Chapter 397. 20 Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object)

And then, that Master Zixu suddenly rose to prominence, making a 3-point pact with the Liu Clan before seizing the spirit vein of Tianhu Island.

Now, among the 7 Great Disciples of Master Zixu, 5 were clansmen of the Liu family. Each had been nurtured by Master Zixu to the Golden Core Realm, effectively thriving under his protective wing.

After all, True Lord Liu had fallen in battle for the sake of humanity, and the Dao Lords of the human race in Eastern Wastelands (Location) would not permit other Nascent Soul True Lords to overstep. Thus, they tacitly allowed Master Zixu to take control of Sky Lake Island.

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin nodded, finally comprehending the cause and effect behind it all.

Just then, Elder Xuzi spoke up, "I urgently require some primordial Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) and supreme-grade fourth-tier magical treasures. Should you possess any Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) or peerless artifacts, you may freely select from my collection of treasures here."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces lit up with joy. Several of them immediately brought out items such as Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) and exchanged them with Master Zixu for treasures they had long coveted.

Master Zixu had successively exchanged for a dozen or so Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) and acquired 2 superior fourth-grade magic treasures. Satisfied, he descended from the platform with a contented heart.

The second to step forward was Hugo (Person Name), who also produced several treasures, each exceptionally rare and all starting at the fourth-tier middle-grade rank.

Compared to the wealth of Daoist Zixu, his treasures were somewhat inferior, yet they were all exchanged swiftly.

After Hugo (Person Name) completed his transaction, Eldrin (Person Name) and Lyra (Person Name) stepped onto the platform third.

Observing the Golden Core cultivators present, a flicker of delight arose in their hearts. The earlier 1 took the stage at the Exchange Convention, the greater the chance of obtaining a coveted treasure.

The 2 of them were the third to ascend the platform—such an opportunity was exceedingly rare.

At this thought, Eldrin raised his hand and released a string of radiant treasures. Among these brilliant lights were 5 fourth-order heaven-and-earth treasures, 3 low-to-mid grade fourth-order magic artifacts, several scrolls of Golden Core realm offensive techniques and supernatural powers, along with 3 fourth-order spirit apricots.

Especially that fourth-order spirit apricot, a true longevity treasure—consuming just 1 could extend 1's life by 2 jiazi cycles, enough to make the majority of Golden Core Elders present utterly covetous.

Sure enough, a Golden Core Elder immediately inquired, "May I ask, Esteemed 1, how is this fourth-tier spirit apricot priced?"

"There is no need for haste, everyone."

Eldrin smiled faintly, channeling his magic power to display the surplus treasures in his hand. "Honored guests, on this occasion I wish to exchange for 2 divine light techniques—the Solar Fire and Plateau Earth—as well as 2 divine thunder techniques—the Marsh Earth and Mystic Water."

"If any of you possess them, you may prioritize trading with me."

"In addition, I am also in urgent need of Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object). You may exchange Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) for the treasures in my possession. Furthermore, I am willing to purchase Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) with spirit stones at a 20 percent premium."

"Divine Fire of Bing?" A Golden Core Elder revealed a look of delight, then spoke, "As it happens, I possess 1 such ray."

As he spoke, he began bargaining with Eldrin (Person Name), exchanging his Bing Fire Divine Thunder for a movement technique from Eldrin (Person Name).

Following this transaction, another individual promptly produced the Earth Essence Divine Thunder and exchanged it with Eldrin for a cultivation manual.

After that, the Divine Light of Wutu and the Divine Thunder of Kuishui became exceedingly rare, seemingly lost to time within the Eastern Wastelands, leaving no 1 capable of producing them.

However, both Eldrin and Lyra were quite satisfied—3 Life-Extending Spirit Apricots had been exchanged for 6 Heavenly Crystals in 1 go.

As for the remaining few treasures, they were all purchased by others using Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object). Scattered transactions ultimately allowed Eldrin (Person Name) to obtain 12 Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) in 1 go.

Combined with the 8 they had obtained earlier, they now possessed 20 Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object).

Unfortunately, the plan to acquire Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) with spirit stones was progressing rather poorly. Even with a premium of 20 percent, the Golden Core cultivators present continued to hold out for better offers.

At this trade gathering, numerous treasures were present, yet often only Heavenly Crystal (Spiritual Object) — the universally accepted hard currency — could secure coveted high-tier artifacts.

With no other choice, the 2 descended the platform. Eldrin spoke with a hint of disappointment: "What a pity. Such a rare opportunity, yet no 1 was willing to exchange Heavenly Crystals for spirit stones."

"The Heavenly Crystal (Spiritual Object) is exceptionally precious, as was to be expected."

Lyra stated calmly, then smiled, "We've collected 20 Heavenly Crystals this time. All we have left to exchange for Heavenly Crystals are 30 million spirit stones."

“Later, we shall travel across several great continents and seek out suitable Golden Core (Cultivation Realm) immortal clans 1 by 1 for trade. We will undoubtedly exchange them all for Heavenly Crystal (Spiritual Object).”

"So be it."

Eldrin nodded and let out a soft sigh.

The Trading Fair lasted for 3 days. After the event concluded, Eldrin and Lyra walked out of the Zixu Pavilion.

"Please wait a moment, you 2."

Just as they were about to return to their cave abode, a voice drifted over.

Eldrin looked up and saw that it was none other than Hugo. With a cultivation level as high as the Nascent Soul Formation stage, Eldrin naturally dared not show any neglect. He cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Brother Hugo, for what reason have you asked me to stay?"

"Ha ha ha."

Hugo chuckled heartily, his gaze shifting between the 2. "I noticed you're seeking Heavenly Crystal (Spiritual Object) this time, so I thought we should talk."

"Oh?"

Lyra's eyes flickered slightly as she remarked impassively, "Could it be that you are willing to exchange Heavenly Crystal for our spirit stones?"

"Indeed."

"Only, the price..."

Hugo (Person Name) paused mid-sentence, then flicked his folding fan open with a laugh. "I'm afraid we'll need to raise the stakes a bit higher."

Eldrin exchanged a glance with Lyra, his heart stirring faintly. Without hesitation, he responded, "If the quantity you offer is substantial, I am willing to pay a 20-5 percent premium."

A 20-5 percent premium—this was already a quarter above the true value.

Hugo, however, shook his head and then nodded, closing his folding fan as he said, "Our Huo Clan possesses a collection of 17 Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object), which I originally intended to use to purchase the Nascent Soul Formation Pill (Spiritual Object)."

"Very well, if you're willing to pay a 30 percent premium, I shall sell you the Heavenly Crystal (Spiritual Object)."

Eldrin’s heart stirred. Though the price was 30% higher than usual, it would be a worthwhile trade if it could save them a significant amount of time.

After all, visiting each family individually would take several years on average per province, and continuing like this would delay their cultivation progress.

With that thought in mind, Eldrin said, "It's a deal."

"Very well." A flicker of delight crossed Hugo's face, then he furrowed his brow and added, "The Heavenly Crystal is exceedingly precious. Since no Nascent Soul Formation Pill was available for auction this time, I did not bring it with me."

"To complete this transaction, you must accompany me to the Daybreak Continent."

Lyra's eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke with a hint of coldness, "The journey to the Daybreak Continent spans countless mountains and rivers—far too perilous. It would be wiser for you to deliver the Heavenly Crystal to Lakehaven Province. We shall await your return here."

Hugo shook his head and declared resolutely, "The Skybright Continent lies millions of miles from here, separated by the Qilian Mountain Range. Merely traversing it would require over half a year, and a round trip would take 1 to 2 years."

"I now have merely 60 years remaining before my next attempt to form the Nascent Soul. Such repeated dimensional crossings are not only perilous but also squander my cultivation base. It is hardly worthwhile to expend such effort for meager profit margins."

Eldrin furrowed his brow upon hearing this. After a long pause, he said, "Operating across continents is a matter of great significance. We must request time to deliberate."

"Very well." Hugo (Person Name) cupped his hands in a salute before saying, "I shall return to seek you both in 3 days."

With that, he turned and departed.