C15 Master of Artifact Refinement!

As the crowd's astonishment at Su Ze of the Su family began to subside, a voice suddenly rang out, "Zhang Datong."

Who would be bold enough to address the domineering Zhang Datong so directly?

The onlookers turned to see Xiang Yongming, a Soul Separation Stage Master of Artifact Refinement, rising to his feet and fixing his gaze on Zhang Datong.

Zhang Datong quickly offered a smile and said, "Elder Xiang, how may I assist you?"

"The two items you presented to Young Master Suze earlier, does one of them happen to be that particular piece?" inquired Xiang Yongming.

Zhang Datong, catching on, nodded in confirmation. "Yes, it is indeed that very item."

"And what sort of man is Young Master Suze?" Xiang Yongming pressed further.

Reflecting on their brief exchange, Zhang Datong replied, "He possesses an exceptional Root Bone, a clear purpose, and a peaceful demeanor towards others."

Xiang Yongming's face broke into a gratified smile. "That's reassuring. I would like to meet him."

"Certainly, Elder Xiang. I'll accompany you."

With that, Zhang Datong took the lead. Xiang Yongming and his granddaughter, along with the manager of the Glorious Martial Merchant House, made their way to the private room.

Their departure marked the resumption of the auction. Though the third-floor attendees continued to bid, their attention was divided, their gazes drifting towards the private room now and then.

Previously, Su Ze of the Su family was merely known for his genius, but now, he had caught the eye of the Myriad Treasure Auction House, and even warriors at the Soul Separation Stage sought an audience with him.

The Su family was poised for a resurgence! In Tieling City, none could halt the Su family's ascent!

And Su Ze was the linchpin in this revival.

He was to be the true heart of the Su family for decades to come.

"We must report this to the clan leader immediately!" declared an elder of the Pang Family, leading his group out in haste.

Faang Gui, the steward of the Fang family, was unceremoniously escorted out by the guards of the Glorious Martial Merchant House. He cast a rueful glance back at the establishment, harboring the same urgency.

They needed to relay the news to their clan leader without delay!

Inside the private room, after Su Ze finished reciting the Danxia Mental Cultivation Method and the Mountain Splitting Palm, the scribe who had been documenting the techniques took his leave.

Su Ze then unveiled the two items sent by Zhang Datong, shrouded in red cloth, and began to inspect them closely.

On the left, the Yellow Rank Middle Grade Martial Skill, Cool Breeze Sword Technique, boasted twelve sword moves across six distinct realms. To the right stood a sword about five feet in length. While ordinary swords typically measure three to four feet, this one was as tall as an eleven or twelve-year-old child, its surface etched with intricate blood lines that clearly inspired its name—the Blood Stripe Sword.

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

Su Ze grasped the hilt, contemplating, "A five-foot sword aligns perfectly with my desired attack range. A three-foot sword would be too short, but five feet is just right."

With a casual flick of his wrist, he sliced through the table corner as if it were soft tofu.

A thrill of satisfaction surged through Su Ze. A weapon of such grade wielded incredible power! Without similar arms, Acquired warriors would struggle to withstand it.

His attack strength and range had significantly improved, bolstering his confidence for the challenges ahead.

As he pondered, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Su Ze sheathed the Blood Stripe Sword and rose to answer it.

There stood Zhang Datong, Xiang Yongming, and the proprietor of the Glorious Martial Merchant House.

"What brings you back? Is there an issue with the mental cultivation method and Martial Skill I sold you?"

"No, it's not that..." Zhang Datong began, introducing Su Ze and Xiang Yongming to each other before continuing, "The Blood Stripe Sword was crafted by Senior Xiang. It holds special significance, which is why he specifically wished to meet the new owner of the sword."

Su Ze, puzzled, turned to Xiang Yongming. A Master of Artifact Refinement could forge Profound Rank weapons—why such concern for a Yellow Rank Low Grade weapon?

Reading the question in Su Ze's eyes, Xiang Yongming offered an explanation, "Though the Blood Stripe Sword is merely a Yellow Rank Low Grade, it's the creation I remember most vividly. I hope it finds a worthy home."

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

Su Ze replied, "I purchase weapons to use them. I'm not concerned with anything else. If you expect me to just display it and meticulously maintain it every day, I'm afraid that's not something I can commit to."

Zhang Datong uttered a soft exclamation.

Was Su Ze truly oblivious to his good fortune? Master Xiang had expressed his hope for the Blood Stripe Sword to find a worthy home, yet Su Ze remained forthright.

Hearing Su Ze's candid response, Xiang Yongming's face took on a complex expression. After a moment of hesitation, he came to a resolution.

"Given my attachment, I would wish for you to cherish and care for this Blood Stripe Sword daily. However, having decided to sell it, I am ready to let go of a piece of my history."

"The Blood Stripe Sword should fulfill its true purpose as a weapon."

His voice wavered, and his eyes reddened with emotion.

"Grandfather, perhaps we shouldn't sell the sword after all?" Xiang Fangfei, standing by his side, couldn't bear to see his heartache and spoke up urgently.

Xiang Yongming gave a slight shake of his head. "No, it's time for me to part with it. I must also release my attachment to past accolades and regrets."

"This sword was crafted forty years ago. At my lowest, I forged it with my own blood. It was then I succeeded in creating a weapon of grade. This Blood Stripe Sword embodies my resolve, my desperate struggles, and a chapter of my life."

He gazed at Su Ze with a grave expression. "Young Master Suze, your frankness just now speaks volumes of your upright character. I entrust this sword to you."

After finishing his declaration, he passed an old, worn book to Su Ze. "These are some insights from my artifact refinement journey. I entrust them to you as well. I hope you will value them."

Recognizing the depth of his sentiment and the significance he placed on the Blood Stripe Sword and the old books, Su Ze made his decision to accept the responsibility.

Without hesitation, Su Ze agreed.

Xiang Yongming took one last, long look at the Blood Stripe Sword, then exhaled deeply. "Very well, Young Master Suze, may your martial journey be ever prosperous! I shall take my leave now."

"Thank you for your kind words," Su Ze responded.

Xiang Yongming gave a nod and turned to Xiang Fangfei, "Fangfei, it's time for us to depart. My mission here is complete, and I must return to my craft of artifact refinement."

Xiang Fangfei acknowledged with a nod and followed Master Xiang as they made their way out.

Zhang Datong, along with the proprietor of the Glorious Martial Merchant House, attempted to convince Master Xiang to prolong his stay, to no avail. He promptly boarded an opulent carriage and departed.

With the room door shut behind him, Su Ze contemplated the Blood Stripe Sword, a wave of sentiment washing over him.

It surely had its tales to tell.

Yet, now that it had come into Su Ze's possession, its days ahead were destined for greater splendor, far surpassing the confines of a mere Yellow Rank Low Grade.