Chapter 008: Ribbon and Sword

Yao Yuan awoke feeling exceptionally refreshed after a blissful night's slumber. Drawing in a deep breath, she whispered to herself, "Today will be a good day." A gentle smile graced her lips as she adjusted the loose men's robes draped over her slender frame. Despite her undeniably feminine features, she found solace in the comfort and freedom of male attire, blissfully unencumbered by the intricate hairstyles and elaborate makeup expected of women in her society. The innkeeper had informed her that the coveted entrance examination for the renowned Yun Heng Sword Sect would commence in ten days. With this in mind, Yao Yuan ventured forth into the bustling streets, not for the thrill of shopping but to familiarize herself with the winding alleys and lively marketplace of this city that would be her temporary home.

Though the pursuit of shopping held little appeal, the prospect of exploring a new environment kindled her curiosity. As she meandered through the crowded thoroughfares, her keen eyes darted from stall to stall, absorbing the sights, sounds, and aromas that painted a vibrant tapestry of urban life. Merchants hawked their wares with enthusiastic calls, their voices mingling with the chatter of passersby and the occasional bray of livestock, creating a symphony of urban cacophony.

Yao Yuan navigated the labyrinth of narrow lanes with graceful steps that belied her martial prowess. She paused occasionally to admire the intricate craftsmanship of a finely wrought blade or to sample a tantalizing street snack, savouring the unfamiliar flavours that danced across her tongue, offering a delightful departure from the familiar.

With each turn, she committed the layout of the city to memory, mentally mapping its intricate web of streets and landmarks, laying the groundwork for her eventual mastery of this new domain.

Though her primary goal was to prepare for the Sect's entrance examination, she couldn't help but revel in the simple joy of immersing herself in a new and fascinating place, one step at a time, allowing the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and scents to envelop her senses.

Her wanderings led her to the imposing facade of the Wan Jin House, one of the two esteemed auction houses in Yun Heng City. Intrigued, she decided to explore what treasures might lie within its walls.

As she approached the entrance, one of the guards halted her with a raised hand. "Do you have an invitation, miss?"

Yao Yuan, taken aback, replied contritely, "I'm afraid not. I was unaware that an invitation was required to enter your esteemed auction house."

"She is with me," a gentle voice rang out from behind her. "My apologies for being late. Please join me."

Turning, Yao Yuan found herself face-to-face with a well-dressed gentleman. She nodded politely and followed him into the opulent interior of the auction house.

A server swiftly approached, guiding them to a luxurious VIP room. Once the server had taken their leave, Yao Yuan turned to the young gentleman and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your assistance earlier."

"It was my pleasure," he replied with a warm smile. "How may I address you, miss?"

"Where... I am Yao Yuan. And you, sir?" she inquired, catching herself as she nearly rebuked him for addressing her as miss.

"Many apologies, I thought you might have recognized me. I am Zhu Bu Xi. I gather you are not a local resident?" The gentleman gestured towards the steaming cup of tea before her. "But before we continue, please, make yourself comfortable."

"Your hospitality is most gracious." Yao Yuan took a sip of the fragrant tea, savouring its delicate flavours before continuing. "You are correct, sir. I only arrived in Yun Heng City yesterday and am unfamiliar with the people and places here."

"Ah, no need for concern. Yun Heng City is a delightful place to spend some time. May I inquire as to the reason for your visit?"

"I am considering joining a Sect, and the esteemed Yun Heng Sword Sect is one of my options," Yao Yuan replied.

"An excellent choice," Zhu Bu Xi nodded in agreement.

Below, in the auction hall, a beautiful woman took the stage, her voice ringing out to announce the commencement of the day's auction. "The first item for bidding is a sword." She signalled to her assistants, who brought forth a wooden tray draped in a vibrant red cloth. As the cloth was removed, a palpable wave of energy radiated from the sword, its simple appearance belied its true power.

The auctioneer held aloft the blade, drawing it from its scabbard with reverence. Even from her elevated vantage point, Yao Yuan could sense the razor-sharp edge, a testament to the weapon's quality.

"This sword is named Peerless, a fourth-grade item. The starting bid shall be one thousand spirit stones, with a minimum increment of fifty spirit stones."

The bidding commenced in a flurry of raised paddles and called-out sums. "Twelve hundred!"

"Thirteen hundred!"

"Thirteen fifty!"

Within moments, the bid soared past twenty-five hundred spirit stones, as affluent cultivators vied for the prized weapon. Yao Yuan found herself impressed, not by the sword itself, but by the sheer quality and prestige that permeated this auction house, a stark contrast to the more modest establishments she had frequented in the past.

Zhu Bu Xi, observing Yao Yuan's rapt expression, inquired, "Do you wish to acquire this sword?"

"Not particularly," she replied, her tone tinged with a hint of wistful melancholy. "While it is an impressive weapon, I have no use for it at present." As a swordsman herself, at least before her loss of cultivation, she could still wield a blade and fight, but it would merely be going through the motions without the power of her spiritual energy. For the time being, the cultivation method she was learning held no sword-related skills. Perhaps when she attained a higher level or learned a technique better suited to her spiritual energy, she would once again take up the sword.

The thought brought a pang of sadness, and she sighed, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly.

"Do not be disheartened," Zhu Bu Xi offered, sensing her shift in mood. "Not every skilled cultivator relies on a sword."

With a subtle gesture, he beckoned a maid lingering by the door. "Qiao'er, come here." He leaned in, whispering instructions to the young woman, who swiftly departed to carry out his bidding.

Turning his attention back to Yao Yuan, he inquired with a gentle curiosity, "If I may ask, what weapon do you typically employ?"

Yao Yuan hesitated, struggling to find an appropriate response. The 'Fairy Plays with Butterfly' technique she was learning utilized a ribbon as its primary weapon of choice, a prospect that filled her with disquiet. "Err, a ribbon," she mumbled, her tone tinged with reluctance.

"How unconventional," Zhu Bu Xi remarked, his expression one of genuine interest. "Yet, quite fitting for one such as yourself."

Yao Yuan grumbled under her breath, her discontentment palpable. 'Sorry, but no, it definitely does not suit me at all. I want a sword, a sword, A SWORD!'

**To be continued