The Abacus, The Bell, and The Scale

He fell silent for a moment.

Dongguo Feng suppressed the curiosity in his heart and turned to leave.

His injuries were severe. Should anything unexpected happen, he could easily meet with disaster.

But after he had taken only a few steps, that strange chime rang out again.

Dongguo Feng stopped short and abruptly turned around.

That chime had come from the mysterious pawnshop not far away!

At that moment, the tightly shut doors of the Bamboo House opened from within, revealing a figure.

He was a short old man dressed like a merchant, with a mustache shaped like the character ba, a small round black cap on his head, and both hands tucked into his sleeves.

Under the orange glow of the eaves lamp, one could clearly see the smile on the little old man's face. He looked gentle and kindly.

"Guest, this little old one's pawnshop has not opened for business in a long time. It is rare indeed to encounter a sword cultivator such as yourself tonight. Please come inside so we may have a talk."

As he spoke, he clasped his hands slightly and made an inviting gesture.

Dongguo Feng hesitated before asking, "May I ask if that chime came from you, Senior?"

Earlier, it had been that strange chime that struck him like a blow to the head, rousing him from his dazed state.

It was no different from saving his sword heart!

The short old man smiled warmly. "I dare not accept such a title as Senior. Guest, you may simply call this little old one Old Shopkeeper."

Chaofeng was a form of address for the owner of a pawnshop.

Without question, this short old man was the master of this mysterious pawnshop.

"As for that chime, it is not controlled by this little old