The market was massive—hundreds of stalls, grand shops, and towering buildings lined the wide streets. Potions, weapons, talismans, magical treasures, herbs, and artifacts were displayed under intricate golden banners, each promising unparalleled quality. Hawkers shouted loudly, luring customers with exaggerated claims.
Kent strode through the streets, taking in the strong scent of herbs, the glimmer of refined weapons, and the hum of formation runes sparking in the air.
To his surprise, many vendors and passersby recognized him. “Isn’t that the new master of the slave village?” one whispered.
“Hah! I heard he stood against the Hua family!” another remarked, clearly impressed.
Kent maintained a calm expression, ignoring the attention, but he noticed something peculiar—while the smaller vendors treated him with curiosity and respect, the high-end stores looked down on him.
As he entered one of the more lavish weapon stores, Kent walked confidently toward the displayed swords and spears.
The storekeeper, a plump middle-aged man in silk robes, glanced at Kent’s simple robes and scoffed. “Sir, perhaps the section at the entrance is more suitable for you.”
Kent raised a brow. “Why? I just want to take a look at the weapons.”
The storekeeper sighed, fanning himself lazily. “To even see these weapons, one must either have a recognized noble house sigil or place a security deposit of 50,000 pearls.”
Kent smirked. “A security deposit to look? Interesting business model.” Without another word, he turned and walked out.
At a potion store, he faced a similar situation. A merchant with gleaming gold teeth stopped him at the door.
“Sir, a humble reminder—our potions start from 10,000 pearls and above. If you’re just browsing, perhaps try the street stalls outside.”
Kent’s lips curled in amusement. “Do I look like someone who can’t afford a potion?”
The merchant chuckled. “Sir, I meant no offense, but your…” his gaze flicked to Kent’s plain combat robes. “Your attire does not suggest you belong to our regular clientele.”
Kent laughed, shaking his head as he left the store. “Seems like I’m a true pauper in this place.”
After walking past several arrogant shopkeepers, Kent’s eyes landed on the tallest and grandest building in the marketplace—The Royal Pearl Store.
The thirteen-floor structure stood like a fortress, lined with golden pillars, mystical runes, and floating treasures encased in transparent barriers. It was the most reputable treasure and artifact exchange center in Kulu Nation, dealing with everything from rare artifacts to divine weapons.
Inside, a dazzling array of magical treasures filled the air—armors that shimmered with runes, weapons that hummed with power, and potions sealed in glowing vials.
Kent’s gaze swept across the various displays. He noted that not a single bow was available, which left him a little disappointed. However, a section of combat clothes and enchanted accessories caught his attention.
Just as he was admiring a dark emerald combat robe, his eyes landed on something truly strange.
At the top floor, where only the rarest of rare weapons were displayed, Kent saw a single silver arrow hovering within a golden glass case. Unlike the other weapons, this one had no accompanying bow. Instead, it pulsed with an ominous glow.
Curious, Kent approached a young shop servant girl dressed in a short golden uniform. She had a smug, practiced smile as she saw him.
“Excuse me,” Kent said, nodding toward the mysterious arrow, “What’s the story behind this one?”
The girl followed his gaze and shrugged. “Ah, that one? That’s an enchanted arrow once belonging to the 13th Emperor of Kulu Nation.”
Kent’s eyes narrowed. “Just the arrow? No bow?”
The girl scoffed. “That’s the funny part—no one knows its true use or potential. All we know is that it’s been here for over three centuries, and no one has ever been able to activate or wield it properly.”
Kent hummed in thought. “How much does it cost?”
She smirked, clearly expecting that question. “A mere one million pearls.”
Kent exhaled sharply. “A million pearls for something no one can use?”
The girl nodded, enjoying his reaction. “Not just that—you also need to be at least a five-star member of the Royal Pearl Store.”
Kent crossed his arms. “And how does one become a five-star member?”
She flicked her wrist dismissively. “Simple—you sell rare items to the Royal Pearl Store, or you spend over five million pearls here.”
Kent chuckled. “So, in other words, I need to be either rich or resourceful.”
The girl gave him a sweet but mocking smile. “Exactly. And forgive me for saying this, sir, but you… don’t quite look the part of a five-star member.”
Kent met her condescending gaze with a smirk. “We’ll see about that.”
With that, he turned and left, his mind already formulating a plan. If the Royal Pearl Store was buying rare items, he might have just found a way to turn his so-called pauper status around.
–
The moment Kent left the towering Royal Pearl Store, his mind churned with thoughts. The golden-clad shop assistant’s smug look still lingered in his memory. A million pearls? A five-star member? The requirements to obtain that mysterious arrow were no joke.
“I need wealth… and I need it fast,” Kent muttered under his breath, his fists clenching.
There was no way he would simply let go of such a treasure. If a mere servant in the Royal Pearl Store didn’t even know its true value, then it was even more worth exploring.
Alchemy… That’s the answer.
He had knowledge. He had skills. But what he lacked was time. The alchemy world was vast, and many grandmasters spent decades mastering their craft.
“I don’t have decades. I need a shortcut.” Kent narrowed his eyes as he walked through the busy streets of Kulu Capital.
Poison-making? It was tempting, but he dismissed the idea quickly. No matter how potent his poisons were, the market for them would never be as profitable as healing potions, elixirs, and combat-enhancing brews. People might buy poisons for assassination or duels, but not at the price he needed. What he required was a sure market—one that had customers always willing to pay an exorbitant price.
His footsteps echoed as he turned towards the administration hall. As a personal disciple of Master Lao and a recognized combat peak member, he was entitled to a monthly stipend. Though he hadn’t collected it yet, he had no intention of letting the 100 mana pearls go to waste.
Walking through the grand entrance of the administration hall, Kent observed the large, ornate counters where disciples from various peaks lined up to collect their monthly resources. A few turned their heads toward him, whispering among themselves.
“He’s the new disciple of Combat Peak…”
“The one who embarrassed the Hua Family?”
“Master Lao personally took him in! That’s no small feat.”
Kent ignored their chatter and strode straight to the resource collection counter. A middle-aged man, draped in an official brown robe with silver embroidery, looked up lazily.
“Name and peak?” the administrator asked without even glancing at Kent properly.