Chapter 397 : The Daoist's Bargain and the Clan's Rise

"And that Zixu the Daoist suddenly rose to prominence, and after agreeing to three stipulations with the Liu Clan, he took possession of the Spirit Vein on Heavenly Lake Island."

"Now, among the seven great disciples of Zixu the Daoist, five are clansmen of the Liu Clan. Each has been nurtured by Zixu the Daoist to the Golden Core realm, essentially sheltering under his wing."

"Since Liu Clan True Lord ultimately fell in battle for the Human Race, the Human Race Dao Lord of the Eastern Wastelands would not permit other Nascent Soul True Lord to act too egregiously. Thus, Zixu the Daoist's takeover of Heavenly Lake Island was tacitly accepted."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin Chen nodded, finally understanding the cause and effect within this matter.

At that moment, Zixu the Daoist spoke: "This old man urgently requires some Origin Heaven Crystal and Magical Treasure of Fourth Rank High Grade. If any of you possess Heavenly Crystal [a highly purified and potent form of spiritual energy crystal] or Supreme Grade Magical Treasure, you may choose freely from these treasures of mine."

Upon hearing this, the crowd showed expressions of delight. Several individuals immediately produced items like Heavenly Crystal and exchanged them with Zixu the Daoist for the treasures they desired.

Zixu the Daoist successively acquired sixteen or seventeen Heavenly Crystal and obtained two Magical Treasure of Fourth Rank High Grade. Satisfied, he descended from the platform.

The second to step forward was Hugo Huo. He also presented several treasures, all exceptionally rare and precious, with grades starting from Fourth Rank Middle Grade.

Compared to the wealth of Zixu the Daoist, his treasures were somewhat inferior, yet they were all swiftly exchanged. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at *audio-novel.com*.

After Hugo Huo completed his transaction, Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang were the third to take the stage.

Looking at the assembled Golden Core Cultivator [cultivators who have formed a Golden Core, a solidified core of spiritual power], the two felt a surge of delight. The earlier one took the stage at the Barter Convention, the greater the chance of acquiring a coveted treasure.

Being the third to present their wares was a rare and valuable opportunity.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen raised his hand, releasing a cascade of radiant light. Within this radiance were five pieces of Fourth Rank Heaven and Earth Treasure [rare treasures born from the convergence of heaven and earth's essence], three Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] of Fourth Rank Low to Middle Grade quality, several scrolls containing Golden Core Realm cultivation arts and Divine Ability [powerful supernatural techniques], and three Fourth Rank Spirit Apricot.

Especially those Fourth Rank Spirit Apricot—they were a Longevity Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure that can extend one's lifespan]. Consuming a single fruit could extend one's life by two Jiazi-time [a sixty-year cycle], enough to make most of the Golden Core True Person [a respectful title for a Golden Core cultivator] present salivate with desire.

Sure enough, a Golden Core True Person immediately inquired, "May I ask, True Person, how do you wish to sell these Fourth Rank Spirit Apricot?"

"There is no need for haste, honored guests."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile, channeling his spiritual power to better display the surplus treasures in his possession. "Esteemed colleagues, on this occasion, I seek to exchange for the Fire-Sun Divine Thunder and the Earth-Fortress Divine Radiance Divine Ability [a divine ability that manifests as a radiant light], as well as the Earth-Fortress and Sunflower Water Divine Thunder Divine Ability [a divine ability that manifests as heavenly thunder]."

"If any of you possess these, you may approach me first for an exchange."

"Furthermore, I am in urgent need of Origin Heaven Crystal. You may also use Heavenly Crystal [a purified, high-density form of Spirit Stone] to trade for the treasures in my hand. I am also willing to pay a premium of twenty percent above market value to purchase Heavenly Crystal using Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]."

"Yang Fire Divine Radiance [a radiant power of pure yang fire]?" A Golden Core True Person [a cultivator who has formed a Golden Core] revealed a pleased expression and spoke, "I happen to possess one such technique."

After some negotiation, he bartered with Eldrin Chen, exchanging his Yang Fire Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique of yang fire] for one of Eldrin Chen's Escape Art Divine Ability [a mystical art for rapid flight or evasion].

Following this transaction, another individual promptly produced an Earth-Fortress Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique of the earth element] and traded it with Eldrin Chen for a cultivation manual.

After that, the Earth-Fortress Divine Radiance [a radiant defensive power of the earth element] and the Sunflower Water Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique of the water element] proved too rare, seemingly lost to the Eastern Wastelands long ago, and no one present could offer them.

Nevertheless, Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang were quite satisfied. Their three Longevity Spirit Apricots [spirit fruits that can extend one's lifespan] were exchanged at once for six Heavenly Crystals [highly purified and potent forms of spiritual energy used as currency by high-level cultivators].

Furthermore, their other treasures were also purchased with Heavenly Crystals. Piece by piece, Eldrin Chen acquired a total of twelve Heavenly Crystals from this single event.

Combined with the eight they had obtained earlier, they now possessed twenty Heavenly Crystals.

Unfortunately, their plan to purchase Heavenly Crystals with Spirit Stones [minerals that store spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] did not proceed smoothly. Even with a premium of twenty percent, the Golden Core Cultivators [cultivators who have formed a Golden Core] present still held out for better offers.

This Barter Convention featured many rare treasures, and often only hard currency like Heavenly Crystals could secure the high-grade items one truly desired.

With no other choice, the two descended from the platform. Eldrin Chen sighed with disappointment, "A pity. Such a rare opportunity, yet no one is willing to trade Heavenly Crystals for Spirit Stones."

"The rarity and extraordinary value of Heavenly Crystal [a purified and high-density form of Spirit Stone, extremely rare and valuable] was to be expected."

Lyra Jiang said calmly, then smiled. "We've gathered twenty Heavenly Crystal this time, but the Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] we have left for further trades amounts to only thirty million."

"Later, we shall travel across several great continents, seeking out suitable Golden Core Immortal Clan [an immortal clan with Golden Core Realm cultivators as its foundation] to trade with. We should be able to exchange all our remaining funds for more Heavenly Crystal."

"That seems to be the only way."

Eldrin Chen nodded, letting out a soft sigh.

The Barter Convention [a large-scale gathering where cultivators trade rare resources and treasures] lasted for three days. After it concluded, Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang walked out of the Zixu Pavilion. Visit audio-novel .c om to enjoy the complete series.

"Please wait a moment, you two."

Just as they were about to return to their Cultivation Cave [a secluded dwelling imbued with spiritual energy, used for meditation and cultivation], a voice called out to them.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw the speaker was none other than Hugo Huo, whose cultivation had reached the False Nascent Soul [a pseudo-realm between Golden Core Great Perfection and the true Nascent Soul Realm] realm. Naturally, Eldrin Chen would not be discourteous. He cupped his hands in salute. "Brother Hugo, what brings you to us?"

"Hahaha."

Hugo Huo let out a hearty laugh, looking at the two of them and said, "I noticed you were seeking to purchase Heavenly Crystal [a rare, high-purity crystal formed from condensed spiritual energy, used in advanced cultivation and artifact crafting], so I wished to speak with you."

"Oh?"

Lyra Jiang's eyes flickered slightly, her expression betraying nothing as she replied, "Could it be that you are willing to exchange Heavenly Crystal for Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]?"

"Precisely."

"However, the price..."

Hugo Huo paused, then with a smile, snapped his folding fan shut and said, "I'm afraid it would need to be raised somewhat."

Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang exchanged a glance, a spark of understanding passing between them. Eldrin promptly spoke up, "If the quantity you offer is sufficient, I am willing to pay a premium of twenty-five percent."

A twenty-five percent premium meant paying one-quarter above the standard value.

Yet, Hugo Huo shook his head, then nodded, tucking his fan away. "My Huo Clan has a reserve of seventeen Heavenly Crystal, which I had originally set aside to purchase a Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the perilous breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm]."

"Here is my offer: if you are willing to pay a thirty percent premium, I will sell you the Heavenly Crystal."

Eldrin Chen's heart stirred. Although the price was a premium of thirty percent higher, if it could save them a significant amount of time, it would be a worthwhile transaction.

After all, if they were to visit each province one by one, it would take them several years on average for each, and over the long term, it would inevitably delay their cultivation.

Having reached this conclusion, Eldrin Chen said, "We have a deal."

"Excellent." A look of delight appeared on Hugo Huo's face, but then he frowned and added, "The Heavenly Crystal [a supremely rare crystalline substance containing immense spiritual power] is exceedingly precious, and this time there was no Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the formation of a Nascent Soul] for sale, so I did not bring it with me."

"To complete this transaction, you will need to accompany me to Dawn Continent."

Lyra Jiang's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone turning cool. "The journey to Dawn Continent is long and perilous, fraught with towering mountains and treacherous rivers. It is hardly suitable. Would it not be better for you to bring the Heavenly Crystal to Heavenly Lake Continent? We shall wait for you here."

Hugo Huo shook his head firmly. "Dawn Continent lies several million Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] from here, separated by the Qilian Mountain Range. To traverse it would take at least half a year, and a round trip would consume one or two years."

"This old man has less than one Sixty-Year Cycle [a cycle of sixty years] remaining before his next attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a higher state of being]. Such a round trip is not only perilous but also a wasteful drain on my spiritual power. It is simply not worth the meager profit margin."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen frowned. After a long moment of silence, he said, "Crossing continents is a matter of great consequence. Please allow us to deliberate."

"Very well." Hugo Huo clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "Then I shall return to seek you both three days hence."

With those words, he turned and departed. Official source: AUDIO-NOVEL.COM. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.