Chapter 484: Some Time with Sun Luguo (3)
Chapter 484: Some Time with Sun Luguo (3)
Sun Luguo continued eating, but his mind remained active.
"Where did you come from?"
"The Northern Region."
The man nodded slowly, processing the information.
’So that’s it.’
Kyrian had probably arrived at the Caravan only recently. Otherwise, such a talented young man would have been impossible to overlook.
"Your first time in the Caravan?"
"Yes."
"Do you like it?"
Kyrian thought for a few seconds. His violet eyes drifted away, taking in the view through the window, the city’s lights, the flying boats, and the Caravan’s vibrant energy.
"Very much." His voice was calm and thoughtful.
"There are many things to see and learn."
He paused, turning his gaze back to Sun Luguo.
"Now... blacksmithing."
Sun Luguo smiled in satisfaction, a gleam of approval in his eyes.
"The Caravan exists for exactly that." He made a broad gesture with his hand, as if embracing the entire city.
"Here, you can find just about any profession. Any technique. Any knowledge. As long as you have enough money or something valuable to trade."
The two returned to eating. The pace was comfortable, a natural pause in the conversation.
After a few minutes, with the table gradually emptying, Sun Luguo asked again.
"Why did you become interested in blacksmithing?"
The question was sincere. The blacksmith wanted to understand what motivated the young man. What had brought him to his forge, to that test.
Kyrian answered calmly, without hesitation.
"I simply thought it might be useful to know."
The enormous man shook his head with a smile. The answer was typical of Kyrian, straightforward, practical, and without embellishment. He liked the boy’s directness. He never said more than necessary, nor did he lose himself in needless explanations. Despite his obvious talent, he also didn’t seem arrogant.
’Useful to know...’
He pondered the young man’s answer. It was a simple reply, yet one filled with meaning. Kyrian didn’t want to become a blacksmith out of passion, at least not yet. He viewed blacksmithing as a tool, a means to an end.
And that... was perfectly acceptable.
Many of the greatest craftsmen had started the same way. First came practical utility. Then, little by little, the art revealed itself. Before they knew it, they found themselves in love with the craft.
Sun Luguo had seen that path many times before.
After nearly an hour...
The table was almost empty. The dishes, once overflowing with food, now held only scraps, stripped bones, fruit peels, and a little broth at the bottom of a bowl.
Sun Luguo looked around with satisfaction. His face was flushed, not from the wine, which he had consumed in industrial quantities without the slightest effect, but from the satisfaction of a fine meal.
"Excellent." He patted his own belly, a contented sound escaping his lips.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten this well."
Kyrian was satisfied as well. He could feel his body slowly absorbing all the spiritual energy contained within the food. His meridians glowed with a gentle warmth.
The two left the restaurant. As they stepped outside, the manager and the staff lined up to bid them farewell, offering deep bows.
"Master Sun, it’s always a pleasure!" the manager said with a broad smile.
"Please come again soon!"
"Hahaha!" Sun Luguo waved.
"I certainly will! Especially if you keep that wild boar on the menu!"
As soon as they stepped outside...
The sky had already grown completely dark.
Thousands of spiritual lights illuminated the entire city once again. Floating lanterns hovered above the streets, creating a sea of light that stretched as far as the eye could see. Flying boats drifted across the night sky, their sails glowing with spiritual inscriptions that shone brilliantly in the darkness.
Spiritual fireworks exploded above the streets in celebration of the Celestial Descent Festival. Bursts of red, gold, blue, and violet painted the night sky with patterns of flowers and dragons. Children in the streets shouted with joy, pointing excitedly at the lights.
The Caravan was alive, pulsing with energy and celebration.
Sun Luguo smiled as his eyes swept across the scene.
"Come on." He gestured toward the main street.
"We still have an auction to attend."
The two walked through the illuminated streets. The crowd was still dense, but once again it naturally made way for Sun Luguo, people stepping aside with smiles and greetings.
Not long afterward, they arrived before an enormous circular building.
Unlike the auction house of the Alchemists Association that Kyrian had visited a few days earlier, this one possessed a completely different aesthetic.
Its walls were black, made from a stone that absorbed light like a bottomless abyss. Yet upon that darkness, golden metal plates had been mounted, shining with a light of their own. The plates formed intricate patterns, depicting weapons and tools intertwined in a dance of metal.
Numerous weapons decorated its facade.
Massive hammers, their heads as large as human heads.
Long, elegant swords, their blades gleaming even in the darkness.
Battle axes, their handles carved into the shapes of beasts.
Spears with tips that resembled frozen sparks.
Above the entrance, an enormous sign shone brightly, its letters formed from golden light.
Grand Auction of a Thousand Trades.
Hundreds of cultivators continuously entered through the grand entrance. Some wore luxurious robes, clearly nobles or members of great sects. Others wore full suits of armor, prepared for battle even at a social event.
Sun Luguo walked toward the entrance. As always, his presence drew attention.
But before he could take out his invitation...
Kyrian calmly presented the crest he had received a few days earlier. The emblem glowed in his hand, its light standing out against the darkness of the building.
The moment the attendant saw the crest...
His expression changed completely.
The man’s eyes widened. His posture, previously professional and composed, immediately became reverent. He bowed deeply, nearly lowering himself to the floor.
"Honored sirs." His voice trembled with respect.
"Please. Allow me to escort you to a VIP room."
Sun Luguo subtly raised an eyebrow. His eyes shifted quickly between the attendant and Kyrian, taking in the scene.
He said absolutely nothing. He simply followed the attendant.
But his curiosity had grown.
’That crest...’
He vaguely recognized the symbol. It was related to the Alchemists Association, but it was no ordinary emblem. It was a mark of distinction, granted only to a select few.
’It’s not something just anyone can obtain.’
Sun Luguo had connections throughout the Caravan, and he knew that even some famous cultivators had never received such a special invitation.
’Even some of the Caravan’s famous cultivators have never received one.’
He discreetly glanced at Kyrian. The young man walked calmly, as though everything happening was perfectly ordinary.
’This boy...’
Sun Luguo felt a smile form on his lips.
’He seems to be even more extraordinary than I thought.’
Despite the burning curiosity rising within his chest...
He did not ask.
Every cultivator had their own secrets. It was one of the silent rules of the cultivation world, an etiquette as fundamental as breathing. If Kyrian wished to share them, he would do so when he was ready.
Until then, Sun Luguo would respect that boundary.
They were escorted to an exceptionally luxurious private room.
The room was located on the highest level of the building, offering a privileged view of the auction stage. Large transparent crystal windows formed the front wall, providing a perfect view of everything taking place below.
Inside, the floor was covered with soft carpets woven from spiritual silk. Dark wooden furniture was arranged comfortably throughout the room, accompanied by velvet cushions and low tables for drinks and refreshments.
As soon as the door was closed, silence enveloped the room. The noise of the crowd below, loud and constant only moments before, vanished completely, blocked by spiritual formations embedded within the walls.
Sun Luguo simply sat down before the enormous crystal window, his chair creaking slightly beneath his weight.
"Excellent." He settled into his seat, crossing his arms.
"I’ve never cared much for crowds. Too much noise, too much chatter. Here, we can watch in peace."
Kyrian also took his seat. The chair was comfortable, perfectly adjusted to his height.
Soon... The auction began.
An elegant auctioneer stepped onto the stage, her clear, melodic voice echoing through spiritual amplification formations. She wore a dark blue robe adorned with symbols of trade and commerce.
"Welcome to the Grand Auction of a Thousand Trades!" Her voice was gentle, yet carried unquestionable authority.
"The rules are simple, the highest bid wins the item. Let the night begin!"
The first items appeared.
A high-grade spiritual sword, its blade gleaming with a bluish hue. The sword radiated a razor-sharp aura.
Next came a suit of earth-attributed armor, crafted from the scales of an Ice Beast. Every scale had been polished and fitted together flawlessly, creating protection that was both beautiful and practical.
Then... a movement technique. An ancient scroll, its edges worn by time, containing the secrets of a forgotten combat style.
Thousand-year-old spiritual herbs, preserved in jade containers.
Rare ores, extracted from dangerous mines deep beneath the earth.
Young spiritual beasts, sleeping inside containment cages.
Alchemy materials, each glowing with its own unique energy.
Various formation plates, each engraved with intricate patterns.
Sun Luguo commented on a few of the items.