Chapter Ten: The Rare Source Point

When Liu Tian emerged from the Dust, the thousand yuan in cash he’d brought for this outing was already gone. As expected of the largest antique shop—just the first tier alone boasted nearly a thousand unique pieces, none repeating.

Yet the yield was far lower than he’d imagined.

Liu Tian opened the effort panel visible only to himself, displaying the results of his day’s labor—Source Points: 3.8. At the same time, after practicing Tianwu Killing Arts, the panel once again showed the option to upgrade.

From nearly a thousand antiques, less than a third provided him with any Source Points, and most only gave 0.1 points, instantly absorbed with a mere touch. Unlike the prism, there was no continuous warm flow generated.

But there remained a question.

Much like the calm after indulgence, Liu Tian reflected after his spending spree, reviewing his actions. He turned toward the Dust, and a sudden thought struck him—how could he be sure the items displayed were truly relics of the Lost Empire? What if half were genuine and half counterfeit? Or even worse, just one in ten authentic and the rest fakes?

Rather than trusting the morals of capitalists, he decided he should learn to appraise—at the very least, avoid being so easily deceived.

He raised his hand to check his mechanical wristwatch and set off toward the Daoist household.

………………

Eleven days later, Rose Academy Library.

Today was a miserable day. The sun, having worked overtime for more than ten days, was now hiding behind thick clouds, the sky gloomy, the wind occasionally howling through.

He made a final note in his notebook, gently closed the third book about the Lost Empire he’d found in the library, and seeing that night had fallen, Liu Tian didn’t search for another volume. He returned the books, packed his notes, and prepared to leave.

During these days, while enduring the measured punishment of Daoist training, Liu Tian had found time to consider how best to cultivate his appraisal skills. In the end, he settled on a method sure to be useful—

Reading.

Without a doubt, Liu Tian’s family had lived locally for over a decade, but because of their rare black hair and his father being an outsider unwilling to aggressively seek status, there remained a subtle sense of exclusion.

So, in high society, Liu Tian’s family could still be considered strangers in a strange land.

Unlike the knowledge explosion on Earth, scholars here were exceedingly valuable, let alone someone who could be called a Lost Empire researcher—someone able to accurately analyze which antiques belonged to the Lost Empire and which did not. Such talent was rare beyond compare; more common across the sea in the Dawn Alliance, where their expertise found fertile ground.

Thus, such prized individuals were not ones Liu Tian, an “isolated outsider,” could easily encounter, much less convince to impart their skills.

Even if he could find such a person, he’d owe a considerable favor.

These days, money is easy to repay, but favors are difficult, especially for the Liu family, a traditional household where a promise is binding. Unless absolutely necessary, neither Liu Yun nor Liu Tian would incur such debts.

Moreover, from a cynical viewpoint, with the Lost Empire lost for so long, materials scarce, could those so-called experts truly analyze their antiques accurately? Or was it just skilled bluffing?

Hence, learning to appraise for himself was essential—perhaps he’d even discover a link to acquiring Source Points.

Additionally, Liu Tian was genuinely fascinated by the history of the Lost Empire—the sudden disappearance of humanity, powerful technology that remained intact and operational after six thousand years, storms that lasted half a century. All indications pointed to an empire that was anything but ordinary, with secrets lurking beneath its surface.

“Hey! Still here today?” A voice called from behind—a recently familiar male voice. “Interested in attending the party hosted by Princess Rose at seven tonight?”

“No interest,” Liu Tian replied as he turned. Sure enough, it was the familiar Allen Yuga, the third son of a new family that had risen during the last world war, their power rooted in the arms trade and military command within the Kingdom of Blossoms.

Though lacking deep heritage, the Allen family was undeniably influential, especially as international tensions mounted. Many unconsciously gravitated toward those with military prowess.

Physically, Allen at eighteen was handsome, his features sharp as sculpture, short pale gold hair, eyes a deep silver, his tall frame displaying hints of muscular strength. The roguish smirk at his lips didn’t detract from his presence, but added a touch of danger.

In the academy, Allen Yuga was well-liked, but Liu Tian’s solitary nature meant he had no friends there—Allen wasn’t a friend, much less someone who’d invite him to gatherings.

The recent familiarity and invitations were, of course, Allen’s own doing, shamelessly drawing near. All of it was tied to Princess Rose Lilia’s sudden interest in the Lost Empire.

As a seasoned sycophant with five years’ experience, Allen naturally followed the winds of favor wherever they blew.

Princess Rose was fascinated by the Lost Empire, so Allen needed to prepare—a tool to answer related questions.

Thus, Liu Tian, who spent four hours daily in the library researching the Lost Empire, entered his sights.

After several “coincidental” encounters, Allen confirmed that Liu Tian was genuinely studying Lost Empire lore, learning quickly, and utterly uninterested in Princess Rose. Allen then invested considerable effort in befriending him.

Liu Tian disliked unnecessary socializing, but had no ill will toward someone who was persistent yet respectful. Through Allen’s tireless efforts, the two became “friends.”

The most important aspect for Liu Tian was Allen occasionally bringing antiques for free appraisal—though only three so far, one red gemstone contained 0.3 Source Points, giving Liu Tian’s reserves a significant boost.

With future free Source Points in mind, Liu Tian wasn’t about to bite the hand that fed him.

“This time, Princess Rose’s close friend will attend. I hear that Lady Luvia from the Luvia family is gentle and well-mannered, strictly raised. It’s her first time at a gathering—rare opportunity. Don’t you want to meet her?” Allen raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile. “You people from the Red Cloud Empire like that type, right? She might suit your tastes.”

“You know me,” Liu Tian replied, walking toward the exit. “Every evening I train in martial arts at my master’s house. I really don’t have the energy for parties. Maybe next time, if there’s an opportunity.”

“Martial arts, martial arts—is that better than a beauty?” Allen didn’t push, just shrugged. “These days, a lifetime of training is no match for a single shell. Not cost-effective. With the right drugs you can reach the warrior stage by thirty—I don’t see the point of working so hard.”

“Live in the moment, my friend. Once you leave this village, there won’t be another inn…”

“Next time, next time if there’s a chance…” Liu Tian waved him off, offering no argument. Night had fallen, and he’d brought no umbrella—he needed to hurry.