C15 The Purchase of Weapons!

"Our selection here features weapons of at least First High Rank, with a considerable number of Second Rank arms as well. Young Master, please take your time to look around. Do any of these weapons catch your eye?" the elder said invitingly.

Ling Xiao scrutinized the array of weapons before him: swords, sabers, spears, hooks... each one formidable in its own right. He glanced at the price tags, the lowest starting at over 100 gold coins, with the highest reaching a staggering 5,000 gold coins. He couldn't help but inwardly sigh at his own lack of funds.

"A First High Rank Green Rain Sword, weighing 10 kilograms, for 150 gold coins."

"A First High Rank Phantom Saber, tipping the scales at 30 kilograms, for 380 gold coins."

"A Second Low Rank Bold Stone Spear, at 20 kilograms, for 1,200 gold coins."

"A Second Low Rank Soul Seizing Hook, weighing 22 kilograms, for 1,800 gold coins."

Ling Xiao's eyes widened as he took in the weapons, each exuding a sense of distinction. Alas, they were all beyond his means, and he shook his head in resignation.

The elder's anxiety spiked. Was it possible that the Young Master wasn't impressed with any of the weapons?

"Young Master, in Meteor City, our weapons are second to none. They are the handiwork of our city's most celebrated Artifact Refining Master, Elder Lih. We are the exclusive distributor of his creations. If you can't find the right weapon here, I doubt you'll find one elsewhere," the elder stated, desperate not to lose such a promising customer, yet his confidence in the quality of his wares was palpable.

Indeed, his words were true. Elder Lih was the only Third Low Rank Artifact Refining Master in Meteor City, capable of producing Second High Rank weapons.

"I understand," Ling Xiao replied, feigning a tone of disappointment. "But what I'm really looking for is a Third Rank Profound Weapon. Does your shop have any in stock?"

Weapons are generally categorized into five levels: Mortal, Profound, Spiritual, Holy, and Divine. Mortal Weapons typically refer to those of First and Second Rank. Profound Weapons are Third and Fourth Rank. Fifth and Sixth Rank weapons are classified as Spiritual Artifacts. Seventh and Eighth Rank ones are Holy Artifacts. The most revered, Ninth and Tenth Rank weapons, are known as Divine Artifacts.

Mortal Weapons are ubiquitous throughout the continent. Profound Weapons, however, are incredibly rare and highly valued. In a remote and economically challenged place like Meteor City, they are especially hard to come by. When Profound Weapons do surface, they are often the treasured relics of prominent families. Spiritual Weapons are typically found within the ranks of powerful sects, while Holy and Divine Artifacts remain the stuff of myths and legends.

"Profound Weapons? No, I don't have any of those. You see, Elder Lih only ever forged three in his entire life. The Ling and Lee families each possess one, and Elder Lih kept the last as his prized masterpiece. It's exceedingly rare. I'm afraid you won't find one here," the old man said, his voice tinged with a note of sympathy.

"Well then, I guess I'll just pick up something from a shop outside. It's only to chop wood with," Ling Xiao said with a casual shrug.

The old man was stunned. "Which family is this young master from? Using a Profound Weapon for kindling... The heads of the great families would faint if they heard this."

Ling Xiao chose a First Middle Rank Giant Dragon Sword from a storefront.

"Yuxi, could you front the cost for me? I'll be sure to pay you back very soon," Ling Xiao murmured to Bai Yuxi.

Before, Ling Xiao had managed to get five hundred gold coins from Lee Guangyin, all of which he had given to Bai Yuxi for her mother's funeral expenses. She had four hundred and ninety-five left over, which she had meant to give back to Ling Xiao, but he had been too embarrassed to take her money and had refused.

Now, faced with the need to buy a weapon, he was reluctantly asking Bai Yuxi for a loan, which made him feel quite awkward.

Bai Yuxi, on the other hand, didn't see any issue with it. She felt the money was originally Ling Xiao's, so it was only natural for him to request it.

After Bai Yuxi made the payment, Ling Xiao took possession of the Giant Dragon Sword, and the old man even threw in a sword sheath as a freebie.

"Yuxi, thank you again for earlier. I'll make sure to repay you quickly," Ling Xiao emphasized. He wasn't used to borrowing money from women; this was his first time, and he was deeply embarrassed.

"There's no need for thanks; I'm just doing what I should," Bai Yuxi responded, gesturing dismissively. She was used to Ling Xiao's politeness, finding her Young Master to be much more respectful than any other man she had known—men who had only wanted to take advantage of her. But not Young Master Ling; he had saved her, and she was devotedly loyal to him.

"No, I must repay you, and I will. Let's go," Ling Xiao said, playfully tapping Bai Yuxi's nose as he started walking. "I still owe you a gift, and we're going to pick it out right now."

Bai Yuxi watched as Ling Xiao confidently strode away, then she touched her nose and let out a soft giggle before quickly catching up to him.

At the tailor's, Ling Xiao placed orders for three outfits for Bai Yuxi and two each for his mother, his father, and himself. The entire purchase cost only five gold coins, and he would be able to pick them up in just four hours—an impressively efficient turnaround.

Having paid the deposit, Ling Xiao was eager to take Bai Yuxi out for a sumptuous meal. He felt that eating at home all the time was monotonous, and occasionally savoring the unique flavors of the city's cuisine was a delightful alternative.

The Fragrance Restaurant was Meteor City's most famous dining establishment, known not only as the largest but also the most expensive. Its patrons were invariably people of distinction.

As Ling Xiao and Bai Yuxi made their entrance, they immediately drew the attention of many.

"Isn't that the 'useless' one from the Ling family? What's he doing here?" a young master from a lesser family whispered to his friend.

His companion, also a young master, signaled for quiet. "Shh, don't let him hear you."

"There's no need to worry. He's just the 'useless' one from the Ling family. Even if you offend him, they won't stand up for him," the first young master insisted.

In a low voice, his friend replied, "Didn't you hear about what happened half a month ago? Ling Xiao beat up Lee Guangyin from the Lee family."

"What? Even though Young Master Lee is the weakest among the three notorious young masters, he's still quite strong. Could it be that Ling Xiao has regained his ability to cultivate profound strength?"

"It seems likely. Many saw Ling Xiao give Lee Guangyin and his group a thorough thrashing that day."

Ignoring the curious stares from the other diners, Ling Xiao escorted Bai Yuxi to the second floor. He selected a secluded table by the edge and settled down.

This was Bai Yuxi's first time in such a high-end venue. With a timid air, she clung to the hem of Ling Xiao's clothes, following him closely.

"Just relax. We're all just people here; they won't bite. The only difference is that this place is a bit pricier, but that's hardly impressive," Ling Xiao reassured Bai Yuxi with soothing words.