Volume 1, Chapter 39: What Kind of Ticket Do You Want?

Three hundred taels of silver for an outer-field ticket seems reasonable enough.

But an inner-field ticket is straight to one thousand taels?

And the VIP ticket is even more outrageous—five thousand taels? Is that a joke?

In an instant, everyone was dumbfounded.

"Gentlemen, these ticket prices are not expensive at all," Li Hanzhou said with a smile. "The outer-field tickets are further away and naturally won't offer as clear a view as the inner-field ones. And what is the benefit of a clear view? Naturally, it allows you to analyze Liu Dongyue's weaknesses and observe his shortcomings. Once you have analyzed them, when you eventually challenge him, you can attack those very weaknesses. Wouldn't that give you a chance to defeat him and take the divine weapon Autumn Burial home?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd fell silent.

Upon reflection, they actually felt that Li Hanzhou’s logic was sound.

If they could watch closely and discover Liu Dongyue's weaknesses to defeat him, they truly could bring the divine weapon home. Spending one thousand taels to claim Autumn Burial was a bargain.

In an instant, everyone's resolve began to waver. Watching the battle did indeed offer such benefits.

"Then... what about that VIP ticket?" a middle-aged swordsman stepped forward, pointing at the price. "Five thousand taels for a single ticket? Why don't you just go rob someone?"

"That is a misconception."

Li Hanzhou chuckled. "The price is set here, but I am not forcing you to buy it. You are perfectly welcome to buy an outer-field ticket."

"These VIP tickets are actually intended for those with status and formidable strength in the martial arts world, not for nameless wanderers. Generally, only people of high standing can afford such tickets, don't you think? Furthermore, we have spared no expense to provide corresponding VIP services. Ah, why am I telling you this? You couldn't afford it anyway. I suggest you just stick with an outer-field ticket."

Li Hanzhou spoke with a casual, indifferent tone.

However, these words made the middle-aged swordsman’s face flush with rage!

"Who are you calling a nameless wanderer!" The man angrily slammed his sword onto Li Hanzhou’s table and declared, "I am the renowned 'Dust-Red Blade' Xia Yan!"

At these words, Li Hanzhou’s expression changed instantly. He stood up hurriedly and bowed respectfully. "I am truly blind! To think that you are the legendary 'Dust-Red Blade' Xia Yan!"

"My deepest apologies! A guest of such distinction has arrived, and I have failed to show proper hospitality!"

Li Hanzhou’s reaction satisfied Xia Yan. He picked up his sword, lifted his chin, and said, "It is fine. I did not expect you to know my name."

"Of course! It is like thunder to my ears; I have long admired you from afar!" Li Hanzhou said quickly. "I always imagined the famous Dust-Red Blade would be an elderly man. I never expected to meet such a young and heroic figure. Meeting you today is truly a great honor. My words just now were indeed discourteous."

"Qianzhu, quickly get a VIP ticket for Master Dust-Red Blade!"

Yun Qianzhu blinked, then quickly picked up a VIP ticket and presented it to Xia Yan. "Master, that will be five thousand taels."

"Uh..."

Xia Yan froze.

He felt something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Watching the expectant gazes of Li Hanzhou and Yun Qianzhu, Xia Yan reached into his robes with a trembling hand and pulled out a stack of banknotes.

He counted out five thousand taels, his heart bleeding as he did so.

He suddenly regretted his outburst.

He wanted to say that he could just settle for an inner-field ticket, but before he could speak, Li Hanzhou shouted loudly, "Master Dust-Red Blade Xia Yan, one VIP ticket!"

"Congratulations to Master Xia Yan for becoming today's VIP of our Longevity Temple!"

Yun Qianzhu joined in with a cheer.

All the martial artists behind them turned to look. Eyes were fixed on Xia Yan—filled with curiosity, envy, and shock.

Someone actually bought such an expensive ticket!

He must be truly wealthy!

Some women even cast appreciative glances his way.

This effectively choked Xia Yan’s words back into his throat. If he backed out now and swapped for a cheaper ticket, he would never be able to show his face in the martial arts world again.

"Haha, it's merely a VIP ticket. When watching a duel, one must choose the best seat to see everything clearly!" Xia Yan 'generously' slammed the five thousand taels onto the table.

"Someone, escort Master Xia Yan to the VIP section," Li Hanzhou clapped his hands.

Two maids immediately stepped forward and enthusiastically ushered Xia Yan toward the temple. As he walked, his legs were visibly trembling.

"Uncle-master, who is Dust-Red Blade Xia Yan?" Yun Qianzhu whispered.

"Who knows? Never heard of him," Li Hanzhou said with a perfectly straight face.

"Oh," Yun Qianzhu nodded. She had suspected as much.

"Those who wish to buy tickets, please form a line." With the first ticket sold, there were naturally more people eager to buy.

"Hello, please state your name so I can register you," Li Hanzhou said to the next person, another middle-aged man with a powerful presence.

"I am known in the martial arts world as 'Thunder-Hand' Sun Chengfu!"

The man spoke with equal arrogance.

Another title he had never heard of—some unknown small-fry. Yun Qianzhu figured this Sun Chengfu would likely buy an outer-field ticket, as his cultivation was only at the eighth rank.

How could a person like this have a real title? It was likely self-proclaimed. He wasn't even as impressive as the previous guy; at least Xia Yan was a Transcendent-realm expert.

"You are the famous 'Thunder-Hand' Sun Chengfu?"

However, Li Hanzhou exclaimed in surprise, "Your reputation in the martial arts world is no less than that of Master Dust-Red Blade Xia Yan! To think I would meet another legendary figure today."

"Ah?"

Sun Chengfu was stunned. Really?

He hadn't even heard of the Dust-Red Blade, but seeing the crowd's reaction, it seemed that guy was quite famous. And here was Li Hanzhou claiming his own reputation was just as great!

"Really?" Sun Chengfu couldn't believe he was that famous.

"Of course! You are in no way inferior to Master Dust-Red Blade. There have been rumors in the martial arts world for a long time about who is stronger between the Dust-Red Blade and the Thunder-Hand. Some say that if you were at the same cultivation level, your 'Thunder-Hand' would be superior! But I digress. Master Xia Yan bought a VIP ticket—which ticket would you like?"

Li Hanzhou rambled on with complete nonsense.

"A VIP ticket!"

Sun Chengfu slammed five thousand taels onto the table. "If he, the Dust-Red Blade, is sitting in the VIP section, then I must be in the VIP section too!"

"Qianzhu, one VIP ticket," Li Hanzhou nodded.

The ticket was handed over, the money was collected, and Sun Chengfu was escorted inside.

For the rest of the line, Li Hanzhou didn't bother with the flattery, yet people continued to purchase VIP tickets. They believed themselves to be famous and prestigious figures in the martial arts world, so why should they settle for the inner or outer fields?

In just half an hour, all the tickets were sold out.

Many martial artists still waiting in line were left empty-handed and could only walk away grumbling.