Chapter 38: The Imperial Capital

"Hmph, Sister Tang Yue, aren't you trying to poach my partner? He won't go with you; he's coming with me to hunt monsters."

Upon hearing Tang Yue's words, Lingling immediately became upset. She had painstakingly found a partner, and if Qin Chen left, she wouldn't be able to go monster hunting. Even though they had just been like sisters, their positions instantly opposed each other. Lingling stared intently at Qin Chen, her eyes saying, «If you dare agree, you're in for trouble.»

"Sister Tang Yue, I'm used to being lazy and not being bound by rules. I feel that being a hunter suits me better."

Qin Chen naturally knew that Tang Yue was from the Judgment Council. Precisely because he knew, he chose not to join. As a free spirit, he didn't like anyone pointing fingers at him.

"What a pity, I originally wanted to work with my little brother. But it's fine, our Judgment Council often needs the help of hunters. Little brother can help me as a hunter," Tang Yue said regretfully. However, her eyes lit up when she saw the heavenly steed next to Qin Chen.

"As long as you need, just ask. I will definitely fulfill all of Sister Tang Yue's requests, all of them!"

Qin Chen said cheerfully. With someone as beautiful and alluring as Tang Yue, how could he refuse? If sparks of love accidentally ignited during a mission, it would be a huge win.

"How could I say no to that? But recently, I am working on a very important mission involving an evil organization. Once I complete this mission, I'll need your help, little brother. Don't refuse then."

Tang Yue teased. She had indeed been on a mission in Bo City recently and had just come to the magic capital a few days ago.

"What brings you here?"

At that moment, the cold beauty Leng Qing walked in. Standing next to Tang Yue, they looked like two roses of ice and fire: one sultry like fire, the other icy white like snow, creating a visual feast.

"Just missed you." Tang Yue grabbed Leng Qing's arm.

"Speak properly," Leng Qing rolled her eyes at Tang Yue.

"Let's talk as we walk."

Leng Qing had just returned when Tang Yue pulled her away, leaving Lingling and Qin Chen staring at each other, with the heavenly steed happily munching on candy nearby.

"Lingling, any suitable bounties lately?"

Qin Chen asked. He had just come out of seclusion, had a fight with Ai Jiangtu, and saved a beauty. Now he was looking to earn some money.

"You're too picky. No suitable ones."

Lingling flicked her twin ponytails and turned away. There were few tasks at the Azure Sky Hunter Agency, and there were no suitable ones above five million.

"Ding ding ding!!!"

At that moment, Qin Chen's phone rang. It was an unknown number.

"Hello? Who is this?" Qin Chen answered out of habit.

"Hello, Qin Chen? I found what you asked me to look into. There's an auction at the top floor of the Imperial Capital trading market tomorrow. They have a large plant-type spirit seed for sale." The voice on the other end was unfamiliar but somewhat familiar.

"Oh, thanks. May I ask who this is?"

Qin Chen thanked him, having forgotten who he had asked to find plant-type spirit seeds.

"Damn, you don't even know who I am? I, Zhao Daye, must have made the wrong friend!"

The other person swore, feeling aggrieved that his good intentions were met with forgetfulness.

"Oh oh, it's Old Zhao. Thanks for the info. I'll treat you to a meal sometime to apologize. Gotta go now."

Qin Chen hung up quickly, not giving Zhao Daye a chance to respond.

"What do you mean by 'sometime'? One meal and I have to wait? Hey, hey, dare to hang up on me!" Zhao Daye cursed, almost stomping on the accelerator in frustration.

"Why do you, a spatial and summoning mage, need so many plant-type spirit seeds?" Lingling asked curiously.

"You'll know when you need to. Stay home and study. I'm going to the Imperial Capital. Heavenly Steed, stop eating, let's go."

With no tasks at the Azure Sky Hunter Agency and news of the plant-type spirit seed, Qin Chen decided to go to the Imperial Capital to buy it. He had promised Mu Nujiao a large plant-type spirit seed and couldn't break his word. He slapped the heavenly steed, still eating candy.

"Neigh!!!!"

Hearing that they were leaving, the heavenly steed stuffed all the remaining candy into its mouth and followed Qin Chen.

Riding the heavenly steed to the airport, Qin Chen grabbed a ticket along the way. If he were still a beginner mage, unable to fly, he wouldn't take the plane. Now, with both him and the heavenly steed able to fly, there was no fear of mid-air accidents, allowing him to take the plane boldly.

"Heavenly Steed, once you reach the commander level, I won't even need to buy plane tickets. The money I save on plane tickets can be used to buy you snacks."

Qin Chen sighed. When the heavenly steed reached commander level, its flight speed would surpass planes. With an aviation map, it would become his private jet.

"Neigh!!!!"

Hearing that Qin Chen would buy it snacks, the heavenly steed ran even faster, eager to grow up and reach commander level for more treats. It didn't notice that the promised "one-tenth" was a small portion.

Every flight route avoids areas occupied by monsters and restricted zones. However, with modern magical development, most monster territories and activity patterns in the country are well understood. This greatly reduces the risk of flying through dangerous areas.

Arriving at the airport, Qin Chen sent the heavenly steed back to the summoning plane and boarded the plane. The flight from the magic capital to the Imperial Capital was less than nine hours.

The Imperial Capital is the nation's cultural, economic, political, power, and magical center. Most top families and forces are concentrated there, making it the safest place in the country. This attracts countless people to settle and live there.

However, land in the Imperial Capital is precious. Those who can survive are either at the bottom of society or at the top of the magical hierarchy. The major forces have long dominated the Imperial Capital, leaving no room for newcomers or new forces. Many, unable to thrive or seeing the situation clearly, move to other places with development potential.

(End of Chapter)