After the auction ended, Lin Tianyu stood outside the Silverwind Auction Hall, his gaze fixed on the hooded man who had purchased the Nebula Dewdrop. The man walked calmly, seemingly unbothered by the many curious glances directed his way.
Lin Jie tugged on Tianyu's sleeve. "Father, are we really going to approach that guy? He feels… dangerous."
Tianyu chuckled. "Dangerous people often hold the most valuable secrets. Besides, it's not every day we encounter someone who buys a cursed item with such confidence."
The System chimed in:
[Reminder: Host must tread carefully. Target is a Nascent Soul cultivator. Survival rate in direct confrontation: 0.001%. Recommend observation and negotiation over aggression.]
Tianyu smirked. "As if I'd fight him head-on. I'm not suicidal."
---
A Calculated Approach
Following the hooded man at a safe distance, Tianyu waited for the right moment to speak. The man eventually stopped in a secluded alley, his back turned toward Tianyu.
"You've been following me for a while," the man said, his deep voice echoing slightly. "Speak your purpose before I lose my patience."
Tianyu raised his hands in a non-threatening gesture. "No need to get hostile. I'm just curious about the Nebula Dewdrop you purchased. Most would shy away from a cursed artifact, yet you seemed… confident."
The man turned slightly, his face still hidden beneath his hood. "Curiosity can be a dangerous thing, boy. But I'll humor you—what do you want with it?"
Tianyu's eyes glinted with determination. "I'm interested in its true purpose. I believe it holds value beyond its curse. If you're willing to share its secrets, I can offer something in return."
The man chuckled. "And what could a mere Foundation Building cultivator offer me?"
---
System Intervention
Before Tianyu could respond, the System interjected.
[Suggestion: Offer the 'Spirit Vein Mapping Scroll' obtained from the System Store. Its value lies in identifying latent spiritual veins in cursed objects.]
Tianyu internally grimaced. "Why didn't you tell me that earlier?"
[Host didn't ask.]
Suppressing his annoyance, Tianyu pulled out the Spirit Vein Mapping Scroll, a translucent parchment that shimmered faintly with golden light.
"I offer you this scroll," Tianyu said confidently. "It can reveal hidden spiritual veins within cursed objects. Perhaps it can help you unlock the Nebula Dewdrop's true potential."
The hooded man's interest was piqued. He stepped closer, his presence heavy but not overtly threatening.
"A Spirit Vein Mapping Scroll," the man mused, his voice tinged with intrigue. "Rare indeed. I assume there's a catch?"
Tianyu smiled. "No catch. I only ask for a small demonstration of the Nebula Dewdrop's abilities once you uncover its secrets."
The man studied Tianyu for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But know this—if you've deceived me, there will be consequences."
---
The Nebula Dewdrop's Secret
The man placed the Nebula Dewdrop on the ground and activated the Spirit Vein Mapping Scroll. A golden light enveloped the artifact, revealing intricate patterns of spiritual energy coursing through it.
The cursed aura began to dissipate, replaced by a faint but powerful glow.
"Interesting," the man muttered. "The curse was merely a façade, hiding its true nature. This artifact contains the essence of a long-lost Nebula Flame, capable of enhancing fire-based cultivation techniques."
Tianyu's System buzzed excitedly.
[Analysis complete: The Nebula Dewdrop is a fragment of an ancient treasure, the Nebula Flame Core. Its current state is incomplete, but it can significantly enhance fire-elemental techniques.]
Tianyu's mind raced. The Lin Clan didn't specialize in fire-based cultivation, but this artifact could be a valuable bargaining chip for alliances.
"What will you do with it now?" Tianyu asked the man.
The hooded figure pocketed the Nebula Dewdrop. "That's none of your concern. But I'll remember your assistance. Perhaps we'll cross paths again."
Without another word, the man disappeared into the shadows, leaving Tianyu with more questions than answers.
---
Unexpected Rewards
As Tianyu turned to leave, the System displayed a notification:
[Quest Complete: Investigate the Hooded Man.]
[Reward: 500 System Points and a random treasure.]
A shimmering jade token materialized in Tianyu's hand.
[Item Acquired: Lunar Blade Fragment (Rank 5). This fragment can be reforged into a powerful weapon when combined with its counterparts.]
Tianyu examined the fragment, its surface etched with ancient runes.
"Interesting," he muttered. "Looks like I've stumbled onto something big."
---
Returning to the Lin Clan
Back at the Lin Clan's modest estate, Lin Jie eagerly greeted Tianyu. "Father, how did it go? Did you buy anything at the auction?"
Tianyu smiled faintly. "Let's just say we didn't leave empty-handed."
Lin Jie's eyes sparkled. "Did you fight anyone? Cause a scene?"
Tianyu chuckled. "You've been reading too many adventure tales. No, I kept a low profile."
As they entered the main hall, the clan elders were waiting. Lin Tian, the clan patriarch and Tianyu's father, frowned.
"Tianyu," Lin Tian said, his voice stern. "I heard you attended the auction. I hope you didn't squander our resources."
Tianyu bowed respectfully. "Of course not, Father. I merely observed and gathered information. However, I did acquire something of potential value."
He handed the Lunar Blade Fragment to Lin Tian, who examined it closely.
"This… is no ordinary item," Lin Tian said, his eyes narrowing. "Where did you find it?"
Tianyu hesitated. "It was… a reward for assisting someone. I believe it could benefit the clan if we uncover its purpose."
Lin Tian nodded slowly. "Very well. But remember, our resources are limited. Focus on your cultivation and don't take unnecessary risks."
---
System Store Updates
Later that night, Tianyu accessed the System Store, curious about the new items available.
The store displayed a wide array of treasures:
1. Heavenly Refinement Cauldron (Rank 5): A cauldron that enhances pill refinement success rates.
Cost: 1,000 System Points.
2. Draconic Ember Technique (Rank 6): A fire-elemental cultivation manual.
Cost: 1,500 System Points.
3. Soul-Binding Pendant (Rank 4): Protects the user's soul from external attacks.
Cost: 800 System Points.
4. Starlight Essence Pill (Rank 5): Temporarily boosts cultivation speed for Foundation Building cultivators.
Cost: 700 System Points.
Tianyu weighed his options carefully.
"System, what would you recommend?"
[Recommendation: Invest in the Soul-Binding Pendant. It will provide additional protection against spiritual attacks, which are common in higher realms.]
Tianyu nodded. "Good choice. I'll take it."
The pendant materialized in his hand, its silver surface glowing faintly.
---
Preparing for the Future
With new treasures in hand and alliances forming, Tianyu knew the Lin Clan's path to power wouldn't be easy. But with the System guiding him and his own determination, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.