Chapter 78 : Acquiring Aqua Essence

Although the Verdant Wood Eternal Life Art could extend 1's lifespan by 60 years, the spiritual energy it cultivated was exceedingly gentle and mild. Not only did this result in combat prowess that ranked at the very bottom among peers of the same realm, but it also drastically reduced the likelihood of breaking through to the Golden Core stage in the future.

However, regardless of the circumstances, such a treasure was substantial enough to serve as a foundation asset for a Purple Mansion family and rarely appeared in trade gatherings at the Foundation Establishment realm.

In truth, the Yang Clan had never intended to offer this cultivation technique for trade. However, 30 years ago, they succeeded in nurturing their second Purple Mansion cultivator—an individual possessing dual spiritual roots of Metal and Water.

Without a third-level Purple Mansion cultivation method, this individual was still practicing a second-level technique. The rate at which he absorbed spiritual energy was less than half that of a Purple Mansion cultivator with a third-level method, making his progress excruciatingly slow.

"Esteemed guests, should any of you possess a third-tier Metal Attribute cultivation technique, you are most welcome to approach for exchange."

"I pledge with the 6-100-year reputation of the Yang Family that if you agree to exchange this item, our Yang Family will owe you a favor."

The Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Yang family spoke, a glimmer of anticipation shining in his eyes.

It was a pity that cultivation techniques above the third rank were exceedingly rare. High-ranking immortal clans and sects strictly controlled the dissemination of their own methods, lest others discover the weaknesses in their techniques.

Even the Xu and Yang, 2 great Purple Manor clans, possessed no metal-attributed Tier 3 cultivation methods—let alone them.

In the end, no 1 came forward to make an exchange. The Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Yang family shook his head helplessly and stepped down in disappointment.

The order of transactions was determined by the strength of each clan. As the leading family of Yu County, the Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location) Chen Clan had the honor of stepping forward third.

He glanced at the assembly, then after a moment's consideration spoke, "I have come seeking to purchase a portion of Aqua Essence Elite. Might any among you fellow cultivators be willing to part with it?"

The arena fell silent for a moment before a handsome-faced man inquired, "Might I ask what treasure you would be willing to exchange?"

A flicker of delight crossed Eldrin’s face as he promptly replied, “If you’re willing to part with it for spirit stones, I’m prepared to pay a premium.”

"This..." The man shook his head, yet insisted, "This Essence of Kui Water was acquired only after I journeyed over 3,000,000 li to purchase it from Yan Kingdom, enduring countless perils along the way."

"If it were merely for a few spirit stones, I'm afraid it wouldn't be worth it. But if you possess a second-tier superior-grade magic tool, I might consider trading with you."

Eldrin shook his head and reluctantly abandoned the transaction.

Don’t assume that second-tier, high-grade artifacts are commonplace just because he happens to wield 2 of them. Many cultivators at the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage possess only 1 or 2 such artifacts at most.

In the entire Yu County, there were only 3 Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivators—a testament to how precious this item truly was.

After all, the Essence of Kui Water was merely a second-tier natural treasure. No matter how inflated the price, aspiring to purchase a top-grade second-tier magical artifact was simply excessive.

Eldrin stepped down from the elevated platform with resignation. Lin Baixi (Person Name), observing from below, flickered his eyes imperceptibly and sent a soundless voice transmission to the man.

The transaction continued, and Eldrin spent over 2,000 spirit stones to acquire 2 magical instruments.

A cyan jade purification vase, purchased for the Third Elder.

Although this item was merely a low-grade Rank 2 treasure, it could unleash a torrent of Celestial River Ren Water, specifically countering magical artifacts and divine abilities of metal and fire attributes. If deployed strategically, it might prove remarkably effective.

The other item was the Yimu Smoke Canopy, capable of releasing a haze of Yimu smoke to defend against flying swords and spells—a fairly decent defensive artifact.

The Third Elder, having already obtained Zuo Yunian's second-tier, medium-grade treasure seal artifact, had no need for this item.

With the second-grade, mid-tier Glazed Dagger now in her possession and complemented by this Mist Veil Shroud, Chen Qingwan could both attack and defend with ease. Her combat prowess was likely quite formidable, even among those at the Foundation Establishment, Early Stage.

Although he had obtained 2 magical artifacts, the continued absence of the Aqua Essence left Eldrin visibly disheartened.

Just then, the handsome man stepped forward once more. His name was Zhang Yiran (Person Name), a rogue cultivator from Feng Commandery at Foundation Establishment, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm).

He glanced at the assembly, then produced the Aqua Essence and declared, "This portion of Aqua Essence was acquired by this humble 1 from a distance of nearly a million li. I wish to exchange it for a second-grade superior magical instrument. Might I ask if any among you would care to make an offer?"

However, everyone present shook their heads upon hearing this. Considering the scarcity of Aqua Essence, many would likely agree to exchange it for a mid-grade Grade-2 magical instrument, but using it to barter for a high-grade Grade-2 instrument seemed somewhat imprudent.

Although it was only a single grade lower, its value was more than halved—they simply couldn't be mentioned in the same breath.

Seeing the deal falling through, Zhang Yiran’s face fell with disappointment. Eldrin (Person Name) quickly transmitted a voice message to him.

"Fellow Daoist, forgive my bluntness, but attempting to exchange Aqua Essence for a second-tier, superior-grade magical artifact is virtually impossible."

"How about I offer 2,800 spirit stones to purchase this? If you can gather another 1000-some spirit stones, you might still have a chance to acquire a top-grade second-tier magic artifact."

Zhang Yiran frowned upon hearing this, then made a bold demand: "If you're willing to offer 3,500 spirit stones, I'll trade this item to you."

Eldrin let out a cold laugh. “Fellow Daoist, do not jest. 3,500 spirit stones are enough to purchase 2 or 3 second-tier treasures.”

"My 2,800 spirit stones already represent a premium of nearly a 1000 stones. Is that still not enough?"

"Very well," he said with a measured tone. "Considering you've traveled over a million miles for this, I'll add another 200 spirit stones to the offer. Should you still refuse to sell, I'll have no choice but to journey to Yan Kingdom (Location) myself in search of this artifact."

Zhang Yiran knew when to press his advantage and when to withdraw. With a light laugh, he completed the exchange for the Essence of Kui Water. "To reach the Yan Kingdom, 1 must traverse 300,000 li of demon beast territory—truly perilous beyond measure. The price you paid for safe passage, Fellow Daoist, is hardly a loss."

Payment upon delivery. Having obtained the Aqua Essence, Eldrin revealed a faint smile.

The Golden Thread Silkworm fibers he purchased turned out to be twice as much as anticipated, exhausting all 8,000 spirit stones he had brought for this trip. Although subsequent transactions continued, they no longer concerned Eldrin.

The auction lasted an entire day. That very night, after its conclusion, 3 figures quietly appeared in a courtyard within the Fengyang Trading Post (Location).

Among the 3 individuals, 2 were unexpectedly Lin Baixi and Lin Moqin, the 2 Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Lin Family, while the figure opposite them was Zhang Yiran, the rogue cultivator who had been selling the Essence of Kui Water.

Lin Baixi fixed his gaze on Zhang Yiran, his expression urgent as he asked, “Is the matter settled?”

"I have done as you instructed," Zhang Yiran said with a nod, his expression unreadable. "By carrying out this task, I've already offended the Chen family. You cannot go back on our agreement—the promised 1,000 spirit stones must be paid."

"Of course, you won't be shortchanged." Lin Baixi handed over a pouch of spirit stones without hesitation.

Zhang Yiran took the spirit stones, counted them, and then handed over an ancient-looking stone. "This is a Mother-Child Resonance Stone," he said. "Keep it safe."

"I have concealed the Child Stone within the Essence of Kui Water. With this Mother Stone in hand, you can track the Child Stone's location as long as the distance does not exceed 10 1000 li."