Chapter 868: Counter Rob

Ye Mo quickly realized the seemingly ordinary hacking sword concealed a spirit sense-blocking mechanism within, surrounded by dozens of intricate formations. Despite his considerable knowledge of formations, he couldn't identify a single one.

The old man, upon hearing this, sheathed the sword. "Forgive me, young master," he said, "This sword has been passed down through generations. Were it not for my lack of descendants and inability to reach the Foundation Establishment state, I would never consider selling it."

Ye Mo approached the stall and picked up the sword. "Let me examine it." He then handed the old man 500 spirit stones without further inspection. "I'll take it. Here's your payment."

As the old man received the stones in stunned silence, two Foundation Establishment cultivators intervened. "Friend," the first said, "We saw this sword first. By what right do you purchase it?"

Ye Mo replied calmly, "That's peculiar. I observed you negotiating a price of 90 spirit stones, which the vendor accepted. Is there something amiss with my purchase at a price agreeable to the seller?"

The two, Foundation Establishment cultivators of levels 3 and 5, respectively, failed to deter Ye Mo. He subtly masked his power at Foundation Establishment level 3, anticipating a potential pursuit, which would reveal crucial information. His false core-level spirit sense provided insights beyond the reach of the two cultivators.

Their interest in the sword, despite being unable to sense the inner shielding formation, piqued his curiosity. This suggested an ulterior motive beyond mere acquisition.

The level 5 cultivator sneered, "By your logic, bargaining is obsolete. One simply claims any item with sufficient funds, disregarding ongoing transactions?"

He then addressed the onlookers. "Friends, is this acceptable practice? I was negotiating with the vendor when this individual interjected, purchasing the sword with 500 spirit stones. How could he know I wouldn't have matched that price? I intended to do so. Shouldn't we respect the order of inquiry?"

Fear of reprisal silenced the crowd; the highest bidder, regardless of timing, typically prevailed. It was clear to everyone the Foundation Establishment cultivator had not genuinely intended to offer 500 spirit stones.

Ye Mo chuckled. "Let's assume you're correct. My auction strategy then yields considerable profit. Upon sighting a desired item, I submit the opening bid. By your reasoning, subsequent bidders abstain, conceding the item to the first bidder. Your logic is impeccable."

The crowd erupted in laughter. Ye Mo's statement, while a slight exaggeration, held a kernel of truth.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator's face reddened. "Auctions differ," he retorted, "You denied me the opportunity to bid, seizing the sword and departing."

Ye Mo's expression turned serious. "You're right. Proceed with your bid. I offer 500 spirit stones. A higher bid secures the sword."

The cultivator was taken aback by Ye Mo's unexpected acquiescence. After a brief hesitation, he bid, "550." He was determined to acquire the sword.

Ye Mo countered, "1000."

The cultivators, surprised by Ye Mo's substantial increase, gritted their teeth and offered, "1100."

"2000," Ye Mo responded, sensing his objective was within reach.

The cultivators, witnessing Ye Mo's casual addition of 1000 spirit stones, recognized the futility of further bidding. His level 3 Foundation Establishment cultivation belied surprising wealth. And that sword…

Exchanging a glance, the cultivators fell silent. Ye Mo was now certain of their pursuit.

He paid the vendor an additional 1500 spirit stones and left. The cultivators followed, but Ye Mo subtly altered his course.

Seeking a secluded location, they changed their appearances.

The level 3 cultivator voiced his concern. "Brother Gu, this youth, a Foundation Establishment cultivator at such a young age, possesses considerable wealth. Does he hail from a significant background?"

Brother Gu scoffed, "Do you believe so? If so, would he utilize a storage bag? He's merely fortunate. That hacking sword is crucial to our future. We must acquire it, regardless of cost. Moreover, he's merely at the initial stage of Foundation Establishment. I can eliminate him easily."

…

Ye Mo casually departed the market, ascending his flying sword. As expected, approximately 30 kilometers from the market, he spotted the two masked cultivators. Their attempts at concealing their auras proved futile against his enhanced spirit sense.

Despite maintaining a leisurely pace, the cultivators remained persistent, intercepting him thousands of miles from the market.

"What is your purpose?" Ye Mo asked, his expression unchanged.

The level 3 cultivator sneered. "Nothing significant. You obtained something you shouldn't have. Hand over your belongings, and we might spare your life!"

Ye Mo laughed, a hidden story attached to the sword. His power surged, exceeding level 4. His cultivation and spirit sense allowed him to convincingly mimic a Foundation Establishment tertiary stage cultivator.

The cultivators, initially perceiving Ye Mo as an ordinary primary stage cultivator, were startled by his sudden power surge. Ye Mo's power swiftly forced them back.

"You are a False Core cultivator?!" the level 5 cultivator exclaimed in disbelief, realizing their blatant trap.

Ye Mo forwent further conversation, unleashing his flying sword in a flurry of sword rays, simultaneously deploying Shadowless.

Ye Mo's sword rays shattered the level 5 cultivator's shield, and Shadowless instantly drained the man's life essence.

The sequence unfolded in an instant. The level 3 cultivator attempted to flee, but Ye Mo intercepted him.