Chapter 346: What Exactly Is Ranze To You?
"May I know how you've obtained this Unbreakable Etherite?" The Giant Whale Sect Master asked in surprise, putting on his best tone due to the fact that he wasn't even able to see through the other party's strength.
Compass Carburettor was no different to a mortal in his senses. But, had he not seen him arrive alongside Old Zen, he would have doubted his eyes by now, 'Someone that's able to conceal their strength before me to such an extent is unfathomable.'
"Through chance." Compass Carburettor cupped his fists in response, saying with a polite tone, "It was presented to me by a family that owed me. They claimed it was their family heirloom that they had guarded for generations. Unfortunately, none of their generations of family members managed to reach the Martial Origin Realm. So, they gave it to me in the end."
"I'm really grateful that Lord Gahrat is willing to share such a treasure with us." The Giant Whale Sect Master said in joy, having already instructed his people to liquidate enough funds for the necessary purchase.
"It's useless to me. So might as well sell it to someone that can put it to good use." Compass Carburettor smiled, "Besides, I am short on funds anyway. This is a good chance."
'You'll probably never have to worry about funds once this auction ends.' The Giant Whale Sect Leader sighed in thought.
The three conversed for some time before the Giant Whale Sect Leader excused himself, attending to the rest of the guests. All along, Compass Carburettor was silent, only speaking from time to time.
It was hard to keep his emotions in check like before as even he himself was unsure when he would snap. Even though nothing unpleasant had happened, his mood had seen better days. 'How depressing I am without the Skill of Intelligence.'
When he was in the auction house, he had checked his appearance using a mirror, noticing that it had changed a bit. He was still handsome, but that was it. He wasn't on the level where people would lose their minds at the mere sight of him.
An angular face with mild baby fat, dark blue eyes with a hint of brown, and curly jet-black hair. He was still himself, looking like what he might have originally if he didn't have a System but possessed enough wealth to take care of his appearance.
He had mostly lost the innate charm and grace that accompanied every action of his, including the flap of his eyelids.
Compass Carburettor interacted with the curious cultivators that talked with him. But, as he wasn't a local, there weren't many shared topics to converse with, leading to awkward silence soon after their introductions were done past.
As time passed in this manner, there was suddenly a commotion among the guests as an innocent girl arrived, accompanied by two ladies on either side, having changed her into luxurious clothes.
She was Xuer, clearly the future Sect Master of the Giant Whale Sect. The moment she arrived, every cultivator of importance rushed to greet her, wishing to get to know about the future powerhouse that pretty much would lord over the region, if not the entire Gaider Realm.
Possessing a Heaven Martial Spirit, such was her potential. So, their objective was clearly three: First was to know about her character. The second was to see if they could rope her into their respective Sect/Clan. And third was to hitch her to their sons.
And, there was also the fourth option, if all the three viable choices had no hope to succeed. That was to eliminate her before she could blossom.
"Lord Gahrat, please excuse me." Old Zen excused himself and walked away to talk with Xuer.
At the start, Xuer was pretty flustered, seeing people in person that she had only heard or seen the pictures of. It felt unreal to her. But, the Giant Whale Sect Master supported her, introducing her to everyone while also chiming in when she felt difficulty dealing with them.
Compass Carburettor didn't budge from his spot, closing his eyes as he spent the time focusing on his Dimensional Space, watching the sleeping figure of Stencil, 'You'll wake up soon. Hang in there.'
It was late into the night when the feast ended as everyone began to exit the Giant Whale Sect one after another. Compass Carburettor and Old Zen too were doing the same as they soon arrived at the market.
The market was still pretty lively as Compass Carburettor bode farewell to Old Zen, "I'll take a stroll through the night here."
"Then, I'll inform you on the day of the auction, Lord Gahrat." Old Zen nodded and went away.
Compass Carburettor strolled through the market, looking for any item that would catch his eye. Unfortunately, what he was looking for was too rare, something that wasn't even written in any legends.
It obviously wouldn't be available in a casual market like this. Though, he was of the hope that he would be like the main characters from cultivation novels that would obtain a peerless treasure/technique after picking up a random pebble from the side of the road.
"Might as well give it a try." He sighed and began to look through things. Eventually, he arrived at a back alley as he looked around, ensuring there wasn't anyone in the vicinity as he let out Gana, already informing her of what she had to do through telepathy.
Gana condensed Vutura's pair of wings, enveloped herself with the Mental Energy Body Layer and took off into the air, heading towards a city far away. That's where he planned to awaken his Martial Spirit later.
He continued to look through the market, soon feeling tired as he returned to his room, taking a seat on his bed. Closing his eyes, Compass Carburettor focused on the two Spydragons he had let out before, sensing the second one.
…
"Please take care, Lady Xuer." A servant bowed and closed the room's door, leaving the place. There were Martial Origin Stage cultivators posted guard around her private estate, ensuring nothing would happen to her.
Moreover, she was located right next to the Sect Master's estate. So if something happens, the Sect Master would be able to arrive at her rescue in a jiffy.
Now that she was finally left alone, Xuer sighed in exhaustion and slumped on the bed, "Ranze, what are you doing now. I miss you already."
Suddenly, Xuer noticed a tiny insect flying before her, emanating a yellowish-white radiance, slowly growing in size, shocking her. But, just when she was about to shout in shock, the scales on its body moved, forming a set of words.
"What exactly is Ranze to you?"
