A glint ignited in his eyes, and his voice rose in a booming pronouncement.

“Brothers of Hengyue! While some whisper of swift death upon the battlefield, I say there is a deeper art! To truly *disgust* one’s foe is to inflict a wound that festers for ages! Imagine, brothers, locked in mortal combat, you unleash this… *delight*. Even should you falter in strength, the victory of face shall be yours, a blow more crippling than any sword!”

“Or perhaps you find yourself in flight! Cast this fetid orb, and watch your pursuer recoil! A cloud of black and grey, a reek to curdle the blood! Who would dare chase you through a crowded market then, with such an affliction clinging to them?”

“And ah, yes, the contests of the heart! Think of your rivals, those who dare vie for the affections of your chosen maiden! One toss of this foulness, and victory is assured! Who could bear to stand near such an aroma? Your beloved shall be yours, and yours alone, untouched by the stench of competition!”

These words, so brazenly spoken, struck a chord within the ranks of Hengyue’s inner disciples. Particularly those of the heart, igniting a flicker of hope in their souls. Could this be the weapon they had so desperately sought, the bane of every rival?

Li Shan’s gaze swept the crowd, landing upon a familiar face amidst the throng. Wang Lin, that unfortunate soul, a known spendthrift ripe for the plucking! Had he not drained the coffers of several Xuandao weaklings for a taste of this very brew? A joyous tremor ran through Li Shan’s heart, and he pressed onward.

“And for those amongst us still finding their footing on the path, fear not! The Thunderbolt Orb is your shield! Brandish one of these, and who would dare lay a hand upon you? Li Shan guarantees you safe passage through these halls! None shall test your mettle!” A silent chuckle resonated in his heart. *Safe passage indeed! Beaten senseless, perhaps, but never tested, never tempted to try your skill.*

“Yes, brothers, the Thunderbolt Orb is the friend of the fledgling cultivator! And today, as a gesture of goodwill, I offer a boon! Buy two, and receive a third, absolutely free! Remember Li Shan when you rise through the realms, and lend a hand to your humble brother.” Li Shan watched as his words sparked interest, and poured more honeyed words into the brew.

One voice emerged from the crowd of disciples, “Are these wonders truly as potent as you claim? Show us more! Let us witness their power, and perhaps we shall lighten your burden.”

With a flourish, Li Shan reached into his bag and produced a score of Thunderbolt Orbs, setting them gently upon the ground as though they were fragile jewels. “Handle with care, brothers! A gentle toss is all that is needed. They explode upon impact, a storm of stench unleashed!”

Wang Lin recognized the speaker, Sun Hao, a man known for his impulsive nature.

Sun Hao stepped forward, carefully lifting an Orb between his fingers, studying it with meticulous detail.

Li Shan’s face remained neutral. *What clues could he possibly glean with his feeble eyes? None but the elders of Hengyue could discern the truth within.*

Sun Hao pondered for a moment, then launched the Orb into the distance. It arced through the air, and as it struck the ground, Li Shan chanted silently in his mind, “Explode!”

A resounding crack shattered the air, unleashing a geyser of black and grey, filling the space with an unbearable stench.

Wang Lin’s eyes narrowed. He reached with spiritual awareness, though he knew no one could detect it. As the Thunderbolt Orb landed, he had perceived a surge of energy from Li Shan’s form.

The same sensation he had felt before! Wang Lin smiled faintly, deciding to continue watching.

“Well, brothers, what say you? Does it not live up to my claims? But know this, the Thunderbolt Orb is not without its quirks. A skillful hand is needed, and patience. Should you fail at first, do not despair! Practice is the key!” Li Shan said with disarming sincerity.

Without a word, Sun Hao pulled Li Shan aside, whispering urgently. He offered a handful of trinkets in trade.

Li Shan feigned reluctance, then handed over ten Thunderbolt Orbs.

“A generous offer of buy six get three is what is being offered. But seeing as you were the first to trade with me, I will give you one more!”

More disciples, emboldened by Sun Hao’s example, approached with offerings.

Li Shan offered words of wisdom with each trade, reminding them that success could not be guaranteed and that a little patience and practice was a virtue.

*Let them fail a few times*, Li Shan mused, *I’ll guide them for a few days, and be gone before their suspicions grow. That’s how they’ll succeed once or twice!*

Still, some remained cautious, clinging to their meager savings.

Within moments, only a handful of Thunderbolt Orbs remained. Li Shan surveyed the Hengyue disciples. *Fools!* he thought. *They might catch on to the ploy eventually, but they will get a single use out of them! I control these things and can make sure it does not go off at any time, even when stabbed with a needle! I cannot wait for the competition!*

His eyes landed upon Wang Lin, a faint smile playing on his lips. A chill ran down Li Shan’s spine, and he pressed forward. “Junior brother! Why haven’t you purchased these beauties for yourself? They are precisely what a budding cultivator needs! A tool to defend against any who would dare test you!”

Wang Lin fixed him with a chilling look, sending a wave of terror into his body.

Li Shan felt as though his very soul had been laid bare! He looked at Wang Lin with careful scrutiny and saw the third level of Qi Condensation. He decided he must be mistaken.

“Very well, I will trade for two. But alas, I have little of value, save for a few talismans from the sect.” Wang Lin chuckled softly.

Li Shan hesitated, studying him intently, and then, reassured that this was indeed the weakling he remembered, he offered three Thunderbolt Orbs, smiling. “Junior brother, it will be as if you’ve received a helping hand from a god. Consider it a steal. These three Thunderbolt Orbs will bring you untold joy, ha ha!”

*Indeed*, he thought to himself, *joy beyond measure! I have not lied about that part, for I will make sure you feel a pain you never would’ve imagined!*