I carefully observed what was happening. Of course, I pulled my cloak over myself for cover. I wasn't cultivating any martial arts related to stealth or illusion. Instead, I used pure dark or light energy to assist me in this aspect. However, doing so in this kind of environment, especially with stronger cultivators around, might attract more attention than it would help me.
"Well, with such a miraculous item, you must be selling it for a high price! I'm not sure if I have enough money! Sigh!"
He spoke lamentingly, sighing at the end. To an observer, he might have seemed like an angel being deceived. However, I sensed something unusual—his words did not carry the tone of innocence and purity they appeared to.
"You truly have a good eye, young master. Precious resources like these are found only once in a lifetime. Even centuries of cultivation might not be enough to come across something like this."
"As for the price, I really don't know how to evaluate it… It's better if you propose a good deal. What do you think?" the vendor said, sounding hesitant and regretful.
The young master touched his perfect chin and pondered for a few seconds.
"I see… Since you really don't want to name a price, I'll propose one."
"Please, young master." The vendor spoke in a servile tone, bowing as his hands rubbed together, seemingly convinced he was about to make a huge profit.
Reaching into his pouch, the so-called angelic man appeared to search for something until, finally, he pulled out…
A rock. Or more specifically, an ordinary stone you might find lying on the street.
As everyone saw this, the sound of crickets could almost be heard, and an awkward silence filled the air. Other vendors turned their gazes toward the scene, while bystanders, initially just enjoying their stroll, became intrigued by how the situation was unfolding.
"Ahem, young master, this is just an ordinary rock. There's no way it's worth such a precious treasure."
One moment, the vendor's face was tense; the next, embarrassment washed over his expression as he gestured between the rock and the necklace.
"Really? But to me, they seem to have the same value…"
The young man appeared to realize his mistake and quickly clarified:
"It's just that this stone is like your necklace—its true value and rarity cannot be seen by just anyone."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Of course, a great merchant with such a refined eye as yours will surely recognize its worth."
The "naïve" young master's barter left everyone astonished—especially the vendor, who was at a complete loss for words and unsure of how to proceed.
They continued exchanging words until the merchant's patience finally ran out.
"Honestly, I can't sell it if you don't offer something worthwhile. Please leave."
His voice was now cold, carrying evident hostility.
The moment he spoke, I felt a strong sense of danger settle over the area. It was subtle, but thanks to my keen senses, I noticed it.
Glancing to the side, I saw a guard gripping his spear tightly, seemingly prepared to strike the young master but restraining himself.
"Oh, really…"
The young master's voice came out subtly, and the pressure of a Golden Core cultivator spread across several meters.
I furrowed my brows. The pressure was quite intense for me, considering I had not yet reached the Foundation Establishment realm.
Fortunately, he managed to contain it, preventing most people around from being affected. However… the merchant wasn't so lucky.
His body was already trembling on the ground as the primal fear of the strong washed over him. After all, with only a sixth-realm Qi Condensation cultivation, his strength was far inferior to that of someone at the Golden Core stage.
"Youn- Master… Help me, please… I-"
The merchant seemed to struggle to find words to plead.
"Oh? Were you trying to say something?"
The young master asked with a radiant smile, feigning confusion at the merchant's distress.
And yet, "mysteriously," the merchant finally found his voice.
"Forgive me, young master, for my rudeness and my inability to distinguish a true gem from a fake!"
"Please, accept this necklace as a gift!"
Straining his body, he desperately tried to offer the mysterious necklace.
"A gift? Are you sure?"
The young master asked, but before giving him a chance to respond, he handed the rock back.
"Let's make this exchange so everything remains fair."
Without allowing another word, he placed the stone in the merchant's hands and gave him a pat on the shoulder—a pat that sent him flying several meters away.
Traces of light energy flickered in the air, catching my attention.
"So, he's a user of light energy…" I murmured to myself and began to withdraw from the scene.
I didn't notice that, after doing so, the young master glanced behind him.
More specifically—toward me.
'I used only a small amount of light energy, and I concealed it well. Unless this guy is hiding his cultivation, it suggests he has an affinity for either light or darkness… Interesting.'
His eyes narrowed as he observed me.
He also briefly scanned a few individuals hiding nearby—ones who were clearly after me—but ultimately chose not to act.
Unbeknownst to me, I had caught the attention of this handsome young man.
…
After leaving the previous location, I focused on dealing with my not-so-friendly pursuers.
I had already sensed them before, but instead of withdrawing, they seemed to grow bolder now that we were in an unregulated region.
I walked as if unaware of their presence and began formulating my plan.
'Master, from what I can sense, there are approximately four individuals: three at the Qi Condensation realm—probably two at the eighth stage and one at the ninth—and one at the first stage of the Foundation Establishment realm.'
I was surprised. The only thought that crossed my mind was how excessive it was to send such powerful individuals after me. After all, it was public knowledge that my cultivation level was only at the seventh stage of Qi Condensation…
After leaving the previous location, I focused on dealing with my not-so-friendly pursuers.
I had already sensed them before, but instead of retreating, they seemed to grow bolder now that we were in an unregulated area.
I walked as if unaware of their presence and began devising my plan.
"Master, from what I can sense, there are approximately four individuals: three at the Qi Condensation realm—probably two at the eighth stage and one at the ninth—and one at the first stage of the Foundation Establishment realm."
I was surprised, and the only thought that crossed my mind was how excessive it was to send such strong cultivators after me. After all, it was public knowledge that my cultivation level was only at the seventh stage of Qi Condensation.
I wasn't sure whether to feel flattered or offended by the level of cultivators sent after me.
Stopping in a narrow alley, I moved toward the walls, seemingly inspecting them carefully while toying with both sides.
The last two places I touched were the ground—where I carefully pressed my fingers—and the other wall, where I absentmindedly drew small patterns.
The scene became even stranger when I suddenly started doing some stretching exercises.
"Alright, everything's ready." I said out loud while bringing my hands together in a unique manner.
I then raised my right hand, forming three water arrows that swiftly shot off in different directions.
The three arrows were destroyed with little difficulty, shattered by daggers.
"Gentlemen, pardon my rudeness, but I'd like to know why you've been following me. Are you trying to become my friends? Or are you here to kill me?"
I asked with a smile, but a faint murderous aura began to spread from my body.