Chapter 34: Herbs for Weapons

What the heck!

An acoustic attack!

Someone dared to attack our establishment?!

Men, to arms!

Not a few among the guests already drew their arms, ready to fight.

When such a voice spread throughout the hall, everyone with the cultivation of Main Stars and even Primary Heavenly Stars turned dizzy. With higher cultivation, one’s senses were enhanced. Such superior hearing allowed them to detect any possible danger approaching. However, while they were usually guarded against sudden sound attacks, this place was in the middle of the city and within the auction house’s grand pavilion. With all the complex formations within the hall, they thought for sure that the place was safe from acoustic attacks, so they relaxed and enjoyed the buzz of the bidding war. However, it seemed…

They were sorely mistaken.

Many more joined their friends and foes in drawing arms, the hall turned quite stiff for a second. With eyes turning in a similar direction, they realized such an attack came from the VIP room... The room from before.

“Ehem,”

Mu-er’s voice rang through the hall. It was awkward, but there was calm in his voice.

“Excuse our young one. That wasn’t any acoustic attack. She simply raised her voice, the formation in our room was off, it didn’t turn back on by itself,”

“…”

“…”

The heck?

You mean, that was not an acoustic attack?

That was simply someone raising her voice?

How could such a piercing voice… from a child?

Is it a demonic child?

…

It was a little too hard to accept. Could someone actually raise her voice to such an extent? Well, it’s possible for some Spirit or Demonic Beasts... But for a human, well, it was true that the formations within the hall did not activate, so it might not be an attack.

But that voice, what a voice!

…

“Uhm, I believe… It would be fine for everyone, to – to calm down?”

Getting up from the floor, Host Li coughed as he said. Once in a while, he had VIPs who were quite eccentric, so it cannot be helped. As long as such action could be contained, they should just bear with it.

“I would appreciate it if everyone calm down. The sound-barrier formation didn’t turn back on by itself, p-perhaps it was our mistake. No, let’s assume it is so! Such accident was unexpected, but I believe it should not hinder the auction,”

Hearing the host, the various forces calmed down.

While some of them still felt dizzy, it was not enough reason to make an enemy of a force possessing at least two Heavenly Stars experts. Within An Shan’s room, An Shan’s hand was still on the bell, thus turning the internal sound barrier off. Taking his hand off it, part of the formations in the room glowed, activating itself. Beside him was Xiao Mei. Seeing the ruckus caused by her outside, she felt dread. Her hand moved towards her butt, oh pity you…

Yet contrary to her expectation, An Shan did not mind it in the least.

“…Eh, eh. Dad, I didn’t do it on purpose, eh…”

“Nevermind, stop eh-ing. Mu-er, who purchased the pills?”

“It’s Dong Clan next to us, father. One of the drug lords,”

“…The Dong Clan? I recalled you saying that this place, close to their territory?”

“Yes. Though the auction house is located in the city center, it is still nearer to the east. The Dong Clan has more influence here than any other force,”

“Influence? Right, on the map… Plenty of entertainment houses here, am I wrong?”

“You’re correct, father. Prostitution is rampant here. It’s the Dong clan’s secondary business after all. Not many drug addicts could pay for drugs, so quite a number of them… use their young daughters as collateral,”

Mu-er’s voice was a bit stifled.

Hearing so, An Shan was not surprised. A drug lord would always have a secondary business, usually not a clean one too. Then again, he still felt a slight annoyance. For the high, for that momentary illusion of extreme happiness, a person’s morality was broken. It was broken to the level of selling one’s very own daughter to pimps. He wondered what would be more tragic than this…

To lose one’s conscience and one’s family?

It was tragic for all family members, especially so for the daughter, consumed by men of lust because of her own father. Her father, the one man who was supposed to protect her young self… After such an experience, how much would her worldview change? Could she even trust any man anymore? Whatever the change might be, he knew it could never be the same…

Her innocence was gone, forever.

And for this Dong clan to actually profit from such tragedy?

…

To dare called themselves one of the Kings of Wang Nan…

Do you even know the duty of Kings?

Closing his eyes, he felt like going out for a little rampage. Hmm, maybe massacring a few hundreds of them for a breather? That might be fun, fufu… Then again, with White Tiger Imperial Clan around, such behavior was not possible. Patience An Shan, patience.

“The pills… How much did they purchase them for?”

“It was 177 million,”

“…Well, serve them right,”

“Err…”

Hearing his comment, Mu-er could not quite follow. There was something else in what he said, as if buying the pills was not worth it, not at all. It was more than that. But when he checked the pills, he did not find anything wrong with it. So what did his ancestor mean by that?

Seeing his confused look, An Shan waved his hand.

“Never mind that. The herb’s about to be auctioned,”

“Yes!”

Seeing the whole hall quiet down, Elder Li resumed. He began explaining the rule for the auction;

“There are three herbs in total, and while I believe everyone is already aware, allow me to explain the rules. For each of the herbs, the sellers demanded at least one Heaven-rank Spirit Weapon. It could either be a sword, a blade or a spear… or anything useful. However, if none of the offers could satisfy their interest, they reserved the right to cancel the auction,”

The crowd did not protest.

While auction usually meant that the item had to go, some sellers with rare items would demand such a practice to be exempted. That could not be helped, since these herbs were special after all. As for the first one;

“Allow me to introduce this herb, the Six-Petals Phoenix Lily!”

Elder Li explained, voice full of vigor and excitement.

Aged around 700 years old, the Six-Petals Phoenix Lily was a special type of herb. In legends, it was said to be spread around the world by only one type of bird – The Majestic Phoenix! In addition, for it to be able to grow, it needed strict requirements. The area must be filled with Yang energy, yet at the same time still had plenty enough water to support it. For it to mature, it required at least nine cycles of sixty years, and to reach the peak, required twelve cycles.

This herb was so close to its peak, yet it had to be sold now for some reason.

This herb could be used to rejuvenate a Phoenix cultivator back from near death, even bringing back youth to one who had aged. It was most useful to cultivators who use the Fiery Phoenix Imperial Clan’s cultivation method. And to a lesser degree, useful to any fire-based cultivators. Its effect doubled for a female cultivator, making it most desirable to female members of the Fiery Phoenix Imperial Clan.

However, would people here, who were mostly men and not even practicing fire-based cultivation, be interested?

Of course, they might not be interested in it for their personal use. However, one must know that to grab a lady’s attention, men must do whatever was necessary. In the case of this herb, it was most suitable as an offering to the Fiery Phoenix Imperial Clan. The clan was quite far from Wang Nan, but not so far. There was just a small sea separating them. Should any of these forces’ young masters wish for their member’s hand, should they not prepare a suitable dowry?

Well, they had no illusion of getting the hands of a direct successor. However, having even a normal clan member as a fiancé would boost their clan and sect’s status. Their rivals would have to think nine times before offending them.

Of course, one could also use it as a tribute to Fiery Phoenix. Depending on their background, the clan might even offer them several years of protection.

After evaluators from various forces confirmed that it was genuine, Elder Li tarry no further.

“Now that you’re aware of its value, let the bidding begins. Those interested, produce your Spirit Weapon!”

As soon as Elder Li said, several elders stood up. From their spatial ring, they took out their spirit weapons;

“Hm, I, elder Tang Li from Blue Moon Sect, presented this Primary-class Heaven-rank… The Tranquil Water Spear!”

“Ha, only Primary? You should be ashamed. I, Gu Yue from Five Pillars clan, offer this Mid-class, Heaven-rank Spirit Souring Blade!”

“Hmph, your rank might be superior, but what about its special attribute? Do you dare to compare?”

“Why shouldn’t I? This blade is not so simple, let me explain…”

One by one, various forces presented their Spirit Weapon.

While each and every one of them was a Heaven-rank Spirit Weapon, each had different characteristics. To differentiate the quality between the Spirit Weapon of the same rank, evaluators gave more classification, namely primary, mid, and advanced class. Peak-class like the two auctioned earlier was rare in between. There were over twenty weapons presented on stage, hovering in the air. However, even for these many offers, they were all in Primary and Mid-class…

…

“Hmph, just this much? You people, a disgrace for men of Wang Nan,”

Following a harrumph from one of the VIP rooms, a sword was thrown out from the white veil. Flying straight towards Elder Li, it stopped right in the middle of the weapons. Shivering, a force came out from it, scattering other weapons as if wind scattering dandelions. Still in its scabbard, the sword was shining red, bloody red. The aura around it made people feel stifled, as if a demon sovereign making a descent towards the lower realm, hungry for blood.

“A… Advance-class!”

“Just a step from Peak-class!”

“This sword… isn’t it Sha Clan’s most prized sword?”

“Indeed, I’ve seen it before, it’s the Blood Emperor!”

The crowd turned to the VIP room upstairs. It was from one of the drug lords, the one who ruled the southern area of Wang Nan. Also known as the clan of loan sharks, it was regarded as the most ruthless clan in the whole region. It was, however, also one of the richest. With their money, they had bought out so many officials and elders from the so-called righteous sects and clans around the city. The amount of money they presented was more than enough for these righteous people to turn a blind eye to their activities. Many said the Sha clan might very well be the richest among the four drug lords…

And if not for their clan Patriarch’s hobby of collecting valuable weapons, the clan would no doubt be even richer! Everyone knew him as an avid weapon collector, spending tens of millions every week to buy a new Spirit Weapon for his amusement. He truly valued these weapons, viewing them as if they were his children!

But now, the clan offered one of their most treasured weapons?

Surely the clan Patriarch would not consent…

Soon, an elderly voice, harrumph in a sneer;

“Hmph, to gain something of value, one must sacrifice something of equal value… To think all of you wishing to trade this precious herb with weapons like these. While your offerings aren’t bad, it’s still not enough. Your action, how shameful!”

The voice snorted, as if having the flu.

While the crowd totally missed the voice before, now it was all clear. Hearing it, some of the elders there turned anxious. The one who sent away the weapon, was not any elders from that clan… but the clan’s Patriarch himself!

“T-this voice…”

“So it’s the esteemed Patriarch Sha Yu himself! Indeed, what Your Excellency said before was true,”

“Such a superior weapon, this old man’s ashamed,”

“This sword… Something tells me its special attribute was not so simple!”

A Spirit Weapon often had its special attribute, depending on how it was crafted and used. Normally, most Spirit Weapons have different attributes. Their special attribute would grant its wielder a special kind of ability usable in battle. Though it could not guarantee victory, the fact that it could tilt the chances of winning and surviving, made it worth the hefty price. Due to this, a Spirit Weapon with a unique special attribute was most desired by cultivators.

After all, a life lost could not be bought back.

“Hmph,”

Hearing someone mentioning his sword’s special attribute, Patriarch Sha Yu harrumphed with pride. Indeed, it was not so simple, and as an avid collector proud of his collection, he was more than delighted to speak about it. Especially so in front of this crowd of elders and their promising disciples, people from large sects and clans… What better audience could he ask for? This was a rare chance!

He waved his hand, opening the veil to the room. Everyone’s attention turned to him. He was in a shining golden robe, standing gallantly as if a battle hero in ancient tales.

“This elder from Flying Dagger Sect indeed has eyes… Some of you might recognize, this is Blood Emperor, a sword that was forged over 800 years ago. During the time of its birth, it was an era embroiled with war…”

He spoke about the sword with passion.

While it bled his heart to part with it, speaking about it lifted his spirit. This Blood Emperor had a long history. It had its name craved into history as a Spirit Sword which had slaughtered so much, mostly in the small-scaled war which happened seven to eight-hundred years ago. During that time, it was still a new Spirit Weapon, devoid of any special attribute. However, as it continued to bathe in blood… the Qi from so many of its victims seeped into it, and it triggered this Spirit Weapon to slowly manifest a special attribute. It allowed its user to convert blood into energy, granting the wielder continued stamina in a long, protracted battle…

Thus, the attribute was fittingly called, The Might of Blood!

And acquiring this sword was one of his greatest feats. The story was too long to be told, so he could only say that it was a sacrifice he paid in blood. He killed around two hundred people to get his hands on this. Hearing his explanation, the audience held their breath.

A special attribute that prolonged one’s stamina?

Able to absorb the opponent’s Blood Qi, turning it into energy?

What is a special attribute? This is it!

Many elders nodded, and not a few caressed their white, grey, or black beards, commenting;

“Fair trade, fair indeed… Patriarch Sha Yu truly is generous,”

“To get one of value, one must pay things of equal… I’ve been enlightened!”

“The Patriarch truly dealt things fairly…”

After contemplation, many elders there saluted his room with respect.

These elders did not dare offend such a dangerous man. While all of them originated from large sects and clans, it was better to steer clear of this man’s way. All of them started to acknowledge Patriarch Sha Yu as fair, scorning themselves at the same time. Hearing all these vain talks, An Shan raised his eyebrow. Turning eyes to Mu-er, he asked;

“…What’s this whole deal about being fair? Felt like I’m missing something,”

“…Father, aside from drugs, I must inform you that the Sha Clan, had a loan shark… business.”

“Mu-er, loan-sharking is not a business… Nevermind, explain,”

“Yes. In getting back their money, they had a famous saying. It was pretty much this; ‘You ought to give back something of equal value, that’s only fair.’ They also regard their time as very valuable, thus the loan they gave out is inflated up to the heavens as time went on. Many 'clients' could not pay back in time, so they had them trade something they said to be of equal value, else they would make their life miserable…”

“…Trade, such as?”

“They have a catalog of prices. One could sell their organs, lands, business, and even their wife and children… Err, if I’m not mistaken, even their engagement contract,”

“…”

Pa!

An Shan did a face-slap on himself.

That was irony beyond measure. Such a clan, he was not sure whether to laugh or to cry. Well, towards their victims, he would love to cry for them. But for these blood-suckers, he would love to laugh… for their demise.

He and his comrades saved the continent, for what? For who?

For these bloodsuckers?

…

As soon as Patriarch Sha Yu made his bid, no one else dared to make one. Of course, Sha Yu anticipated this. With his fame, even if anyone here had better weapons, they still had to defer to him. Making an enemy out of him for just a possibility was foolish. With this gesture, he also indirectly announced to everyone in the city, the possible candidate for his still single son.

That son played around so much in the Dong clan’s brothel, almost fifty years old, yet he did not even think of settling! Though his son was a no-good son, he was still his sole successor. He could not leave him without sufficient backup. While he treasured this weapon, he had to force himself to part with it. It was by luck that that foolish son of his, managed to meet a member of Fiery Phoenix. For better or for worse, it was love at first sight, but the lady had no interest in him. With her background, even he could not force himself on her. Immediately, he turned to his father, making up his mind to finally settle in.

For the first time in Sha Yu’s life, this foolish son of his promised he would no longer fool around. As long as he got her as his wife, he promised his father, that he would concentrate on managing the family business!

For Sha Yu, it was a dream comes true. It was the first time he saw his son having so much conviction, aside from forcing himself on women. Yet he knew, to earn the favor of a Fiery Phoenix clan member, one had to pay sufficient price, else one was just deluding oneself! With this in mind, he brought three of his most prized weapons to this auction…

To his side in a lesser golden robe, was his said son, Sha Zongyu. Eyes gleaming, he felt admiration, for he finally saw a truly heroic side of his father. Seeing his father being adamant, sacrificing even his most prized possession, he promised himself… Should this work, I will deliver my promise!

In the room, were the Sha clan members. The determined expression of the Sha clan’s Patriarch left everyone there in awe. To sacrifice his most prized treasure for his no-good son, without batting an eyelid? Em, this was their Patriarch, their leader! He was someone who taught them life lessons, someone they looked up to!

What a man!

…

Yet unknown to everyone, in Sha Yu’s inner thought, he was crying…

‘Huhu, oh well, at least I got this Peak-class one from before… Expensive, but worth it... maybe,’

His heart ached, yet he steeled himself for his son. Thinking of the new sword he purchased in the auction just now, he was delighted to return and appreciate it all day.

No, maybe for a week…

Nah, at least a month.

No, no… enough for a year. I’m broken.

…

Seeing no one else managed to offer something more valuable, Elder Li turned to a room on the third floor. While he could not see the inside well, there were two silhouettes near the veil. They were two ladies, providers of the rare herbs. Seeing him hinting for their permission, they turned to each other. Still in doubt, they discussed for a bit. Looking a bit dejected, one of them nodded nonetheless.

Immediately, Elder Li announced;

“Since there’s no other offer, I’ll proclaim that the item, the Six-Petals Phoenix Lily goes to Patriarch Sha Yu’s in three—”

“Hold it,”

An Shan’s voice rang within the hall.

Immediately, something flew out from the veil!

A thunderous roar filled the hall, reaching the stage in a blink!

…!!

“Wha…”

“What happened? My eyes!”

“Is it an attack again?!”

“No, hold your horses!”

Sensing no killing intent around, the crowd calmed down. Yet in front of them, a buzzing and shivering in the air kept them on guard. The existence of something in front made their skin shiver. Within one breath, the aftereffect of the flash just now slowly faded. They finally saw, what that something was… And that something was not one, but two!

One saber, one sword.

Brilliant golden lightning filled their surroundings, and the two seemed as though twins, a brother, and a sister. With just a glimpse, everyone there shuddered. These two weapons, both were…

Advance-class, Heaven-rank!

=== ===