Chapter 34 – Unexpected Harvest

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Translated by Frog in the Well

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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“Hello! I offer my words of gratitude to everyone who came to the auction today!”

An old man with a pure white beard greeted by clasping his hands in all directions, and the noisy auction house gradually grew quiet.

Everyone stared only at the stage with expectant expressions.

“We will start immediately. The first auction item is a Rank 1 high-grade Realm-Breaking Pill!”

“A Realm-Breaking Pill!”

“Rank 1 high-grade? Does that mean it’s effective even in the late Qi Condensation stage?”

The quiet auction house instantly became noisy again.

Numerous cultivators clenched their fists tightly, and the same was true for Beom Chang who was next to him.

“Five hundred spirit stones!”

At Beom Chang’s relentless shout, the entire auction house instantly fell silent.

The Realm-Breaking Pill was a spiritual elixir specialized in breaking through minor realms.

If a 6th layer Qi Condensation cultivator consumed a Rank 1 high-grade Realm-Breaking Pill, they could reach the 7th layer with an incredibly high probability.

However, everything has a price.

“Brother. Are you trying to take the Realm-Breaking Pill? I heard that if you consume it, breaking through to Foundation Establishment later becomes very difficult.”

“I don’t want to eat it either. But isn’t surviving more important? Since we are going to the secret realm soon, it can’t be helped.”

“Hmm…”

Since it was his own choice, he did not stop him. Just as he nodded his head.

“Why? Could it be that our Brother Jin also covets the Realm-Breaking Pill?”

“I am fine.”

He drew a firm line to Beom Chang, who was looking at him alertly as if afraid it would be snatched away.

‘Whose future path are you trying to block?’

Jin So-myeong was looking much further than Foundation Establishment. He had no intention of consuming something like a Realm-Breaking Pill and regretting it later.

“Room 17 has called five hundred spirit stones. Are there any more?”

“…Five hundred and fifty!”

Simultaneously with someone’s shout on the first floor, the auction proceeded rapidly again.

The Realm-Breaking Pill became Beom Chang’s possession at the price of seven hundred spirit stones in the end.

After that, all kinds of treasures appeared in the auction.

Jin So-myeong also participated in the bidding several times, but the competition was too fierce. It was to the extent that he gave up because the price did not please him.

“Next is… a Rank 1 highest-grade dharma treasure called the Limitless Divine Sword!”

“The Limitless Divine Sword?”

In this place that had become strangely quiet before he knew it.

A single sword that rose onto the platform captured everyone’s attention.

The bizarre presence of the pitch-black longsword, dark as a shadow and without any decorations, silenced the entire auction house.

“…Arrogant. How can they attach the name of a divine sword to a mere Rank 1 dharma treasure?”

“Still, it looks decent?”

Around the time the murmuring subsided, the old auctioneer spoke.

“This sword is a dharma treasure that drifted from a far eastern land, not our Southern Cultivation World. It possesses power strong enough to be called a divine sword.”

When the old man gestured behind the stage, someone appeared dragging a massive rock.

“Look!”

The moment he held and swung the pitch-black treasure sword.

The Darkrock, famous for being the hardest among Rank 1 minerals, was cut in two in an instant.

“My goodness! It is incredibly sharp.”

“It’s not bad?”

The old man, who had thoroughly enlivened the atmosphere, shouted with a smile.

“That is not all! Look at this blade that cut the Darkrock without a single chip. This sword is incredibly sharp and sturdy! However…”

As if he really did not want to say it, the old man hesitated for a moment and spoke quickly.

“Please note that it has no flying sword function.”

“…Wait. What did he just say?”

“He said it has no flying sword function?”

“Then how are we supposed to use it? Surely he doesn’t mean to fight holding it directly?”

“No way.”

The boiling atmosphere cooled down instantly as if cold water had been poured on it.

“Still! Its sharpness alone is by far the best among Rank 1 highest-grade dharma treasures! We will start the bidding from three hundred spirit stones.”

“…Three hundred.”

“Three hundred and five!”

Hearing it was of the Rank 1 highest-grade sharpness, several people participated in the bidding.

Watching this, Jin So-myeong’s eyes shone. He spoke to Beom Chang immediately.

“Let’s buy that.”

“Hmm?”

“I will pay the spirit stones, so please bid.”

“Really? Why are you trying to buy such a defective product… Ah.”

Beom Chang, who stopped speaking as if something came to mind, let out a sigh.

“Now that I think about it, Brother is skilled in close-quarters combat. It will certainly be useful.”

Jin So-myeong nodded.

Without being swayed by others’ words, he closely observed the Rank 1 highest-grade sword called the Limitless Divine Sword.

‘Sturdy and sharp… It means its pure sword power alone is of the highest grade.’

If he fought holding it directly, the lack of a flying sword function would not be a drawback either.

It might not be for others, but for him, who had learned martial arts and the body tempering method, it was an extremely useful dharma treasure.

“Three hundred and sixty!”

“Three hundred and seventy!”

…

The price rose really slowly.

The faces of the people shouting the bid prices were filled with hesitation, showing expressions of contemplating whether this dharma treasure would really be useful.

The old man hosting the auction frowned.

“Even if it has no flying sword function, you can just use the Object Manipulation Technique directly like this. It is fully usable!”

The moment he cast a spell similar to telekinesis.

The Limitless Divine Sword began to move on its own as if it were alive.

It floated in the air and slashed in all directions, as if an invisible man were holding and wielding the sword.

The old man had done it to raise the price, but the result turned out to be the exact opposite.

“Ha. It’s too slow.”

“As expected, it is inconvenient without a flying sword function. Who would be hit by a blade like that?”

“Tch, I’m not buying!”

Even the price that had been rising intermittently stopped completely.

Aiming for that moment, Jin So-myeong signaled to Beom Chang with his eyes.

“Four hundred spirit stones!”

“Ah! Four hundred spirit stones from Room 17! Are there any more! I will finalize the bid after counting exactly to three. One, two…”

The auctioneer did his best to drag out the time, but the result did not change.

‘I did it!’

Jin So-myeong clenched his fist tightly.

He purchased a Rank 1 highest-grade dharma treasure at a price of only four hundred spirit stones.

If he held that treasure sword, his combat power would become several times stronger.

It was to the extent that if he fought Beom Chang again, he could suppress him without any injuries.

Suddenly, the sword technique he was currently cultivating came to mind.

‘How strong would it be if I unfolded the River and Cloud Sword Art with a Rank 1 highest-grade sword?’

His hands were itching to swing the sword right now, but he forced himself to calm down.

This was because the next auction item was brought up.

“It is the Rank 1 high-grade dharma treasure, the Heavenly Thunder Meteor Hammer. This dharma treasure that commands lightning has no drawbacks, except for the fact that its spiritual Qi consumption is somewhat high…”

Time passed quickly.

Before he knew it, the auction had entered its latter half, but Jin So-myeong had still not obtained a defensive dharma treasure.

Just as he was starting to feel anxious.

Finally, a martial arts robe embroidered with green bamboo rose onto the stage.

“It is the Green Bamboo Dharma Robe. As a Rank 1 highest-grade defensive dharma treasure, it naturally has basic convenience functions like shape transformation and body temperature maintenance, and automatically emits a Qi barrier to protect the user if they are in danger.”

The old man, pausing for a moment, grinned.

“As you can tell from the fact that I have explained even the drawbacks of the items until now, we at the Thousand Treasures Pavilion value credibility above all else. However! This dharma robe has no particular drawbacks! We will begin from seven hundred spirit stones.”

“Nine hundred!”

“One thousand! Fellow Daoists, please show some concession! That is absolutely necessary for me.”

“Puhaha! Concession? Ridiculous! One thousand one hundred!”

The price soared in an instant.

It was natural that the brow of Jin So-myeong, who had coveted the Green Bamboo Dharma Robe inwardly, furrowed.

“Brother. Why is that one so expensive?”

“Defensive dharma treasures are originally expensive. They are precious because their numbers are few. Since the first thing to be destroyed when cultivators fight is the defensive dharma treasure.”

“…I see.”

Biting his lip, Jin So-myeong made a decision.

To purchase that dharma robe even if he had to clear out all his remaining spirit stones.

Calming his excitement, he closed his eyes.

This was to aim for the moment the bidding stopped and call out the highest price.

“One thousand one hundred and fifty!”

“Excuse me. The guest who called one thousand one hundred and fifty. For this dharma treasure, you must bid in units of one hundred spirit stones!”

“Then, one thousand two hundred!”

Just as everyone was competing, filled with madness. A heavy voice rang out from a room on the second floor.

“It is a decent item. That is mine. One thousand five hundred!”

“…One thousand five hundred from Room 10! Are there any more?”

At the price that had shot up all at once, the entire auction house fell silent.

Even Beom Chang signaled to Jin So-myeong with his eyes, asking what he was going to do.

“I have the spirit stones, so please call the bid.”

“Got it. One thousand six hundred!”

“Hmm? One thousand seven hundred!”

“Haha. Room 10 has bid one thousand seven hundred. Are there any more?”

The auctioneer glanced at Room 17, where Jin So-myeong was, as if urging him to quickly call out a bid.

“Brother Jin. What are you going to do? Shall we bid higher or not?”

Jin So-myeong massaged his brow and contemplated.

The spirit stones remaining to him after buying the Limitless Divine Sword were 1,900.

Yet judging by the relentless momentum of Room 10, they did not seem to have any intention of giving up.

“…Let’s call one more time for now.”

“Fine. One thousand eight hundred!”

The moment Beom Chang called out the bid. An irritated voice was heard from Room 10.

“Two thousand! Hey, Room 17. I don’t know who you are, but shouldn’t you know when to stop and stop?”

Just as Jin So-myeong’s eyebrow twitched at the threatening tone.

“Guest! You cannot do this. Pressuring with force in our Thousand Treasures Pavilion auction is absolutely intolerable!”

The old auctioneer, who had acted submissively friendly until now, warned sternly.

“…Hmph! A mere merchant is ruining my mood.”

Jin So-myeong seized the opportunity at the attitude that seemed thoroughly displeased.

“Brother. Could you lend me three hundred spirit stones? There is someone who needs to give me three hundred spirit stones, and I will receive it today and pay you back immediately.”

It was not a lie.

Since he had agreed to receive three hundred spirit stones while performing the Cheong Hwa-ran surveillance mission half-heartedly, he could just receive it and pay Beom Chang back.

“Three hundred? That much is fine, but… there is another person besides me who would give spirit stones to Brother Jin?”

“Yes. How else could I have gathered so many spirit stones? There are several people who help me.”

“Ha. Seeing you now, our Brother Jin is quite an extraordinary person. I failed to recognize that.”

Beom Chang stared at Jin So-myeong with a dumbfounded expression.

Was he misunderstanding that there was another slave besides himself?

It was ridiculous, but he put it out of his mind and waved his hand.

“Focus on the auction for now.”

“…Understood. Two thousand one hundred!”

After that, it was smooth sailing.

The opponent in Room 10 had their mood thoroughly ruined, as they gave up the bidding without saying a single word.

In the end, the Rank 1 highest-grade defensive dharma treasure was knocked down to Jin So-myeong’s hands.

He settled it within a total of 2,200 spirit stones, including the amount he borrowed.

‘Fortunate.’

He obtained both offensive and defensive dharma treasures as targeted.

The auction continued after that.

Numerous treasures rose onto the stage, but since Jin So-myeong was already broke, he just watched as a spectator.

Time passed quickly, and the moment the auction completely ended.

The Limitless Divine Sword and the Green Bamboo Dharma Robe were delivered to his hands.

‘…It’s soft?’

The Green Bamboo Dharma Robe was as soft as silk. It was hard to believe that it was tougher and sturdier than ordinary metals.

Furthermore, touching it somehow made him feel good, exuding the strong vibe of a masterpiece.

Swish!

Instantly putting on the dharma robe, Jin So-myeong injected spiritual Qi. As expected of a highest-grade dharma treasure, the method of use appeared in his head.

Wuuung!

The moment he injected spiritual Qi as a test.

The color of the dharma robe changed.

From a pure white patternless robe to a luxurious court dress embroidered with dragons. It transformed freely just by his thoughts.

‘It will be useful when using the Faceless Mask to disguise myself.’

Now he could truly transform into a different person with every step he took.

Jin So-myeong, who smiled contentedly, tested the defensive power this time.

Slide.

He carefully struck his forearm with the flying sword he usually rode.

Right before the sharp blade touched the dharma robe, a Qi barrier was generated and blocked the blade.

It felt as if a transparent protective shield had appeared.

Creak!

He tried gradually increasing the force pressing down on the blade, but the Qi barrier did not collapse. It was sturdy, only causing the spiritual Qi consumption rate to grow larger.

‘Its defensive power is quite decent… and it is maintained continuously as long as spiritual Qi is injected.’

He really liked it.

The first impression of the Green Bamboo Dharma Robe was the best! He did not regret spending 2,100 spirit stones to buy it at all.

At that moment.

Beom Chang, who was watching from the side, asked with a curious expression.

“The Qi barrier is maintained continuously? How is the spiritual Qi consumption rate?”

“It is not that large. It feels like it adjusts itself according to the intensity of the attack.”

“…It is truly decent. It seems even better than my necklace?”

The Green Bamboo Dharma Robe was a masterpiece meticulously crafted by a talented artisan.

It was to the extent that even Beom Chang, who had a Foundation Establishment uncle, coveted it.

‘Next up is the Limitless Divine Sword.’

Examining the pitch-black treasure sword, dark as a deep shadow, Jin So-myeong marveled.

He stared as if possessed at the sharp blade that looked like it would cut just by looking at it.

‘Ah.’

The moment he held the cold piece of metal.

It wrapped snugly around his hand. With a comfort that fitted perfectly, it felt as if his arm had lengthened.

For some reason, he was eager to swing the sword right this instant.

“Brother. I am curious how sharp this sword is, could I test it for a moment?”

“Hmm? …Alright. Just do it gently, just in case.”

Stepping back a pace, Beom Chang activated his necklace. An translucent Qi barrier arose and wrapped around his entire body.

“Since my necklace is hard to maintain, hurry up!”

At that urging, Jin So-myeong took a stance.

The moment he swung it lightly while holding the Limitless Divine Sword.

‘Uh…?’

A strange, tickling sensation arose.

It felt as if the Limitless Divine Sword, carving through the empty air, was guiding the way.

However, it was too faint.

Although it was so faint that it could be considered an illusion, his natural talent for martial arts was able to capture it.

At that moment.

Just a tiny bit.

Jin So-myeong’s posture changed ever so slightly. He lowered his knees and relaxed his shoulders a bit.

Minute changes, hard to explain one by one, accumulated and piled up…

Something changed.

Tap.

The moment the tip of the sword collided with the Qi barrier.

A powerful repulsive force was felt, but the sword still moved forward.

Like a fish swimming against a waterfall. It pierced into the flow of force and sliced open the Qi barrier.

Swish!

At the blade that brushed past his neck so easily, Beom Chang’s complexion turned pale.

“Wh-what! What on earth was that just now…?”

Beom Chang was so shocked he couldn’t even speak properly. Jin So-myeong was equally flustered.

The strike he had just swung was somehow different from before.

It felt as if he had crossed a gap that ordinary people could never surpass.

As if he had received guidance from a grandmaster of the sword… it was truly strange.

“…”

After a long silence, Jin So-myeong carefully stored the Limitless Divine Sword in his sub-space.

This sword was extraordinary. A secret was definitely hidden within it!

“Brother. If anyone asks, tell them this sword was melted down to make another dharma treasure.”

“…Y-yes.”

What on earth had happened.

Ignoring Beom Chang, who couldn’t even ask a question with an expression showing he was dying to ask.

Jin So-myeong’s steps accelerated as he left the auction house.

This was because he was curious about what would happen if he unfolded the River and Cloud Sword Art with this sword.