The sun rose over the weakest city in the weakest kingdom, bathing the Lin Clan's modest compound in a warm, golden light. Lin Tianyu awoke, his body aching from the previous night's exertions. He sat up, staring at the shimmering mid-tier low-grade sword lying on his bedside table.
"This is it," he muttered. "My first creation."
> [Ding! Host is ready to make an impression at the auction. Proceed with confidence. Do you require any advice before leaving?]
Tianyu smirked. "System, do you think this sword will sell?"
> [Analysis indicates that a mid-tier low-grade sword of this quality will surprise even experienced craftsmen. Host should prepare for reactions of shock and awe.]
"Good," Tianyu said, stretching his arms. "Let's make some waves."
---
The Lin Clan delegation gathered in the courtyard, preparing to leave for the auction. Lin Zhentian stood at the forefront, his stern gaze scanning the group.
Lin Jianhong, Tianyu's eldest brother, adjusted his elegant robes, exuding the arrogance of someone at the 5th Layer of Foundation Establishment Realm. Lin Feng, the second brother, leaned casually against a post, his smirk ever-present.
When Tianyu arrived, carrying a wrapped bundle in his arms, Lin Feng's eyes narrowed.
"What's that, little brother? A weapon? Don't tell me you're bringing something you forged," Lin Feng said with a chuckle.
Tianyu met his gaze calmly. "It is. I thought I'd contribute to the clan's efforts."
Lin Feng burst into laughter. "You? A mere Qi Refining cultivator, forging weapons? Don't embarrass the clan at the auction, Tianyu."
Lin Jianhong snorted but said nothing.
"Enough," Lin Zhentian said, his voice silencing the chatter. "Let's go."
---
The group made their way to the Stonebridge Auction House, the largest auction venue in the city. Though it was small compared to those in larger cities, it was still an impressive sight for the weak Lin Clan.
The interior was bustling with activity. Merchants, cultivators, and representatives from various clans filled the space, their conversations creating a low hum.
Tianyu followed his father and brothers to a counter where a clerk greeted them with a polite smile.
"Lin Clan, here to consign items for today's auction," Zhentian said.
The clerk nodded and motioned for them to display their goods. Lin Feng and Jianhong presented several low-grade weapons, each of decent quality but nothing extraordinary.
When it was Tianyu's turn, he carefully unwrapped his sword. The blade gleamed in the light, its refined aura drawing the attention of nearby cultivators.
The clerk's eyes widened. "This… this is mid-tier low-grade quality!"
Lin Feng froze, his smug expression replaced by one of disbelief. Jianhong frowned, stepping closer to inspect the weapon.
"Impossible," Lin Feng muttered. "How could he forge something like this?"
Zhentian's eyes narrowed. "Tianyu, where did you get this sword?"
"I forged it myself," Tianyu said calmly.
Silence fell over the group.
"You?" Jianhong said, his tone skeptical. "Don't lie, Tianyu. A Qi Refining cultivator has no business forging at this level."
Tianyu shrugged. "Believe what you want."
The clerk, meanwhile, was examining the sword closely. "This craftsmanship is extraordinary. It may even sell for several mid-grade spirit stones."
Hearing this, Zhentian's expression softened slightly. "Very well. Include it in the auction."
---
The auction hall was packed, with dozens of cultivators seated in rows. Representatives from clans and sects sat in private booths overlooking the main floor.
As the auction began, items were presented one by one. Weapons, pills, and cultivation techniques were displayed, each fetching varying prices.
When Tianyu's sword was brought out, the auctioneer's voice rang out.
"Next, we have a mid-tier low-grade sword, crafted with exceptional skill. Starting bid: five low-grade spirit stones!"
The room buzzed with interest. Mid-tier low-grade weapons were rare in such a backwater city.
"Five low-grade spirit stones!" a merchant called out.
"Seven!"
"Ten!"
The bids rose quickly, shocking the Lin Clan members in attendance.
"Who crafted this sword?" someone in the crowd whispered.
"I heard it's from the Lin Clan. But they're so weak—how could they produce something like this?"
Tianyu watched the chaos unfold with a neutral expression, though inwardly he was grinning.
> [Ding! Host's actions are creating waves. Current reactions: Surprise, envy, disbelief.]
The final bid reached twenty-five low-grade spirit stones, a sum that left Lin Feng and Jianhong speechless.
---
After the auction, the Lin Clan returned home with their earnings. In the courtyard, Zhentian called Tianyu aside.
"Tianyu," he said, his tone serious. "Where did you learn to forge like that?"
Tianyu met his father's gaze. "I studied a manual and practiced in the clan's forge."
Zhentian frowned but didn't press further. "If you truly have this talent, continue to develop it. The Lin Clan needs every advantage we can get."
"Yes, Father," Tianyu said, bowing slightly.
As his father walked away, Tianyu smirked.
"System," he said, "that was a good start. What's next?"
> [Ding! New tasks available. Would you like to review them now?]
"Yes."
---
[New Tasks]
1. Forge a high-tier low-grade weapon.
Reward: 100 System Points, Basic Alchemy Manual.
2. Begin cultivation in the 3rd Layer of Qi Refining Realm.
Reward: 50 System Points, Low-Grade Spirit Stones (x10).
3. Learn the basics of another profession.
Reward: 200 System Points, Access to Advanced Techniques in the System Store.
---
Tianyu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Looks like I'll need to start working on another profession soon."
> [Recommendation: Alchemy. The clan's resources are limited, and crafting pills will aid both host's cultivation and the clan's finances.]
"Alchemy, huh?" Tianyu said, a grin spreading across his face. "Alright, let's make the Lin Clan rise from the ashes."