Xiao Chen stood in a corner of the exchange hall, his focus entirely on the "Grand Senluo Hand", a partial manual held by a hooded man. The moment he saw the ancient script resembling the language from the Golden Seal, his heart raced. He knew this wasn't just any ordinary find—it was an extraordinary opportunity.
The vendor's offer to trade the manual exclusively for pills caused a stir among the attendees. Yet, despite the obvious allure, no one bid immediately. The language was indecipherable to most, and the risk of acquiring a useless text loomed large.
Finally, a voice broke the silence.
"Ten Spirit Gathering Pills for the manual!" The bid came from the entrance—a powerful, domineering tone that sent a ripple through the crowd.
Gasps filled the air as the crowd recognized the newcomer.
"Chu Kuang!"
Known as the strongest among Falling Cloud Valley's younger generation, Chu Kuang stood tall in his coarse robes, an enormous sword strapped to his back. Rumors claimed he had reached the Eighth Level of Qi Refining, capable of holding his own against a Foundation Establishment cultivator. His decision to delay his advancement to focus on sect tournaments was a testament to his meticulous planning.
Chu Kuang's sheer presence exuded authority, and many disciples instinctively saluted.
"Ten Spirit Gathering Pills for the manual," Chu Kuang repeated with an air of finality as he approached the vendor.
Hidden under his black robe, Xiao Chen clenched his fists. His instincts screamed that this manual was invaluable, but openly opposing Chu Kuang would draw too much attention. Yet, if he let this slip away, he might never have another chance.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, his voice low but firm.
"Twenty Spirit Gathering Pills."
The room fell silent.
Even the most confident cultivators were stunned at the audacity of someone challenging Chu Kuang.
Chu Kuang's gaze turned cold as he slowly faced Xiao Chen. A palpable pressure radiated from him, causing the weaker cultivators to shudder.
Yet Xiao Chen stood unmoved, his composure akin to an immovable mountain amidst a stormy sea.
Chu Kuang's eyes narrowed. While he initially thought Xiao Chen to be another reckless fool, the man's calm demeanor betrayed a hidden strength.
"Thirty Spirit Gathering Pills," Chu Kuang countered, his voice carrying an edge of menace.
"Fifty." Xiao Chen's response came without hesitation.
Gasps rippled through the hall. Fifty Spirit Gathering Pills was an exorbitant amount, unattainable for most disciples, even after years of accumulation.
Chu Kuang's expression darkened.
"Which master do you follow?" he asked, his voice laced with thinly veiled irritation. "I have ties with Senior Brother Duan Hua Ming of the Spiritual Herb Valley. Perhaps you'd reconsider, seeing as this manual holds great significance to me."
Xiao Chen smirked under his hood. Duan Hua Ming? The very same master he planned to deal with in the future? There was no reason to yield.
"Apologies, Senior Brother Chu," Xiao Chen replied evenly. "This manual is equally important to me. Sixty Spirit Gathering Pills."
The crowd erupted in whispers, their awe and disbelief growing with every bid.
Chu Kuang hesitated briefly, then turned to leave without another word.
The vendor's voice broke the silence. "The manual is yours."
Xiao Chen stepped forward, placing the pills on the table and securing the "Grand Senluo Hand" in his storage bag. Under his hood, a glimmer of satisfaction played across his features, though he remained cautious.
As Xiao Chen exited the hall, his sharp senses caught the presence of several figures following him.
Once outside, he used his spiritual sense to identify his pursuers. With a cold smile, he darted into the wilderness, deliberately leading them into an unpopulated area.
"Damn it! Where did he go?"
"He can't have disappeared—search the area!"
A group of six cultivators cursed and fanned out, unaware that Xiao Chen had employed the concealment ability granted by the Golden Seal to vanish.
From a nearby thicket, Xiao Chen watched with a smirk, his patience outlasting his pursuers.
Just as he was about to leave, his spiritual sense tingled. He glanced back, noticing a familiar figure concealed nearby—Chu Kuang.
"Interesting. Even someone as sharp as him didn't detect me," Xiao Chen mused, maintaining his calm as he altered his path, heading deeper into the remote mountains.
The quiet wilderness suddenly echoed with sounds of conflict.
"You can't escape, little girl!"
"Stay back! We're from the same sect—if you harm me, the elders won't forgive you!"
"Hah! Out here, who would know? Don't worry—I'll 'take good care of you' before you die."
Xiao Chen frowned, descending toward the commotion. Below, a male disciple with a predatory grin cornered a petite female disciple.
The girl, clutching a glowing spiritual weapon, turned and spotted Xiao Chen.
"Senior Brother, help me! He's breaking the sect's rules!"
The male assailant turned, his smile fading as he saw Xiao Chen. His confidence wavered under the scrutiny of another potential witness.
"This isn't your business. Leave, or face the consequences," the man growled, though his voice betrayed unease.
Xiao Chen's cold gaze swept over the scene. While he had no intention of interfering in petty disputes, the girl's plea and the man's blatant disregard for the sect's code made him pause.
"Sect rules exist for a reason. Disregarding them has consequences." Xiao Chen's voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority.
The man sneered, attempting to save face. "I warned you. Don't blame me for what happens next!"
As he lunged at Xiao Chen, the latter's hand moved with blinding speed.
"Grand Senluo Hand, First Seal: Verdant Shackle!"
A burst of green energy surged forth, roots materializing from thin air and entangling the man mid-attack. His movements froze, shock plastered across his face as Xiao Chen's technique immobilized him with precision.
Xiao Chen stepped forward, his expression unreadable.