C15 Forgemaster!

As the crowd's astonishment at the Zhou family and Zhou Jibo began to subside, a voice suddenly rang out, "Yan Yuanlu."

Who would dare address the formidable and domineering Yan Yuanlu so directly?

All eyes turned to see Wang Sibo, a Forgemaster at the Soul Separation Stage, standing and fixing his gaze on Yan Yuanlu.

Yan Yuanlu quickly responded with a smile, "Elder Wang, what can I do for you?"

"The two items you presented to Young Master Zhou earlier, was one of them the special piece?" Wang Sibo inquired.

Yan Yuanlu, catching his drift, nodded, "Yes, it was indeed that piece."

"What kind of person is Young Master Zhou?" Wang Sibo probed further.

Reflecting on their brief interaction, Yan Yuanlu replied, "He possesses an extraordinary foundation and has a clear purpose. He's amiable in his dealings."

Wang Sibo's face lit up with a satisfied smile. "That's reassuring. I would like to meet him."

"Certainly, Elder Wang. I will accompany you."

With that, Yan Yuanlu took the lead. Wang Sibo and his granddaughter, along with the Glorious House's shopkeeper, followed him toward the private room.

Once they departed, the auction resumed. Although the attendees on the third floor continued to participate, their attention was divided, their glances drifting towards the private room from time to time.

Previously, Zhou Jibo of the Zhou family was merely recognized for his genius. Now, he had caught the attention of the Myriad Treasure Auction House, and even Soul Separation Stage masters sought an audience with him.

The Zhou family was poised for a resurgence! It seemed inevitable that no one in Icefair City could halt the Zhou family's ascent!

And Zhou Jibo was the linchpin in this revival.

He was set to be the true cornerstone of the Zhou family for decades to come.

"We must report this to the Patriarch immediately!" declared a Yu family elder, rising and hastily exiting with his entourage.

Zheng Hongyi, the Zheng family steward, was unceremoniously escorted out by the Glorious House guards. He cast a last, disgruntled look at the establishment, his thoughts mirroring the others'.

They needed to inform their Patriarch without delay!

Inside the private room, Zhou Jibo had finished reviewing the Dawn Mental Cultivation Method and the Mountain Splitting Palm. The scribe who had transcribed the techniques had already taken his leave.

Zhou Jibo then carefully examined the items Yan Yuanlu had sent, now unveiled from beneath the red cloth.

To the left, there was the Cool Breeze Sword Technique, a medium-grade Yellow Rank martial skill consisting of twelve sword moves across six distinct levels.

To the right, a sword stretched about five feet in length. While typical sharp swords measured three to four feet, this one stood nearly as tall as a twelve-year-old child, its surface etched with intricate blood traces that clearly gave rise to the name Blood Stripe Sword.

This low-grade Yellow Rank treasure sword lacked the biting chill or gleaming sharpness one might expect, resembling more an ornamental piece than a weapon of war.

Zhou Jibo grasped the hilt, musing to himself, "A five-foot sword is exactly what I need for my desired attack range. A three-foot blade would be too short, but this is just right."

With an effortless swing, he sliced off a corner of the table as if it were tofu.

Zhou Jibo was thrilled. A weapon of the first grade possessed such formidable power! Without a comparable weapon, Acquired stage warriors would struggle to withstand such force.

This significant boost to his attack power and range gave Zhou Jibo greater confidence for the challenges ahead.

As he pondered this, a knock sounded at the door.

Zhou Jibo sheathed the Blood Stripe Sword and rose to answer it.

Yan Yuanlu, Wang Sibo, and the proprietor of the Glorious House stood waiting.

"Do you need something else? Is there an issue with the mental cultivation method and martial skill I sold you?"

"Not at all..." Yan Yuanlu made introductions between Zhou Jibo and Wang Sibo, then said, "The Blood Stripe Sword was crafted by the esteemed elder. It holds special significance, which is why the elder made a point of meeting the sword's new owner."

Zhou Jibo was puzzled and turned to Wang Sibo. "Can't a Forgemaster craft Profound Rank weapons? Why such concern for a low-grade Yellow Rank weapon?"

Noticing Zhou Jibo's confusion, Wang Sibo clarified, "Though the Blood Stripe Sword is indeed a low-grade Yellow Rank weapon, it's one I remember most fondly. I wish for it to find a worthy home."

"Young Master Zhou, what do you intend to do with this Blood Stripe Sword?"

Zhou Jibo replied, "I purchase weapons to use them. I can't be preoccupied with other concerns. If you expect me to store it away and meticulously care for it daily, I'm afraid that's beyond my capacity."

Yan Yuanlu let out a soft gasp.

Was Zhou Jibo truly unaware of his fortune? Master Wang had expressed his desire for the Blood Stripe Sword to find a worthy owner, and yet Zhou Jibo had spoken so candidly.

Wang Sibo's face took on a complex expression upon hearing Zhou Jibo's words. After much deliberation, he came to a sense of peace.

"Personally, I would like you to cherish and maintain this Blood Stripe Sword every day. But the fact that I've put it up for sale means I've resolved to let go of a chapter in my life."

"The Blood Stripe Sword should resume the destiny it was meant to have as a weapon."

His eyes reddened as he spoke.

"Grandfather, perhaps we shouldn't sell the sword?" Wang Xuelan, standing by his side, suggested anxiously upon seeing his distress.

Wang Sibo shook his head gently. "No. It's time for me to part with it. It's time for me to stop dwelling on past glories and grievances."

"This sword was forged forty years ago. In my darkest hour, I crafted it with my own blood. I finally managed to forge a weapon of the first grade. This Blood Stripe Sword embodies my resolve, my desperate struggles, and a piece of my history."

He regarded Zhou Jibo with gravity. "Young Master Zhou, your frankness just now is a testament to your upright character. I entrust this sword to you."

After speaking, he handed over a worn book to Zhou Jibo. "These are some insights from my days as a forgemaster. I entrust them to you as well. I hope you'll value them."

Touched by his genuine emotion, Zhou Jibo understood the deep significance the Blood Stripe Sword and the worn book held for him. Decided, he hoped Zhou Jibo would accept them.

Therefore, Zhou Jibo accepted the offer without hesitation.

Wang Sibo gazed at the Blood Stripe Sword, lost in thought for a moment, before exhaling a deep breath. "Very well, Young Master Zhou, may your martial journey be ever prosperous! I shall take my leave now."

"Thank you for your kind words," Zhou Jibo responded.

Wang Sibo gave a nod and turned to Wang Xuelan, "Xuelan, it's time for us to depart. My goal has been achieved, and now I must return to my craft of weapon forging."

Wang Xuelan acknowledged with a nod and proceeded to follow Master Wang outside.

Yan Yuanlu, along with the proprietor of Glorious House, attempted to convince Master Wang to linger, but he was resolute in his departure. He swiftly boarded an opulent carriage and was whisked away.

Zhou Jibo shut the door behind him and contemplated the Blood Stripe Sword, a wave of sentiment washing over him.

It undoubtedly held tales within its blade.

Yet, now that it had come into Zhou Jibo's possession, its destiny was set to soar to new heights of honor, far surpassing the humble status of a low-grade Yellow Rank.