Floating Island - Triple S Talent

Inside the pouch were a dozen medium-sized crystals. Their radiance was purer than ordinary crystals, making them stand out even among other rare items. The soft glow reflected off the surface of the table, catching the attention of anyone who saw them.

"Mid-tier crystals?" the attendant muttered in surprise. His eyes widened as he stared at the crystals, seemingly unable to believe his own sight. Typically, such crystals were only found on the fourth and fifth floors of the store, reserved for wealthy customers dressed in luxurious clothing and exuding an air of authority. Yet now, a raggedly dressed teenager stood before him with a dozen mid-tier crystals. In his mind, the total value of these crystals equated to more than 10,000 ordinary energy crystals.

"Y-yes, Young Master! Please, follow me," the attendant said, his tone immediately shifting. He now bowed deeply, his demeanor changing 180 degrees into one of utmost respect.

The young man showed no emotion. His face remained expressionless, as if indifferent to the drastic change in the attendant's attitude. To him, as long as he could obtain a suitable weapon, that was enough. Without a word, he followed the attendant to the upper floors, his steps steady and calm, further intimidating the attendant.

As they passed the second floor, the teenager glanced briefly at its contents. The area was filled with cultivation support tools such as technique manuals, healing pills, and alchemical potions. The customers on the second floor seemed busy selecting items with enthusiastic expressions, in stark contrast to the cold aura emanating from the young man.

Without stopping, they continued to the third floor. This floor offered high-tech items like small flying ships, energy runes, and combat aids. The crowd here was even larger than on the previous floor. However, the young man only gave it a quick glance before refocusing on his goal.

They finally arrived on the fourth floor, where the atmosphere felt markedly different. This floor was much quieter, with far fewer customers. The air was filled with the scent of sandalwood and a faint spiritual energy that gave the space a luxurious ambiance.

"Please, Young Master," said the attendant, bowing again as he gestured toward the weapon rack that stretched along one side of the room.

"Excuse me, Young Master," the attendant asked politely, "may I know your current cultivation level?"

"Qi Condensation, fourth level," the young man replied curtly, his tone flat and devoid of emotion.

Hearing this, the attendant was taken aback, though he tried to conceal his reaction. In his mind, he struggled to find a logical explanation. A cultivator at such a low level possessing a large number of mid-tier crystals? The thought made him even more curious, but he knew his job was to serve the customer, not to pry further.

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"Understood, Young Master. I will show you weapons suitable for your cultivation level," he said respectfully, maintaining his professionalism.

The attendant led the young man to a rack filled with a variety of weapons. The rack held spears, swords, bows, and protective gear such as armor and boots. The prices for the items on this rack started at 5,000 ordinary crystals or five mid-tier crystals.

He picked up a spear with a blade adorned with shimmering green runes. With great care, he handed the spear to the young man using both hands.

"Please examine this, Young Master," he said with a polite smile, his attitude full of respect.

The young man took the spear and examined it carefully. The blade was slightly wider than the Wind Spear he had seen earlier, with engravings in the shape of lightning bolts that seemed to pulse with life. As his fingers touched the shaft of the spear, he felt a cold, sharp energy flowing into his arm, giving him an almost overwhelming sense of power.

He swung the spear slowly through the air. A faint whistling sound could be heard, resembling distant thunder. The movement of the blade created a subtle glow, as if hidden lightning awaited his command. His sharp gaze scrutinized the weapon before he nodded slightly.

"This suits me," he said briefly but with confidence.

The store attendant smiled in relief, though internally he remained astonished by the young man's quick decision. "You have excellent taste, Young Master. The Sky Thunder Spear is one of the finest weapons on the fourth floor. Its price is 8,500 energy crystals."

Without hesitation, the young man reached into his pouch, pulling out several mid-tier crystals. The soft glow of the crystals emphasized their rare purity. The attendant was momentarily stunned before snapping back to his senses. He quickly counted the crystals, which were more than sufficient to cover the cost of the spear. Efficiently, he retrieved a special protective cloth, carefully wrapped the spear, and handed it to the young man.

"Is there anything else you require, Young Master?" the attendant asked respectfully, his tone now even softer than before.

The young man directed his gaze toward the surrounding racks, pondering briefly before replying, "I need a defensive robe. Something lightweight but capable of withstanding mid-tier attacks."

The attendant nodded quickly, eager to please. He walked over to a rack displaying the best protective robes. After carefully selecting, he presented a dark blue robe adorned with silver lightning patterns that glowed faintly under the room's light.

"This is the Thundercloud Protective Robe, Young Master," he explained, holding the robe with both hands. "It is designed to resist lightning and fire elemental attacks. Made from rare fibers of high-level spiritual beasts, it is lightweight, flexible, yet incredibly durable. Its price is 6,200 energy crystals."

The young man took the robe, feeling its smooth texture against his palms. As he put it on, he found that it fit perfectly, as though tailored specifically for him. A warm sensation slowly spread through his body, bringing a sense of calm and confidence, like an invisible shield always on guard.

"This is also suitable," he said, handing over the required number of energy crystals.

The attendant bowed deeply, a satisfied smile on his face. "Thank you for your purchase, Young Master. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The young man shook his head. "That will be all. Thank you."

With his business concluded, the young man left the store carrying his new spear and robe. His steps were calm, even as all eyes around him turned his way. Some people glanced at the conspicuous spear, while others were simply curious about the confident figure. Yet the young man remained unfazed. He walked as if indifferent, letting their gazes pass over him like the wind.

Once he left the city's main streets, his expression began to change. The previously confident face now showed signs of anxiety. He stopped briefly at a quiet crossroads, scanning his surroundings intently. His restless eyes darted around, like a hunter wary of both prey and predator.

"This should be enough to erase my tracks," he muttered softly, his voice tinged with doubt.

Memories of earlier events flashed through his mind. During his journey to the mountains to find medicine, he had stumbled upon the corpse of a cultivator lying lifeless in the forest. The body was cold, and the gaping wound in its chest indicated that the cultivator had met a violent end. Beside the corpse lay a pouch filled with energy crystals, emitting a faint glow.

He had hesitated for a moment, but temptation and fear overwhelmed him. With trembling hands, he had taken the pouch and fled without looking back. His steps had been swift and filled with panic, as if the shadow of death was chasing him.

Reaching Nagung City, he decided to enter the seed store—the only place he knew offered absolute protection. The store was not only famous for its high-quality goods but also for its strict rules prohibiting outside interference, even from high-level cultivators.

Now, his plan was clear. The Sky Thunder Spear and Thundercloud Protective Robe he had just purchased would be resold at another seed store in a different city. This way, even Golden Core-level cultivators would be unable to trace his tracks. He was confident this was the only way to eliminate all potential threats.

The young man quickened his pace toward the city's exit, beginning the long journey to the next city. However, unbeknownst to him, an old man with a terrifying aura was tracking his movements.

The old man walked slowly, his gaze cold and calculating. Each step he took carried an invisible pressure, causing those nearby to unconsciously step aside. He stopped in front of the seed store the young man had entered earlier.