Jiang Chao Ge And The Spirit Weapon Chapter 23

He understood from the imperial body guard that the ten silver coins given at the gate just now was down payment, proving that you weren't here to cause trouble. If you deposit more, then your seat will be especially good. The two were arranged to the third row of the auction hall.

People who were partic.i.p.ating in the auction had already arrived one after another, and those that wanted to come and watch the fun were put on the second floor. Jiang Chao Ge had attended many auction before and he had never seen an auction like this one. The manner bore remarkable resemblance to watching a stage play. Moreover it was a clamorous comedy, and needed the whole audience to create an atmosphere.

Because Zhi Xuan didn't like to come into contact with humans, Jiang Chao Ge could only sit in a corner. As people gradually increased, the auction formally began.

The first few displayed were all very ordinary Earth grade beast materials and could not draw anybody's attention.

The sixth auctioned item, was finally somewhat interesting. It was a dizi made of the bones of a Luan Bird. Rumour has it that the call of a Luan Bird had five scale, like the sounds of natural, extremely graceful. Even if this flute was blown by a person who had absolutely no idea about tuning, it could still emit a sound that made people enchanted. As expected, the auctioneer blew two times on the spot. The sound was mellow and pleasant to the ear, delicate and lovely. If it was used by someone with spiritual power, one could also summon the Luan Bird to play together with the dizi. That scene was very beautiful upon consideration.

The starting price of this Luan Bird dizi was five hundred silver coins.

Zhi Xuan's eyes lit up, tugging on Jiang Chao Ge's hair, "I want."

"This thing is good for listening but not useful."

"No, I want it." Zhi Xuan pointed at the imperial bodyguard and ordered: "Go buy it."

Jiang Chao Ge glanced at the imperial bodyguard, telling him to ignore him. He patted Zhi Xuan's back, "What do you want this for? You don't even know how to play dizi."

"Sounds nice."

"This is only the sixth item. There will be many more interesting things later. If you like them all, I can't afford it."

"Doesn't Yu Ren Shu have money?"

"How can we have the face to spend other people's money recklessly." Jiang Chao Ge thought, the money should be spent on useful things.

Zhi Xuan frowned, whole face unhappy.

"Listen, the price of the dizi has already been added to eight hundred silver coins. These auctioned items are so expensive. How about this, if you like it, I'll buy you one thing, but you can only want one today. Do you still want the dizi?"

Zhi Xuan thought for a bit, nodded and then shook his head.

Jiang Chao Ge stroked his head and smiled: "So obedient."

In the end, the Luan Bird was auctioned off at the price of one gold coin. Although this dizi was good, if it weren't for the fact that the music entranced people, there was not much use even if it was bought. So one gold coin was already pretty high.

The seventh auctioned item was a whole beast skeleton. It's size was somewhat similar to a cow. It's head was relatively small, body of a bird yet the sole of its feet were similar to an ape.

People in the auction hall began to guess one after another what beast skeleton it was. Some people yelled it out loudly, some people also refuted. It was very noisy inside the hall.

Jiang Chao Ge asked the imperial bodyguard, "The auctioneer doesn't tell us what that thing is?"

The imperial bodyguard shook his head, "No. They let us make a judgement ourselves."

This type of auction was like gambling stones and playing with antiques. It requires you to use your abundant knowledge and experience to select treasures. The thrill while choosing and the excitement when finding a treasure, made people long for its savour even more after tasting the marrow, endlessly stimulated. Becoming penniless and becoming rich in one night were both possible in a short while. Just this nervousness that made people tremble was originally an invariably good material.

Zhi Xuan curled his lip, "Shu Si."

Jiang Chao Ge said: "You know what it is?"

The people beside them heard their dialogue and one by one turned their head.

Zhi Xuan was about to glare at people, Jiang Chao Ge turned his small head away and whispered: "Whatever you know, don't speak it out loud. You have to secretly tell me beside my ear."

Zhi Xuan grabbed Jiang Chao Ge's earlobe, and directly stuck his lips near his ear, "Its a Shu Si. It's a beast with a cat head and bird body. It's only suitable for being made into Earth grade spirit weapons."

The wet and soft heat of Zhi Xuan's lips puffed in Jiang Chao Ge's ear, it was somewhat ticklish. He reflexively drew back his neck, "Oh, I understand."

The starting price of this Shu Si skeleton was 200 silver coins, guaranteeing that the beast spirit had not been used yet.

Jiang Chao Ge was not the least bit interested. First, its price was too high. Second it couldn't be sold for much even when bought. Earning money by tens and hundreds of silver coins didn't satisfy him at all.

Even the next few auctioned items were all Earth grade beast material like this. Jiang Chao Ge gradually began to feel somewhat bored.

Zhi Xuan also impatiently said: "I want the dizi."

"You're not allowed to go back on your word."

Zhi Xuan gave a heavy snort.

The auctioneer said loudly: "The next auctioned item is from the Que Clan of the East, from the hands of the Great Spirit Weapon Master, Que Ling Xing's……disciple. It's the initiation of the Que Clan's half soul spirit weapon. It's manufacture is complicated. Those that are not high level spirit weapon masters shouldn't dare presumptuously try to obtain it."

The auction hall was shocked. Although the auctioneer said that it was made by a disciple of a Great Master from the Que Clan, it might not be real. But if it was real, it definitely was a good item.

Jiang Chao Ge also immediately regained his vigour. He asked the imperial bodyguard, "What is a half soul spirit weapon?"

The imperial bodyguard said: "The spirit tools we often use, can only summon a whole beast spirit. But half soul spirit weapons, can summon out just a part of that beast. For example, you can solely summon the part of some beast that can give off light and use it as a long burning lamp, or the sharp part to be a secret weapon. Some spirit tools only needs the useful part of the spirit beast, other parts are a burden instead. Approximately five or six years ago, Great Spirit Weapon Master, Que Ling Xing of the Que Clan created this type of half spirit tool, starting a whole new spirit tool type. From that day onwards, many people have tried to imitate it. There are very few that are extremely successful, so the price of half spirit weapons are all very high."

Jiang Chao Ge said happily: "Don't know what type of good thing it is this time."

From a wooden box, the auctioneer took out a something about the size of a palm, a white, translucent…. pouch. That's right, it looked like it was just a small pouch. He said somewhat excitedly: "This auction item has the highest practical value among half spirit weapons, Na Wu Pouch. It's made from the stomach of a bighead carp. The body of a bighead carp is enormous, just the stomach of a bighead carp can fit an entire person!"

The whole auction hall was in uproar.

Jiang Chao Ge said astonished: "Na Wu Pouch?"

The imperial bodyguard said hurriedly: "The first half spirit tool Great Master Que invented is precisely Na Wu Pouch. Using spiritual power to summon half spirit, you can use the half spirit as a vessel, store some things. Then you return the half spirit to the spirit tool. This way, even very heavy things can be carried with you, very convenient. Ah, but you can't put living things."

Jiang Chao Ge's eyes gleamed. This thing was good. Very convenient.

Zhi Xuan also immediately said: "I want I want. I want precisely this one. I want to fill it with alcohol."

The auctioneer quoted: "The starting price of this Na Wu Pouch is two gold coins."

As soon as the starting price was out, the hall temporarily became much quieter. Two gold coins was not a small amount of money. Whether or not it was worth it spending such a sum on a pouch that could carry things really needed to be carefully considered.

Someone shouted a price: "Two gold coins add two hundred silver coins."

"Two gold coins add five hundred silver coins."

"Two gold coins add seven hundred silver coins."

Jiang Chao Ge shouted: "Three gold coins." Thinking that having such a s.p.a.ce distortion bag on their journey on horse and foot would save a lot of trouble. He didn't plan on fis.h.i.+ng out money himself anyway. It's fine if he had a thick face and just let Yu Ren Shu pay.

Once added to three gold coins, a great portion of the people who bid against him was reduced.

It was Zhi Xuan's first time experiencing an auction and was so excited he directly stood up on Jiang Chao Ge's leg. Originally it was Jiang Chao Ge shouting the price and in the end it became him shouting loudly: "Three gold coins add five hundred silver coins. Ignorant people, you dare fight over things with m—— "

Everybody cast sidelong glances one by one and saw a three or four year old handsome child leaping up and down on a youth's legs, baring fangs and brandis.h.i.+ng claws, appearance savage. But paired with those pink plump cheeks it was really rather laughable.

Jiang Chao Ge couldn't help but smile: "Zuzong, you calm down a bit."

Zhi Xuan said angrily: "Those humans dare try to s.n.a.t.c.h my things. Let me bite them to death." Immediately wanting to leap forward after speaking.

Jiang Chao Ge hugged him back and forced him to sit down, "n.o.body dares fight with you. That s.p.a.ce distortion bag will definitely be ours." He shouted: "Four gold coins."

This time, there weren't anymore people that dared compete with them. He obtained the Na Wu Pouch made of the bighead carp at the price of four gold coins.

The imperial bodyguard whispered: "Sir, using four golden coins to buy the Na Wu Pouch…."

Jiang Chao Ge said: "What about it?"

"You are travelling with His Majesty, there will be countless servants. Why would you be troubled with luggage?"

"I think this item is quite useful. Ai, did you bring enough money?"

The imperial bodyguard froze, "Ah?"

Jiang Chao Ge looked at him all smiles, "If you didn't bring enough then go back and get it, or let them go take it from his quarters?"

The imperial bodyguard stared tongue tied. He probably didn't expect Jiang Chao Ge would be so impolite. He stalled: "Uh…. This, ok, I, sir please wait a moment." He began to discuss with the other imperial bodyguard in a corner.

The auction ended. Jiang Chao Ge only obtained a Na Wu Pouch, but he was very satisfied. This way he could throw all those beast materials that were inconvenient to carry into Na Wu Pouch, and sell it when there was a opportunity.

In the end, the imperial bodyguard still got money from Yu Ren Shu and brought back Na Wu Pouch.

Jiang Chao Ge looked at that small pouch in his hand, mood very good. He poured in spiritual power, immediately summoning a empty fish vesicle about half the size of a carriage. That fish vesicle was oval in shape, white and translucent, faintly emitting a fishy smell. The s.p.a.ce within was not small and it seemed it would not be a problem if two or three people squeezed inside.

Zhi Xuan's pupils lit up, "Let me go inside!"

Jiang Chao Ge put him down.

Zhi Xuan squeezed into the fish vesicle, small face flushed with excitement, curiously stroking the inner walls. If he was not hindered by the prestige of ancient rare beasts, he could very possibly have rolled around on the spot. After he went out, shouted: "I want to fill this s.p.a.ce with alcohol."

Jiang Chao Ge squatted down, "Sir Zuzong, let us discuss properly. Half the s.p.a.ce for you to put alcohol, let me use the other half alright?"

Zhi Xuan thought for a bit, "Ok then."

Jiang Chao Ge recalled Na Wu Pouch. Holding that small pouch in his hands, he thought that he got a useful treasure without spending a cent of his own money. This type of delight in benefiting at others' expense was enough for him to eat three big bowls of rice.

After returning to Yu Ren Shu's quarters, Yu Ren Shu looked at him with a smile yet not a smile, "What good thing did you buy that you spent four gold coins?"

Jiang Chao Ge showed him the Na Wu Pouch.

Yu Ren Shu helplessly said, "If you wanted this, I could've gotten you something with more s.p.a.ce."

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: "It can't be compared to the satisfaction of s.n.a.t.c.hing it from other people's hands."

"s.n.a.t.c.hing it from other people's hands and not spending your own money is more satisfying then?"

Jiang Chao Ge cupped his hands and smiled: "Many thanks Your Highness."

"Oh right, it's the Heaven Wors.h.i.+p Day in a few days. Do you want to go see?"

"What is that?"

"It's a grand ceremony held in Tian Ling Nation once a year to wors.h.i.+p the heavens, the earth and the G.o.ds. It's a day with the same importance as New Years. The grand ceremony of the imperial capital will be held at the Great Memorial Temple and is precisely the place where you first appeared."

"Oh, there." Jiang Chao Ge did not have any good feelings towards that place.

Zhi Xuan said: "You're not allowed to go. There will definitely be a lot of humans, so annoying."

Jiang Chao Ge didn't want to go either and took the opportunity: "Its better if a Other World Person like me didn't go."

"That's fine too."

Jiang Chao Ge said with a thick face: "Your Highness, Tian Ao City really has many new things. I would only like to take advantage and stroll around more before we leave. I also don't know what day what month it will be when we return next time." He only wanted to take advantage of the time and spend Yu Ren Shu's money with all his might. He planned to buy himself a good dagger. After all, he was an expert in using a dagger.

Yu Ren Shu didn't hear the hidden meaning in his voice and only nodded, "Then you go stroll around more then, but you must move with imperial bodyguards."

"Rest a.s.sured."

The commoners of the imperial capital all began to prepare for Heaven Wors.h.i.+p Day. Commoners had their own ways of offering to the G.o.ds. Jiang Chao Ge walked around with Zhi Xuan for several days, gaining a considerable amount of treasures. He not only bought some interesting things, he also gained a better understanding of the local culture and customs of Tian Ling continent.

On Heaven Wors.h.i.+p Day, killing, eating meat, and s.e.x were forbidden. All the commoners in the city placed heavy importance on this day. The preparations were quite grand. The peddlers, variety shows and snacks on the sides of the streets all disappeared. Many shops closed early in order to prepare sacrifices for the G.o.ds.

There wasn't much to see outside so Jiang Chao Ge stayed in the quarters cultivating. Today, he finally decided to eat that spirit pill.

The spirit pill was bitter and astringent and was extremely difficult to swallow. Jiang Chao Ge forcefully swallowed it down and then immediately moved spiritual power through Whole Body Acupuncture Point. Not long after he swallowed it, he felt his body grow somewhat warm, spiritual power stirring in his body. It gave him the illusion of boiling. He repeatedly allowed spiritual power to circulate through the two half meridians he'd already broken through. After an afternoon's time, through circulating hundreds of times, he felt his body become somewhat lighter than before. Spiritual power also seemed to become thicker and heavier.

As expected this spirit pill really was a good thing. One pill produced the desired effect and according to what Yu Ren Shu said, this effect of enhancing cultivation can be sustained for a long time. No wonder it was 'hard to obtain with a thousand pieces of gold'.

When Jiang Chao Ge was resting, Zhi Xuan laid p.r.o.ne, bored to one side staring at Jiang Chao Ge. Jiang Chao Ge had warned him repeatedly not to disturb him while he was cultivating, thus he often stayed beside Jiang Chao Ge this way, quietly cultivating with him.

The sun set in the west, rosy red reflected across half the sky. It seemed that there will definitely be a bout of heavy rain tomorrow.

Jiang Chao Ge felt his stomach was somewhat hungry so he picked up Zhi Xuan, "Zuzong, let's go eat."

Zhi Xuan pouted, "You're cultivating for longer and longer."

"You should be happy. This way, the day where you can appear in your true form is getting closer."

Zhi Xuan nodded, but his expression still wasn't very happy.

The two had just walked out of bedroom when they heard a alarmed shout reverberate through the quarters. Jiang Chao Ge held Zhi Xuan and ran towards the source of the sound.

As soon as they walked into the courtyard, they saw Tian Rong appear in front of their eyes in the true form of a Zheng. That huge body seemed to fill the entire courtyard. He was faced with ferocious features, scaring the people in the quarters so badly their legs turned soft.

Jiang Chao Ge was also so shocked he drew back two steps. He didn't know if the Zheng had lost his mind and gone insane, he only knew that he couldn't beat this Heaven grade rare beast right now. He could be swallowed down to the stomach in a matter of seconds. But although Tian Rong's personality was unruly, he still listened to Yu Ren Shu quite well. How could he appear in this form within the quarters on his own? Where was Yu Ren Shu?

Tian Rong saw him, a pair of amber beast eyes filled with anger and ruthlessness, "Something happened to Shu."

Jiang Chao Ge was startled: "What happened to him?"

"He a.s.sa.s.sinated the State Preceptor."

Dizi/笛子- a type of Chinese transverse flute similar to that of a regular flute in the sense that it's blown the same way. However it is usually made of bamboo and has a membrane stretched over one of the holes to produce its unique sound. It's exactly the flute Wei Wu Xian has from Mo Dao Zu s.h.i.+

Luan Bird/鸾鸟- a type of mythical bird similar to that of a Phoenix

Na Wu Pouch/纳物袋- literally translates to accepting objects pouch and does exactly what it sounds like. It is essentially a s.p.a.ce distortion bag that's often seen in games etc.

Whole Body Acupuncture Point/周身大穴- I translated this directly because I could not find a exact English translation of this. From what I can gather from images, it seems to be a point in the bridge of your feet despite its name but I might be wrong. If anyone knows any more detail about acupuncture etc please enlighten me.

Translator's Corner

And the brief period of peace for our protagonists is once again broken. Zhi Xuan has finally learnt how to be quiet and patient lmao. Hope you enjoy!