Chapter 138: A Grand House as a Gift

No sooner had Wu Tian finished speaking than a blade shimmering with a cold, piercing light appeared in his hand. A blood-red stone was embedded in the hilt, radiating a distinct aura of violence. Even without making physical contact, Ning Yujiao and Elder Hu could feel a bone-chilling coldness, as if the weapon possessed an innate, bloodthirsty nature.

"Such a manic aura. While I am no expert in weaponry, I can tell this blade is extraordinary!" Elder Hu remarked, blinking in surprise.

Wu Tian gripped the hilt and swung the blade lightly toward a chair behind him. The edge merely brushed the corner, yet when he withdrew the blade, the chair instantly shattered into pieces—a truly shocking sight. Ning Yujiao’s beautiful eyes flashed with astonishment; she had not sensed Wu Tian using any true energy, meaning the destruction was caused solely by the sharpness of the blade.

"This blade is called the 'Bloodthirsty Berserker Blade.' Using it allows one to exert at least fifty percent more power. Furthermore, it can drive the wielder into a frenzy, stimulating their full potential and doubling their combat strength for a short period. As the name suggests, it is incredibly bloodthirsty; it grows excited upon contact with blood, and any wound it inflicts is notoriously difficult to heal."

As he spoke, Wu Tian lightly touched his fingertip to the tip of the blade. A cut appeared instantly, and blood began to flow incessantly. Even as he pinched the base of his finger, the wound continued to bleed.

"This is just a tiny cut, yet the bleeding won't stop. Can you imagine the feeling of being stabbed in the chest?" Wu Tian shook his wounded finger before consuming a healing pill, after which the bleeding finally subsided.

"Truly a chilling blade to possess such a property that inhibits wound healing," Elder Hu said, marveling at the sight.

"Young Master Wu, may I have a look at this Bloodthirsty Berserker Blade?" Ning Yujiao asked.

"Of course, but be careful, Miss Ning—the blade thirsts for more than just the blood of enemies." Wu Tian handed it to her steadily.

As Ning Yujiao gripped the hilt, an inexplicable power surged through her, making her blood boil and her true energy churn wildly.

"I have seen countless high-level weapons at the Shunfeng Trading House, but this Bloodthirsty Berserker Blade is among the very best I have ever encountered. The smith who forged this must be a grandmaster. If I am not mistaken, it is approaching the Heaven-tier," she noted while inspecting the blade.

"Correct. I once had a specialist appraise its quality; it is a divine Earth-tier treasure, perhaps even superior to many common Heaven-tier weapons," Wu Tian replied with a playful shrug.

"If this blade and the pills you provided earlier appear at our auction, they will undoubtedly elevate the prestige of our Shunfeng Trading House to new heights!" Ning Yujiao’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I hope so—that way, I can earn even more," Wu Tian replied, indifferent to their reputation as long as more money flowed into his pockets.

"That goes without saying. You are already our most valued patron. To express our gratitude, we would like to gift you a house. It is located not far from the Qitian Sect, making your commute very convenient. I hope you will accept it," Ning Yujiao said with genuine sincerity.

"A house? You are certainly generous. I happen to be lacking a place to stay in the Imperial City, so this comes at just the right time. I won’t refuse—many thanks for the gift," Wu Tian said, bowing in appreciation without standing on ceremony.

"It is actually our honor, Young Master Wu. Please, do not stand on ceremony," Ning Yujiao smiled faintly.

"Very well, since the items are in your hands, I leave the logistics to you. Since you’ve gifted me a house, I won’t be greedy; keep ten percent of the auction proceeds as my small token of appreciation."

Ning Yujiao shook her head, smiling. "You are far too generous, Young Master Wu. However, business is business. We shall stick to the old rules and take only five percent; the rest remains yours."

"You are truly courteous—not only giving me a house but also refusing to raise your commission. Very well, since you insist, I shall not argue," Wu Tian shrugged. Five percent was still a significant sum, and he was happy to keep it.

Ning Yujiao beamed, personally pouring him a glass of wine. "Young Master Wu, now that the business is settled, it is time to drink. The food is getting cold—please, enjoy."

"Indeed, I shall not be modest," Wu Tian said, raising his glass to her before downing it and beginning his meal.

...

Meanwhile, Elder He, who was responsible for registering new disciples, hurried into the study of the Qitian Sect Master, where Elder Liu Qingxu was currently discussing matters with the Sect Master.

"Greetings, Sect Master! Greetings, Elder Liu!" he said, bowing respectfully upon entering.

"Jinsheng, why the rush?" the gray-haired Sect Master asked.

"Sect Master, I have come to report a situation. While processing the reports from the branch selection, I encountered an extraordinary disciple. This disciple is under Elder Liu’s jurisdiction—his name is Wu Tian. During testing, he revealed a cultivation level of a tenth-level Martial Spirit, outperforming even the majority of our headquarters' disciples!"

The Sect Master, a man with an ethereal, scholarly aura, raised an eyebrow. "How old is this disciple named Wu Tian?"

"According to the records from the Pingyang City Qitian Sect branch, he is not yet twenty-one," Liu Qingxu answered.

"A tenth-level Martial Spirit before the age of twenty-one? A true prodigy! Elder Liu, you have brought back a disciple with incredible potential from Pingyang City."

Liu Qingxu shook her head slowly, her expression serious. "To be honest, I find this young man difficult to read. He won the grand competition in Pingyang City with formidable strength, but even I was shocked to discover he had reached the tenth level of Martial Spirit. Brother He, is this report accurate?"

"It is absolutely certain! He even shattered the Spirit-Testing Stone with a single punch. He is truly remarkable."

"If he attained this level without the aid of external equipment, he should be nurtured as a priority. Jinsheng, keep news of his cultivation quiet to avoid unnecessary trouble, do you understand?" the Sect Master instructed.

"Yes, Sect Master! I shall take my leave!"

After Elder He departed, the Sect Master looked at Liu Qingxu, his weathered, calm eyes flashing with a sharp light. "Geniuses often invite jealousy. I fear this Wu Tian’s days in the Qitian Sect will not be peaceful."

A faint smile touched the corner of Liu Qingxu’s lips. "Perhaps you do not understand Wu Tian, Sect Master. On the contrary, I feel that with him here, it is the Qitian Sect that will no longer be peaceful."