The Black Market

Cale visualized the three sword movements that he had just learned. His eyebrows were tightly knitted, but the smile on his face was clearly evident. 

Cale was fairly satisfied with the strength of the three sword movements, especially the fifth and the sixth sword movements. Just that he couldn't forcefully execute those two even if he reaches the peak of the Immortal-Class level. If he does, the consequences would be unimaginable. Even just executing the fourth sword movement would already drain his elemental essence and break the limits of his physical body, how much more the next two sword movements?

"Formless Wind Sword Dance... What a fitting name for such a grand and elegant move! Whoever made this Devil Arcanum Sword Movement, he may have been a true sword prodigy without equal even in the Divine Realm." Cale felt astonished after he assimilated the next three sword movements of the Devil Arcanum Sword Movement. 

Although he was still incapable of executing the three sword movements, he already knew that the three sword movements were the strongest that he had ever seen. Perhaps, he has the chance to stand toe to toe against Azazel when their fight comes. 

Cale shook his head and removed the unnecessary thoughts in his head. He slowly immersed himself in his newly gained sword skill and incorporated each and every move in his mind.

'The essence of this fourth sword movement lies in manipulating the element of wind. But it's not that simple as it seems. One must visualize a formless and gentle wind. But the gentleness of this wind hides the most brutal and fearsome sword intent that could even kill top experts... What an interesting move! Formless Wind Sword Dance, brilliant!' Cale exclaimed in his heart.

The truth about the fourth sword movement was like the flower Aconitum. It might look beautiful and perfect, but behind its beauty lies something terrifying. Even Cale felt a bit afraid of this sword move for its cunning facade.

"Now that I learned a new sword skill, I should just use the remaining Crystal Coins to purchase cultivation resources for my people." Cale muttered to himself.

Asteria who was quiet at that time suddenly emerged in front of Cale with a beaming look on her face. She smiled widely while nodding contentedly as Cale spoke. 

Oblivious to Asteria's actions, Cale silently contemplated what he would do in the following days. 

"Asteria use my remaining Crystal Coins to buy the necessary cultivation resources for my people. Remember, only those that can be used by them must be bought." Although Cale trusted Asteria, he still emphasized the importance of this purchase by slowly phrasing his words. 

Asteria nodded her head with a radiant smile like a little girl who was given ice cream by her parents. "I know! I know!" She said.

Cale shook his head and smiled at the sight of her foolish expression since it was quite rare to see Asteria act like that now.

'Asteria, just who are you?'

* * * 

The next day, an initial-stage Immortal-Class level eunuch showed up in front of Cale's residence. Although the eunuch was here on under the emperor's orders, he did not dare act arrogant at all. Because the Unfettered Duke Cale, the owner of this residence was the hero of their Celestial Sword Empire. Aside from that, his strength was said to be equal to the emperor himself. Thus, as haughty as he might usually be, the eunuch remained especially meek and courteous in Cale's residence. 

"Under the orders of His Majesty, I have something to tell to the Unfettered Duke." The eunuch's shrill voice contained a sense of pride as he announced the reason for his visit. 

After hearing the eunuch's words, the entrance guards of Cale's residence respectfully allowed him to go inside. 

"So it's Eunuch Li! We welcome your arrival here to Duke Cale's manor." A manly voice filled with strength echoed beside Eunuch Li's ears. 

Eunuch Li squinted his eyes and stared at the direction where the voice came from, but when his eyes locked onto the voice's owner, his originally disdainful heart skipped a beat. 

The man had a rough appearance similar to a farmer who had gone through a lot in life. He was smiling brightly at Eunuch Li and his eyes were filled with hidden sword intent.

'A sword expert at this level is actually living here in Duke Cale's manor?' Eunuch Li was surprised when he felt Wenren Wushuang's strength.

Aside from being an initial-stage Immortal-Class level expert, Eunuch Li also felt that Wenren Wushuang was a top sword cultivator. Eunuch Li hurriedly concealed his surprised expression and put on an amiable smile as he said. "It appears that Duke Cale has trained quite a few top experts in his residence. I wonder what this brother's grand name is." 

Wenren Wushuang might be an itinerant cultivator before, but he had already seen Eunuch Li quite a few times during special occasions. Thus, he already knew who he was after taking a glimpse of him. 

Wenren Wushuang chuckled in his heart, but he still maintained his bright smile. "I'm not a noteworthy man at all, Eunuch Li. This lowly one's name is Wenren Wushuang and I am one of Duke Cale's subordinates. I apologize for my rough welcome."

Eunuch Li's mouth twitched, making his smile look crooked. "Not bad at all! Not bad at all! Brother Wushuang is a man of talent, so don't undermine yourself by saying this."

Wenren Wushuang smiled and opened his arms in a welcoming gesture and said. "Please allow me to escort you inside the manor, Eunuch Li." 

Eunuch Li nodded his head and replied. "After you, brother Wushuang." 

Wenren Wushuang led Eunuch Li inside the manor while also intentionally showing the training field where their soldiers were practicing.  

Eunuch Li was surprised to see the soldiers training on the field. Although there wasn't a lot of them, their strength was definitely stronger than the Celestial Sword Empire's common soldiers. If these hundreds of soldiers were incorporated in the empire's ranks, they would at least be at the squad leader level!

Wenren Wushuang smirked after seeing the change in Eunuch Li's expression. 'Baldy, no one is allowed to act arrogant inside Duke Cale's manor. Not even the emperor's subordinates.'