Those martial artists within the tower with even a modicum of strength could only sense that it was a third-tier spirit weapon at most.

All the Xiantian realm martial masters, however, shot to their feet. Drawn in by the surging, sharp intent, they all turned their gazes—filled with astonishment—toward Zong Shou’s private box. Their looks gradually became fervent, their expressions filled with disbelief.

“—It’s Sword Intent! It’s actually Sword Intent!”

“There is such a profound secret hidden within this Black Wave Sword.”

Zong Ling was momentarily stunned, watching the scene with a dazed look, seemingly unsure how to react.

Although he hadn't reached the Xiantian realm, his family background was profound. He knew the extraordinary nature of that sword and could barely sense the Martial Dao intent imbued within the short blade.

“So there is a sword within the sword!”

Zong Shou let out a soft, dry laugh as he examined it closely. He mused that it was no wonder the feeling had been so peculiar.

The principle of Jin sheng Shui (Metal begets Water) not only nourished the Black Wave Sword but also utilized the latter’s layered Water-element talismans to conceal the incomparably sharp Sword Intent emanating from the Metal-element spirit sword within.

This implied that not only the short sword in his hand, but even the Black Wave Sword, which effectively served as the ‘scabbard,’ was likely quite extraordinary.

Raising an eyebrow, he glanced over and indeed saw a faint spiritual light manifesting on the purely black longsword beside it. Unconstrained by the need to suppress the Martial Dao intent within, the body of the Black Wave Sword seemed to develop subtle, shimmering water patterns, flickering in and out of existence, truly a sight to behold.

However, when his gaze swept toward the window again, he saw that Zong Yuan of the Purple Thunder Spear Sect had already subconsciously gripped his spear bag, his eyes flashing with strange light. The black-clad middle-aged man downstairs also narrowed his eyes, his hand resting on his sword hilt.

The other few Xiantian experts likewise possessed heavy breathing and fierce glints in their eyes, watching Zong Shou with hesitation and indecision. Several figures in the distance had already locked onto him.

The atmosphere in the teahouse instantly condensed to an extreme, causing all the wealthy merchants and dignitaries from Yun Sheng City in the main hall to break out in cold sweats, daring not to make the slightest movement.

For any martial cultivator above the Xiantian realm, beyond cultivation level itself, Martial Dao Intent was equally crucial.

—Rhyme (Yun), Momentum (Shi), Intent (Yi), Spirit (Po), Soul (Hun), and Spirit (Shen). As long as a martial artist achieved even a slight proficiency in these aspects, their combat strength would not only multiply but they could also use it to dismantle talisman arrays, counter Spirit Masters, and serve as the perfect catalyst for breaking through the Heavenly and Earthly Meridians.

Although the Xiantian masters gathered here—only Zong Yuan and the head of the Seven Swords of Yun Xia—had initially grasped the Momentum of the Martial Dao, the rest had only reached the level of ‘Rhyme.’ Furthermore, the paths they followed differed slightly from the unyielding sharpness of the Sword Intent held by this blade.

Yet, to gain insight from this very sword would undoubtedly lead to a breakthrough!

Zong Shou showed no surprise, calmly and naturally waving the short sword in his hand outward: “I have no use for this thing. Since so many heroes are gathered here today, why not use this auspicious venue for an auction? Starting bid: three thousand fourth-tier beast cores. Highest bidder takes it. Bartering is also acceptable; elixirs are preferred, and usable talismans will do as well—”

While speaking calmly, Zong Shou’s left hand never left the Black Wave Sword, channeling slight streams of spiritual energy intent into it, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.

If anyone dared to try and forcibly seize it today, he would not hesitate to use the sword for a blood sacrifice. He currently needed heads to establish his dominance!

And within the entire teahouse, there was a subtle stir again, which quickly subsided back into silence.

A third-tier beast core was worth one hundred thousand silver ingots. A second-tier core was worth around ten thousand. The same ratio applied to first-tier cores. Once one reached the fourth tier, the gap was nearly a hundredfold. This was partly because fourth-tier demonic beasts were extremely rare and notoriously difficult to hunt.

Three thousand fourth-tier beast cores already exceeded the price Zong Shou had paid for the Black Wave Sword by ten times!

However, at this moment, no one considered the price too high.

An ordinary first-tier spirit weapon cost around five hundred to one thousand third-tier beast cores. But for a third-tier spirit weapon, the price had soared by more than ten times!

The Martial Dao intent imbued within it further inflated the sword’s value!

Not only could one study the Sword Intent to aid in combat, but one could also borrow the Martial Dao intent contained within. Although this sword was only third-tier, it possessed power comparable to a fifth-tier spirit weapon.

Forget ten times; even a hundred times the price would be worth it.

But the crowd remained in a state of quiet stillness, exchanging glances in silence.

The sword invited avarice, and Zong Shou’s opening price was not considered excessive.

Yet, three thousand fourth-tier beast cores—hardly anyone in the room could afford that price.

The spear in Zong Yuan’s hand had been drawn from its sheath. Its cyan-blue body and purple-red blade both shimmered with metallic luster. His grip loosened, then tightened, then loosened again, as if weighing the pros and cons, a tide of vicious intent surging in his eyes.

The black-clad middle-aged man below was in the exact same state, rubbing his sword hilt as if choosing the optimal moment to draw his blade.

Just as the atmosphere was growing taut, on the verge of explosion, a clear, cold voice suddenly rang out inside the teahouse.

“A fine broken-blade sword!”

As the words sounded, a man in a white robe strode out from a private box facing the river.

The moment this person appeared, it was as if a wave of coolness permeated everyone’s heart, immediately easing the heavy tension in the tower.

Even Zong Yuan, whose killing intent was boiling, frowned slightly. He found he could not muster the slightest will to fight, and the spear in his hand suddenly felt foreign, unable to be thrust forward even an inch.

The man, a smile playing on his lips, looked toward Zong Shou’s hand.

“I merely intended on a whim to see what a mutated fourth-tier young Cloud Whale looked like. I did not expect to encounter this spirit weapon. My Lingyun Sect has been searching for this sword for over two hundred years, looking everywhere in vain. It turns out it was hidden within this Black Wave Sword. Young Master Zong truly has marvelous fortune this time!”

Zong Shou raised an eyebrow; in truth, merely looking at the man’s attire confirmed that this white-robed figure must be a disciple of the Lingyun Sect.

But inside, he felt a slight disappointment. He had revealed this sword for another purpose entirely. He had been intent on killing today, but unexpectedly ran into this man. It was unlikely his wish would be fulfilled today.

Who would have thought a core disciple of the Lingyun Sect would coincidentally appear in such a place?

Indeed, in the next moment, the white-robed youth suddenly produced a small vial in his right hand, holding it in his palm: “Since the Young Master set the price at three thousand fourth-tier beast cores, how about I, Zu Renkuang, purchase this broken-blade sword? This sword is precious, no less than a fifth-tier spirit weapon. I don’t carry many beast cores, but I won't take advantage of you either. Two Renji Pills, which together are valued at three thousand six hundred fourth-tier beast cores. An exchange instead of coin for the sword!”

A buzzing sound suddenly rose from the ground. Countless people began whispering among themselves; no one was paying attention to the sword in Zong Shou’s hand anymore.

The majority of eyes turned toward the item in Zu Renkuang’s hand.

One Renji Pill could allow a person who had never cultivated to step into the Xiantian realm within three to five years.

And Xiantian martial masters were not only mighty in martial strength; their lifespans were also generally extended, allowing them to live fifty years longer than ordinary, non-cultivating people. Some who maintained their bodies well could easily live to be one hundred and eighty.

Therefore, although Zong Shou’s broken-blade sword was more precious, within this teahouse, it was far less attention-grabbing than that single Renji Pill.