The Coastal City, a modestly-sized urban center, has earned a reputation for its bustling business in a diverse array of Cultivation resources and weaponry supplied to nearby towns. Despite the name that has persisted for ages, it's quite puzzling that this city isn't located along the shores of any sea or river—its origin remains a mystery.
Encircled by a formidable ten-meter-high wall, this city reflects a common architectural feature among many urban areas aimed at safeguarding against beastly onslaughts.
Just beyond the city walls, a group of individuals was conversing with the guard and completing their registration to gain entry. Among this crowd was Ray and his companions.
After traveling for several days, we finally reached our long-awaited destination. Once we completed the registration process, we stepped into the bustling heart of the city.
Upon entering, my immediate priority was to find Clinton. Throughout this journey, I realized that the sword I currently possessed was far from ideal for fending off beasts—it was just an ordinary blade. It became clear that I needed to invest in a superior weapon for my safety.
Clinton might have a fantastic sword to offer, but even if he doesn't, as a savvy merchant, he'll definitely know where I can find a good one.
It wasn't long before I spotted Clinton organizing the merchandise and inspecting the inventory. As I approached, he looked up with a friendly smile and said, "Ray, what brings you here? If you're wondering when we'll be heading back, it's in five days. You're welcome to join us, and the price will be the same as before."
I replied, "I'd love to come back with you, but that's not why I'm here. I'm looking to buy a sword. Do you have any, or can you point me to a good place to get one?" I first confirmed my intention to return with him before jumping into my request about the sword.
He pondered for a moment, then said, "I do have some swords, but they're meant for delivery and not for sale. However, if you let me know your budget, I can suggest some options that fit your price range."
I thought for a second and answered, "I can spend around 50 silver coins. If there's a better sword available, I'm open to spending a bit more."
Fifty silver coins is no insignificant sum; considering that 1 silver coin equates to 1,000 bronze coins, that totals around 50,000 bronze coins. Typically, all resource transactions up to the golden core realm are carried out using these types of coin currencies. There are four categories of coins: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with each higher value coin worth a thousand times that of its lower counterpart.
"Well, you've got a solid budget," Clinton remarked thoughtfully. ''I recommend heading to the main market and checking out a shop called Forge Masters. You'll find an excellent sword there, and if you're inclined, you can even place an order for a custom-made sword just for you.''
After receiving the shop's address, I expressed my gratitude to Clinton before parting ways with the group. Next, I made my way to the nearest hotel to book a room.
Once I entered my room, the first thing I did was head straight for the shower. It had been days since I'd last washed, and I was definitely in need of some freshening up. I couldn't rely on qi to cleanse myself from the grime, as my control over it wasn't quite proficient yet.
After completing my invigorating shower, I stepped out of the hotel, feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the day ahead. My destination was the bustling main market, a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds, where vendors peddled their wares and the aroma of street food wafted through the air. My goal was clear: I was on a mission to find the Forge Masters, a shop renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and the expertise of its owner, a grandmaster in the ancient art of forging. The reputation of this establishment had spread like wildfire among the local cultivators, making it a must-visit for anyone serious about weaponry and craft.
As I navigated through the lively market streets, dotted with colorful stalls and merchants calling out to potential customers, I eagerly engaged with passersby, questioning them about the whereabouts of the esteemed Forge Masters. The anticipation built within me as I absorbed the lively atmosphere around me, filled with the shouts of hawkers and the laughter of children.
Upon finally locating the Forge Masters, I walked through the threshold, the door creaking slightly as I entered. Inside, I was immediately greeted by a welcoming shopkeeper, his face lighting up with a friendly smile. "Hello, friend! What can I do for you today?" he asked, radiating warmth and enthusiasm.
With purpose, I inquired, "If I wanted to customize a sword, how long would it take for your skilled craftsmen to forge one?" My desire for a personalized weapon burned brightly, but unfortunately, my schedule didn't afford me the luxury of time.
The shopkeeper's expression turned a touch solemn as he replied, "Sir, our esteemed artisans are currently overwhelmed with requests from many devoted customers wishing to create bespoke weapons. As such, you would need to wait at least a week for completion." His words, while respectful, pushed the reality of my time constraints to the forefront of my mind.
I felt a brief flicker of disappointment, knowing I couldn't afford to wait. "Then, if it's not too much trouble, could you show me the swords that are readily available for sale?" I requested, hoping to find something that suited my needs without delay.
"Of course, sir! Right this way!" he responded eagerly, gesturing for me to follow him deeper into the shop. As I walked behind him, my curiosity piqued. The shop was a treasure trove of gleaming blades, their craftsmanship glinting under the soft glow of lantern light. I could hardly wait to browse through the array of swords, confident that among this impressive selection, I would discover a weapon worthy of my journey and aspirations, atleast I won't need to change it until Golden Core Realm.
"Ok sir now I have to go back please check the sword if you can't understand any thing you can ask section gaurd." He said.
"Ok, thank you." I replied and then I started to check the sword with the help of system.
Like that time passed.
.....
My brow furrowed as I ran a hand over the cool, smooth jade inlay of a saber. But my mind was miles away, lost in the crisp data scrolling across my internal interface, courtesy of the System.
[{Azure Serpent Saber}
{Material: Sky Iron, Jade Inlay}
{Weight: 3.2 kg}
{Energy Conductivity: Moderate (Wind Attribute)}
{System Compatibility: 68%}]
Another one bites the dust. I'd already scanned what felt like half the blades in this place – heavy, earth-element greatswords that practically vibrated with raw power, and slender, lightning-infused rapiers that whispered of deadly speed. Each time, the System delivered its objective verdict, highlighting some incompatibility or deficiency. A stunning crimson sword pulsed with fierce fire energy, but its "System Compatibility" was a dismal 55%. A sleek, obsidian blade promised mastery over shadows, yet its "Growth Potential" was flagged as disappointingly low.
The section guard, a round-bellied man with eyes that seemed to weigh every coin in his till, watched my peculiar method of selection with a blend of curiosity and thinly veiled annoyance. The other young cultivators here actually held the swords, testing their balance, searching for that fabled spiritual connection. Me? I just touched them, my gaze unfocused as the System fed me a constant stream of numbers and analyses. I yearned for that instinctive pull, that feeling everyone talked about, but the System was my only guide, and so far, it had only shown me what wasn't right. The perfect sword, the one that would truly unlock my potential, remained stubbornly elusive within this seemingly endless collection.
"Brother, are there any other swords with fire attributes? I'm looking for one that can take me all the way to the Golden Core Realm," I inquired from the section guard.
"Well, there is one, but it comes at a hefty price of 20 gold coins. If you're interested, I can show it to you," he answered, glancing at me as if he wished I would hurry up and make a decision so he could have some freedom.
"Alright, show me; it might be just what I need," I responded, and he led me deeper into the section's interior.
As we walked, I couldn't help but think, 'I really hope this sword works for me.'
_________End
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