Luo Chen felt as if he had been struck by lightning, standing frozen in place, unable to utter half a word. Thunderstorm's words were like a sharp knife deeply piercing his heart. He never expected that someone he once trusted implicitly might have been using him all along. This blow made him feel an unprecedented sense of loss and confusion.

Thunderstorm chuckled coldly, as if mocking Luo Chen's naivety, "Don't trust anyone too much. In this world, apart from yourself, no one deserves your wholehearted trust. Because you never know when they might stab you in the back!" His words were cold and harsh but also woke Luo Chen up like a dream.

Luo Chen finally understood the true purpose of Thunderstorm bringing him to the Divine Fire Empire—to get the Death God's Dagger that leads to the Divine-Demon Ruins. A surge of complex emotions rose in his heart, feeling both anger and disappointment, yet slightly relieved. At least now he knew the truth and wouldn't be deceived and used again.

However, he still couldn't comprehend why Zhao Dongfang also knew about the Death God's Dagger. Could it be, just as Thunderstorm said, that he had bad intentions from the beginning? Luo Chen's heart was filled with doubt and puzzlement, feeling as if he had fallen into a huge conspiracy.

A strong sense of loss welled up in his heart, and Luo Chen silently lowered his head, a look of desolation on his face. He used to trust and respect Zhao Dongfang greatly, even seeing him as a role model and guide. But now, all of this seemed like a joke.

Thunderstorm walked silently ahead, as if everything was under his control. He passed through the bustling streets, his face showing no emotional fluctuations. For him, this world only had interests and exploitation, with no such thing as feelings and sincerity.

They soon arrived at the gate of the Xiangzi Clan. The Xiangzi Clan was also one of the three major families of the Western Willow Two Cities. Although in terms of wealth, it was no match for the Dawson Clan, and in terms of power, it was inferior to the Ye Feng Clan, its position in the Divine Fire Empire was still significant. This was all because the Xiangzi Clan's Clan Leader, Xiangzi Xiong Lie, was a wind-attribute Soul Soul Powerhouse!

Though over sixty, Xiangzi Xiong Lie was still full of energy, and his strength was unfathomable. He was one of the few Soul Soul Powerhouses in the Divine Fire Empire, renowned across the continent. Moreover, he was an advanced Master Artisan! Master Artisans, Fighting Masters, Pharmacists, and Astrologers were the four noble professions on the continent, originally rare in number. Among them, advanced and super Master Artisans were as rare as phoenix feathers, talents sought after by all empires and many hidden sects.

When Thunderstorm and Luo Chen reached the Xiangzi Clan's gate, the two guards immediately blocked their way. However, upon identifying himself and explaining his purpose, the guards' attitudes became respectful. They quickly made way and informed the family inside.

Not long after, a middle-aged man hurried out to greet them warmly, "Lord Thunderstorm, you have arrived! Please, come in!" The middle-aged man led Thunderstorm and Luo Chen into the mansion while inquiring, "May I ask what important matter brings Lord Thunderstorm here this time?"

"I have something important to discuss with your Clan Leader." Thunderstorm said blandly, his face showing no change in expression. On hearing this, the middle-aged man dared not delay and quickly led them to the study outside and reported in.

Inside the study, Xiangzi Xiong Lie was studying an ancient blueprint. Hearing the report, he looked up with deep eyes, "Let them in." As his words fell, the door to the study slowly opened, and Thunderstorm and Luo Chen walked in.

"Clan Leader Xiangzi, it's been a long time." Thunderstorm broke the silence first. Xiangzi Xiong Lie nodded as a response, his gaze scanning Thunderstorm and Luo Chen before finally stopping on Luo Chen, "And this is?"

"He is a friend of mine named Luo Chen." Thunderstorm briefly introduced Luo Chen's identity and background before continuing, "We are here to discuss a business deal with you."

"Oh? A deal?" Xiangzi Xiong Lie looked at Thunderstorm with interest, waiting for him to elaborate. Thunderstorm did not beat around the bush and directly stated, "We want the Death God's Dagger in your possession." Instantly, the atmosphere in the study grew tense. The Death God's Dagger, key to the Divine-Demon Ruins and one of the Xiangzi Clan's important treasures, naturally wouldn't be given up easily.

However, Xiangzi Xiong Lie did not immediately refuse. Instead, after pondering for a moment, he slowly spoke, "It's not impossible for you to have the Death God's Dagger, but you need to offer something of equal value in exchange." His words revealed a businessman's acumen and cunning. Hearing this, Thunderstorm's brow furrowed slightly. He naturally knew that Xiangzi Xiong Lie would not easily hand over the Death God's Dagger, but he did not expect him to propose such a condition. "What do you want?" Thunderstorm asked in a deep voice.

"I have heard that you are recently searching for a rare material called 'Star Gold.' If you can provide this material, I might consider handing over the Death God's Dagger to you." Xiangzi Xiong Lie said slowly, with a smug smile on his face. He knew the rarity of 'Star Gold' was on par with the Death God's Dagger, and that Thunderstorm had been searching for this material to forge a powerful Soul Artifact. Therefore, he believed this condition would be enticing enough for Thunderstorm.

As expected, upon hearing the words 'Star Gold,' a faint gleam of passion flashed in Thunderstorm's eyes. He gave Xiangzi Xiong Lie a deep look, then nodded, saying, "Alright, I agree to your condition!" To obtain the Death God's Dagger, he was willing to pay any price! Even rare 'Star Gold' was not too high a price! Thus, an agreement on the trade of the Death God's Dagger was reached amidst the tense and intense atmosphere.

In a world that revered strength, the value of even a lower-class Spiritual Treasure was apparent. It could easily fetch a high price of ten thousand gold in the market, a treasure countless Cultivators and families yearned for. And advanced Artifact Refiners, who could create these Spiritual Treasures, were regarded as "human machines" capable of crafting wealth and enhancing strength. Their existence undoubtedly brought endless glory and profit to the family.

As the Clan Leader of the Loulan Family and an advanced Artifact Refiner as well as a Soul Soul Powerhouse, Loulan Xiong was such an esteemed figure. He enjoyed a high reputation in the Divine Fire Empire, with countless families and powers hoping to associate with him to gain more resources and opportunities.

"When we arrive at the Loulan Family, do nothing without my instructions." Standing in a pavilion dozens of meters away from the Loulan Family's mansion, Thunderstorm gave Luo Chen a stern warning. Luo Chen, hearing this, nodded silently to show understanding. Their visit to the Loulan Family clearly had an important purpose.

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