He had expected the man to be greedy, but he hadn't expected him to crumble so easily under a simple trick. This little gamble had paid off beautifully.
Without speaking, Xiao Wei extended a hand and swept the pouch of gold and the box of pills into his own Storage Ring.
The middle-aged man sighed in relief when he saw Xiao Wei accept his offerings without further trouble.
Shadow Soldier then turned without a word, Xiao nodded at the man as he follow the Shadow Soldier from back.
The two cloaked figures exited the private room in complete silence, leaving behind only the smell of cold sweat and fear in the air.
They moved quickly through the shop, ignoring the curious glances from customers and attendants. The moment they stepped out onto the street, Xiao Wei couldn't help but let out a small chuckle under his breath.
"Four hundred thousand Spirit Coins and five Tier 2 Healing Pills… not a bad harvest at all"Xiao Wei muttered to himself in a low voice, his eyes gleaming.
He could already imagine how useful this money would be. Cultivation resources, pills, Martial Techniques manuals, weapons, and more. From now one he can buy whatever he want, he is not broke person anymore.
After leaving the Hu Clan shop, with the 400,000 Spirit Coins and five Tier 2 Healing Pills resting securely in his Storage Ring. After that Xiao Wei didn't return back instead he silently make his way toward another destination, the Xiao Clan's sjop in the Mo City.
Upon reaching the Xiao Clan store—a modest yet reputable establishment nestled within the marketplace—he entered with the same air of mystery and dominance.
"Where is your manager?"Xiao Wei asked in a low, commanding tone.
The young clerk behind the counter, startled by his tone, rushed to the back and returned with a senior Xiao clan member—an middle aged elder with calm eyes whose Cultivation was in Sixth Layer of Martial Master Realm.
He take Xiao Wei and Shadow Soldier in a private room for the talk.
"How may I help you, honored guest?"the middle aged man asked, maintaining professional courtesy while carefully gauging their power.
Without hesitation, Xiao Wei took out the same two manuals—the Middle Tier Human Grade Martial Technique 'Mountain Fist' and the Low Tier Human Grade Movement Technique 'Wind Steps'.
The middle aged man eyes widened when he saw the names. He examined the manuals, flipping through the pages with a trembling hand. The precision in handwriting, the technique structure, the hidden annotations—all perfectly matched known Mo Clan styles.
He slowly closed the manuals and placed them on the table, then looked up at Xiao Wei greed.
Xiao Wei knew he wanted to kill him and the Shadow Soldier so that can get those manuals for free. So before he could do anything Xiao Wei didn't waste time and repeated the trick from earlier, letting the Shadow Soldier demonstrate his concealment and reappearance ability.
The middle aged man composed expression flickered with surprise and fear as the person in front of him disappeared and then reappeared like a ghost. It was an ability that screamed danger, one he did not dare underestimate.
"Our Xiao Clan will offer 400,000 Spirit Coins and ten Tier 2 Spirit Power Pills. As a show of goodwill."the middle aged man said politely as he take out it from his Storage Ring.
Xiao Wei nodded slightly. It was more than fair. He accepted the pouch and pill bottle without a word.
Now his ring brimmed with 820,000 Spirit Coins in total.
Just as he turned to leave, the middle aged man raised a hand.
"Wait a moment, You're here for the Tiger Mountain too, aren't you?"the middle aged man asked.
Xiao Wei paused.
"What about Tiger Mountain?"Xiao Wei asked, genuinely puzzled.
The middle aged man eyes narrowed slightly, as if testing whether to trust him. Then he sighed.
"So, you truly don't know. Then let me explain. But if you do decide to participate... I hope you will consider supporting the Xiao Clan."the middle aged man said as he gestured for Xiao Wei to sit and began speaking in a hushed, reverent tone.
"You must have heard, a few centuries ago, a Tier 4 Level 9 Fire Tiger was going to breakthrough to Tier 5 monster in Tiger Mountain. Many Cultivators died trying to slay it, but in the end, the famous archer from Fu State succeeded."the middle aged man said.
"But just as he killed the Fire Tiger, his enemies attacked him. Though he survived from there attack, he vanished without a trace. Many believe he died soon after in the Tiger Mountain because no one ever found his body."the middle aged man added as he leaned forward.
"Now, rumors say that a hidden cave was recently discovered in the Tiger Mountain's inner regions—a cave believed to be his final resting place. The possibility of treasures left behind by that powerful Cultivator has stirred Mo City. In one month, the three clans of the Mo City will try to explore it."the middle aged man explained.
Xiao Wei sat silently, absorbing the information. A powerful Cultivator final rest place. Rare weapons, techniques, perhaps even Cultivation insights could be hidden within. It was no ordinary opportunity.
"My Young Master will think about it"Xiao Wei said politely and stood.
The elder bowed lightly in return. Xiao Wei and the Shadow Soldier exited the store, his mind already racing with possibilities.
He knew he couldn't waste time. The fact that the news was spreading meant that, soon, the Tiger Mountain would be flooded with Cultivators of all Realms.
Xiao Wei left Mo City while hiding his presence as best he could ensuring no one was following him.
Xiao Wei went to the Tiger Mountain, where he remove his cloak and let the Shadow Soldier return to his shadow
After that Xiao Wei returned to the city in broad daylight, now in his regular appearance.
He went directly to the Mo Clan's herb store, where he spent a staggering 200,000 Spirit Coins on rare herbs, roots and other ingredients—everything he needed for pill refinement.
The merchant's eyes nearly popped from their sockets at the sheer amount he spent, but said nothing. Money silenced questions.
With herbs secured, Xiao Wei returned to the Xiao Clan to meet with Elder Xu.
Inside a quiet room, Elder Xu examined him carefully.
"Elder Xu, I won't be coming in the clan morning practice, because I will be training in Tiger Mountain for some time."Xiao Wei said.
Elder Xu didn't say anything instead he nodded slowly allowing him to leave and waved his hand telling him to return.
"Thank you, Elder Xu."Xiao Wei said after he bowed.
Xiao Wei didn't waste any time after speaking with Elder Xu. As soon as he received permission, he immediately leave the Mo City.
His destination was a familiar cave in the outer area of Tiger Mountain, where he had spent many days training, surviving, and growing stronger.
One month had passed since Xiao Wei secluded himself in the cave nestled within the outer area of the Tiger Mountain. During this time, he dedicated himself entirely to Cultivation and Alchemy. Each day was a rigorous cycle of refining pills and honing his Martial Techniques.
Through relentless practice, Xiao Wei achieved a significant milestone in his alchemical pursuits. Every pill he refined now consistently reached high-grade Tier 1 quality, a testament to his growing proficiency and deepening understanding of medicinal properties. The cave was filled with the faint, lingering aroma of herbs, a silent witness to his countless hours of meticulous work.
Parallel to his alchemical advancements, Xiao Wei immersed himself in mastering the Mountain Fist technique. His dedication bore fruit as he reached the Initial Stage of this Human Grade Martial Technique. The technique's power resonated within him, each movement becoming more fluid and potent, ready to be unleashed when needed.
Despite sensing the threshold of a breakthrough to the Eighth Layer of the Martial Apprentice Realm, Xiao Wei chose restraint. Because today marked the day when Cultivators from Mo City would converge to explore the cave of the poweful Cultivator in the inner area of Tiger Mountain.
As dawn broke, casting a golden hue over the rugged landscape, Xiao Wei concluded his Cultivation. He stood up, his movements deliberate and calm. Reaching into his storage ring, he retrieved the black cloak that had become synonymous with his enigmatic presence. Draping it over his shoulders, he concealed his identity, preparing for the journey ahead.
Leaving the familiarity of his cave, Xiao Wei navigated through the dense foliage and rocky terrain, making his way to the border separating the outer and inner areas of Tiger Mountain. Upon arrival, he found a secluded spot, partially hidden by the natural contours of the land. There, he waited patiently, ready to observe and assess the arriving Cultivators.
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[Author Note - Readers please comment and support my novel.]