Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 980: Chapter 980: Fenghua Town

Xue Wei’s voice was unhurried, his tone calm yet filled with confidence, as if he had long anticipated Jiang Qi’s temptation.

His gaze was piercing, seemingly assured of victory, waiting for Jiang Qi to be drawn in by this bait.

In fact, these words were the result of Xue Wei’s careful consideration and planning.

Although Jiang Qi was proud and arrogant, he had coveted the Xue Family’s Supreme Treasure for a long time.

If he merely sought help, Jiang Qi would surely suspect his motives.

However, linking this Token with the Xue Family’s Supreme Treasure undoubtedly provided Jiang Qi with an irresistible reason.

Xue Wei faintly smiled, seemingly watching Jiang Qi gradually fall into his carefully laid plan during this transaction.

He had already constructed a perfect route in his heart, predicting Jiang Qi’s every reaction.

At this moment, he was like a strategic chess player, leading Jiang Qi step by step into his meticulously woven trap.

There was a flicker of hesitation in Jiang Qi’s eyes, instinctively distrustful of Xue Wei, but his longing for the Xue Family’s Supreme Treasure caused his thoughts to waver.

The Xue Family’s Supreme Treasure is rumored to possess extremely powerful strength, enough to elevate his power by several levels. Even a proud genius like Jiang Qi couldn’t completely resist such temptation.

However, Jiang Qi forcibly maintained his composure, letting out a cold laugh as if seeing through everything: ”Hmph, Xue Wei, do you think that with just these few words, I’ll fall for your trick? Your so-called ’Supreme Treasure’ hidden in a cave, opened by this Token? Sounds like an impeccable trap.”

Nonetheless, Jiang Qi’s gaze couldn’t help but fall upon that Token.

Xue Wei’s move indeed hit his weak point. No matter what, he couldn’t easily let go of the chance to obtain the Supreme Treasure, even if there might be a trap involved, he had to consider it carefully.

Meanwhile, Xue Wei watched the slight change in Jiang Qi’s expression, feeling even more smug.

His smile remained unchanged, but his eyes bore a greater certainty.

He knew Jiang Qi’s heart had started to waver, and the final victory was not far from him.

”Saint Heir Jiang, in this world, interests are all that matter. I know you doubt my motives, but you should understand how precious the Xue Family’s Supreme Treasure is. Once you obtain it, the Jiang Ancient Clan’s strength will definitely soar. Then, would you still need to worry about Ye Qingchen? This deal, for you, is a surefire win.”

Xue Wei’s tone was peaceful, yet each word was incisive, like a sharp knife, piercing through Jiang Qi’s defenses.

Jiang Qi stared at the Token in his hand, frowning deeply, plunged into profound hesitation. His pride and reason engaged in fierce battle within his heart. As the Saint Heir of the Jiang Ancient Clan, he had always been cautious, not easily trusting others, especially Xue Wei, his enemy. However, the allure of the Xue Family’s Supreme Treasure was too great to completely ignore.

”Could this indeed be a trap?” Jiang Qi wondered internally, indecisive. He knew that if duped by Xue Wei, he would not only lose face but possibly get embroiled in an inescapable predicament.

Yet, on second thought, if things truly were as Xue Wei claimed, he would gain a wealth capable of altering his destiny’s strength.

More importantly, he could then gain the upper hand in front of Ye Qingchen, free from any worries of threats from talented assistance.

The internal struggle made Jiang Qi feel extremely conflicted; on one hand, he was reluctant to take risks; on the other, greed and curiosity continually eroded his rationality.

He repeatedly weighed the pros and cons, pondering every possible consequence, harboring suspicion while also regretting potentially missing out on this opportunity.

Finally, greed and desire overcame reason.

Jiang Qi took a deep breath, seemingly resolved.

His eyes flashed with cold intensity; he lifted his head to stare at Xue Wei, speaking with a chilling tone: ”Xue Wei, I’ll trust you one more time. If the place you mentioned lacks the treasure, you know the consequences!”

In his words, Jiang Qi had decided to give Xue Wei another chance, yet his tone remained as sharp and cold as a blade, devoid of trust, full of warnings.

Deep in his heart, Jiang Qi still mistrusted Xue Wei, always ready to handle any potential change.

However, facing Jiang Qi’s warning, Xue Wei remained completely composed.

His gaze remained calm and unperturbed, showing not a hint of panic, as if everything was under his control.

Xue Wei smiled indifferently, his tone brimming with confidence and assurance: ”Saint Heir Jiang, you can rest assured. Everything I’ve said is true. The Supreme Treasure you desire is indeed in that cave. You need only take this Token to easily acquire it.”

Xue Wei’s demeanor was composed, seeming to have absolute faith in every word he spoke.

Not a trace of panic, nor any sign of fearing Jiang Qi’s threat; instead, he seemed even more relaxed and at ease.

This calm attitude seemed to assure Jiang Qi that he could certainly proceed to retrieve the so-called Supreme Treasure, as it represented genuine interests rather than a trap.

Watching Xue Wei’s confident expression, Jiang Qi’s caution didn’t completely dissipate, yet he vaguely felt that perhaps Xue Wei wasn’t lying this time.

Considering Xue Wei’s situation, deliberately setting a trap would only result in more adverse consequences for him.

In the end, Jiang Qi chose to believe Xue Wei’s words, albeit still guarded, he decided to give it a try.

”Alright, I will go take a look.” Jiang Qi said coldly, agreeing with Xue Wei but his eyes still flashing with heavy precaution and a sense of menace.

He knew this endeavor was fraught with risk, but he had prepared thoroughly.

If anything went awry, he’d ensure Xue Wei paid a steep price.

On the other side.

Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao had journeyed for several days before reaching a bustling town at dusk.

From afar, the town nestled by the mountain, its streets arranged in an orderly fashion, with wisps of smoke rising, enveloping the air in a daily life ambiance.

At the town’s entrance hung a rustic wooden plaque inscribed with the words ”Fenghua Town” in large characters. Though not incredibly prosperous, it possessed an ancient charm, appearing exceptionally distinctive.

Surrounded by lush trees with a winding river meandering through, willow trees swayed gently along the riverbank, as if welcoming the guests from afar.

Entering the town, a scene of prosperity unfolded.

Shops lined both sides of the street, lively calls emanating from the stores as vendors sold all sorts of goods.

Tea houses, taverns, silk and satin shops, calligraphy and painting shops... everything was available, with an unending flow of pedestrians creating a bustling scene.

Amid the bustling crowds, children chased and frolicked, their laughter echoing above the streets.

Various enticing scents drifted with the evening breeze, seemingly luring passersby to indulge their taste buds.

At a food stall, a crowd had gathered tightly, where an old grandpa was selling baked cakes.

His cakes were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, delivering a fragrant aroma, causing people on the street to line up for purchase; on the other side, at a candied fruit stall, the bright red hawthorns were coated with crystalline syrup, strung together, with children happily each holding one string.