C21 Preparation
Before we knew it, only one day remained before the competition between the two sects.
Thanks to some enthusiastic promotion, the residents of Deepmere were well aware that the long-absent Twin Rage was set to engage in a "friendly match" with the currently popular Soul Capturing Sect at the largest martial arts arena owned by the Deepmere merchants.
For a modest fee, anyone could gain entry to witness the contest.
It was during this time that Lin Zhixiao ascended Green Mountain to meet with Lee Qingyun.
"Scores of people, at least tens of thousands, will flock to the martial arts arena to watch the match. The Soul Capturing Sect's deliberate hype suggests they're intent on clinching victory in this bout between the sects," Lin Zhixiao remarked.
Lee Qingyun inquired, "What are you getting at?"
With a wry chuckle, Lin Zhixiao suggested, "If everyone's betting on the Soul Capturing Sect to win, why not seize the chance to turn a profit?"
"Go on," urged Lee Qingyun.
"I was thinking... perhaps we could set up a betting pool near the arena?"
Exchanging a knowing glance, Lin Zhixiao and Lee Qingyun simultaneously broke into smiles.
Lee Qingyun decided, "Let's do it."
"Understood," Lin Zhixiao acknowledged.
He continued his report, "Sect Master, the Spiritual Fangs Rice in the spiritual field is nearing harvest. I estimate it'll be ready in a few days, and I'd like to request your presence for the occasion."
"Very well."
"Fong Chuan has been stashing his savings in a secret chamber for years. Despite my efforts these past days, it remains undiscovered. I hope you might employ your skills to assist in the search."
"Agreed."
With nothing more to report, Lin Zhixiao announced, "If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave."
"Hold on a moment," Lee Qingyun called out to him.
"May I know your command, Sect Master?"
Lee Qingyun produced a white porcelain bottle from within his robes and offered, "You've been working tirelessly. Here's a bottle of Qi Cultivating Pills that should be of use to you. Please, accept it as a token of gratitude."
Overwhelmed with appreciation, Lin Zhixiao exclaimed, "My thanks, Sect Master."
Once Lin Zhixiao had departed, Aoxue emerged from the shadows, questioning, "Can we really trust him?"
Lee Qingyun declared, "The individuals I select are, of course, reliable."
"You've got a point," Aoxue Yang said with a chuckle. "For a sect master so strapped for cash that kidnapping is on the table, what's a little gambling?"
Lee Qingyun started, "I..."
...
In Deepmere, the Ironheart Shop stood as the largest weapons store in town.
Sabers, spears, swords, halberds, axes... an array of weapons adorned the expansive wall. The shop assistant, his chest bare, flexed his well-defined muscles while occasionally dabbing at the beads of sweat on his brow.
"Fetch your master," a crisp voice called from the entrance.
The assistant peered outside to see a figure with a balanced build, not as robust as the hunters who regularly ventured into the mountains, yet there was an ineffable quality about him. What truly astonished the assistant was that this individual, clad in a Taoist robe, entered the furnace-like room without a trace of perspiration... surely, this person must be at least a Foundation Establishment cultivator!
"Just a moment," the assistant turned and bellowed into the back, "Old Huang—VIP alert!"
"Right there!" An elder, also shirtless, hustled out from the back room. His eyes brightened at the sight of Lee Qingyun. "Ah, Sect Master Lee graces us with his presence! Welcome!"
Lee Qingyun inquired, "You know me?"
The elder, Mr. Huang, roared with laughter. "I witnessed Sect Master Lee's formidable display at Fate Pavilion firsthand."
Lee Qingyun joined in the laughter, which was quite contagious. Mr. Huang was the proprietor of Ironheart Weapon Shop, and his attendance at Wang Ruhai's banquet at Fate Pavilion was to be expected.
"Sect Master Lee, please, this way," Mr. Huang gestured, leading Lee Qingyun inside. "The outer area houses common weapons for the average hunter. What you seek is further in."
Stepping into the inner sanctum, they were greeted by a veritable treasure trove. Weapons were no longer displayed on walls but were respectfully housed in massive chests—some ajar, most sealed, lending an air of mystery.
"I'm curious, what kind of magic weapon does Sect Master Lee require?"
Magic weapons, imbued with spiritual energy, were far superior to mundane arms—sharper, more potent, and, naturally, at a price point well beyond ordinary weaponry.
Lee Qingyun stated, "I'm in need of an axe and a staff."
The elderly Mr. Huang chuckled, "Ah, Sect Master Lee, your choice of weapons is certainly distinctive."
"And quite discerning," Mr. Huang added. "As it happens, our shop has both items in stock."
"Oh?"
Mr. Huang called out with a booming voice, "Little Huang, bring over that big red box, will you?"
Lee Qingyun touched his nose, amused by Mr. Huang's thick regional accent.
Soon after, several shop assistants grunted as they heaved an enormous box towards them.
"Bang!" The box landed with a thud on the ground.
"Sect Master Lee, behold the axe," Mr. Huang declared with a hint of pride. "Crafted by my own hands, a first-grade refiner, it's a top-grade magical weapon..."
"A top-grade magical weapon?"
"Indeed," Mr. Huang affirmed, stroking his beard with satisfaction.
The weapon box measured roughly two meters—taller than Lee Qingyun himself. He furrowed his brow, "It's quite large. Do you have anything smaller?"
"No, that's all we have."
Lee Qingyun sighed inwardly.
"Sect Master Lee, to even have an axe—a weapon not commonly sought after—is a rarity in our shop. You'd be hard-pressed to find another top-grade magical axe in all of Deepmere City, let alone the entire Eastern Prefecture of Deified. If you do, I'll gladly hand this one over to you myself."
Lee Qingyun's facial muscles twitched involuntarily. Clearly, it was the axe this old man had scared up, so large and covered in dust. Did he really think I couldn't see through that?
Lee Qingyun ran his finger over the dust on the box, pointedly showing Mr. Huang.
Mr. Huang coughed awkwardly, "Sect Master Lee, we can discuss the price. This is the only top-grade magical tool I've crafted. I'd hate to see it gathering dust... Let's talk numbers."
"Really?"
"Let's have a look at the staff then."
Mr. Huang made his way to a corner and retrieved a withered, yellowed stick, "This is the only staff we have."
Lee Qingyun remarked dryly, "So this is the largest weapon shop in Deepmere City..."
"There's no helping it, Sect Master Lee. The magical instrument you're seeking is quite obscure. If you were interested in swords, our shop offers over a hundred for you to peruse..." Old Man Huang lamented.
"Enough talk. How much for these two?" Lee Qingyun interjected.
"One top-grade magical instrument and one medium-grade. How does 600 spirit stones sound?" Old Man Huang proposed cautiously.
Lee Qingyun mulled it over. The sect's spiritual field hadn't been harvested yet, Fong Chuan's savings remained unfound, and his gambling had not paid off... Now, he had fewer than 800 spirit stones to his name...
With this in mind, Lee Qingyun countered, "200 spirit stones?"
"It's a deal!" Old Man Huang exhaled, "There's just no winning with you. But I've taken a liking to you, so let's call it 200. It's yours."
Lee Qingyun was puzzled, "???"
Had he not been aware that the combined market value of these two magical instruments was around 800 spirit stones, and that they were indeed authentic, he would have certainly felt swindled by Old Man Huang's act.
Was the old man practically giving away these weapons at cost to curry favor? Or was he simply eager to clear them out?
Regardless, Lee Qingyun had come out ahead.
...
After seeing Lee Qingyun off, Old Man Huang thought to himself with a sense of pride, 'A few hundred spirit stones is a small price to pay for the goodwill of a two-star sect master. Plus, it helps me move excess stock. In a couple of days, when my disciples compete, the entire city will witness the weapons I've crafted... This trade has been exceedingly worthwhile.'
