Chapter 78 : A Costly Path to Immortality

However, while the Verdant Wood Longevity Art [a cultivation method focused on extending lifespan] could extend one's lifespan by sixty years, the spiritual energy it cultivated was gentle and mild. Not only did this result in combat prowess ranking at the very bottom among peers of the same realm, but it also drastically reduced the likelihood of a future breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm [the third major stage of cultivation where one forms a solidified golden core of power].

Nevertheless, such a treasure was significant enough to serve as a foundational asset for a Purple Mansion Family [a clan or family with cultivators at the Purple Mansion realm] and was rarely seen in trade gatherings at the Foundation Establishment [the second major stage of cultivation] level.

In truth, the Yang Clan had initially been reluctant to offer this cultivation art for trade. However, thirty years prior, they had nurtured a second Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator who has opened their Purple Mansion, the third major cultivation stage]. This individual possessed Metal-Water Dual Spiritual Roots [a rare and potent affinity for both metal and water elemental spiritual energies].

Lacking a Third Rank Purple Mansion Cultivation Art [a high-grade cultivation method suitable for the Purple Mansion realm], this cultivator was still practicing a Second Rank Method [a cultivation method suited for the Foundation Establishment realm]. Their rate of absorbing spiritual energy was less than half that of a Purple Mansion Cultivator equipped with a Third Rank Cultivation Art [a cultivation method of the third rank, matching the Purple Mansion realm], making their progress painfully slow.

"Esteemed colleagues," the Yang Clan representative announced, "if any of you possess a metal-attributed Third Rank Cultivation Art, you are most welcome to propose an exchange."

"I pledge upon the six-hundred-year reputation of the Yang Clan that whoever is willing to trade for this item will earn a favor from our family."

As the Yang Clan's Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage] spoke, a glimmer of hope shone in his eyes.

Alas, cultivation arts of the third rank and above were exceedingly precious. Prominent immortal clans and sects guarded their methods stringently to prevent others from discovering their weaknesses.

Even the two great Purple Mansion Immortal Clan [immortal clans possessing Purple Mansion realm cultivators], the Xu and the Yang, lacked a metal-attributed Third Rank Cultivation Art, let alone the others present.

In the end, no exchange was made. The Yang Clan's Foundation Establishment Cultivator could only shake his head in resignation, his disappointment palpable as he stepped down from the platform. This content originates from audio–novel.com. Please respect copyright.

The order of transactions was determined by the strength of each clan. As the premier family of Yu County, the Green Chariot Mountain Chen Clan was honored to be the third to step forward.

He glanced at the assembled cultivators and, after a moment's thought, spoke. "My purpose in coming here is to acquire a portion of Sunflower Water Essence [a rare, pure water-element spiritual essence]. I wonder if any fellow Daoist [a respectful term for cultivators] is willing to sell?"

The hall fell silent for a breath. A handsome man with sharp features inquired, "And what treasure are you willing to offer in exchange?"

Eldrin Chen's face lit up with hope. "If you are willing to accept Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation], I am prepared to pay a premium," he said quickly.

"This..." The man shook his head. "This Sunflower Water Essence was procured from the Yan Kingdom after a journey of over three hundred thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. The perils encountered along the way were beyond counting."

"To trade it for mere Spirit Stone would hardly be worth the endeavor. However, if you possess a Second Rank High Grade Magical Tool [a powerful enchanted artifact], I would be willing to make the exchange."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a trace of helplessness in his expression, and reluctantly abandoned the transaction.

One should not assume Second Rank High Grade Magical Tool are commonplace simply because he possessed two. Many Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivators [cultivators at the advanced stage of the Foundation Establishment realm] were fortunate to own only one or two such treasures, which spoke volumes of their rarity.

Within all of Yu County, there were but three Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivators, further underscoring the preciousness of such artifacts.

After all, the Sunflower Water Essence was merely a second-rank Heaven and Earth Treasure [a rare spiritual material born from the convergence of natural energies]. Even with a significant price premium, expecting to trade it for a Second Rank High Grade Magical Tool was somewhat excessive.

Eldrin Chen descended from the high platform with a sigh of resignation. Observing this from below, Lin Lysander's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly as he sent a silent voice transmission to the man.

The trading continued. Eldrin Chen subsequently spent over two thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] to acquire two magical artifacts.

One was the Azure Jade Purifying Vase, purchased for the Third Elder.

Although this item was merely of Second Rank Low Grade quality, it could unleash a torrent of Heavenly River Flood Water [a powerful water-based technique], specifically effective against magical tools and divine abilities of the metal and fire attributes. If deployed strategically, it could prove quite useful.

The other was the First Wood Mist Veil Canopy, capable of projecting a First Wood Mist Veil that could defend against attacks from flying swords and spells, making it a respectable defensive artifact.

Since the Third Elder now possessed Zuo Yuannian's Second Rank Middle Grade Treasure Seal Magical Tool, he had no need for this particular item.

With her Second Rank Middle Grade Glazed Crystal Small Sword now complemented by this Mist Veil Canopy, Chen Elara could both attack and defend with ease. Her combat prowess would likely rank among the notable even within the Foundation Establishment, Early Stage.

Despite acquiring these two artifacts, the continued absence of any Sunflower Water Essence [a rare, pure water-element spiritual material] drew a shadow of disappointment across Eldrin Chen's features.

At that moment, the handsome man ascended the platform once more. His name was Zane Zhang, a Rogue Cultivator [an independent cultivator not affiliated with a major clan or sect] at the Foundation Establishment, Mid Stage from Feng County.

He swept his gaze over the assembly and produced a portion of Sunflower Water Essence. "This essence," he announced, "was procured from a distance of a million Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. I wish to exchange it for a single high-grade second-rank magical tool. Does anyone present wish to make an offer?"

However, upon hearing this, everyone present shook their heads. Considering the scarcity of Sunflower Water Essence [a rare, pure water-element spiritual essence], if it were to be exchanged for a Second Rank Middle Grade Magical Tool, many would likely agree. But to use it to barter for a Second Rank High Grade Magical Tool seemed rather imprudent and overreaching.

Though separated by only a single grade, the value between the two differed by more than double; they simply could not be mentioned in the same breath.

Seeing the trade would not go through, Zane Zhang revealed a look of disappointment. Eldrin Chen quickly sent a voice transmission.

"Fellow Daoist, forgive my bluntness, but wishing to exchange Sunflower Water Essence for a Second Rank High Grade Magical Tool is nigh impossible."

"How about I offer two thousand eight hundred Spirit Stone [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] to buy it? You could then add another thousand or so Spirit Stone, and perhaps you might still have a chance to purchase a Second Rank High Grade Magical Tool."

Upon hearing this, Zane Zhang frowned and made an exorbitant demand: "If you are willing to pay three thousand five hundred Spirit Stone, I will trade this item to you." Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel-dot-com.

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh. "Fellow Daoist, do not jest. Three thousand five hundred Spirit Stone is enough to buy two or three Second Rank Treasure."

"My offer of two thousand eight hundred Spirit Stone already represents a premium of nearly a thousand Spirit Stone. Is that still not enough?"

"Very well. In consideration of your arduous journey spanning hundreds of thousands of Li-lengths, I will add another two hundred Spirit Stone. If you are still unwilling to sell, then I shall have no choice but to seek this item myself in the Yan Kingdom."

Knowing when to yield, Zane Zhang accepted the offer with a smile and completed the trade for the Sunflower Water Essence. "To reach the Yan Kingdom, one must traverse three hundred thousand Li-lengths of demonic beast territory—a perilous journey indeed. Fellow Daoist, paying this price for safety and convenience is not a loss."

With the transaction completed, goods for payment, Eldrin Chen revealed a faint smile upon receiving the Sunflower Water Essence [a highly refined essence of water-attributed spiritual energy, prized for crafting water-element treasures].

As the amount of Golden Thread Silkworm Silk [a luminous, resilient silk spun by a rare spirit insect, used for crafting high-quality robes and defensive artifacts] purchased was twice what he had anticipated, the eight thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] he had brought for this trip were entirely spent. Although the trading convention continued, the remaining proceedings held no further relevance for Eldrin Chen.

The auction lasted an entire day. On the night it concluded, within a secluded courtyard of the Fengyang Trading Post, three figures materialized in the shadows.

Two of these three individuals were none other than Lysander Lin and Morwen Lin, both Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where a cultivator solidifies their spiritual foundation] experts of the Lin Clan. The figure facing them was the Rogue Cultivator [an unaffiliated cultivator operating outside of major clans or sects] who had sold the Sunflower Water Essence, Zane Zhang.

Lysander Lin fixed his gaze on Zane Zhang, his expression tense with urgency. "Is the matter settled?" he demanded.

"I have done exactly as you instructed," Zane Zhang replied with a nod, his face an impassive mask. "By undertaking this, I have made an enemy of the Chen Clan. The agreed-upon one thousand Spirit Stone—do not think to renege on our deal."

"You will be paid in full," Lysander Lin stated curtly, thrusting a pouch of Spirit Stones toward him.

Zane Zhang accepted the pouch, counted its contents swiftly, and then produced an ancient-looking stone. "This is the Mother-Child Resonance Stone [a pair of mystically linked stones; the child stone emits a subtle resonance detectable by the mother stone over vast distances]," he said, handing it over. "Keep it secure."

"I have concealed the child stone within the vessel of Sunflower Water Essence. With this mother stone in your possession, you will be able to track the child stone's location from any distance up to ten thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]." Continue reading this story at audi novel.com.