Ace heard the system notification and snapped out of his deep cultivation state. The next moment, a rotten smell attacked his nostrils, and he nearly threw up.
'Where did this awful wax-like thing come from? Is it because of cultivation?'
Ace quickly ran towards the water source outside. He had to wash for quite a long time before that smell went away.
After bathing, Ace felt his senses had become somewhat sharper than before. He could now hear small sounds of insects around him and see more clearly for around twenty meters. His body was also much sturdier. He was much stronger than those idiots, at least.
'So this is how cultivation feels, huh? I can feel my skin resonating with Heavenly Qi on its own now, and I don't feel extreme hunger like before. This is quite convenient, actually.' Ace felt excited after feeling his new prowess.
"System, show me my status!" He transmitted in his mind eagerly.
=====
[Eternal Thief System]
[Main Panel]
[Host: Ace White]
[Race: Human {No Bloodline}]
[First Heaven: Mortal Sky Heaven]
[Martial Cultivation: Heavenly Gates {1st Heavenly Gate}]
{EXP: 50/1000}
[Soul Cultivation: Mortal]
{SP: 19/20} {31 Extra}
[Thief Points (TP): 40]
[Skills: 5]
[Cultivation Technique: 2]
[Current Mission: 0]
=====
"My soul cultivation level is still at '0.' So I have to practice that this time." Ace mumbled to himself.
'Let's head towards the weapon market first to see if I can get a good sword pair there. I need them to cultivate the Dual Shadow Swords.'
Ace headed out after deciding on his destination. But first, he went towards the slum park where the loot was hidden, to withdraw some Ruby Coins, because he knew weapons were expensive, especially the ones he needed.
It was very early in the morning, so no one was around the park. Ace quickly dug out the bag, withdrew 1,000 Ruby Coins from it, and put them in the black pouch Alina had left him. He quickly hid the bag there again and left hurriedly.
The weapon market of the outer region was the second-biggest business market after the pill market. The weapon market primarily dealt with ordinary warriors and some novice cultivators, because warriors and cultivators alike liked using weapons. This gave the weapon market as much value as the pill market.
Ordinary blacksmiths made standard weapons, but weapons for cultivators were made by 'Qi Crafters.'
Crafters held the same status as Alchemists. Crafters were also rare, but not as rare as Alchemists. You could become a novice Crafter if you knew how to control your Qi.
Crafters had ranks like Alchemists, but the difference in their skills was measured by star grades, from 1 to 9. 1-Star was the lowest, and 9 was the highest.
Weapons created by Crafters could withstand and release the Qi of a cultivator; the more Qi a weapon could withstand, the higher its star grade would be.
In a 2-Star City like River-Flower City, there was only one 2-Star Qi Crafter present, and he received the same treatment as the White-Rank Alchemist. As for 1-Star Crafters, they were present in the city's inner region; they were few, but all of them worked for prominent families.
The outer region only had novice Crafters.
Ace reached the weapons market. He hadn't eaten anything, so he first went to a nearby restaurant and ordered dishes he liked.
He was eating when he heard people talking.
"Hey, did you hear about the Black Ghost that robbed swindler Billy's shop? Billy still couldn't find him anywhere, no matter how much he searched. Yesterday, he even killed four men just because they had the same height as the Black Ghost."
"Well, he's been killing anyone he suspects to be Black Ghost for some days now, and it's getting worse with each passing day. But most people believe that Black Ghost is someone from the inner region, and that's why Billy's at his wit's end, since he can't do anything to the inner region's people."
"I must admit that Black Ghost person has guts and skill. He stole Billy's wealth right under his damn nose, hahaha."
"You said damn right — the people he cheated were extremely happy when they heard the news. Some are even calling the Black Ghost their hero, and some poor commoners call him the 'Hero of Justice.'" Said another man while laughing,
"When do you think Black Ghost will strike again?"
"Well, no one knows the answer. But some people hope he'll strike against others like Billy. You know everyone's tightened their security because they're afraid of Black Ghost paying them a 'visit' next, hahaha."
Ace was stunned when he heard their conversation. 'They're calling me "Black Ghost," haha — not a bad name for a thief. But that fat bastard is killing innocent people because he can't find me.'
Ace frowned and grew furious thinking about Billy's baseless killing. After all, he was just a 12-year-old boy, and he never would've thought his thievery could involve innocent people.
'If I get a chance, I'll avenge them and do something for them.' Ace vowed in his heart.
After eating his fill, Ace started heading toward the weapon market. As he entered the market, he saw many well-built and tall men roaming around the weapon shops, selecting suitable weapons for themselves.
Ace's aim wasn't a standard weapon, because he knew they couldn't withstand his Heavenly Qi. He wanted a 1-Star weapon, or at least a half-star weapon.
In the deeper part of the weapon market, there weren't as many people as in the outer part. Ace looked at the shop in front of him. Its name was 'Coal Weapon Shop.' He went inside and saw rows of shining weapons.
'Beautiful,' was the thought that came to his mind when he saw those rows of weapons.
"Boy, did you lose your way here?" A loud, heavy voice sounded through the shop.
Ace looked around and spotted a tall, muscular, dark-skinned, middle-aged man with a stern look on his face. He was Coal, the shop owner.
Seeing Coal's serious face, he spoke respectfully, with some apprehension, "Sir, I'm here to select a weapon for myself."
"What kind of weapon do you want?" Coal got straight to business.
"I want a pair of swords, one short and one long, capable of withstanding Qi." Ace also didn't beat around the bush and revealed his requirements.
The suitable weapons he needed to practice his Dual Shadow Swords technique were a pair of long and short swords.
"You're a cultivator?" An expression of astonishment surfaced for the first time on Coal's serious face.
Cultivators weren't rare in the weapon market, but cultivators as young as Ace weren't common. Instead, they tended to be either in the city's inner region or in 1-Star Cities. That's why Coal was surprised.
"Yes, sir," Ace answered with a hint of pride. It was his first time telling anyone of his minor achievement.
"Well, it's rare to see a cultivator your age here, but don't get too prideful. There are many like you in big cities, and even in our own inner region, there are many young and talented people like you. So never get prideful, because there's always someone above you."
Coal was a straightforward person with a kind heart, so he offered the advice with good intentions. His earlier surprised expression was long gone.
"Thank you! I'll remember your teaching, sir." Ace didn't show any displeasure, since he could tell Coal held no hidden malice or disdain toward him. Coal had advised him like an elder, so he thanked him politely.
'He's right; even my Lil' Sis, who is many years younger than me, was at the 1st Gate of the Qi Gates Realm, and now that her bloodline is awakened, she must be even more powerful. So I can't afford to become arrogant over just this little achievement.' Ace considered earnestly.
"Not bad, boy — your attitude is right for cultivation. Remember, never get arrogant, no matter what, or when someone stronger crushes you like an ant, you'll never be able to stand again. Now, let's go. I'll show you some sword pairs. It's quite rare for anyone to use dual sword style nowadays, so I don't have many sets. Only three are available, and all of them are half-star rank. In the outer region, you can only find half-star weapons. If you want a better one, go to the inner region." Coal said coolly and started moving towards his workshop.
Coal now had a good impression of Ace, thanks to his humble attitude, so he offered advice — he would never even have bothered with an extra word had it been someone conceited.
Ace followed Coal into his workshop.
Coal quickly grabbed three long, slim wooden boxes from the corner of the workshop and opened them one by one. Shining swords gave off a sharp, cold feeling as each box was opened.
"These red-colored swords are called Fire Twin Swords, priced at 500 Ruby Coins. This set is called Sharp Edge Twin Swords, 300 Ruby Coins. This last set is called the Black Raptor Pair. It can cut metal like butter, and it's the best of these three sets, priced at 900 Ruby Coins." Coal got straight to the point with the introduction and prices.
Ace looked at the sets inside the wooden boxes. He could tell they weren't standard pairs of swords. He sent a bit of Heavenly Qi toward them to see which could withstand it. The moment the Heavenly Qi made contact, the swords began trembling. Coal noticed this too and was stunned.
'This kid is no ordinary one!' Coal inhaled a breath of cold air.
Ace was disappointed. None of these pairs of swords could withstand his Heavenly Qi for long. "Sir, I'll buy this Raptor pair." This set could withstand his Qi the longest of the three.
"Okay, take the case and follow me to the counter. You can pay there." Coal turned around after giving Ace the instruction.
Ace didn't mind and grabbed the case with the Raptor set, following Coal.
At the main counter, Ace paid 900 Ruby Coins. He was about to leave when he heard Coal's pressing voice, "Boy, I can tell these swords can't withstand your power. So find a suitable pair for yourself as soon as possible. It's also good for your cultivation — those who cultivate weapons shouldn't change them daily. Remember, a weapon is like a life to a warrior. If it breaks during battle, he dies."
Coal gave his final piece of advice and headed back toward his workshop, as if he no longer cared about Ace at all.
Ace thought about what Coal had just said and couldn't help but agree with him. 'I'll buy those swords from the System's shop next time I complete a mission.'
Ace bowed lightly toward the workshop where Coal had vanished. Now he considered him an elder who had given him guidance.
Finally, now that he had a pair of swords to practice the Dual Shadow Swords technique, he returned to his little hut. It was time to cultivate again!