Chapter 252 : A Recluse's Costly Gambit

It was not until the seventh person took the stage that someone finally offered a Violet Qi Cloud-Vein Pill [a high-grade pill that aids in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks] for sale.

That Qingci the Recluse [a reclusive cultivator], suppressing his heartache, spent one hundred ten thousand Spirit Stones [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] to purchase one Violet Qi Cloud-Vein Pill.

In truth, a single Violet Qi Cloud-Vein Pill was not a guarantee of success. However, the path of a Rogue Cultivator [an unaffiliated cultivator without sect or clan backing] is fraught with hardship. Most Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core mansion] Rogue Cultivators do not even possess a single Third Rank Spirit Vein [a geographical site where spiritual energy of sufficient density for Purple Mansion cultivation naturally concentrates].

Qingci the Recluse had obtained the legacy of a senior Sword Cultivator [a cultivator who specializes in the sword path], his wife was a Third Rank Talisman Master [an expert capable of crafting high-grade magical talismans], and they occupied the Third Rank Spirit Vein at Peach Blossom Mountain. Among Rogue Cultivators, they were considered quite successful.

Yet, even for them, parting with those one hundred ten thousand Spirit Stones was a blow that shook their foundations. Their future cultivation would inevitably become more strained and frugal.

Having secured the Violet Qi Cloud-Vein Pill, Qingci the Recluse's face lit with joy, and Eldrin Chen offered his congratulations.

A short while later, someone finally produced a Sun Treasure Crystal [a crystalized essence of pure Sunflower Water energy, a rare treasure] for trade.

It was a man at the Purple Mansion, Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Purple Mansion realm]. He presented a top-quality Third Rank [denoting the power level suitable for Purple Mansion cultivators] Sun Treasure Crystal.

"Esteemed assembly," he declared, "I wish to exchange this Sun Treasure Crystal for a single Third Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact of the highest tier within the Purple Mansion grade]. Is anyone willing to make the trade?"

"Would any of you be willing to exchange?" Original English translation available at site: audio-novel.com.

That individual began with an exorbitant demand from the start. Although this piece of Third Rank Sun Treasure Crystal [a rare crystal imbued with solar essence] was of superior quality, its value hovered around eighty thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].

His opening bid for a Third Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact] was clearly an attempt to drive the price sky-high.

Someone immediately shook their head and remarked, "While the Sun Treasure Crystal [a rare crystal imbued with solar essence] is scarce, it is not an absolute necessity."

"Trying to trade it for a Third Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact] relies solely on its rarity, but I doubt you'll find anyone foolish enough to pay that price."

Seeing no one offer a Third Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact], Eldrin Chen produced the Verdant-Blooded Demonic Sword [a demonic blade infused with verdant life-force] and said, "Acknowledging the rarity of the Sun Treasure Crystal [a rare crystal imbued with solar essence], I offer this single Third Rank Middle Grade Flying Sword [a levitating sword used for combat and travel]. What say you?"

"A Third Rank Flying Sword [a levitating sword used for combat and travel]."

The man's eyes flickered with interest. A Third Rank Middle Grade Magical Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact] was typically valued between eighty and one hundred thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation], but a Flying Sword [a levitating sword used for combat and travel] often commanded a slightly higher price.

A Third Rank Middle Grade Flying Sword [a levitating sword used for combat and travel] served multiple purposes—offense, defense, and aerial travel—making it a coveted treasure even for Purple Mansion Late Stage Cultivators [practitioners who have reached the advanced stages of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm].

Although he was a Purple Mansion, Mid Stage cultivator [a practitioner at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm], he did not possess a Third Rank Middle Grade Flying Sword [a levitating sword used for combat and travel] of his own.

Contemplating this, he felt a stir of desire. He began to haggle, "Add another fifty thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] to the offer, and we have a deal."

"Your price is too high, esteemed one."

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow, a flicker of impatience crossing his expression. "While I do require a Sun Treasure Crystal [a crystal imbued with the condensed essence of solar energy], this item is not without substitutes."

"Moreover, among the over two hundred cultivators present, you are likely not the sole possessor of such a treasure."

He stated, delivering his final offer: "Very well, I shall add another twenty thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. If you agree, we have a deal."

"Fine, fine, agreed at that price."

The man hastily consented to the transaction, exchanging a Sun Treasure Crystal valued at eighty thousand Spirit Stone for a single Third Rank Middle Grade Flying Sword and twenty thousand Spirit Stone.

This price represented a premium of over forty percent. Not every cultivator was willing to part with a treasure of such value. The other cultivators in need of a Sun Treasure Crystal hesitated briefly, ultimately abandoning any thought of competing for the bid.

Having secured the Sun Treasure Crystal, Eldrin Chen was thoroughly satisfied. During the remainder of the Barter Convention, he spent several pieces of Third Rank Heaven and Earth Treasure [rare natural treasures of significant spiritual potency] to acquire five stalks of Spirit-Nourishing Flower [a spiritual herb used to concoct pills that nourish the soul], intending to use them to refine Spirit-Nourishing Pill [a pill that strengthens and nourishes the cultivator's spiritual essence].

He did not continue to trade for the treasures that followed. The precious items he had brought on this journey were limited, and he currently had no pressing need for other specific treasures.

At that moment, the trio beside him, including Qingci the Recluse, began to exchange covert spiritual voice transmissions amongst themselves.

Qingyan the Immortal Maiden [an elegant title for a female cultivator] gazed at Yu Qingyan and asked impassively, "Can this Wei Chongyang be trusted?"

"We crossed the Ghost-Wind Ridge [a perilous mountain pass] together; you could say we share a bond forged through shared hardship," Yu Qingyan replied. Then, she added nonchalantly, "He has no kin or deep ties in Yuan Nation either, making him the most suitable candidate."

"However, that ancient site is of no small significance. If his heart is swayed by greed, complications could arise."

Qingyan the Immortal Maiden still harbored some concern, her thoughts tinged with hesitation.

Yu Qingyan shook her head and continued, "We have attempted it several times over these past years. With our current strength, we simply cannot secure that site."

"Even if Brother Qingci breaks through to the Purple Palace, Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm], are you confident you could take that site?" Support the author by reading on audio-novel dot com.

The recluse, Qingci the Recluse, shook his head with a sigh. "The fiendish beings guarding that site possess formidable power. Even after a breakthrough, I would have no certainty of being able to slay them."

Hearing this, Yu Qingyan pressed on, "I have witnessed Brother Wei in action. His combat prowess is likely not inferior to that of a Purple Palace, Late Stage cultivator."

"If the two of you join forces then, you would stand a very good chance of successfully storming that ancient site."

Beside them, Qingci the Recluse's brow furrowed slightly as he also spoke. "I have observed this man. His Sword Intent [a cultivator's profound conceptual understanding and will manifested through the sword] is sharp and righteous, and his character seems sound."

"If he truly possesses such strength, then he indeed has the qualifications to explore the ruins with us."

Upon hearing this, the two women nodded slightly. A Sword Cultivator [a practitioner who specializes in the way of the sword, focusing their entire cultivation on sword arts] places great demands on one's character. If a person's nature is twisted or treacherous, the Sword Intent [a profound conceptual understanding and willpower manifested through the sword, the core of a sword cultivator's power] they embody will likewise be sinister and malicious.

The sword aura Eldrin Chen had condensed was vast and majestic, carrying an unyielding intent to sever all obstacles. As a Sword Cultivator, Qingci the Recluse could naturally perceive this at a single glance.

Carrying their respective thoughts, the group waited until the Barter Convention [a formal gathering where cultivators trade rare materials, artifacts, and cultivation resources] concluded.

Once the four of them had departed the Barter Convention, Yvonne Yu intercepted Eldrin Chen and transmitted a voice message: "Brother Eldrin, come with us. We have a matter to discuss."

"Oh."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he followed them as they flew out of the Qinyuan Market.

They arrived at a desolate mountain area. With a grave expression, Qingci the Recluse laid down a Soundproofing Restriction [a simple formation or barrier designed to prevent sound from escaping a designated area].

"What matter requires such caution?" Eldrin Chen frowned, unable to suppress his curiosity.

Only then did Yvonne Yu speak, her face etched with solemnity. "To speak plainly, we wish to invite you to explore a certain ruin with us."

"An ancient ruin."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly. In this world, most so-called ruins were the remnants of sects or Immortal Clan that had been destroyed.

However, the fall of a power was often at the hands of a formidable enemy. If an enemy had been the cause of its destruction, such a site would have long been picked clean by the victors.

Unless it was intentionally left behind, or belonged to a reclusive force that met a sudden, catastrophic end from natural disaster or calamity, how could any treasures possibly remain?

In truth, even among Rogue Cultivator, aside from a few reclusive individuals, most would take on a disciple to inherit their legacy before passing, even if they had no direct descendants.

For example, the Master of Qingci the Recluse was an elder Rogue Cultivator who, on his deathbed, sought out Qingci and passed his inheritance to him.

Thus, having lived over a century in this life, Eldrin Chen had heard of the occasional Cultivation Cave of a deceased Rogue Cultivator being discovered, but the tales of exploring grand, treasure-filled ruins from the novels of his past life were almost unheard of.

A seed of doubt took root. He wondered if the trio had fallen into a trap laid by Demonic Cultivator.

As if sensing his skepticism, Qingci the Recluse shook his head and clarified, "The ruin we discovered is an Ancient Cultivator's Meditation Passing Site [the final resting place of an ancient cultivator who died in secluded meditation]."

"It is indeed genuine..."