After some hesitation, Bu Lige decided against asking Luo Chuan any more questions.
He had a feeling that if he took in any more shocking revelations today, his entire worldview might just collapse.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped through the swirling patterns and re-entered the weapon sales space.
A beam of light streamed down from the overhead curtain, engulfing his body in a warm glow. Moments later, the light faded, and an emotionless voice echoed in the air—a familiar sound in the Tower of Trials.
"Customer with a binding contract detected. Searching for eligible product…"
"Search complete. Product retrieved: Heavenly Weapon – Chi Xiao."
"Item has been delivered. Please verify."
A series of crisp system prompts followed, one after another.
Bu Lige blinked as the light flared before him—and when it vanished, he found a blazing sword in his hand.
The weapon's hilt resembled a dragon's head, with fiery red veins coursing through its blade like molten lava. It emanated an oppressive aura—the commanding presence of a monarch.
Flames coiled gently around Chi Xiao, yet Bu Lige felt no discomfort. On the contrary, the crimson fire seemed to welcome him, as though it had been waiting for him all along.
This was one of the unique features of the Origin Mall's weapon sales system—once purchased, the weapon instantly recognized its master.
Bu Lige gave the sword a few experimental swings.
Each arc of the blade trailed a burst of flaming sword aura. The air hummed, and a faint dragon's roar echoed with every movement.
He laughed, full of youthful bravado.
"Hahaha! What a Chi Xiao!"
A surge of heroism welled in his chest. With this sword in hand, he felt as though he could challenge a cultivator at the Soul Dominion realm and win with a single strike!
Of course, he was well aware it was just a delusion.
Even the most compatible spiritual weapon could only elevate a cultivator's strength so far. Leaping entire realms in combat was still impossible.
And besides, he had only tested the sword using physical strength.
He wouldn't dare channel spiritual power into Chi Xiao—not yet.
Even though the weapon had acknowledged him as its master, his cultivation level was still at Fatebound Ascension. A Heavenly Weapon like Chi Xiao required at least a Soul Dominion realm to fully wield its power.
If he recklessly poured spiritual energy into it, Chi Xiao might devour his strength in an instant.
For a moment, Bu Lige felt a twinge of regret. Maybe buying it on installment was too impulsive.
But the moment he looked at the sword again, all hesitation vanished.
"Early purchase, early enjoyment," he muttered with a grin. "No such thing as impulsive."
After thoroughly testing the sword's feel and balance in the sales space, he exited and plopped down into a seat in the shop.
He hadn't forgotten his game—he'd been looking forward to it for days.
Sliding on the helmet, the familiar virtual world materialized before his eyes.
A gleam of excitement flashed across his face.
"Heh… Quack quack. Watch out, monsters. Your master Bu is back."
Meanwhile, the Origin Mall remained quiet.
Perhaps because no one had spread the word about the reopening yet, Bu Lige was the only customer all morning.
But Luo Chuan didn't mind at all.
He knew that the day when Origin Mall would once again be packed to the brim wasn't far off.
Still, he couldn't help wondering—how much had the rumors about the ancient ruins spread?
And when would his old customers return?
His thoughts were interrupted as Bu Lige emerged from the game area, looking satisfied.
"Boss, I'm heading out now," Bu Lige said with a cheerful wave.
"Mhm." Luo Chuan gave a simple nod in response.