Chapter 26: Never Daring to Buy Things Recklessly Again

The shopkeeper lifted his head slightly to look at the man in black and said coolly, “If I sell, I sell. This is not a pawnshop.”

Instantly, a murderous aura surged from the man in black as he spoke coldly, “Shopkeeper, last month when I entered, you gave your word.”

“Did I ever promise you?”

“You! Don’t force my hand!” The man in black swept aside his cloak, revealing a long sword as dark as night.

At the sight of the black sword, the shopkeeper’s expression shifted slightly.

“Ninefold Pavilion?”

“So you recognize it. Let me tell you, that weapon belongs to the Ninefold Pavilion. It’s not something you can afford to cross!”

The shopkeeper chuckled and shook his head. “You’re mistaken. I’m merely curious what brings someone from the Ninefold Pavilion to Taijing, to such a humble corner at that.”

“Enough talk! Hand over the sword techniques!”

The shopkeeper gently brushed aside a strand of hair and said lightly, “It seems you still don’t understand my meaning.”

“Then see if you understand my sword!”

“I think you’d better look down for a moment.”

The shopkeeper’s words made the man in black hesitate. As he looked down, he saw the cold tip of a sword protruding from his chest.

“It’s been a while since I’ve used this move. I suppose I’m a bit out of practice,” the shopkeeper’s figure, ghostly and elusive, appeared behind the man in black, a faint smile on his lips.

Yet the man in black felt no pain in his chest, despite the wound right before his eyes. Suddenly, he recalled a legend of Taijing—a swordsman who had perfected his technique to the extreme, so swift in killing that his victims felt no pain, only realizing it after the deed was done.

“You! You’re—the White Wave Sword Thief!”

The shopkeeper paused, then a look of realization dawned on him. “I’d nearly forgotten I had that nickname. Rather embarrassing, truly. But it’s not bad that you remember.”

“To die by the sword of the White Wave Sword Thief, my fate is sealed. But the Ninefold Pavilion will not let you go! Those two sword manuals are of utmost importance; even you cannot withstand the Pavilion’s pursuit!”

The shopkeeper withdrew the sword, revealing it to be nothing more than an ordinary longsword.

But in that instant, the man in black felt the world spin, as the pain struck him all at once—a sensation that made death seem almost merciful.

Taking out a white cloth, the shopkeeper gently wiped the blood from the blade. “To lose your life over two sword manuals—what a waste.”

At that, the shopkeeper seemed to recall something, and hurried into the counter. Soon, the shop echoed with his wails of despair.

“Those two bald brats! I, the White Wave Sword Thief, never make a losing deal, yet today I’ve been tricked by you two! This is infuriating! If I ever see those two again, I’ll draw a turtle right on their bald heads to vent my rage!”

The situation was all too clear—the shopkeeper had given away the two manuals as gifts, and now he was taking the blame for it. How could he not be furious?

For the White Wave Sword Thief, the greatest tragedy in this world was not only failing to make a profit, but actually incurring a loss.

Still, he was not a petty man. What was given was given; he would not take it back.

After all, the White Wave Sword Thief had his pride. If word got out, it would be a loss of face. Best to swallow it and move on.

Meanwhile, Ye Kun and Ye Qin had already returned home.

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng were examining the sword manuals their sons had brought back—four in total, bought with just ten gold coins!

How had these boys managed it? Both parents were astonished.

Yet greater shock awaited them.

Two of the manuals, flashy in appearance, were merely entry-level techniques. But the other two were anything but ordinary.

Seeing his mother’s expression, Ye Kun immediately sensed their extraordinary nature.

Did Brother Kun just stumble upon a priceless treasure while shopping? Could we not do this? Brother Kun really didn’t like such things!

“Kun Kun, Qin Qin, how did you come by these two sword manuals?” Dongmen Meng asked sternly, her seriousness brooking no jest—even their usually playful father was solemn.

Ye Qin blanched and hurried to explain, “Mother, Father, we went to buy sword manuals. The shopkeeper gave these to us as gifts.”

Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng were utterly dumbfounded. Gifts?

Were such supreme sword manuals really handed out with the ordinary ones? What kind of shopkeeper was so generous? Give me a dozen, why not?

“You’re not lying to your mother?” Dongmen Meng pressed.

Ye Qin nodded vigorously, aggrieved—why was he always the one left to take the blame?

Beside him, Ye Kun was still wracked with guilt over his “luck.” If every errand ended with him bringing home treasures, how could anyone else live?

Brother Kun was a humble man, never one to show off.

“Take these two manuals and study them well,” Dongmen Meng said. “For now, I’ll keep them safe.”

“Ah…” Ye Qin protested, clearly unwilling. The ordinary manuals were easy enough to part with, but these two...

“It’s getting late. Head to the cultivation academy. Tian Tian will go with you,” Dongmen Meng added, uneasy and determined that Zhang Tiantian accompany them for protection.

Ye Qin pouted but had no choice. At home, his mother’s word was law.

Soon, only Ye Ming and Dongmen Meng remained in the main hall.

“These don’t originate from East Shade. Sword manuals of this level must have come from beyond East Shade,” Ye Ming muttered, brows tightly furrowed. As he spoke, a surge of fire burst from his palm. In an instant, a golden manual appeared, and another shone with a purple hue. The two manuals shed their disguises, emitting a faint, radiant glow—the mark of celestial sword techniques.

Dongmen Meng’s brows knit even tighter. “Such techniques are usually the foundation of great clans or sects. Now two have appeared here. Many must have died for them. Kun Kun and Qin Qin have bought a burning potato.”

“Should we return them?” Ye Ming whispered, only to be met with a glare from Dongmen Meng.

“If the children bought them, they’re ours now. But we must get to the bottom of this. I’ll pay a visit to the Sword Book Pavilion.”

“Don’t you want me to come along?” Ye Ming asked, somewhat dejected.

“I feel more at ease without you,” Dongmen Meng replied.

“Meng Meng, you wound your husband,” Ye Ming clutched his chest in mock agony.

In the past, Xiao Ling might have smiled at this, but she’d grown immune to such antics.

“Go wash the dishes and stop whining!” With that, Dongmen Meng stepped out of the Ye residence.

Ye Ming was a little embarrassed. Turning to Xiao Ling, he explained, “She means for you to wash the dishes.”

“Yes, Master. Xiao Ling will go wash the dishes.”

“Oh, Xiao Ling, you’re less fun these days. How could I let you do the washing? I’ll go, I’ll go.” Ye Ming hurried off, muttering as he went.

Watching him grumble, Xiao Ling’s lips curved in a faint smile. With such a master, her lady was truly blessed.