Chapter 149 Heavenly Essence (Part One)

Zen did not have enough cubic crystals.

However, Zen had learned from Wurth that if he desired an item, he could join in the bidding. As long
as the quoted price was not higher than the cubic crystals he would earn for the crystal core of the fire
scorpion lion, Zen could afford to bid.

Thus, when Zen saw the Weapon Refining Principle, he bid against Fren even though the other bidders
had ceased.

20, 100 cubic crystals!

If this had happened before the incident on Hell Mountain, Zen would have been reluctant to spend
thousands of cubic crystals buying the Weapon Refining Principle. On the contrary, he would have
saved these cubic crystals to exchange for points at Cloud Sect.

However, after the battle on Hell Mountain, Zen had realized how large the skill gap was between him
and Vale.

If he wanted to narrow this difference, Zen had to improve in every aspect.

Not just his strength!

If Zen could learn how to refine weapons, or even become a master of weapon refining, his request to
visit or save Yan might not be denied!

Admittedly, there were no guarantees that buying and reading the Weapon Refining Principle would
help Zen become a weapon refiner. However, Zen did not have many choices. He had to persist with
his plan.



Since learning from the Weapon Refining Principle would give him an advantage, Zen was determined
to buy it.

"Rest assured, Nory and Sean. I have enough cubic crystals," said Zen with a smile.

Nory's and Sean's foreheads creased as they wondered how Zen had accumulated tens of thousands
of cubic crystals. But when they thought of Zen's cautious personality, they relaxed slightly.

Many people darted a curious glance in Zen's direction when they heard him bid against Fren.

Astonishment reflected on their faces when they saw that Zen was just a teenager. What surprised
them, even more, was that he was only an outer disciple at Cloud Sect.

Twenty thousand cubic crystals was a significant amount of wealth anywhere.

The average family could not put up so much money. The boy with a white robe was a half-step into the
nature level. Did he belong to a noble clan?

Some people whispered and speculated about Zen's identity.

Fren shot Zen a sideways glance and called out, "Twenty-one thousand!"

Several leaders within the Zhuge Clan had asked Fren to buy the book at any cost as it contained
detailed knowledge of Chase's work. The Weapon Refining Principle also contained Chase's secrets,
especially those related to weapon refining. Thus, attaining the Weapon Refining Principle was of
utmost importance to the Zhuge Clan.

In fact, from Fren's point of view, spending more than twenty thousand cubic crystals on a weapon
refining handbook was unreasonable, but he had to obey the order.

Though he had a calm look, he was furious at Zen for increasing the price.



Since Fren had an ulterior motive to buy the book, he could not express his anger at Zen's actions.
Otherwise, his true purpose for securing the book would be revealed to all the bidding opponents and
they would be spurred to compete with him to the end. It would not be cost-effective, even though he
would buy it, regardless of the price. After all, the auction was, in essence, a psychological game.

It seemed that Fren's bid had been random, but it had been his strategy.

"Twenty-one thousand and one hundred cubic crystals," Zen continued to raise his bid.

Zen's voice was fairly steady, emotionless, and confident.

At present, Fren realized that he was in trouble as it seemed that Zen was going to bid to the end.

The trouble came not only from the boy but also from the other opponents.

Although Fren always behaved crazily and ridiculously, those who knew him well understood that
madness was just his disguise.

If Fren continued to compete with Zen, the price of the Weapon Refining Principle would rise too high,
and it would arouse the interest of other noble clans. That was not what Fren wanted.

"Twenty-one thousand and one hundred cubic crystals!" shouted Nestor. "Is there a higher bid?"

"Twenty-two thousand," Fren called out again, stroking the face of the young woman beside him.
"Vivan, get that kid to shut up!"

Vivan stood and nodded in understanding. Her slim waist swayed seductively as she made her way
toward Zen's room.

"Twenty-two thousand and one hundred!"



Zen raised the bid by a hundred cubic crystals just as a beautiful woman appeared at the door of his
room.

The beauty smiled as she leaned against the door. Once she had Zen's attention, she said, "Hey boy,
could I talk with you?"

Nory and Sean were hot-blooded youths. Thus, their hearts beat faster when they saw the enchanting
Vivan.

However, Zen turned his head and asked Vivan calmly, "What do you want?"

"My master asked me to tell you to give up the bidding," said Vivan, staring straight at Zen.

Zen returned her smile as he asked, "Why should I give up?"

"Because my master wants you to," said Vivan. Malicious intent twinkled in her brown eyes.

What arrogance!

Zen's forehead wrinkled when he heard what Vivan said. Since entering Cloud Sect, Zen had met
many arrogant people. He sneered at Vivan, "Your master? Who is he?"

"My master's surname is Zhuge," replied Vivan proudly. The Zhuge Clan was renowned in the Burning
Sky Empire, so Vivan thought that Zen would change his mind after learning that Fren came from the
Zhuge Clan.

"Zhuge?" murmured Zen. Then his face darkened. From Bloody Mountain to the south of the empire,
he had clashed with members of the Zhuge Clan many times. They were like annoying leeches that
kept clinging to him!



"Yes, my master is Fren Zhuge. I believe you have heard of him. So, please do not bid again, or you
will get into trouble," said Vivan, with a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.


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