Li Wei awoke to the sounds of Greenbrook bustling outside his window. The sun had just risen, casting a warm glow over the city. He stretched, feeling the renewed strength in his limbs and the steady pulse of Dream Qi within his meridians. Today was the day he would arm himself with a weapon suitable for his journey.
He dressed quickly and left the inn, the streets already filled with vendors setting up their stalls and townsfolk beginning their daily routines. The scents of fresh bread and sizzling meats filled the air, making his stomach growl. He bought a simple breakfast from a street vendor and made his way towards the heart of the market district, where he had heard there were several reputable weapon shops.
The weapon market was a lively place, filled with stalls and shops displaying all kinds of arms and armor. The clang of metal being hammered, the sharp ring of swords being tested, and the hum of cultivators discussing the merits of various weapons created a symphony of sound. Li Wei felt a thrill of excitement as he walked through the market, his eyes scanning the displays for the perfect sword.
He visited several shops, examining their wares. The shopkeepers were eager to show off their finest pieces, but none of the swords felt quite right. He was looking for something special, a weapon that would resonate with his Qi and complement his cultivation technique.
As he moved from shop to shop, he noticed a small, nondescript stall at the edge of the market. An elderly man sat behind the counter, his eyes sharp and knowing despite his age. The stall had fewer items on display, but there was a sense of quality about them.
Li Wei approached the stall and greeted the old man. “Good morning, sir. I’m looking for a sword. Do you have any recommendations?”
The old man looked him up and down, his gaze piercing. “You’re not just any young man, are you? I can sense something different about you.”
Li Wei hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “I’m a cultivator. I need a weapon that can handle the energies I work with.”
The old man smiled, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. “I thought as much. I have just the thing for you.” He reached under the counter and brought out a long, narrow box. He opened it to reveal a beautiful sword, its blade gleaming with a faint, ethereal light.
“This is the Moonshadow Sword,” the old man said. “Forged from a rare metal that absorbs and channels Qi. It’s perfect for a cultivator who practices an unconventional technique like yours.”
Li Wei’s eyes widened as he felt the resonance between his own Qi and the sword. He reached out and lifted it from the box, feeling its weight and balance. The sword seemed to hum in his hand, as if recognizing him as its rightful owner.
“How much for this sword?” Li Wei asked, determined to have it.
The old man named a price that made Li Wei’s heart skip a beat. It was more than he had from selling the herbs, but he knew he couldn’t pass up this opportunity. “Can I pay part of it now and the rest later?”
The old man considered him for a moment, then nodded. “I trust you’ll come back to settle the debt. Take the sword. I have a feeling you’ll make good use of it.”
With the Moonshadow Sword in hand, Li Wei left the market and found a quiet place outside the city to test his new weapon. The sword felt like an extension of his arm, its movements fluid and precise. He practiced the basic forms, feeling the way the blade cut through the air, channeling his Qi into it.
As he moved through the forms, he noticed how the Dream Qi flowed effortlessly into the sword, enhancing its sharpness and speed. The Moonshadow Sword responded to his every command, the ethereal light along its edge growing brighter with each stroke. He could sense the potential for powerful techniques, but he knew he needed more practice to fully unlock its abilities.
Satisfied with his initial tests, Li Wei returned to the city, feeling a new sense of confidence. He now had a weapon that matched his ambitions, and he was eager to continue his cultivation journey.
On his way back to the inn, Li Wei ran into Su Mei, the merchant woman who had bought his herbs. She greeted him warmly, her eyes flickering to the sword at his side.
“I see you’ve found yourself a weapon,” she said with a smile. “It suits you.”
“Thank you, Su Mei,” Li Wei replied. “I owe you for helping me get started in this city.”
She waved his thanks away. “Think nothing of it. Actually, I was hoping to see you. I have a business proposition for you.”
Li Wei raised an eyebrow. “What kind of proposition?”
“There’s a rare auction happening in a few days, one that features items valuable to cultivators like us. I need someone with your skills to help me acquire a particular item. In return, I can offer you a share of the profits or help you find more resources for your cultivation.”
Li Wei considered her offer. Su Mei had proven herself to be knowledgeable and trustworthy, and the opportunity to gain more resources was tempting. “Alright,” he said finally. “I’ll help you.”
Su Mei smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Excellent. Meet me at my shop tomorrow, and we’ll discuss the details.”
Back at the inn, Li Wei settled in for the night, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming auction. He knew it would be a challenge, but he was ready for it. The Moonshadow Sword rested beside him, a symbol of his determination and the path he had chosen.
As he meditated, he felt the Dream Qi flowing through him, stronger than ever. The Myriad Dreams Scripture had guided him well so far, and he was confident it would continue to do so. He focused on his breathing, calming his mind and preparing for the days ahead.
His journey was just beginning, and he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way. With the Moonshadow Sword by his side and the guidance of the Myriad Dreams Scripture, he knew he could achieve great things.
Li Wei drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with visions of the Dao, battles against formidable foes, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. The small city of Greenbrook had become the starting point of his journey, and he was determined to make the most of it.