Chapter 5

"Listen, at the Dharma Artifact Pavilion, premium items are up for grabs. When you're out in the world, what's most important? Face, of course, it's all about face! Dharma artifacts, status, face, and power—they are all symbols of prestige. Talents, what are you waiting for? Handsome guys, come take a look!"

Dharma artifacts are the crystallization of cultivators' wisdom. Simply put, weapons are also a type of dharma artifact, but dharma artifacts are more complex and powerful, and they need to be paired with spirit stones. Of course, the price is far beyond what ordinary people can afford. Even Zhang Xiaopang couldn't afford them, so the two of them ignored the shop assistant's enticement and walked past with great style, though they felt a bit wistful inside. "When I make it big one day, I'll buy one and smash one, damn it."

For those who were more capable, they naturally had to go in and look for something suitable. A good dharma artifact is absolutely stylish, equivalent to a luxury item in the cultivation world.

At least Wang Meng thought so. Although he knew dharma artifacts were good, he didn't think cultivation necessarily required them.

People, the key is to rely on themselves... especially when you have no money!

"Boss, my Love Bow was bought here. There are all kinds of beautiful swords inside. Shall we go in and pick one?"

The fat guy was even more excited than Wang Meng.

To be honest, the fat guy's bow was indeed very beautiful, with excellent lines and feel. Generally, such weapon shops have skilled craftsmen. Of course, the quality of a cultivator's weapon isn't judged by its appearance, but people are always vain, and cultivators are no exception. The boss was also very enthusiastic, looking at the two of them as if they were two money bags.

Wang Meng, like entering a grand garden, touched and examined everything, indeed finding it hard to let go.

"This is made by a master weapon smith, perfect for talented young men like you."

When Wang Meng was handling a long sword suitable for cultivators from the first to the fifth layer of the Life Mark, the boss immediately came over and offered free flattery.

Sure enough, the little fat guy was already getting excited. After all, they were all young geniuses of the Thunderlight Sacred Hall!

Wang Meng swung it a few times and found it quite handy.

"Young men, it seems you are the new disciples of the Sacred Hall this year. What's your name, little brother?"

"Wang Meng, fierce Meng."

"Wang Meng, a good name. I'm Ma Liao, you can call me Uncle Ma Liao. You coming to my shop is a sign of respect, and I will be responsible for your future. There's a truth in the market: believing in Uncle Ma Liao is the first step to success. I see great potential in you, little brother, and you will surely achieve great things. This sword!" Ma Liao took out a large, broad sword, about 1.5 meters long, with very intricate and stylish patterns.

"The sword is called Overlord. Look at the shape, the feel, the lines—masterpieces all. Paired with your name, it's like it was made just for you!"

Ma Liao said very generously, then solemnly placed the large sword in Wang Meng's hands. "Infuse it with your essence energy, try it out. It will definitely bring out the best in your essence energy. Third-layer strength will be fourth-layer strength, fourth-layer strength will be fifth-layer strength. A true treasure, and today it has a connection with you. I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone!"

"Brother Meng, I think this sword suits you. How about it?" The little fat guy rubbed his hands excitedly, as if he could already see the future of sword and arrow synergy, dominating the Sacred Hall.

Wang Meng held the sword, infused it with his essence energy, and swung it a few times. It was indeed stylish, but the transmission of essence energy wasn't as good as the other guy said. He secretly glanced at the price—1,800. Damn, why not just rob people? What kind of treasure sword is this? Below the fifth layer, they are all the lowest-grade weapons. How could a master have the time to make such things? Only the little fat guy is so easy to fool.

Although he was a sword cultivator, at the beginning, the focus was definitely on the basics and cultivating the Life Mark. Weapons were just for psychological comfort. Wang Meng wasn't in a hurry and didn't want to waste money.

"Boss, let's look around some more." Wang Meng put down the sword and said.

Ma Liao was slightly taken aback. "Young men, once this opportunity is gone, it won't come again. You know, customers are coming and going, and someone might buy it as soon as you leave."

Wang Meng smiled. "Uncle Ma Liao, my greatest virtue is to be courteous. Congratulations on your success."

Saying this, he pulled the fat guy and left. To be honest, he was a bit tempted, but it was clearly not worth it. Spending his own money was one thing, but spending the fat guy's money should be worth it.

The two continued to browse. Here, weapon shops, dharma artifact stores, and various messengers were all available. However, after browsing a few, Wang Meng found they were all similar. Of course, there were good ones, but he didn't even need to go in; just seeing the string of zeros in the price tag was enough to make him retreat.

What is the most important thing in cultivation? Talent?

Yes, that's the requirement for oneself, but for the cultivation process, there are three key factors.

First, you need money. Second, you need money. Third, you still need money!

Cultivation is the most money-burning activity in the world. The luxury can be endless. It's said that the children of major families can sleep with spirit stones and drink spirit milk for washing and refining their bodies.

After browsing for a while, they found a small, unassuming shop at the end of the road. The storefront was poor, and it was located in a corner. The name was even stranger: "Sword Tomb."

There were names like Sword God, Sword Sect, and Sword Whatever, all exaggerated to the extreme, but this name...

"Brother Meng, let's go. This small shop won't have anything good."

"Maybe not. In stories, true recluses often hide in such places. Let's try our luck."

Zhang Xiaopang shrugged. "Brother Meng, you can be quite naive sometimes, but I'm here to accompany you today. We've been browsing for half a day and haven't bought anything."

As soon as they walked in, they saw an old man smoking and basking in the sun at the door. Compared to the bustling outside, this place was deserted. The old man didn't even blink at their arrival.

What's most important in business these days?

Service!

The fat guy whispered to Wang Meng, "He's getting more and more like a recluse. Is this guy a fraud, just to lure curious young geniuses like us?"

"Let's see." Wang Meng thought this place had at least one advantage: it was cheap.

"Okay, I'll follow you!"

The two walked in. The shop was cluttered with various swords, quite a few of them. There were large and small ones, and some with very strange shapes, but they all looked very ordinary, far from being stylish.

The fat guy picked up a sword, swung it a few times, and felt nothing. When he infused it with essence energy, there was no response. He pouted.

Wang Meng picked up a large sword. He indeed liked large swords, which were very imposing. He swung it a few times and found it quite handy. Although the design was lacking and the appearance was poor, the internal quality was acceptable.

However, when he infused a bit of essence energy, he found a significant obstruction, which was a major flaw. But looking at the little fat guy, he knew this kid wouldn't go back unless he bought a sword.

"Boss, how much is this sword?" Wang Meng expected it to be between 100 and 200. If it was within 100, his parents could afford it.

The old man didn't even turn his head and held up one finger.

"Here, it's 110, no change needed. Old man, that's not how you do business. At your age, you should retire."

The fat guy showed his generous and kind nature very openly.

(Spring is warm, flowers are blooming, it's the annual meeting day, passion is high, the skeleton works hard, touching the heavens and the earth, seeking votes, all kinds of collections, more recommendations, please ^_^)

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