HOT NOVEL UPDATES

Instant Kill - Volume 6 - Chapter 7




Hint: To Play after pausing the player, use this button


Chapter 7

INSTANT KILL 006:07 QUALIFICATIONS






Luo Jie couldn’t help but laugh . “She’s a Beast Smith Grandmaster . She’s a celebrity from the West Rune Sect—a Beast Smith Grandmaster who’s no older than 40 years old . After advancing, she morphed into a 20 year old . She’s very famous around here . ”This was Guo Shier’s first time to see a female Grandmaster . He turned to Luo Jie and curiously asked, “Master, what’s her profession?”

“But she’s not combat-class,” added Qi Nanshan . “She’s no big deal . Shier is much stronger than her . ”

Qi Nanshan’s standard was based on a person’s ability to fight . For him, any occupation that cannot be fight was rubbish .

Still, Guo Shier’s curiosity grew bigger . “What is her name?”

“She’s from the Wu clan, called Wu Yanyan,” said Luo Jie .

“Holy shit, her name is more vulgar than mine!” exclaimed Guo Shier .

Note: The characters ‘Wu’ and ‘Yan’ mean ‘stunning’ and ‘alluring . ’

Wu Yanyan’s appearance was truly outstanding—a real knockout . Skin as white as snow, small red lips, and flowing black hair . She was wearing a big red satin ribbon brocade, which is a South Rune Sect specialty . In the northwest region, not many rich families can afford such a precious gown .

“Number plate 1, please come up with the items you want to trade,” she said . She was working as the host in this event .

The person holding that plate came up . “I want to forfeit my rights to trade,” he requested .

Wu Yanyan laughed . “You’re forfeiting? Well, fine . Then may the Grandmaster with number plate 2 come up for trading . ”

This time, a very old man stood up, unsteady . Two little girls were supporting him on each side . They helped him slowly walk to the center of the venue .

Guo Shier’s jaw dropped . “This… this man is also a Grandmaster? He’s almost out of breath!”

“No, he should have a few more good years to live,” Luo Jie sighed .

The man introduced himself to the crowd . “I’m an old man from the West Rune Sect, Beast Caster Grandmaster, Zhao Quan . ”

Very slowly, he then took three things out: a stone, a bone and a foot-long beast hide .

“Green shrimp jade, ancient Rune Bone, a foot of Earth Dragon skin . Please verify the items,” he said .

Wu Yanyan and another middle-aged man stepped forward to examine the goods .

“Green shrimp jade, excellent quality . Ancient Rune Bone, there’s a complete natural Ancient Rune . Earth Dragon skin, product quality is intact and the skin belongs to the very rare Earth Dragon family,” Wu Yanyan announced to the crowd .

“I hope to be able to exchange for beast Spirit Glyphs . I will prioritize attack-type Glyphs,” the old man said .

Wu Yanyan turned to the crowd . “Interested people can examine the items on stage . ”

As expected, only a few people stood up .

Guo Shier stepped closer to his master . “These items are very generic, master,” he whispered .

Luo Jie smiled . “Not everyone has your good luck . These items are actually pretty good . However, they’re not enough to get a beast Spirit Glyph . ”

Wu Yanyan then asked, “Is anyone going to trade?”

No one responded .

She repeated the question three times, yet no one responded .

“Old timer Zhao, do you have any intention to auction these items?” she asked the old man .

Zhao Quan was confused .  Why was no one interested?

After some thought, he finally relented . “Okay, I’ll let you take the items for auction . ”

He handed the three items to Wu Yanyan . An Inner Gate disciple went forward to receive the items, which will be sent to another smaller venue . There, more than a dozen big businessmen will be competing for these items in an auction .

Guo Shier realized what was going on . “Oh, so they would be exchanged for money and not precious materials?”

Luo Jie nodded . “He probably understood that he won’t be able to exchange them for a Glyph, so he just took this opportunity to exchange them for money . It would fetch a high price in the auction . He’s preparing for future generations . ”

 

***

The event went on as usual .

One by one, the Grandmasters appeared on stage, each one hoping to exchange things they own for things they need .

“Number plate 18, kindly come up on stage,” said Wu Yanyan .

The man introduced himself . “West Rune Sect Beast Artificer Grandmaster, Chen Zhizhong,” he said .

Guo Shier knew this person .

Wu Yanyan motioned for the grandmaster to take out the items that he wanted to exchange . He took out a curved Rune engraved dagger .

“Rune engraved dagger, hehe!” he declared . “This is a dagger made from the teeth of an ancient Marked Beast . The markings are natural Ancient Runes . It is exceptionally sharp . General defensive Runes are no match for this dagger—they can’t stop it from puncturing . I would like to exchange this for Rare Grade materials .  Only Rare Grade materials . ”

Guo Shier’s eyes widened . He was very interested in the dagger . He himself owned a pure steel Rune-engraved dagger but was not very satisfied with it .





“Master,” he whispered to Lou Jie . “I’ll go up and see . ”

Many Marked Warrior Grandmasters were also interested . Guo Shier stood up and went up the stage to join them .

His appearance attracted everyone’s attention .

“Child, please get off the stage,” Wu Yanyan said . “This is for Grandmasters only . ” She then turned to the crowd and said, “Please, Grandmasters, manage your own followers . Don’t let them come up at random . ”

Chen Zhizhong couldn’t help but laugh . He was very amused to see Guo Shier being belittled .

Guo Shier smiled sweetly . “Sister,” she said to Wu Yanyan . “With what eyes can you see that I’m not a Grandmaster?”

Wu Yanyan’s jaw dropped . “You’re a Grandmaster?”

This could not be possible, she thought . “Hey, this kid…” she said, looking for words . “Who can prove that you’re a Grandmaster, huh?”

Before she even finished speaking, Luo Jie, Qi Nanshan, Ying Mo, Luo Zhan, Xiao Feng and Luo Jing six Grandmasters stood up together, and shouted, “We can prove it . ”

Wu Yanyan was startled and took a step back .

Chen Zhizhong got worried . He didn’t want a fuss and may cause disgrace to the West Rune Sect .

“Yanyan, stop it,” he hurriedly said . “His name is Guo Shier . He’s the youngest Artificer Grandmaster from the North Rune Sect . ”

All the other Grandmasters present were shocked . Guo Shier was clearly a child—yet he has already advanced to Grandmaster Level . And not just any Grandmaster—he was an ArtificerGrandmaster . This kid managed to reach the highest levels of the the most difficult class to advance in .

For a few minutes, the audience was in an uproar .

“Grandpa Chen, Is this true?” Wu Yanyan asked in disbelief .

Chen Zhizhong nodded . “Yes . I don’t need to talk nonsense . ”

Wu Yanyan suddenly squat down and hugged Guo Shier .

This confused him .

“My God! You’re a very young Grandmaster!” Wu Yanyan exclaimed . “I simply can’t believe it . Younger brother, tell elder sister . How old are you?”

In this realm, Guo Shier appeared adorable to older people . His little face has become white and rosy ever since eating the blood essence of an Earth Dragon Variant . His eyes were sparkling black . For adult women, his boyish charm can provoke maternal love .

Not waiting for Guo Shier to answer, Wu Yanyan kissed his face .

This stunned Guo Shier . His heart softened like tofu .

He struggled to get out of Wu Yanyan’s hug . Who knew this woman could be so strong?

(Note: I think Guo Shier is being squeezed to death because he is a cutie pie J)

Wu Yanyan held on . “Don’t be afraid,” she said . “Tell elder sister, how old are you?”

I’m afraid of nothing . But ugh, this woman has enormous strength .  Guo Shier thought to to himself .

“Ten years old!” he finally blurted out .

He suddenly thought of a way to escape from her hug . “Granny Wu,” he addressed her . “Let me go . ”

“Did you just call me Granny?” Wu Yanyan said . Her face suddenly turned green . “Call me elder sister! Am I that old?” she exclaimed angrily .

The whole audience roared with laughter .

Wu Yanyan was thick skinned enough and kept hugging him . “Call me elder sister, or I won’t let you go!” she demanded .

Guo Shier’s color was changing .

(Note: Guo Shier may be turning purple from being hugged too tight or just the lack of air . )

“Well, is elder sister married?” he asked, his voice crisp and loud .

“Married? Who’s married?” said Wu Yanyan puzzled .

Guo Shier said with a smile, “Well, you’re not married? Do you want to marry me?”

Wu Yanyan’s mind went blank . She didn’t understand what the little guy meant .

“Marry you?” she said . “That’s impossible . ”

Guo Shier pretended to look around and said, “Impossible? Then why do you keep holding on to me?”

“Hey! This child!” Wu Yanyan exclaimed .

The audience once again laughed .

Chen Zhizhong wryly smiled, “Yanyan!”

Wu Yanyan let Guo Shier go .

She didn’t get angry even though she knew she was being played by the little guy . No one would a take ten-year-old child seriously . Because Guo Shier was too young, everybody would think anything he said was funny .





“Do you want to marry me or do you want to wait for your hair to grow? Hee hee hee,” she teased him back, touching his head .

(Note: Hair to grow? Are they talking about pubic hair?)

Guo Shier was suddenly speechless .  This woman is ruthless! Ugh! She doesn’t respect a child’s human rights, he thought to himself .

Chen Zhizhong cleared his throat . “Well, please continue,” he said to the crowd .

The audience finally calmed down .

On stage, Guo Shier picked up the dagger and inspected it carefully .

It was very beautiful—ivory in color, with naturally engraved Runes . The blade was flat and had a slight curve . It had a very sharp end instead of a blade edge . The grip was made of rare, toughened wood wrapped in a fine thread of spider silk .

Guo Shier got off the stage to go back to his seat . He was in awe this dagger . He could see why so many other people were also interested .

Back in his seat, Guo Shier whispered to his Master to discuss the item . Luo Jie understood how much his apprentice liked this dagger .

“No problem, I’ll barter this item for you,” he said .

Luo Jie proceeded to use his negotiating skills to win the dagger . He traded several rare grade materials and some powerful Rune devices for it .

***

The other numbers were called and trading went on like usual .

Finally, it was Guo Shier’s turn .

Wu Yanyan stood on the stage and called the next number . “Will the Grandmaster with number plate 37 please come up on stage to trade . ”

Guo Shier went up . “Hello, Granny Wu! It’s me again,” he teased

Wu Yanyan tried to laugh but couldn’t hide her displeasure . “Call me elder sister! Otherwise… hmmp!”

Guo Shier felt his scalp go numb . He could sense that she was genuinely annoyed . He better stop his wise-ass jokes .

“Okay, elder sister,” he relented, changing his tone .

Wu Yanyan faked a smile . “Well, it’s your turn . ”

Guo Shier felt a cold chill in his heart . Her words were kind but felt…intimidating .


He stood in the center stage and started to introduce himself . “Grandmasters, ladies and gentlemen . Greetings everyone!”

He looked at the audience . “North Rune Sect Artificer Grandmaster Guo Shier . Ten years old this year,” he declared proudly to get everyone’s attention .

There were voices whispering in the field . Everyone already knew who he was as a result of the previous little skirmish with Wu Yanyan .

“Today, I brought three bottles, each with an ounce of blood . I would like to exchange them for a Spirit or Ancient Glyph,” he continued .

Suddenly, there was a clamor . The Grandmasters grew curious, knowing that blood can be the cheapest or most valuable commodity for Artificers .

The use of blood on Runes in this world was like gasoline on cars in Guo Shier’s previous world . Without all kinds of blood, an Artificer cannot be an Artificer .

Guo Shier leisurely took out three small crystal bottles .

He presented the first one .

“This is the blood of a Marked Bear after a sixteen-Rune Purification process . Not an ordinary Marked Bear from the grasslands, but a Marked Bear in the Secret Realm . There should be plenty of Grandmaster-level Rune Smiths who can discern the difference even though it’s a small amount of blood,” he said .

Guo Shier knew that while hunting Marked Bears within the Secret Realm can be difficult, some people manage to do it . This is why this small bottle of Marked Bear blood alone would not be very tempting, and exchanging it for a Spirit Glyph was almost impossible .

So he whipped out another bottle .

“This second bottle of blood is more precious . Hehehe! It’s from an Earth Dragon Variant found in the Secret Realm . A predecessor pointed out that this is a Rank 7 Marked Beast Variant . The blood also received a sixteen-Rune Purification process,” he explained .

 

A commotion erupted in the trading field . Blood from a few Marked Beasts were easy to ignore, but the emergence of blood from an Earth Dragon Variant certainly caught everybody’s attention .

Its value was tremendous .

Guo Shier continued, whipping out his third bottle .

“This last bottle of blood also came from a Secret Realm . It is the blood of a Marked Insect Variant—an Emerald Blade Mantis . After it was killed, a Grandmaster immediately purified the blood that came out . ”

Many Grandmasters were visibly interested .

“That’s a total of three bottles of blood . Please verify them,” Guo Shier said, taking a step back .

Wu Yanyan walked up and smiled . “Little brother, you have a lot of good stuff . I’ll take a look . ” She’s a Beast Smith Grandmaster who focuses on the production of items, after all . Of course she would understand the preciousness of these three bottles of blood .

She proceeded to inspect the bottles and could not help but be tempted by them .

“The most precious is the blood of the Earth Dragon Variant,” she declared . “It is well purified without a trace of loss . As for the blood of the Marked Insect Variant, it’s also a treasure . But, it would be for the best if a Grandmaster from the South Rune Sect identifies this . Hehehe!”

A middle-aged woman stood up . “I’ll do it!” she shouted from the field . “South Rune Sect Insect Smith Grandmaster, Lan Tianbao,” she introduced herself .





About a dozen of small bells were tied to her waist, making Ding! Ding! sounds with every step she took as she walked .

She then smiled at Guo Shier upon reaching the stage . “Little brother, sister would look at this bottle of blood from the Marked Insect Variant, okay?” she told him .

Her voice was soft and pleasing to hear—almost hypnotic .

Guo Shier nodded, “Please do so . ”

Lan Tianbao held and shook the crystal bottle in front of her . She then stared at the contents within . “I didn’t think there were Marked Insect Variants in the Secret Realm,” she commented .

After inspecting it intently, she then put down the crystal bottle, “Very good! Even in our South Rune Sect, it’s very rare to find a such a pure blood of a Marked Insect Variant . ”

Wu Yanyan turned to the crowd . “Those who want to trade for this item can come up and look . ”

A few Master- and Grandmaster-level Rune Smiths and Artificer professionals came up and carefully examined the crystal bottles of blood .

Lan Tianbao stood still without moving, pondering about something . She then asked Guo Shier, “Little brother, I have an Insect Rune . Can I trade it for the blood of the Marked Insect Variant?”

Guo Shier shook his head . “No, elder sister . I want to trade if for Spirit Glyphs . If it’s any Glyph lower than Spirit-level, I’m not interested . ”

Lan Tianbao moved closer to him and said softly, “This Insect Glyph of mine is an Ancient-level Insect Glyph . It’s better than a Spirit Glyph . It’s just that I want three ounces of blood of the Marked Insect Variant . Not just for one ounce . ”

Guo Shier thought for a moment, then smiled . “Elder sister Lan, we can wait until the end of the trade fair to talk . How about it?”

Lan Tianbao can’t help but praise Guo Shier . “You’re really a clever child . That works for me . Elder sister will come and see you later . ”

She was grinning as she went down the stage with a contented look . It was clear to her why the other party only took out a very small amount of blood from the Marked Insect Variant . It was to scope out people who have the strength and understanding to exchange for materials from a Marked Insect .

One Beast Smith Grandmaster tried offering a general-level Spirit Glyph in exchange for the three bottles of blood .

Guo Shier immediately rejected the offer . He wasn’t really interested in a trade . His purpose has been achieved .

“Since no one exchanged for the items, little brother, would you like to send them to the auction house?” Wu Yanyan asked .

Guo Shier blinked his eyes and smiled . “Elder sister, if I released these three bottles of blood into the auction, half of the Grandmasters here will go there . Stop teasing . Hehehe!”

Guo Shier proceeded to collect the three bottled of blood and quietly went back to his seat .

Luo Jie then went on the stage . He and Guo Shier were not the same . Luo Jie took out more items—a variety of Treasure Glyphs and Rune Devices that he wanted to exchange for materials .

The venue exploded with enthusiasm . Rune Devices were what Marked Warrior Grandmasters needed the most . The Treasure Rune would be most coveted by Caster Master professionals, since it would be their primary weapon . Even Grandmaster-level Casters would be interested because of the rarity of Spirit level Glyphs .

The only reason Guo Shier refused using Treasure Glyphs was because he already owned a very rare Innate Rune Orb .

Luo Jie took out top-quality items that the trade fair needed the most . As for the rare raw materials that he owned, he wasn’t not going to trade it . There wasn’t enough time .

Meanwhile, Guo Shier sat in peace and simply watched . He didn’t have to lend a helping hand to his master .

“Look! Old Timer took out a Rune Device,” Ying Mo whispered . “Even I’m tempted . Ugh! Unfortunately, I’m a pauper . ”

Luo Zhan glanced at him .

Guo Shier also stared at him with a smile . “Uncle Ying Mo, if you have a favor to ask from me, just say it . Otherwise, I’ll pretend to not know anything,” he said .

Luo Zhan stifled a laugh .

“Hey Shier!” Ying Mo suddenly said with a wry smile . “You little brat!”

Guo Shier closed his eyes and immediately pretended to play dead .

Ying Mo was dumbfounded . He gently nudged Guo Shier, “Shier, don’t do this . Hey! Alright, alright…”

“You should speak directly . Old timer will not refuse,” said Guo Shier .

“I have no problem saying things . The problem is, no good thing ever comes out of my mouth . Hahaha! Shier, help me out,” Ying Mo prodded .

Guo Shier opened his eyes, “I told you already . Stop going around in circles . Don’t hesitate to ask . Don’t worry, master was originally going to make a batch of Rune Devices once we return back in the North Rune Sect . We had a rich harvest back in the Secret Realm, so master would not only produce a Rune Device for you—even Huo Bao and the rest of the Marked Warrior Adepts would get one . Since Huo Bao and the rest advanced, their previous Rune Devices are no longer appropriate for them . ”

After Luo Jie’s turn ended, Wu Yanyan announced, “Today’s trading is now over . We’ll continue again tomorrow . ”

Luo Jie was still surrounded by a lot of people who were trying to keep trading with him .

Guo Shier stood on the sidelines, grinning .

***

Lan Tianbao came over with two Insect Warrior Masters . “Little brother, how come you’re still here?” she asked .

Guo Shier smiled . “I was waiting for you . ”

Lan Tianbao laughed . “So you were sure that I was going to come?”

“Well you’re here now, elder sister, aren’t you?”

They both laughed, teasing each other .

“Sister Lan, come over to our place tonight,” Guo Shier invited the lady . “I’ll prepare a special meal for you . ”

Lan Tianbao got excited . “That would be nice . I’ll come over to visit you tonight . ”

Guo Shier was showing his adorable side—the side of him that no one can despise .

Lan Tianbao left with the two Insect Warrior Masters .

***

Luo Jie finished talking with a group of people and went to Guo Shier’s side .

“Let’s go back,” he said to Guo Shier .

“Master, visit me tonight,” Guo Shier responded . “I’m going to cook something good . I also invited South Rune Sect Insect Smith Grandmaster Lan Tianbao over . She’ll probably be interested in the raw materials harvested from the Marked Insect Variant . Let’s see what she can exchange . ”

Luo Jie laughed . “All right, master trusts your handiwork . Let’s go . ”

 

That night, Lan Tianbao arrived at Guo Shier’s small courtyard . With her was a little girl . She was also accompanied by her two Insect Warrior Masters .

Upon arriving at the door, the little girl exclaimed, “Mother! I smell something good!”

Lan Tianbao also smelled a strange aroma . “This Shier is really interesting” she said, laughing .

“Mother, is he really a ten-year-old Grandmaster?” the girl asked .

“That’s right, it’s really amazing,” her mother replied .

“Wow . Ten years old!” the youngster said in astonishment . “That’s only two years older than Yingying . But Yingying is only an Insect Caster Apprentice . How and why is he so powerful?”

Lan Tianbao shook her head . “Yingying, mother doesn’t know . ”

She then instructed the Insect Warrior Masters towards the door .

Because it was an official visit, and she was a Grandmaster of the South Rune Sect, Luo Jie assembled the whole team—from the Grandmasters to the Adepts—to greet their visitors .

The relationship between the four Sects was very strange .

The West Rune Sect and North Rune Sect often compete with each other secretly . The South Rune Sect and East Rune Sect were also in a similar situation .

But the interaction between the North-West Sect and South-East Sect was always friendlier .

Guo Shier welcomed Lan Tianbao, then introduced Luo Jie . “This is my Master,” he said .

“North Rune Sect, Artificer Grandmaster Luo Jie . I’m pleased to meet you,” Luo Jie declared .

Lan Tianbao smiled . “I would take the liberty to introduce ourselves . I am South Rune Sect Insect Smith Grandmaster, Lan Tianbao,” she stared . “And this is the little girl is Lan Yuying . She is eight years old this year . She’s an Insect Caster Apprentice . ”

She then turned to her daughter and instructed, “Yingying, greet grandpa Luo and little uncle Shier . ”

Little uncle Shier?!? Am I that old?!? Guo Shier said to himself .

Lan Yuying possessed the peculiar beauty of the Southerners . Although young, she already had the qualifications to be called a ‘beauty . ’

“Hello, grandpa Luo! Hello, little uncle Shier! Hee hee!” she said sweetly .

She then looked at her mother and whispered, “Mother, Shier is only two years older than me . Why should he call him uncle?”

“She’s right . Just call me big brother,” Gup Shier responded .

Shyly, the little girl said, “Okay, Big brother Shier . ”

***

Luo Jie instructed everyone to come to the living room .

Lan Yuying suddenly grabbed hold Guo Shier’s hand . Women from the South were always unrestrained—like men without disguise . The children were even more uninhibited especially at this young age . The little girl was simply curious; it was natural for her to hold Guo Shier’s hand, as she considered him to be another child .

Guo Shier also liked this silly little girl . He took her hand as they walked into the living room .

Preparing to eat, everyone sat cross-legged in front of a small table . The maids began to serve .

Guo Shier prepared several dishes including the boiled meat of an Earth Dragon Variant, the steamed meat of an Emerald Blade Mantis Variant, and a stir-fried Marked Bear belly . There were also braised ribs in brown sauce and pot-fired bamboo shoots soup . Southern people enjoyed spicy dishes, as Guo Shier learned from consulting Qi Nanshan .
That’s why Guo Shier deliberately grilled two spicy dishes . The boiled Earth Dragon meat and stir-fried bear were very fiery, while the others were relatively milder .

Lan Yuying was as curious baby . She deliberately sat Guo Shier’s side and dragged the small table over . “Big brother Shier, did you cook all these dishes?” she asked curiously .

Guo Shier laughed . “Yingying, try this boiled Earth Dragon meat . It’s very delicious . ”

Lan Yuying tried a sip . “Wow! It is yummy! It’s better than my mother’s cooking!” She exclaimed .

Lan Tianbao smiled and shook her head . After eating a mouthful, she also had to give her praise . The flavor was very good . It was similar to the flavors of Southern home cooking, except that there was no such dish in her hometown .

Everyone was enjoying the feast when a servant came to Luo Jie and said softly, “There are guests who come to visit . ”

Luo Jie was surprised . “Who can they be?” he murmured .



Share This :


COMMENTS

No Comments Yet

Post a new comment

Register or Login