Showtime was approaching.
Our arrival was met with a level of deference that bordered on outright panic. The landing platform – a wide, flat expanse near the main Pavilion compound, reinforced with inscribed formations and manned by stern-faced Pavilion guards in immaculate uniforms – was cleared instantly upon our approach. As the ramp lowered, we were greeted not by a junior attendant or even the local branch manager, but by the Regional Manager himself – Manager Qian, a man whose reputation, according to City Lord Zhang's earlier briefing, preceded him. He was a Foundation Establishment expert in his own right, likely at the Mid or even Late Stage, his aura feeling significantly stronger and denser than Zhang Wei's relatively stagnant one. He was impeccably dressed in luxurious, deep purple Pavilion robes embroidered with intricate gold patterns signifying his high rank in the organization, his features sharp and intelligent, yet currently marred by visible stress lines around his eyes and a professional smile stretched far too tightly across his face. His powerful aura radiated waves of barely concealed anxiety.
He greeted City Lord Zhang with formal, correct respect, acknowledging his official status, but his primary, almost desperate focus was immediately and undeniably on me. He executed a bow slightly lower, and significantly longer than protocol strictly required for a mere Qi Gathering level individual, even one from the Jiang family.
"Young Master Jiang!" his voice was smooth, practiced, but held an underlying tremor of urgency. "I bid you welcome to Fallen Star City and the Myriad Treasures Pavilion! This humble one, Qian Kun, Regional Manager for the Southwest Peripheral Provinces, is deeply honored by your presence! We were alerted to your swift arrival by our watchers – a magnificent flying vessel, truly befitting the Jiang name!"
His eyes flickered briefly towards the now shrinking boat artifact I held casually in my palm before returning to my face, searching, assessing, hoping.
After swift, polite pleasantries, during which Manager Qian fussed over City Lord Zhang while simultaneously trying to gauge my mood and intentions, we were personally escorted into the Pavilion and settled into luxurious VIP guest quarters on the restricted upper floors – suites far more opulent than my residence back in Qingshan, furnished with spirit woods and rare silks, and offering stunning views of Fallen Star Lake shimmering in the distance.
Once refreshments were served, Manager Qian requested an urgent private audience with me. Lin Ruolan, as my acknowledged steward, was implicitly included – and I naturally invited City Lord Zhang along as well; after all, for what I was about to attempt, I needed access to all the high-quality belief I could get!
The moment the attendants closed the door to the private reception room within my suite, Manager Qian's professional facade cracked completely. His strained smile vanished, replaced by an expression of profound, almost comical panic. He bowed deeply again, his voice hushed, urgent, practically vibrating with anxiety. '
"Young Master Jiang! Forgive this one's lack of decorum, but we face a potential crisis! A disaster of reputation!"
I raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise, gesturing for him to continue.
"A crisis, Manager Qian? Surely the esteemed Myriad Treasures Pavilion is prepared for any contingency?"
"Normally, yes, Young Master! But these circumstances... they are unprecedented!" He wrung his hands, pacing agitatedly before my seat. "There are rumors, you see. Rumors surrounding tomorrow's auction... and they have spiraled utterly out of control!"
He stopped, facing me, his eyes wide with desperation as he explained the dire situation. It seems, the whispers Jib Bao had carefully seeded (I made a metal note to give that man yet another raise) had mutated, amplified by the inherent tendency of cultivators and merchants to exaggerate and speculate. Now, auction attendees – including several powerful Foundation Establishment experts and representatives from local sects, were arriving not just from the immediate area, but from across three nearby provinces, drawn by wild tales of multiple Middle-Grade artifacts surfacing, legendary treasures from lost ages, and, perhaps, even items that could assist with Golden Core breakthroughs!
Unfortunately for poor Manager Qian, the Pavilion's actual planned centerpiece, the single lower Middle-Grade defensive talisman they had procured at great expense, now seemed pitifully insufficient – and, frankly, an outright insult given the stratospheric expectations my rumors had created.
…
Just as planned.
…
"You see, Young Master Jiang, if the auction tomorrow doesn't deliver something truly spectacular beyond that single talisman," Qian lamented, practically sweating spirit stones now, "the Pavilion will lose immense face! Our reputation, built over centuries of business, will be severely damaged throughout the entire Peripheral Southwest! We will deeply anger powerful guests who traveled great distances based on these rumors! They will feel deceived! Insulted, even! The consequences... could be catastrophic for our business here!"
He was clearly terrified, seeing his own career – and, quite possibly, even his very life – in potential jeopardy. He stopped pacing, turning to me again, his expression pleading, almost begging.
"Young Master Jiang," he implored, bowing low once more, "those rumors... they also spoke consistently of your discerning eye, your family's profound resources... even specifically mentioning that you might grace our humble auction with items from your esteemed family's private collection."
His eyes searched mine desperately.
"If there is any truth to such whispers... if you indeed possess any artifacts suitable for this level of auction... even just one or two more significant items to bolster our offerings, to try to meet these impossible expectations... the Myriad Treasures Pavilion would be profoundly grateful to you! We would waive all commission fees entirely, offer prime placement for your items, provide any service, any resource within our power that you require! Please, Young Master Jiang, can you help me salvage this situation?"
I listened to Manager Qian's panicked plea with a calm, slightly amused expression, letting the silence stretch, savoring the powerful Late Foundation Establishment expert's desperation. Inside, I was consumed by a profound feeling of glee.
This was absolutely perfect! Here was the regional manager for the Pavillion, practically begging me to execute my own plan – and saying that I would be doing him a favor by doing so!
I let him stew for a few more moments. Finally, I nodded slowly, graciously, as if carefully considering his plight.
"Manager Qian," I began, my tone smooth and reassuring, "calm yourself. Panicking solves nothing." I took a sip of the excellent spirit tea an attendant had provided.
"Your Pavilion did show my household adequate attentiveness in the past… And the Jiang family," I added magnanimously, leaning back slightly, projecting effortless confidence, "always repays kindness, however small. It is a matter of face, you see."
Manager Qian's eyes lit up with desperate hope.
"Perhaps," I conceded thoughtfully, tapping a finger on the armrest, as if considering my vast collection and deciding which minor pieces might suffice, "I do have a few minor trinkets that might... liven up your otherwise unremarkable proceedings."
His relief was palpable, almost comical in its visibility.
"Firstly," I said, deciding to lead with something tangible and impressive but ultimately replaceable, I retrieved a full-sized barrel of the Crimson Cloud spirit wine directly from my storage bracelet with a casual flick of my wrist.
"Watch carefully, manager. This is a rather rare vintage of spirit wine, unlikely to have been seen before in this region. It is called… Asura Blood Wine,"
I announced the domineering name with appropriate gravity, letting it hang in the air.
"Created from carefully selected spirit grapes grown in a secret realm known only to my family's inner circle. This particular batch,"
I lied smoothly, gesturing to the barrel,
"is the first to leave that secret realm in over one hundred and fifty years! Consider it an exclusive preview – the vintage will not be available on the open market until next year at the earliest, and even then, only through exclusive Jiang family distribution channels based back in Qingshan City, under my direct control."
I saw Qian's eyes widen. Exclusivity and rarity were powerful lures in the sales business.
I boldly continued, elaborating on the wine's (grandiose, entirely fabricated, but still vaguely plausible-sounding) properties:
"This vintage possesses an incredibly potent, concentrated Qi, vigorous and almost aggressive in nature – hence the name. It has so much Qi, in fact, that it's potentially lethal if consumed undiluted by anyone below the Foundation Establishment realm. However,"
I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice conspiratorially,
"for Foundation Establishment cultivators, such as yourself, Manager Qian, or our esteemed City Lord Zhang," (I nodded towards my new friend, who was taking in every word in rapt fascination) "a single bottle offers a small but noticeable boost to one's cultivation progress. Comparable perhaps," I added thoughtfully, "to refining a quarter of a standard low-grade Nine Essences Pill (a common aid for Foundation Establishment experts seeking to accumulate Qi more rapidly) but crucially, without the notorious pill impurities that can accumulate inside the body over time, hindering future breakthroughs or even damaging one's foundation."
Qian's breath hitched. Impurity-free Qi supplementation? While not unheard of, such products were usually incredibly expensive, hoarded jealously by sects and the wealthy elite.
Seeing that I had my audience's undivided attention, I boldly pressed my advantage.
"The wine also possesses unique energetic properties," I added mysteriously, "that may prove useful in alchemy, particularly for blood-related or… vitality-enhancing concoctions. And preliminary family tests suggest it is particularly beneficial for cultivators with strong Wood or the rarer Blood-attribute affinities."
I indicated the barrel once more.
"This barrel holds enough for approximately 300 standard bottles. Consuming it all, carefully over time of course, would yield Qi accumulation benefits comparable to refining over seventy low-grade Nine Essences Pills – a value easily exceeding eleven thousand spirit stones."
I glanced towards City Lord Zhang's seat,
"But of course, Spirit Wine is a far more delicious and enjoyable product than mere pills. The esteemed City Lord here sampled a related, though far inferior, vintage from my private cellars just yesterday and can perhaps attest to the general quality of my family's wine reserves?"
The aforementioned Lord Zhang nodded enthusiastically, practically salivating at the prospect of trying the exclusive "Asura Blood" vintage before him. I turned back to Qian, whose eyes were now practically glowing with avarice and relief.
"I would suggest an opening bid of, say, five thousand low-grade spirit stones, which seems more than appropriate for such an exclusive preview of this Asura Blood Wine. A fair starting price, wouldn't you agree?"
Manager Qian did agree, of course – and why wouldn't he, after hearing my pitch and the City Lord's endorsement? I felt the pleasant ping of the system as his belief made my spectacular claims about the wine a reality.
"Magnificent, Young Master Jiang! Truly magnificent! Such a treasure will surely be a worthy addition to the auction! But… dare I hope that you have even more to offer us?"
"But of course, Manager." I replied with a smile.
For my next trick, I casually retrieved several, tiny chunks of high-purity spirit metal ores from my storage bracelet – at two low grade spirit stones per piece, these were extremely expensive samples that I've – ironically – acquired from the Fourth Floor of the Myriad Treasures Pavillion of my home town.
The ingots were of a high quality and purity of material, but absolutely tiny in size, far too small for imbedding spirit formations, and utterly useless for making anything larger than the size of a copper coin.
I placed them on the table – a piece of Star Refined Iron gleaming with faint captured starlight; another, a piece of Deep Cold Mystic Iron radiating a palpable chill that slightly frosted the polished wood beneath it.
"Perhaps," I suggested casually, "these fine raw materials might pique the interest of the crafters in attendance? These are high-purity ores suitable for refining Middle-Grade artifacts, and are always in demand by refinement masters, especially those specializing in metallic Qi arts."
I met Manager Qian's slightly confused gaze.
"These," I said, my tone shifting to one of practical assessment, "are merely samples, of course! Mere small ingots suitable for your personal appraisal. The actual lots I am offering for auction are... substantially larger."
I paused, letting the implication sink in.
"H-how much larger, Young Master Jiang?" the Manager asked with a trembling voice.
"A bit more than five thousand jin (or about ~2500 kg or 5500 lbs by old Earth reckoning) each of Star Refined Iron and Deep Cold Mystic Iron. High purity spirit ores, suitable for forging Middle-Grade artifacts – and, perhaps, even components for Upper-Grade artifacts if handled by a true master."
Qian's eyes widened again at the sheer quantities being offered – tons of high-grade spirit ores!
"Naturally," I added smoothly, anticipating his next thought, "displaying such quantities of raw ores in your elegant auction hall would be rather... unsightly, wouldn't you agree? Please rest assured, I have the whole bulk securely stored within my spatial artifact." I tapped the bracelet again.
"I can drop off the rest into a suitable storage area at your convenience."
I looked at Qian pointedly.
"Let's start the bidding for each ore lot at… twenty thousand low-grade spirit stones?"
Qian readily, eagerly agreed once again, recognizing the immense strategic importance of the materials I offered for artifact refining purposes and the solid value they represented.
I felt my system ping again as the collective belief of two Foundation Establishment experts – and a confused but resigned Ruolan – made the valuable materials appear inside my bracelet.
Next, the item designed to truly cement my reputation for possessing unfathomable treasures – and, perhaps, something I would use as a future sacrifice in a deeper social game. I reached into my storage again, this time producing a plain, unremarkable Jade Box. It looked slightly ancient, perhaps crafted from decent quality white jade, but was utterly unadorned, radiating absolutely no discernible Qi of any kind.
Well, of course it didn't! I picked it up from a local store as part of the first day's shopping spree. The thing is utterly mundane -- worthless to a cultivator.
But it wouldn't remain so for long.
"This," I said gravely, my tone shifting dramatically, becoming serious, almost reverent, placing the simple box carefully on the table, "is far more delicate than your usual inventory, Manager Qian. Handle it with utmost care."
I paused, letting the tension build.
"This unassuming box," I continued, my voice low, "contains a treasure… beyond measure: a single Ten-Thousand-Year Nine Nether Snow Lotus Fruit."
Manager Qian raised a polite eyebrow, seeming never having heard of such a plant.
…which was unsurprising, since I just made it up!
"As you know," I continued smoothly, weaving the lie, "such powerful frost-attribute treasures are incredibly rare, potent beyond measure for cultivators with Yin, Frost, or Water affinities – capable of purifying the body of impurities, permanently enhancing their elemental affinity, potentially triggering insights into related Daos, and even… aiding breakthroughs to the higher realms."
I fixed Qian with a serious gaze.
"However, it is also highly volatile. The fruit's value is in its pristine energies – as such, it is incredibly sensitive to ambient Qi."
I tapped the plain jade box.
"This box must not be opened under any circumstances before it reaches the final buyer's secure refinement chamber, unless the fruit within is ready for immediate, careful consumption afterwards. Even a moment's exposure will cause its potent Yin energy to begin dissipating rapidly into the environment, potentially losing a substantial portion of efficacy within mere breaths."
"Worse still" I added ominously, "any sudden release of such concentrated frost Qi could lash out destructively, freezing solid anyone below the late stages of Qi Gathering who happens to be nearby, perhaps even causing frostbite damage to unprepared Foundation Establishment cultivators!"
"In fact, the box itself," I lied smoothly, gesturing to the plain jade, anticipating his next question, "is an absolute masterwork of a containment artifact, crafted by a skilled formation master to perfectly mask its contents and preserve the fruit's essence indefinitely. Its creation cost my family over two thousand spirit stones in rare formation materials alone – but, you will agree, such measures are absolutely necessary for transporting such delicate treasures."
Manager Qian looked deeply skeptical, his spiritual sense clearly telling him that the box was empty and entirely mundane.
"Young Master," he began hesitantly, "forgive my lack of knowledge, but my spiritual sense detects... absolutely nothing within the box. There is no energy signature, no chill, nothing to indicate the presence of such a potent item..."
I countered dismissively, adopting a look of faint pity for his 'limited' perception.
"But of course you can't detect it, Manager. That is the genius of the containment formations. They were designed to perfectly isolate the fruit from the world, to mask the contents' potent, volatile aura until the box is openned. To allow even a hint of the fruit's energy to leak would be irresponsible and dangerous – don't you agree?"
I pointedly glanced to the side at City Lord Zhang, who faithfully nodded along in sage understanding, before looking the Manager directly in the eye, my expression utterly sincere, radiating absolute confidence.
"I offer you this treasure for sale only on the condition that the Pavilion guarantees that the Box remains sealed throughout the entire auction process, perhaps even displayed within a secondary protective array… for extra safety. And I,"
I added with weighty significance, placing my hand over my heart,
"will take personal, sworn responsibility for the item's authenticity and potency upon its eventual opening by the final buyer."
This was the crucial part – the guarantee, the acceptance of responsibility, designed to override the last of his doubts.
"There shall be no issues with this item, I assure you – but if, by some twist of the heavens, anything turns out less than satisfactory, I shall personally compensate the Pavillion and the buyer threefold."
I let the statement hang there for extra gravitas before continuing on with utmost seriousness.
"The starting bid," I stated firmly, leaving no room for negotiation, "shall be at least fifty thousand low-grade spirit stones… or five hundred middle grade ones. A mere trifle for a rare ingredient that could potentially change the course of a cultivator's entire destiny, no?"
Manager Qian's internal conflict was almost comical to observe. I could sense awe at my descriptions of the 'Nine Nether Snow Lotus Fruit', immense greed at the prestige gained from selling such a thing, and the certain bidding war an item like this would ignite… these battled fiercely against his professional caution and the utter lack of any sensory evidence from the box itself.
He swallowed hard, his eyes darting between the plain jade box, City Lord Zhang's enthusiastic bearing, and my own unwavering gaze. My utter confidence, my willingness to take personal responsibility, my previous displays of wealth (including my arrival via a fabulously expensive flying boat), and the sheer desperation of the Pavilion's current situation regarding the auction hype... ultimately, all of it seemed to combine to finally tip the scales.
He wanted to believe me. Had to believe me, in fact – for the alternative would mean the auction turning into a complete disaster.
The System chimed triumphantly in my mind, purring in joy as his belief finally solidified.
[Mass Qualified Belief Detected (Qian, Zhang, Ruolan), BQT Levels 4-7]
[Analyzing Belief: Box is a storage artifact; Box Contains 10,000-Year Nine Nether Snow Lotus Fruit (with assumed properties as described)]
[Threshold Met! Manifestation Initiated!]
[Target: Jade Box Interior]
[Belief Meter: +6500]
The box remained outwardly unchanged, inert and unassuming, but I felt the System lock onto it, changing it fundamentally and depositing the magnificent bounty within.
Now, for the coup de grâce!
I sighed dramatically, adopting an expression of wounded pride.
"Ah, Manager Qian, I see I still haven't convinced you! Your continued skepticism wounds me! And after I have offered up such treasures? But, your attitude is, perhaps, understandable, given the... unusual nature of this particular treasure's preservation method."
I picked up the Jade Box again, holding it carefully.
"Very well. To put your esteemed mind completely at ease, and purely for your benefit so you may accurately describe its profound aura to any potential bidders..."
I leaned closer, lowering my voice conspiratorially, making him feel privy to a secret.
"I may have slightly exaggerated the immediacy of the potency loss upon exposure. A brief exposure, a mere instant, might not be catastrophic to the item, though it is still inadvisable for the surroundings."
I looked sternly at Qian, then glanced pointedly at Ruolan.
"Steward Lin, please stand back. No, no, further back – against the wall. The released Frost Qi, even a minuscule wisp of it, could be quite dangerous to someone of your Stage Six cultivation."
Ruolan nodded quickly, her eyes wide with apprehension, retreating several steps until her back was against a silk wall hanging.
City Lord Zhang also looked concerned, shifting slightly in his seat. "My friend, are you certain this is wise? If it's indeed such a volatile item…"
I waved away his concern with a confident smile, seizing the opportunity.
"Have no fear, my friend," I tapped my chest lightly, "I possess a special constitution. Cold-attribute energies, even highly potent ones like this, pose no threat to me. In fact," I added mysteriously, "they can be rather... invigorating." This claim, building on my previous bluff, targeted both Zhang and Qian.
The System responded immediately, buffing up my "unknown special constitution" manifestation by a couple more percentage points. I felt another subtle wave of invigorating coolness integrate with my Qi, my meridians feeling even more robust, my affinity for cold energies seemingly deepening.
Excellent.
I turned back to Qian, holding the box carefully with both hands.
"Now, Manager Qian, please watch closely. Focus your senses! This will be for one instant only."
With exaggerated care, projecting intense concentration, I lifted the lid of the box just a crack, perhaps only a millimeter wide, for less than a single second, before promptly snapping it shut again with a sharp, definitive click.
The effect was immediate and dramatic – far greater than I anticipated, the System possibly amplifying it based on Qian's heightened focus and expectations. A visible plume of intensely cold, icy white mist erupted violently from the tiny opening, swirling momentarily in the air like a miniature blizzard before dissipating. It instantly frosted the air all around the area, causing visible ice crystals to form and drift downwards. A wave of intense, biting cold washed through the luxurious room, far colder than any natural winter, making Manager Qian gasp and shiver involuntarily despite his Late Foundation Establishment cultivation level. Even Ruolan, standing several meters away, flinched and hugged herself against the sudden, unnatural chill. The surface of the jade box itself had frosted over slightly where the potent mist escaped, leaving faint white tracings.
I quickly placed the box back down on the table, my expression grave.
"You see?" I said, my voice tight with feigned concern.
"Extremely potent. Unstable. Even that briefest possible moment of exposure likely cost us some minor essence, which is now dissipated into the air. We absolutely must not open that box again until the final buyer is ready to process it within a prepared environment."
Manager Qian's reaction was exactly what I hoped for. His eyes were wide with shock and undeniable awe, and I spotted a bead of nervous sweat that – I realized with a start -- was frozen solid upon his brow. Any lingering doubt in my word was utterly obliterated by the tangible, sensory evidence of the intense Frost Qi he had just personally experienced. He now believed completely, utterly, in the existence of the treasure within the box. He stared at the plain jade box now with reverence and perhaps a touch of fear.
[Mass Qualified Belief Solidified (Qian, Ruolan, Zhang)!]
[Belief Meter: +6750]
But I wasn't done with him just yet.
Far from it!
After all, once the floodgates of belief in the outrageous have been opened, once I got the Manager to believe that a completely ordinary jade box was really a cutting edge storage artifact, which contained an even more priceless frost treasure within… why, he would now readily believe anything I told him!
Oh, this party was only getting started!
Over the next hour or so, I meticulously hyped up, and then – once the room occupants' belief had made said hype real – demonstrated over a half dozen more "exquisite treasures," including:
a jade bottle full of "extremely qi-sensitive" universal antidote pills (I tell you, these are the legendary Myriad Poison Dissolving Pills – able to neutralize a great variety of Qi toxins);
an assassin's dagger secreting a potent paralytic (Do you see how you don't sense any qi from it? That's by design! Nobody short of the Golden Core level can even tell this from an ordinary blade. A small scratch can temporarily numb the limbs of even a peak Foundation Establishment expert.);
several stacks of alleged mid-grade defensive, offensive, movement, and exorcism talismans (do you see how they all appear blank? It's an innovative security feature – the spirit ink runes are completely invisible to prevent rival talisman masters from reverse-engineering the structure. The ribbon colors around the stacks correspond to the effects – handle them with great care!); and
A small handful of "lower-to-mid-grade" storage rings of various purported capacities (see how you can sense nothing from them? Exactly! These are so discrete -- so stealthy -- that nobody below Golden Core would even be able to tell they are anything except ordinary rings!)
Finally, for the grand finale, the item designed to truly blow expectations out of the water and cement my reputation as possessing resources and backing beyond comprehension…
I gestured grandly towards the empty space beside the table, then adopted a look of thoughtful apology, tinged with pride.
"And lastly, Manager Qian, the item that will anchor your auction, the piece that will ensure every guest leaves utterly convinced of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion's ability to procure true wonders, cementing your reputation for decades to come."
I paused, looking regretful.Unfortunately... this particular artifact is far too valuable, far too significant, for me to carry casually upon my person, even within my high-grade storage bracelet." I tapped the jade bracelet meaningfully.
"The security risks, even within your esteemed Pavilion, are simply too great for such an heirloom. However," I continued smoothly, "rest assured, the item will be here for the auction. I am able to arrange for its secure, discreet transport directly from my estate via trusted, high-level channels. It should arrive shortly before the auction begins tomorrow night."
I leaned forward again, lowering my voice, creating an air of exclusivity, sharing a profound secret.
"But… I can surely describe it for you now, Manager Qian, so that you may prepare the catalogue description appropriately – and, perhaps hint at its nature to your most valued clients beforehand."
Qian leaned forward eagerly, all ears, his earlier panic replaced entirely by rapt attention and avaricious anticipation.
"It is known," I began, my voice taking on a tone of deep reverence, as if speaking of something sacred, "as the Azure Scale Armor."
I proceeded to pace back and forth, painting a vivid, detailed picture with my words, using every ounce of Leo Maxwell's skill, making him see it in his mind's eye.
"Imagine, if you will, a full suit of interlocking scales, shimmering with the faint, internal azure light reminiscent of a mythical Azure Dragon's celestial hide. Crafted not from a common spirit metal, but from an entirely unknown Qi alloy, refined using long-lost techniques, each scale perfectly fitted, flowing like an iridescent rainbow-colored moonlight over the wearer's form. Complex, flowing silver formations are visibly, intricately etched across its entire surface – the majestic chest plate depicting a soaring dragon, the protective pauldrons shaped like fierce dragon heads, the sturdy greaves, the encompassing helmet – all pulsing constantly with a powerful, contained defensive aura so potent it makes the very air around it feel heavy, stable, secure! It radiates undeniable power, Manager, a palpable presence that speaks of ancient protection, of… invincibility."
I saw Qian's eyes widen, completely captivated by the description, his imagination running wild.
"Its defensive formations," I continued, detailing its (soon-to-be-manifested) capabilities, "are conveniently powered by spirit stones – or spirit crystals – completely independent of the wearer's own Qi flow. It can withstand multiple sustained attacks from even a peak Foundation Establishment expert without faltering. My family's private tests even suggest," I added casually, dropping the bombshell as if it were a minor footnote, "that it should even endure a single standard blow from an early Golden Core level cultivator before requiring significant recharging."
Qian gasped audibly this time, his hand trembling slightly where it rested on the table. Golden Core defense? In an artifact usable below that realm? Remarkable!
"Furthermore," I went on, listing the secondary benefits to make it even more irresistible, "integrated reinforcement runes woven into the alloy enhance the wearer's physical strength significantly, easily doubling or even tripling their body's raw power. The helmet contains sophisticated formations that automatically filter most airborne toxins and weaker Qi poisons, rendering them harmless…"
I paused for effect, before continuing with the classic line from my old world.
"But wait, there is more! Subtle, almost invisible wing-like structures formed from condensed energy can deploy from the back,"
– I gestured vaguely behind me –
"allowing for sustained personal flight at considerable speeds. And naturally," I added with a shrug, "it also possesses several other minor auxiliary functions – automatic temperature regulation against extreme heat or cold, minor self-repair capabilities for superficial damage sustained in battle..."
"And, remarkably, its activation threshold, despite the power and versatility, is low enough that even a Qi Gathering level cultivator, like my esteemed Steward Lin here,"
(I glanced at Ruolan, who stared at the empty space where the armor wasn't, her expression utterly rapt, clearly picturing the described marvel with wide, shocked eyes)
"can wear and utilize its basic defensive capabilities, making it invaluable for protecting prized juniors, sect heirs, or key disciples during dangerous expeditions or unforeseen conflicts."
I paused dramatically, letting the incredible description sink in fully, then added the crucial drawback to lend it a veneer of plausibility, explaining why such a treasure might even be available for sale.
"Its only flaw, Manager Qian, and the single reason it is classified merely as Upper Mid-Grade rather than a genuine Upper-Grade treasure that would never leave the family vaults? The formations are incredibly power-hungry. Unlike truly self-sustaining Upper-Grade artifacts, which can passively absorb ambient Qi to maintain themselves, the Azure Scale Armor… cannot. Its core matrix requires the manual insertion of spirit stones – at least mid-grade ones for a full recharge, or a considerable number of low-grade stones for partial restoration – after heavy use."
I shrugged dismissively again, as if this were a minor, almost negligible inconvenience for the unparalleled protection offered.
"A small tradeoff for temporary near-invincibility below the Golden Core realm, wouldn't you agree?"
I turned back to the utterly floored Manager Qian, whose imagination was clearly running wild, picturing the bidding frenzy this armor would ignite, the prestige it would bring, the connections it would forge.
"Suggested starting bid?" I smiled, enjoying his stunned, almost worshipful expression.
"One thousand middle grade spirit stones."
The colossal number hung in the air again, heavy, almost physically palpable. The equivalent of one hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones.
Enough to bankrupt most Foundation Establishment cultivators that would be present.
Enough to fully fund a small local sect like the Celestial Iron for decades.
Qian stared at the empty space where he now undoubtedly pictured the magnificent, shimmering azure armor, then at me, his mind clearly struggling to process the sheer value of the offering. He likely doubted anyone present, perhaps even anyone in the entire Peripheral Southwest region outside the major sects or the wealthiest families, could actually afford such an item.
But the prestige! The sheer, earth-shattering prestige of auctioning an Upper Mid-Grade Spirit Armor, even one with significant drawbacks!
It was undeniable.
His belief, fueled by my detailed description, my utter confidence, and his desperate need for a showstopping item, surged, solidifying the fact of the armor's existence in his mind.
The System confirmed it with a powerful, resonant chime.
[Mass Qualified Belief Detected (Qian, Ruolan, Zhang)! BQT Levels 4-7]
[Analyzing Belief: User Possesses Azure Scale Armor (Upper Mid-Grade, Properties as described)]
[Threshold Met! Latent Manifestation Initiated!
Target: User Designated location Upon Claim]
[Belief Meter: +14500]
The armor wasn't physically present yet, not manifested in my storage bracelet, as I hadn't claimed it was there, merely that it was being transported to the auction. Yet, its existence was now seemingly primed within the System, linked to my intent, waiting for a final trigger – perhaps, for my claim just before the auction that the item had arrived safely in my possession.
Perfect!
Manager Qian was utterly overwhelmed now, his earlier panic replaced entirely by ecstatic, trembling gratitude. He bowed deeply, profusely, his voice thick with emotion.
"Young Master Jiang! Your generosity... your trust... your… magnificence are boundless! These items... they will not only save this auction, they will make it the most legendary event in the Southwestern Peripheral Provinces' recent history! The Myriad Treasures Pavilion, myself included, are profoundly in your debt! Naturally, the commission fees…"
"Manager Qian," I interrupted smoothly, waving a dismissive hand, adopting an air of supreme confidence and, perhaps, slight impatience.
"Are you truly speaking to me about commission fees? Do I look like someone who is lacking in spirit stones?"
I chuckled lightly, as if the very idea was absurd.
"Why, I brought nearly two thousand middle-grade spirit stones with me just for this auction alone, merely for acquiring any interesting trifles that might catch my eye."
I patted the storage bracelet on my wrist significantly.
"Your standard commission rates are... pocket change, Manager. Insignificant."
Qian gaped, utterly speechless now.
"In fact," I continued, leaning back magnanimously, deciding to push the performance even further, "let's do this. Keep your standard commission on my items. Indeed, double it. Consider the extra amount a small tip for your... diligent service and attentiveness today. Your efforts in managing this situation are worth that much, surely, and I insist."
I fixed him with a look that brokered no argument.
"Let no one ever say that Jiang Li lacks resources or fails to reward competence!"
The Manager was utterly flustered, caught between disbelief at the sums involved, awe at the generosity, and perhaps terror at the implications of handling such wealth. But after witnessing everything else today, after hearing my absolute conviction, his mind simply… accepted what I said at face value. He bowed again, lower than ever, stammering his thanks, completely overwhelmed.
And the System didn't disappoint.
[Mass Qualified Belief Detected: BQT Level 4-7]
[Analyzing Belief: User Possesses >2000 middle-Grade Spirit Stones for personal spending]
[Threshold Met! Manifestation Initiated! Target: Storage Bracelet Inventory]
[Attributes Updated: Storage Bracelet Mid-Grade -> High Grade; Inventory Added: +1998 middle-Grade Spirit Stones]
[Belief Meter: +9000]
[Reputation Scope Expanded: Local -> Regional]
Another massive surge of belief, another reality bent to my will. My storage bracelet now felt significantly heavier -- not physically, of course, but energetically -- brimming with newly-manifested wealth.
+++
Later that day, after the tense but ultimately successful negotiations with Manager Qian had concluded – leaving him practically prostrate with gratitude and relief, armed with descriptions of impossible treasures to bolster his failing auction – said Regional Manager, now effusively eager to please, insisted on giving us a personal tour of the Pavilion's upper floors. This included the exclusive fifth-floor auction hall itself, a grand, opulent amphitheater-style room already buzzing with quiet activity as staff made meticulous preparations for the following day's event. Luxurious private boxes lined the upper tiers overlooking a large, elevated stage crafted from polished spirit wood, clearly designed for maximum visibility and dramatic presentation.
As we walked through a quiet, elegantly appointed corridor connecting the VIP suites to a private viewing balcony, Manager Qian pointed out various architectural features and security formations with practiced pride, perhaps hoping to further impress upon me the Pavilion's capabilities (and justify his position).
The corridor itself was a work of art – walls paneled in dark, fragrant sandalwood carved with intricate cloud motifs, the thick crimson carpet silencing our footsteps completely, luminous pearls shedding soft, warm light. It led towards arched windows opening onto the balcony, which overlooked a serene inner garden designed, no doubt, as a tranquil retreat for the Pavilion's most esteemed guests.
This garden was a hidden jewel within the bustling city, an oasis of curated calm. Rare, faintly glowing spirit grasses carpeted the ground between artfully placed, moss-covered stones. Miniature weeping willows trailed delicate branches into a clear, shallow pond where iridescent fish, likely bred for their beauty and Qi sensitivity, darted between smooth pebbles. A small, musically chiming water feature, crafted from polished black stone, trickled water into the pond, the sound designed to soothe the spirit and, perhaps, aid meditation. The air here felt particularly rich with ambient Qi, drawn and purified by hidden formations, mingling with the subtle, calming fragrance of the spirit plants. It was a space designed for quiet contemplation, for deals struck in hushed tones, for escaping the pressures of the outside world.
It was within this serene setting that my attention was snagged by a figure standing near a carved white marble moon gate at the far end of the garden below, partially shaded by the drooping branches of a flowering spirit tree bearing blossoms like pale jade.
An incredibly beautiful woman.
Her beauty was almost unnatural, arresting, transcending mere mortal aesthetics. Long hair like polished black silk, untouched by any ornament, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night. Her skin resembled flawless white jade, gleaming softly even in the filtered sunlight filtering through the garden's canopy. Her features were perfectly sculpted, almost too perfect, in fact – possessing an ethereal quality that seemed at once both captivating and distant. She was clad in the distinctive robes of an Azure Cloud Sect elder, the fine fabric embroidered with intricate silver clouds that seemed to shimmer and shift with captured light as she moved slightly.
Yet, it wasn't just her breathtaking beauty that held my gaze, but her aura. Potent, undeniably Peak Foundation Establishment, radiating a quiet power far exceeding City Lord Zhang's stagnant pool or even Manager Qian's stressed energy. But, beneath that surface power, detectable perhaps only to my heightened senses or my System-attuned perception, there was a subtle but distinct coldness, a profound yin-heavy quality that felt different from typical water or ice cultivators – sharper, more penetrating, ancient, and almost... predatory in its nature.
She was speaking quietly, intimately, with another cultivator – some kid in simpler Azure Cloud robes, who looked utterly captivated, hanging on her every word with rapt attention – but her eyes, like deep, cold, bottomless pools reflecting the sky, seemed to be observing everything around her with an unnerving, detached intensity, missing nothing.
As our group passed the viewing balcony, her gaze swept upwards briefly, coolly assessing Manager Qian, then City Lord Zhang (who bowed slightly in deference), then Lin Ruolan... and then, finally, her eyes landed squarely on me.
For a fraction of a second longer than mere politeness or casual observation would dictate, her cold gaze snagged mine. I saw a subtle flicker deep within those dark, captivating pools.
Was it surprise?
Recognition?
Sharp calculation?
And then, perhaps, the barest hint of something else entirely – a predatory appraisal, a flicker of sudden, intense hunger quickly masked by serene, almost bored indifference as she gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod towards Manager Qian and turned smoothly away, resuming her quiet conversation as if we didn't exist, as if I were merely another insignificant insect buzzing past. She hadn't interacted directly, might not have appeared to have truly registered me beyond that fleeting, assessing glance.
She may have fooled Lin Ruolan, who was -- after all -- a mere Qi Gathering cultivator in the end.
She may have fooled Manager Qian and City Lord Zhang, who seemed oblivious to the subtle undercurrents of our non-interaction.
But she didn't fool me.
Leo Maxwell had spent a lifetime reading subtle cues, understanding subtext, recognizing the mask beneath the performance. And the new Jiang Li, with the recent experiences provided by the System, possessed senses that were perhaps more attuned to danger and hidden intent than even these Foundation Establishment experts realized.
A shiver, unrelated to the ambient temperature, traced its way down my spine: a flicker of profound unease, a primal sense of danger far exceeding anything I'd felt from the likes of City Lord Zhang, or even my unknown poisoner. This woman, this Azure Cloud elder, was far more dangerous than she appeared. Her fleeting look held a promise of future attention: attention I suspected would be neither entirely benign nor easily dismissed.
We moved on from the balcony, continuing the tour towards the auction hall itself, Manager Qian chattering nervously about security features and VIP accommodations. But my mind remained snagged on the image of the woman in the garden. Her beauty, her power, that chilling undercurrent...
"Manager Qian," I interjected casually, interrupting his spiel about the cutting-edge sound-dampening formations in the auction hall walls, forcing a tone of idle curiosity into my voice. "That expert we just saw in the garden below... quite an imposing presence. From the Azure Cloud Sect, judging by her robes?"
Manager Qian started slightly, pulled from his enthusiastic descriptions.
"Ah, yes, Young Master Jiang! Indeed! A figure of considerable renown!"
He lowered his voice respectfully, perhaps slightly fearfully.
"That was the esteemed Peak Elder Yue Qingxue of the Azure Cloud Sect's Frost Peak lineage. She arrived just this morning. Renowned throughout several provinces for her mastery of water techniques and her... decisive methods. A true expert at the Peak of Foundation Establishment, rumored to be attempting her breakthrough to the Golden Core realm quite soon."
He swallowed nervously.
"Her presence here has certainly elevated the auction's prestige... and perhaps, the expected bidding levels. Your Nine Nether Snow Lotus treasure, I suspect, would be of great interest to one such as her."
"Yue Qingxue," I repeated the name softly, committing it to memory. "And the young disciple with her?" I inquired further, maintaining the air of casual interest. "He seemed quite... devoted."
"Ah, yes," Qian nodded quickly. "That is First Disciple Lin Feng. Said to be Elder Yue's direct disciple, and considered quite talented in his own right, already at Stage Eight of Qi Gathering despite his youth at only 14! He rarely leaves her side."
Elder Yue Qingxue. Disciple Lin Feng.
Their presence added another layer of complexity, another powerful, unpredictable factor to the already dangerous game unfolding in Fallen Star City…
+++
A few minutes later, Manager Qian, eager to remain in my good graces (and perhaps keep a closer eye on his Pavilion's most valuable – and unpredictable – current guest), had suggested a guided tour of Fallen Star City's more notable districts. City Lord Zhang readily agreed. My own curiosity, particularly about the famed Fallen Star Lake that gave the city its name and was rumored to possess strange energies and unique resources, made the offer appealing. Besides, continuing the performance of casual wealth and enigmatic power required a stage, and the bustling streets of this regional hub seemed a perfect venue.
Thus, under the solicitous, almost fawning guidance of Manager Qian, and accompanied by the affable City Lord Zhang, the ever-watchful Lin Ruolan, and two of the Pavillion's guards at the peak of the Qi Gathering realm, we ventured out into Fallen Star City proper.
The difference from Qingshan Town was immediately apparent and striking. While Qingshan had possessed a certain rustic charm mixed with the grime of a typical mortal, provincial town, Fallen Star City pulsed with a palpable energy of commerce, cultivation, and ambition. The main streets were significantly wider, paved not with packed earth or rough flagstones, but with smooth, precisely cut blocks of dark grey stone that muffled the rumble of carriage wheels and the clatter of beast hooves. The architecture here was grander, more varied – multi-storied buildings constructed from fine timber and expensive quarried stone stood shoulder-to-shoulder, their facades often adorned with intricate carvings, protective talismans pasted discreetly beside doorways, or banners displaying the crests of established merchant guilds and cultivator families. Shops openly selling cultivator supplies – alchemical ingredients emitting faint Qi fluctuations, gleaming arrays of talismans, sturdy-looking low-grade artifacts – were far more numerous and prominently displayed here than in Qingshan – where only the Myriad Treasures Pavillion sold anything remotely Qi-related. Yet here, even the mundane shops selling silks, spices, or teas seemed more luxurious, their window displays more artful, catering to a far wealthier clientele.
The crowd itself was different! While mortals still formed the majority, there was a significantly higher proportion of cultivators visible, their distinct robes (some bearing the insignia of distant sects I didn't recognize alongside the familiar Azure Cloud and Celestial Iron emblems) and the subtle pressure of their Qi signatures adding a layer of intensity to the bustling atmosphere. Here, Qi Gathering experts of various stages moved with purpose, and occasionally, one could even sense the deeper, more stable aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator passing by – likely retainers of powerful families or visiting experts from prominent organizations.
Even the ambient Spirit Qi in the air felt richer, denser here, likely due to the city's proximity to the strange nearby Lake. It was still leagues below what Jiang Li's memories recalled of the regional capital of Yuhang City (let alone the legendary Imperial Capital), but it was still a significant step up from the spiritually thin air of Qingshan.
In short, this was a proper cultivator city --- one where cultivation wasn't just an abstract pursuit for the elite few, but a tangible, visible force shaping its economy and social structure.
Manager Qian guided us through the prosperous merchant district, pointing out landmarks, explaining the history of certain prominent families, all while subtly gauging my reactions, perhaps hoping to discern my interests based on what caught my eye. City Lord Zhang ambled alongside, occasionally adding a comment about local politics or offering introductions if we passed someone he knew, clearly enjoying his association with both myself and the Regional Manager of the Pavilion.
I played my part, nodding thoughtfully, asking occasional, seemingly naive questions about local specialties or rare materials found near Meteor Lake, projecting an air of casual curiosity mixed with the underlying confidence of someone to whom expense was no object. I made a point of stopping at a high-end silk merchant, purchasing several bolts of the most expensive 'Cloud Brocade' on impulse, claiming the color reminded me of a particular sunset over my family's estate, paying with a casual handful of gold coins drawn from my storage bracelet (the mundane currency still useful for maintaining appearances among mortal establishments). Hopefully, this act further solidified the rumors of my extravagant spending habits among the local mortal population – much to Ruolan's silent, perhaps resigned, acceptance.
We turned a corner onto a particularly wide avenue lined with even fancier establishments – shops specializing in high-grade spiritual herbs, artifact refinement services, and bespoke tailor shops catering specifically to cultivators, their entrances guarded by powerful-looking martial artists. The Qi fluctuations here were stronger, and the patrons fewer -- but clearly of the wealthier, more "significant" variety.
…And there, standing outside one of the most opulent shops on the street – one specializing in exquisitely embroidered cultivator robes, its sign bearing the elegant insignia of a renowned Yuhang City master tailor – I saw her.
Su Mei.
My fiancée Su Lian's cousin.
Jiang Li's memories supplied her identity instantly, along with a potent wave of remembered animosity and humiliation. She looked sharp, almost severe, her aristocratic features undeniably attractive in a cold, haughty way -- but marred by the permanent sneer that seemed etched around her lips. She was dressed impeccably in practical but clearly high-quality cultivator robes of a deep forest green, the fabric shimmering subtly with protective runes, embroidered discreetly with the Su family's crest – a stylized stalk of resilient bamboo.
Her Stage Seven Qi Gathering aura felt sharp, aggressive, almost prickly, radiating undisguised hostility as her gaze, sharp as a hawk's, landed immediately, unerringly, on me. She completely ignored Manager Qian and City Lord Zhang beside me, her attention locking onto me as if I were a particularly offensive piece of shit that had dared to appear on her polished floor. Her expression instantly twisted into one of undisguised contempt.
"Jiang Li!" Her voice was sharp, cutting like shards of ice, loud enough to draw immediate glances from the few other cultivators browsing nearby and the shop attendants hovering within the doorway.
"Still polluting respectable establishments with your presence? Hasn't Qingshan Town suffered enough of your drunken foolishness that you must now inflict yourself upon the refined atmosphere of Fallen Star City?" Her eyes, cold and unforgiving, flickered dismissively over my expensive blue silk robes, lingered perhaps for a moment on the spirit sword Ruolan carried, then landed with pointed disdain on Ruolan herself.
"And Steward Lin," Su Mei sneered, her voice dripping venom, "surely your mistress, the esteemed Jiang Matron, didn't dispatch a cultivator of your level all this way merely to chaperone this... embarrassment... through the streets like a lost child? Has the Jiang family truly fallen so low as to allow this well-known trash,"
– the word was spat out with relish –
"to represent their interests at the upcoming auction? What a disgrace to your lineage -- and mine!"
Her animosity was palpable, a physical force in the air. It was clearly driven by more than just familial obligation or wounded pride regarding the engagement. There was a deep-seated jealousy there, perhaps one fueled by her own family's declining fortunes compared to the Jiang's rapid rise, or maybe, as Jiang Li's memories suspected, by my fiancée Su Lian's attitude towards me, making my very existence an intolerable offense. Her genuine, visceral disgust at my 'unworthiness' to marry into the prestigious Su lineage radiated from her like heat off summer stone.
I met her hostile gaze coolly, deliberately keeping my own expression neutral, perhaps allowing just a hint of bored amusement to touch my eyes.
Never engage with idiots, my father used to say, for their will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. Rising to the bait here, engaging her directly in a public spat, would only lower my carefully cultivated status, validate her attack, and provide juicy fodder for the city's gossip mill in ways I couldn't control. No, the performance here demanded indifference, dismissal. Treat her like a mildly annoying insect buzzing around my head, unworthy of any serious attention.
"Miss Su," I said, my voice calm, level, perhaps even slightly bored, offering the barest minimum of courtesy required by social etiquette between families technically allied by betrothal, deliberately using the formal address to emphasize distance.
"A most… unexpected... encounter." My tone implied it was also a most unwelcome one.
I gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod – a gesture of acknowledgment so minimal it bordered on insult – then simply turned my back on her, deliberately breaking eye contact, dismissing her presence entirely. I gestured languidly for Ruolan, the guards, and the slightly bewildered City Lord Zhang and Manager Qian (who looked deeply uncomfortable being caught in this inter-family spat) to follow me.
"Come," I said, my voice carrying easily, ignoring Su Mei completely, "Manager Qian was just telling us about the unique properties of ores found near Meteor Lake. Fascinating!"
I continued walking down the street at a leisurely pace, leaving her standing there, fuming on the steps of the expensive robe shop. I didn't need to look back; I could almost feel the heat of her glare burning into my back, could practically hear the grinding of her teeth in impotent rage. Her seething fury at being so thoroughly ignored, so casually dismissed, so publicly slighted by the 'trash' she despised... was almost satisfying in a petty way.
+++
Soon enough, it was time to return to my luxurious VIP suite. The heavy door closed behind me with a soft, expensive click, shutting out the sounds of the rest of the Pavilion and leaving me in opulent silence. Evening had fully descended now, and the city lights twinkled like scattered jewels outside the large crystal window, reflecting faintly on the dark, shimmering surface of the lake in the distance.
The suite itself was ridiculously lavish. Furnished with spirit-enhancing redwood that subtly nourished the ambient Qi, adorned with silk tapestries depicting mythical scenes, and lit by the soft, unwavering glow of fist-sized Luminous Pearls embedded in the ceiling, it screamed wealth and privilege. I had dismissed Lin Ruolan to her adjacent (though possibly less luxurious) quarters, needing time alone to process the day's whirlwind of events.
I poured myself a cup of the high-quality spirit tea, its fragrance calming but doing little to soothe the underlying tension coiling in my gut. Tomorrow's Auction would lead to massive gains — and equally massive attention. Many of the items I've listed — particularly the Snow Lotus Fruit and the yet-to-be-seen Azure Scale Armor – could cause a literal riot in this relatively less affluent region of the Empire. By acting (I allowed myself a thin smile) as a seller of such treasures, I would be thrust squarely into the spotlight. My family would undoubtedly hear of my recent exploits… as would my enemies.
Could I survive such attention?
As I walked towards the low table near the window, intending to sit and — perhaps — even attempt meditation, something caught my eye. Sitting innocuously on the polished darkwood surface, beside an untouched silver tray, was an item that hadn't been there just a few minutes earlier.
A single, elegant bottle crafted from dark, almost black, opaque crystal. Its surface was cool and smooth to the touch, catching the soft light from the luminous pearls. It was stoppered securely with crimson wax, smooth and unmarked by any seal or crest. Beside it lay a small, folded note on expensive, heavy, cream-colored paper.
My senses immediately went on high alert.
How did it get there?
The Pavilion's security, especially on this VIP floor, was supposed to be impeccable. No attendant had entered since I dismissed them after Manager Qian had left. Had someone bypassed the guards and the protective formations, slipping in unseen? Or was this somehow delivered through the Pavilion staff?
I wasn't sure which of the two possibilities I preferred.
With extreme caution, I picked up the note first, my Qi circulating defensively, ready for any sudden trap or attack. Unfolding it carefully, I scanned the elegant, flowing calligraphy, clearly written by a skilled, perhaps feminine, hand:
"A small token for one who appreciates hidden potency. Courtesy of an admirer."
That was it.
No signature, no further clues.
An admirer? Possible, I supposed, after the day's dramatic displays. My newfound reputation might attract such attention.
But 'hidden potency'? What the hell did that mean?
The phrase felt loaded, specific. And the anonymity of the delivery... demanded caution.
My gaze shifted to the black crystal bottle. It felt cold in my hand – unnaturally so, in fact – radiating a faint chill that prickled my fingertips even through the thick crystal. With a sliver of carefully controlled Qi, I cleanly broke the crimson wax seal, lifting the stopper to my nose.
A subtle scent wafted out, almost instantly masked by the room's existing incense. But beneath that superficial fragrance, penetrating it like a shard of ice, was something else. Something chillingly familiar to my senses, now acutely attuned by my own near-death experience and my partially manifested 'Special Constitution'.
It was the distinct, invasive, life-freezing cold signature of highly-concentrated Silent Meridian Frost.
My blood ran cold – metaphorically, of course – despite the warmth of my cultivation. This felt far, far more potent than the dose that had killed the original Jiang Li, more concentrated than the residual aura I'd sensed in Mei'er's death room. This... felt actively dangerous, even to me. The bottle I was holding was enough, perhaps, to seriously injure an unprepared mid-stage Foundation Establishment expert if ingested directly. It was certainly more than enough to kill a Qi Gathering cultivator like Ruolan almost instantly, freezing her meridians solid before they could even twitch.
My mind raced.
Was this another assassination attempt? Did the killer believe my initial survival was a fluke, perhaps due to some temporary treasure, and thought a stronger dose of the poison would finish the job this time? But a poison delivered right here, in the middle of a major regional event, and past the Pavilion's formidable security? It seemed much too brazen, too direct after the previous insidious contact poison method, which took great pains to avoid undue attention.
So... could the note be genuine, in its own twisted way?
Was this some sort of test? A verification attempt, sent by the same powerful, unknown entity whose belief had remotely boosted my constitution after Alchemist Chen's likely report? Was this meant to assess my claimed resilience? To verify empirically the rumors about my 'special constitution' before making the next move, whatever that might be?
The sheer audacity of sending me the very poison I supposedly resisted... it fit disturbingly well with the kind of unpredictable, over-the-top, high-stakes performances I myself had been putting on. It was almost... poetic. Flattering, even – in a terrifying, potentially fatal sort of way.
And I realized, with a growing realization, that I was loving every second of it.
My heart hammered against my ribs in equal parts fear and excitement.
My rational mind urged caution: dispose of the bottle immediately. Alert Ruolan. Demand Manager Qian investigate this catastrophic security breach instantly. That was the logical, sensible course of action.
But...
But the actor, the gambler, the Invincible Young Master persona within me that was now irrevocably intertwined with the System… saw only another opportunity.
A challenge.
A crucial performance cue delivered by an unknown — but intriguing — new player. Refusing the 'gift' now, showing fear, pouring the poison out – all of those actions would be interpreted as weakness.
However… What if I simply played the game?
What if I accepted this test?
My "unknown special constitution" was now up to a 19% manifestation. The System itself had indicated the poison tempered my meridians now... Could I handle such a concentration of it? It would certainly be a gamble of the highest order. My life, balanced on the edge of belief and reality…
I realized that I was smiling.
Making a bold, perhaps utterly reckless decision fueled by a mixture of arrogance born of recent successes, intense curiosity about my own limits and the System's capabilities, and my instinct to always raise the stakes, to meet every challenge head-on and control the narrative, I calmly poured a generous measure of the clear, faintly shimmering, lethally cold liquid into the jade cup left from my earlier tea. I swirled it slowly, watching the liquid catch the light like captured starlight on glacial ice, inhaled the faint, deadly chill beneath the deceptive floral notes. Then, meeting my own reflection in the polished surface of a nearby silver-backed mirror – seeing Jiang Li's handsome face staring back with my own determined, perhaps slightly mad, eyes – I raised the cup to my lips and drank it down in one smooth, deliberate motion.
The effect was instantaneous and intense, far stronger than I had anticipated, yet strangely... more shocking and intense than painful. What I felt was far from the overwhelming, life-extinguishing freeze of before, but an incredibly sharp, penetrating tingle that exploded within me, spreading like liquid nitrogen through my meridians, far colder and more potent than any spirit wine I'd ever tasted. It felt like plunging naked into the deepest arctic waters, shocking and breathtaking at once, stealing the air from my lungs for a single, terrifying moment. My vision blurred, the room seeming to tilt. I thought, just for an instant, heart seizing in my chest, that I may have miscalculated, that this concentration was simply too great, that my bluff was finally about to be called...
But almost immediately, before true panic could set in, the inherent resilience of my mythical constitution flared powerfully in response, reacting eagerly to a familiar threat. The 'Tempering Meridians' effect activated with fierce intensity. I felt a deep, internal warmth surge from my dantian and my newly integrated Xue Qi foundation, which both rushed to meet the invasive cold, absorbing it, neutralizing its destructive potential, somehow transmuting that lethal frost Qi into a strange, invigorating — and indeed, distinctly pleasurable — nourishment for my own energy pathways.
I basked in the sensation for several long moments – feeling an involuntary full-body shiver that rattled the teacup still held tightly in my hand, a tightening in my chest that made me gasp raggedly for air, a brief wave of absolute ecstasy that made the luxurious room swim before my eyes – but it was not debilitating. Not damaging in the slightest.
On the contrary, the cold was met, embraced, and greedily consumed by my body.
Then, the intense sensations subsided, leaving behind a feeling of profound clarity and renewed, vibrant strength. The warmth returned to me, far stronger than before, and my meridians felt even tougher, more flexible, more resilient than ever, humming with smoothly flowing Stage Five Qi that felt subtly purer, more refined, carrying a faint, lingering trace of icy resilience, as if permanently strengthened and polished by the ordeal.
The System confirmed the outcome, its mental text appearing with cool precision, almost smugly it seemed:
[Status Update: Concentrated Silent Meridian Frost Assimilated (Meridian Tempering Effect Significantly Enhanced)]
[Qualified Belief Detected! (BQT Level 8)]
[Attribute Updated: Special Constitution: Unknown (Detected - 28% Manifestation)]
[Belief Meter: +35000]
Level eight qualified belief? Who the hell was it coming from? And twenty-eight percent manifestation! I was nearly a third of the way to being a 'real boy'. The poison strengthened me significantly, just as I'd bluffed to Alchemist Chen, but this time, it was far more effective than I could have possibly imagined!
This was no assassination attempt, I realized. Not directly.
But it was almost certainly a test.
Someone powerful, someone who heard the rumors or Chen's report, wanted to verify the truth of my 'special constitution' firsthand. And they approached me directly, openly, by sending me a disgustingly lethal dose of the very poison I supposedly resisted — it was indeed an expensive gift, but only if I was telling the truth about my body's abilities.
I calmly poured the rest of the 'beverage' from the exquisite crystal bottle into my cup. Why waste a perfectly good drink? As I savored the strange, cold-yet-invigorating tingle spreading through me again, feeling my meridians practically sing with newfound resilience and the potent energies of assimilated frost Qi, I looked at the elegant note again.
Courtesy of an admirer.
Perhaps the 'admirer' part wasn't entirely sarcastic or ironic after all? Could this powerful entity be genuinely intrigued by me? The game was getting deeper, the players more powerful and infinitely more unpredictable than I could have anticipated.
I had passed this dangerous test, inadvertently strengthening myself significantly in the process, turning a potential threat into a tangible gain. But it was a chilling (heh) reminder of the intense, high-level attention I was now attracting – attention that could turn deadly in an instant if my performance faltered.
Well, I thought, a grim, dangerous smile touching my lips as I finished the last of my excellent drink, feeling my meridians hum with sheer joy in the aftermath.
Let them watch. Let them test. Let them believe. I supposed I would find out soon enough who my secret, dangerous 'admirer' truly was.
Tomorrow's auction promised to be very interesting indeed.