Breaking the Precept

Selling oneself for ten years just to buy information about oneself?

Who could come up with such an absurd idea?

Jian Xiaolou was on the verge of a breakdown. Her divine sense swept over the figure before her—although his cultivation was entirely concealed, the sword aura emanating from him was impossible to hide.

Once she guessed his identity, Jian Xiaolou jumped in alarm, leaping from her chair and casting a desperate glance toward Baili Xi.

Baili Xi, however, merely closed her eyes, lightly massaging her temple with two fingers, looking exasperated.

The black-robed swordsman remained still after his declaration, standing on the auction stage like a statue, seemingly waiting for someone to make an offer.

"Who is that?"

"Why does he look like Chu Fengchen?"

"That sword… could it be the Wuo Sword?"

"Isn't Chu Fengchen rumored to be looking for the Fire Refining Sect's Sword Master for a duel recently?"

"Whoa! It's really that lunatic!"

The hall erupted into chaos. The cultivators who had been actively bidding scattered like startled bees—those near the stairs bolted to the second floor, those close to the entrance dashed for the doors, and the ones near the windows jumped out without hesitation.

The middle-aged auctioneer sighed, having anticipated this outcome from the start.

Chu Fengchen unleashed his Golden Core aura and, with a flick of his wrist, sent dozens of sword energies flying from the Wuo Sword, sealing the exits with loud bangs.

"Why are you running? Get back here!"

Under the oppressive pressure of his Golden Core, the terrified cultivators slumped back into their seats like frostbitten eggplants.

Chu Fengchen resumed his statue-like posture, turning to the auctioneer with a stern expression. "Continue."

The auctioneer, on the brink of a heart attack, trembled as he spoke. "Today's fourth auction item: Chu Fengchen, first disciple of the First Sword Sect. Trained under Sect Master Gui Yuan Daojun, he built his foundation at thirteen, reached the Golden Core stage at eighty, and is now a mid-level Golden Core cultivator. Intimidating as he looks, he's perfect for guarding your residence..."

The crowd nearly spat out blood.

Miserable-looking Cultivator A: "Senior Chu, please don't mess around."

Miserable-looking Cultivator B: "Senior Chu, spare us, I beg you."

Even if they knew where this "Jian Xiaolou" was, revealing it to him was out of the question. Who would willingly bring such a maniac into their lives?

Chu Fengchen remained unfazed, raising two fingers. "If ten years isn't enough, twenty years is fine."

"The rumors were true—he really is a lunatic," thought Jian Xiaolou.

At this point, she finally understood what "seeing is believing" truly meant. No wonder he dared to march into the Heaven's Will Alliance and challenge its leader alone. Obsession with swords and martial prowess was genuinely terrifying.

Baili Xi suddenly broke her silence. "What are you waiting for?"

Jian Xiaolou blinked. "What?"

Baili Xi gestured toward the stage. "Buy him."

Jian Xiaolou gaped. "Me? Buy him?"

But before Baili Xi could explain, Jian Xiaolou already understood her intentions. Purchasing Chu Fengchen would at least ensure ten years of peace without being forcibly challenged to a duel. And who better to know her whereabouts than herself?

It seemed Baili Xi had planned this outing well in advance, possibly intending to win over Chu Fengchen in the process.

Realizing her benefactor's intent, Jian Xiaolou quickly sent a telepathic message.

"Senior Chu, are you serious about selling yourself for ten years to anyone who tells you where Jian Xiaolou is?"

Her voice brought the hall to a standstill. No one could believe someone would dare to buy Chu Fengchen.

He glanced toward her, frowning slightly. "Yes."

Jian Xiaolou pressed on. "If I were to purchase you, what would you do? Would you obey your employer's every command?"

"Naturally. Guarding the house, acting as a bodyguard, fetching water, chopping wood—anything within reason. But I won't engage in activities that go against my principles." After a pause, he added seriously, "And I don't provide… companionship."

Jian Xiaolou was speechless. Who'd want to sleep next to this block of ice? It'd be like freezing to death!

Baili Xi continued rubbing her temple, her fingers never leaving the pressure point.

Jian Xiaolou took a deep breath. "If I were to tell you, what assurance do I have that you won't go back on your word?"

The auctioneer interjected with exaggerated politeness, clearly wary of the sword at his throat. "Miss, you needn't worry. Though we were forced into this by Senior Chu, once a deal is made at Youyuan Pavilion, we ensure it is upheld. Our reputation in Tianyi City spans thousands of years."

Jian Xiaolou looked to Baili Xi, who gave a subtle nod.

Raising her voice, Jian Xiaolou declared, "Fine. I'll take this item."

She stepped out onto the balcony, looking down at Chu Fengchen. "The person you're looking for is me."

The hall erupted once more.

Chu Fengchen frowned. "You don't have any sword aura."

"I'm a craftsman, not a swordsman," Jian Xiaolou explained, pointing to the star crystal at her waist. "The sword I subdued isn't even a killing sword. It's a magical tool. A duel would be meaningless."

"Let me see it."

Without hesitation, Jian Xiaolou summoned the slender blade, which appeared before her.

Chu Fengchen inspected it closely. "A blunt edge, internal formations—indeed, a magical tool."

Jian Xiaolou hastily agreed. "Exactly! It's for defensive purposes, completely unworthy of comparison to your famed Wuo Sword. Not even fit to—"

Before she could finish, the sword glowed brightly and, with a sharp clang, struck the Wuo Sword before vanishing into her spiritual sea.

Even Chu Fengchen froze for a moment, stunned.

Holding up his trembling sword, he muttered, "The Wuo Sword… is afraid?"

The ice-cold intensity in his eyes flared anew, sending a chill down Jian Xiaolou's spine.

"So you've insulted such a noble blade. No wonder it's furious! Draw your sword and fight me now!"