Wandao 027
Sunlight streamed down from the lush clouds above, and the town's air was filled with a faint mix of dust and the fragrance of spiritual herbs. Wan Xiaochuan, Renee, and Lin Qixian threaded their way through the bustling crowd, gradually approaching the auction venue for the day—a grand, classical-style plaza adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. Red drapes and green banners fluttered in the wind, as if heralding the extraordinary nature of the event.
Standing atop the high platform, the auctioneer raised his iron hammer and called out in a resounding voice, "The first item up for auction—an inscribed jade slip imbued with spiritual patterns. Starting bid: five thousand spirit stones!"
A commotion rose from the crowd. Cultivators, merchants, and collectors widened their eyes, all staring intently at the translucent jade slip. Its surface glowed faintly, and within, the swirling spiritual inscriptions shimmered like stars in motion, hinting at boundless mysteries.
Renee turned slightly and whispered to Wan Xiaochuan, "This jade slip is no ordinary item. It records several advanced formations and talismans. It could greatly aid in your integration of the Vajra Body Refinement and Wind-Thunder Sword techniques. If you can obtain it, it will be a true treasure."
Wan Xiaochuan nodded with calm resolve, calculating his stock of spirit stones and strategizing his bidding approach. Lin Qixian smiled and added, "Don't rush. Let's gauge the atmosphere first. Don't bid blindly—stone wealth varies, but rashness is costly."
As the bidding began, prices surged like waves. Wan Xiaochuan noticed, not far away, a purple-robed cultivator glaring at him coldly. It was Zhan Meizi—the cunning woman who had once manipulated events in the village. Beside her stood two burly guards, their presence imposing.
She gave a slight smile, eyes glinting with schemes.
Wan Xiaochuan's senses flared in alarm. He knew this auction wasn't just about acquiring a treasure—it could spark a covert battle.
As bidding entered a fever pitch, Wan Xiaochuan took a deep breath, silently activating his spiritual sense and resonating with his Wind-Thunder Sword to steady his mind. When the price reached seventy thousand, he decisively bid eighty thousand, his voice steady and firm.
The crowd fell into sudden silence before erupting in murmurs of awe and surprise. Zhan Meizi's brows furrowed slightly, but she made no further bids, simply sneering as she turned and left.
The auctioneer struck the hammer and announced, "Eighty thousand spirit stones! Congratulations to Wan Xiaochuan for acquiring the Inscribed Jade Slip!"
Whispers of admiration and resentment rippled through the crowd. Wan Xiaochuan carefully accepted the jade slip, gently placing it into his storage pouch. The slip emitted a warm glow, its spiritual aura harmonizing subtly with his Vajra Body.
As they left, Renee pulled him into a quiet alleyway. "There's an abandoned cave residence here—let's take a moment to hide and examine the jade slip together."
Inside the cave, dim light filtered through. The air smelled of earth and age. Wan Xiaochuan sat cross-legged, retrieving the jade slip and carefully sensing the flow of spiritual inscriptions within. Renee sat beside him, a faint sword aura coiling from her fingers as she whispered, "These inscriptions contain methods related to the Vajra Body Refinement technique. Once you master them, your body's defense and inner force circulation will be enhanced."
Closing his eyes, Wan Xiaochuan focused his mind and followed the script etched into the slip, slowly guiding his spiritual energy through his body. His meridians opened in waves, and he felt a heavy, resilient force spreading from his dantian to his limbs, as if his skin had been encased in unbreakable armor.
Renee pointed gently. "This is the foundational method of the Vajra Body, called the Introductory Channeling Chapter. It harmonizes your meridians and qi channels, forging your muscles and bones like tempered steel."
Lin Qixian joined them, pulling a few Qi-restoring pills from his insect pouch. "This training drains a lot of energy—make sure you replenish properly."
As cultivation stabilized, Wan Xiaochuan began developing six martial techniques based on the Vajra Body principles, incorporating punches, kicks, and movement arts:
Vajra Iron Arms — Arms as unyielding as iron tongs, powerful for both offense and defense.
Earth-Smasher Fist — A downward strike that shatters the ground, sending shockwaves outward.
Serpent-Dragon Twist — Agile body maneuvers, fists dancing like serpents and dragons, striking unexpectedly.
Lotus Vajra Palm — Golden light blooming from the palm like a lotus; both healing and offensive.
Thunderstep Leg Dance — Lightning-quick kicks infused with thunderous force.
Six-Armed Mirage — Mimicking a divine statue's six arms, unleashing a flurry of fists and palms, difficult to defend.
Wan Xiaochuan practiced repeatedly. In his mind's eye, his figure spun and twisted, the techniques flowing like water yet brimming with strength. Each punch gleamed with golden light, the air thick with Vajra energy.
Renee accompanied him with sword energy, forming combined strikes of wind and thunder, adding a layer of realism. Lin Qixian occasionally offered guidance and approving nods.
After several days of intense training, a sudden surge of energy pulsed through Wan Xiaochuan's spirit. It felt like a barrier had shattered. He opened his eyes abruptly, drenched in sweat, his cultivation having broken through, his body tougher, his aura more refined.
Renee smiled. "It seems the Vajra Body method has started to take root. Your body is indeed walking the path of the unbreakable."
Lin Qixian raised a fist with a grin. "That's it, little iron man—stand tall. You're not someone to be easily hurt anymore."
Outside the cave, the golden light of dusk bathed the earth. The trio's shadows stretched long, and the mingled auras of thunder and vajra foretold a road ahead, both arduous and glorious.