Chapter 1349: From Arrogance to Humility
Chapter 1349: From Arrogance to Humility
Translator: CinderTL
Song Wen reclined on an intricately carved wooden chair, his gaze fixed on the graceful dance of the women on the wooden stage before him.
Beside him, two young women in sheer veils, their smiles as radiant as blossoms, murmured sweet words, addressing him repeatedly as "young master."
One held a gilded wine pot, while the other cradled a white jade cup, continuously pouring amber-colored spirit wine to his lips.
The fragrant wine curled in the air, and surrounded by such beauty, Song Wen felt utterly content.
Suddenly, a woman with heavily powdered features swayed onto the stage. Her shrewd, calculating eyes swept over the crowd below, and a radiant, ingratiating smile bloomed on her face.
"Honored guests, welcome to Fairy Zhizhen’s Hairpin Ceremony. Fairy Zhizhen hails from a distinguished cultivation clan, a true noble lady. Alas, her family’s fortunes have declined, forcing her to grace our humble establishment, a pearl cast into the dust. We are fortunate to have earned your esteemed patronage, a blessing for Fairy Zhizhen..."
The woman launched into a lengthy speech, essentially self-promotion before the sale. She extolled Fairy Zhizhen’s flower-like beauty, captivating grace, and pristine purity.
Though the performance was rather cliché, it ignited the enthusiasm of the male cultivators below, who began clamoring for her appearance.
Seeing the atmosphere had reached its peak, the woman finally stopped wasting her breath.
"Fairy Zhizhen, come and greet your honored guests."
As her voice faded, the hall’s ceiling suddenly opened, revealing a skylight.
A shower of flower petals cascaded down from the skylight, and a graceful figure descended slowly amidst the floral rain.
The woman wore a pink robe, her skin as white as snow, with almond-shaped eyes and cherry-red lips.
Song Wen’s gaze lingered briefly on her face, and he couldn’t help but feel a slight disappointment.
While Fairy Zhizhen was undeniably lovely and charming, she was merely of above-average beauty by the standards of the Immortal Cultivation World—far from the "peerless beauty" the woman had boasted about.
Yet her slightly furrowed brows hinted at a hidden sorrow, and her eyes shimmered with a touch of melancholy. Despite her Nascent Soul Stage cultivation, she appeared as fragile and helpless as a pear blossom battered by rain, evoking instant pity and an overwhelming urge to cradle her in one’s arms and protect her.
"This humble one is Zhizhen, and I greet you, honored guests," she said softly, offering a graceful bow.
"Though born into a renowned cultivation clan, my father’s gambling addiction has squandered our family fortune. My mother suffers from a chronic illness, relying on medicinal pills to prolong her life. My younger brother, still young and naive, has strayed onto the demonic path. To repay my father’s debts and provide for my mother’s treatment, I was forced to descend into this world of dust and grime. I implore you, honored guests, to show me your compassion."
As she spoke, a misty sheen welled up in her eyes, making her appear utterly pitiful.
"Enough!" A gaunt old man in the audience suddenly shouted. "This old man bids one hundred high-grade spirit stones to rescue Fairy Zhizhen from this predicament!"
"A mere hundred high-grade spirit stones? You dare to boast so loudly?" A burly man with a face full of scars rose to his feet. "I bid two hundred high-grade spirit stones! Fairy Zhizhen’s beauty is worth every penny!"
"Three hundred."
"Five hundred."
The price quickly soared to eighteen hundred high-grade spirit stones, but then abruptly stalled. No one else raised their bids.
Fairy Zhizhen and the woman on stage clearly weren’t satisfied with this price.
Zhizhen glanced at the woman, who immediately raised her voice.
"Eighteen hundred high-grade spirit stones! Are there any other honored guests willing to bid higher? Fairy Zhizhen is the daughter of a noble cultivation clan—a peerless beauty, pure as ice and jade, yet burdened by a tragic fate. Such a rare opportunity to be close to her may never come again. Miss this chance, and you may never encounter another like her."
"Two thousand."
The woman’s words had barely faded when a new bid rang out.
The bidder was Ke Zheng.
This was his first bid of the night.
The woman’s cloyingly sweet, flirtatious gaze landed on Ke Zheng.
"Ah, Young Master Ke Zheng! Young Master Ke Zheng bids two thousand high-grade spirit stones. Any higher bids?"
"Three thousand," Song Wen suddenly declared.
This move drew the attention of everyone present. The woman on the stage, Fairy Zhizhen, Ke Zheng, and the other guests all turned to look at Song Wen.
The woman and Fairy Zhizhen’s eyes shone with delight, while the other guests were curious about who this generous fool might be. Only Ke Zheng’s gaze held a sinister edge.
"This guest has bid three thousand high-grade spirit stones. Does anyone wish to raise the bid?" the woman asked, her smile as radiant as a flower.
"Three thousand five hundred high-grade spirit stones," Ke Zheng said through gritted teeth.
"Five thousand," Song Wen replied calmly.
"Five thousand high-grade spirit stones!" The woman’s eyes widened, her excitement barely contained. This price far exceeded her expectations. "Any further bids?"
At that moment, Ke Zheng, his face dark with anger, abruptly stood up, flicked his sleeve, and turned to leave the hall.
As he passed Song Wen, who was seated in the back row, he suddenly stopped.
"Fellow Daoist, you look unfamiliar. You must not cultivate near Thousand Blades City, am I right?"
"Fellow Daoist has sharp eyes. I am Feng Xin, a newcomer here. I hope Fellow Daoist and the others will offer me some guidance in the future," Song Wen said, rising to his feet and bowing to the crowd.
"Since you’re new to Thousand Blades City, it would be wise to tread carefully. Avoid offending those you shouldn’t," Ke Zheng warned before continuing his exit.
As if suddenly realizing something, Song Wen quickly turned to the two women beside him.
"Do you know his identity?"
"This senior is named Ke Zheng, a disciple of the Myriad Swords Pavilion. It’s said he was personally taught by True Immortal Gu Huang," one of the women replied.
A flicker of panic flashed across Song Wen’s face.
He moved swiftly, chasing after Ke Zheng, who hadn’t gone far.
"Fellow Daoist Ke, there was a misunderstanding earlier. I hope you won’t take offense."
Ke Zheng glanced sideways at Song Wen, his eyes filled with disdain, and continued walking without breaking stride.
Song Wen’s expression grew even more frantic.
"Fellow Daoist Ke, I was blind earlier, unable to recognize Mount Tai before me. Please forgive my ignorance. I’ll have Fairy Zhizhen sent to your room immediately..."
Ke Zheng finally stopped, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
"Seeing your sincerity, this young master will let it slide."
He glanced at Fairy Zhizhen on the wooden platform.
"I accept your goodwill."
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Ke," Song Wen said, bowing obsequiously.
He pulled a storage pouch from his robes and tossed it to the woman on the platform.
"Here are five thousand high-grade spirit stones. Send Fairy Zhizhen to Fellow Daoist Ke’s room at once!"
"Right away!" The woman caught the pouch, her eyes narrowing into slits. "This old one will arrange it immediately!"
(End of the Chapter)
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