In the first floor of the Myriad Manifestation Tower, Teng Qingshan stood holding his saber, completely ignoring the guards. Thump.

Thump... One of the guards swiftly went upstairs to report to the Master of the Myriad Manifestation Tower.

The tower had three floors; the first and second floors housed numerous counters, but only the third floor was forbidden to outsiders. The first room beside the staircase railing was where the Master usually stayed.

“Martial Uncle! Martial Uncle!” the young guard rushed in.

“Such a racket, what kind of manner is that,” inside the room, a middle-aged man, elegant in white robes, was busy practicing calligraphy. “Martial Uncle, a master has arrived downstairs, looks like a truly formidable character,” the guard hurried to say.

“A master?” The elegant middle-aged man frowned slightly, put down his brush, and looked at the guard, “Explain in detail.” The guard explained carefully: “Just now, this saber wielder refused to disarm and directly sent the two junior sisters at the door flying. Furthermore, he treated us martial brothers with utter disdain.

We dared not take action on our own. He also said he has important business with you, Martial Uncle.

So…” “Don’t act rashly,” the elegant middle-aged man instructed. “You’ve practiced internal energy for over a decade, but your experience is lacking.

You can handle ordinary people, but you are still far from capable of dealing with those ruthless, powerful experts. Go invite him up.

Also, have your Eldest Martial Brother and Second Martial Brother come up as well.” “Yes, Martial Uncle,” the guard immediately withdrew. The elegant middle-aged man felt deep doubt in his heart: Don't know what sort of person has arrived, but it’s best to see first.

The Myriad Manifestation Sect held no ambition to unify the world, yet their ‘Myriad Manifestation Tower’ shops were spread across every city in the Nine Provinces, varying in scale, staff, and number of experts based on the city's size. In a tower like this, only the Master was a core disciple of the Myriad Manifestation Sect, a peak expert of the Houtian realm.

Over half of the entire sect’s manpower was dispersed among the various Myriad Manifestation Towers across the Nine Provinces. Because the Myriad Manifestation Sect was incredibly wealthy, recruiting was simple.

Thump. Thump...

Footsteps sounded. A seemingly young saber wielder entered, accompanied by two guards.

The saber wielder’s gaze swept over the room and locked onto the elegant middle-aged man sitting by the desk. Observing the visitor’s pace, gaze, and temperament, the Master, who had judged countless people, instantly formed a conclusion: This is a decisive man of action, his aura is sharp.

His saber skills are likely just as sharp; he must be a very powerful expert. This Master clearly understood that different experiences forged different temperaments.

For instance, wealthy magnates are often flattered, and their bearing in conversation differs. But someone without strength, daring to act so arrogantly in the Myriad Manifestation Tower like Teng Qingshan?

They would likely feel their heart pound under the siege of a group of internal energy experts, their demeanor altered. When an expert does this, it is not arrogance, but the bearing of mastery!

An under-skilled person who refuses to disarm and acts presumptuously would probably have their limbs broken and be thrown out. But when an expert refuses to disarm, the Myriad Manifestation Tower still treats them with warmth.

The same action yields vastly different results depending on who performs it. “I am Huo Yan of the Myriad Manifestation Sect!” the elegant middle-aged man said, cupping his hands.

“Qin Lang!” Teng Qingshan replied. His past life’s younger brother was named ‘Qin Hong,’ and his assassin alias in the dark world was ‘Wolf.’ Teng Qingshan fabricated this name—Qin Lang.

Huo Yan, the Master of the Myriad Manifestation Tower, quickly searched his memory but found no record of a Qin Lang. However, the Nine Provinces were filled with countless powerful figures, so Huo Yan dared not be dismissive.

He smiled, “This small place, Yicheng, rarely sees a master like you. Brother Qin Lang, please be seated.” Only then did Teng Qingshan allow a slight smile to surface, sitting down directly with the air of a king.

“Yicheng is indeed a place where it’s hard to encounter internal energy masters. However… the Myriad Manifestation Sect truly lives up to its reputation as a major power.

Placing so many precious items under the watch of these novice disciples shows remarkable courage; I admire that,” Teng Qingshan said with a faint smile. The two guards’ expressions shifted slightly, but they dared not speak.

Huo Yan chuckled lightly, “These disciples are merely here for practical training. In this world, most experts still grant the Myriad Manifestation Sect a degree of deference.” At this moment, a serving maid brought tea.

“May I ask, Brother Qin Lang, what brings you to my Myriad Manifestation Tower?” Huo Yan inquired. Teng Qingshan directly reached into his robe, pulled out the Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron, and slammed it onto the low tea table, saying with a faint smile, “I travel the world, honing my saber skills.

Not long ago, I chanced upon this piece of Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron in a perilous place! Thus, I wish to conduct a transaction with your Myriad Manifestation Tower!” “Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron?

Purple Light Cold Iron?” Huo Yan’s heart jolted. He peered closely to verify, even shielding it with his hand to observe the faint glow.

“Indeed, it is Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron, and the weight matches!” Huo Yan felt the heavy mass in his hand, then deliberately sent a surge of internal energy into it—the iron sustained not the slightest damage. Huo Yan was thus completely certain the stone was genuine.

Huo Yan glanced at Teng Qingshan and thought to himself: This Qin Lang, to casually display a treasure like the Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron. Truly daring due to superior skill!

Most people possessing such a treasure would hide it away for dear life. Huo Yan had seen people come to the Myriad Manifestation Tower to sell treasures, often employing complex stratagems, as if fearing their possessions would be snatched away.

But true masters cared little, because masters possessed confidence! If you dare reach out to steal, I can sever your hand and take the treasure back!

“Moreover, a treasure like the Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron is only forged in extremely cold regions. To obtain it in the North Sea, one must generally be an expert.

This Qin Lang claims to have found it in a dangerous place. Yes, the birthplace of the Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron is naturally a place of danger.

It seems this young saber wielder is very strong.” Huo Yan knew well that one could not judge strength by outward appearance. Experts in internal energy did not age easily; someone who looked twenty might very well be thirty or forty.

Take Huo Yan himself—he looked forty, but was actually over sixty. “Brother Qin Lang, this is indeed the Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron.

I wonder what price you are seeking?” Huo Yan asked. Upon hearing this, the two guards standing nearby exchanged a look, clearly feeling covetous.

“A price?” Teng Qingshan chuckled lightly, looking at Huo Yan. “Purple Light Cold Iron is a supreme material for forging weapons.

Would I trade it for mere silver?” Huo Yan gave an awkward laugh. “I am not selling; I am trading only!” Teng Qingshan looked at Huo Yan.

“What treasure would you like to exchange for?” Huo Yan inquired. “Star Pattern Steel!” Teng Qingshan stated.

“My Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron weighs seven jin and two liang. I wish to exchange it for 110 jin of Star Pattern Steel.

Of course, the Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron is worth far more than that. You can cover the difference in gold or bank notes.” Teng Qingshan spoke with utmost directness.

Huo Yan pondered, “Seven jin and two liang... My Myriad Manifestation Tower can trade you 110 jin of Star Pattern Steel, plus 500 liang of Yangyan Gold Notes!

Brother Qin Lang, what do you think of this price?” Based on the price ratio of one jin of Purple Light Cold Iron fetching twenty jin of gold, Huo Yan’s offer was quite generous. “This Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron is far more precious than Star Pattern Steel; it is priceless!

The price you offer is a bit low,” Teng Qingshan said with a faint smile. The Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron, being virtually indestructible, was a dream weapon for many internal energy masters.

Since it was priceless, the true transaction price should be far higher than twenty jin of gold per jin of Purple Light Cold Iron. Furthermore, the selling price of Star Pattern Steel in the Myriad Manifestation Tower was ‘one liang of Star Pattern Steel for one liang of gold,’ meaning the Tower’s procurement cost for Star Pattern Steel was cheaper than gold.

“This…” Huo Yan hesitated slightly, then gritted his teeth, “110 jin of Star Pattern Steel, plus 600 liang of Yangyan Gold Notes. This is the highest price I can offer.” “Very good,” Teng Qingshan nodded.

“However, please exchange these Gold Notes for gold bars. I dislike using paper notes.” “That is not a problem,” Huo Yan agreed.

The small storage fee required when exchanging at a bank was not something the Myriad Manifestation Tower would haggle over. “However, Brother Qin Lang, you must understand that this Yicheng branch of the Myriad Manifestation Tower does not keep that much Star Pattern Steel in stock.” “I understand that,” Teng Qingshan replied with a faint smile.

“How long will you need to prepare it?” “I will immediately dispatch someone overnight to Jiangning Prefecture, three hundred li away. By this time tomorrow, everything will be ready,” Huo Yan stated.

“Do you have lodging available? I shall wait here at your establishment,” Teng Qingshan said with a faint smile.

The two guards exchanged a look, secretly impressed. Daring to stay in the Myriad Manifestation Tower without fear of them secretly murdering guests for their treasures—this was truly audacity born of superior skill.

“That is no issue,” Huo Yan smiled. “Brother Qin Lang, you should keep the Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron for now.

We will complete the transaction this time tomorrow.” * Behind the Myriad Manifestation Tower lay a large courtyard and numerous residences. The guards, serving maids, and Master Huo Yan all resided there.

Teng Qingshan was assigned a very exquisitely furnished room. In any large inn, a room like this would certainly be the top-tier suite.

As evening fell, the Myriad Manifestation Tower closed its doors. In the spacious courtyard behind the tower, many guards were sparring.

“Brother Qin Lang, what do you think of their swordsmanship?” Huo Yan and Teng Qingshan stood side by side on the covered walkway. Teng Qingshan glanced over and chuckled, “The Myriad Manifestation Sect’s sword arts are quite extraordinary.

I have seen a master from the sect fight; the sword work was swift as lightning, sharp and fierce. But the sword skills of these disciples merely mimic the form, lacking the intent!

They probably haven't experienced true life-and-death refinement.” The young men and women looked at Teng Qingshan with a hint of resentment in their eyes. Young people were naturally arrogant; being evaluated this way was unacceptable to them.

“Brother Qin Lang, why not offer a little guidance to these junior disciples?” Huo Yan said with a smile. “It’s been a long time since I stretched my limbs.” Teng Qingshan walked down from the walkway with a light laugh.

Teng Qingshan didn't want any rascals causing trouble tonight, so showing his hand now was a good idea. The head guard, the Eldest Martial Brother, cupped his hands, “Please.” “All of you, attack together,” Teng Qingshan stated calmly.

The martial brothers’ faces changed drastically; this ‘Qin Lang’ was utterly audacious! Huo Yan, standing on the walkway, showed a subtle change in expression, then laughed loudly, “Brother Qin Lang, this opportunity for instruction is rare; you should learn well from him.

Losing is no disgrace.” “Watch the sword!” A young girl, who had been sent flying by Teng Qingshan at noon, was already simmering with anger. She let out a shout, and as the first to draw her sword, she flew straight toward Teng Qingshan.

The Eldest Martial Brother followed simultaneously; his longsword actually created three sword shadows, enveloping Teng Qingshan’s head. A joint attack from the two of them.

Teng Qingshan stood rooted to the spot, watching the two long swords stab toward him, then his right hand moved. Clang!

Clang! With two crisp sounds, both long swords were simultaneously repelled, clattering to the ground.

Both the girl and the Eldest Martial Brother felt their right hands tremble as they stared at Teng Qingshan in shock. The surrounding disciples were utterly dumbfounded.

The Eldest Martial Brother was the most skilled among them, and the girl was also an internal energy master. This person actually repelled their sharp swords with just his fingers, without drawing his saber.

What incredible finger strength! What precise eyesight!

“Stabbing practice, your mind is unsettled, and your hand is unsteady—how can you hope to kill an enemy? You don't need to practice complex sword arts yet; a thousand stabs every day is the absolute fundamental,” Teng Qingshan glanced at the girl, then looked at the Eldest Martial Brother, “As for you, solidify your foundation first.

Spreading your inner force across three sword shadows results only in weakening the power of all three! Against someone weaker than you, you don’t need this move to win.

But against someone stronger, they will see through the illusion of this technique instantly.” The eyes of these young men and women lit up; they looked at Teng Qingshan with a measure of awe, listening intently to his evaluations and guidance. They were merely outer disciples of the Myriad Manifestation Sect and rarely received pointers from true masters.

In their eyes, they already regarded Teng Qingshan as a super expert, someone stronger than their own master. Repelling two swords with only his fingers, without drawing a saber—this level of skill was undoubtedly peak Houtian.

Teng Qingshan was a Xingyi Grandmaster in his past life, and in this life, he reached the state of unity between man and spear before the age of ten. He was infinitely stronger than these men and women who had known little of real bloodshed.

“Haha, Brother Qin Lang’s finger strikes are simple and swift, yet remarkably potent. I truly wonder how ferocious Brother Qin Lang’s saber skills must be,” Huo Yan laughed heartily.

“I, Huo Yan, am delighted to have made your acquaintance, Brother Qin Lang. A banquet has been prepared; I must share a few cups of wine with you!” Teng Qingshan smiled and left with Huo Yan, leaving the group of young disciples to murmur among themselves in amazement.