Chương 5: Ten Thousand
The narrow streets thrived with vibrant life. Numerous shops lined the alleys, proudly displaying their various wares. Temporary stands popped up intermittently, drawing crowds of curious shoppers. The air was filled with a symphony of bustling activity and voices.
"Meat buns! Hot steamed meat buns!" echoed the raspy voice of an elderly man, cutting through the noise. In these bustling streets, it seemed that the loudest voices attracted the most customers. Another voice called out, advertising "Dance of Dragons Skill."
Tian Wei surveyed his surroundings, his eyes taking in the bustling scene. Suddenly, his gaze locked with the woman who had just promoted the "Dance of Dragons Skill." She possessed the eyes of a seasoned seller and quickly recognized that the man looking around was a newcomer to this place.
Although she perceived the man next to Tian Wei to be shrewder and more experienced and might not be a newcomer, she saw an opportunity to entice Tian Wei into making a purchase.
Assessing their appearances, she deduced that their attire hinted at a certain level of wealth. She couldn't ascertain their specific clan or family affiliation, as they didn't sport any jade tokens on their waists.
Seizing the moment, the woman swiftly abandoned her stand and approached the two young men, beckoning them with enthusiasm and passion.
"Young sir, I can sense the potential for you to ascend and become an immortal. Your talent emanates through the cracks of this mortal shell you wear," she began, wielding the book in front of Tian Wei enticingly.
Tian Wei's curiosity was piqued as he listened to her words. He studied the book she presented.
"What is this book you're offering?" Tian Wei inquired, his gaze fixed on the intriguing title inscribed on its pages.
With a knowing smile, the woman replied, "This, young sir, is a profound cultivation manual known as the 'Path of Celestial Ascendance.' It holds the secrets and techniques that can guide you on your journey towards becoming an immortal. Within its pages lie the wisdom of the ancients and the path to unlocking your true potential."
Tian Wei's interest grew, and he reached out to take the book from her, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Ai, what Path of Celestial Ascendance, more like a path to nowhere," Xuan Yi interjected, intercepting the book and pushing it back towards the woman. He didn't fall for the dubious claims of street skills. If cultivating immortality were as simple as practicing these techniques, everyone would be a god, if not an immortal.
The woman, undeterred by Xuan Yi's dismissal, maintained her cheerful demeanor. "Ai, young master, there's no need to be hasty. If this particular book doesn't interest you, I have a plethora of other skills and techniques available at my stand," she suggested, gesturing towards the array of items behind her.
Her eyes sparkled with renewed enthusiasm as she reached for a blue book positioned amidst her wares. Leaning forward, she spoke in a hushed tone, as if sharing the secrets of gods.
"This, young master, is the renowned Dance of Dragons skill. In ancient times, it was said that Wei Ying shook the very heavens with the power of this technique."
Tian Wei, unable to afford any of the incredible skills on display, could only admire them from afar. If he had the means, he would have gladly purchased the entire stand.
Xuan Yi seemed to understand Tian Wei's longing, and it appeared that the merchant could also discern the profound interest on his face. "We'll take the 'Path to Nowhere' book," he said mockingly as he snatched the 'Path of Celestial Ascendance' book from the merchant's hand.
Pulling a coin from beneath the belt of his robes, Xuan Yi placed it in the merchant's hand. He knew he had to get Tian Wei away from these streets before he exhausted his meager allowance.
The woman's eyes narrowed as she observed the coin. "Young master, this book is far too precious to be sold for just one coin. However, since you are my first customers today, I will offer you a 50% discount, even if it means selling it at a loss. It will be 20 coins," she suggested, displaying her haggling skills.
Xuan Yi's jaw dropped at the merchant's blatant shamelessness. Meanwhile, Tian Wei couldn't believe his luck in finding such a favorable deal.
As the two young men were about to make their purchase, an old man carrying steamed meat buns rushed over, wafting the enticing steam and aroma toward them.
Sensing that the merchants would continue to swarm them and potentially drain his pockets, Xuan Yi swiftly placed two more coins in the woman's hands. He then grabbed Tian Wei, whose face had brightened even more at the smell of the meat buns.
"I am not paying a single coin more. Take it or leave it," Xuan Yi asserted, not waiting for a response.
Under normal circumstances, Xuan Yi wouldn't spend a single coin on these useless books that some clans even distributed for free. Let alone spending three coins.
Understanding that the key to managing Tian Wei in these bustling streets was to lead him away quickly, Xuan Yi had initially planned to grab a meal from an open food stand or purchase something like the cheaper meat buns.
However, he knew that doing so would attract more persistent merchants and their various wares. If he didn't want to buy, Tian Wei might even use his strength to pressure him into making a purchase.
Preferring to spend a few more coins for the peace and security of an inn, Xuan Yi hastened to lead Tian Wei to the nearest establishment, not giving him any chance to get lured by the surroundings.
They had just stepped foot inside the inn when a sudden gust of wind caught their attention. A sword sliced through the air, emanating a magnificent aura of raw power. The attack had missed its intended target but now fixated itself on Xuan Yi.
Reacting instinctively, Xuan Yi's aura surged from his body, forming a defensive wall of chi before him. With no time to evade the attack, he braced himself to confront it head-on. However, he couldn't deny that this feeble defense would be shredded like paper against the strength of the oncoming sword.
Tian Wei stomped his feet and propelled himself into the air, floating before Xuan Yi like a deity. Having witnessed Xuan Yi's abilities firsthand, Tian Wei knew all too well that with his own strength, the sword would cut through him like a hot knife through butter.
He rotated his arm, his flamboyant sleeves creating a surge of wind that spun like a whirl pool that sought to devour the sword. In the might of the swirling majestic chi, the sword broke apart and shattered into dozens of metal shards.
Far ahead, a young man stood, seemingly the originator of the attack. It became evident that there had been a commotion within the inn, and this man had targeted someone with his sword.
The young man's face contorted with a mixture of surprise, horror, and disdain. He recognized Tian Wei at the entrance and understood that he was facing an opponent far stronger than himself. However, he couldn't help but wonder at the audacity displayed by the individual who had shattered the sword belonging to the young master of the Wang sect.
"It's the Yang clan's Ten Thousand Sword Tempering Skill," an older lady standing beside the young man cried out in horror, recognizing the technique that had just been displayed.
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