Chapter 182

A fourth-tier star weapon, and a relatively rare footwear-type star weapon at that.

It had to be said that this was a heavy gift, a grand gift!

Xu Jin thought for a moment, declined slightly, and then accepted it generously.

Great kindness can turn into enmity!

For a wealthy family, sending a fourth-tier star weapon to Xu Jin, as long as Xu Jin accepted it, represented that they had given a return for Xu Jin's life-saving favor to Ji Hongli; this was a matter with a price.

This price was one the Ji family could afford and was willing to pay.

But if Xu Jin refused and didn't want it, then the Ji family would have to carry this favor forever.

And as Xu Jin's cultivation base grew higher and higher and his status rose, this favor would become priceless.

By then, the price to repay this favor would far exceed the psychological price the Ji family was willing to pay.

Thereby giving rise to all sorts of favor-related incidents.

It was better to take this benefit early and settle this cause and effect.

Moreover, Xu Jin accepted this benefit; if Xu Jin really had difficulties in the future and went to Director Ji Bang for help, that would be another transaction or investment.

The friendship would remain.

It might even become deeper and deeper.

But if Xu Jin didn't accept this benefit, it would be fine for small matters, but if he asked for help with a major matter, it would be another human tragedy.

This was a bloody lesson Xu Jin had learned from his previous life.

Sure enough, seeing Xu Jin accept the pair of fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots, Director Ji Bang stroked his beard and laughed, his expression inexplicably relaxed.

Actually, the Ji family didn't need to value this life-saving favor so much.

But since Xu Jin's momentum was currently fierce, his talent was excellent, and Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao valued him highly, it had to be handled properly.

The gift was accepted, so that was a good thing.

A good connection had been formed.

After chatting for a few sentences, the Ji family group left, leaving behind more than a dozen large and small gift boxes.

However, these gift boxes were no longer valuable items; for cultivators, they were just a gesture.

But judging from the gifts, the Ji family, or rather Ji Hongli, had put in some thought.

Half of them were clothing and accessories for Jiang Er.

After sending the Ji family group out of the small courtyard, Xu Jin returned to his room and let Jiang Er handle those gifts, while he himself couldn't wait to take the fourth-tier star weapon Star-Treading Boots into the quiet room.

His mind sank in, and his massive soul power and star power surged in simultaneously, directly starting the refining process.

Regardless of the effect, a fourth-tier star weapon was definitely stronger than a third-tier star soldier weapon and also much more precious.

If he could get another armor-type star weapon or an arm-shield-type star weapon, Xu Jin would be satisfied.

His basic equipment would then be considered a set.

A fourth-tier star weapon was enough for Xu Jin to use for a long time.

Let alone the Condense Star stage, many Gather Battle stage powerhouses might not even have star weapons by their side.

Gather Battle stage powerhouses with star weapons by their side were all top-tier in terms of status and strength.

The stronger the soul power, the faster the refining speed.

Xu Jin estimated it would take about an hour to fully refine these fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots.

But after refining for only half an hour, a knock on the door sounded again.

Xu Jin frowned.

But he still asked patiently, "What is it?"

"Reporting to Young Master, Patriarch Ying Bonian of the Songzhou Ying family and his son Ying Ge have come to visit." Qing Fan said in a low voice.

Xu Jin gave a wry smile, knowing what they were here for.

He had to go out.

A few breaths later, Xu Jin brought Jiang Er to greet them outside the courtyard and welcomed Ying Ge and his father in.

There was no shortage of polite exchanges.

Ying Bonian was very wealthy and dressed extremely luxuriously.

After some chatting and thanking, Ying Bonian presented a gift list.

"Young Master Xu, the Grand Master doesn't allow much talk about the Purple Wind Star Domain, and my Ge'er only told me a few words without going into detail, only saying that if it weren't for Young Master Xu, the probability of him returning alive wouldn't have exceeded thirty percent."

"Great kindness doesn't need thanks."

"This little gesture can't repay even a ten-thousandth of this kindness, but please, Young Master Xu, accept it with a smile." Ying Bonian laughed.

"Senior Brother, we all received your help and basked in your glory. Please accept this little gesture; in the future, whenever you have any business, just call out, and I, Ying Ge, will definitely be at your beck and call." Ying Ge's words had quite a bit of intent to serve.

Xu Jin naturally didn't dare to accept it brazenly.

Just kidding, he was currently just a genius with amazing performance.

In this world, there were many geniuses, but even more geniuses who died halfway, several or even ten times the number of geniuses who grew up.

"Junior Brother, you are too modest; you and I are fellow disciples, and this time we have the friendship of the bloody battle in the Purple Wind Star Domain. In the future, let's support each other and strive to walk further and higher on the path of cultivation."

These words were very beautifully spoken.

Making Ying Ge and Ying Bonian overjoyed.

As for the gift list, Xu Jin glanced at it and accepted it.

The gifts sent by the Ying family were not as stunning as the Ji family's.

But it was clear that they had also put in some thought.

They actually sent a bottle of Transformation Pills and a bottle of high-tier Transformation Pills, as well as two Spirit-Calming Golden Pills.

They were completely prepared for Jiang Er.

Besides that, there were five bottles of high-tier Refine Star Pills, one bottle of One-Qi Return-to-Origin Pills, and one Long Gui Forge Duan Longgui Duanpo Dan.

This value was also nearly 20,000 Dao Merits.

The key was that he liked these gifts very much.

Jiang Er's cultivation resources were basically all there.

Xu Jin accepted them very happily.

"Young Master Xu, since you and my son Ying Ge have such a friendship, I will shamelessly apply for a friend request through the Star-Plucking Token; if Young Master Xu has any needs in the future, just tell me! Our Ying family has been in business for generations, and we are very clear about the goods coming and going from the south and north." Ying Bonian laughed again.

Xu Jin naturally added him as a friend, and his social circle expanded again.

Suddenly, Xu Jin's heart moved, and he asked hurriedly, "Uncle Ying, it just so happens I have a matter I want to inquire about; does Uncle Ying know where I can purchase iron essence and copper essence?" Xu Jin was striking while the iron was hot, pulling the relationship closer by another layer.

"Iron essence and copper essence, I wonder how much the nephew needs?"

"A thousand catties of iron essence, a hundred catties of copper essence."

"That's quite a lot! But you've asked the right person, nephew; if it were someone else, it would be easy to get a little iron essence, but it would be relatively difficult to get over a hundred catties! How about this, I'll contact someone, and in two days, I'll give you a location, and you can go pick up the goods directly." Ying Bonian said.

Xu Jin was overjoyed and thanked him hurriedly again.

This was the benefit of an expanded social circle.

The more friends you have, the easier it is to get things done.

"Uncle Ying, then what is the cost for this? Should I settle it with you in advance?"

"You're being too formal, aren't you? These things aren't worth much money, so I'll just give them to you. Don't be formal with me; just this once!

In the future, when you come to find me, we'll settle things one by one." Ying Bonian laughed.

Xu Jin thanked him again and agreed.

Sending off Ying Ge and his father, Xu Jin felt much more relaxed.

The gifts received were good, and many problems had been solved.

His sister's cultivation resources were also taken care of.

Especially the Spirit-Calming Golden Pills; Xu Jin was even prepared to ask Teacher Liu to take action and use her identity to exchange for two.

Now, someone had sent them directly to his door.

High-tier Transformation Pills were also there.

But judging from the gifts Ying Bonian sent, the Long Gui Forge Duan Longgui Duanpo Dan was truly precious; otherwise, he wouldn't have sent only one.

After thinking about it, Xu Jin happily returned to the quiet room to continue refining the fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots.

Half an hour later, the fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots flashed with starlight, changed size according to Xu Jin's wishes, and then fit perfectly on his feet.

At the same time, a faint trace of star power aura had already communicated with Xu Jin's lower star palace, and he could use the fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots at any time.

The various wonderful uses of the fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots also appeared in Xu Jin's mind one by one after refining.

The most basic function remained the increase in speed.

The fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots used many materials with wind-type characteristics, which could make the user as light as a swallow and increase speed by forty percent!

This was the most basic.

Besides that, a star art was also engraved and solidified—the Star-Treading Art!

The Star-Treading Art was originally a star art that could only be cast by fifth-tier Gather Battle stage powerhouses; after casting it, one could tread on stars and go straight up to the nine heavens.

In short, it meant one could fly.

Before this, no matter how fast Xu Jin's movement technique was.

He could at most jump a hundred meters high before falling.

But now, he could tread on stars and go up.

Combining the Star-Treading Art with the Flying Star Step or the Exploding Thunder Step allowed him to fly in the void.

However, the Star-Treading Art required both soul power and star power to be cast simultaneously.

And because it was engraved and was a fourth-tier star weapon, its power was also limited.

Besides that, these fourth-tier Star-Treading Boots had several small wonderful uses.

Waterproof, dustproof, fireproof, and they also had the defensive power of fourth-tier armor, but only protected the feet.

The key was that they had a small self-concealment function.

That is, when no star power was input, they were no different from ordinary boots.

No one could tell.

Including the small wonderful uses like waterproof, dustproof, and fireproof, they only took effect when star power was input.

To be honest, these small functions were Xu Jin's favorites.

Especially the self-concealment one; it was very great. Xu Jin could wear them daily without worrying about exposing his treasures.

When using them, just inputting star power would do.

Otherwise, Xu Jin would have to carry a pair of boots with him every time he went out.

When a great battle came, he might not even have time to change his shoes.

"Young Master, Patriarch Wang Ju of the Danzhou Wang family and his son Wang Jiugao have come to visit." Just after he finished refining, Qing Fan came to knock on the door.

This left Xu Jin stunned.

Did they agree to come together?

Patriarch Wang Ju of the Wang family was a middle-aged man who was very neatly dressed, with hair and beard that were meticulous; he had the style of a researcher from his previous life.

When he spoke, he was also very rigid.

Wang Jiugao, who was usually very lively, also sat upright and didn't laugh or joke in front of Wang Ju.

"Senior Brother, please forgive me; my father's temperament is like this, don't be offended." A voice transmission from Wang Jiugao came to his ear.

After a round of thanks and polite exchanges.

Wang Ju presented a gift list.

Xu Jin looked at it, and his eyes moved; they were all emblems.

One fifth-tier emblem, three fourth-tier emblems, and ten third-tier emblems.

The value of third-tier emblems was easy to say, exchanging for Dao Merits, which was only two or three hundred points, but fourth-tier emblems were at least over a thousand Dao Merits at their cheapest, and as for fifth-tier emblems, they were truly treasures.

Even in Wanyi, fifth-tier emblems were the kind that had a price but no market.

Possessing one was equivalent to possessing a one-time fifth-tier Gather Battle stage bodyguard; who would sell it?

Selling it was also selling it within a small internal circle.

Xu Jin naturally accepted it.

He had to accept it; only with coming and going could there be human sentiment.

Xu Jin helped Wang Jiugao, that was the "going," and the Wang family sending gifts this time was the "coming."

With coming and going, the friendship would go up another level.

This time, without letting Wang Ju speak, Xu Jin took the initiative to add Wang Ju as a friend, making Wang Jiugao even happier.

For a son, his father being respected was the greatest respect for him!

Before long, he sent off the Wang family father and son.

Xu Jin's mind surged into the emblem to sense it.

Fifth-tier emblem—Fire Meteor.

Two of the fourth-tier emblems were defensive, both fourth-tier earth-type defensive emblems—Golden Bell.

The other one was offensive—fourth-tier emblem—Dawn!

They were all good things.

"Young Master, the Yin family from Xihai State has come to visit." Xu Jin hadn't even sat securely when Qing Fan came to report again.

Xu Jin finally understood; these guys had agreed to come in a group.

He also saw that in the National Dao Academy, as long as one could become a direct disciple, the family behind them was a wealthy one!

Thinking about it, it made sense. If there wasn't a massive amount of cultivation resources supporting them, relying only on the resources given by the Dao Academy, it would be quite difficult to become a direct disciple.

Spirit-Calming Golden Pills, Refine Spirit Golden Pills, and high-tier Transformation Pills—these cultivation resources were all won by Xu Jin by taking first place.

But how many people could take first place every time?

Family support was very important!

Just like among the disciples who came out of the Jin Shan Dao Academy, Yue Daqi's talent was better than Lu Xianbing's, and there was also Wang Weisheng, who even didn't hesitate to suppress his cultivation base for half a year, but in the end, they were all caught up by Lu Xianbing.

The reason was very simple: Lu Xianbing had family support behind him!

But Lu Xianbing's family support, within a county, was considered top-tier, but once out of Jin Shan County, it wasn't much.

So he only obtained the status of a core disciple.

Those visiting Xu Jin today were all top-tier wealthy families from various states.

At this moment, Xu Jin could only patiently greet them.

Inside the Danxia Academy, the white-haired Grand Steward Peng appeared silently in the back hall and handed a jade tablet to Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, who was working at his desk.

"The Ji family has come to the door and even sent a fourth-tier star weapon! The Ji family is quite generous."

"Hmm, the Songzhou Ying family, the Danzhou Wang family, the Xihai State Yin family, the Jingzhou Niu family, and the Leizhou Bu family have all come to the door."

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao looked at the jade tablet and laughed and scolded, "Look at these people, every one of them is as clever as a monkey! They came as soon as they smelled the scent.

Those who know will think they came specifically to thank Xu Jin.

In reality, they are making early investments to expand connections for their sons and their own families!"

"Isn't that so!

Based on Xu Jin's current performance, breaking through to the Condense Star stage is not a problem; in the future, as long as he breaks through to the fifth-tier Gather Battle stage, at the very least, he will be a high-ranking official!" Grand Steward Peng said.

"A high-ranking official?"

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao laughed, "Then you underestimate Xu Jin! Refine Star Fourth Layer, and he plucked two Gold Stars in a row!

This future is limitless!

In the future, perhaps Da Chen will have the possibility of looking up to him!"

Once these words were spoken, Grand Steward Peng's face changed, "That's not very likely, is it? Wouldn't that be stronger than the Palace Master?"

"The possibility is not small."

"At least at his age and cultivation base, I hadn't plucked a single Gold Star, and the number of Silver Stars I plucked was also less than what he plucked."

"That is indeed true." Grand Steward Peng nodded, then suddenly said, "With so many people coming at the same time, won't it make Xu Jin too conspicuous?"

The Grand Master shook his head with a wry smile, "Too conspicuous?"

"Xu Jin's current sharpness, unless we want to destroy him, cannot be suppressed!

Besides, it's not like the other factions don't have geniuses like Xu Jin!

However, some key things, like Gold Stars, are better exposed the later they are!"

"Indeed."

In the courtyard, Xu Jin sent off Patriarch Bu of the Leizhou Bu family and Bu Qiyu, then rubbed his cheeks with a wry smile.

After greeting these waves of guests, his face was stiff from smiling.

Not just Xu Jin, even Jiang Er's little face was almost distorted from smiling.

Compared to the first three families, the gifts from the latter three were also much lighter.

It wasn't to say that they looked down on Xu Jin or that their sincerity wasn't enough.

It was mainly related to their wealth.

Compared to the first three families, these latter three were just local tyrants within the state and county, so their wealth was naturally much less.

However, each family still sent gifts worth nearly 10,000 Dao Merits.

Mainly focusing on medicinal pills for cultivation, and two fourth-tier emblems.

The only thing that surprised Xu Jin was that the Jingzhou Niu family actually sent Xu Jin a Small Star-Gathering Array.

It was the kind of array disk that could be carried around.

Because it could be carried around and moved flexibly, the effect wasn't too strong.

After setting it up, it could only gather twice the star power.

Now that it was set up in Xu Jin's quiet room, a space like a second-tier star power secret realm would appear in an instant.

For Xu Jin's cultivation in the present world, the use wasn't too great.

But Jiang Er could use it.

Besides that, Xu Jin also thought of a very good use.

Star Domains!

If he could bring this Small Star-Gathering Array into a Star Domain.

Then in the second-tier Fire Splendor Star Domain, the star power concentration, which was originally a third-tier star power secret realm, would directly double, making it six times.

If brought into the third-tier Purple Wind Star Domain, where the star power concentration was originally four times, it would directly double to eight times!

If brought into a fourth-tier Star Domain, it would directly double to ten times; the effect would be astonishing.

The use would also be great!

Today, Xu Jin could be considered to have received gifts until his hands were soft.

His social circle had also expanded quite a bit, and he had solved several difficult problems.

A day of harvest.

But Xu Jin was very clear-headed.

All of this was brought about by strength.

If there was no strength, if Xu Jin's strength couldn't continue to improve rapidly and advance triumphantly, then all of this would be like the moon in the water or a building on sand, scattering as soon as the wind blew.

He had to continue to cultivate bitterly.

He had to continue to improve his strength.

Whether it was his surface strength or his hidden strength.

But thinking of his hidden strength, this reminded Xu Jin of the inheritance of the Lingji Star Palace.

His cultivation base had already broken through to the Refine Star stage.

Then, in the inheritance of the Lingji Star Palace left by Old Qi, he should be able to unlock and learn a few more star patterns, right?

He wondered if there were any powerful soul star patterns?

Also, he had to greet Old Qi; he hadn't greeted Old Qi for at least seven or eight days.

At the same time, Xu Jin also had a very critical question he wanted to ask Old Qi for instructions on.

This concerned his younger sister Jiang Er's safety and future!

Just as he was pondering, Qing Fan suddenly ran over hurriedly and reported stutteringly, "Young Master, someone from the Imperial Palace has come."

"Hmm?"

Xu Jin was stunned; someone from the Imperial Palace?

What was going on?

Xu Jin hurriedly went out to greet them, but it was a middle-aged eunuch in cyan clothes.

"Are you the third-rank noble Xu Jin?"

"That is me." Xu Jin bowed.

"His Majesty has an oral decree: Xu Jin is to enter the palace to meet the Emperor at 3:15 PM tomorrow." The middle-aged eunuch in cyan clothes said.

Xu Jin was stunned again, but still nodded in agreement.

"I accept the decree."

(End of chapter)