Chapter Seventy-Two: The Four Sects

“Haha!”

The man in yellow strode out of the white mist and cupped his hands to those present. “Thank you all for waiting!”

As he spoke, he took a single step forward and instantly arrived at the center of the mountaintop’s wooden platform, sweeping his gaze around him.

The cultivators who had been whispering among themselves immediately fell silent, all turning their eyes to the man in yellow, most wearing expressions of awe and respect.

“Haha, there’s no need to be so restrained! After all, this is the first time our Qishan Sect has taken the lead in hosting a gathering like this. The arrangements are humble, and the fact that you’ve all come is already giving me great honor.”

Though he was at the Foundation Establishment stage, this man carried no airs; at least on the surface, he seemed forthright and bold, not releasing even a trace of Foundation Establishment pressure.

Most of the crowd below let out a collective sigh of relief. Someone called out with a laugh, “Senior Chu, your abilities are vast! By organizing this gathering, you’re truly benefiting us Qi Refining cultivators. We’re all grateful—who would dare not show up?”

The man in yellow waved his hand. “You flatter me, friend! We’re all companions from across the lands—no need for so much ‘senior’ this and ‘senior’ that. My name is Chu Shi. You may all call me Fellow Daoist Chu Shi!”

He spoke casually and with ease, but of course, no one present would actually dare to call him directly by name. Yet with his few words, the previously tense atmosphere relaxed, and the gathering became lively, no longer as stiff as when he first appeared.

Chu Shi glanced around, satisfied, and spoke again: “The success of this gathering is also thanks to the stalwart support of three other sects. Allow me to introduce three outstanding young talents.”

His smile widened as he gestured to the three who’d accompanied him, inviting them forward.

The three stepped onto the platform in turn, clearly having rehearsed this.

“This is Fan Xunmei, a promising inner disciple of Tanshan Sect. Though still young, he has already reached the seventh layer of Qi Refining, and his mastery of the ‘Book Mountain Art’ is well on its way. I daresay his Foundation Establishment is all but certain in the future!”

Fan Xunmei offered a gentle smile, cupping his hands to Chu Shi. “You praise me too highly, senior. I have only happened upon some fortunate opportunities and resources to reach the seventh layer. In terms of talent and comprehension, there are many here more gifted than I.”

He then bowed to the crowd. “Fellow daoists, my Tanshan Sect’s gates are always open to those of fate. Though we are not a grand or famous sect, we will never treat anyone poorly.”

Young as he was, Fan Xunmei displayed no arrogance or brashness, but was courteous and composed, his words flawless and even extending an olive branch to the unaffiliated cultivators below.

Many among the audience applauded him, and not a few female cultivators, seeing his refined features and scholarly demeanor, felt their hearts stir, as if his every glance and smile drew their very souls into a dream.

Chu Shi, noticing the crowd’s reaction, gave a discreet cough. Fan Xunmei merely smiled and stepped back.

“Next,” Chu Shi continued, pointing to a blue-clad swordsman, “is Li Huan of the Blood Blade Sect. I’m sure their ‘Boundless Blood Sea Blade Manual’ needs no introduction. Young as he is, Li Huan has already cultivated it to the second level—a genius rarely seen in the ages.”

At the mention of the ‘Boundless Blood Sea Blade Manual,’ those in the know drew sharp breaths, looking at Li Huan with evident fear.

Li Huan himself remained aloof, not even sparing the crowd a glance.

“As for our last guest, she too has reached the seventh layer of Qi Refining and is an outstanding disciple of the Fragrant Sect—Miss Nangong Xiaomei.” Chu Shi was about to say more, when Nangong Xiaomei stepped forward, smiling at the crowd.

“My skills are humble. There’s no need for an introduction from Senior Chu,” she said, hands at her waist, bowing gracefully. “My abilities are limited, but the Fragrant Sect is a business-oriented sect. Even the so-called ‘unorthodox’ arts are available among us. We have shops in all the major cities, and you are all welcome to visit.”

With another bow, she quietly withdrew to the back of the stage.

Chu Shi stroked his chin with a smile. “You’re too modest, Nephew Nangong. When you return, please pass my regards to your master.”

Nangong Xiaomei nodded. “Rest assured, Senior—I will deliver your message.”

Clearly in high spirits, Chu Shi addressed the crowd again. “This gathering is not only hosted by Qishan Sect, but also marks the first step toward an alliance of our four sects. To celebrate, anything you purchase today will be discounted by ten percent in spirit stones—a small token of our gratitude.”

His words caused an uproar below. Someone muttered in astonishment, “Qishan Sect is truly generous!”

Chu Shi took in their reactions with a faint smile. “Now, I’ve kept you long enough. I’m sure many of you are eager to begin. Let us proceed with the exchange.”

With a glance at a middle-aged man in green below, Chu Shi left the stage.

Catching the signal, the green-robed man strode up and bowed to the crowd.

“My name is Wan Chuan, and I have the honor of presiding over today’s gathering. Please be patient, as our first item up for auction is a rare treasure!”

Cultivators generally disliked small talk and preferred to get straight to the point. Wan Chuan’s directness immediately piqued everyone’s interest.

A female cultivator entered, carrying a square wooden tray, upon which rested only a small, exquisite cloth pouch.

There were murmurs among the audience, until someone finally asked, “May I ask, fellow daoist, what is so precious as to be contained in such a small pouch?”

Wan Chuan smiled mysteriously. “The first item is not a magical artifact or a pill, but a message!”

His words caused an instant uproar. The four-sect gathering’s opening item wasn’t a treasure, but a message?

The crowd buzzed. “Oh? What kind of message could be so valuable?”

Wan Chuan replied solemnly, “It is the exact location of a sword cultivator’s technique.”

“A sword manual!”

There was a collective gasp; many in the audience began to breathe heavily.

“Yes, a sword manual—and one suitable for Qi Refining cultivators,” Wan Chuan continued.

Excitement erupted below. Even Liang Yan couldn’t help but grow agitated; he had once spent a treasured order token in the Transmission Pavilion of Yixing Pavilion, yet found no sword manuals. Even in such great sects, sword techniques were beyond the reach of ordinary disciples, let alone smaller sects.

Many present who understood the value of sword manuals flushed with fervor, while others remained calm. A black-clad youth spoke coldly, “Since your sect knows the location of this sword manual, why not claim it yourselves? Why put it up for auction?”

Wan Chuan replied slowly, “You needn’t worry, friend. All four sects have brought their finest treasures for this exchange. As fine as this sword manual may be, it only leads to the peak of Qi Refining and offers nothing beyond for Foundation Establishment. Better to let everyone compete for it.”

Though he spoke so lightly, inwardly he thought, “We’d have claimed it if we could. A sword manual for the Qi Refining stage would tempt even Foundation Establishment elders. But the place is too dangerous—filled with traps and native spirit beasts at Foundation Establishment strength. It’s too risky to seize by force, so we offer it here instead.”

Some in the crowd had guessed as much. A shrill voice called out, “A sword manual is fine, but one must live to claim it! Surely the place is too perilous to be worth the risk?”

Wan Chuan shot the speaker a sidelong glance, his expression unchanged. “Fortune and risk are forever intertwined. If you seek gain without daring risk, you might as well shut yourself in your cave for a lifetime of meditation.”

The man flushed, forced a laugh, and fell silent.

Wan Chuan continued, “The path of the sword is rare indeed. Though this is only a Qi Refining technique, it may be the key to entering the way of the sword. Miss this chance, and you may never step onto the sword path. Consider carefully. Enough talk—the opening bid for this first item is six hundred spirit stones!”