritual light.

"The mission is complete, the real transport ship should have reached other counties." Elder Mo panted, "We retreat!"

At this moment, one of the tributors looked at the swaying Cloud Whale, and the still fighting crowd: "Old Mo, are we really going to abandon them?"

A trace of reluctance flashed in Elder Mo's eyes: "Sacrificing a small group to ensure the treasure arrives safely is worth it; remember, everything is for the guild's interest!"

Then he quickly explained: "Besides, the Jieyun Thieves will think living beings can't be taken, but the Nine Nether Demon Lotus and fragments might have been taken by us."

"So once we disperse and escape, they'll definitely chase us, leaving Jin the shopkeeper to... face his destiny."

"Moreover, we've unearthed the mole Zou Lun, and must quickly notify the headquarters!"

The other four nodded, and as they saw Tu Qianyue and others closing in again, they launched their strongest strike almost in unison.

Elder Mo gave a low shout, his hands sealing, a hazy light halo suddenly rose around him.

"Realm·A Dream of Yellow Millet!"

In an instant, a layer of light burst out, within a hundred yards radius, the actions of the enemies halted simultaneously, a mysterious look appeared in their eyes, as if they were trapped in a dream they couldn't awaken from.

"Intent Realm Chaos!"

Another tributor shouted angrily, a phantom book floated in his palm, the pages frantically flipping.

Several Jieyun Thief cultivators suddenly hugged their heads in agony and screamed, their attacks inexplicably turning on each other.