Chapter 446: The Frenzied Mo Tianxue
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
In Tianwu Kingdom, the head of the Shadow Squad clasped his fist.
"Your Majesty, Her Highness and Zhang shi have arrived at Xuanyuan Kingdom!"
"Un!"
Nodding his head, Mo Tianxue seemed to have recalled something and sighed. "There's nothing bad about the lass except that she's too sentimental. Sigh, she has truly wasted all of the efforts I have spent on her!"
The rise of Mo Hongyi had left Mo Tianxue worried about the succession of the throne. As such, he had always raised his most talented daughter, Mo Yu, as the future empress of the kingdom. In the end, that lass, for her own personal feelings, decided to leave with Zhang shi. This had left him both worried and helpless.
The saying 'it was impossible to keep a daughter by one's side' was indeed true.
Zhang shi was incredibly talented, and a person of his caliber couldn't possibly remain in Tianwu Kingdom for his entire life. Since there was no hope, she should have just given up on it.
She could have remained within the kingdom to cultivate properly and raise her strength to take over the throne.
Mo Hongyi's prestige had been on the steady rise ever since he became a 2-star master teacher, and at such a crucial period, she chose to leave instead.
When everyone has forgotten about you, how do you intend to inherit the throne?
He had truly no idea what was going through the mind of that lass!
"Her Highness might be willful but she listens obediently to Your Majesty's words. She'll probably return after sending Zhang shi off to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance!" the head of the Shadow Squad said.
As the head of the private elite squadron under Mo Tianxue, he was a close aide of the latter and understood his thoughts well.
On top of strength, prestige was also an important factor for one's succession to the throne.
The reason why Mo Tianxue was reluctant to allow Mo Yu to go with Zhang Xuan was because he wanted to keep her by the side so as to have her come into contact with governance matters and achieve some accomplishments in the field so as to win the respect and loyalty of the royal court. Only then would he be able to pass on the throne without any worries.
Yet, she went ahead and left without even informing him. It was no wonder that he was angry.
"Let's just hope that's the case!"
Mo Tianxue smiled bitterly, "If she were able to win Zhang shi's heart, I wouldn't mind it. She would probably have a brighter future by his side anyway. However, Zhang shi is an incredibly talented person, and I can tell that he has no such intentions about her. Even if she were to accompany him all the way to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, it would just be a waste of time!"
The head of the Shadow Squad had no idea how to alleviate Mo Tianxue's worries.
Even though he had never interacted with this Zhang shi, he had seen him various times from the shadows and heard much about his affairs. A genius of that caliber belonged to the larger world out there and wouldn't be tied down by romance.
"Alright, let's not talk about this for now..."
Putting aside his worries, Mo Tianxue was just about to bring up another topic when an elder barged anxiously into the hall.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."
That elder's face was flushed, and his entire body was trembling intensely in agitation.
"Elder Qu, aren't you responsible for keeping watch at the Communication Wall? What are you doing here?"
Mo Tianxue frowned.
Elder Qu, whose full name was Mo Qu, was an elder of the royal family.
Since the Lin Clan had a Communication Wall that could contact Xuanyuan Kingdom, naturally, the Tianwu royal family had one as well. Through this, they could communicate with Xuanyuan Kingdom, understand the various changes in the other country swiftly, and make appropriate countermeasures.
This Elder Qu was the person responsible for maintaining contact at the Communication Wall. His position was equivalent to Pavilion Elder Qian of the Tianxuan Kingdom, and he was the head of intelligence of the entire kingdom.
This job required him to keep a constant lookout on the various happenings around the region, and thus, he would normally send a subordinate to report to the emperor. Unless something huge had occurred, it was impossible for him to report an issue personally.
"Your Majesty, something huge... has occurred!" Elder Qu exclaimed in agitation.
"Something huge?" Mo Tianxue turned to look at Elder Qu. "What is it?"
"Zhang shi has arrived at Xuanyuan Royal City, and just today, he caused a huge ruckus in the capital and he... killed Crown Prince Ding Mu!" Elder Qu said.
"Killed Crown Prince Ding Mu?" Mo Tianxue's face paled, and he nearly fainted from shock.
The standing of a crown prince of a Conferred Kingdom was far above that of an emperor of a Tier 1 Kingdom... To kill a figure of such standing, was that Zhang shi insane, or was he simply tired of living?
"Indeed! Not just so, he even did it in the midst of Crown Prince Ding Mu's inauguration ceremony!"
As though oblivious to Mo Tianxue's darkened complexion, Elder Qu continued, "In the end, even Old Ancestor Ding Hong was alarmed..."
"By old ancestor, do you mean Emperor Ding Hong whose name took the world by storm? He... is still alive?" Mo Tianxue's body swayed weakly.
Hundred years ago, this Emperor Ding Hong had already reached the level of a Transcendent Mortal. Everyone had thought that he was dead given his long period of absence, but to think that he was still alive!
"Indeed. Not only so, he has even become a Transcendent Mortal expert..." Elder Qu said.
"Transcendent Mortal?" Mo Tianxue's voice trembled. "Then Zhang shi..."
Mo Tianxue didn't complete his words, but the meaning behind it was clear. Zhang shi was most probably dead by now.
After running over to kill the inaugurating crown prince, how could the other party's old ancestor possibly spare you?
Mo Tianxue knew this Zhang shi quite well. He was able to defeat a Half-Zhizun with the strength of a Zongshi realm pinnacle, but against a Transcendent Mortal... the gap was simply too large. It was like the difference between a divine dragon and a measly ant.
Most probably, Zhang shi was already reduced to a lump of flesh under the might of the old ancestor.
"Oh, Zhang shi is alright. He broke through the Half-Transcension realm on the spot and subdued Emperor Ding Hong..." Elder Qu said.
"What?" Mo Tianxue's head spun.
To reach Half-Transcension from the cultivation realm of Zongshi realm pinnacle on the spot? Are you joking with me?
On top of that, there's a huge difference between a Half-Transcension cultivator and a Transcendent Mortal cultivator. How could Zhang shi possibly subdue the other party?
"This is what the report from the other side of the Communication Wall said, and I've confirmed it myself. There's no mistake about it!" Elder Qu nodded. "On top of that... that..."
"What?"
Elder Qu hesitated for a moment as he recalled the content of the report on the Communication Wall, and even until now, he seemed as though he was still unable to believe the news. "The primary reason why I'm here is to report this news to you. After Zhang shi subdued Emperor Ding Hong, he nominated Princess Mo Yu for the throne, and she is now the ruler of Xuanyuan Kingdom..."
"The ruler... of Xuanyuan Kingdom?"
Mo Tianxue nearly fell off his throne.
He had just said that Mo Yu was wasting her time over her sentiments, and the latter... went on to become the ruler of Xuanyuan Kingdom!
Did this slap have to come so violently?
There were at least twenty vassal kingdoms like Tianwu beneath Xuanyuan Kingdom. To become the ruler of such a powerful kingdom...
Why did it seem like a dream?
"But Yu-er's cultivation is only at Tongxuan realm pinnacle. How could she become the ruler of a Conferred Kingdom?"
Recovering from the shock, Mo Tianxue suddenly realized that there were some things that were amiss.
When Mo Yu left, she was only at Tongxuan realm pinnacle. It was already difficult for her to ascend to the Tianwu Kingdom throne given her lacking cultivation. To ascend to the throne with such strength in Xuanyuan Kingdom, wasn't that no different from committing suicide?
"This... Zhang shi also thought that her cultivation was too low, so he helped her achieve a breakthrough on the spot through Cultivation Impartation. Currently, Princess Mo Yu is a... Zhizun realm pinnacle expert!" Elder Qu said.
"Achieve a breakthrough on the spot? Zhizun realm pinnacle?"
Putong!
Mo Tianxue's body shook so violently that he fell to the ground. A dazed look was on his face, and he didn't even feel pain when he pulled out a fistful of hair from his head.
Tongxuan realm pinnacle... reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle on the spot. Zhang shi, can you tell me how did you do it?
"Yu-er... sure has good eyes..."
After a long period of time, Mo Tianxue swallowed a mouthful a saliva and muttered slowly with a pale face.
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Chapter 447: Soul Oracle
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
In the Master Teacher Pavilion of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, a gray-robed elder stood at the very front of a room. A warm voice flowing from his mouth drew in spiritual energy from the surroundings.
Spirit Gathering Diction, an ability that only 5-star master teachers possessed!
Seated on the front rows of the room were elders dressed in master teacher robes. All of them were seated upright, and as the words from the gray-robed elder in front washed over them, they fell into a trance-like state.
Weng!
The voice eventually came to a stop, and the gray-robed elder placed his hands behind his back.
"I'll be stopping here for today. If any of you have any questions, feel free to raise them!"
"Hong shi, sorry for the trouble. I'm truly grateful to you for conducting a lecture here right after your long journey!" Pavilion Master Kang stood up and smiled.
Hong shi, Hong Qian, was a 5-star master teacher from Hongfeng Empire. He was specially invited over to host the Master Teacher Tournament.
The gray-robed elder Hong shi nodded.
"It's the duty of master teachers to solve the problems that a cultivator meets so that everyone can become strong. There's nothing troubling about that!"
"Yes!" Pavilion Master Kang nodded. Just as he was about to continue speaking, the ground shuddered and a bell chimed four times.
"Four chimes, someone is crashing a pavilion? To think that I would meet with such an interesting matter right after my arrival!" Hong shi chuckled.
The different number of chimes of the bell held different meanings in the Master Teacher Pavilion. Four consecutive chimes meant that someone was crashing a Master Teacher Pavilion within the territories of Myriad Kingdom Alliance.
Even though Pavilion Crashing was equivalent to challenging an entire Master Teacher Pavilion, there were actually quite a few challengers every year. After all, success meant that one would gain great prestige and go down in history.
Master teachers were public figures. On top of being teachers, their reputation was important as well. In order to raise one's reputation quickly, there were many who were willing to take the risk.
But of course, despite the great benefits Pavilion Crashing could bring, the penalties for failure were harsh as well.
"Wu shi, go and look into the matter. Find out which branch is it..."
Pavilion Master Kang frowned.
He felt embarrassed that such an incident occurred immediately after Hong shi's arrival.
"Yes!" The elder known as Wu shi backed out of the room. Before long, he returned and reported, "Reporting to Hong shi and pavilion master, it's from Xuanyuan Conferred Kingdom!"
"Xuanyuan Kingdom?"
Taken aback, Hong shi raised his head and stroked his beard, "I haven't been there for a period of time. My 3-star master teacher examination was taken there!"
"Now that Hong shi mentions it, I do remember the matter. Even though you were only there for less than three years, you towered over all of the master teachers of the kingdom with your talents!" Pavilion Master Kang replied after a moment of contemplation.
Even though Hong shi had already become an esteemed 5-star master teacher of Hongfeng Empire, he originated with Xuanyuan Kingdom, which resulted in his deep ties with Myriad Kingdom Alliance.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone through the trouble to travel such a long distance to conduct a competition among the younger generation.
"Those are in the past now. But in any case, that person who crashed Xuanyuan Kingdom's Master Teacher Pavilion will probably be in for some pain!" Hong shi chuckled. "I've left a sliver of my will there. Even a 4-star master teacher would find it hard to successfully crash the pavilion."
"You left your will there? It'll be nigh impossible for the challenger to pass then..."
For a moment, Pavilion Master Kang was stunned before a bitter smile crept onto his face.
Pavilion Crashing wasn't just about defeating all of the current master teachers within the Master Teacher Pavilion. The greatest difficulty lay in answering the questions raised by the will of the preceding generations' master teachers.
Hong shi was a 5-star master teacher who possessed incredible means. Since he had left behind a sliver of his will in Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion, who could possibly crash the pavilion successfully?
Even Pavilion Master Kang himself, despite being the pavilion master of Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, would find it hard to succeed, not to mention, a person from a Conferred Kingdom.
"Some youngster hoped to earn prestige quickly through Pavilion Crashing, but how can it be that easy?"
Nodding his head, Hong shi suddenly recalled some matters about the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion and said, "In the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion, other than me, three other 4-star master teacher left behind their wills as well. To get to me, the challenger would have to pass their tests first!"
"Those three tests are probably more than enough to halt the challenger in his footsteps..."
Pavilion Master Kang nodded. Just as he was about to continue speaking, the ground shook once more, and the bell chimed for five times consecutively.
"That... That person successfully crashed the pavilion?"
For an instant, everyone froze.
From the start of the crash until now, it had only been ten minutes or so. To defeat the will of three 4-star master teachers and one 5-star master teacher in such a short period of time...
Wasn't that way too fast!
Hong shi was also stunned.
"Hurry up and find out who it is!"
A moment later, his lips quivered and he hurriedly instructed.
To answer the question raised by will in ten minutes and successfully crash the entire pavilion... How in the world did that person do it?
A huge commotion broke out within the entire Master Teacher Pavilion.
...
Hu!
While a huge commotion was going on in Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, in Xuanyuan Kingdom, Luo Qianhong was staring at the darkened Master Teacher Tower with a helpless look.
There were various steps to Pavilion Crashing. Firstly, one had to defeat all of the master teachers in the Master Teacher Pavilion.
He knew that there was no one in the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion who was a match for Zhang Xuan and there was no point in battling, so he immediately activated the Master Teacher Tower.
Retained within the Master Teacher Tower were the wills of predecessors. To successfully crash a pavilion, one had to walk from the bottom of the tower to the top and extinguish all of the lights in the midst.
Given that the tower was completely dark already, this meant that... Zhang Xuan had passed all of the tests and succeeded in his Pavilion Crashing.
Jiya!
A young man walked out from the tower gate.
Glancing at the young face which reflected an age below twenty, Luo Qianhong shook his head.
He had already guessed that the other party would succeed after his outstanding performance at the Heaven's Altar, but even so... he didn't expect the other party to succeed so quickly.
Those were the wills from a 5-star master teacher and three 4-star master teachers! To pass their tests in ten minutes, even a 5-star master teacher would be hard-pressed to do so!
What kind of monster was he?
"Since Zhang shi has succeeded in the Pavilion Crashing, the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion will listen to your commands."
Stepping forward, Luo Qianhong clasped his fist.
The rules had stated that the losing side of the Pavilion Crashing had to fulfill the demands of the winning side without any complaints.
"I require books and herbs regarding waking a dormant soul!" Zhang Xuan said.
The reason why he caused a ruckus on the Heaven's Altar and killed Crown Prince Ding Mu was to exact vengeance for Lu Chong.
"Zhang shi intends to attempt waking your student?" Luo Qianhong asked.
While Zhang Xuan was in the midst of crashing the pavilion, he had looked into the entire happenings from start to end. He felt great regret for listening to Ding Mu's lies, and at the same time, he found himself impressed by Zhang shi.
How deep of a relationship between a student and teacher must be for a student to be willing to put himself at risk for his teacher?
And for a teacher to cause a ruckus at a Conferred Kingdom and challenge a Master Teacher Pavilion for his student...
"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded.
"Dormant soul... Honestly speaking, even our Master Teacher Pavilion isn't qualified to come into contact with information regarding souls. However..."
At this point, Luo Qianhong hesitated.
"Pavilion Master Luo, feel free to speak your mind." Zhang Xuan immediately replied.
"I do know that if one becomes a 7-star master teacher, one will gain the ability to influence one's consciousness and search souls! Other than that... there's an ancient occupation known as 'Soul Oracle'. If you were to find their inheritance, you might be able to learn their means and wake up your student's dormant soul!" Luo Qianhong said.
Zhang Xuan frowned.
"Soul oracle? What's that?"
Zhang Xuan had heard the matter regarding a 7-star master teacher being able to search one's soul and rouse a person's consciousness from Mo Yu, but he had never heard of a soul oracle before.
Despite reading so many books and assimilating so much knowledge, there was nothing on this topic at all.
"Soul oracle is a unique occupation that existed in ancient times. I've only heard about this from the predecessors, but it's said that the soul oracles were able to summon and gather souls through celestial dances. However, this occupation has already disappeared for more than ten thousand years, and it's regarded as a mere legend nowadays. As such, no one can tell what kind of abilities they possess for sure."
Luo Qianhong pondered for a moment before replying.
"It'll be easy for me to determine whether it's a legend or not!"
With a flick of his wrist, Zhang Xuan took out a book and wrote a line of words on it. After which, he placed his fingers on it and muttered 'flaws' in his head.
Weng!
For matters that couldn't be ascertained, Zhang Xuan would use this method to confirm its authenticity.
There was nothing that could elude the eyes of heavens. Its words of guarantee were more reliable and useful than anything else.
Casually flipping it open, Zhang Xuan's breathing began to hasten, and his fists subconsciously clenched together.
A line of words was written on the blank page, 'Soul oracles can summon and gather souls', and the book compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path didn't indicate any error with the statement.
In other words...
It was right!
To think that there would be an occupation capable of manipulating souls in this world!
Suppressing his agitation, Zhang Xuan asked, "Pavilion Master Luo, do you know where the inheritance of soul oracles can be found? Or where I can find books regarding the occupation?"
As long as he gathered sufficient books, he would be able to form a Heaven's Path manual and learn the occupation. It didn't matter much to him whether the inheritance was complete or not.
After a moment of contemplation, Luo Qianhong said, "I don't know where you can find the inheritance of soul oracle. However... recently, there have been rumors that a [Soulless Metal Humanoid] was found in Honghai City of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and an auction over it will be conducted in the next few days. The Soulless Metal Humanoid is known to be a product created by soul oracles. If they have truly left behind an inheritance, you might be able to find some clues on it."
"Honghai City?" Zhang Xuan frowned.
A map of Myriad Kingdom Alliance appeared in his head, and he immediately located Honghai City.
Even though Myriad Kingdom Alliance was known as an alliance, it was actually an empire ruling over all of the other kingdoms in the region.
The position of the 'alliance head' was somewhat similar to the position of an emperor in a kingdom.
Honghai City was a large city within the territory of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and its scale was on par with the capital, Myriad Kingdom City.
"Honghai City is known as the trading hub of the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance. The Soulless Metal Humanoid is known to be a special puppet crafted by ancient soul oracles to protect themselves at close proximity. Since one of them was found there, you might really find something there," Luo Qianhong said.
While the chances of unearthing the inheritance of the soul oracles were extremely slim, it still beats searching and engaging the help of a 7-star master teacher.
A 7-star master teacher could be considered to be a figure that stood at the pinnacle of this world. Putting aside how even the strongest experts of Myriad Kingdom Alliance had never met such a figure before, there was also no reason why a 7-star master teacher would go through the trouble of treating the student of an insignificant person like Zhang Xuan.
"Un!"
After hearing the other party's explanation, Zhang Xuan made up his mind. "Since I'm heading for Myriad Kingdom City anyway, I'll drop by Honghai City to take a look then!"
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Chapter 448: The Levels of Transcendent Mortal
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
A gigantic spirit beast glided through a sea of white clouds.
From the back of this gigantic spirit beast, Zhang Xuan glanced out of a window to peer into the distance.
This Transcendent Mortal 3-dan spirit beast was 'gongzi' Zhao Feiwu's mount.
Upon knowing that there was a clue to the inheritance of soul oracles in Honghai City, Zhang Xuan immediately gathered Zhao Ya and the others and left for Honghai City.
As Mo Yu was now the empress of Xuanyuan Kingdom, there were countless matters on her agenda, thus making it imperative that she remains in the capital. Before departing, Zhang Xuan instructed Luo Qianhong to take care of her.
Initially, Zhang Xuan intended to ride the Steelfang Howling Beast to Honghai City. However, after learning that it was over a million kilometers away, he immediately dropped the idea.
Given the Howling Firmament Beast's current speed as a Zhizun realm savage beast, even if it were to travel non-stop through the day and night, it would still take at least a month for it to cover the distance.
In comparison, Zhao Feiwu's Transcendent Mortal 3-dan mount was much faster. On top of that, its back was broad so it wasn't cramped even when the entire group was riding on it. Besides, Zhao Feiwu insisted on it, and Zhang Xuan couldn't find any reason to turn her down either.
To date, it was already the fifth day since they took off from Xuanyuan Royal City.
"Teacher, aren't you a poison master? Why did you become a subordinate of the envoy..."
It wasn't easy for Gu Mu to meet his teacher, so the duo started catching up. Gu Mu raised a doubt that he had been harboring in his mind ever since he learned of 'gongzi's' true identity.
Poison master was an occupation that left others trembling in fear, and most would choose to keep their distance. Given such, how did his teacher become a subordinate to this 'gongzi'?
"The reason why I left the Poison Hall back then was to exact vengeance. However, I fell into my enemy's trap instead, and even though I still managed to kill him in the end, I was severely injured in the process as well. It was 'gongzi's' father who saved me... In order to prevent others from learning of my identity as a poison master, I've been avoiding the use poison in public since then!" Jin Conghai said.
Just like what Gu Mu said, it was rare for a poison master to be subordinated to another. After all, even if poison masters were willing to be subordinated, considering their horrid reputation on the continent, who would be willing to take them in?
After Jin Conghai was saved by 'gongzi's' father, he had been serving the latter by his side. To prevent others from learning of his identity as a poison master, he chose to avoid the usage of poison, and it had been several years since then. In the eyes of others, he was nothing more than a diligent subordinate. Little did they know that a fearsome 4-star poison master hid beneath that cover.
"Teacher!"
On the other hand, Yuan Tao and the others walked over to Zhang Xuan.
After consuming the spirit beast blood essence, Yuan Tao's Emperor's Bloodline was further awakened, thus inducing a significant leap in his cultivation. With this, he caught up with Zhao Ya, who had been the strongest in the group with a cultivation of Zongshi realm pinnacle.
As for Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, Liu Yang, and Sun Qiang, Zhang Xuan gave them a lotus seed each.
Instead of raising their cultivation through Cultivation Impartation, he imparted them a simplified version of Heaven's Path Divine Art instead.
Even so, their cultivation increased by leaps and bounds. In just five days, they had smashed through multiple realms consecutively, thus reaching Zongshi realm primary stage.
Even though they were still slightly weaker than Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao, the foundations of their cultivation were strong and stable. More importantly, they hadn't even consumed a hundredth of the energy contained within the lotus seed.
By the time they fully absorb the energy contained within the lotus seed, they would be Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators as well.
Zhao Feiwu and the others suffered a breakdown when they saw Zhang Xuan giving away the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed so casually to his students and subordinates to enhance the growth of their cultivation. However, as the shocks piled up, they found themselves gradually building up an immunity to his inconceivable actions and feats.
To them, Zhang Xuan was a person who simply couldn't be measured through common sense.
Rather than racking their brains over it, they might as well just accept him as he is.
"Honghai City is right before us!"
Before long, a massive city appeared before everyone's sight.
From their height, the countless buildings beneath the sun looked no different from gleaming small dots.
The scale of Xuanyuan Royal City was astonishing, but it couldn't hold a candle against Honghai City. It was as though putting a remote mountainside village against a bustling city!
As expected of one of the largest cities of Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Putting everything aside, just the large and refined infrastructures reflected wealth far above that of a Conferred Kingdom.
"Honghai City is a trading hub where merchants from all over Myriad Kingdom Alliance, be it Xuanyuan Kingdom, Chihe Kingdom, or Liusu Kingdom, gather... Goods tend to fetch a higher price here, so the merchants from the various Conferred Kingdoms would export their goods here to earn a greater profit margin. Over time, Honghai City grew to become the most prosperous commercial city throughout the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance!" Zhao Feiwu explained.
Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
There was some information on Honghai City among the books of Tianwu Kingdom's book collection vault. Known as the City of Merchants, most of the trade and interactions among the vassal kingdoms of Myriad Kingdom Alliance were conducted here.
In terms of prosperity, it even exceeded that of the capital, Myriad Kingdom City.
"Myriad Kingdom Alliance is of a significantly higher-tier than Xuanyuan Kingdom. Even though your strength has reached Half-Transcension and you can be considered rather strong for those around your age, it's best for you to remain careful here."
Zhao Feiwu advised with a grim expression. "The Honghai City Master Teacher Pavilion has a 4-star master teacher behind it. Even though he's only a 4-star intermediate master teacher, his true strength is at Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm, and he's not to be trifled with!"
"Yin-Yang realm?" Zhang Xuan asked.
He knew that above the Fighter realm was Transcendent Mortal, and that there were nine levels to it. However, he didn't know the details behind it.
"There is a total of 9 dans to Transcendent Mortals, and they are 1-dan Prolonged Longevity, 2-dan Origin Energy, 3-dan Yin-Yang, 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity, 5-dan Consonant Spirit, 6-dan Cosmos Bridge, 7-dan Perfect Harmonization, 8-dan Ethereal Treading, and 9-dan Chrysalis!"
Knowing that Zhang Xuan was unaware of the details about the Transcendent Mortal realm, Zhao Feiwu began explaining, "You should already be aware of Prolonged Longevity realm by now. While one's strength will remain at 100,000 ding throughout this realm, one's lifespan will increase by a fair amount with every breakthrough. The average lifespan of a Prolonged Longevity realm pinnacle cultivator is around two hundred years.
"At 2-dan Origin Energy realm, the zhenqi within a cultivator's body will be converted to Origin Energy, thus granting one the strength of manipulating the natural energy present in the environment. The beginning of another origin, the unraveling of a whole new world... There's a huge difference between zhenqi and Origin Energy. The former represented strength and one's existential potential whereas the latter allows one to tap into the power of nature to actualize the mysticisms of the world!
"Take for example, if an ordinary paper is infused with Origin Energy, it could gain 'spirit', enabling it to float in the air and dance by itself. Thus, Origin Energy realm is also known as Mystical Energy realm, in which, Origin Energy is equates to Mystical Energy.
"As for 3-dan Yin-Yang realm, the contrasting nature of yin and yang energy present in one's body will amalgamate, complementing the flaws of one another to bring forth greater power. As such, Yin-Yang realm cultivators are capable of drawing forth incredible destructive might! Take that cliff in the distance for example, a Yin-Yang realm cultivator would be able to easily crush it with a single fist."
Zhao Feiwu had a deep understanding of the various cultivation realms of Transcendent Mortal, and she began explaining them to Zhang Xuan.
"Destroying a cliff with a single fist?"
Zheng Yang and the others were dumbstruck.
They thought that the ability to hurl rocks weighing over a thousand kilograms at Zongshi realm was already an impressive feat.
There is a limit to a human's strength, and destroying a cliff with a single fist is far beyond the means of a human. That is already at the level of deities.
That is also why the Transcendent Mortal realm was known as the Divine realm. The strength Transcendent Mortals possess isn't something that mortal Fighters, or even Half-Transcension cultivators, can take on.
"And for Transcendent Mortal 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity, as most would know, different cultivators will have different levels of purity for their Origin Energy and different weights for their soul. Cultivate diligently in this realm, and one will be able to bring up the purity of their Origin Energy. In other words, this is an opportunity for one to purify their Origin Energy (zhenqi). I believe you should understand the huge difference between an inferior zhenqi and an intermediate zhenqi!"
Zhao Feiwu chuckled as she continued, "Pavilion Master Kang of Myriad Kingdom City is a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, and his cultivation realm is at this level. Only one who has reached this level of cultivation can one tread fearlessly around Myriad Kingdom Alliance. As for 5-dan Consonant Spirit, it's only hearsay for me. It's already beyond the level of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, so I'm not too sure about the details either."
"I see!"
Zhang Xuan nodded.
The 9 dans of Transcendent Mortal is similar to the 9 dans of Fighter. The progression through Transcendent Mortal realm can be considered to be a layer stacking over the previous, and there are no shortcuts to it. The only way to advance is through ceaseless diligence and perseverance.
But to Zhang Xuan, it was just a matter of finding sufficient cultivation technique manuals to form the corresponding Heaven's Path Divine Art.
"We're here, let's alight!"
Amidst their conversation, they finally arrived at Honghai City. The spirit beast flapped its wings gently as it gradually descended to the ground.
Just like the other cities, one needed to pay a toll fee to enter the city. Zhang Xuan flashed his master teacher emblem and he was exempted from the fee.
The broad streets of Honghai City were bustling, and one could see all kinds of objects being sold everywhere.
Phantom pinnacle weapons, the strongest weapon tier among the possessions of the wealthy Lin Clan, could be found easily in any shop in the area.
"Gold coins are technically useless in Honghai City. The currencies that are most commonly used here are Tutelage Jade Tokens and spirit stones," Zhao Feiwu said. "The Tutelage Jade Token of master teachers are valued based on the rank of the issuer. A 4-star master teacher Jade Tutelage Token is equivalent to a hundred from a 3-star master teacher, and a 3-star master teacher's Jade Tutelage Token is equivalent to a hundred from a 2-star master teacher, so on and so forth. As for spirit stones, a 3-star master teacher's Tutelage Jade Token is worth around ten of them!"
"One can use Tutelage Jade Tokens for trading?"
Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.
It was no wonder why master teachers were so well-respected around here. To think that even their lesson time was regarded as a currency! Even if one wasn't interested in cultivating, there is no reason for one to shun money.
But thinking deeper into it, it did make sense.
The guidance of a master teacher could solve the various problems and hiccups that cultivators meet during their training. Putting aside two hours, even just a few minutes of guidance could play a pivotal role toward a cultivator's breakthrough.
Given the value of these Tutelage Jade Tokens, it wasn't surprising for it to be traded as a form of currency.
After listening to Zhao Feiwu's introduction of Honghai City and gaining a deeper understanding of it, Zhang Xuan asked, "I heard that a Soulless Metal Humanoid has been uncovered in this area. If I wish to find where it's sold, where should I go?"
"A treasure as invaluable as the Soulless Metal Humanoid would usually be auctioned by the Appraiser Hall. If I'm not wrong, it should be within the Appraiser Hall at the moment!" Zhao Feiwu pondered for a moment before replying.
"Appraiser Hall?" Zhang Xuan asked. "Is it the guild for appraisers?"
Back in Tianxuan Kingdom, Zhang Xuan had once met a 'master appraiser'... Mo Yang.
That fellow was only an apprentice, but he impersonated a master appraiser to scam others for money.
And unfortunately, many fell for his deception.
Even though appraiser was only a Middle Nine Paths occupation, due to their ability to determine the value of treasures, it was an exceptionally popular profession.
.
.
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Chapter 449: Appraiser Hall [2in1]
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
The cities that Zhang Xuan visited previously didn't have an appraiser guild, so he didn't expect to see an Appraiser Hall here in Honghai City. Since that was the case, they should conduct appraiser examinations here as well.
With this, Zhang Xuan could consider taking the examination so that he could conduct appraisals as a source of income.
Otherwise, even if he knew that the Soulless Metal Humanoid was here, he would have no money to buy it.
If anyone else were to know of his thoughts, they would definitely fall speechless.
Even though appraisers weren't part of the Upper Nine Paths, their examination was publicly known for its difficulty. Every appraiser would have to spend decades of their lives dedicated to the study of treasures before they could gain an in-depth understanding of the subject required to pass the examination.
Yet, this fellow wanted to take the examination just because he was short of money. If anyone else were to hear his words, they would definitely find themselves speechless.
"Let's go to the Appraiser Hall!"
With a plan in mind, Zhang Xuan immediately asked around for its location before heading over with the group.
The Appraiser Hall was grand and imposing. On top of being a guild for appraisers, it was also a massive trading market. All kinds of goods were placed on the counters, and a huge crowd walked in and out of the halls. Even before arriving at the location itself, Zhang Xuan already found himself awed by the bustle before him.
"This is a market managed by the Appraiser Hall. Most of the goods in here are authentic, having been verified by the Appraiser Hall, thus paving way for it to become the largest trading market in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance!"
Seeing the astonished expression on the face of this incredible genius, Zhao Feiwu couldn't help but feel slightly gleeful.
Due to the unique nature of the occupation, the Appraiser Hall had become a symbol of trust among the population. Most of the objects that the Appraiser Hall dealt in were expensive before the appraisal, and thus, most people were willing to fork out an additional sum to ensure the authenticity of the goods bought. As such, the business conducted by the guild grew steadily over time.
This was precisely the reason why even though appraiser wasn't a member of the Upper Nine Paths, it was one of the most lucrative occupations.
Most master teachers preferred to take on this occupation as their supporting occupation.
However, appraising required one to have a deep understanding of the artifacts' history, background, purpose, material, origin... Only when one was able to apply such vast knowledge in appraising would one be able to achieve some accomplishments in the art. Even so, the further one climbed, the harder the examinations became.
Thus, even though there were many people who dreamed of taking the appraiser examination, there were very few who had managed to achieve a rank of 3-star and above. In fact, the number was even far beneath that of master teachers.
This was the main reason why there were very few Appraiser Halls on the continent, such that even a place like Tianwu Kingdom didn't have an Appraiser Hall. This was also why an impersonator like Mo Yang was able to win the admiration of so many people easily.
"Can appraisers ensure that their appraisals are accurate?"
Sun Qiang couldn't help but ask.
He had once operated a shop in a market, and thus, he knew a thing or two about imitations. So what if one was an appraiser? There was no one who could ensure that their judgement would be hundred percent correct all of the time!
After all, it was normal for a mortal to err.
Just like how it was impossible for one to tread along the riverside often and avoid getting wet, formidable appraisers couldn't possibly ensure that they wouldn't make a mistake in their entire life either.
"Appraisers are limited by their discernment ability and rank, so it is indeed impossible for them to guarantee that all of their appraisals are accurate. Under such circumstances, they would invite other appraisers to appraise it together, and if the invited ones are unable to give a concrete answer as well, they would simply give the client their evaluation on the artifact to serve as a basis for consideration." Zhao Feiwu said.
"But that's no different from giving no answer at all!" Sun Qiang shook his head.
"An appraiser is only allowed to make three judgmental errors throughout his life. Once they exceed this limit, they'll be stripped of their license. Thus, when stumbling across something they're unsure of, they won't give their judgement easily!" Jin Conghai interjected.
"Three times?"
"Un. From the moment one becomes an appraiser, every artifact that one appraises will be documented and filed. If something goes wrong with the artifact, it'll be considered as an error. Once the number of errors exceed three times, regardless of the rank of the appraiser, he'll be stripped of his license!" Jin Conghai continued.
Throughout his years, he had seen many appraisers being stripped of their licenses just because of a careless mistake.
Some of them had accrued prestigious reputations throughout their lives, only to lose it all due to a few careless mistakes.
Everyone fell silent.
Even though many people craved to become an appraiser, it seemed like this occupation wasn't as easy as it seemed.
Once the number of mistakes one committed exceeded three, one's license could be revoked... But who could ensure one wouldn't make any mistakes at all?
"Actually, all occupations are the same. The rules governing master teachers are even stricter; one's reputation could potentially be destroyed completely if they were to make a single mistake in their guidance, resulting in a loss in trust in one!" Seeing how everyone was sympathizing with appraisers, Zhang Xuan shook his head.
Before he came to this world, his previous self also committed the same error. Due to misguidance, he caused a student's cultivation to go berserk, resulting in Zhang Xuan being unable to recruit even a single student after his arrival.
"Indeed, physicians are the same as well. A single error could possibly result in a death..." Zhao Feiwu nodded in agreement as she glanced at the youngster before her.
Even though he seemed to be around the same age as her, how was he able to solve the Innate Muscular Deficiency, that even 5-star physicians were helpless before, and treat her?
"So many things..."
"How beautiful..."
Just as Zhao Feiwu was contemplating over how the latter managed to learn his medical skills, the excited voices of Yuan Tao and the others sounded from behind.
While she was deep in contemplation, the group had already walked into the grand hall. Everywhere that the eye could see were vendors selling their goods, and the variety of goods covered dozens of occupations.
Medicine, pills, cauldron, weapons, formation plates... As though stars in the skies, they densely filled the hall within, making it hard for one's mind to process everything.
The treasures which were impossible to see under normal circumstances gleamed all around them, stimulating their minds.
"Those who are passing by, come over and take a look. This is the newest [Treasure Discerning Mirror]. It has the ability of determining the value of an artifact automatically, giving you assurance when you're buying other goods. It's only going off at ten spirit stones now! If you don't buy it, you'll be making a huge loss and putting yourself at risk of scams!" a young man shouted.
"Treasure Discerning Mirror?"
Zhao Ya and the others blinked their eyes in interest, and they prepared to head over.
"It's just an ordinary mirror, it's a scam. If that were really a Treasure Discerning Mirror, he wouldn't be selling the mirror here for ten spirit stones!"
Zhang Xuan shook his head.
Even without using the Library of Heaven's Path, he could determine the value and background of some of the less potent artifacts via the Eye of Insight.
With just a single look, he could tell that the supposed Treasure Discerning Mirror in the young man's hand was a fake.
"A scam? Isn't everything in here authentic?" Zheng Yang couldn't help but glance doubtfully at Zhao Feiwu.
The other party had just said that the Appraiser Hall served as a guarantee for the authenticity of the goods here, so why would there be an imitation here?
"How many artifacts are there here?" Zhao Feiwu rolled her eyes as she gestured to the surroundings.
"There are at least several tens of millions of goods here, perhaps even a hundred million!"
Zheng Yang said, while taking a look around. "Furthermore, that is only as far as my eye can see. There are still some places beyond my view, so... there should be even more than that!"
There were nearly a hundred thousand booths scattered throughout the market, and innumerable treasures were placed neatly on each booth. Tallying up the numbers, there was indeed a frightening number of artifacts.
"Indeed. Given how many artifacts there are here, the appraisers would die of exhaustion before they appraised everything here! Besides, there is a huge flow of goods in and out of the Appraiser Hall daily — How could it be possible to keep track of all of them?"
Zhao Feiwu chuckled, "By authentic, I mean the goods labelled with the insignia of the Appraiser Hall. It would be best for one to not buy any goods without this label, otherwise one would be putting themselves at risk of a scam!"
"Oh!"
The crowd nodded.
As the largest market in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, there were too many vendors in the Appraiser Hall for them to take note of. Even if every single appraiser in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance were to be gathered here, it would be impossible for them to appraise everything here.
"But of course, if you find something suited for you, you can feel free to buy it. If you're worried, you can pay an exorbitant fee to have an appraiser upstairs appraise it. If it's authentic, then you're making a profit. Otherwise, you'll be making a loss!" Zhao Feiwu said.
Just like treasure speculation, buying something that hadn't been appraised was highly dependent on one's eye of discernment and luck. Without sufficient luck, all one could do was to lament over one's own misfortune.
"Appraiser sure is a lucrative occupation..."
Putting aside the commission fee from the market, the appraisal service they offer also made customers willingly part with their money in exchange for security. As expected of one of the most lucrative occupations in the world.
"Come and look, I have a [Water Continental Fish] here! As long as one holds this fish in one's mouth, one will be able to breathe freely underwater. It's definitely a treasure you must have!"
"Come and see this authentic [Antidote Grass]. It can cure one of the most commonly seen seventeen poisons. With just a low price, you can buy some assurance on your life!"
"I have the Celestial Stone here! It'll illuminate your path like the stars themselves if you take it out at night. Those passing by, please don't miss this ideal opportunity..."
...
Countless voices echoed in the bustling market. Treasures lay everywhere, and if one had come in alone and ignorant, it'll be impossible for one to determine the authentic from the fake!
Walking along the various booths, Zhang Xuan suddenly frowned and came to a stop.
On a booth not too far away, a gray-colored artifact, around the size of one's palm, appeared in his view.
Even though his Eye of Insight hadn't reached the highest level yet, and he was still a far way from matching up to the means of an advanced master teacher, he was still able to easily determine the origin and background of normal artifacts.
But for some reason, he was unable to assess anything about this piece of scale at all.
"That's weird!"
Zhang Xuan turned to examine it more thoroughly, but his eyebrows only furrowed deeper.
If he was unable to see through it, did it mean that it was an invaluable treasure? That it was far beyond his current analytical means?
"Friend, are you interested in my product? I can guarantee you that all of my goods here are authentic..."
Upon seeing that there was a customer, the vendor hurried forward and welcomed Zhang Xuan with a bright smile.
"Authentic?"
Zhang Xuan briefly looked through the other goods in the booth.
There were many goods in this booth, numbering up to at least several hundred thousand. Weapons, pills, armor... most of the things that one could think of were present here. While there were many authentic goods amidst them, there were plenty of fakes as well.
'All of my goods here are authentic'. Indeed, the words of a merchant couldn't be trusted.
Zhang Xuan browsed through the various goods around the booth as lines of insight rippled in his eyes.
He could see through the other objects easily, and there wasn't anything too valuable in its midst. Thus, his gaze didn't linger on them for too long before returning to the gray object. He immediately asked, "What is this?"
"This?"
The vendor was taken aback for a moment before a smile returned to his face. "Friend, you sure have good eyes. This is the most valuable item on my stand, and I've obtained it from the hands of a grave robber. I'm not too sure what kind of artifact it is. I've tried burning it and quenching it with water, but it doesn't leave a mark at all. On top of that, it's incredibly resilient, so I'm sure that it's definitely a top-notch treasure..."
"The most valuable item? Who do you think you are fooling?" Seeing the other party bragging about his goods, Zhao Feiwu harrumphed in disdain.
All vendors would often use this line in an attempt to drive up their prices.
What most valuable or most precious, one would truly be a fool if one were to believe it.
"How could I dare try to fool you all? This item is indeed very valuable! I've once had a 2-star appraiser to appraise it, but even he's unable to make a judgement on it as well!" The vendor spoke indignantly.
"Alright, how much does it cost?" Unwilling to waste time arguing with the vendor over such insignificant matter, Zhang Xuan asked.
"Since you're interested in it, it only means that you're fated with it. Thus, I'll sell it to you at a discount then. A hundred spirit stones!"
Upon hearing the other party asking about the price, the vendor's eyes lit up.
"What did you say?"
Zhang Xuan was taken aback, and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.
He thought that since it was a street side vendor, the goods should be cheap. At the very most, it should only cost one or two spirit stones, or perhaps even gold coins... Yet, to think that it was that expensive.
A hundred spirit stones...
Zhang Xuan had already used up the final few pieces he had on the way here. Even if he were to sell himself away, he wouldn't be able to rake up such a price!
As expected of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Even the prices they offered were equally frightening.
"Don't fall for it. Such vendors often offer a high price to hoodwink others!"
Seeing the other party's dumbfounded look, Zhao Feiwu chuckled and sent a telepathic message over.
"Hoodwink?"
"I'll haggle for you, just wait and see. I'll definitely get a low price for you!" Zhao Feiwu declared confidently.
"Alright!" Zhang Xuan nodded.
To him, a hundred spirit stones was an astronomical price; it was impossible for him to take out such a sum. Since Zhao Feiwu was offering to haggle for him, he was willing to allow her to give it a try.
"There's no need for you to give us this kind of nonsense, it's not like we've never bought from the Appraiser Hall before. A hundred spirit stones can already be exchanged for ten 3-star Tutelage Jade Token, do you think this lousy good of yours is worth this price? Why don't you rob a bank instead?"
Gesturing grandly, Zhao Feiwu put on the airs befitting of a veteran trader and glared at the merchant, "Give us an honest price!"
"Gongzi, you must be jesting with me. The price that I offered is an honest one. Even though this artifact may seem like nothing much, I spent a huge fortune to purchase it, and I even tried to recruit a blacksmith to work on it, just that it didn't work out in the end. Even though I can't say for sure what it is, one thing I'm certain of is that it's definitely a treasure..."
Laughing dryly, the vendor gritted his teeth and said, "However... since gongzi is a frequent customer, I'll make an exception then. How about this, I'll allow you to offer a price, and if it's suitable, you can take it away. Otherwise, let's just forget it!"
"This is more like it. Since that's the case, I'll offer you fifteen spirit stones then!"
Seeing that her 'old customer trick' was working, Zhao Feiwu gestured gleefully.
"Fifteen? Sigh, I guess this can be called fate as well. Alright then, I'll make a loss this time and sell it to you for fifteen!" The vendor said with a pained look.
"This works as well?"
Zhao Ya and the others staggered, and their eyes widened in shock.
Slashing the original price of a hundred to fifteen in an instant, they thought the vendor would surely fly into a rage. Yet, the other party agreed to it immediately...
This was way too incredible!
If they hadn't seen this for themselves, they would never believe it to be true.
"Un!" Seeing that the other party had agreed to it, Zhao Feiwu felt as though she had just won a war. She turned to look at Zhang Xuan gleefully and said, "Alright, you can pay up now!"
"Pay up?"
Zhang Xuan shook his head.
He would love to pay up as well, but... fifteen spirit stones was a huge sum to him as well. Even if he were to sell all of his properties, he wouldn't be able to gather so much money.
"I think that fifteen spirit stones is still too expensive!" Zhang Xuan turned to look at the vendor.
"Fifteen spirit stones is too expensive? Friend, you must be joking. This is already the lowest price I can offer you..." The vendor smiled bitterly.
"That... It's indeed a fair price already. If you're interested, you should just buy it down!" Seeing that the other party was still trying to haggle even though she had even slashed the price down to fifteen, Zhao Feiwu's eyebrows shot up.
You're here to buy the Soulless Metal Humanoid, right? Without several thousand or even ten thousand spirit stones, it's impossible for you to take it for yourself.
Even so, fifteen spirit stones for an object that interests you, and yet you still find it expensive?
"Is that so? Then, can you allow me to take a look so that I can get a clearer gauge on its price before we negotiate?" Zhang Xuan asked.
"Sure!" The vendor handed the gray artifact over to Zhang Xuan.
Only upon taking a closer look was Zhang Xuan able to see clearly what it was.
It was around the size of a palm, and it took on a shade of dark brown. It was slightly arched, reminiscent of a giant piece of fish scale.
There were some unique inscriptions densely scribbled on the side that was bent in, and there were some parts that were blurred, making it impossible to discern what it was.
"Flaws!"
After taking a rough glance at its outer appearance, Zhang Xuan muttered silently.
Even though the Eye of Insight failed to work on it, the Library of Heaven's Path should be able to determine what the artifact was.
Hu!
A book appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path. Casually taking a look at it, Zhang Xuan's eyes immediately widened and his breathing hastened.
"This is indeed a treasure..."
On the book was a detailed introduction on the artifact, recording its name and flaws.
"Dragon Scale Protective Amulet, crafted by 6-star Craftsman Bai Xi two thousand years ago. It's capable of warding off the offense from a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan expert three times. Flaws: ..."
Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.
Putting everything aside, just its ability to ward off the offense of a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan expert three times already made it a fearsome tool.
If he had obtained this artifact earlier, Lu Chong wouldn't have gotten injured and fall into a coma.
"I definitely must get this!"
Initially, Zhang Xuan only came over out of curiosity. He didn't expect it to be so valuable. Suppressing his agitation to prevent it from appearing on his face, he was just about to agree to the deal when another voice echoed.
"Fifteen spirit stones, is it? I'll take it!"
Turning around, Zhang Xuan saw a middle-aged man looking over with gleaming eyes, staring fixedly at the Dragon Scale Protective Amulet in his hands.
"Grandmaster Appraiser Liu Chang!"
The vendor seemed to recognize the other party and he hurriedly spoke up, "I would have given it to you straight since you're interested in this item. However, this friend here has set his eyes on it first, so... how about you two negotiate over this matter?"
"Grandmaster appraiser?"
Upon hearing how the vendor addressed the other party, Zhang Xuan immediately started assessing the middle-aged man.
There was an emblem pinned on his chest, on which, there were two bright stars.
A 2-star appraiser.
Appraisers would also stroll around this area sometimes to browse through the different artifacts and purchase items that interest them. If they were to stumble by some valuable treasure, they could make a huge killing as well.
Appraiser Liu Chang frowned. He turned to Zhang Xuan and ordered, "I'm interested in this item so give up on it!"
"Pardon me but I'm interested in it as well. I've no intentions on giving it up!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.
You must be pulling my leg! If I didn't know what it was, I could have given it to you. However, now that I know how valuable this artifact is, I wouldn't give it up even if you were to beat me to death!
This artifact could potentially save my life three times, only a fool would give up on it.
"You refuse to give up on it?"
Appraiser Liu Chang harrumphed coldly. Ignoring Zhang Xuan, he immediately turned to the vendor and said, "Even though he has set his eyes on it, he hasn't paid up yet, right? It's only natural for the good to go to the highest bidder. How about this, I'll offer you fifty spirit stones so sell it to me!"
"50?"
"50?"
The vendor's eyes lit up.
He obtained this artifact unintentionally so he had no idea how much it was actually worth. In his view, it was definitely a good deal for him to sell it for fifty spirit stones.
Agitated, he quickly turned to the young man and said, "Friend, Grandmaster Liu has already made an offer, so... if you're not going to offer anything higher, I'll have to ask of you to return the object to me..."
Zhang Xuan turned to look at the vendor and said, "Since that's the case, I'll offer you a price too. If you find it appropriate, sell this item to me!"
"Alright!" The vendor nodded.
"Fifty gold coins!" Zhang Xuan declared.
"Fifty... gold coins?"
The vendor froze for a moment, and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.
The other party had offered fifty spirit stones, and yet you still dare to offer fifty gold coins? Brother, are you taking me for a fool?
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Chapter 450: Grave Robber
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
The gold coin was a generally accepted currency within the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. However, along with the rise in the rank of the kingdom, its use grew less and less frequent.
One couldn't buy a spirit stone even with a million gold coin. To offer fifty gold coin for something valued at fifty spirit stones? You must be joking!
By the side, Zhao Feiwu's eyebrows twitched and she nearly puked blood.
It took her so much effort to haggle the price down from a hundred to fifteen, yet this fellow offered fifty gold coins?
It was just a moment ago that she said that the other party might as well rob a bank... Why does it feel like Zhang shi was the one who should be robbing a bank instead?
In a sense, Zhang Xuan's offer wasn't any different from daylight robbery.
"Fifty... gold coins?"
Appraiser Liu Chang was still worried that the other party might offer a higher price. Thus, when he heard Zhang Xuan's words, he nearly burst out laughing.
Where did this countryside bumpkin come from?
Spirit stones and gold coins were two different trading currencies with completely different values. I offered fifty spirit stones, yet you went ahead to offer fifty gold coins. Why don't you just tell the vendor to give it to you instead?
You sure are thick-skinned!
Appraiser Liu Chang glanced at Zhang Xuan in disdain.
To declare an offer of fifty gold coins so brazenly, you're probably the only one in the entire market.
"I apologize, but I'll have to turn down your offer..."
Recovering from his shock, the owner hurriedly shook his hands.
He'd thought that the other party was some rich gongzi, young master, or something similar. In the end, he turned out to be just some poor bloke.
To think that he had wasted so much time on the other party.
"Do you think that my price isn't high enough?" Zhang Xuan didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled calmly in response.
The vendor fell speechless.
This was no longer a problem of whether the price was too low or not, but that the offer was as good as offering nothing!
Have you ever seen anyone holding a stalk of grass to purchase anything?
"Appraiser Liu Chang, I'll be selling this item to you then. May I know if there's anything you're interested in as well? I'll wrap it up for you together..."
Having lost his patience for the countryside bumpkin, the vendor turned his attention to Liu Chang.
"Does that mean that you aren't going to sell it to me?"
Zhang Xuan shook his head and a look of pity flashed across his face. "Sigh, I was thinking that I could solve your insomnia and nightmares if you'd sold the item to me. Since you aren't interested, let's forget about it then!"
After leaving behind these words, Zhang Xuan placed the scale back in place, turned around, and prepared to leave.
"What did you say?"
The vendor had intended to ignore Zhang Xuan regardless of what he said, but upon hearing those words, his body immediately stiffened and his face turned pale, "Friend, please wait a moment!"
To cultivate was to go against heaven, forcibly absorbing the spiritual energy from environment to nourish oneself. Under normal circumstances, it was rare for one to suffer from insomnia and nightmares. But for some reason, for the past half a year, he found himself unable to fall asleep, and even if he managed to doze off, he would immediately be jolted awake.
If it was just a day or two, he would still be fine with it. Yet, it continued on consecutively for half a year. Despite his powerful cultivation, his mind was already reaching its limit.
Privately, he had consulted many physicians but they were all powerless against it. Yet, the person before him had pointed out his problem and offered to give him a solution to it. How could he not feel agitated?
"Recently, do you find yourself being jolted awake frequently, sweating profusely whenever it happens? Also, when you fall asleep, does your body convulse slightly?" Knowing that the other party would definitely stop him, Zhang Xuan smiled and turned around.
"You... how did you know?" The vendor's body trembled in shock.
Due to being unable to sleep, even though he could make up for his lack of rest through cultivating day and night, his face was still unnaturally pale.
Most physicians could tell that much, but... Waking up sweating profusely and convulsing in his sleep, these were symptoms that only he knew of. He hadn't told anyone about it before, not even his wife.
How did the other party learn of it? And to even point it out directly.
"I can solve your problem!" Zhang Xuan said calmly.
"Solve my problem?"
The vendor's body trembled in agitation, unable to believe that he would be freed from his agony.
"You are free to choose whether to believe my words or not, but... this is the only chance you're going to get. If you don't solve it soon, your lifespan will take a toll and you won't live for much longer!"
With his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan spoke indifferently.
Even though Zhang Xuan wanted the Dragon Scale Amulet, he needed the other party to place his trust in him first. Otherwise, it would be futile no matter how much he spoke.
"I..." The vendor hesitated.
After a moment, he gritted his teeth, turned to the middle-aged man and said, "I apologize, Appraiser Liu Chang, but it seems like I can't sell this item to you anymore..."
Money was important, but what could be more valuable than one's life?
For the past half a year, plagued by this affliction, he had spent more than fifty spirit stones on consulting physicians but it was to no avail.
If the person before him could truly solve his affliction, then he didn't mind giving the artifact away to him.
As for whether he should believe the other party or not... Just by how the other party was able to determine the symptom of his affliction, his eye of discernment was already superior to the physicians he had consulted before. Perhaps... the other party might really be able to solve his affliction.
"Hmph, there are many untrustworthy fellows loitering around the markets nowadays. You should be careful!"
Not expecting his fifty spirit stones to lose out to the other party's fifty gold coins, Appraiser Liu Chang turned to Zhang Xuan and stared at him with narrowed eyes.
"I don't think that it's a concern of Appraiser Liu whether I am trustworthy or not!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.
"Hmph, very well..."
With an awful complexion, Appraiser Liu Chang flung his sleeves and left.
It would be humiliating if a well-respected appraiser like him were to cause trouble just because he couldn't buy an item.
But of course, that was if he didn't know the value of the artifact he had just missed.
He had only wanted to buy it due to his curiosity after finding himself unable to identify the artifact.
In truth, he didn't really think that it was a huge loss just because he'd failed to obtain it.
Even so, to be outdone by a countryside bumpkin despite putting in so much money, he still felt a little enraged.
"Friend..."
Upon seeing Appraiser Liu leaving with a displeased expression, the vendor turned to Zhang Xuan.
If that fellow had truly been speaking just for the sake of it and was unable to solve his affliction, he really might burst into tears.
Offending a 2-star appraiser in this market was truly an unwise move.
"Don't worry, since I'm able to see through your affliction, I'll surely cure you of it. Show me your punching routine!" Zhang Xuan said.
"Yes!" Without much hesitation, the vendor began executing his fist art, causing a huge gust of wind to blow.
To think that even an ordinary vendor's cultivation would reach Half-Zongshi, as expected of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.
With sufficient resources and master teachers, its overall strength was innumerable times above that of Tianxuan Kingdom.
"Alright, that's enough!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.
As the other party's cultivation was far beneath him, Zhang Xuan was able to see through most of his problem through his Eye of Insight. Even so, if he wanted to cure him completely, he needed the help of the Library of Heaven's Path to determine the root of the illness.
"You've quite a few valuable objects on you, but if I'm not wrong... you obtained them through depraved means. The objects have an ancient tone to them, and there's a slight green shade to their surface. This is caused by a lack of air ventilation. On top of that, an aura of death is exuding from you... If I'm not mistaken, your expertise is digging graves!"
Walking up to the vendor, Zhang Xuan looked around before speaking nonchalantly.
"Yo-you..." The vendor's face paled, and he nearly fell to the floor in fright.
Digging graves was a nicer way to put it. In truth, he was a grave robber.
No matter how powerful an expert was, regardless of whether he reached Zhizun realm or Transcendent Mortal realm, it was impossible for him to escape the sands of time. Eventually, all would be swept away by the river of history. After their deaths, these people would be buried in a tomb along with their most prized possessions.
And it was exactly through digging these places and selling the artifacts of the dead that the vendor's business could grow to such a scale.
However, he had hidden this fact well. Many of his close friends weren't aware of it. Thus, having his main trade being exposed by Zhang Xuan left him light-headed, and he nearly fainted from shock.
"You don't need to worry, I've no interest in your business!"
Chuckling softly, Zhang Xuan continued, "I'm just talking about the origin of your affliction.
"If you'd only dug up ordinary tombs, there wouldn't be any problems at all. However, eight months ago, you dug up the grave of a Transcendent Mortal. Am I mistaken?" Zhang Xuan looked over.
"This... No, you aren't!" The vendor clenched his jaws.
"Unfortunately for you, that Transcendent Mortal was betrayed by his wife and killed by his good friend, causing his resentment to linger in the world even after his death... If my judgement doesn't fail me, you must have taken a personal possession of his and carried it along with you." Zhang Xuan continued asking.
"... Yes!" The vendor nodded his head as he stared at that the fellow before him as though he had seen a ghost.
The other party's tomb was shabby and there was nothing of value there except for a personal amulet. Since it seemed as though it was at least worth something, he'd taken it along with him... How did this fellow know about something so private?
On top of that, to describe it so clearly as though he had seen it himself?
"It's precisely due to the resentment contained within this object that you found yourself suffering from insomnia and convulsions when you finally fall asleep... It's actually not too difficult for you to solve your problem. You just have to return to the tomb, pay respects to the owner, return the amulet, and treat his descendants well. If so, your affliction should disappear!" Zhang Xuan stated.
In truth, the affliction this vendor was suffering from was kind of similar to that of Apothecary Chen Xiao back then.
The latter took possession of an apothecary's cauldron while disregarding his promise toward the other party. As a result, he was cursed.
On the other hand, this vendor had been plagued with the resentment of a Transcendent Mortal expert for a long period of time. It would've been bizarre if there hadn't been anything wrong with him!
If he didn't resolve the issue soon, his longevity would definitely be reduced significantly. Most probably, in less than a few years, just as with Apothecary Chen Xiao back then, the aura of death would shroud him, claiming his vitality.
Zhang Xuan's words from before claiming that the other party wouldn't live for long wasn't just fear mongering.
"Master, thank you for your guidance!"
Given how the other party's analysis was spot-on, the vendor already felt significant trust toward Zhang Xuan's words, and he was filled with gratitude for him.
All along, he thought that it was a problem with his body. Never in his dreams could he have imagined that it would be due to this.
"This item... Master, please take it!"
Upon learning the method to curing his affliction, the vendor immediately passed the Dragon Scale Protective Amulet over.
He had no idea what use this artifact had, but no matter of how expensive it was, he didn't think that it could be more valuable than his life. In a sense, he had profited from this deal.
Zhang Xuan nodded his head and kept the amulet. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he took out a pile of gold coins. There were precisely fifty of them in the stack. "Here is your money!"
"There's no need for it..."
The vendor shook his hands, turning down the payment.
Rather than taking this measly sum of money, he might as well just give the amulet away. At the very least, he could win the goodwill of the other party in this way.
"Why is there no need for it? Since we've agreed on the price, if I don't pay you, wouldn't it be no different from robbery?" Zhang Xuan spoke righteously.
"This... Alright then!" Left with no choice, the vendor could only accept Zhang Xuan's payment.
"This works as well?"
Taking the entire happening into sight, Zhao Feiwu felt as though her understanding of the world was being overturned.
Buying a treasure worth fifty spirit stones for fifty gold coin, and for the seller to even thank the buyer for it...
That was way too incredible!
As the daughter of the alliance head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, the princess of an empire... She had seen many formidable physicians, but to tell that someone was sick and even deduce that the other party was a grave robber...
You aren't a physician at all...
You must be a fortune teller instead...
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