NOVEL WEB Chapter 37: Blind Treasure Hall
Adrien and Alina had now entered the Blind Treasure Hall.
The hall was as vast as it was mysterious. All around, various objects were displayed—some sealed inside glass cases, while others lay covered in dust, neglected and unnoticed. Some customers examined the treasures with excitement, while others shook their heads in disappointment and walked away. Clearly, luck was the real currency here.
Adrien glanced around. A few people looked pleased—perhaps they had stumbled upon a rare item. But most wore expressions of dissatisfaction, their hands empty.
It was time to use his special ability—the Golden Eye.
Adrien's eyes gleamed faintly as he activated the Golden Eye. One by one, the true nature of the artifacts became clear to him—their hidden energy, inner structure, and real condition began to reveal themselves.
He and Alina stopped at a stall. There sat an old-looking jar—simple, clay-made, chipped and seemingly worthless. Yet something about it drew attention.
Adrien examined it with his Golden Eye, but no particular energy or value emerged. It was just an ordinary, worn-out jar.
Suddenly, the stall owner approached them. He seemed like a clever and experienced merchant.
"Young Master and Young Miss, this jar was recovered from the tomb of a sage. It is said to have calming properties for the soul. During cultivation, it helps stabilize spiritual energy and prevents the formation of inner demons."
Adrien responded flatly—"Your story may hold some truth, but I'm not interested in this jar."
The two moved on to look at other items.
Soon, a set of bangles caught Adrien's attention.
A full set—12 bangles, meant for both arms. They looked ancient but beautifully crafted—possibly of higher craftsmanship.
Adrien immediately scanned them with the Golden Eye.
Status Report:
Name: Qi Storage Bangles
Description: These bangles allow cultivators to store extra Qi (energy).
Each individual can use only one bangle.
Rank: Mixed—some Heaven Rank, some Sacred Rank
Condition: Several bangles are partially damaged and can now store only 20% to 30% Qi.
Adrien's mind raced:
"There are 12 in this set. A mix of Heaven and Sacred Rank. If I repair or refine them, they could be worth millions of low-level spirit stones."
But his face remained calm and indifferent—like he had found nothing of use.
In a place like Blind Treasure Hall, facial expression was the greatest strategy.
The shopkeeper had sensed their interest and stepped forward—"Young Master, if you wish, you can take these bangles. They were found in the same dangerous tomb. For collectors of ancient artifacts, this set is a rare treasure."
Adrien asked casually—"And the price for these bangles?"
The shopkeeper replied—"Usually, each bangle would cost 10 low-level spirit stones. But if you take the entire set, I'll offer them to you at 9 stones per bangle."
Adrien smiled faintly and said—"That's too high. From what I see, they're mostly for display, not actual use. Their condition isn't impressive. If you're willing to offer them at 5 spirit stones per bangle, I might consider."
The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment, then said— "Young Master, these bangles were not easy to obtain. That tomb was highly dangerous. But… if you're taking the whole set, I'll go down to 8 spirit stones per bangle."
Adrien said in a cold, flat tone—"I'll give you no more than 5 spirit stones per bangle. The choice is yours."
There was no greed in his tone—just firm clarity.
At that moment, Alina, who had been checking the bangles in her own way, softly said—"Adrien, let it go. These bangles aren't worth that much. We shouldn't waste our spirit stones on something like this."
Her voice held both caution and care.
Adrien looked at Alina with a soft smile and said calmly,
"You're right, Alina… But I was actually thinking of giving these bangles to someone as a gift. However, considering how overpriced they are, perhaps we should just leave."
There was no disappointment in his tone—only clear, practical reasoning.
Hearing this, the shopkeeper's face shifted slightly in panic. He didn't want to lose a potential buyer. He quickly followed after them and said,
"Young Master, if you're willing to take them for 6 spirit stones per bangle, the whole set is yours. If not, no worries."
Adrien paused for a moment, then nodded and replied,
"Alright, at 6 spirit stones per bangle, I'll pay a total of 72 spirit stones."
Alina immediately tried to stop him, but it was too late.
Adrien took 72 low-level spirit stones from his storage ring and handed them to the shopkeeper. He kept the bangles and walked away silently with Alina.
As they walked, he smiled to himself —
"Sometimes, a treasure's value isn't on the outside—it lies within."
Once they exited the Blind Treasure Hall, Alina turned to him with a frustrated tone,
"Adrien, have you lost your mind? You spent that many spirit stones on a bunch of broken bangles?"
Adrien chuckled softly and gently patted her head.
"My sweet Alina… These bangles aren't ordinary. I just need to repair them. You'll see—they'll become something powerful."
Alina sighed deeply and replied,
"Alright… If you say so."
As they walked in the now peaceful surroundings outside the Blind Treasure Hall, Adrien mentally spoke to his system:
"System, can you restore these bangles to their original state?"
The system replied instantly:
"Host, if you're willing to use your Fate Points, I can fully repair the Qi Storage Bangles."
Adrien raised an eyebrow,
"Why are you always after my Fate Points? Are you trying to get me killed early?"
The system responded coldly:
"Host, Fate Points are important, but I don't offer services for free."
"How many points will it take?" Adrien asked.
"Six points."
Thus, a heated negotiation began between Adrien and the system.
Nearby, Alina noticed Adrien was deep in thought and asked gently,
"Adrien… what's wrong? You've gone quiet."
He replied softly,
"Nothing… just thinking about what to do next."
Eventually, after a long mental back-and-forth, the system agreed to restore the bangles for only 3 Fate Points, which Adrien accepted.
The sun was setting. Golden light poured through clouds, painting the sky in hues of red and orange.
By the side of a quiet, clean canal, Adrien and Alina walked hand in hand. Passersby glanced at them with soft smiles, whispering compliments about the beautiful couple.
Love seemed to linger in the very air.
Alina, a bit hesitant, asked,
"Adrien… what's your plan going forward?"
Adrien grew serious and replied,
"Soon, I'll send my family to visit yours… to formally propose for our marriage. Then we'll be wed… and after that… we'll have children…"
At that, Alina's face turned bright red. Flustered, she playfully punched his chest and said,
"You idiot! I was asking what sect you're going to join next, not about our… our babies!"
Adrien laughed and suddenly pulled her into his arms.
Alina gasped,
"Adrien! What are you doing? People are watching!"
Adrien looked into her eyes and said,
"Let them watch. I don't care."
Alina struggled slightly, broke free from his arms, and ran ahead blushing.
The two of them laughed and wandered through the dusk, completely immersed in each other.
Suddenly, Adrien's tone turned serious.
"Alina… there's something important I need to talk to you about."
Alina immediately became alert.
"What is it, Adrien? Tell me."
Adrien was quiet for a moment before saying,
"It's about Han Fei…"
As soon as Alina heard that name, her eyes widened, and she focused carefully.
Adrien then told her about his first meeting with Han Fei, her emotions, the sacrifice ritual, and the strange fate-bond they now shared—but he purposely left some parts vague.
Alina fell into thought.
"Adrien… what kind of ritual links the fate of two people like that? I've read a lot of cultivation texts, but I've never heard of anything like this…"
Adrien took a deep breath, his eyes serious:
"Alina… if you trust me, then just wait a little longer. When the time is right, I'll tell you everything."
Alina's eyes glistened slightly.
"Adrien… are you hiding something from me?"
"No, Alina. You're the one I trust the most. But some truths—if revealed too early—can bring danger."
Alina nodded slowly.
"Alright, Adrien… I'll wait."
Adrien gently stroked her hair again, appreciating her love, patience, and trust.
In a soft voice, Adrien whispered,
"Alina… tonight, I want to take you somewhere special. So, wait for me…"