Qin Lu released a long, heavy breath, watching the faint spiritual glow settle over the repaired formation.

He slapped two [Repair Talismans] onto the array’s fracture points, sealing the breach Li Qingdu had forced open. It was a temporary fix, much like his current situation, but it would hold.

Retreating to his room, his gaze fell upon the [Blue Rainbow Sword] resting on his table. The blade was chipped, its spiritual light dim. It had served him faithfully from the sixth layer of Qi Refining all the way to the ninth, tasting blood and biting through steel. But against the challenges ahead—specifically the suicide mission the Wuji Sect had forced upon him—it was no longer enough.

“Time for you to retire,” Qin Lu murmured, running a finger along the scarred metal. “You’ve earned a peaceful old age.”

He sat down and swept his consciousness into his storage bag. With a thought, a cascade of spiritual energy poured out, clattering onto the wooden table. Spirit Stones. A small mountain of them.

He counted rapidly. One thousand six hundred, give or take.

“Enough for a Second Tier, Lower Grade flying sword,” he calculated, his eyes narrowing. “My swordsmanship has already reached the Legend rank. If I pair that technique with a blade capable of channeling real power, my combat potential will skyrocket.”

A decent Second Tier artifact usually cost between eight hundred and two thousand stones. He wasn’t rich, but he wasn’t destitute either.

With a wave of his sleeve, he swept the pile back into his bag and stood up. There was no point in delaying. The raid was imminent.

In the Wuji Market, Second Tier artifacts were rare commodities. Most shops treated them as heirlooms or non-sale display items to prove their capital. However, the “Ancient & Modern Hall” was different.

It was the undisputed giant of the magical artifact trade in the Nine Truths Region. Rumors claimed a Golden Core Patriarch stood behind the enterprise, casting a shadow long enough that even the local tyrants of the Wuji Sect had to tread lightly around its storefront.

Twenty minutes later, Qin Lu stood before the hall.

Business was booming. Even with the looming sect war, cultivators flocked here. Inside, the space was vast, housing over twenty browsing customers. The decor was understated—functional shelves lining the walls and heavy counters displaying treasures protected by formations. Rows of halberds, sabers, and spears gleamed under the magical lamps.

Young female cultivators in matching blue robes moved through the crowd, acting as attendants. As Qin Lu entered, one approached with a practiced smile.

“Senior, welcome. What sort of artifact are you seeking today?”

“Hello. I’m looking for Fellow Daoist Qian Li,” Qin Lu said.

“Understood. Please wait a moment.”

Qian Li was Lu Xian’s wife, and by extension, Lu Anchen’s mother. Having built a solid relationship with the Lu family over the past months, Qin Lu knew she worked here. If he was going to spend a fortune, he might as well do it with someone who wouldn’t fleece him.

Moments later, a beautiful woman with a mature charm walked over, her face lighting up when she recognized him. “Well, if it isn’t Brother Qin! What brings you out of seclusion today?”

“Sister-in-law,” Qin Lu greeted her with a warm smile, using the familial term. “I’m in the market for a new sword. I was hoping you could guide me in the right direction.”

“Say no more. What rank?”

Qin Lu stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Second Tier, Lower Grade.”

Qian Li’s eyes widened slightly, a flash of genuine delight crossing her face. A Second Tier sale was significant, carrying a hefty commission. She quickly composed herself, her professionalism taking over.

“Follow me upstairs.”

The second floor was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustle below. The air here was cooler, scented with sandalwood. There was only one other customer—a man in black robes, listening to a blue-robed attendant describe a defensive treasure.

Qin Lu’s instincts pricked. He subtly activated his [Heavenly Eye Technique], his spiritual sense brushing over the stranger.

Foundation Establishment.

Qin Lu’s heart skipped a beat. The man was suppressing his aura, appearing as a mortal, but the density of his spiritual pressure was unmistakable. A hidden dragon in a fish pond.

A stranger… passing through the market? Or a spy?

Qin Lu kept his expression bland, pretending to notice nothing, and followed Qian Li to a rack dedicated to offensive artifacts.

“Here we are, Brother Qin,” Qian Li said, gesturing to the display. “We have eight Second Tier offensive artifacts in stock right now. Sabers, spears, and halberds. But since you’re a swordsman, only these two are suitable.”

She pointed to two longswords resting on velvet cushions.

“This one is the [Seven Star Sword]. Second Tier, Lower Grade. The price is one thousand three hundred Spirit Stones. And this one,” she pointed to a darker blade, “is the [Dragon Shadow Sword]. Same tier, but priced at one thousand five hundred. Which one catches your eye?”

Qin Lu studied them. He could feel the cold, biting intent radiating from both blades, a sharp step up from his old weapon. He examined the Seven Star Sword, noting the craftsmanship.

“They’re both excellent,” Qin Lu said, straightening up. “But Sister-in-law, are these prices set in stone? Can you give me a friendly rate?”

“Aiya!” Qian Li laughed, slapping him lightly on the arm. “Of course! For a stranger, I’d only knock off thirty stones. But for Brother Qin? I’ll slice off fifty.”

“Fifty stones is generous. Thank you, Sister-in-law.” Qin Lu grinned. He pointed to the first blade. “I won’t waste your time. I’ll take the Seven Star Sword.”

“Refreshing!”

…

One thousand two hundred and fifty Spirit Stones lighter, Qin Lu walked out with his new weapon.

The [Seven Star Sword] was a beauty. The blade was forged from emerald-green cold iron, emitting a faint, frosty mist. Seven star-shaped indentations were inlaid along the hilt, and the crossguard was gilded with gold. It tapered aggressively from hilt to tip, balanced for speed and piercing power.

He could have afforded the Dragon Shadow Sword, but emptying his pockets completely before a dangerous mission was foolish. A man needed liquidity for emergencies.

He secured the sword in his storage bag and turned toward home.

Halfway there, he spotted a familiar figure walking down the opposite side of the street.

“Little Lu!”

Lu Anchen looked up, his face breaking into a bright grin. “Uncle Qin!”

He crossed the street, looking high-spirited. “I just left Little Lady Xu’s place. I was on my way to see my mother.”

Qin Lu nodded. He knew about “Little Lady Xu.” Her name was Xu Ruling, a loose cultivator and Lu Anchen’s serious girlfriend. They were already talking about marriage.

A thought struck Qin Lu. “You’re going to the Ancient & Modern Hall?”

“That’s right,” Lu Anchen said, patting his chest. “I might be leaving the market tomorrow, so I need to pick up a defensive artifact. Better safe than sorry.”

Qin Lu’s eyes narrowed slightly. Tomorrow.

“You’re going to… the Dragon Tiger Sect?” Qin Lu asked quietly.

“Huh?” Lu Anchen blinked, surprised. “Uncle Qin, you… you’re going too?”

Qin Lu gave a bitter smile and shrugged. “No choice. I’ve been dragged onto the pirate ship. Who knows if this trip will be a blessing or a curse.”

“Uncle Qin, you worry too much!” Lu Anchen laughed, waving his hand dismissively. “It’s hardly a big deal. We’re just hunting a single late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Plus, my Sect Leader and Senior Li Qingdu are both leading the team. With two Foundation Establishment experts, it’s foolproof!”

“I hope so…” Qin Lu murmured.

They chatted for a few more moments before parting ways.

Watching the young man’s retreating back, Qin Lu let out a breath. He had guessed right—Lu Anchen was part of Wu Zheng’s team, diving headfirst into this muddy water.

However, the news that the Wuji Sect Leader himself was joining Li Qingdu settled Qin Lu’s nerves slightly.

Two Foundation Establishment powerhouses.

Perhaps this mission wouldn’t be the death trap he feared. Perhaps.