A few years ago, I threw away a few bucks on horse armor in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and ended up feeling guilty about it. Imagine how you'd feel if you spent $16,000 on a virtual item? This is exactly what a man in China did to secure a one-of-a-kind sword for the upcoming MMORPG Age of Wulin.

Snail Games, the developer of the game and host of the online auction, also sold a sheath (yes, a SHEATH) for the Hook of Departure for $1,600 and another sheath for the Lordly Spear for $2,500. The sword sale was commemorated with a nice plaque.

I just have to wonder: What if this game ends up sucking? Can he use the sword from the outset, or is it a high level item? Will it always be powerful? We'll find out soon enough, as Snail Games plans to hold the Chinese open beta next spring. An English version is also planned and should begin testing shortly after the Chinese beta kicks off.

For this man's sake, I hope he loves the game, and he and his sword go on to happily slay thousands of dudes.

[via Mail Online]