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1Chapter 751 – Collapse of the South Sea Demon Region
2Since Xuan Wuji died, half a month had peacefully passed.
3In this half month, many matters had occurred.
4The news of Lin Ming chasing down Xuan Wuji over a space of several hundred thousand miles became increasingly intense. At first, not many people believed this. However, with the passage of time, all signs began to point to this news most likely being true. In particular, after 10 days, the Giant Leviathan once again appeared over the skies of Divine Phoenix Island. And in Divine Phoenix Island, the original disciples of that land had begun to reconstruct their sect on a massively grand scale!
5After seeing Divine Phoenix Island build new grand temples and plazas and all sorts of complexes, the South Sea Demon Region actually didn’t interfere. Instead, they retreated from the South Horizon Region and hid away.
6And then, just three days later, another matter occurred that caused all the great sects to be completely bewildered.
7That was hell up; the South Sea Demon Region branch in the South Horizon Region had been disbanded!
8The Demon Region disciples all went their separate ways. Some joined small sects, some concealed their identities, some went to mortal kingdoms, and some went off on into the distant lands. Overnight, the last stronghold of the South Sea Demon Region had quietly disintegrated.
9Now, the South Sea Demon Region that had survived in name only had completely crumbled away!
10The South Sea Demon Region that had a legacy of over 4000 years had disappeared like this?
11The sects of the South Horizon Region and Five Element Region couldn’t believe this. The South Sea Demon Region had once been a Holy Land level sect. From the time when the Silent Demon Emperor City had been destroyed 300 years ago until now, that mysterious and powerful South Sea Demon Region that had dominated the South Sea had now vanished. It was like everything they knew had been an illusion.
12It was no different from waking up from a dream.
13After several days, masters of the Five Element Region finally reached Divine Phoenix Island. There, they obtained news that left them shell-shocked.
14“Xuan Wuji is dead; Lin Ming killed him.”
15In front of important figures from the Five Element Region, Mu Bingyun recited this to them in a very calm tone.
16“What did you just say!?”
17The Sunfire Sect Sovereign stood up on the spot, his entire mind in utter chaos. For a long time, he didn’t respond to Mu Bingyun’s shocking words.
18“Xuan Wuji has died; therefore, the South Sea war has ended.” Mu Bingyun repeated without expression. Although her voice was calm and light, the truth was that her heart was not composed at all. She too was incomparably flabbergasted. Even though she knew that Lin Ming had a heaven-defying talent, she still didn’t dare to believe that it was real.
19“Lin Ming. killed Xuan Wuji? Heavens! He is only 21 years old!”
20The rumors that had reached deafening proportions said that Lin Ming had chased down Xuan Wuji over a distance of several hundred thousand miles. Many people couldn’t believe this to begin with, and now Mu Bingyun had spoken even more outrageous news: Xuan Wuji had actually been killed by Lin Ming!
21Since this was confirmed by Mu Bingyun, and in addition to everything that had occurred recently, this was most likely true!
22A 21-year-old Revolving Core youth had killed a fourth stage Life Destruction master! Then how monstrous would he be once he reached Life Destruction? Or the Divine Sea!?
23The many people present couldn’t help but wonder this terrifying question.
24Looking through the entire Sky Spill Continent’s history, and setting aside that blank period from 100,000 thousand years ago and before, a time had never been recorded when a late Revolving Core youth had killed a fourth-stage Life Destruction martial artist!
25When Emperor Shakya had comprehended seven kinds of martial intents and fused them all together underneath a Bodhi Tree, his martial path had broken through the void, and he ascended into the heavens. Since then, he had been known as the Sky Spill Continent’s number one genius. But even when Emperor Shakya was at Lin Ming’s age, he absolutely couldn’t achieve such a degree of strength.
26“Xuan Wuji was the top master of the South Sea. Since Lin Ming killed Xuan Wuji, he is now the top master of the South Sea instead!”
27“The Great Zen Temple’s presiding abbot and the South Sea’s Nanyun Wang were weaker than Xuan Wuji. Now, Lin Ming’s status is even higher than theirs! Even if you consider the formidable powers backing them, Lin Ming can still be treated equal to a holy abbot from the Great Zen Temple!”
28The entire Great Zen Temple had a total of three great abbots. The Great Zen Temple had a very deep and formidable strength, and they had dominated the entire Great Zen Region for thousands of years now. They were a fifth-grade sect truly worthy of that reputation. Whether it was power or their inheritance, they were stronger than the South Sea Demon Region in all aspects.
29No matter which abbot it was from the Great Zen Temple, they were an existence that the Sovereigns of the Five Element Region’s seven sects all had to respectfully bow to. But now, Lin Ming’s status had actually far surpassed the three great abbots’!
30At this time, let alone calling Lin Ming a ‘boy’, they didn’t even have the qualifications or gall to address Lin Ming by his full name.
31“To be on the same footing with an abbot from the Great Zen Temple. being the top master of the South Sea probably doesn’t mean much to Lin Ming. In the future, he will definitely become the number one powerhouse of the entire Sky Spill Continent!”
32As several Elders were discussing this, at a corner of the meeting table, Zhan Yunjian opened his mouth several times, wanting to speak, but was unable to force out any words due to the rumbling emotions in his heart. He wasn’t able to calm himself down. Spoken words could no longer describe the gap between him and Lin Ming.
33“Is there anything else? If there is no other matter to discuss then I shall not accompany you. Since Divine Phoenix Island is being rebuilt right now, I have many matters to attend to.”
34Mu Bingyun’s words seemed to awaken everyone from their dazed state. In truth, everyone wanted to meet Lin Ming and pay their respects, in particular the Sunfire Princess, Zhan Yunjian, Bai Aoxuan, and several other young disciples that had known of Lin Ming from long ago. However, no one dared to open their mouth and ask such a brazen question that could be considered as pestering.
35Like this, the envoys from the Five Element Region left the South Horizon Region. As they left, news of Lin Ming killing Xuan Wuji spread like a tide!
36The remaining forces of the Dire space Sect, Supreme Mystery Temple, and all the third-grade and second-grade sects of the South Horizon Region were discussing this shocking news with vivid excitement.
37Especially the disciples of the Seven Profound Valleys; they had been stirred into a frenzy. As long as Lin Ming didn’t perish in the future, he would eventually reach the Divine Sea realm and become a true Emperor level powerhouse! He would be considered a legendary existence within the Sky Spill Continent of which there was only just more than a hundred!
38Moreover, Lin Ming would not be some ordinary Emperor level powerhouse. In the future, they could brag to their descendants that their grandfather had once been in the same sect as an Emperor level powerhouse.
39Lin Ming had suddenly become the idol, goal, and dream of countless young disciples everywhere, and the object of admiration and love of innumerable young girls. Nearly all of them had been converted to Linmaniacs. Lin Ming had become the top master of the South Sea, but these young disciples couldn’t even reach the Xiantian realm. Even though they knew perfectly well that they could never reach the same heights as Lin Ming, all of them struggled their hardest to reduce the gap between them as much as possible, lest they regret it in the future.
40Ten days later, in the jungles of the Southern Wilderness, within a small tribe just shy of 100,000 people.
41“It’s wonderful, wonderful! There are truly living Gods!”
42A middle-aged man wearing the strange clothes of the Southern Wilderness was holding a crying baby as he knelt on the floor and began kowtowing. And, in front of this middle-aged man was a young black-clothed sorceress wearing a black veil. She had wide and charming eyes, curved like a crescent moon. Although her face was blocked by black gauze, one could still make out slender eyebrows that tapered out; she was obviously a peerless beauty.
43The sorceress was clearing up some medical tools. As she faintly glanced at the middle-aged man kowtowing before her, she expressionlessly said, “I will give you some medicine. Mix it with lukewarm water and divide it into seven portions and serve it for seven days.”
44With that, the sorceress waved her hands. With a sudden cool breeze, the middle-aged man was gently blown out of her tent.
45“Gods, it is the Gods!” The middle-aged man cried out in happiness, “The Sorcerer has appeared! He has sent a young witch to save us!”
46The middle-aged man hugged the baby tightly in his arms, walking back towards his home even as he knelt down every few steps to kowtow towards the sorceress’ tent.
47But in the tent, the sorceress remained silent, displaying no emotion at all.
48And at this moment, an old voice suddenly sounded from outside the tent. “Do you plan on continuing like this? Is there any meaning in saving the lives of a few mortals?”
49The sorceress calmly lifted her veil, revealing a beautiful face. She was the South Sea Demon Region’s Western Faction Sovereign, Xuan Yuqie.
50Xuan Yuqie gently shook her head, “There is no meaning.”
51“Then why are you still wasting your time here?”
52Xuan Yuqie shook her head once again, “From the moment I was born, all that I was, everything I did, all of that was for the Xuan Clan and the South Sea Demon Region. Now that the South Sea Demon Region is exterminated, the Xuan Clan has also dissolved. What meaning was there in anything I ever did?”
53As Xuan Yuqie retorted, the old man was dumbfounded. Indeed, there had been no meaning at all.
54Xuan Yuqie faintly sighed, saying, “Now that Xuan Wuji has died, from the original 18 Elders of the South Sea Demon Region, all that is left over is you and me. As for those sects that we destroyed, all of them wish for us to die. Perhaps in less than 10 days, the remnants of the Dire space Sect and Supreme Mystery Temple will gather their remaining forces to chase down the last of the South Sea Demon Region disciples. That includes you, and that includes me.
55“In a thousand years of life, spring and fall have all become a dream. In this vast and endless universe, is there any significance to anything we do? Since the world will not accommodate me, then I shall walk alone, seeking only harmony and peace in my heart, creating my own pure lands of bliss.”
56As Xuan Yuqie spoke to her, she stood up and let her veil fall back down. In this South Sea catastrophe, the South Sea Demon Region had been destroyed but she had lived. Now, her entire mentality towards life had changed.
57“You want to find peace in your heart, creating your own pure lands? Do you think the mortals you save in the second half of your life are enough to atone for the countless sins you committed in the first half? Forget it; everyone has their own choices to make. Anything I say will no longer matter. I plan on searching for some remote mountain and closing up in cultivation. Although I know it is impossible for me to reach the Divine Sea, I still hope that I can cross several more stages of Life Destruction. If I die during my attempts then I can only say that my fate has reached its end. When I was young I already resolved in my heart that I would explore the road of martial arts until I reached its end. If I die in the throes of crossing Life Destruction then that is still a worthy death for my final act!”
58“Xuan Yuqie, after we bid our farewells today, us fated paths will likely never cross again. I wish you good luck!” As the old man spoke he floated away, leaving a desolate tent flapping in the wind.
59Xuan Yuqie didn’t turn around. She only quietly said, “Farewell and goodbye. I wish you good luck.”
60Time marched on. In the blink of an eye, another two months passed. The main buildings of Divine Phoenix Island had been rebuilt already and many of the great training arrays were also in the process of repair. A massive number of disciples had returned to live on the island.
61But at this time, Lin Ming was faced with a problem that he had no choice but to face.
62That was. marriage.
63For an entire two months, Lin Mu had constantly badgered and spoken about this issue. Although she wasn’t too clear just what Lin Ming’s boundary and attainments were, she did understand one thing, and that was that Lin Ming was destined to soar into higher realms, leaving everyone else further and further behind.
64It would be increasingly rare for her to see Lin Ming. And when Lin Ming left, it might not even be strange for him to disappear for 10-years at a time. In this case, how could Lin Mu not desire a grandchild?
65This was a reasonable argument. In fact, because Lin Ming had stepped onto the road of martial arts and doomed himself to constant loneliness, he felt extremely guilty towards his parents. Now facing the justified request of his mother, he naturally couldn’t reject her.
66Moreover, over the years, it wasn’t like Lin Ming was a blockhead with no emotions or urges. He too had very sincere feelings of genuine affection. He also hoped for this.
67Chapter 752 – Lin Ming’s Wedding, the Divine Kingdom Prince
68South Horizon Region, Scarlet Peak City –
69Scarlet Peak City was a relatively large city in the South Horizon Region. This was because it was where the headquarters of a top third-grade sect were located.
70Just a few years ago, because of the invasion of the South Sea Demon Region, Scarlet Peak City had gone into decline with many of the martial artists relocating elsewhere. However, with the death of Xuan Wuji, Scarlet Peak City was once again booming with the hustle and bustle of vibrant crowds.
71At this time, in a high-class restaurant in Scarlet Peak City, there were several martial artists sitting together and talking. “I heard that the Young Emperor of Divine Phoenix Island will have his great marriage in another month! The entire Divine Phoenix Island is now lively with countless guests from all around. Many important characters of the South Horizon Region and Five Element Region will be attending. Even the Sovereign of an ordinary third-grade sect doesn’t have the qualifications to go into the main hall, they can only enter the side halls!”
72“Whew, to think even a third-grade sect Sovereign can only go to a side hall.” A martial artist commented with some emotion as he drank. All of them came from the third-grade Scarlet Peak Sect. It was rare for them to even see a Sovereign level character. To them, that was already a very high existence.
73“Who did you say was getting married just now?” As the several martial artists spoke, a lazy voice suddenly drawled out.
74The several people followed the voice and saw that in a corner of the restaurant, there was a young man wearing a yellow Kirin robe, a purple gold crown on his head. The young man was fiddling with a wine glass, and beside him were three beautiful women accompanying him, one of them a young nun.
75As the group saw this, the reaction of a common man would have been to become jealous and upset, cursing at this man in his heart that he would be such a lucky pig.
76And these martial artists were no exception. The leading Scarlet Peak Sect disciple couldn’t tolerate this any further and shouted out, “Divine Phoenix Island’s Young Emperor Lin Ming’s wedding! It will happen in just a month!”
77After Lin Ming killed Xuan Wuji he had become the shining star of the South Horizon Region. No one dared to call Lin Ming by his full name any longer.
78From the start, they had referred to Lin Ming as the Holy Son of Divine Phoenix Island, Great Hero Lin, and so forth. Later, the name of Young Emperor Lin Ming had randomly caught on and this name had spread out.
79In their opinion, Lin Ming would inevitably become a Peerless Emperor in the future. Referring to him as Young Emperor now was also an appropriate matter.
80“I see, so it really is him.” The Kirin-robed youth was the Divine Kingdom Prince, Li Yifeng. When he had arrived at the Great Zen Region, he had also heard of Lin Ming’s name. Now, accompanied by his bevy of beauties, he leisurely made his way to the South Horizon Region where he learned of Lin Ming’s great wedding.
81“Young Emperor? This Lin Ming actually dares to refer to himself as Young Emperor?” A young maid dressed up as a beautiful noble girl didn’t take this very well. “Not even my young master dares to take this sort of name. Yet this Lin Ming only comes from a small fourth-grade sect and he dares to call himself Young Emperor? That is far too arrogant!”
82“Arrogant?” The Scarlet Peak Sect disciple stared with wide eyes, as if he had heard wrong. What sort of small fourth-grade sect? It was like these people looked down on all fourth-grade sects in general. “Humph, what would you know? Young Emperor is not a title that Lin Ming calls himself, but is what all the martial artists of the South Horizon Region have recognized him as. Young Emperor Lin is so young and yet he managed to defeat Xuan Wuji. His talent far surpasses anyone from the present or from ancient times. It is inevitable that he will become a Peerless Emperor, so what is so wrong with calling him Young Emperor now?”
83The young maid curled her lips, apparently not convinced, “Who cares about who you South Horizon Region martial artists have recognized? Over 90% of the Emperor level powerhouses are concentrated in the four Divine Kingdoms in the center of the mainland. Your South Horizon Region is only a very ordinary region in the Sky Spill Continent. In these past several thousand years has an Emperor level powerhouse ever been born from here?”
84The young maid’s question left the Scarlet Peak Sect disciples speechless. It was indeed true that there hadn’t been an Emperor level powerhouse born from the South Horizon Region in a very long time. In fact, even the Netherworld Great Emperor from 3000 years ago was not someone from the South Horizon Region but had come from somewhere else instead. This was not because the South Horizon Region was inadequate, but because it was hard to find a single Emperor level powerhouse in the majority of the Sky Spill Continent’s ordinary regions. Even the Great Zen Region was in a similar state.
85There were many Emperor level talents but very few Emperor level powerhouses. This was because an extraordinary young elite only had to come across a lucky chance and, coupled with their own astonishing talent, this was enough for them to join the ranks of Emperor level talents. But after that, there was still an extremely long road to cover before becoming a Peerless Emperor. It was possible that one wouldn’t cross any greater lucky chances on this road, and these talents would easily exhaust their potential, finally stopping in Life Destruction.
86Furthermore, many geniuses perished along the way. To cross the stages of Life Destruction was to risk your life every time. For a human to reach the Divine Sea, they would have to overcome countless difficulties and make innumerable gambles with their lives.
87This was still the South Horizon Region after all. After hearing the young maid’s words, many martial artists refused to listen further. They all stood up together and said, “You dare to bully my South Horizon Region?”
88For a time, the young maid had become the target of everyone.
89As Li Yifeng saw this, he laughed out loud and said, “Everyone, please do not take offense. This young maid is just a silly girl and was speaking some nonsense just now. Please don’t be too agitated, hm?”
90As Li Yifeng spoke in a conciliatory tone, the standing martial artists didn’t want to cause a stir because of a little girl and they immediately sat back down.
91The young maid had a very morose expression. She said with a true essence sound transmission, “Young Master, why do you apologize to these stupid fellows. You can beat them all up with just a finger!”
92One of Li Yifeng’s eyebrow curved up, “What meaning is there in bullying these common mortals? Speaking of this Lin Ming’s big wedding, it should be rather interesting. Let’s go and have some fun.”
93One month later, Divine Phoenix Island –
94After Xuan Wuji died, Divine Phoenix Island finished rebuilding in just three months. And then, Lin Ming’s wedding soon followed. Nearly all the Life Destruction level powerhouses from the southern point of the Sky Spill Continent had received invitations to Divine Phoenix Island.
95This great wedding was singlehandedly managed by Mu Yuhuang. The marriage of a Divine Phoenix Island Saintes was a major event to begin with. And added with the fact that Lin Ming was the top master of the South Sea, it had become even more extravagant.
96To be the top master of the South Sea at such a young age, his future prospects were endless.
97Such a grand event naturally needed to be handled well and with the utmost care. 
98For several days, the skies above the entire Divine Phoenix Island were covered by multi-hued rays of light like a kaleidoscope of colors. Everywhere one looked, there were shimmering clouds of iridescent light. Occasionally, a flaming Vermilion Bird or frost Blue Luan would fly back and forth between the clouds, as if this island were a true immortal paradise!
99On the main island, all sorts of immortal grasses and trees bloomed at the same time under the driving force of an array formation. For a time, the entire Divine Phoenix Island was filled with the vibrantly aromatic and sensual sense of the wild, fragrant scents floating in all directions. Among the scintillating clouds, grandiose palaces and temples of jade thrust into the heavens as if it were a scene from a dream.
100With Lin Ming’s fame in the South Sea, nearly every Life Destruction level martial artist invited came. Below Life Destruction, countless Revolving Core martial artists had already arrived early at Divine Phoenix Island. As for the third-grade sects and above, even if their Sovereign didn’t come, there would at least be a Vice Sovereign present.
101And below that, there were even many unremarkable Xiantian martial artists that arrived; there were even some martial artists that weren’t in a sect. These people didn’t have an invitation, but had come anyway to experience such a grand celebration in the South Horizon Region that could only be seen once every several thousand years.
102And several thousand years wasn’t an exaggeration. With Lin Ming’s current limelight, only the Netherworld Great Emperor of 3000 years past could compete with him in fame. In this situation, in just three short days, nearly 10,000 martial artists had arrived at Divine Phoenix Island and more were coming every minute.
103For those martial artists that weren’t invited, Divine Phoenix Island didn’t turn anyone away. In order to hold a massive celebration for Lin Ming, Mu Yuhuang had several reception halls built in the surrounding miles around where the ceremony would take place. For this great wedding ceremony, Divine Phoenix Island had spared absolutely no effort.
104“Dire space Sect Elder, Lian Chihue!”
105“Storm Valley Vice Valley Master, Zhan Yuntian!”
106“Sunfire Sect direct disciple, Huo Ruyan!”
107“Nanyun Wang!”
108The master of ceremonies announced the names of arriving guests in order. As Nanyun Wang’s name was announced, Lin Ming’s mind stirred. He looked around to see a middle-aged man in a nine-clawed dragon robe and wearing a purple gold jade belt. He walked forwards, laughing, with a beauty on each of his arms.
109When Nanyun Wang was entering the Demon God Imperial Palace, he also had a similar appearance where he was surrounded by beautiful women. Nanyun Wang was a martial artist who followed the demonic path to begin with. It was rumored he had a harem of 3000 beauties, all of them as pretty and exquisite as flowers with a high martial talent. If any one of these women were placed in a small country then they would definitely be a proud daughter of heaven in their lands.
110“Nanyun Wang!”
111Lin Ming cupped his fists together in greeting.
112“Haha, Lin Ming, if I didn’t see you with my own eyes then I still wouldn’t be able to believe that it’s been less than three years since we ventured into the Demon God Imperial Palace. Originally, I thought you were just a common junior, but in the blink of an eye you’ve turned around and actually became the top master of the South Sea! That is truly incredible!”
113Now that things had come to this, Nanyun Wang naturally wouldn’t bother with the matter where he was played around with by Lin Ming in the Demon God Imperial Palace. In just three years, Lin Ming’s cultivation had risen by two large boundaries. This sort of matter could be said to be unprecedented ever since ancient times.
114As all of these high-level characters arrived, all of them also brought along wedding gifts. There were all sorts of top-grade true essence stones, heavenly materials, treasures, and many other valuables.
115Mu Yuhuang met every guest one at a time. Seeing Divine Phoenix Island enjoying such a flourishing state, her heart was filled with emotion.
116“Great Zen Temple’s third abbot, Grandmaster Konghe!”
117After Nanyun Wang, another esteemed guest arrived. Great Zen Temple had a total of three abbots; Abbot Whitebrow was only one of them. For Lin Ming’s grand wedding, Abbot Whitebrow didn’t come but Abbot Konghe did. He was similarly at the third stage of Life Destruction.
118“Grandmaster Konghe.”
119Towards this sort of venerable monk, Lin Ming politely bowed. Thinking about his trip into the Demon God Imperial Palace, he still had to thank Abbot Whitebrow for protecting Divine Phoenix Island. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to depend on Mu Fengxian alone to contend with the South Sea Demon Region.
120“Benefactor Lin is so young yet has reached the late Revolving Core realm. Moreover, your strength is above even a fourth stage Life Destruction master’s. In the future, your accomplishments will be immeasurable.” Grandmaster Konghe held his hands together and recited some Buddhist blessings.
121“Grandmaster’s praise is too kind. Please come this way, I’ve had a set of vegetarian dishes especially prepared for Grandmaster and other eminent monks.”
122“Supreme Mystery Temple Master, Guru Guang Shang!”
123“Golden Bell Mountain Sovereign, Golden Sword Sage!”
124“Divine Kingdom Prince; uh; Li Yifeng!”
125At the wedding banquet, the master of ceremonies announced visiting guests based on the identity they wrote down. At this time, there shouldn’t be someone bored enough to pretend to be someone else. When the master of ceremonies read the title of Divine Kingdom Prince, he almost stumbled over his words thinking that he had read it wrong. Was this Divine Kingdom Prince real or fake?
126Everyone’s eyes turned as the master of ceremonies introduced this character. They only saw that at the entrance of the main hall, there was a young man in a purple robe walking in, playing with a folding fan as a young maid and a young nun followed on both sides of him.
127Divine Kingdom Prince? Of the four Divine Kingdoms?
128Lin Ming narrowed his eyes. This Li Yifeng’s cultivation should be at the late Revolving Core realm – the same as him. From his appearance, he should be around 30 years old, just a bit older than Duanmu Qun.
129The four great Divine Kingdoms had Crown Princes and Princes. The rank of Prince was somewhat lower than Crown Prince, but they were still dragons amongst humans. If one didn’t have talent then it was simply impossible for them to enjoy the title of Prince.
130Chapter 753 – The Mysterious Girl
131“He is a Divine Kingdom Prince?”
132The eyes of nearly all martial artists present locked onto Li Yifeng. The four Divine Kingdoms were the highest level of existing powers within the Sky Spill Continent. Compared to the four Divine Kingdoms, other regions were like small mountain villages.
133For instance, take the Great Zen Region. Within the Great Zen Region, a high-level Life Destruction martial artist would be the top master. But in the four Divine Kingdoms, a Divine Sea Supreme Elder was a top master; high level Life Destruction martial artists were relatively common.
134Compared to the other regions, the four Divine Kingdoms were an entire boundary stronger.
135Originally, when rumors spread that a Crown Prince from the Divine Kingdoms had come to the South Horizon Region, Yin Yang Profound Palace’s Xing Can had immediately gone out to visit him with her son. From this, one could see the difference in status.
136Thus, even though this Li Yifeng was not a Divine Kingdom Crown Prince and only a Prince, that was already amazing enough.
137Lin Ming couldn’t determine Li Yifeng’s exact strength but he could approximate it. His cultivation was at the peak of the Late Revolving Core period and he was already making great progress towards Life Destruction. His cultivation was around half a minor boundary higher than Lin Ming’s and his foundation was also extremely solid; he should have the power to contend with a Life Destruction Master. As for what the limit of his strength was, Lin Ming couldn’t say.
138For such a character to call himself a Divine Kingdom Prince, Lin Ming didn’t suspect this at all.
139Of course, after experiencing the Realm of the Gods’ Ancient Phoenix Clan, Lin Ming didn’t feel anything particularly special about this Divine Kingdom Prince at all. As Li Yifeng approached, he cupped his fists together in greetings and said, “I didn’t think that there would be a Prince from one of the four Divine Kingdoms attending my wedding. It is truly a great honor.”
140“Haha, I just happened to be playing around in the South Horizon Region and I heard that Brother Lin here already became the top master of the South Sea at such a young age, so I became a bit curious. In my life, I love to make friends with the heroes of the world the most. I came without invitation, so if there’s any way in which I was disrespectful I humbly request Brother Lin to forgive me.”
141“Brother Li is too polite. Since a Divine Kingdom Prince comes to visit, please make yourself welcome in my home.”
142Lin Ming and Li Yifeng paid compliments to each other. But at Li Yifeng’s side, the young maid actually pouted, quietly probing Lin Ming’s Revolving Core in his dantian.
143Rashly investigating others’ dantian was an extremely rude form of behavior. Lin Ming’s composure didn’t change; he only shielded himself from her perception as he continued to greet his guests.
144But because that young girl couldn’t find out much, she still didn’t give up and decided to investigate Lin Ming’s meridians. Finally, Lin Ming turned a tad unhappy. He silently released the Asura force field so that it only bloomed within him without leaking outside in the least. Thus, no one could sense a difference in Lin Ming’s aura.
145And at this time, the young maid who was probing Lin Ming’s body suddenly shook. Her face turned white as she took several steps back, the blood tumbling in her body.
146“Qing’er, you’ve been up to nonsense again and now you’ve suffered a loss. I already said that Lin Ming was able to kill Xuan Wuji at such a young age and become the top master of the South Sea, so he must be accomplished. How could you possibly be his match? If I’m not wrong, what he did just now was use a kind of force field. This is an extremely rare ability which even I don’t have.”
147Li Yifeng was secretly surprised. This move that Lin Ming so casually exposed was actually such a unique ability.
148The young maid called Qing’er curled her lips, not too convinced. “What’s so special about a force field? Although Young Master doesn’t have a force field, you’ve already reached an extraordinarily high understanding in Wind Laws. That is more powerful than any force field. Even his highness the Crown Prince is inferior to you in the aspect of Laws!
149“Then again, he is only the top master of the South Sea. If Young Master participated in the South Horizon Region then you too could have obtained that title. As for killing Xuan Wuji, I’ve already investigated that matter. There was simply no one who saw that fight. Who knew if Lin Ming killed Xuan Wuji himself or whether or not he had someone come help him, or perhaps he might have used some dastardly trap on Xuan Wuji. Also, who knows whether Xuan Wuji is as powerful as the rumors say? I’m just not convinced that this martial artist from such a tiny South Horizon Region actually dares to call himself Young Emperor. Even Young Master doesn’t dare to call himself that. In fact, Young Master should have a match with this Lin Ming to show him just how fierce our four Divine Kingdoms actually are!”
150Li Yifeng’s eyes widened and he testily said, “Dumb little girl, stop pulling nonsense out of your ass. It should be right that Xuan Wuji was a fourth stage Life Destruction powerhouse. And even if he was the weakest of fourth stage Life Destruction martial artists, that still isn’t a character I can deal with. I don’t know whether Lin Ming killed Xuan Wuji by himself or not, but what I do know is that Lin Ming is absolutely strong. If I fight him and win, others will not commend me for doing so. And if I lose – a result which seems far more likely to happen – then I’ll have disgraced myself. Remember, today we came to eat for free. We’re here to make friends, not to fight!”
151Lin Ming’s confrontation with Qing’er was very subtle, but what kind of characters were the martial artists present? There were naturally many people that noticed what happened.
152In a corner of the main hall, Lan Xin was drinking a cup of scented tea. She laughed and said, “It seems that Divine Kingdom Prince’s maid isn’t too convinced by Lin Ming!”
153Sitting near Lan Xin, Duanmu Qun said, “That probably isn’t a maid. She’s so young but she’s already at the Revolving Core realm. Also, her foundation isn’t too shabby either. She’s probably the royal concubine of that Divine Kingdom Prince and is only dressed up to look like a maid.
154“What do you think of that Divine Kingdom Prince?” Lan Xin thoughtlessly asked.
155“He seems like a cynical playboy, but in fact his will is strong, his foundation is solid, and his strength is extraordinary. If our cultivations were the same then I could fight with him, but since his cultivation is higher than mine, there isn’t any way for me to do so.”
156Cultivation was one of the most important factors of strength. Duanmu Qun could jump ranks to fight, but that was only compared to other more ordinary geniuses. If he compared himself to someone with his own level of talent, then half a small boundary of difference in cultivation was a nearly insurmountable gap.
157After Divine Kingdom Prince Li Yifeng appeared, more and more great figures made their appearance. But compared to Li Yifeng, all of them had been eclipsed by him.
158As the grand ceremony was about to begin, a row of unusual guests caught Lin Ming’s attention; they were actually people from the deep-sea Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan.
159Several months ago, in order for the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan to obtain the Giant Leviathan’s marrow, they had joined forces with Xuan Wuji to chase down the beast, finally forcing it 300,000 miles under the sea into a trench.
160Afterwards, Lin Ming escaped in the darkness and made a visit to the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan, killing many people in a massive slaughter. But, the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan Patriarch still couldn’t give up on the Giant Leviathan’s marrow and also decided to help Xuan Wuji in laying down the great illusionary array formation.
161Lin Ming had returned at this point. Because he had chased Xuan Wuji over hundreds of thousands of miles, Lin Ming simply didn’t bother caring about the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan Patriarch. Like this, he had escaped this fatal catastrophe.
162“What are you here for?” Lin Ming’s voice was grim, his expression cold.
163“Lin; Young Emperor Lin, I came this time to respectfully congratulate Young Emperor Lin on your wonderful marriage and also to bring a congratulatory wedding gift. If there was any place in which I caused offense before, I ask Young Emperor Lin to be merciful and broad-minded.” The one who headed this group was exactly the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan Patriarch of before. He truly feared Lin Ming from the depths of his soul now. After all, the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan still had to survive in the South Sea. Since they had offended Lin Ming, they would likely be doomed to extinction in the future.
164Although he feared that Lin Ming would deal with him here, he had no choice but to come and personally apologize. He hoped that in front of so many honored guests and on such a joyous occasion, Lin Ming wouldn’t start a scene.
165“Wedding gift?” One of Lin Ming’s eyebrows curved up as he maintained his icy attitude.
166“Mm; yes, it’s this.”
167The Turquoise-Eyed Ape Patriarch clenched his teeth, seeming to make a gesture of great determination as he swiped his spatial ring and brought out a crimson jade box. As this jade box appeared, an incomparably rich fire origin energy suddenly emanated outward.
168Lin Ming was surprised, but Mu Yuhuang’s eyes began to shine with a happy light. This was a spirit vein source! And a fire-attribute one at that!
169A spirit vein was the fundamental basis for the existence of a sect.
170Only when a sect had their own spirit vein could they ensure that there would be a rich heaven and earth origin energy in their territory and then attract martial artists to join their sect. When Divine Phoenix Island was destroyed, Mu Yuhuang had led the remaining disciples to live under the yoke of Yin Yang Profound Palace, and a great reason for this was because of Yin Yang Profound Palace’s spirit veins.
171Generally speaking, the higher grade a sect was, the higher grade their spirit veins would be.
172Divine Phoenix Island was only a fourth-grade sect and the grade of its spirit veins had been just enough for them. But with Lin Ming becoming increasingly strong, Divine Phoenix Island would inevitably rise in strength too.
173At that time, a low-grade spirit vein would become a hindrance in the development of the sect.
174To solve this problem, they could either relocate the sect or find a spirit vein that could be transplanted, that is, to find the so-called spirit vein source.
175There weren’t many spirit veins in the Sky Spill Continent to begin with, and there were even fewer spirit veins that could be transplanted. This sort of treasure could not be purchased with money. Moreover, to find one with a matching attribute was far more difficult!
176Mu Yuhuang had been worrying about this matter but she never expected that the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan Patriarch would send out a gift of a spirit vein source, and one that wasn’t of a low-grade either!
177This was truly a generous gift!
178“Hehehe! Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan Patriarch is far too kind. This old woman must be disrespectful, it is truly a shame, ah!” Mu Yuhuang smiled so brightly that even her dimples showed. Although she spoke politely, she had no qualms at all about receiving this gift. With a quick swipe of her right hand, the jade box of the spirit vein source was placed into her spatial ring.
179She naturally knew the reason that the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan was willing to pay such a hemorrhaging price. In the end, it all came down to Lin Ming being far too strong.
180Seeing Mu Yuhuang take in this spirit vein source, the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan Patriarch felt his heart ache as if it were dripping blood. This sort of treasure was also incomparably precious to their Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan.
181The Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan focused on water-attribute cultivation methods, thus fire-attribute spirit veins were useless to them to begin with. However, a fire-attribute spirit vein source could be exchanged for a similar water-attribute one. It was only because spirit vein sources were so rare that they hadn’t exchanged it in such a long time. Now, he had to politely bow and humble himself while giving this spirit vein source to Divine Phoenix Island. How could he possibly be happy with this?
182But there was no other choice. Compared to a spirit vein source, the survival of their clan was far more important.
183Since the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan was willing to offer such a generous gift, Lin Ming didn’t bother to pursue past matters on such a joyous occasion. In truth, this spirit vein source really was too important to Divine Phoenix Island; it was something that could only been found through a stroke of fate.
184At this time, the auspicious moment had arrived. The wedding was about to begin.
185And at this time, with another announcement from the master of ceremonies, several strangely-clothed middle-aged people appeared in the main hall. These three all had a thick demonic energy around them; they were clearly demonic path martial artists.
186Lin Ming didn’t recognize any of these three. But, at the side of demonic path martial artist in front, there was a young girl who looked like his concubine. As Lin Ming looked at her, he felt his heart go cold, his eyes unable to leave her.
187Chapter 754 – Jade of the Goddess
188The young woman that the demonic path martial artist brought along only seemed to be just under 20. She had a slender and beautiful figure and a pair of still eyes with a strange dark gray light in her pupils. Her face was pleasant to look at and there was a mysterious tattoo mark on her cheek.
189The young woman’s appearance and the strange mark on her face were not the reason that Lin Ming had lost his sense of decorum. Rather, there was an azure-colored jade pendant hanging over her chest. Engraved at the center of this jade pendant was a mystical design, as if it were a bird-like totem.
190This jade pendant exuded an extremely pure energy; one could see at first glance that it wasn’t an ordinary object. However, it wasn’t an offensive-type treasure either. In fact, it was difficult to judge just what sort of function this jade pendant had.
191“This jade pendant;”
192Lin Ming sucked in a breath of cold air. When he had been in the 1000-mile forbidden zone in the Eternal Demon Abyss, Lin Ming had rushed his way into the lair of a bunch of corpse devils. It turned out that the lair was actually the ancient grave of a Goddess that had slept there untouched and unblemished for 100,000 years or even longer. Originally, Lin Ming hadn’t wanted to recklessly disturb the remains of such a figure, but as he covered the sarcophagus and was leaving, he heard the faint call of a woman’s voice summoning him back.
193Lin Ming had turned around and opened the sarcophagus again. Then, he had discovered a jade pendant and a necklace. As he was exploring the Goddess’ body, to his amazement he discovered that the Goddess still had a heartbeat. From there, Lin Ming had sensed the heart of a Great Emperor from within her that had been beating for all these tens of thousands of years!
194Lin Ming had touched the jade pendant of the Goddess. It was nearly exactly the same as the jade pendant that this gray-pupil woman was wearing in front of him, whether it was the design or the energy that it emitted.
195If it wasn’t for the fact that Lin Ming had just now confirmed that the Goddess’ jade pendant from the grave was still in his spatial ring, he would have thought they were the exact same.
196Lin Ming’s improper actions had fallen into the eyes of that demonic path martial artist. That martial artist frowned, obviously unhappy. His possessive nature was very strong and he naturally didn’t want others to be staring at his concubine like this.
197“Young Hero Lin, could it be that you’ve met my concubine in the past before!?”
198The demonic path martial artist’s unhappy inquiry broke through Lin Ming’s thoughts. Lin Ming thought little of it and looked up at these three unexpected guests.
199Of these three demonic path martial artists, all of them had Life Destruction cultivations. Two of them were at the third stage of Life Destruction and one of them was at the second stage of Life Destruction. What Lin Ming was surprised by was that martial artist in the lead was the one with a second stage Life Destruction cultivation. He also seemed to be the youngest, looking just over 30 years of age. As for the two third stage Life Destruction martial artists, they seemed to be following the orders of that second stage Life Destruction man.
200These weren’t people who came from near the South Horizon Region. Otherwise, it was impossible for such masters to remain unknown; Lin Ming would have already heard about them.
201Lin Ming frowned a bit as he thought about what the goal of these three individuals could be. But at this moment, Li Yifeng’s true essence sound transmission resounded in his ears, “Brother Lin’s friends truly come from far and wide! If I’m not wrong then these three come from the number one bandit group of the northwestern barren desert. Although they are bandits, the truth is that they are also a super sect with an inheritance of over 7000 years!
202“Their sect had an Emperor level powerhouse appear just 2000 years ago. Now, that strange Emperor level monster should be living in seclusion somewhere in the great desert. Even my father has to give several points of respect to him. As for this second stage Life Destruction demonic path martial artist, he should be one of the Little Masters of the Northwest Great Desert, Wang Yichan. Although he is at the second stage of Life Destruction, his true combat strength far surpasses his cultivation boundary. When he was young he was the most famous talent of the Northwest Great Desert. He was able to fight Revolving Core powerhouses at the Xiantian realm and fight Life Destruction masters at the Revolving Core realm. I never thought that he would be interested in Brother Lin and wish to become friends! Hahaha!”
203“Become friends?” Lin Ming was speechless. He certainly wasn’t naïve enough to think that this person had come out of nowhere to meet him. As a martial artist of the righteous path he was, in a way, enemies with demonic path martial artists, so relations would always be ambivalent.
204Lin Ming cupped his hands together and said, “Today is my wedding celebration. What are you gentlemen here for?”
205Wang Yichan laughed twice and cupped his hands back in respect. “I am the Young Master of the Northwest Great Desert Demon region. I heard that the South Sea Demon Region’s Great Elder Xuan Wuji died under Young Hero’s hands. May I confirm whether or not this matter is true?”
206Lin Ming thought for a moment and then nodded, “Yes.”
207“So, it was so;” Wang Yichan shook his head and slowly said, “Young Hero Lin may have killed Xuan Wuji, but you may not know that Xuan Wuji had a number of cooperative deals with my Northwest Great Desert. Now that Xuan Wuji has died, these deals have naturally become invalid. More importantly, Xuan Wuji still owes my Northwest Great Desert a number of benefits that haven’t been returned.”
208“Deals?” Lin Ming’s eyebrows shot up. Most of Xuan Wuji’s so-called deals had to do with helping him break through to the next boundary. “Are you saying that Xuan Wuji broke through to the fourth stage of Life Destruction with your help?”
209“Young Hero Lin is fleet of thought!” Wang Yichan said without reservation, “Xuan Wuji indeed managed to barely cross the fourth stage of Life Destruction with my Northwest Great Desert’s help. But, the promises that he made haven’t been fulfilled, and this has caused massive losses to my Northwest Great Desert.”
210“I see.”
211No wonder Xuan Wuji was still able to forcefully break through the fourth stage of Life Destruction even though he didn’t obtain a complete Nirvana Dragon Root; it was all because he had the Northwest Great Desert secretly assisting him. The Northwest Great Desert must have paid a great price for this and Xuan Wuji must have also promised to repay a number of benefits. However, now all of that had become water leaking through a bamboo basket.
212The Northwest Great Desert had helped Xuan Wuji to destroy Divine Phoenix Island in a way, and also to break through to the fourth stage of Life Destruction. If it wasn’t for this, then the Giant Leviathan wouldn’t have been sealed in the deep-sea trench for four months. Lin Ming held his arms against his chest and looked at Wang Yichan with indifference. In the end, what they had done was more or less unrelated and their domains were different to begin with, so there wasn’t anything to pursue here.
213“Mister Wang shouldn’t have come to my grand wedding just to say these sorts of things, then, what are you here for? Stop going in circles and say what you want.” Lin Ming asked, straight to the point.
214“Haha, since Young Hero Lin is being so frank then so shall I! Xuan Wuji broke through to the fourth stage of Life Destruction, causing a number of problems and dangers for Young Hero Lin. Conversely, Young Hero Lin also killed Xuan Wuji, making us suffer a number of losses. Our areas of influence and goals are different to begin with so this matter should end here. But before that, my Northwest Great Desert provided Xuan Wuji a number of items. He still hasn’t paid for these items yet, but that’s how things are. Still, these items belong to my Northwest Great Desert. Now that Xuan Wuji has died, I’m sure that his spatial ring must have also fallen into Young Hero Lin’s possession!”
215“And?”
216“I hope that Young Hero Lin will return these two items. First, there is a white jade key, and secondly, there is a Life Destruction Pill!”
217“Hahaha!” Lin Ming laughed out loud. Lin Ming had indeed seen these two objects in Xuan Wuji’s spatial ring. As for that white jade key, that should be a kind of item used to open the entrance to a mystic realm. But, that Life Destruction Pill was of great help to a martial artist to cross the stages of Life Destruction; it was an incomparably precious medicine.
218Wang Yichan frowned, “Young Hero Lin, what is it? Do you have some doubts?”
219“Doubts? What a joke!” Lin Ming’s smile suddenly disappeared. “These items are indeed in my hands, but you actually open your mouth and call them your Northwest Great Desert’s treasure? Who would actually believe that? Moreover, they could be said to be called tools that you provided to Xuan Wuji to destroy Divine Phoenix Island. According to your words, you lent a saber to Xuan Wuji so he could murder others, and I should allow him to kill me. But if I killed Xuan Wuji instead, then I have to return that weapon to you still? Is there any logic in the world as ridiculous as this!?”
220Lin Ming was originally someone with a strong character to begin with. As he loudly spoke these words, the guests in the main hall also began to shout back.
221“What Young Emperor Lin said is right; the Northwest Great Desert has gone too far!”
222“Even though that’s true, the Northwest Great Desert is too powerful. Even one of their Young Masters is at the second stage of Life Destruction, and not an ordinary one at that too. His two guards are also at the third stage of Life Destruction. It is far too difficult for Divine Phoenix Island to think of contending with such a super power!”
223The Northwest Great Desert had an Emperor level powerhouse so it could be called a Holy Land level force. However, Divine Phoenix Island was a mere fourth-grade sect. There simply wasn’t any comparison between them.
224In the end, the Northwest Great Desert was using their greater status to bully others. If Divine Phoenix Island was a force on the same level as the four Divine Kingdoms, then they wouldn’t have dared to come here so rashly.
225Wang Yichan grimaced. Still, he didn’t lose his composure. He calmly said, “Young Hero Lin, I can make some concessions to you. That white jade key is one of the keys necessary to open a mystic realm left behind by a sixth-grade sect that was ruled by a Supreme Elder of the demonic path. All seven of these keys are needed to open the mystic realm. You can rely on this key to join us in entering the mystic realm and even obtain a treasure from within.”
226In Wang Yichan’s eyes, this was already a very attractive condition. To explore a mystic realm left behind by an ancient demonic path Supreme Elder, this was a chance that could even move an Emperor level powerhouse. Life Destruction masters would absolutely go crazy for it!
227Lin Ming was only at the late Revolving Core realm. If he went and casually shared in some of the treasure then he could revel in it.
228However, he never imagined that Lin Ming would flat-out refuse, “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested!”
229Who cared about the Holy Lord of a sixth-grade sect? At most it would be a mystic realm on par with the Demon God Imperial Palace. After Lin Ming had gone to Timeworn Phoenix City and experienced the Chaos Stones, Ancient Phoenix Totems, God Transforming Mirror, and other such great lucky chances, these types of mystic realms no longer held much interest to him. Moreover, entering a dangerous and unknown mystic realm with a bunch of demonic path martial artists was simply a recipe for disaster. It was highly likely that he could even be killed inside. Lin Ming wasn’t arrogant enough to think that he was unrivalled to anyone in the Life Destruction realm. There were far too many Life Destruction powerhouses in the world that vastly outstripped Xuan Wuji in strength.
230Wang Yichan’s face finally sank to the ground. Their Northwest Great Desert was a Holy Land level force and he had even humbled himself to come to a fourth-grade sect to negotiate. This was already showing due reference and face to everyone involved. Yet, this fellow Lin Ming actually reached for a yard after taking an inch.
231“Lin Ming, we’ve come here with enough sincerity, so what do you want?”
232Lin Ming thought for a moment, his eyes faintly sweeping past the concubine standing next to Wang Yichan. Then, he said, “If you want this jade key, you must exchange it for that woman as well as a spirit vein source of the fourth grade or above!”
233Lin Ming’s few words left the entire audience dumbfounded. Even Mu Yuhuang was rattled. There was nothing wrong with Lin Ming asking for a spirit vein source, but he also wanted that woman?
234Mu Yuhuang looked at that girl. The girl didn’t even seem 20 years old. With her Houtian realm cultivation at that age, her talent could be considered adequate but nothing spectacular. It also needed to be mention that Lin Ming wasn’t someone who was controlled by his primal urges of lust, but even if it were a demon path vandal that walked the road of obscenity and lasciviously drooled over women, they still wouldn’t trade a priceless key to open a mystic realm for a woman!
235Everyone thought that Wang Yichan would agree to this matter and then haggle over the matter of the spirit vein source, but they didn’t imagine that Wang Yichan would scowl and say, “Lin Ming, you would rather do things the hard way than the easy way!?”
236Chapter 755 – Swords Drawn
237Wang Yichan’s words were a clear threat; the atmosphere immediately became tense.
238Although a fourth-grade spirit vein source was precious, it was still absolutely obtainable to a power on the level of the Northwest Great Desert.
239Before this, the Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan Patriarch had taken out a fire-attribute spirit vein source at the quasi fifth grade, thus he felt pained in his heart to do so.
240Now with Lin Ming wanted to exchange a mystic realm key for a fourth-grade spirit source vein, that wasn’t too expensive or demanding at all.
241But, the crux of this entire matter was – that jade pendant woman!
242“Interesting, very interest! He doesn’t love treasures but loves beauties, Hahahaha!” Li Yifeng said with zest as he drank some wine in a corner of the hall.
243“Does Young Master think that everyone is as depraved as you are? There must be some problem with that woman if they are fighting over her!” Li Yifeng’s maid grumpily said.
244“But;” The young maid suddenly smiled, a bit happy that there was a ruckus occurring, “No matter what the situation is, it’s quite lively right now. If they fight then that Wang Yichan boy won’t be easy to deal with. He is a talent himself and he’s also crossed the second stage of Life Destruction; it’s hard to estimate just how high his true combat strength is. I think it’s most likely for Lin Ming to lose here. Since he claims to be a Young Emperor then this should be fun. I wonder just how this whole debacle will end.”
245“Your naughty girl, your heart is no good at all. But, this Wang Yichan is indeed fierce; it won’t be easy to deal with him.” Li Yifeng licked his lips. Whether it was Lin Ming or Wang Yichan, both of them would be future overlords of their own domains. Although Divine Phoenix Island was the weaker party right now, Wang Yichan wouldn’t do something so brash as offending a potential future powerhouse.
246Lin Ming didn’t expect that Wang Yichan would have such a violent reaction. As he looked at the young woman standing next to him, he discovered she simply stood there like a block of wood, her gray pupils not even having the slightest change in them. From just looking at her, one felt a deep sense of pity and regret for her existence.
247This woman; she shouldn’t have been willing to be Wang Yichan’s concubine. Rather, she had been forced. She was completely indifferent to Lin Ming asking for her, as if her heart had died out long ago.
248What sort of secret was on her? How was it related to the Goddess in the Eternal Demon Abyss?
249For a time, all sorts of thoughts flashed through Lin Ming’s mind. The reason that he had wanted this mysterious woman to begin with was because he wanted to ask her about her life experiences as well as her family. Secondly, he wanted to conceal the secret of the jade pendant. If he directly requested the jade pendant from Wang Yichan then it would easily arouse suspicions. If Wang Yichan thought that there was some special secret with the jade pendant then he would definitely refuse.
250But now, it looked as if this young woman had an extraordinary significance to Wang Yichan.
251Lin Ming caused all sorts of suspicions to rise in his heart; there was definitely something special about her.
252“I can provide you a top fourth grade spirit vein source, but as for my concubine, I advise you not to think about that any more. I hate others encroaching on my women the most!”
253Lin Ming replied with a true essence sound transmission, “Sir, if I’m not wrong then this woman is still a virgin. Although she is your concubine, you have no intention of marrying her, am I right? As long as I can borrow this woman then that will be enough. As for the fourth-grade spirit vein source, the quasi fifth grade spirit vein source from the deep-sea Turquoise-Eyed Ape Clan will be enough. I need to borrow this woman for three years, and three years from now I will return her to you untouched. When that time comes, you can again receive her into your room!”
254The reason that Lin Ming said these words was first to probe if Wang Yichan was only interested in the jade pendant young woman’s beauty. Secondly, he asked for a three-year deadline because three years from now, Lin Ming’s strength would definitely have risen to another level. At that time, he would have the strength to negotiate better terms. After all, the Northwest Great Desert was a Holy Land level force; Lin Ming didn’t wish to become enemies with them.
255“Lin Ming, stop repeatedly testing my bottom line, otherwise I will turn your grand wedding into a funeral!” As Wang Yichan spoke he released a thick killing intent. This also confirmed Lin Ming’s guess. Wang Yichan definitely didn’t keep this woman around him for her beauty. In fact, it was unknown whether or not she was even his concubine.
256“Turn my wedding into a funeral?” Lin Ming coldly smiled, “It’s true that you are from a Holy Land, but so what? If we really fight then I will have the Giant Leviathan lead everyone from Divine Phoenix Island deep into the South Sea. I don’t believe that in such a vast South Sea I won’t be able to evade you. And then, dozens of years from now, I will instead kill my way into your Northwest Great Desert. At that time, it’s hard to say just how the situation will turn out!”
257“Kill your way into my Northwest Great Desert a few dozen years from now? Hahaha!” Wang Yichan recklessly laughed, “Others call you Young Emperor, but do you really believe you are capable of entering the Divine Sea dozens of years from now? How ridiculous! I don’t need the future, just here and with my strength alone I can already dye Divine Phoenix Island in blood!”
258As Wan Yichan spoke to here, a red light appeared in his eyes and a faint black fog seemed to emanate from him as if he were ready to erupt at any moment.
259Although there were many esteemed guests here, the strongest among there were Nanyun Wang and Abbot Konghe of the Great Zen Temple. Both of them were third stage Life Destruction masters. However, they were still guests here and as heads of their own forces, they wouldn’t meddle in affairs of the Northwest Great Desert and Divine Phoenix island.
260As for everyone else, they were nothing to speak of.
261Seeing the tense atmosphere that was ready to blow up at any second, the guests present turned somewhat white. This other party was not easy to handle. Wang Yichan’s foundation was extremely solid; it was hard to say where the limits of his strength were!
262Both of them were geniuses, but Lin Ming was only at the late Revolving Core compared to the second stage of Life Destruction. That was a large boundary and a small boundary’s difference added together.
263Jumping ranks to fight wasn’t terrifying, what was terrifying was for a favored son of heaven to jump ranks to fight amongst his peers. Even a difference of half a small boundary was extremely difficult to overcome.
264No matter how one looked at it, Divine Phoenix Island looked a bit powerless here. It would be an injustice if they were swept up in the mess and ended up perishing.
265“Young Master, why are still talking nonsense with this brat. Just capture him and take what you need away. If he remains a thickheaded idiot who still wants to chew off more than he can chew, just kill him!” Behind Wang Yichan, a third stage Life Destruction Elder drew out his weapon.
266Ha!
267A sharp origin energy immediately cut several nearby wedding tables in half, causing a number of exquisite jade tableware pieces to fall onto the ground, broken.
268As Lin Ming saw this he scowled. This was his grand wedding banquet after all. With all these esteemed guests gathered here at his home, it should be a festive and auspicious event. But, for this person to draw out his weapon like this was truly slapping his face in public.
269At this time, two women appeared in the main hall – they were Mu Qianyu and Qin Xingxuan. According to normal wedding customs, Mu Qianyu should be waiting in the nuptial chambers while Lin Ming greeted and entertained the guests outside. But now that matters had devolved to this level, she had no choice but to appear.
270“Master, what’s happening?” As Mu Qianyu saw the scene unfolding in the main hall her complexion paled a bit. Mu Yuhuang quickly placed Mu Qianyu behind her, her expression solemn. “Yu’er, tell Demonshine to ready the Giant Leviathan, the situation is very bad right now!”
271Wang Yichan simply didn’t care about what Mu Yuhuang was doing. He coldly smiled and with a flick of his finger, a palm-sized jade dish flew up, falling atop his fingertips where it rapidly spun around.
272Lin Ming was startled as he saw this. As for Li Yifeng, his complexion completely changed. This was; a battle spirit!
273“That brat Wang Yichan has comprehended his own battle spirit!?”
274Generally, only Divine Sea powerhouses were able to form their own battle spirit. But, there were occasionally extraordinarily talented martial artists that were able to comprehend their own battle spirits in the Life Destruction realm. The growth of a battle spirit followed that of a martial artist’s cultivation. Thus, the earlier a martial artist comprehended a battle spirit, the more potential for growth there was in the future.
275‘To comprehend a battle spirit at the second stage of Life Destruction, there are many Divine Kingdom Princes and Crown Princes that aren’t able to achieve this. It seems this Wang Yichan has an amazing talent in the aspect of martial arts will!’
276Li Yifeng sighed in his heart. In this regard, he had no choice but to be ashamed at his own inferiority!
277A talent often had particular areas in which they excelled. For instance, Li Yifeng excelled in the Concept and Laws of Wind. His comprehension of the Concept of Wind had already caught up to that of a Divine Sea Supreme Elder.
278But, while this Wang Yichan was clearly extraordinary in the aspect of will, it was possible that he was relatively weak in the comprehension of Laws. There were very few geniuses that were strong in all aspects.
279It wasn’t just Li Yifeng, but the worldly and experienced Great Zen Temple’s Abbot Konghe also recognized this battle spirit. He bowed his head and began to recite Buddhist sutras. It appeared that this situation seemed more and more likely to end poorly.
280“Lin Ming, I will give you a final chance to hand over that jade key. You have already aroused my anger, now I will no longer pay you any compensation.”
281Lin Ming narrowed his eyes and looked at the spinning jade plate above Wang Yichan’s fingertip. This person obviously thought far too highly of himself. Otherwise, he would have poured his battle spirit into his own treasure weapon instead of a jade plate.
282As he glanced over at the grey-pupiled young woman standing beside Wang Yichan, he noticed a sad light in her eyes as if she were mourning for her fate. Lin Ming was inexplicably touched; just what sort of story was behind this woman?
283“It seems you insist on dying! Then, let me help you along!”
284Wang Yichan coldly coughed, suddenly throwing out his palm. The battle spirit-infused jade dish was like a death-dealing wheel as it cut straight towards Lin Ming’s neck. In that moment, the degree of hardness of that small jade dish had reached that of a heaven-step treasure!
285“Be careful!”
286Mu Qianyu and Qin Xingxuan cried out in the same time, their hearts in chaos. At this time, they couldn’t imagine just what they would do if Lin Ming was harmed.
287Lin Ming’s vision condensed and he flicked the fingers on his hand. A battle spirit wrapped around the air, howling forth like an arrow!
288A battle spirit was immeasurably fast. In a flash, the battle spirit of the air and the battle spirit of the small jade dish violently collided.
289With a ‘peng!’ sound, the small jade dish split in half. As for that battle spirit infused air current, it continued to cut towards the point between Wang Yichan’s eyebrows without slowing.
290“What!?”
291Wang Yichan was greatly shocked. Waving his right hand, he immediately brought up a black long sword!
292With a loud ringing sound of metal crashing, the battle spirit smashed into the blade of the black sword. The long sword trembled!
293That Li Yifeng who had been drinking some good wine and watching the play unfold was dumbfounded on the spot. His mouth opened wide, wine pouring down the corners of his mouth as he looked on in shock, seeming like an old man suffering from senility.
294A battle spirit was powerful but it also depended on what kind of object it was attached too. Attaching it to a treasure obviously provided the strongest striking power. In his arrogance, Wang Yichan had underestimated his opponent and only used a jade dish. But, Lin Ming was even more arrogant and had only used the air!
295Air was even lighter and frailer than that small jade dish. But, in Lin Ming’s hand, air had actually broken through that small jade dish!
296Chapter 756 – Duel of Battle Spirits
297The wisp of air pierced through the small jade dish and still had ample force left over to shoot towards Wang Yichan. Wang Yichan took his sword out to block it, but the strike still caused his low-grade heaven-step treasure sword to tremble. From this alone, the difference in the two battle spirits could be imagined!
298“This Lin Ming, if I’m guessing correctly then I fear that battle spirit has nearly reached large success of the bronze level!” Li Yifeng sucked in a breath of cold air. Even the young maid standing beside him had widened eyes. As someone who also came from the four Divine Kingdoms, she naturally understood what it meant to have a bronze level battle spirit at large success.
299Every level of a battle spirit was divided into four ranks: elementary, small success, large success, and perfection. It wasn’t wrong that Wang Yichan was talented, but he had still just formed his battle spirit several years ago and its rank had slowly reached the elementary rank. As for Lin Ming, his battle spirit was already at the peak of small success; there were even many Divine Sea powerhouses that hadn’t been able to achieve this degree yet!
300A difference of a little more than a boundary wasn’t much at all, however, Wang Yichan’s cultivation was at the second stage of Life Destruction and Lin Ming was only at the late Revolving Core. If Lin Ming were to step into the second stage of Life Destruction then it was possible for his battle spirit to reach bronze level perfection, and perhaps he could even obtain a silver battle spirit before he reached the Divine Sea!
301A silver battle spirit was a legendary existence. Thus, the gap between the two could be seen from just this.
302‘With a mere late Revolving Core cultivation his battle spirit has already reached the peak of small success. Then, when did Lin Ming form his battle spirit? The early Revolving Core realm?
303‘Or even extreme Xiantian?’
304As Li Yifeng thought this, he felt a chill crawl up his spine. Even that young maid who didn’t think too much of Lin Ming was also shocked speechless. In terms of will, Lin Ming’s talent in that category had exceeded her understanding.
305Perhaps; he really did kill Xuan Wuji by himself.
306As this thought echoed in the young maid’s heart, she closed her dropped jaw.
307If Li Yifeng could think of this then Wang Yichan was even clearer on what was happening. As for Great Zen Temple’s Abbot Konghe, although he didn’t understand the different ranks of battle spirits, he was still able to determine that Lin Ming’s battle spirit was far more formidable than Wang Yichan’s.
308In that moment, Abbot Konghe felt that the world of juniors had reached a level that was nearly impossible to catch up to. Maybe in a few decades, or even less, these juniors would reach heights that he couldn’t even comprehend.
309“Lin Ming, I never thought that you would also have a battle spirit.” Wang Yichan’s lips twitched. His battle spirit was his ultimate killer move. He had intended to use it to shock and awe the entire audience, but he never imagined that Lin Ming would turn it around to shame him instead.
310His heart sank as he thought to himself, ‘My battle spirit has a demonic path attribute to it. I was too careless just now and didn’t use the special attribute. If I go all out, then a difference of a small boundary shouldn’t matter too much.’
311Wang Yichan couldn’t stand that he had been defeated in what he excelled at the most. This was a major blow to his self-confidence.
312“Slaughter path attribute, battle spirit assault!”
313A black light suddenly erupted in Wang Yichan’s eyes, turning into a substantiated sword of will that thrust straight at Lin Ming!
314Wang Yichan had comprehended a battle spirit when he was crossing through Life Destruction. Moreover, what he comprehended was a rare specialized battle spirit. This battle spirit had a slaughter path attribute; it was able to display the strongest destructive power in battle, even able to directly extinguish the life force of an opponent!
315A duel of battle spirits?
316Lin Ming’s mind stirred. Before this, he had heard Demonshine say that martial artists with battle spirits could battle in the world of will through their battle spirits.
317Wang Yichan was the first martial artist Lin Ming met who had a battle spirit. Before this, although he had never truly fought with a martial artist in the world of will, he had done something similar during his stay at the Road of Emperor. There, when Lin Ming faced the road of will lights, in order to pass every light, he would have to enter the will world and engage the residual will of the past Emperors in battle.
318Lin Ming was not a stranger to battles within the world of will. In fact, it was quite familiar to him.
319Lin Ming’s thoughts focused and the battle spirit floating in his spiritual sea transformed into a long spear that roared forth!
320An azure ray of pure will shot forth from between Lin Ming’s eyebrows, meeting Wang Yichang’s sword of black will.
321Peng!
322As both battle spirits collided, Lin Ming and Wang Yichan both arrived at the world of will.
323Without further ado, Wang Yichan flicked his finger and a massive black python appeared out of thin air, rushing towards Lin Ming. This was a python formed from Wang Yichan’s thoughts. In a battle within the world of will, victory didn’t depend on cultivation methods of martial skills; even cultivation didn’t have that great of an influence. Rather, it purely depended on whose will was stronger.
324Compared to the road of will lights Lin Ming had once faced, Wang Yichan’s battle spirit was far inferior. An azure long spear shot forth like a meteor, drilling right through the black python.
325A great deal of black blood rained to the ground. Wang Yichan devilishly grinned and then loudly shouted, “Slaughter energy, swallow all!”
326At that moment, the thick black fog burst out from the python’s body, swallowing up that azure long spear.
327With a ‘chi chi chi’ sound, the black mist melded into the spear shaft as if it were trying to assimilate with it.
328Wang Yichan laughed, “Lin Ming, my battle spirit has a slaughter path attribute! I can extinguish your life and swallow your will!”
329Battle spirits could also have different attributes?
330Lin Ming’s mind stirred. He hadn’t heard Demonshine mention this point before.
331Lin Ming wasn’t unfamiliar with slaughter path attribute abilities. When he completed his twelve-winged Heavenly Demon Tattoo he had obtained the slaughter path attribute Death God force field. But, this was a battle in the world of will. He couldn’t use the Death God force field here unless he reproduced it using his own will. In the end, a battle in the world of will depended entirely on whose will was stronger.
332But he didn’t need the Death God force field to begin with. If a battle spirit could have an attribute then Lin Ming’s azure will also have an attribute. That was – endlessness!
333“Break!”
334Lin Ming gave a deep shout and an azure light suddenly radiated outward. With a resounding dragon roar, an Azure Dragon impacted the heavens, thrusting its claws out and directly ripping apart the black python’s body to pieces.
335Lin Ming had obtained only a single drop of reverse scale blood, but the truth was that its quality was far higher than the blood of the Ancient Phoenix.
336The blood of the Ancient Phoenix was only ordinary phoenix blood. In the legends, a Phoenix God Beast preyed upon Giant Leviathans. Its size was no less than that of a Golden-Winged Roc, and when it spread out its two wings it was able to hide the endless blue skies. It was difficult to say just how much blood such a creature had!
337As for that drop of reverse scale blood Lin Ming had obtained in the Sorcerer Pagoda, that came from an Azure True Dragon’s reverse scale. For dragons that had a reverse scale, to touch it meant death. The blood from the reverse scale was only inferior to blood essence. Naturally, the quality was much higher than a phoenix’s ordinary blood.
338Bang bang bang!
339The black fog was completely scattered by the azure energy. After exterminating the black python, the azure dragon rushed forth with unstoppable force, firing right into Wang Yichan.
340“damnit!”
341Wang Yichan angrily cried out as he produced a long sword, cutting it towards that azure dragon.
342Peng!
343The long sword broke apart and Wang Yichan’s body was torn in half by the azure dragon’s claws. With a miserable scream he was thrust out of the world of will, his eyes opening even as his body dripped with a cold sweat and his face became pallid.
344In the world of will where the battle had only lasted for three breaths of time, Wang Yichan had been defeated!
345Lin Ming opened his eyes looking calm as usual. As his cultivation constantly rose, his battle spirit became increasingly close to breaking through to large success of the bronze level. Within the Sky Spill Continent, a Divine Sea powerhouse with a large success bronze level battle spirit could be considered extraordinary.
346“Lin Ming!”
347Wang Yichan’s mouth twitched as he gasped for breath in great gulps of air. In this fight of battle spirits, his main body hadn’t been damaged but his will had been injured. It would be several days before he was restored to his peak condition.
348He was unwilling to accept that defeat just now and wanted to fight Lin Ming again in the real world. However, after having lost just now, fighting again would not leave any good impressions on those present and even winning would mean he lost face. Moreover, Wang Yichan had been frightened in that exchange just now; he wasn’t too confident that he could defeat Lin Ming, even in the real world.
349“Wang Yichan, if I’m not wrong then that so-called concubine of yours was captured from somewhere and then had a spell placed on her. Although I won’t call myself some sort of honorable gentleman, I wouldn’t do anything recklessly shameful. If you two truly loved each other then I would have no objections, but now, taking her from your hands is well within reason!”
350Lin Ming’s words were much more reasonable, and now that he had won that battle against Wang Yichan just now, all of the initiative had fallen into his hands.
351“Lin Ming, do you truly wish to become enemies with my Northwest Great Desert? Have you clearly thought about just what the consequences will be like!?” Wang Yichan said out loud before continuing with a true essence sound transmission, “I will trade a fifth-grade spirit vein source for that white jade key!”
352Wang Yichan had no choice but to lay down the threat of sect extermination. But at this moment, Li Yifeng laughed and stood up, “Brother Wang, you’ve already lost what there is to lose, can’t you afford what you lost?”
353Wang Yichan followed the direction of the voice. As he saw Li Yifeng casually standing at the corner of the main hall, his heart jumped. This was definitely another extraordinary young elite! This person must come from some great power. “You are;”
354“I am Li Yifeng!”
355“Li Yifeng! Prince of the Seven Star Divine Kingdom! To think that such a solemn and dignified Divine Kingdom Prince would actually come to Lin Ming’s wedding celebrations. Could it be that your Seven Star Divine Kingdom is trying to recruit Lin Ming?”
356Wang Yichan felt his heart go cold as he saw Li Yifeng. This Li Yifeng’s comprehension of the Law of Wind had reached an extremely high level and his foundation was incomparably solid too. He had at least twice the amount of total true essence that a normal Revolving Core martial artist would have, and the power of the stars was sealed in his right hand, greatly strengthening him.
357Of course, Wang Yichan wouldn’t care about these things at all. After all, Li Yifeng’s cultivation wasn’t that high. But what Li Yifeng represented actually caused Wang Yichan to feel a pang of fear.
358Li Yifeng represented one of the four Divine Kingdoms, the Seven Star Divine Kingdom!
359Compared to the four Divine Kingdoms, the Northwest Great Desert was far lacking in all aspects.
360The Seven Star Divine Kingdom wanted to win Lin Ming over to their side?
361Wang Yichan couldn’t help but think this. If this were so, then what grounds did his Northwest Great Desert have to threaten Divine Phoenix Island?
362“The jade key and the Life Destruction Pill!”
363Wang Yichan spat out these words in a livid rage. He did care about the Life Destruction Pill, but what was most important here was that mystic realm key. In truth, this key contained some of Xuan Wuji’s works inside, otherwise it would never have been placed with him to begin with. If every key wasn’t collected then they would be unable to open the mystic realm left behind by that demonic path Holy Lord.
364Lin Ming waved his hand and two jade boxes flew towards Wang Yichan. After Wang Yichan received them he swept his perception through them quickly and then coldly humped, “We’re leaving!”
365Wang Yichan brought his two underlings and left in great strides, leaving behind that woman with gray pupils to stand quietly in the main hall. Slowly, everyone’s visions turned towards her.
366Chapter 757 – Duanmu Qun, Lan Xin, Feng Shen
367“What is your name?”
368Lin Ming asked as he looked at the young woman with the jade pendant.
369The young woman’s dark gray pupils flashed with indifference; she didn’t bother answering Lin Ming’s question.
370The guests present were secretly whispering amongst themselves. Just what was so special about this young woman that Lin Ming would trade a mystic realm key for her? And it seemed as if Wang Yichan was extremely reluctant to do so, as if he had suffered a great loss in the process.
371“Xingxuan, please take her away and have someone unravel the spell on her. Let her have some rest and don’t let anyone disturb her.” Lin Ming thought that this young woman had some emotion problems at the moment. It was best to let her relax for some time before he asked her about her life and what the secret to that jade pendant was.
372The young woman was taken away, leaving all the guests disappointed. They were all curious individuals and also wanted to see just what was so special about this young woman.
373“I sincerely apologize for frightening everyone just now. Everyone, we shall exchange for some new tables and dishes and continue the celebrations once more!” Lin Ming cupped his fists across his chest and apologized to all the guests.
374To have such a ruckus at a wedding banquet would normally cause a loss of face. However, Lin Ming’s actions had been sharp and decisive. Not only did he not lose any face, but it instead caused his prestige to rise even more. It seemed that being top master of the South Sea was no longer an adequate title to describe Lin Ming.
375“Lin Ming’s battle spirit is only a small step from reaching large success of the bronze level. Moreover, it seems his battle spirit also has a strange attribute to it, otherwise it would have been impossible for him to defeat Wang Yichan with such ease.”
376Li Yifeng said as he waved his fan. He was becoming more and more interested in Lin Ming. “This is a true talent. If we can win him over to our Seven Star Divine Kingdom then that will be a great boost to us.”
377“Young Master wants to win him over to enter our Divine Kingdom?” The young maid near Li Yifeng asked with surprise.
378“Hehe, he has his own sect so directly pulling him into our Divine Kingdom won’t be easy. Such an extraordinary youth won’t necessarily be willing to enter our Divine Kingdom. But, even if we can’t win him over, being on good terms with him is also good!”
379To the melody of an orchestra, the entire banquet continued on in a festive mood. After some time, a youth jumped onto the central stage platform and loudly exclaimed, “I am the Dire space Sect’s Mo Shaoyun. I would like to show off my meager skills for the entertainment of all!”
380“Haha, to dance around by yourself is too boring. I am Supreme Mystery Temple’s Sun Tai, how about I dance with you?” Another youth also jumped onstage. Although he called this ‘dancing’, the truth was that it was a contest.
381Of course, in order to ensure that it remained in step with the festivities they would use as many fancy and beautiful moves as possible.
382In the traditions of the Sky Spill Continent, whenever a large-scale celebration occurred where heroes and young elites from all over gathered together, it would be the time when the young disciples of the great sects had their chance to show off their skills.
383During Revered Master Tianguang’s birthday banquet there had also been a great number of heroic young elites that had gone onstage to show off their skills. At that time, Lin Ming had broken apart Lei Jingtian’s plot, cut down Lei Mubai, and from that point on his name had begun to resound in the South Horizon Region.
384Of course, the current Lin Ming had gone from an invisible young disciple of a sect to the top master of the South Sea. He naturally wouldn’t play around with these fellow juniors.
385As Li Yifeng’s maid, Qing’er, saw this, her eyes lit up. A battle of juniors from the South Horizon Region normally wouldn’t enter her eyes to begin with. Compared to the four Divine Kingdoms, the South Horizon Region’s heroic young elites were not much at all. Lin Ming was simply a completely different beast.
386“Heehee, I want to try too.” Qing’er jumped onstage, her early Revolving Core cultivation stunning all the young elites present. Li Yifeng wryly smiled. Normally, martial artists that participated in such banquets would be around 17 or 18 years old. Qing’er’s age had actually surpassed this measure.
387“Would anyone like to come up?” Qing’er issued a challenge out loud. The disciples of the South Horizon Region and Five Element Region immediately began complaining of this bitter situation in their hearts. Facing this girl, anyone young who came up would just embarrass themselves, but anyone older couldn’t step up. For a time, there was an awkward silence.
388“I’ll play with you.”
389At this time, a voice sounded out and Lan Xin stepped onstage.
390Lan Xin and Qing’er were around the same age. Both of them were beautiful and exquisite young girls; they naturally attracted everyone’s attention.
391“Who is this blue-clothed girl with the pointy ears?”
392“She’s likely Young Emperor Lin’s friend. She’s so young and yet she wants to fight with a Divine Kingdom disciple?” The guests talked amongst themselves. To them, Lan Xin was an unknown.
393“Her opponent is a Revolving Core martial artist. Can this blue-clothed girl really win?”
394As a martial artist of the Fey race, Lan Xin’s cultivation was at the peak of a one-star Fey King; her cultivation was only a step away from reaching the boundary of a two-star Fey King. Because of the different cultivation systems, none of the guest’s present were able to see through Lan Xin’s cultivation.
395“Who are you?” Qing’er didn’t think that anyone would actually come up and challenger her, especially one that was at her age. If she hadn’t seen just how terrifying Lin Ming was with her own eyes, she would never have placed anyone here in her eyes to begin with.
396“Fey race, Blue Silver Forest, Lan Xin!” Lan Xin announced the name of her Blue Silver Holy Land without any intention of hiding it. There were just far too many strange races in the Sky Spill Continent. In the South Sea alone there were already innumerable deep-sea tribes. To have someone from the Fey race appear was only a novelty, nothing more.
397“What is the Blue Silver Forest? I’ve never heard of it before!”
398“Maybe it’s some island from deep within the South Sea, or maybe some forest at the bottom of the sea. This is the first time I’ve heard about this Fey race too.”
399The martial artists present discussed amongst themselves. Naturally, none of them had ever heard the name of the Blue Silver Holy Land before.
400Li Yifeng was playing with his fan but in truth he had already noticed Lan Xin, Duanmu Qun, and Feng Shen. These three were obviously not common talents of their generation. As for how strong they were, he had no idea. “I wonder where these strange races came from; their cultivation paths are extremely peculiar. They don’t seem much older than Qing’er, but even knowing her cultivation they still dare to challenge her. It seems they are also top talents!”
401Although Qing’er was Li Yifeng’s maid in appearance, the truth was that she was also a talented genius girl from the Seven Star Divine Kingdom. Her talent was worse than a Divine Kingdom Prince’s, but not by much.
402Lin Ming smiled as he saw Lan Xin and Qing’er step up onstage, posturing themselves as they prepared to show off their skills. A one-star Fey King was slightly better than a human early Revolving Core. Lan Xin was a peak one-star Fey King and could advance into a two-star Fey King at any given time. This was nearly equal to a human middle Revolving Core powerhouse.
403Lan Xin had the advantage of cultivation to start with and her talent was only inferior to Duanmu Qun’s. This was truly bullying others.
404As the many guests were expressing how they thought this battle would unfold, Lan Xin and Qing’er had already started battling each other.
405Most of the people present didn’t think Lan Xin had a chance of winning, but the result actually left them all stunned. In just three moves, Lan Xin had already broken apart Qing’er’s hairpin.
406Qing’er was originally an arrogant and overly proud girl. How could she stand taking such a blow, especially when her opponent didn’t look any older than her? She couldn’t allow this to stand!
407Not being convinced in her heart, Qing’er completely went all in. However, her defeat came even quicker. Lan Xin’s cultivation completely suppressed Qing’er from all directions. In just two simple moves, Qing’er’s long sword was sent flying away by Lan Xin. The victor and the loser were already evident.
408The outcome of the battle had surprised everyone, causing the atmosphere of the celebrations to immediately heat up. Everyone’s discussions revolved around Lan Xin. No one thought that there would be so many heroes gathered at Lin Ming’s wedding banquet.
409Qing’er returned to her own seat in a depressed state. She had gone up onstage to show off, but in a surprising turn of events she had been kicked into the mud instead.
410“I told you not to underestimate others.” Li Yifeng laughed as he patted Qing’er on the shoulder. He had already guessed that if Lan Xin dared to go onstage then she must have confidence in her own strength. But, he didn’t think that this Lan Xin girl would be able to defeat Qing’er so easily.
411“Are you still talking? I’ve already lost any face I had left! I have no idea what that girl ate growing up, she simply isn’t human at all!” Qing’er mumbled in a low voice. She felt that she had completely shamed herself just now.
412“That young girl indeed has a suspicious origin.” Li Yifeng said as he bit his fan, his eyes shining. These friends of Lin Ming had truly surprised him. He had simply belittled the heroes of this world too often. That Lan Xin girl alone was already at the level of a Divine Kingdom Prince. As for those other two, they certainly weren’t common either.
413Besides Lin Ming, Li Yifeng also began noticing Lan Xin, Duanmu Qin, and Feng Shen.
414“Haha, how about it? Does Brother Duanmu wish to go to the four Divine Kingdoms to have a look?” Lin Ming said to Duanmu Qun with a true essence sound transmission as he saw Lan Xin win with relaxed ease. This match was probably encouraged by Duanmu Qun. He wished for Lan Xin to spread out the reputation of the three of them in order to pave the way for their eventual entry into the four Divine Kingdoms.
415The four Divine Kingdoms was where the outstanding young elites of the Sky Spill Continent gathered. If Duanmu Qun and the others went to the four Divine Kingdoms, they would naturally meet these people and duel with them in order to make progress. But, in order to know these people, they first had to expose part of their strength.
416“Mm, I was indeed thinking that. Walking 10,000 miles is better than reading 10,000 books. The three of us came to the Sky Spill Continent to adventure and gain experience so that we wouldn’t remain frogs in a well. If the four Divine Kingdoms are where the Holy Lands of the Sky Spill Continent are located, then we naturally must go there.”
417“Haha, I was also planning to make a journey to the four Divine Kingdoms, but; I have to wait some time before then.”
418Lin Ming had already made plans for the future. First, he wanted to study alchemical techniques and inscription techniques. The reason to learn auxiliary skill was to enhance one’s soul. And the further one went in the road of martial arts, the more important the soul became. The soul was needed to move true essence, and even a battle spirit was carried within the spiritual sea. If one’s soul was weak and fragile then it would be much easier to encounter bottlenecks in the future.
419This was also the reason why so many Supreme Elders from the Realm of the Gods learned their own auxiliary skills. Much less, Lin Ming also cultivated the Eight Inner Hidden Gates, so he would need a massive amount of medicines to complete his body transformation. Completely relying on lucky chances to supply him with the medicines and treasures he needed was clearly unrealistic.
420But in order to study alchemy techniques to a high degree he would need a massive amount of materials, all the way from low grade materials to heavenly treasures. This was a very high demand. It would be difficult to find all of the things he needed in a small place like the South Horizon Region.
421“I’ve already guessed that Brother Lin is planning to go to the four Divine Kingdoms, but we plan on setting off by ourselves first. Perhaps the three of us might even separate in the four Divine Kingdoms.” Duanmu Qun said with a faint smile.
422The gap between their strength and Lin Ming’s strength was already quite high, and this disparity was destined to increase, meaning that it was nearly impossible for them to continue journeying together. For instance, a mystic realm that Lin Ming could enter didn’t mean that they could necessarily follow, and Lin Ming might not be interested in a mystic realm that they could enter.
423“Mm, good, then this wedding celebration will also be my farewell gift to Brother Duanmu!”
424Lin Ming’s wedding ceremony would last for an entire seven days. Of these seven days, Lin Ming only needed to appear on the first day to personally entertain his guests. For the remaining period, all of that would be singlehandedly managed by Mu Yuhuang.
425At night, Lin Ming finally arrived at his marriage nuptial chambers. And at this time, Mu Qianyu was sitting on a large bed, having waited there for a long time. Beside her, Qin Xingxuan was gazing in a bronze mirror, carefully helping her dress up.
426Chapter 758 – The Wedding Night
427“Little Sister Xingxuan, is my hairpin crooked?” Mu Qianyu asked Qin Xingxuan as she traced her hair.
428“No, it’s beautiful.” Qin Xingxuan covered her mouth and chuckled. A wedding night was the most beautiful time of a woman’s life. Mu Qianyu naturally hoped that the most beautiful moment would also unfold tonight.
429At this time, Qin Xingxuan heard the sounds of footsteps approaching. As she turned around she saw that Lin Ming had entered the room.
430The laughing Qin Xingxuan suddenly stood up like a frightened rabbit, at a loss of what to do.
431Mu Qianyu tightly gripped onto Qin Xingxuan’s hand and pulled her to sit back down. In truth, Mu Qianyu was also feeling extremely nervous at this time.
432Whether it was Mu Qianyu, Qin Xingxuan, or Lin Ming, they were all neophytes of love. Although Lin Ming’s strength was abnormal and his talent was monstrous, facing things like feelings or how to coax a girl into happiness, he was absolutely ignorant towards all of this.
433Martial artists weren’t like common mortals. They did fall in love, but their emotions didn’t manifest in yearning and dreaming of others every few days.
434Towards Mu Qianyu and Qin Xingxuan, Lin Ming had never spoken words like ‘I love you’ or ‘I like you’. He had never even made promises or asked questions such as ‘marry me’ or ‘be my wife’.
435This was because mortals were not good at controlling their emotions. Once they were touched by emotions, all of their thoughts would go into chaos and they could fall to great depths of sadness or rise to great heights of happiness.
436As for martial cultivators, they threw themselves into their training and constantly hardened their will. In terms of feelings, even if they were profound or unforgettable, they wouldn’t affect them to the point of them making overly flourishing mortal gestures.
437But this didn’t mean that a martial cultivator’s feelings weren’t deep.
438In fact, it was just the opposite. The feelings of a martial artist who had tempered their will were even more everlasting. These were feelings and sentiments that could be eroded within a vast river for a thousand years or even ten thousand years and still remain unswerving and unchanged.
439As Mu Qianyu was waiting in the nuptial chambers for Lin Ming, a single thought continued to reverberate in her heart. Her thoughts returned to the Demon God Imperial Palace when Lin Ming had thrust the Escape Symbol into her palm and said to her, ‘Wait for me there’.
440And six days later he had made true on his promise. Then he had said to her, ‘Come with me; to kill.”
441These words didn’t contain even a hint of the romance between men and women, but every word had sunk into her bones, bringing with it a firm, confident warmth that knew not death or fear.
442What echoed in Mu Qianyu’s heart was far more profound and solemn than those casually spoken sweet words and honeyed phrases spoken at temporary heights of passion that could be false or true. To her, Lin Ming’s words were a pledge that far surpassed any vow of eternal love!
443If Lin Ming really hadn’t returned then, Mu Qianyu had already determined to leave that broken world and dedicate her life to training until she became powerful enough to kill every person that had harmed Lin Ming one at a time. Then, she would re-enter that broken world and live out the rest of her life accompanying Lin Ming.
444Such feelings did not need to be dressed up with flashy words.
445And for Qin Xingxuan it was even more so. When Lin Ming had come to Blood Demon Island to rescue her, his figure as he stood atop that Vermillion Bird and the blood flowing from his spear light had already branded itself onto her heart, becoming an eternal part of her soul that she would never forget.
446Joy, happiness, no regrets, if she could encompass all of these things within her feelings then what else was there to not be satisfied with?
447To Lin Ming, when Mu Qianyu had crossed the destruction of Divine Phoenix Island and left behind her message at the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, this had left an unforgettable image on him.
448That was the oath that Mu Qianyu had made on the edge of death.
449As for Qin Xingxuan, she was the companion who had accompanied him ever since his adventure began in the Sky Fortune Kingdom.
450She was like Lin Ming’s young neighborhood girl love. When he was in Sky Fortune City, Qin Xingxuan and her master, Mister Muyi, had helped him a great deal. Lin Min and Qin Xingxuan had each seen the other’s parents, and when Qin Xingxuan had lived with the Lin Family she had constantly accompanied Lin Mu. His parents already regarded Qin Xingxuan as their future daughter-in-law.
451This sort of light and comfortable warmth was also a certain type of moving emotion. When Lin Ming was endlessly training himself and on the edge of collapse, he could use these warm and happy feelings to find peace of mind even in a realm of infinite slaughter.
452“Lin Ming, you still owe Xingxuan a wedding ceremony.” Mu Qianyu suddenly said. During this wedding ceremony the announcement had only included that Lin Ming and Mu Qianyu were to be married; it hadn’t included Qin Xingxuan.
453Lin Ming silently nodded. He gazed at Qin Xingxuan for a long moment before his eyes turned back to Mu Qianyu, “Yu’er, are you sure that you don’t want to come to the Realm of the Gods with me?”
454Because of the existence of that Ancient Phoenix Clan’s transmission array, it wasn’t necessary to break through to the Divine Sea to ascend to the Realm of the Gods. As long as Mu Qianyu desired it, she could also go to the Realm of the Gods together with Lin Ming.
455Mu Qianyu shook her head.
456If it wasn’t for the fact that Mu Qianyu and Qin Xingxuan both existed in his heart, Lin Ming would have already held a wedding ceremony much earlier. But, facing both Mu Qianyu and Qin Xingxuan together, Lin Ming was helpless as to who to hold the wedding ceremony with first.
457Finally, Mu Qianyu had put forth that she wouldn’t follow Lin Ming into the Realm of the Gods in the future.
458Mu Qianyu’s parents had died soon after she was born. To her, Mu Yuhuang was no different from her true mother. Divine Phoenix Island held too great a significance to Mu Qianyu.
459All of these things were difficult to give up. If she insisted on following Lin Ming then she would be willing to abandon everything she ever knew for him. However, Lin Ming also had Qin Xingxuan to accompany him upwards, and secondly, she didn’t believe that she would be of any help to Lin Ming within the Realm of the Gods.
460If that were the case, then it was better to stay in the Sky Spill Continent and raise their children, having Divine Phoenix Island become much more prosperous and magnificent, and have the Lin Family flourish like never before.
461A family might not be a burden to a martial artist, but it was a sort of worry. After countless years passed, when their parents, wives, children, and children’s children had all died, leaving them alone in the world, this type of desolate and lonely road of martial arts could easily lead to heart demons.
462Moreover, a deep and true love to a martial artist was a nearly spiritual dependence. It wasn’t like the pleasure of the flesh, something that they could easily let go.
463Lin Ming didn’t try persuading her anymore. Although returning to the lower realms from the Realm of the Gods was troublesome, it wasn’t completely impossible. He could still meet with Mu Qianyu, and with his help it would be easy for her to reach the Divine Sea in the future. Then, she would have 10,000 years of life, several tens of thousands of years of life, or an even longer time than that. Such a long period of time was enough for him to reach the peak of martial artists. As for what would happen once he reached that point, who knew?
464At this time, Qin Xingxuan slowly stood up and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind her. Since this was Mu Qianyu’s wedding, she naturally had to let it take its most perfect course.
465As Qin Xingxuan imagined herself taking care of Lin Ming in the future, her face flushed red. Although, two women waiting on a single man together was impossible for her; wasn’t it? Before ascending to the Realm of the Gods, Qin Xingxuan didn’t want to have more intimate contact with Lin Ming.
466After the door closed, the atmosphere became ambiguous for a moment.
467Large red decorations, red bedding, a large bed, a red curtain of silk; all of this left Mu Qianyu’s beautiful face a deep red. She didn’t dare to look up at Lin Ming, instead keeping her head down.
468Lin Ming also felt a bit awkward. Before this, his contact with Mu Qianyu had been limited to kisses and hugs. Now facing such a passionate situation, a faint thrum of desire and anticipation beat in his heart.
469The two sat on the bed, talking to each other for a long time. From their meeting at Thundercrash Mountain to the Seven Profound Valleys’ Total Faction Martial Meeting. From Revered Master Tianguang’s birthday banquet to the adventure into the Demon God Imperial Palace, all the way to their reunion at Yin Yang Profound Palace and now finally arriving here at their own wedding.
470During this conversation, Lin Ming had unconsciously held onto Mu Qianyu’s hands and began to kiss her dewy lips.
471The two took this time to roll on the bed. Then, Lin Ming gently untied Mu Qianyu’s clothing, revealing her otherworldly body. Her body was completely exposed under the swaying candlelight of the night, a hazy layer of light seeming to caress her.
472Mu Qianyu’s cheeks turned bright red. She raised her pair of jade-like hands to cover her chest, her heart racing like a frantic drum.
473Lin Ming held onto Mu Qianyu, kissing and stroking her warm and soft breasts. At this time, a fire began to blaze in Lin Ming’s heart and he slowly separated her flawless legs.
474Mu Qianyu’s eyes were misty and her long eyelashes trembled as her entire being was immersed in a beautiful spring. It was like she couldn’t distinguish between fantasy and illusion until a sharp pain suddenly awakened her from the evanescent dream. As she looked into the face of her most beloved man, she didn’t know why, but two teardrops streamed down her face.
475She was not bewitched by this love between women and men, but at this moment an everlasting mark had branded itself in her heart. She completely melted into Lin Ming’s body.
476Happiness;
477Satisfaction;
478Euphoria;
479Exhilaration;
480Longing;
481All of this mixed in with a slight, pleasantly aching pain, leaving her breathless with joy, unable to think or speak clearly;
482On the next morning, the sun had just risen and a light morning mist enveloped the entirety of Divine Phoenix Island, leaving a thin layer of dew over the land.
483Lin Ming woke up from his deep and fragrant sleep. As he saw Mu Qianyu snuggled up in his chest, his heart was filled with satisfaction.
484Mu Qianyu was a light sleeper. By the time Lin Ming woke up, she had already been awake for a long time. It was just that she was drowning in her shy feelings and didn’t want to open her eyes.
485As Lin Ming looked at her, a childlike playfulness suddenly came over him. He began reaching for Mu Qianyu’s sensitive parts and tickling her. How could Mu Qianyu stand this? She instantly grabbed his hand and jokingly admonished him, “Stop it your naughty boy!”
486Lin Ming devilishly smiled. After that night of love, he could already be considered as having been captivated by these feelings.
487“Mm, that’s right, about that young woman you traded for the white jade key, what sort of special secret is on her? Why would you fight with Wang Yichan for her?”
488Mu Qianyu quickly changed the topic as she saw that Lin Ming wanted to play more dirty tricks on her.
489As this serious matter was brought up, Lin Ming became more solemn. “I’m not sure why Wang Yichan would fight me for her, but the reason I exchanged the key for her was;”
490Lin Ming didn’t have any intention of hiding anything from Mu Qianyu. He completely told her of his experiences in the Eternal Demon Abyss. After hearing of this bizarre occurrence, Mu Qianyu was horrified. There was also this sort of matter?
491“That’s the reason I thought that young girl might be related to the Goddess in the eternal Demon Abyss. Let’s quickly go and visit her so we can ask her about her life and what the origin of that jade pendant is.”
492“Alright, then I’ll go together with you.” Mu Qianyu was about to stand up and put on her clothes, but as she noticed that Lin Ming’s eyes were locked onto her body, she blushed a deep red and shyly said, “You put on your clothes and leave first.”
493Chapter 759 – The Young Girl’s Mystery, the Forsaken God Clan
494The Eternal Demon Abyss held an infinite charm to the martial artists of the Holy Demon Continent. There were many Emperor powerhouses that would venture into the Eternal Demon Abyss when they lost all hope of making a breakthrough, in a desire to stumble upon a lucky chance within. And, the result was that none of them ever returned. Not even the number one powerhouse of the Holy Demon Continent was an exception.
495Even so, many powerhouses held a lifelong desire to adventure into the Eternal Demon Abyss and explore the mysteries inside; this was because that land was far too mystical. There were powerful existences within the Eternal Demon Abyss that would shock anyone!
496Lin Ming also had an endless interest in the Eternal Demon Abyss. Before, Lin Ming had also been filled with curiosity towards the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm and the Ancient Phoenix Clan. However, the mysteries of the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm had already been revealed.
497Because there were far too many people within the Realm of the Gods, there were often branches of sects and families that would move into the lower realms. The branches of the Realm of the Gods’ Phoenix Clan were also no exception; this was the origin of the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm.
498But as for the Eternal Demon Abyss, Lin Ming felt that the land was simply covered by inscrutable mysteries.
499He thought back to that massive God Beast in the 1000-mile forbidden zone whose body spanned thousands of miles, and he also thought back to the heart of that Great Emperor which had beat eternally for 100,000 years in the flawless corpse of the Goddess that had existed in lifelike slumber for 100,000 years. If these things were truly left over by a side branch from the Realm of the Gods, then that was truly unbelievable.
500Lin Ming suspected that perhaps the owner of that beating heart still existed in the Realm of the Gods, and might even be an existence who stood at the peak of martial arts. He might even be an existence that the Demon Emperor or the Sorcerer of the Southern Wilderness’ Divine Kingdom could not hope to ever compare with.
501Why would such a character appear in the Sky Spill Continent?
502Why was his heart sealed within the Goddess’ body?
503Was he dead? Or was he alive?
504If that Goddess was that Great Emperor’s most important person, then why would he leave her alone in that lonely grave in the 1000-mile forbidden zone?
505Lin Ming and Mu Qianyu made their way to that mysterious young girl’s room. As they pushed the door open they saw that the young girl was dressed in fresh white clothes, her back facing them as she gazed out the window, her hair falling down her shoulders like a cascading waterfall.
506Beside the young girl, the bed was still neat and ordered as if she hadn’t slept at all, instead having sat at the windowsill all night long.
507As Mu Qianyu looked at this young girl’s back, she felt an inexplicable pain fill her heart, “Miss, what’s your name?”
508The young girl turned to look at the two of them, her dark gray pupils flashing with a cold indifference. She didn’t speak, instead completely ignoring Mu Qianyu’s question.
509“She seems to have sealed away her heart and trust in anyone. I have no idea just what she has experienced in her life.” Mu Qianyu said to Lin Ming with a true essence sound transmission.
510Lin Ming thought for a moment. If this were the case, then wanting to find out the truth of her life was impossible at this time.
511Lin Ming traced his spatial ring and an azure jade pendant appeared in his hand.
512“Miss, do you recognize this?”
513As the young girl saw the jade pendant held high in Lin Ming’s hand, a change finally occurred in her expression. She subconsciously traced her own chest, feeling that familiar warmth.
514The jade pendant was still here; were there two jade pendants?
515“You;” The young girl finally spoke. This was the first time that Lin Ming had heard her speak since he first saw her. Her voice was pleasant but had a very peculiar accent that followed it. “Where did your jade pendant come from?”
516Lin Ming faintly smiled and put the jade pendant away, “Before I answer your question I need you to answer one of mine first. I would like to know about your life.”
517The young girl hesitated for a moment, a flash of confusion passing through her dark gray pupils. Then, she whispered, “I am from the Forsaken God Clan;”
518“Forsaken God Clan?” Lin Ming’s eyebrows shot up, “Tell me more.”
519“We are a cursed clan. We have no surname, no origin. The ancestors of my clan angered the Gods and thus the were punished for their sins. Their sins have passed onto their descendants and now onto me. This tattoo seal on my face is the symbol of my cursed bloodline.”
520“Curse? What curse?” Lin Ming had already noticed the strange tattoo seal on the young girl’s face. He had thought it was unusual but he never imagined that it was actually the manifestation of a curse.
521“In my clan, right after birth, every span of time we are cursed to suffer an unendurable pain, a pain that torments us to our very marrow. This pain originates from the tattoo seal on our face. As we grow older, this excruciating outbreak will happen less and less, but the time for which it happens will become increasingly long, continuing until we die from pain or commit suicide.
522“Only by practicing martial artists would we gain the strength and will of mind to endure and suppress this pain. However, what is sad is that no matter how talented the children of my clan are, they are unable to break free from the chains of their destiny. No matter how high their cultivation reaches, they will one day die to this blood curse.”
523The young girl’s words were completely out of Lin Ming’s expectations. He originally thought that a clan related to the Goddess of the Eternal Demon Abyss might be a great clan with a glorious and wonderful history. But, hearing the truth from this young girl’s mouth, she actually came from the Forsaken God Clan, every generation of her bloodline cursed to eternal torment!
524Were they the descendants of the Goddess? If so, then how could such a heaven-shaking and powerful Goddess’ descendant have been reduced to such a pitiful state?
525“Do you know who the ancestors of your clan are? Do they have names? What was their history like and how did they offend these so-called Gods?”
526The young girl shook her head. The past had been far too long ago and the truth of history had been buried in the endless river of time. It was simply impossible to discover the truth of ancient times. “The ancestors have only left us two binding words to guide us;”
527“What are they?”
528“Continue on!”
529As Lin Ming heard these two simple words, he felt his mind shake. Such simple words passed down by these ancestors and yet they seemed to contain a compulsion, an unwillingness to submit. Continue on, continue on, continue on!
530Lin Ming looked at this young girl once again, his heart filled with a new trace of awe and respect. This was a truly mysterious clan!
531If they truly were the descendants of the Goddess, then they had lived under the power of this bloodline curse for over 100,000 years!
532Even if the history of their clan had been lost, or even if the glorious past of their clan was buried in the dust, that unyielding struggle with their destiny had engraved itself into their bones, becoming a continuing stubbornness that had followed that bloodline curse, forever running together, side by side!
533Lin Min took a deep breath and said, “I also have another question. Why would Wang Yichan desire you?”
534After Lin Ming asked this question, the young girl didn’t reply. Instead, she looked at Lin Ming, her eyes solemn.
535Lin Ming knowingly replied, “Alright, then I will answer your question first. My jade pendant came from an ancient tomb;” Lin Ming didn’t describe the Eternal Demon Abyss too much. He only spoke of a forbidden zone and how he had chased a corpse devil to an ancient grave site. He completely revealed to this mysterious young girl of how he saw the Goddess and heard her summoning call, and even about the existence of that Great Emperor’s heart.
536As the young girl heard this she was completely dazed.
537She was unable to speak. All she felt was an inexplicable pain swell up in her chest, making it so that she nearly couldn’t breathe. She didn’t know why, but she felt a deep emotional pain.
538Could that Goddess in the coffin be the ancestor of her clan?
539Just what sort of history had her clan borne? Why did she feel a deep grief from her very bloodline as she heard this story?
540Lin Ming silently stood to the side, waiting for the young girl to finish her sentimental recollection and also waiting for her reply.
541After a quarter hour, the young girl finally said, “The reason Wang Yichan wants me is because of my bloodline seal;”
542Bloodline seal?
543Lin Ming’s mind stirred. He knew this phrase before from the memories of the Realm of the Gods’ Supreme Elders.
544The so-called bloodline seal was a special bloodline ability passed down within clans. It was a sort of ability that was only inherited by direct descendants.
545In a sense, the affinity with Fire Laws that the Ancient Phoenix Clan had could also be considered a type of bloodline seal. However, it just wasn’t special enough.
546There were some families and clans that had extremely special bloodlines. For instance, Nether Eyes that could see through all ghosts and illusions, or specialized body transformation techniques that allowed one to willfully utilize every muscle in their body.
547The young girl said, “My clan’s bloodline seal is an extremely special ability that only manifests in a very small minority of our descendants. And I am one of them. What I can use is a special force field called the Support Sphere.”
548“Support Sphere?” Lin Ming’s eyebrows shot up. A domain ability?
549“Some descendants of my clan can form a force field in an area, increasing the combat strength of martial artists within. This increases a martial artist’s regenerative ability, speed, defense, attack power, and can even enhance their will, soul force, and perception. As for my Support Sphere, I can use it to increase a martial artist’s speed, attack strength, and will.”
550“I see!” Lin Ming was suddenly enlightened. This sort of ability was truly special. This young girl was able to enhance a martial artist’s will, and the essence of a battle spirit was based on a martial artist’s will. The stronger one’s will, the stronger one’s battle spirit. As for that Wang Yichan, he was originally someone who excelled in the aspect of will, so it was natural that he desired this young girl.
551The young girl continued, “Wang Yichan captured me and tried to place spells in my spiritual sea. He tried slave seals and all sorts of other tricks. However, because of the special nature of my bloodline seal, everything he tried failed.
552“He wanted me to quickly train until I reached a Revolving Core or Life Destruction cultivation and then I could become a great boost to him in battle. However, I was unwilling to become the pawn of others. In these last two years I refused to train at all. My cultivation did not increase even the smallest bit, and instead regressed. Then, Wang Yichan tried to ease the relations between us. He would have me at his side every day and care for me, protecting me, and declaring to all that I was his concubine in order to change my thoughts of him.”
553So that’s what happened;
554Lin Ming finally understood why this young girl had such a stalwart disposition. He guessed that Wang Yichan was also at his limit. If she were a support to him that he had already raised up, then he probably wouldn’t have given her up no matter what.
555“What’s your name?”
556The girl hesitated for a moment and then said, “Jue.”
557A single name, meaning beautiful jade but with a decisive joining. It was mellow, soft, and yet staunch – fully in line with this young girl’s character.
558“How old are you?”
559“Nineteen.”
560“Nineteen;” Lin Ming was shocked. At nineteen years of age, she hadn’t practiced for two whole years and yet was still at the late Houtian realm. If she did cultivate then she would have already broken through to the Xiantian realm by now. This young girl’s talent was far better than what he had imagined it to be. If she had truly been willing to cooperate with Wang Yichan, then the power they could release together in the future would have been immeasurable.
561Unfortunately, Lin Ming still hadn’t managed to obtain any information from this young girl about the Goddess that slept in her tomb.
562To him, that Goddess remained an eternal riddle.
563Chapter 760 – Wood Spirit Jade
564“Xingxuan, Yu’er.”
565In Mu Qianyu’s bridal chamber, Lin Ming had called in Qin Xingxuan and Mu Qianyu. As the two young women sat shoulder to shoulder on the bed, their figures complimenting the red silk sheets was far too beautiful to behold.
566Several months had passed since Lin Ming killed Xuan Wuji. Lin Ming had momentarily suspended his cultivating, spending a good period of his time meditating on the alchemy techniques left behind by the Realm of the Gods alchemist, as well as spending time with his parents and family. After his marriage with Mu Qianyu, Lin Ming’s thoughts had become bedeviled by the relations between men and women, and he had shared in these sensual pleasures with her every night.
567“This is for you.” Lin Ming took out two square crystals from his spatial ring. Every crystal block had two drops of red liquid sealed within. These red drops looked thick and viscous, as if they were crimson pearls.
568“What is that?” As Mu Qianyu saw these four drops of red liquid she felt her heart jump. She could clearly feel that there was something extraordinary about these red drops of liquid.
569“This is the blood of the Ancient Phoenix.” Lin Ming said.
570Hearing these words, Qin Xingxuan was already surprised to the point of being spellbound. As for Mu Qianyu, her eyes were completely wide, a look of astonishment and disbelief coloring her face.
571“Blood of the Ancient Phoenix? As in the Phoenix God Beast!?”
572“Yes.”
573When he was still at Timeworn Phoenix City, he had obtained a total of 110 drops of Ancient Phoenix blood. Of these, the first 100 were given to Lin Ming first and then directly absorbed by him.
574The next 10 drops were only delivered to Lin Ming several days later. However, he didn’t use them because the effects wouldn’t be obvious for him anymore.
575Thus, it was better for him to give Mu Qianyu and Qin Xingxuan two drops each so that this could greatly improve their physiques.
576As for the remaining six drops, he intended to save those for emergencies. For instance, when Qin Xingxuan had exhausted her blood essence at Blood Demon Island, if it wasn’t for Lin Ming coincidently having Vermillion Bird blood essence with him, then Qin Xingxuan would have already perished.
577“Lin Ming, where did you get this blood of the Ancient Phoenix?” Mu Qianyu asked, short of breath. She had only read of this blood of the Ancient Phoenix in the ancient texts of Divine Phoenix Island. Still, she had always thought that these were legends. She never imagined that this sort of treasure actually existed in the Sky Spill Continent!
578“At the king level smelting trial.”
579“You participated in the king level smelting trial?” Mu Qianyu’s large eyes widened even further. When Lin Ming had told her about the smelting trial rules of the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, the king level smelting trial had been the highest level possible. And yet Lin Ming had actually completed it!
580“Yes, this Ancient Phoenix blood is the reward of the smelting trial.”
581“Then you should absorb it!” Qin Xingxuan suddenly said. Mu Qianyu also nodded. The effects of the blood would show their true potential under Lin Ming.
582“I’ve already absorbed far too much; a few more drops won’t have much effect.” Lin Ming pointed at the flame mark between his eyebrows, “Don’t you feel it?”
583Since Lin Ming first absorbed the blood of the Ancient Phoenix, a faint pressure had always emitted from his body, especially on those martial artists with the Vermillion Bird bloodline. However, Lin Ming normally suppressed this pressure and since his strength was already so formidable to begin with, everyone that was around him often enough became accustomed to it. Thus, Mu Qianyu hadn’t asked any questions.
584As Mu Qianyu heard Lin Ming’s words, she wasn’t sure just what expression she should have. That blood of the Ancient Phoenix that was only depicted in the ancient texts of Divine Phoenix Island; Lin Ming had actually said that a few more drops wouldn’t have any effects!?
585As Lin Ming saw Mu Qianyu’s thoughts written all over her face, he laughed and said, “Yu’er, in the Realm of the Gods a Phoenix might have a body that spans thousands of miles long. Who knows just how large it is. If all of its blood were taken out then it might be enough to drown a city. What I have here is only four drops, and it is also the most ordinary Phoenix blood; it’s not as if it’s blood essence or something like that. It’s not as exaggerated as you think.”
586Hearing Lin Ming speak, Mu Qianyu didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. “This might not be much to you but it’s a great lucky chance for me. My talent is at the peak of the Saint level and these two drops of Ancient Phoenix blood will be enough for me to enter the Emperor level.
587“Don’t speak of this Ancient Phoenix blood. In Divine Phoenix Island, even Vermillion Bird blood essence is enough to make others go crazy. They couldn’t even imagine the blood of the Ancient Phoenix! With these two drops of Ancient Phoenix blood, that is enough for an ordinary talent to become a Saint level talent.”
588In terms of talent, it was easier to raise the more mundane one was. For an ordinary talent to become a Saint level talent, all they would need was a single great lucky chance. For instance, two drops of Ancient Phoenix blood.
589As for a Saint level talent rising to an Emperor level talent, that would require the accumulation of several lucky chances. In addition, a martial artist would also need to have extraordinary natural talent to begin with.
590And above an Emperor level talent, if one wanted to rise to the ranks of Huo Wenlong and Huo Yu, that was even more difficult. At that time, something that might be a great lucky chance to a Saint level talent might only be standard treasure for someone like Huo Wenlong.
591For instance, this Ancient Phoenix blood. To a talent like Huo Wenlong, this basically wasn’t a great lucky chance because Huo Wenlong already had an extremely rich Ancient Phoenix bloodline to begin with. Thus, this was something that was basic for him and that he should naturally have. Conversely, it would be a disadvantage if he didn’t.
592So even if Lin Ming absorbed another 100 drops of Ancient Phoenix blood, this would only allow him to become a bit stronger. It wouldn’t increase his talent to another level.
593Lin Ming’s comprehension of Fire Laws should have been something a genius of his talent level could accomplish. Otherwise, they were lacking to begin with.
594“Yu’er, Xingxuan, I’ve already made an appointment with Li Yifeng to go to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. I leave one month from now. During this journey, I might be gone for several years.”
595Of the four Divine Kingdoms, the strongest was the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. They were also famed for their alchemy techniques. Since Lin Ming wished to study alchemy, it was naturally the best choice for him to go to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
596Alchemy was an extremely complex skill. In order to refine pills within a furnace it required more than just a variety of spiritual herbs and treasures. There were special materials needed to direct the mixture and also to form the medicinal base.
597If he wanted to create high level pills, there was one material he absolutely couldn’t do without. That was – wood spirit jade.
598Wood spirit jade and Demon God Bones were similar items.
599Demon God Bones were formed when the leftover energy field of powerhouses or Saint Beasts was sealed underground, slowly condensing over a period of tens of thousands of years.
600As for wood spirit jade, those originated from spiritual woods and herbs that remained unpicked by others and eventually died a natural death. Then, their rich energy and fruits would be buried in the ground for tens or even hundreds of thousands of years before finally condensing into a wood spirit jade.
601The former was an animal and the latter were a plant.
602Both were formed through similar principles, but there was actually a big difference between the two.
603Since Lin Ming wished to study alchemy he needed a massive amount of wood spirit jade. However, this sort of material was extremely difficult to find in the South Horizon Region. Although there was a great amount of wood spirit jade in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, it was collected by others as a rare resource. With Lin Ming’s current finances, buying a small amount to use was no problem. But, if he wished to use a great amount, especially high-quality wood spirit jade multiple times, then this was something that even Lin Ming’s wealth couldn’t support. Not to mention that he didn’t have the wealth to support continued use, but the main problem was that wood spirit jade was a material that couldn’t necessarily be bought.
604Lin Ming had taken inventory of all his belongings. Up until now, the strongest powerhouse he killed was the fourth stage Life Destruction Xuan Wuji. As for the rest of his wealth, the next two with the most resources had been the two helpers of Xuan Wuji that had helped him lay down the great array formation in the deep-sea as well as the South Sea Demon Region’s Elders. All of these people added together had a wealth equal to that of Xuan Wuji.
605In other words, Lin Ming was currently quite wealthy amongst high level Life Destruction powerhouses. However, he was far from being able to compare with a Divine Sea powerhouse.
606Of course, this was assuming that Lin Ming didn’t sell the heaven-step Demon God Bone or the blood of the Ancient Phoenix. These two treasures were naturally not something that Lin Ming would casually use.
607If Lin Ming wanted to go to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom to find wood spirit jade, it would be impossible for him to purchase it with his wealth. And he couldn’t purchase it to begin with since there was no place to do so.
608So, Lin Ming could only rely on the rich knowledge inherited from that Realm of the Gods alchemist to seek wood spirit jade and excavate it on his own.
609It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that every alchemist could also be called a skilled geologist and explorer. In order to look for wood spirit jade, and especially high-quality wood spirit jade, one would often have to search hundreds or even thousands of feet underground. A martial artist’s perception had problems penetrating underground to begin with, much less the fact that the regions where wood spirit jade existed often had special geological features that interfered with perception.
610With these factors combined, an alchemist could only rely on their experience and knowledge to search for wood spirit jade.
611For the remaining month, Lin Ming closed up to thoroughly research alchemy techniques. Although the memories of that Realm of the Gods alchemist had been completely etched into his mind, integrating and mastering this information was still a very long and arduous process.
612During his research of alchemy techniques, when his mind was fatigued, Lin Ming would take out a Demon God Bone and continue training. After some time, Lin Ming had already gone from the early Revolving Core realm to stabilizing himself firmly in the center.
613However, he still had a very long road until he reached the Life Destruction realm.
614From Revolving Core to Life Destruction could be considered a large boundary. To a human martial artist, this was the process of their body being transformed and reborn into something new.
615Before Life Destruction, that was a mortal body.
616After Life Destruction, that was a spirit body.
617This sort of transformative process was completely different from the body transformation process of washing the marrow and tempering the body.
618Once body transformation was brought to the point of 100% Tempering Marrow with the Eight Inner Hidden Gates opened and the Nine Stars of the Dao Palace afterwards, then a martial artist would have a body comparable to a Saint artifact, indestructible and invincible. They could raise their hand to sink the stars and shatter the moon and their roar could kill weaker martial artists.
619A spirit body was different. Even though it was a spirit body, the defensive power was still frail and without the protection of true essence it would easily be pierced through by weapons.
620The role of the spirit body was to converge the origin energy of the heavens and earth. A Revolving Core realm martial artist could only store true essence in their dantian and meridians. It was also impossible for them to directly absorb heaven and earth origin energy with their bodies. Rather, they had to rely on their many acupoints.
621But after Life Destruction, that mortal body would reform from scratch, expelling all impurities and activating every cell so that they could actively absorb heaven and earth origin energy.
622Thus, a martial artist with a spirit body completely didn’t need acupoints and could use their bodies to absorb heaven and earth origin energy. This meant that a Life Destruction martial artist would have a total true essence quantity several times that of a Revolving Core martial artist. Even their resilience and endurance would greatly increase.
623This was also the reason why a Life Destruction martial artist’s strength leapt upwards.
624If Lin Ming could reach Life Destruction, then not only would he have a spirit body, but he would also be tempered with the Eight Inner Hidden Gates and have a bodily durability equal to that of a treasure. To have both of these benefits was the advantage of dual cultivating in body and essence.
625Without noticing, until up the day that Lin Ming and Li Yifeng’s agreed appointment was, Lin Ming still didn’t understand the four Divine Kingdoms. In fact, he didn’t even know all of the four Divine Kingdoms’ names. To have a guide was wonderful. Not to mention anything else, but there was a trip of millions upon millions of miles to go from Divine Phoenix Island to the four Divine Kingdoms, and there were hundreds of large and small transmission arrays that had to be passed through. Without Li Yifeng’s help, passing through these transmission arrays wouldn’t be easy.
626Chapter 761 – Towards the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom
627In the early morning, the sun had not yet risen and Divine Phoenix Island was enveloped in a thin morning mist. Lin Ming bid his farewell to his parents, Qin Xingxuan, and Mu Qianyu, then he brought Demonshine along with him as he followed Li Yifeng and his entourage out towards the four Divine Kingdoms.
628In Li Yifeng’s group of four, there was Qing’er and the quiet young nun that Lin Ming had seen before, as well as an unusually pretty young boy who wore all white.
629This beautiful youth was like Li Yifeng and both of them favored folding fans. However, with just a glance at this youth’s pale face, delicate hands, and lack of an Adam’s apple, it was obvious that this was a woman dressed up as a man.
630“You’re already acquainted with Qing’er, Brother Lin. As for this young nun, her Buddhist name is Jingchan, and this young sir here is Sir Murong.” Li Yifeng introduced Lin Ming to his companions. He grinned as he heavily accentuated the words ‘Sir Murong’, causing that ‘beautiful young man’ to squint her eyes.
631Lin Ming thought this was funny. In truth, once a martial artist reached a certain boundary it was extremely easy to distinguish between men and women, much less even mortal commoners could tell that this ‘Sir Murong’ was a girl. Unless one had extremely skillful appearance changing techniques, it was near impossible to fool others. Since this ‘Sir Murong’ knew all this perfectly well but still dressed as a man, the only explanation was that she liked this sort of dressing up.
632It wasn’t strange for extraordinary young elites to have unusual hobbies like this.
633Lin Ming didn’t bother ruining her fun. He cupped his hands across his chest and said, “Young Master Jingyuan, Sir Murong, well met.”
634Seeing Lin Ming being so respectful, Sir Murong actually had a rare favorable impression of Lin Ming and cupped her hands in return. As for Jingyuan, she gathered her hands together and spoke some Buddhist sutras.
635“Brother Lin, during this journey to the four Divine Kingdoms we will have to travel several million miles. First, we’ll go north to the Great Zen Region and then enter the River Region and from there we can go to the Profound Canary Province; although most of this journey will be made through transmission arrays, we’ll still have to spend a month or two in my spirit boat. During this time, Brother Lin may feel free to do as you wish. You can enjoy the scenery or you can close up in training.”
636Li Yifeng’s spirit boat was 10 times larger than a normal spirit boat and the interior was lavishly decorated. The tables and chairs were all made of spirit wood and the floors and beds were all covered with rare and precious beast skins. Every room gave off an atmosphere of opulence and grace. It was apparent that Li Yifeng had spent a great deal of time and effort on this spirit boat.
637“Brother Li, is your Seven Star Divine Kingdom a great distance away from the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom?”
638These past days, Lin Ming had also asked about the basic situation of the four Divine Kingdoms. The four Divine Kingdoms were divided into the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom, Asura Divine Kingdom, and Seven Star Divine Kingdom.
639These four great Divine Kingdoms held over a dozen well known and famous Emperor powerhouses. In addition to all those other Emperor level powerhouses that remained hidden in the world, every Divine Kingdom had nearly 10 Emperor level powerhouses, or perhaps even more.
640Of the four Divine Kingdoms, the strongest was the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. The Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was famed for its alchemy techniques and the entire country was rich in wood spirit jade and all sorts of heavenly materials that were useful for alchemy. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that nearly every martial artist within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was familiar with alchemy. Even if they weren’t an alchemist they would still have some superficial knowledge of alchemy.
641Second to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was the Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom; they were famous for their refining techniques and their lands held all sort of deposits of precious metals and minerals. Within the Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom, nine out of 10 martial artists were refining masters. Nearly every inherited heaven-step treasure of the Sky Spill Continent that didn’t originate from ancient times came from the Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom.
642Coming in third was the Asura Divine Kingdom. They were a relatively isolated and independent Divine Kingdom. Although they were far weaker than the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom and the Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom, this was mainly due to the fact that there weren’t any special resources located within their borders. The Asura Divine Kingdom was a land of mostly demonic path martial artists and the social customs within were considered quite barbaric. In fact, publicly killing someone on the streets couldn’t be considered uncommon or exciting.
643And last of all was the Seven Star Divine Kingdom. They too didn’t have any special resources, causing the development of their Divine Kingdom to be greatly limited. The Seven Star Divine Kingdom was well known for their array formations, but no matter how strong array formations were, they were still auxiliary skills. In terms of enhancing a martial artist’s cultivation, they were naturally inferior to the mass production capabilities of alchemical techniques.
644“Brother Lin wishes to go to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom?” Li Yifeng wasn’t too surprised to hear of Lin Ming’s request. The Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was known as a land with abundant treasures and lucky chances around every corner. Every year, a massive number of martial artists would sojourn to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom in hopes that they would stumble upon some divine heavenly treasure that would allow them to ascend into glory with a single leap. However, the areas that were fraught with lucky chances were all under strict control; Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom wouldn’t easily allow outsiders to obtain them.
645Even so, a great number of martial artists still came to experience the varied martial Holy Lands of the Sky Spill Continent.
646“That’s the plan. I want to go to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom to look for some wood spirit jade.” Lin Ming honestly said. There wasn’t anything to hide and if he spoke with Li Yifeng, perhaps this Prince might even know some channels he could access.
647“Wood spirit jade?” After Li Yifeng heard this his eyes brightened, “So Brother Lin was also a lover of jade, hm!”
648Li Yifeng said. Then, he swiped his spatial ring and took out a foot-long wooden square box. As he opened this box, a very light but pure wood origin energy suddenly emerged. As Lin Ming peered within, he could see four pieces of rough-looking irregularly-shaped green stone. They seemed to be uncarved jade stones; without a doubt, these were wood spirit jades.
649In addition, beside these four rough pieces of wood spirit jade was also an exquisitely carved jade horse. The material used to create this was also wood spirit jade.
650“A jade horse carved from wood spirit jade?”
651Lin Ming was startled. Within the memories of the Realm of the Gods’ Supreme Elders, there were many recollections of wood spirit jade carvings, accessories, utensils, and so forth. Lin Ming had only glanced over these things. After all, these sorts of artistic treasures didn’t have much use in one’s martial arts cultivation. What he cared about had only been alchemical techniques from the Realm of the Gods.
652He never thought that the wood spirit jade carvings within the Realm of the Gods would also exist in the Sky Spill Continent.
653“Haha, this jade horse of mine is quite good, right? I spent a sky-high price to win this at an auction. This is an ancient treasure carved by an expert from 10,000 years ago!”
654Li Yifeng puffed up, full of pride and wanting to show off to Lin Ming. He obviously held an inordinate amount of love for this jade carving.
655But at this moment, a discordant voice suddenly stuck its foot in, “Li Yifeng, I can’t believe you used a great amount of the Divine Kingdom’s spirit essence stones to secretly buy a wood spirit jade horse! I will report this matter to Sir Shangchen!”
656Lin Ming looked up, seeing that the one snappily speaking was that ‘Sir Murong’. He couldn’t help but chuckle in his heart. A spirit essence stone was a type of spirit stone even better than true essence stones for cultivation. A low-grade spirit essence stone’s value was about approximate to a top-quality true essence stone.
657Li Yifeng’s smile froze on his face, “You fake Murong tomboy! If you mess with me I’ll bring you down with me!”
658“Humph, the spirit essence stones that Sir Shangchen gave you were for you to cultivate, not for you to buy toys!” Murong argued back.
659“Who said that wood spirit jade can’t be used for training? A wood spirit jade carving is certainly expensive as an accessory, but it also has the effect of enhancing the soul. The further one’s cultivation is the more important the role of the soul is! Someone like you simply couldn’t understand this!”
660What Li Yifeng said was quite true; wood spirit jade was indeed a good material for enhancing the soul.
661Besides being used in alchemy, wood spirit jade could also be absorbed by a martial artist for training. However, because wood spirit jade was based in wood origin energy, only a wood-attribute martial artist could use it. Otherwise, using wood spirit jade for training would simply be a waste.
662Even if one didn’t understand alchemy, a martial artist that wasn’t lucky enough to be of the wood attribute could also carry around the wood spirit jade by their side. Gradually, the rich wood origin energy of the wood spirit jade would permeate into the martial artist and nourish their soul.
663However, wood spirit jade in its most basic form was rough and craggy; there were many people that didn’t feel too well carrying something so ugly and unbeautiful by their side all the time. Thus, the skill of carving wood spirit jade slowly spread, and the art of carving this material became increasingly refined and elegant. Now, there were even some martial artists that carried around wood spirit jade carvings to accessorize, not even purchasing them with the intention of helping to nourish their soul.
664“Stop with your loquacious sophistry. If you wanted to help nourish your soul then carrying around a piece of uncut wood spirit jade would be just the same, you don’t need to carry around such an expensive jade horse. I will make sure to report this matter to your superiors.” Murong said with a haughty indifference, a serious light on her face.
665“Peh, whatever, I’m too lazy to bother with you;” Li Yifeng had a look that he didn’t want to waste his time arguing. Then, he suddenly swiveled around towards Lin Ming, his eyes lighting up, “Haha, Brother Lin, if you like wood spirit jade then let me take you to some famous city squares that specialize in wood spirit jade later so you can open your eyes!”
666Li Yifeng obviously held a great understanding of the wood spirit jade market, and immediately began speaking to Lin Ming of several vast wood spirit jade city squares, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Then, after making great flourishing motions about everything, he finally circled back to his own beloved jade horse.
667“Look at this jade horse. The exquisite carving details stem from the hands of a carving grandmaster called Xuan Can. As for the jade, it comes from 250,000-year-old ancient river wood spirit jade!”
668The older wood spirit jade was, the higher quality it would be and the more expensive it would be. Wood spirit jade had a special characteristic; it was able to independently absorb wood origin energy from the heaven and earth origin energy of the world and use this energy to vitalize itself. Thus, although wood spirit jade would slowly lose some of its origin energy over time, this rate was drastically slowed due to its ability to supplement itself. In addition, as more time went on, the wood origin energy within the wood spirit jade would become increasingly pure in quality.
669Lin Ming didn’t care who this Xuan Can was, nor did he have any interest in ancient river wood spirit jade. But, what he could confirm was that this carved jade horse in Li Yifeng’s hands was at most 120,000 to 130,000 years old.
670It seemed that Li Yifeng had been suckered by someone.
671The truth was that being tricked like this was also normal. It was very difficult to judge the age of wood spirit jade, and even experienced alchemists would make mistakes. The general population probably wouldn’t even be able to distinguish between true and fake wood spirit jade. There were experts out there that could use wood-attribute spirit essence stones and some wood spirit jade powder to create fake wood spirit jade that was nearly impossible to distinguish from the real thing.
672“Brother Li, could I have those raw wood spirit jade ores?” Lin Ming had no intention of revealing to Li Yifeng that he had been scammed. After all, it was fine as long as he was happy about his purchase, and Li Yifeng might not believe him to begin with.
673The reason Lin Ming asked for these raw stones was because he wanted to try his hand at alchemy. He had already studied alchemy techniques for a very long time, and besides trying low-level recipes that didn’t require wood spirit jade, Lin Ming hadn’t yet tried to refine a high-level pill.
674“Brother Lin wants this raw ore? No problem!” Li Yifeng readily nodded. He liked wood spirit jade, but that was only wood spirit jade carvings. As for that ore, in Li Yifeng’s eyes it was no different to spirit essence stones.
675Chapter 762 – White Dragon Jade Row
676“Thanks. What is the price on this ore? I’ll give you the equivalent market price amount.” Although Lin Ming had planned on searching for wood spirit jade, the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was still an extremely vast region. Moreover, many woods spirit jade-rich locales had been locked up by the authority of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. If he wanted to search for his own wood spirit jade then he would need a massive amount of time. If so, then it was best for him to buy as much as he could with his current wealth.
677“Brother Lin couldn’t be planning on studying alchemical techniques, right?” Li Yifeng saw that Lin Ming wasn’t a wood-attribute martial artist, then the more likely reason he would want wood spirit jade like this would be to practice alchemy techniques. Normally, once a martial artist reached a certain boundary, it was common for them to study several auxiliary skills in order to help temper their soul. For instance, Li Yifeng himself studied array formations.
678“That is my intention.”
679Li Yifeng whistled, “Whew, Brother Lin, you just started studying alchemy techniques and you already want to use wood spirit jade?”
680Lin Ming laughed out loud, not explaining further.
681He understood what Li Yifeng was trying to say. After all, he was only 21 years old so he couldn’t possibly have studied alchemy techniques for too long. And, something like alchemy required the accumulation of experience and repeated failures. A newcomer to alchemy would have a very low chance of success, and wanting to practice creating high level medicines was simply a pipedream. And with wood spirit jade being so rare and valuable, using it to train up one’s skill was simply far too luxurious.
682How could Li Yifeng have known that Lin Ming had inherited the complete memories of a Realm of the Gods alchemist? These memories included alchemy skills, experiences, and all sorts of recipes. Lin Ming had already thoroughly integrated most of this knowledge together, and now his success rate for creating low-level medicines was already very high.
683But in that Realm of the Gods Supreme Elder’s memories, there were far too few recipes that didn’t require wood spirit jade.
684“Brother Lin, if you wish to try, then I can gift you a piece.” There were pieces of wood spirit jade ore. Although they weren’t low in value, Li Yifeng was still able to give out a piece of two.
685“We’ll go with the market price.” Lin Ming didn’t want to owe favors to anyone.
686The two of them pushed back and forth for a bit, and finally, Li Yifeng listed the price for the four pieces of wood spirit jade. As Lin Ming heard this, he was actually shocked. Altogether, these four pieces of wood spirit jade were 600 spirit essence stones.
687A low-grade spirit essence stone’s value was equivalent to a top-grade true essence stone’s, which was the same as over a million low-grade true essence stones.
688600 spirit essence stones were worth more than 600,000,000 low-grade true essence stones. When Lin Ming had dug up the buried treasure of the third-grade Moon Seizing Sect, besides some pills and 12 Shattered Heart Demon Crystals, there were also around 7000 to 8000 medium-grade true essence stones. If those were all traded in, that wasn’t even enough for one million true essence stones.
689The entire buried treasure deposit of a third-grade sect wouldn’t even be enough to buy a small lump of wood spirit jade. Lin Ming also estimated that Li Yifeng was quoting him a price on the lower end. To a character like Li Yifeng, not to mention a low-grade spirit essence stone, but perhaps even a medium-grade spirit essence stone didn’t mean much to him.
690Like this, 600 top grade true essence stones disappeared. Not accounting for the treasures that Lin Ming hadn’t exchanged for spirit essence stones yet, Xuan Wuji’s wealth had shrunk by 10%.
691If things continued at this pace, then Lin Ming would be breaking in no time.
692‘Do I really have to sell that heaven-step Demon God Bone?’
693As Lin Ming thought about this, he walked into his own room and began to start his first alchemical recipe using wood spirit jade.
694The memories of that Realm of the Gods alchemist had been extremely complete without many holes. His skill, technique, and experience in alchemy had been incomparably profound and complex, far more complex than the inscription techniques Lin Ming had learnt before. If it wasn’t for the fact that Lin Ming’s cultivation had rapidly risen since then, wanting to study these alchemy techniques would have been nothing but a dream within a dream.
695It required a massive amount of resources to raise an alchemist. The reason that nearly all of the alchemists in the entire Sky Spill Continent were concentrated in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was that they had adequate resources.
696In other words, they were filthy, disgustingly, sickeningly rich.
697And putting aside the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdoms, the other three Divine Kingdoms probably couldn’t produce a top-class alchemist. This was because the consumption of resources was too high; the gains weren’t equal to the losses. Also, their alchemy technique inheritance was far too lacking.
698But for Lin Ming the alchemy techniques he studied were on an unbelievably higher level than what any alchemist grandmaster of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom could ever hope to reach.
699If it were said that the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom needed to use 100 jin of wood spirit jade to train an alchemist grandmaster, then for Lin Ming to study alchemy by himself might require several thousand jin of wood spirit jade.
700This estimate already included the fact that Lin Ming had inherited the foundation of Realm of the Gods’ alchemical techniques as well as an immeasurable amount of experience.
701What he wished to refine was miracle medicines capable of opening the Eight Inner Hidden Gates and the Nine Stars of the Dao Palace. The lowest level materials for these types of medicines would be ingredients like the profound gold divine fruit and other such heavenly materials. As for the requirements of wood spirit jade, not only did he need quantity but he also needed quality. In the memories of the Realm of the Gods Supreme Elder, top medicines frequently required top quality wood spirit jade that was aged for several million years, or even tens of millions of years.
702This had already surpassed the understanding of any alchemist within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
703A month later, Lin Ming and the group made their way through countless large and small transmission arrays, finally arriving at the central region of the Sky Spill Continent. As Lin Ming looked down from his spirit boat, he saw that right beneath him was actually a vast and desolate desert.
704“Are we close to the four Divine Kingdoms?” Lin Ming asked, a bit stunned. In his imagination, the four Divine Kingdoms were incomparably lively lands with grand Holy Lands everywhere. But currently, they had been flying through a seemingly endless desert for days now. And before this desert there had been nothing but more deserts upon deserts.
705“Haha, we are indeed, we’re almost at the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.” Li Yifeng had already guessed what Lin Ming was thinking. He continued, “Don’t look down on this desert below us. This area is called the Thatch Region. West of here is the Northwest Great Desert, which is also wang Yichan’s domain. The Thatch Region is a place where good and bad exist, with bandits and desert pirates everywhere. The reason for this is because there is wood spirit jade produced here, and this area also isn’t under the jurisdiction of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.”
706“I see!” Lin Ming was suddenly enlightened. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, or perhaps even millions of years ago, this desert beneath them had once been a great and lush forest with incomparably rich origin energy and all sorts of heavenly materials growing within. However, because of various geological changes, the spirit veins had withered away and the forest had eventually turned into a desert. The spirit trees and spirit plants had also been buried underground over the passage of time, slowly becoming a land filled with buried wood spirit jade.
707Li Yifeng sighed as he reminisced over the past, “For this desert, there have been countless wars fought with rivers of endless blood flowing over the land. Ultimately, no one was able to take sole control of this land and thus it became a free land where all the major powers entrenched themselves. There are also a great number of wood spirit jade transaction sites here with all sorts of wood spirit jade carvings and accessories. These items change hands all the time; that is, this place is a sinkhole for a massive amount of spirit essence stones!”
708Wood spirit carvings and accessories had to have a history of several thousand years as well as stemming from the hands of a famous craftsman in order to earn the recognition of being called an ancient jade treasure by someone like Li Yifeng.
709The Realm of the Gods alchemist had several memories related to these things. In fact, that alchemist had actually been a wood spirit jade carving grandmaster. Carving wood spirit jade was also a method for alchemists to exercise their focus and precision, helping them in a small way to temper and perfect their own soul.
710That Realm of the Gods alchemist had also collected a massive amount of ancient carvings and accessories. Of course, these treasures had a history of at least 60,000 to 70,000 years, with some being hundreds of thousands or even millions of years old. It was far from anything that the Sky Spill Continent could compare with.
711“Brother Lin, I’ll take you to a place today. This is a good place, with far too many good things inside! I will take you to open your eyes!” As Li Yifeng spoke of that place his eyes began to fill with excitement.
712“Okay.” What Lin Ming needed the most now was wood spirit jade. He certainly wouldn’t refuse going to such a place.
713“That’s right, don’t tell that Murong about this, it will just be us two brothers going. That Murong is really about to pester me to death.” Li Yifeng’s words held a very familiar tone to them. Martial artists would generally refer to each other as ‘brothers’ as a sign of politeness, but this Li Yifeng seemed to treat Lin Ming as if they were really brothers.
714A day later, Li Yifeng’s spirit boat stopped at a small city in the desert. After no resting well for an entire month, he decided to have a good night’s rest here and also search for a chance to throw off that annoying Murong. Li Yifeng brought Lin Ming and Qing’er to make seven or eight circles around the entire city before finally coming upon a humble and common-looking stone building.
715From the outside, this stone building didn’t have a single sign. There were only four words written above the building door – White Dragon Jade Row.
716After entering the stone house, Lin Ming finally realized that there was something peculiar going on here. The interior space was much larger than he had imagined, and the furnishings were a bit; crude. Everything seemed to be formed from the rough rocks of the desert. The stone tables and stone chairs seemed to be hewn apart by a saber without even being polished down.
717At the side of the room was a stone table with some tea set aside for guests. And on the other side of the room were rows upon rows of wooden shelves. Every shelf had a variety of jade carvings and accessories placed upon it, ranging from as high as a foot to as small as a ring. The collection of items was dazzling and diverse.
718In front of these shelves was a middle-aged man wearing a leather hat. The man had a sturdy build and there was a thick scar on his face. It was unknown just what sort of beast skin his clothes were made from, but his collar was opened wide and his sleeves were far shorter than his arms. His clothes had heavy-looking metal buttons on them, each of them as large as a baby’s fist.
719This sort of clothing had a very rugged and barbaric flavor to it; it matched very well to the desert around them.
720As the scarred man saw Li Yifeng approach, he immediately smiled in welcome, “Sir Li! No wonder I heard that lucky magpie call from the gates earlier; it seems that I have honored guests visiting today.” The scarred man looked rough and cumbersome but his mouth was thick with honey – it was obvious he was skilled at kissing ass. Then he took on a tone of business and asked, “Is Sir Li here to buy something today? We have just unearthed a pair of ancient bracelets; would Sir Li like to take a look at them?”
721Hearing the scarred man’s attentive introduction, Li Yifeng’s eyes brightened. His interest had really been stirred up. “Good, let’s take a look.”
722Just as Li Yifeng’s voice fell, another group of people walked in from outside. The man in the lead wore a yellow embroidered dragon robe and he had a pair of green balls in his hands that he was constantly rubbing together.
723These balls were actually made from wood spirit jade.
724“Isn’t that the great Sir Li? Hahaha, I never thought that I would stumble into you here at the White Dragon Jade Row. This is truly serendipity. Are Sir Li’s hands itchy and wanting to buy some little souvenirs from here?” The yellow dragon-robed man faintly smiled. From the tone of his voice he obviously came from some great and influential power.
725Li Yifeng frowned as he saw this man arrive. It was obvious that he and this man were not on friendly terms.
726
727Chapter 763 – How to Make Money
728This yellow dragon-robed man was Zhou Kun, the second son of Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom’s Iron Wood High Prince. At one point, he had been a powerful candidate to be the successor to the Iron Wood High Prince.
729Within the Divine Kingdoms, the successor of the High Princes was decided in a different method from in the mortal countries. In those mortal counties, they took the eldest son of the wife as the successor. However, in the four Divine Kingdoms, the title of successor belonged to whoever had the greatest degree of talent.
730A few years ago, Zhou Kun had a very strong limelight on him. But after struggling to become the successor, he finally lost to his younger fourth brother. Since then, he had been keeping a very low-key presence and had rarely been seen in public.
731In terms of status, Zhou Kun was naturally far inferior to Li Yifeng. Although the Sublime Smelting Divine Kingdom’s national strength was far higher than the Seven Star Divine Kingdom’s, Zhou Kun was only a failed son who couldn’t even become the successor to the High Prince. As for Li Yifeng, he was a true Prince of the Seven Star Divine Kingdom, so he was by far higher ranked than Zhou Kun.
732Although his status was not comparable to Li Yifeng’s, Zhou Kun had no intention showing Li Yifeng due respect. When both of them were in their youth they had entered into a mystic realm together. Because they stumbled upon the same lucky chance at the same time, they had engaged in a brutal battle with each other. From that point on, that enmity had continued all the way to now.
733Zhou Kun also loved collecting wood spirit jade carvings. Since he often came to White Dragon Jade Row to purchase items, it was normal for him to bump into Li Yifeng here.
734“Hehe Brother Li, how come I don’t see your future imperial consort, ‘Sir’ Murong? I heard that ‘Sir’ Murong has been keeping a tight rein on you. After coming to this White Dragon Jade Row, aren’t you afraid that ‘Sir’ Murong will complain about you? I wonder if Brother Li will be punished to sit on the naughty chair and face the wall to reflect on your faults?”
735As Lin Ming listened to Zhou Kun’s words, it was obvious that he knew that the crossdressing Miss Murong was actually Li Yifeng’s future wife. But as for Zhou Kun, he lingered on the word ‘Sir’ every time, obviously mocking Li Yifeng’s future wife’s strange choice of clothing.
736Just as Zhou Kun finished speaking to Li Yifeng, Qing’er finally became angry, “Zhou Kun, have you taken the wrong medicine today? I heard that ever since you lost the position of successor you’ve devolved into a rabid dog that’s been biting whoever he sees. It’s none of your business what my family’s Big Sister Murong does or where she goes!”
737Qing’er was an unruly smart mouth to begin with. While she acted like a proper girl in front of Li Yifeng, she was still not willing to eat a loss from others and the words that came tumbling out of her mouth after spoke could be especially poisonous.
738Zhou Kun originally wanted to say more but his mouth was directly plugged up by Qing’er’s words. What she said had truly stuck at all his sore points, pointing out all his flaws. In his entire life, being defeated in the battle to become successor was his life’s greatest setback and frustration.
739Zhou Kun’s complexion sank and he coldly humphed, no longer saying anything further. It wasn’t that he was afraid of Qing’er but he was only disinclined to argue with a mere maid. If they truly began to verbally spar then Qing’er’s reputation wouldn’t matter but his own would suffer.
740At this time, the scarred man stepped in between them as a mediator. “Fellow sirs and misses, everyone here are high level characters of the four Divine Kingdoms. Let’s all take a step back and enjoy the brighter future together!”
741The scarred man laughed. He was also taking particular notice to this quarrel. If two guests fought with each other then it would be helpful to him for raising prices. But, if this tussle went too far off the ledge and no one gave each other face, then he definitely wouldn’t benefit here.
742“That’s right Knifescar, I heard that you just said there was some good stuff a while ago. Hurry up and let me have a look!” Zhou Kun impatiently said as he waved his hand. Qing’er’s words right now had made him feel very uncomfortable.
743“Great! Fellow sirs and ladies, please enjoy and take a look around first!” The big fellow Knifescar respectfully said to Li Yifeng and Zhou Kun. However, he didn’t bother paying attention to Lin Ming or Zhou Kun’s entourage. It was obvious that he regarded Lin Ming as one of Li Yifeng’s followers.
744“Everyone feels free to look. Every item has a number beneath it and a corresponding price in this jade slip.” The big fellow Knifescar said as he waved a jade slip in his hands. In Jade Row, the private price was not made public. If a curious visitor came in to just take a look then the manager wouldn’t even bother telling them the price or would make up a sky-high price to drive them away. It was only when a true customer came in that the manager here would write out the true price from the jade slip and give it to the customer.
745“Brother Lin, let’s just take a look around. Most of the things here are fake, so if you’re thinking of buying something it’s best that you don’t, lest you suffer a loss.”
746“Fake?” Lin Ming asked, stunned.
747“Yes. These are the unspoken rules of the Jade Row. In the Jade Row, there are seven fake items to every three real items. And sometimes there are even nine fake items to every one real item. If you were to go outside and take a look in the stalls instead then perhaps every item there might be fake. If you really want to ensure that what you buy is real then you can only go to a great auction house. But, the price at a great auction house would be much more expensive than here!”
748So that’s how it was; Lin Ming was speechless. He never thought that even though the Sky Spill Continent and the Realm of the Gods were two completely different levels of existence, there was an astonishing number of similarities. In the Realm of the Gods, most of the wood spirit jade carvings were fakes. If one wanted to buy a true wood spirit jade carving then they could go to an auction house, but the price would simply be too high. Thus, many people were willing to go to shops to gamble their luck to make purchases, willing to accept the repeated losses.
749The rules of the Jade Row were that all purchases were willing; if someone bought a fake item they could only blame themselves.
750Li Yifeng sighed and shook his head, “These old things are sold at astronomical prices and the profits are corresponding highly. But, the fact is that these imitation goods aren’t cheap either. If I can’t look past them to see if they are real or fake, then all I can do is blame my own sight. Several years ago, I bought a wood spirit jade folding screen. I thought it was the work of a grandmaster call Xuan Jiong from 20,000 years ago, but the reality was that I tricked myself. Because of this I was forced to face a wall in confinement for an entire year, so that Zhou Kun is only using this matter to insult me.”
751As Li Yifeng spoke, he also used his perception to carefully examine the wood spirit jade carvings. One of the special features of wood spirit jade was that it was able to shield against perception. Even a Divine Sea Supreme Elder could give up any idea of piercing through wood spirit jade by even a half inch with their perception.
752Li Yifeng released his perception. He was only able to casually touch the surface of the wood spirit jade and feel through the its texture, luster, and quality of the years. In addition, he also scrutinized the engraving style and painting style of the wood spirit jade. Every grandmaster had their own unique style that they applied to their works. But, there were also no lack of imitation masters, so identifying the truth was easier said than done.
753Li Yifeng had played around with wood spirit jade carvings for several years so he had a great deal of experience in these matters. As he examined these works he also explained to Lin Ming on the side, “After a wood spirit jade has been carved, it will absorb wood-attribute origin energy every year and slowly form a fine hair-like texture on the surface. This texture is extremely difficult to sense; and there are even some supremely skilled experts that can reproduce this texture – these people are usually wood-attribute martial artists. They can use the wood-attribute energy within their own bodies and leave behind a similar fine hair-like structure on the wood spirit jade, to the point where even a master can’t distinguish between that and the real deal. For instance, this dragon carving; I’ve come to see it several times already and yet I just can’t make up my mind about it;”
754As Li Yifeng said this, he bitterly placed the dragon carving back on the shelf. As Lin Ming saw Li Yifeng’s appearance, he couldn’t help but ask, “How many spirit essence stones is this dragon carving?”
755“3300!” Li Yifeng let out in a single long breath. Even though if Li Yifeng could burden such a price, he still felt pained in the flesh to do so.
756“So expensive!” Lin Ming gulped. After Xuan Wuji died he had left behind around 6000 top grade true essence stones. In addition to all the other treasures combined, if they were completely reduced into top grade true essence stones that would still only be around 20,000-30,000. If he were to use all that wealth to buy this carved dragon, then he would go broke once he bought seven or eight of them!
757This was the entire wealth of a fifth-grade sect’s ruler.
758Compared to the four Divine Kingdoms, the South Horizon Region truly was some remote backcountry.
759As Lin Ming thought of this, an idea suddenly popped up in his mind. He asked Li Yifeng, “How about at an auction house? If this dragon carving were to be auctioned off, how much would it sell for?”
760“A bit more than this.” Li Yifeng extended five long fingers.
761“5000?”
762“Yup! You could auction it for around 1700 more than this price, and after deducting the different auction house fees you’ll still have around a thousand remaining. Of course, all of this depends on whether you can determine what you choose is real or not!”
763So, this was how it was! This was an excellent method of gaining spirit essence stones!
764Lin Ming’s eyes brightened. He had originally neglected that Realm of the Gods alchemist’s carving skills and identification abilities. But now, it seemed that they had had an extremely important function. It could certainly help to solve his lack of spirit essence stones.
765If he could buy at a low price and sell at a high price, then he wouldn’t need to spend time personally looking for wood spirit jade.
766Lin Ming immediately transferred out the memories of that Realm of the Gods alchemist and began to meditate on them, thoroughly contrasting it with what he knew.
767The memories of the soul fragment were not like lines of text in a book.
768No matter how much textual knowledge he had, if he didn’t practice it then it was wasted.
769But, the memories of the soul fragment contained a massive amount of personal, hard-earned experience. That was the Realm of the Gods alchemist’s total accumulated training for a period of over 10,000 years. There were countless experiences identifying countless items and collections. As long as Lin Ming could fully integrate all of this knowledge into himself, then his identification ability would rise to ridiculous heights.
770Even if he could only achieve a 40 to 50% standard for a Realm of the Gods alchemist, that was still enough to deal with any problems in the Sky Spill Continent. After all, the most ancient wood spirit jade carvings wouldn’t be older than 70,000 to 80,000 years old. This was because after the ancient catastrophe of the Sky Spill Continent, the rise of the martial arts world here only began 70,000 to 80,000 years ago.
771Li Yifeng looked through three or four collections, taking an hour each time to examine them.
772After looking for such a long time, Li Yifeng still didn’t buy anything. Still, manager Knifescar wasn’t nervous. To a martial artist, several hours could be just the time spent on some light meditation; it couldn’t be considered much at all.
773Beside Li Yifeng, Lin Ming had actually closed his eyes and seemed as if he had entered meditation. In truth, he was rapidly fusing in those Realm of the Gods alchemist’s memories concerning wood spirit jade carvings. He definitely didn’t want to give up this chance of easily getting rich. In order to practice alchemy techniques, he not only needed wood spirit jade but also a massive amount of precious and rare materials. Relying on what he plundered from the South Sea Demon Region and Yin Yang Profound Palace was far from enough.
774“I say Brother Knifescar, hurry up and show me the new stuff. All of these things on the shelves are either new imitations or old dubious items that no one has bought for several years. If you have anything new that just arrived then bring it out so we can take a good look and open our eyes.”
775Most of the things here were purchased by the Knifescar fellow from the bandits in this region. Since he bought them at a low price they were naturally sold at a low price too. All of the good items only took several days to sell to others, so what was left over was what others could only call ambiguous goods.
776Thus, Li Yifeng asked the Knifescar fellow to take out the new goods.
777“Hehe, I do have some things. What I have here is a pair of newly excavated ancient jade bracelets. These are the burial goods of ancient Emperors!” The Knifescar fellow was going to take these things out anyway, but had he wanted to wear down Li Yifeng’s patience by having him look over the old items first. Then, his interest in the new items would greatly increase. This was also a form of marketing.
778As Zhou Kun heard the Knifescar fellow say this, his interest was also piqued. He laughed as he walked over and said, “What is there? Take it out so I can open my eyes too.”
779Chapter 764 – Ancient Jade Bracelet
780As Li Yifeng saw Zhou Kun stick to him like melted candy, he thought little of it. Shopping here all depended on one’s own ability to begin with. Daring to buy or not, daring to match the price or not, everything would depend on one’s eyes and courage.
781When Li Yifeng first became obsessed with wood spirit jade carvings, he had bought fakes and he had bought counterfeits.
782In the world of wood spirit jade carvings, fakes and counterfeits were two different things.
783A fake was something new disguised as something old, made with wood spirit jade.
784As for counterfeits, those were not made from wood spirit jade, but rather wood-attribute spirit essence stones. A wood-attribute martial artist at the Revolving Core realm or even the Life Destruction realm would use their inner energy to transform the spirit essence stone and then integrate a small amount of wood spirit jade powder within.
785Counterfeit wood spirit jade formed by an expert was difficult to distinguish from the real deal. Let alone a novice who was just getting started, even masters who had been in the business for years would easily be tricked if they were inattentive for just a second.
786In the traditions of Jade Row, new fakes disguised as old treasures was part of the business. However, selling counterfeit goods as the real thing was a matter of ruining their reputation and they would have to pay the customer 10 times the price in compensation.
787This was because what they sold wouldn’t be jade. If they sold counterfeit goods then they couldn’t be called Jade Row.
788Li Yifeng had paid a great amount of money in order to touch upon the gate of identifying wood spirit jade. From the start when all he made was losses, to the present where it was small losses, to the future where he would make small profits, and then beyond that to great profits, that was what he planned.
789Of course, Li Yifeng played this game not for money but because he was purely interested in it. It was no different from a mortal that loved gold and gems. Within the four Divine Kingdoms, there were far too many martial artists that loved wood spirit jade. In particular, female martial artists. If they had a set of real wood spirit jade jewelry then not only could it help nourish their soul, but they could also illuminate their own beauty and charms. Wood spirit jade was a high-class luxury good desired by all noble daughters of every Divine Kingdom.
790“You must all be thirsty after looking for such a long time. First, let’s drink some tea.” The Knifescar fellow clapped his hands together. Suddenly two slender and beautiful young girls came sashaying out, their bodies covered in only a thin layer of fine gauze as they carried a set of teapots, cups, and tea stoves. The two young girls placed down the tea set and then threw blatant flirtatious glanced at Li Yifeng and Zhou Kun. From underneath that faint light veil that covered their bodies, one could clearly make out two dark red spots on their chests.
791Zhou Kun laughed out loud and groped the chests of the two young girls. As for Li Yifeng, underneath Qing’er’s contemptuous gaze, he managed to stay well-mannered and polite.
792“sluts!”
793Qing’er spat out in irritation as the two young girls stepped back. The two young girls were martial artists to begin with and their hearing was very keen. Although they heard Qing’er’s words, they didn’t mind it at all. Instead, they giggled and looked back at Qing’er, a great sense of sly provocation clouding their faces.
794This was the style and vigor of the desert. The men were rugged and the girls were openly sexual. Even the diet was greatly different. For instance, this pot of tea. Although it was called tea, the truth was that it seemed more like soup. There was butter and shredded vicious beast meat added in, as well as a number of seasonings.
795Lin Ming took a single sip and nearly gagged; the smell of meat was unbearable. The once delicate fragrance of the tea was completely overpowered and mixed in with the meat, making it impossible to taste. Lin Ming couldn’t bear to take a second sip. Truly, this was quite difficult.
796Li Yifeng glanced straight at him and laughed. He was obviously aware of this tea’s taste and hadn’t made a single move towards it.
797As for Zhou Kun, he drank the tea with great gusto. Lin Ming was speechless; this fellow really had peculiar tastes.
798“Well, let’s start then.” As the Knifescar fellow saw Zhou Kun drink his cup of tea, he clapped once more. The two beautiful serving girls returned, causing Qing’er to adopt a ferocious expression.
799The two young girls each held a tray in their hands that was covered with red silk.
800The first tray was unveiled, revealing a green smoking pipe. There were martial artists that liked to smoke, although what they smoked wasn’t ordinary tobacco, but rather a variety of shredded spiritual plants with the characteristics of tobacco. There were some high-quality mixes that cost one or two spirit essence stones for each use.
801To smoke such shredded spiritual tobacco naturally required a good smoking pipe. A wood spirit jade smoking pipe was originally filled with wood-attribute energy itself. It could fuse with the special tobacco, making it even more fragrant, and even providing an effect of nourishing the soul.
802“This is a wood spirit jade smoking pipe made 5000 years ago. The craftsmanship is superb, and the price is 1300 spirit essence stones. I won’t speak further about it. Guests, please take a look for yourselves.”
803The Knifescar fellow held the wood spirit jade smoking pipe up.
804Lin Ming looked at it. The first thing he investigated was not the year that smoking pipe was carved in, but rather the material it was made from.
805From the texture of the wood spirit jade to the fluctuations of wood-attribute energy, he slowly discerned all of this and more.
806‘13,000-14,000 ninth-grade wood spirit jade; the quality isn’t too bad either.’
807Wood spirit jade had different measurements for its value. One of these was age. The longer that wood spirit jade existed, the more valuable it became. Wood spirit jade also had a grade; a high grade was even more important than the age of the wood spirit jade.
808For example, wood spirit jade formed by a buried Demon Heart Flower would be several grades lower than wood spirit jade formed from a 10,000 Year Nirvana Dragon Root. But, the wood spirit jade formed from a 10,000 Year Nirvana Dragon Root would be several grades lower than a wood spirit jade formed from a profound gold divine fruit.
809The grade of the spiritual plant that was the origin of the wood spirit jade was the most important factor in its quality.
810After looking at the wood spirit jade’s quality, Lin Ming began to judge the year the smoking pipe was carved in. The luster was a bit dim, and there were some faint sparks of color like bits of fluorite were mixed in. This was a special gloss formed from trace metal impurities on the surface of the wood spirit jade over several thousand years of time.
811Based on this alone, as well as pure energy of the wood spirit jade, Lin Ming determined that this smoking pipe should be around 4000-5000 years old.
812It seemed as if this Knifescar fellow wasn’t lying after all.
813After a quarter hour, Li Yifeng and Zhou Kun both stopped their appraisal.
814“I want that smoking pipe.” Zhou Kun said.
815Li Yifeng hesitated for a moment, not speaking. If he spoke then the price would increase.
816Although he was 70-80% sure that this smoking pipe was real, if he put it up at an auction house, the most he could receive was around 1700-1800 spirit essence stones. After deducting the auction fees, he would have less than 1500 left over. For a mere 300 spirit essence stones he would also have to take a significant risk. There really wasn’t much worth in doing this, especially since he didn’t smoke so he had no interest in the smoking pipe itself.
817The Knifescar fellow looked at Li Yifeng with hope in his eyes. As he saw that Li Yifeng had no intention of bidding, he was unavoidably disappointed. Still, he had bought this smoking pipe for 800 spirit essence stones. Making over a 60% profit in a single exchange was quite good.
818In White Dragon Jade Row, all transactions were completed on the spot. Zhou Kun immediately put out 1300 spirit essence stones and bought the smoking pipe.
819“Hehe, the first item was just an appetizer. This second item is the real deal! I guarantee that both of you will love it!” The Knifescar fellow said with relish. Then, he pulled the silk cover off of the other young girl’s tray, revealing a pair of bright crimson blood jade bracelets.
820“This is;” Li Yifeng’s eyes lit up. “Blood spirit jade?”
821Zhou Kun was also delighted. Blood spirit jade was an extremely rare form of wood spirit jade.
822Oftentimes, a top heavenly material would have a vicious beast or Saint Beast protecting it. These beasts would be drawn in by the rich origin energy released by the spiritual plant, and would remain by its side, protecting it until it matured and ripened to the point where it could eat it up.
823But sometimes there were accidents. For instance, if the spiritual plant’s origin energy was too strong, then after the vicious beast that protected it swallowed it down they wouldn’t be able to withstand the surge of origin energy. Their meridians would tear and their organs would cook until they finally exploded in a bloody death.
824Afterwards, this vicious beast would be buried underground together with the spiritual plant. Generally speaking, this sort of vicious beast was normally at a very high level. The energy and blood essence of the vicious beast would slowly and subtly seep into the wood spirit jade, forming the rare blood spirit jade.
825This sort of peculiar wood spirit jade was 10 times or even 20 times more valuable than regular wood spirit jade.
826If this pair of jade bracelets was really made of blood spirit jade and also had a history of several thousand years behind it, the price would be inestimable.
827Li Yifeng and Zhou Kun each took a bracelet and rapidly identified its characteristics. Both of them were completely absorbed in their task. For a wood spirit jade collector, the rarer an item was, the easier their interest would be aroused.
828Even Qing’er, who didn’t care much more wood spirit jade to begin with, was filled with interest towards these two-blood spirit jade bracelets.
829Lin Ming silently watched from the side, allowing his perception to touch over the bracelets for a long time. There was a beautiful ruddy color, it was filled with energy, and the quality of the jade itself was extremely high. From all aspects it seemed to be real blood spirit jade. However, Lin Ming actually felt a faint death energy coming from the jade.
830Death energy?
831Although blood spirit jade was formed from dead things, after tens of thousands of years that death energy should have faded away by now. Unless;
832Lin Ming thought for a moment and then said to Li Yifeng, “Let me have a look.”
833Normally speaking, in order to fully appraise something, one had to use all their senses. They had to look, feel, touch, ask, listen, and smell.
834Looking was to use the eyes, feeling was to use one’s perception, touching was to touch with one’s hands, asking was to determine whether or not what the owner said was true, listening was to hear the sounds it made, and smelling was to smell the faint scent it emitted.
835True wood spirit jade had an extremely, extremely faint wooden smell. A grandmaster could even use this sort of fragrance to approximate the age.
836It was impossible for Lin Ming to identify whether or not this jade bracelet was real or fake with just looking and feeling it.
837Li Yifeng carefully passed the blood spirit jade bracelet to Lin Ming. In truth, having one’s valuable reverie time interrupted by someone wasn’t pleasant at all. However, Li Yifeng didn’t comment on this. Since it was Lin Ming it was alright, even if he knew that Lin Ming didn’t know anything about wood spirit jade carvings and just wanted to join in on the fun.
838Lin Ming touched the blood spirit jade bracelet and smelled it. He already made an approximate judgment. The jade bracelet wasn’t smooth. There was an extremely delicate sandy texture to it; all of this was in line with true blood spirit jade. However, when he smelled it, he had sensed an incomparably faint fragrance of blood. This nearly imperceptible smell was concealed by the maker using an ingenious method. If one wasn’t prepared in advance then it would have been impossible to discern it.
839This was not blood spirit jade but corpse jade. The so-called corpse jade was when wood spirit jade was used as a funeral object and sealed into the mouth or stomach of a freshly-buried martial artist. After over 10,000 years of time, the blood of the martial artist would permeate into the wood spirit jade, forming corpse jade.
840There were only minor differences between corpse jade and blood spirit jade. Moreover, once it was processed and transformed by the collaborative efforts of a martial artist skilled in corpse techniques and a wood-attribute martial artist, the final product was nearly indistinguishable from real blood spirit jade.
841This sort of method was extremely rare. Because corpse jade itself was already rare, many appraisal grandmasters that weren’t prepared would also be tricked by this.
842After another two hours of appraisal, Li Yifeng laid down the jade bracelet. His eyes flashed with excitement. He was 90% positive that this blood spirit jade was the real deal. Beside him, Zhou Kun had also finished his own appraisal, his eyes flashing with an avaricious gleam. Although his expression was somewhat vague, his movements seemed as if he only reluctantly put down the jade bracelet. It seemed as if he were especially tempted by the jade bracelet.
843Chapter 765 – Bid
844“How about it? Do you two young sirs have any interest? This is something unearthed from the grave of an ancient Emperor; it has a history of at least 10,000 years!” The Knifescar fellow happily said as he saw that the two young men were intrigued.
845This jade was indeed a treasure unearthed from an ancient grave, but it was unknown whether or not it came from the tomb of an ancient great Emperor.
846At that time, even the Knifescar fellow wasn’t sure about the identity of these two jade bracelets when he received them from the man who dug up the grave. Finally, he had to ask the Great Elder of White Jade Dragon Row to appraise the items for him, finally determining that it was a 10,000-year-old corpse jade and ended up purchasing it for 2000 spirit essence stones.
847Corpse jade was also a valuable type of jade. Although it wasn’t rare or precious like blood spirit jade, it was still more expensive than normal wood spirit jade carvings.
848With such a rare and clever method used to disguise it, the Knifescar fellow had 120% confidence that everyone would believe his words.
849“How many spirit essence stones?” Zhou Kun asked.
850“12,000!”
851The price that the Knifescar fellow suddenly broke out with was a profit of five times the cost. If this pair of jade bracelets was really crafted from blood spirit jade, then it could absolutely sell at an auction house for 25,000-30,000 spirit essence stones. The price that the Knifescar fellow listed was already extremely low.
852But this was still 12,000 spirit essence stones. Even if it were Li Yifeng or Zhou Kun, they both still had to deliberate and then deliberate some more. This was not a small amount.
853The two eventually switched jade bracelets, examining them once more. This continued appraisal lasted for another two hours. No matter how he looked at it, these ancient jade bracelets were the real deal.
854The fine hairs left on the jade bracelet were absolutely formed over 10,000 years. Although this texture could be faked, it was actually impossible to do so in such a perfect manner that seemed to be in complete conformity. Moreover, the texture and wood spirit jade had formed a faint blossoming fog and a gradual gradient of color that was impossible to fake no matter how ingenious one’s methods were.
855The two remained silent. The Knifescar fellow wasn’t anxious. He waited there, smiling, his eyes flashing with a cryptic light.
856From the start until now, he had never said this was blood spirit jade. In truth, this didn’t matter. The unspoken rules of Jade Row stipulated that there were real and fake items here; everything was voluntarily bought. If someone was tricked then they could only blame their vision for being poor. No one could come back and complain unless Jade Row had truly sold counterfeit jade.
857Li Yifeng and Zhou Kun may have had high ranking identities, but they also complied with these unspoken rules. Moreover, if White Jade Dragon Row could open they must have many supply channels and also considerable forces supporting them from behind the scenes.
858Just because the Knifescar fellow bowed and sucked up to every guest didn’t mean that he was afraid of them.
859“12,000. I’ll take it.” After remaining silent for half an hour, Li Yifeng firmly spoke as he licked his slightly dry lips.
860He had fully confirmed that this was a treasure from 10,000 years. However, what he didn’t know was that this wasn’t blood spirit jade, but corpse jade.
861Although corpse jade was very rare, this sort of thing had a very grim and ominous reputation. There wasn’t a noble lady out there that was willing to wear something that had been sealed in a corpse for 10,000 years. If this pair of corpse jade bracelets was to be auctioned off in an auction house, they would sell for 5000 spirit essence stones at the most.
862After someone started with a price it was easier for others to pile on. Zhou Kun stretched out his hand and said, “I’ll add 500; 12,500!”
863The two bidding against each other was certainly the scene that the Knifescar fellow wanted to see the most. He smiled and said, “Sir Li, Sir Zhou has offered 12,500; would you;”
864“13,000!” Li Yifeng raised the price by another 500.
865As Qing’er heard this, she gripped her chest in fear, “Young Master;”
866“It’s fine, I have 90% belief in myself.”
867There were always risks involved in purchasing these jade carvings. Even appraisal grandmasters had moments where they would make monumental mistakes, sinking everything they had ever worked for. However, if one didn’t want to take risks then they could simply go to the auction house. Not only would it be more expensive, but they would never become an appraisal master of ancient jade carvings. They could also become lovers and collectors of ancient jade carvings, amateurs that knew nothing about ancient jade.
868Only by fighting out and struggling in these places where fakes were mixed in with the real items could one become a true master of their field.
869“13,500!” Zhou Kun refused to be outdone. But, even for him, putting out such a massive amount of spirit essence stones strained his finances to the limit.
870“14,000!” Li Yifeng shouted at nearly the same time. But at this time, Lin Ming’s true essence sound transmission sounded in his ears. After he heard it, Li Yifeng’s expression suddenly changed.
871Lin Ming said, “I felt a very faint death energy coming from the jade. I wonder if Brother Li also felt the same thing?”
872“Death energy?” Li Yifeng’s heart jumped. As he investigated the jade bracelet a bit more, he frowned again. Although Lin Ming had mentioned this point, Li Yifeng simply didn’t have much understanding into an unorthodox treasure like corpse jade. For now, he hadn’t managed to associate them. Or rather, it should be said that as someone who had never seen a corpse jade himself, he could never think of this possibility to begin with.
873“14,500!” Zhou Kun shouted out a higher price, blue veins on his forehead bulging out. If this price went up any more then he wouldn’t be able to bear it. Although his total wealth amounted to 50,000-60,000 spirit essence stones, the vast majority of that was fixed in his possessions and properties; he didn’t have that many spirit essence stones on him.
874“Sir Zhou has made a bid of 14,500. I wonder if Sir Li.” The Knifescar fellow respectfully said even as his heart blossomed with joy. If he managed to sell this pair of bracelets then his profit would be enormous. After he deducted the portion for the forces behind White Dragon Jade Row, it would be enough for profits to last them a year or two.
875Li Yifeng wasn’t sure whether or not he should shout out a higher price. At this time, Lin Ming’s true essence sound transmission sounded out more. Lin Ming thought that his one reminder to Li Yifeng was enough for him to understand, but it seemed as if he had overestimated his jade-loving new friend too much. “Brother Li, I have a bad feeling about this pair of jade bracelets. Please be cautious if you wish to purchase them.”
876Feeling?
877Li Yifeng was startled. He didn’t believe in some illusive thing like people having a magic sense. If it were an average person speaking to him then he would have disregarded them as speaking nonsense.
878However, Lin Ming was not an average person. Since Li Yifeng had known Lin Ming, he had felt as if Li Ming was covered in a hazy fog that he couldn’t pierce through; he had simply never been able to understand him at all.
879After hesitating for a long time, Li Yifeng finally suppressed the desire in his heart to make another bid. 15,000 spirit essence stones really were too high, and Lin Ming’s continual two warnings had made him doubt his own judgment.
880If these things really weren’t what he thought they were, this his losses would be far too great.
881“Sir Li, you.” The Knifescar fellow looked at Li Yifeng with hope in his eyes. Zhou Kun also glanced over at Li Yifeng nervously. If Li Yifeng increased the price again, then he wouldn’t be able to bear it.
882Li Yifeng hesitated for a bit long and then finally let out a long sigh. He shook his head and said, “I give up!”
883To a collector of ancient jade carvings, giving up on a piece of jade that they had taken a liking towards also required a great deal of determination and courage. Li Yifeng may have grit his teeth and given up on the bidding, but a trace of dismay and sadness inevitably remained in his heart.
884The Knifescar fellow was slightly disappointed. If Li Yifeng had continued to raise the price then his own profits would have been that much higher.
885Zhou Kun let out a long breath of relief, his palms wet with sweat. That was a close call! If the bid were any higher then he really wouldn’t be able to bring out that many spirit essence stones.
886“Then. congratulations to Sir Zhou for obtaining this pair of jade bracelets!” The Knifescar fellow brightly smiled. He took up the jade bracelets from the beautiful young girl’s jade plate and then placed them into a special wood box before handing everything over to Zhou Kun. Zhou Kun also silently paid out 14,500 spirit essence stones.
887Li Yifeng watched the two complete their transaction and envy bloomed in his heart. He couldn’t help but think that it would have been better if he had just stuck it out.
888Once Zhou Kun successfully obtained the pair of jade bracelets, he laughed and then smiled as he looked towards Li Yifeng, “Many thanks to great Sir Li for declining in such a humble manner. Sir Li should have many spirit essence stones. Perhaps you’re worried that you would be reported by ‘Sir’ Murong to your family? If you really spent 15,000 spirit essence stones, then I fear you might have to face the wall in confinement for 150 years, Hahahaha!”
889Before the transaction was completed, Zhou Kun didn’t dare to antagonize Li Yifeng too much. After all, Li Yifeng’s family background was greater than his. If Li Yifeng really went red with rage then he would end up being the one to suffer.
890But none of that mattered now. Since he had already obtained what he desired, Li Yifeng could go crazy all he wanted.
891Li Yifeng had been feeling a bit sad to begin with because he couldn’t buy the item that he fancied, but now after being mocked again by Zhou Kun, he was furious. Still, he considered himself quite calm as he derisively said, “Zhou Kun, don’t be so happy with yourself. You don’t even know if what you have is real or fake. Be careful that you won’t be able to even afford your pants tomorrow.”
892“Haha, I think Brother Li knows well enough if what I bought was real or fake! In our field of interest there are certainly risks, but if you don’t dare to go all out even if you have a 90% assurance in yourself then you might as well go home and play with your kids!” Zhou Kun laughed, mocking Li Yifeng once again. Zhou Kun had played in the field of jade carvings for so many years that he could appraise them with 80-90% certainty. Otherwise, he never would have put out such an enormous sum of money.
893At this moment, the Knifescar fellow said, “Sir Li, Sir Zhou, let us all cool down here. Everyone that comes to my White Dragon Jade Row is an honored guest. Sir Li, although you might not have managed to buy up that pair of jade bracelets, my store still has many other treasures. If Sir Li has a liking for any of them then buying them is still the same.”
894The Knifescar fellow had managed this store for enough years to know the ways of the heart. Although it seemed he was mediating this little quarrel, the truth was that he was taking advantage of a time when Li Yifeng was drowning in rage to sell him more goods. A customer was more likely to buy things if they were impulsive and emotional.
895At this moment, Zhou Kun said, “Brother Li is so rich. Still, it seems he’s managed too tightly by that manly woman of his. He might not necessarily be able to buy anything here.”
896The Knifescar fellow wanted to praise Zhou Kun’s mocking words. In fact, he wanted to hug Zhou Kun to death. Not only did he give him a nearly 13,000 spirit essence stone profit, but now he was also agitating Li Yifeng to buy other things.
897Qing’er coldly said, “Humph, our family’s Big Sister Murong reins in our Young Master because our Young Master has a promising future! You think he’s like you, someone who failed to become a successor? Who even gives a shit about you now? You’re nothing but a lump of cow poop plastered on the wall!”
898Qing’er’s words were not common poison. She normally didn’t curse, but as soon as she did she would stab at all their sore points.
899After Zhou Kun heard he, his face turned blue.
900Li Yifeng laughed out loud. He was an open-minded fellow to begin with. Although that matter just now had left him a bit depressed, he wouldn’t let it hang in his mind.
901He grabbed Qing’er’s waist with a hand and said, “Okay, I’ll choose some good things today to bring back lest I return empty-handed! Brother Lin! Would you also like to take a gamble at this game of chance?”
902Li Yifeng was only thoughtlessly speaking to Lin Ming. He didn’t expect Lin Ming to faintly smile and nod.
903“Alright. I’ll choose some things. I’m feeling quite lucky today.”
904Chapter 766 – Swindled
905“Brother Lin, in White Dragon Jade Row, most of the items on these shelves are fake. Normally speaking, 80-90% of the good stuff has already been taken away, and the rest is either fake or ambiguous things. Brother Lin, if you really want to buy to something then just pick a few small pieces so that you’re happy. Don’t try to go for anything too expensive.”
906As Li Yifeng saw that Lin Ming really was intending to buy some things, he couldn’t help but remind him of the dangers here. If he were an appraisal grandmaster then he could help Lin Ming out, but as someone who was at the most basic level, he didn’t have much confidence that he could identity these ambiguous goods.
907“Brother Li, rest assured that I have a fair idea of what I’m doing. Also, shopping should be a happy occasion.”
908“Haha! Well said! Happiness is priceless! Although this sort of jade carving hobby is more looking than buying, that still doesn’t mean we should just drag our feet around and eye things all day!” Li Yifeng said, then directing Lin Ming towards that wood spirit jade dragon carving that he had asked about before. It was 3300 spirit essence stones.
909Li Yifeng had come before and looked at this dragon carving several times already. Yet, while he truly did like it, he just couldn’t make up his mind about it so he never dared to buy. But, he decided to take advantage of today and directly pick it up.
910As Lin Ming saw Li Yifeng pick up the dragon carving he felt a bit helpless for his friend. He had seen this dragon carving and someone had explained that it was a work from a grandmaster that lived a thousand years ago.
911Lin Ming couldn’t judge if this really was the work of that grandmaster, but what Lin Ming could judge was the year this was crafted. It was an imitation treasure created no more than 100 years ago.
912He cautioned. “Brother Li, I have a feeling about this dragon carving.”
913“A bad feeling?”
914“A bit.”
915“It’s fine. Your brother me has already wanted to buy this dragon carving for some time now. But, I just haven’t been able to do it. It’s as you said: buying things should be for our own happiness. If I return empty-handed today then it will be difficult for my thoughts to remain smooth. So, if I buy this carved dragon and it ends up being some sort of fake, I’ll still recognize it as okay.”
916Since Li Yifeng had said this in such a happy manner, Lin Ming naturally didn’t say anything further.
917Lin Ming glanced at the Knifescar fellow and saw that his grin was as wide as a smiling Buddha’s. He had done enough business today that gold was spilling out of him; of course, he would be happy.
918Lin Ming faintly smiled. He walked towards the shelves and started choosing a jade carving.
919He currently still had 6000 top grade true essence stones from Xuan Wuji. In addition to the wealth from the other Life Destruction powerhouses he killed, he had around 14,000-15,000 top grade true essence stones. Lin Ming planned to use the majority of these to purchase jade carvings.
920If this was the case, he naturally wanted to buy the expensive goods.
921“Seventh grade wood spirit jade, 300,000 years, this is quite the good material.” Lin Ming looked at a two-foot-high Buddha in front of him. This kind of wood spirit jade was considered to be quite good. According to his estimates, the price of this definitely wouldn’t be low.
922As the Knifescar fellow saw Lin Ming looking at the jade Buddha, he smiled in greeting. He thought that Lin Ming was only Li Yifeng’s follower, but it seemed that he was Li Yifeng’s friend instead. Naturally he would treat him nicer now.
923However, as he noticed Lin Ming’s stance as he examined the jade carvings, it was obvious that he was even newer than a newbie. Normally, an appraisal expert would take several quarter hours looking at a jade carving, even touching and smelling it.
924But, Lin Ming would look at a jade carving for an incense stick of time at most. Sometimes he would reach out and touch them, but most of the time he would just glance over them. What could he possibly see?
925Thus, the Knifescar fellow had recognized Lin Ming as a novice.
926This sort of know-nothing normally would normally never buy anything unless they were an absolute fool. Otherwise they would waste several thousand spirit essence stones without even knowing if the wood spirit jade carving they bought was real or fake.
927Thus, the Knifescar fellow didn’t take Lin Ming as a customer. He only smiled at Lin Ming to give face to Li Yifeng. “That jade Buddha has lot number 45; the price is 5000 spirit essence stones.”
928The Knifescar fellow shook the jade slip containing the prices in his hand and directly quoted the price to Lin Ming. He wanted Lin Ming to quit while he was ahead so that he wouldn’t waste anyone’s time here. Normally, when an amateur heard such a high price they would simply give up. After all, they didn’t understand anything and had only come to join in on the fun anyway.
929So even if this wood spirit jade Buddha in front of Lin Ming was the real deal that could sell for at least 8000-9000 spirit essence stones at an auction house, the Knifescar fellow wasn’t nervous at all. He would bet his toes that Lin Ming wouldn’t be interested I this item.
930Let alone Lin Ming, even those martial artists that bragged they were appraisal experts still hadn’t bought it in these past two years. That jade Buddha seemed so ambiguous; just who would dare to buy it?
931The price was so high to begin with, and it lacked a trace of pale cold light that a real ancient jade Buddha statue would have. It was inevitable that anyone would hesitate after looking at it for a period of time. But in truth, it wasn’t everything real object that had this sort faint blue light.
932With all these reasons combined, the Knifescar fellow never imagined that Lin Ming would look so taken in by this wood spirit jade Buddha. Lin Ming repeatedly traced his hands over it and said, “It looks quite good. My mother likes to worship Buddha. I’ll buy this for her; she should enjoy it.”
933The Knifescar fellow thought that he had heard wrong. Did this boy have a fever? Just because his mother liked to worship Buddha, he would actually gift her a treasure worth 5000 spirit essence stone? The hell? Was this for real?
934It wasn’t just the Knifescar fellow that was shocked, but even Li Yifeng was frightened. “Brother Lin, don’t joke around. This jade Buddha is so sketchy; are you sure you want to buy it?”
935A 5000 spirit essence stone jade Buddha was a very high-priced item within the inventory of White Dragon Jade Row. If Li Yifeng were to buy it he would have to consider this over and over and over again for fear that he made a mistake. But, Lin Ming hadn’t even taken an incense stick of time before he decided to buy this jade Buddha. This sort of behavior could only be described as. completely idiotic.
936What Jade Row loved the most was too seeing rich fools. They would casually buy whatever they wanted, whether it was real or fake. But, according to Li Yifeng’s understanding of Lin Ming, Lin Ming was an extremely talented individual that would never do something stupid. He also wasn’t too rich either, so just what was going on here?
937“Hehe, congratulations Brother Knifescar, you just ran into a wealthy kid! You’re rich now!” Zhou Kun grinned from behind Lin Ming. His words seemed to be in a jovial tone but he was obviously mocking Lin Ming’s stupidity.
938However, as the Knifescar fellow heard Zhou Kun congratulate him, he actually felt bitter in his heart. This jade Buddha was not excavated by others but instead came from the inventory of the White Dragon Jade Row Headquarters. It was one of the better treasures in his store. If he really had to sell it for 5000 spirit essence stones then he would lose money on that transaction.
939“This little brother, do you happen to know the rules of our Jade Row? There are both real and fake items here, and everything you buy depends on your own vision and willingness to do so. Once you make a mistake and regret your purchase, there are no returns.” The Knifescar fellow hoped that Lin Ming didn’t understand the rules and would give up after hearing this. But, he didn’t think that Lin Ming would instead slightly nodded, indicating that he was well aware of all of this.
940“Great! Then I’ll wrap it up for you!” The Knifescar fellow tried to appear as elated as possible like had had just made a killer profit and Li Ming would instead feel uncertain at heart. But, Lin Ming simply nodded without hesitation, making the Knifescar fellow feel as if his heart was being ripped out.
941This boy shouldn’t be playing a pig to eat a tiger, right!?
942Li Yifeng couldn’t help but be a bit afraid for Lin Ming. “Brother Lin, are you sure about this? This is a 5000 spirit essence stone item!”
943“I know, that’s why I want it. Shopping should be for our own happiness. Wrap it up.”
944Li Yifeng opened and closed his mouth several times before ruefully smiling and saying, “Ok. In any case, if it’s Brother Lin then even if you spend all your spirit essence stones you’ll be able to quickly gain them back again.”
945The Knifescar fellow endured the bitter pain in his heart as he wrapped up the jade Buddha. He kept his smiling face as happy as possible. However, just as he finished wrapping it and was securing the package, he nearly fell on his face as he saw that Lin Ming had picked up a viridian incense burner and was tossing it about.
946This incense burner was also one of the real items here. Its value was less than the jade Buddha, but it could still be sold for 7000-8000 spirit essence stones at the auction house!
947This was also something that was brought down from Headquarters to stock the store. This boy, he couldn’t be wanting to purchase this incense burner, right? Then his White Dragon Jade Row would really suffer a loss! In the jade slip, this incense burner was only marked at 4500 spirit essence stones. If he sold it then he would have to make up the difference to Headquarters!
948In order for Jade Row attract guests, the marked prices were all relatively low. As for the true treasures of the shop, if they were swept up by someone then it would be difficult for his Jade Row to continue operating.
949“This boy just bought a 5000 spirit essence stone item he shouldn’t buy anything again.” The Knifescar fellow held out on this hope. However, Lin Ming’s next sentence crushed that Knifescar fell’s hopes to bits.
950Lin Ming looked at the jade slip with the prices and said to the Knifescar fellow, “Wrap this up for me too.”
951The Knifescar fellow only felt everything go dark around him for a moment, almost fainting. His heart trembled and he maintained the brightest smile that he could as he said, “You want this? This viridian incense burner is carved from ancient 8000-year-old river jade; the craftsmanship is excellent and it clearly stems from the hand of a famous expert. If you sold it in an auction house it could go for as high as 8000 spirit essence stones! Brother Lin truly has good judgment; let me wrap this up for you!”
952Although the Knifescar fellow seemed euphoric, his pace while wrapping up the item was astoundingly slow. He was hoping that Lin Ming would change his mind during this period of time. However, Lin Ming had already started looking at a third item.
953On the sidelines, Zhou Kun laughed as he said, “What a mess, I’ve never seen such a mess before! That jade Buddha has been on the shelves for three years already and no one dared to buy it; this boy is too amazing!” Zhou Kun vigorously patted the Knifescar fellow’s shoulders. “Brother Knifescar, you really made a killing today! You should treat us out!”
954“Treat, of course I will treat you!” The Knifescar fellow said. Even though his intestines painfully twisted together he still maintained a vibrant expression as if he had made a massive profit.
955“Brother Lin, if you really plan on buying some things to play around with then it doesn’t need to be here. I can take you out to look at some stalls. The price is cheaper and there fundamentally shouldn’t be too much of a difference.” Li Yifeng suggested.
956The things in the stalls outside were purely to swindle others; it wasn’t even 99% fake, but 100% fake. They were all counterfeit fake goods crafted from wood-attribute spirit essence stones.
957However, sometimes there would be 1-2 vendors who would put out a precious treasure without being able to recognize its value. Li Yifeng had also visited countless stalls in the past, and the chances of this occurring was the same as being struck by thunder.
958“Brother Li, I know what I’m doing.” Lin Ming said with a true essence sound transmission. He held a new fancy looking item in his hands, but as he glanced over at the Knifescar fellow that Knifescar fellow’s face had gone completely hideous.
959Fuck! He had been swindled!
960Chapter 767 – White Dragon Jade Card
961This new item in Lin Ming’s hand was also a true treasure that could sell for 7000-8000 spirit essence stones in an auction house. This was something that the Knifescar fellow had received 20 years before in a small town of the Thatch Region. Although it didn’t cost much, he still wasn’t willing to sell it to Lin Ming for a higher price.
962The White Dragon Jade Row was known to have seven fakes for every three real treasure items. But the truth was that it couldn’t even match up to eight fakes for every two real treasures. Now, Lin Ming had continuously picked three real treasures in a row. Moreover, they were some of the top ranked items of the White Dragon Jade Row. Just how could there be such a coincidence in this world?
963“Sir Lin, I could have never imagined. You’re so young and yet you’re an appraisal prodigy! The play that I put on in front of everyone must be laughable to an expert like you!” The Knifescar fellow said with a true essence sound transmission, still maintaining a smiling face.
964Lin Ming faintly smiled in return and looked up at the Knifescar fellow. “Brother Knifescar, what are you trying to say? Are you saying there are any problems with the jade carvings I’m purchasing?”
965Lin Ming already knew the answer to his question. He had been planning to buy both fakes and real items together, but Lin Ming’s finances were limited. If he bought some fake items, then he wouldn’t be able to afford the most expensive real ones. Plus, buying small fake items along with the most expensive real ones was merely him acting like an idiot, burying his head in the sand as he tried to fool this Knifescar fellow.
966Thus, Lin Ming didn’t bother to conceal his intentions at all. This was a one-time transaction, after all, and he didn’t plan on returning to the White Dragon Jade Row in the future. If he ever came back, he feared that he would actually be asked to leave before he even went through the door. Since he was here today, he might as well take advantage of the fact that two great customers, Li Yifeng and Zhou Kun, were both here. Now, the Knifescar fellow couldn’t refuse to sell to him, nor could he ask Lin Ming to leave.
967“Sir Lin, let’s not waste our time with these games. If you really did think there was a problem with any of these items then would you really spend over 10,000 spirit essence stones on a gamble? Today I will admit that my punishment is deserved, but that item in your hand is the last item that I can sell to you. My White Dragon Jade Row has its own rules and I can only blame my bad luck for being unable to realize that a Supreme Elder has visited my shop today. I also hope that you will consider my reputation here, and won’t push me to the edge. After all, my White Dragon Jade Row is open for business in this Thatch Region where both good and bad people are mixed up. We won’t allow anyone to bully us here.”
968Since the Knifescar fellow said that much, Lin Ming no longer put on an act. “I apologize. Things are a little tight for me at the moment. Once I leave White Dragon Jade Row, I will be sure to withdraw. But, Brother Knifescar, you’ve also gained over 10,000 spirit essence stones. The value of these items I take away should only be around 18,000 spirit essence stones. Brother Knifescar should still have a hefty surplus profit.
969Lin Ming’s few words set off a storm in the Knifescar fellow’s mind. This meant that Lin Ming had realized that the blood spirit jade from before was a fake. Thinking about it, it must have been Lin Ming who stopped Li Yifeng from increasing the price.
970The Knifescar man had studied those bracelets for three whole days and still could not be sure about their authenticity. Finally, he had to go to a Great Elder from the Headquarters to appraise the item. But Lin Ming had only looked at it and touched it for a bit before realizing that it was fake. This meant that his vision was at least three points higher than any of the Elders in the Headquarters!
971And thinking about it even more, when Lin Ming had chosen those three items several moments before, he had picked up the three most valuable ones from the pile of ambiguous treasures. This had made the Knifescar fellow extremely shocked.
972Just who was this young man?
973If he could walk together with Li Yifeng, and from the way that Li Yifeng treated him as an equal peer, it could be assumed that this young man surnamed Lin was not ordinary in the least. Still, he had never heard of him before. It was as if he had simply appeared out of thin air.
974“I must say I admire Sir Lin’s eyesight. May I inquire into Sir Lin’s given name, and whether or not Sir Lin would like to join my White Dragon Jade Row Headquarters as a guest appraisal master?” If the Knifescar fellow had hated Lin Ming to the bones because he had swept up his three most expensive treasures, then all of that hatred had now disappeared. In the world of ancient jade carvings, appraisal grandmasters were existences respected by all. It was an extremely rare and valuable opportunity to bring a collection to a grandmaster and obtain his advice, and Lin Ming was already skilled enough to have reached this level.
975“I’m sorry, but I must cultivate and I don’t have much time,” Lin Ming said, openly declining this offer and not even giving his name.
976This made the Knifescar fellow feel extremely regretful; he had wanted to become friends with Lin Ming after all, or at least to develop good relations. But thinking about it, Lin Ming was bound to have some kind of extraordinary background, and would not necessarily wish to enter their White Dragon Jade Row.
977“Since Sir Lin says so, then I won’t ask anymore. This is our Jade Row’s sound transmission card. If Sir Lin is interested at any time, then please come to my White Dragon Jade Row to have a look.” All of the Knifescar fellow’s words had been spoken with true essence sound transmission, except for these last words. He took out a viridian jade card with a lifelike Azure Dragon embossed onto the back. This was the White Dragon Jade Row’s engraving.
978Lin Ming was startled as soon as he received this jade card. This card was actually made of wood spirit jade. Although it did not require much material and although it was an extremely low grade of wood spirit jade, it was still remarkable. This sort of jade card could not be randomly awarded, otherwise even the White Dragon Jade Row would be unable to bear the costs.
979As the Knifescar fellow passed the jade card, Zhou Kun was watching all of it. This immediately sent him into a fit of laughter, “That’s the White Dragon Jade Card! I’ve come to the White Dragon Jade Row for several years before receiving one! Congratulations to Brother Knifescar for finding another golden goose! This is giving such face to Brother Lin here!”
980In Zhou Kun’s opinion, Lin Ming was too great of an idiot. The first time here he had already delivered up over 10,000 spirit essence stones to the White Dragon Jade Row! This must have been the reason why the Knifescar fellow issued Lin Ming a White Dragon Jade Card, all in order to tie up this great golden goose.
981Golden goose?
982The Knifescar fellow did not know what expression to make. In fact, the actual golden goose was the laughing fool. Comparing Lin Ming to Zhou Kun. The Knifescar fellow did not know whether to laugh or cry.
983The Knifescar fellow glanced at Zhou Kun and thought to himself, “Many thanks to a fool like you for buying that pair of so-called blood spirit jade bracelets to fill up my losses for today, otherwise I really would be in trouble.”
984“Should I call you a tycoon, Sir Lin? Since you’ve already bought three ‘treasures’, do you not plan on buying any more?” Zhou Kun asked Lin Ming with zest. Today there were two wonderful events that had happened. First, he had obtained a precious treasure for a low price, and secondly, he had watched as others were being tricked into buying expensive fakes.
985Lin Ming faintly smiled and shook his head, saying, “I’ve already bought three items; I won’t be able to afford any more.”
986“Haha, if you need spirit essence stones then you can also ask Brother Li. Brother Li is also a rich man!”
987“Brother Lin, ignore him. Let’s go.” Li Yifeng patted Lin Ming’s shoulder in comfort. He didn’t know that Lin Ming had intentionally bought three expensive jade carvings in a row. With his understanding of Lin Ming, the man had no idea what wood spirit jade carvings were to begin with, otherwise he would never have asked those questions back on the spirit boat.
988“Hehe.” As Zhou Kun saw Li Yifeng leave the White Dragon Jade Row with Lin Ming, he looked a bit regretful. “Brother Knifescar, I’ll come back next week, haha, but I will head out first for now.”
989“Take care!” The Knifescar fellow said, all smiles.
990“Brother Lin, why did you buy those three jade carvings? The price of those three added together is over 10,000 spirit essence stones! It isn’t much cheaper than that pair of blood spirit jade bracelets!” Li Yifeng immediately asked Lin Ming as soon as they left. In his opinion, Lin Ming would not do something like that without reason. But he still could not figure out just what Lin Ming’s intentions were.
991There was no way for Lin Ming to explain his reasoning in a simple manner, so he just casually said, “I just had a special feeling about those three jade carvings, so I bought them.”
992“Alright.” Li Yifeng shook his head, a bit stymied. “Since you like it, it’s fine. Would you like to have your three items appraised? There is a sixth stage Life Destruction master in this city. He was also my first appraisal teacher that taught me how to identify wood spirit jade carvings; he is a highly respected and infamous individual. If he examines something he definitely won’t make a mistake. Although most of the goods in White Dragon Jade Row are fake, some of them are real after all. There might be something good among those items you bought.
993“Oh? A sixth stage Life Destruction master?” Lin Ming was surprised. In the Sky Spill Continent, there were some martial artists who had been able to become Peerless emperors after reaching the fourth stage of Life Destruction. However, these were very rare occurrences. This mostly happened when someone stumbled into a massive bout of luck that allowed them to become Emperor powerhouses. Even then, they would be the weakest of the rank.
994The most common Emperor powerhouses had reached stages five or six of Life Destruction before becoming Emperors. There were very few who had reached stage seven of Life Destruction and nearly none who reached stage eight of Life Destruction. As for ninth stage of Life Destruction, those were legendary existences detailed in ancient texts from the Realm of the Gods.
995Now in this random desert city that Li Yifeng had stopped by there was actually a sixth stage Life Destruction Supreme Elder. It was natural that Lin Ming would be stunned. Such a person would logically enter the Divine Sea realm in just one more step.
996Of course, this so-called ‘one more step’ was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.
997As Li Yifeng and Lin Ming were talking, they suddenly a hearty laugh from in front of them. As Lin Ming followed the voice, he saw that not too far away, in a teahouse there were seven or eight men sitting around a stone table. The stone table had many pots filled with that putrid shredded-meat tea. And one of those men was Zhou Kun.
998Zhou Kun swung his folding fan, a self-satisfied smirk covering his face. He had an open box in front of him and in that wooden box was that pair of blood spirit jade bracelets that he had previously bought.
999“Brother Zhou’s expertise is amazing! Blood spirit jade has all but disappeared from the Thatch Region for the last several years, but now Brother Zhou’s purchase has really broadened our minds!” a middle-aged man wearing animal skins made compliments from across the table.
1000Zhou Kun laughed, his heart overjoyed. Still, he modestly said, “It’s just a preliminary judgment of mine. Although I’m 90% sure of my decision, there is still some risk involved. “
1001Just as Zhou Kun’s voice fell, a Revolving Core realm white-clothed old man smiled and said, “Brother Zhou is too prudent. Brother Zhou has extremely keen perception towards ancient jade carvings. You’ve only entered this trade for several years and yet your eyesight is no worse than this old man’s!”
1002The white-clothed old man laughed and picked up the pair of jade bracelets. He repeatedly studied them under the sunlight, occasionally taking out a small treasure mirror to examine it closer. Finally, he laid the bracelets back down and sighed in admiration.
1003“Old White, how is it, are they real?” a young man eagerly asked.
1004“They shouldn’t be fake,” the white-clothed old man breathed out. Seeing that this old man had come to the same conclusion as he had, Zhou Kun’s smile turned even brighter.
1005“How many spirit essence stones do you think they’re worth?” another young man couldn’t wait to ask.
1006“How rude!” The white-clothed old man admonished the youngsters, “Blood spirit jade, is extremely rare. Even new jades are hard to find, not to mention something as old as this! Every year the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom only produces an exceedingly small amount, and nearly all of that is supplied to the Royal Family. You can hardly find this anywhere else, so don’t just open your mouth and ask how many spirit essence stones it’s worth!”
1007Chapter 768 – Guru Blueway, Destiny Decree
1008The young men that were reprimanded by the white-clothed old man didn’t seem perturbed at all. One of them laughed and said, “Old White, consider me as having spoken a hasty remark, but such a rare wood spirit jade carving must have a price to it. We are also newcomers to this area so our experience is limited. Just tell us how many spirit essence stones you think this is worth so we can open our eyes.”
1009As the white-clothed old man heard the young man’s words, his expression became like a dead log. But, Zhou Kun actually bluntly said, “This pair of blood spirit jade bracelets can be sold on the auction house for 25,000 to 30,000 spirit essence stones. If you manage to bump into someone wealthy that loves blood spirit jade then it might go for even higher.”
1010As Zhou Kun reported this price, all of the young men present sucked in a deep breath of air. 30,000 spirit essence stones! Those present only had a net worth of several thousand spirit essence stones. This was an amount several times their complete wealth!
1011When they played with jade carvings they only messed around with small items. As for the expensive ones, those were only for looking. Who could play around like Zhou Kun?
1012At this moment, Zhou Kun saw Li Yifeng nearby.
1013“Haha, Brother Li is also here! I saw that Brother Li bought an ancient dragon carving from the White Dragon Jade Row. I just happen to have Mister White here. Mister White has a great deal of experience; he’s already looked at my blood spirit jade bracelets.”
1014Zhou Kun casually spoke these words for two reasons. First to show off that this white-clothed old man had affirmed that these blood spirit jade bracelets were real, and secondly because he didn’t have much faith in the ancient jade dragon carving that Li Yifeng had bought. He wanted to have Mister White appraise it to embarrass Li Yifeng. After all, that ancient jade dragon had been one of the ambiguous items and had been at the White Dragon Jade Row for far too long. If it were really something good then someone would have bought it up a long time ago.
1015Li Yifeng knit his eyebrows together. As he saw that Zhou Kun was showing off his blood spirit jade bracelets to the circle of men and also simultaneously hearing that he had obtained Mister White’s confirmation, it would be wrong to say that he didn’t feel a twinge of regret in his heart. This Mister White had been in the jade carving trade for several dozen years now. Although he wasn’t a top-class appraisal grandmaster, he could still be considered an expert in his profession. He had even been banned from entering the White Dragon Jade Row; he was no longer a character that they could entertain.
1016After hearing that this type of person had confirmed the veracity of the blood spirit jade bracelets, he only shook his head. After all, he too had been biased towards thinking that they were the real deal to begin with. “Brother Lin, let’s get out of here. I plan on going to the grandmaster to appraise this ancient jade dragon carving; perhaps it might be real, hahaha!”
1017Lin Ming didn’t speak. In the ancient jade carving trade, it was easy to be influenced by thoughts and give birth to past regrets if one didn’t make the purchase, one made the purchase, or made them think that they had been fooling themselves all along.
1018“Mm, alright.” Lin Ming didn’t mind. He had already identified the items that he bought as being quite good, and now he just lacked spirit essence stones.
1019Opening the third gate of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates didn’t require a specific kind of miraculous body transformation medicine. As long as he had some body transformation miracle medicine of a certain rank, no matter what type it was, it was completely applicable to him. Lin Ming had searched through the Realm of the Gods alchemist’s memories several times and had locked onto several types of medicines that he could refine. As long as he had enough time and materials then he was confident he could successfully concoct them. And the bountiful lands of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom were much better than Lin Ming had imagined. He would be able to find many materials he needed here. Of course, that was providing he had enough spirit essence stones.
1020Lin Ming and Li Yifeng headed towards the mansion of this small city’s appraisal grandmaster.
1021As Zhou Kun saw the two people walking away, he immediately realized where they were going. He faintly smiled as he darkly thought, ‘Li Yifeng must be going to Guru Blueway to have that ancient jade dragon carving of his appraised. He didn’t dare to let Mister White appraise it because he feared that his jade dragon carving might be a fake, and it would be a loss of face if that was revealed in front of everyone, hahaha. I’ll go see Grandmaster Blueway and take a look at just how precious your ancient jade dragon carving is.’
1022The so-called appraiser residency that Li Yifeng had mentioned was in truth a very ordinary-looking house. The courtyard walls were built from rough stones and the whole place looked a bit shabby and worn out from the outside. It was impossible to imagine that a sixth grade Life Destruction powerhouse lived here.
1023“Brother Lin, this appraisal grandmaster has lived here for the last 100 years; his name is Guru Blueway. He’s one of the top 300 ranked characters on the Destiny Decree!”
1024“Destiny Decree?” Lin Ming asked, a bit stunned.
1025“Mm, the Destiny Decree is a ranking list for strength within the Sky Spill Continent. Only Life Destruction powerhouses are listed on it and it is jointly issued out by several great intelligence organizations. Aside from the Destiny Decree, there is also an Emperor Decree which only has Divine Sea powerhouses. However, the Emperor Decree rarely changes. Those Divine Sea Supreme Elders are always wandering around with unknown whereabouts so it’s difficult to collect any information on them.
1026“Ranking the Life Destruction powerhouses isn’t easy either; it’s only a rough estimate used for reference.”
1027There were over 100 Emperor level powerhouses in the Sky Spill Continent, but definitely no more than 200. As for the number of Life Destruction powerhouses, that was far too difficult to calculate. Wanting to arrange the top ranked of these individuals in a list was extremely difficult.
1028Li Yifeng chuckled and said, “It naturally isn’t easy, but this Destiny Decree is actually quite accurate. It’s not much of a difference if you’re three or four ranks away from someone, but being 30-40 ranks basically isn’t wrong. The only exceptions are if you come across a massive lucky chance or recently experienced a breakthrough without anything knowing. The Destiny Decree is changed every three years, and is an important factor for the great forces to decide who to win over. As for the four Divine Kingdoms, they often use this ranking list as a way to contrast the quantity and quality of their young elites.
1029“How young are those martial artists on the list?” Lin Ming emphasized the word ‘young’.
1030“Relatively young. For a Life Destruction powerhouse, even 50 years old is considered young. To be ranked on the list at 50 years of age isn’t easy at all! Most of the martial artists on the ranking list are at least at the fifth or sixth stage of Life Destruction; there are even some abnormal seventh stage Life Destruction monsters. Moreover, these martial artists are all astounding individuals in their generation. If your foundation is poor, you might not make it on even if your cultivation is high!”
1031As Li Yifeng spoke to here, they finally arrived. He reached out his hand to knock on Guru Blueway’s gate.
1032With a soft creaking sound, the gate automatically opened.
1033In the courtyard, the ground was covered with fallen leaves. Underneath the gently falling leaves was a stone table with a checkerboard engraved atop of it. A blue-clothed old man was sitting at the stone table with a pot of boiling tea nearby. He had two black and white board pieces in his hands and his entire body was tense with concentration as he seemed completely focused on his game. From time to time he would lay down alternating black and white pieces; it turned out he was playing chess with himself.
1034“Oh, it’s the Li Family’s little baby boy again. Did you come to ask me to be your grunt again?”
1035The blue-clothed old man laughed. With a wave of his sleeves a pair of thin and elegant teacups suddenly appeared on the table, filled with a light amber tea. From the refreshing fragrance emanating from the tea, this tea was not the. popular. shredded meat tea of the Thatch Region, but a very high quality and exceptional tea.
1036“Hehe, Uncle Blueway, I came this time to specifically bring you some good things.” Li Yifeng was apparently extremely familiar with this blue-clothed old man. He good-naturedly grinned as he laughed.
1037As Li Yifeng spoke he took out the ancient dragon carving jade carving from his spatial ring. The blue-clothed old man glanced at the ancient jade dragon carving but didn’t speak; he had already guessed that Li Yifeng had gone shopping at White Dragon Jade Row and had come to ask him for an appraisal.
1038Li Yifeng was just about to walk forwards but he suddenly stopped in his steps. He swiveled around and saw Zhou Kun arriving along with the others from the street corner.
1039“Zhou Kun! That brat!” Li Yifeng frowned. Zhou Kun had bought the blood spirit jade bracelets, but Li Yifeng had only bought the ancient dragon jade carving which he didn’t even know was real or fake. Even if it were real he would still lose face, and there was no need to mention what it would be like if it were fake. That damned brat had come just to embarrass him.
1040“Grandmaster Blueway, I brought some good things for you to look at today.” Zhou Kun was all smiles as he approached. He was apparently also familiar with Guru Blueway.
1041“Yo! Sir Li, what a coincidence meeting you here.” Zhou Kun pretended that he accidently bumped into Li Yifeng here. His eyes immediately locked onto Li Yifeng’s ancient jade dragon carving. “Isn’t that the White Dragon Jade Row’s ancient jade dragon carving that is priced at 3300 spirit essence stones? Did you come to ask Grandmaster Blueway to appraise that for you?”
1042Since Zhou Kun had brought the shame game to this level, even the normally tranquil and carefree Li Yifeng had an extremely ugly look plastered on his face. But in front of Grandmaster Blueway, he could only endure this insult.
1043As Guru Blueway saw Li Yifeng and Zhou Kun in a tiff with each other, he only faintly smiled as he slowly sipped his tea, not saying anything. It was far too common for youths to engage in such disputes. And not to mention youths, but in the ancient jade carving trade, even those old experts would flush with anger with rage as they argued over the authenticity of their treasures.
1044Zhou Kun snickered and made an inviting gesture with his hands, “Sir Li, since you arrived first?”
1045At this time, Li Yifeng was holding onto the box containing his ancient jade dragon carving. He could only place it on Guru Blueway’s stone table and say, “Uncle Blueway, this is an ancient jade dragon carving I bought at the White Dragon jade Row. In truth, I don’t dare to confirm that this is a real item. It’s just that I’ve looked at it several times and I had an unbearable itch to buy it. I would like to ask Uncle Blueway to apprise this for me.”
1046Li Yifeng respectfully opened the box with the ancient jade dragon carving and presented it to Guru Blueway.
1047Guru Blueway looked at the jade carving and released a wisp of his perception to gently circle around it. He gently traced the ancient jade dragon carving’s scales. After a quarter hour, Guru Blueway finally stopped and said, “This ancient jade dragon carving comes from the hands of a famous expert. But, it’s a bit young; it’s only from a few hundred years ago. There have been some clever methods used to modify the appearance and give off this beautiful look, otherwise there is no way that the fine hairs on the surface would be so stiff. Generally speaking, this is a pretty good item – it is genuine true essence jade. It is ninth grade true essence jade, and roughly estimating, it should be worth around 800 spirit essence stones.”
1048As Li Yifeng heard Guru Blueway’s appraisal he looked a bit pained. He originally bought this item without caring if it was real or fake, and it would have been fine if he had it secretly appraised, but now in front of so many people, this was simply a great loss of face. In this circle, buying imitation goods at such a high price was really a laughable matter.
1049“Brother Li, oh, it really is such a pity. This ancient jade dragon carving really does has a beautiful appearance. If it were me I also might be a bit impulsive and buy it.” Zhou Kun smiled as he gloated at Li Yifeng’s misfortune. But, the surrounding people didn’t say anything, only watching the good play unfold before them.
1050Zhou Kun’s eyes shined as he took this moment to take out a wood box from his spatial ring. “Grandmaster Blueway, this is a pair of 10,000-year-old blood spirit jade bracelets that I just bought. Could you take a look at them?”
1051“What? Blood spirit jade?” Guru Blueway’s eyebrows shot up. His interest had obviously been stirred up.
1052Chapter 769 – Guru Blueway’s Appraisal
1053There was an exceedingly small amount of blood spirit jade in the entire Thatch Region; its conditions for formation were simply too harsh. It needed an ancient guardian beast to swallow the spiritual plant it was protecting, and then die before it was digested and be buried underground for 100,000 thousand years to condense.
1054Even new jade of this variety was extremely rare; ancient blood spirit jade was nearly extinct.
1055If it wasn’t for the fact that blood spirit jade’s greatest value lay in its ornamental value and its effects of nourishing the soul weren’t much better than the average wood spirit jade, then this pair of blood spirit jade bracelets could sell for a sky-high price of 100,000 spirit essence stones.
1056Though Guru Blueway was an appraisal grandmaster, even he hadn’t touched real blood spirit jade many times in his life. Now that he heard Zhou Kun actually had such a treasure, how could he not be excited?
1057He even had the thoughts of buying this pair of jade bracelets afterwards.
1058“You really have a pair of blood spirit jade bracelets?” Guru Blueway looked at Zhou Kun, his eyes shining.
1059“I found them at White Dragon jade Row. They are said to come from a 10,000-year gravesite that was just unearthed recently. Junior has looked roughly looked at them and they should be a 10,000-year-old treasure without a doubt.”
1060“Hurry and let me see!” Guru Blueway impatiently said. To someone at his boundary, he was only inferior to Peerless Emperor powerhouses and quasi Emperors. There were very few things that could arouse his interest to this point.
1061Seeing Guru Blueway so anxious, Zhou Kun was filled with a great sense of satisfaction. For someone in the ancient jade carving trade, there were few matters as great as having a highly respected expert be so be eager.
1062Zhou Kun unhurried opened the box, revealing the pair of blood spirit jade bracelets.
1063As the blood spirit jade bracelets appeared, Guru Blueway’s eyes locked onto them and no longer moved. He had worked with wood spirit jade carvings with so many years and had handled countless varieties of carving. At this point, his accumulated experience was extremely rich. As long as he looked at something he could judge with a general feeling whether this was an old or new item.
1064And now, looking at the blood spirit jade bracelets in front of him, he could feel the simple rustic breath emanating from it. Without a doubt, this was a treasure from 10,000 years ago!
1065As Guru Blueway realized this, he became even more excited. He took out a special treasure for the purposes of appraisals; this was also made from wood spirit jade.
1066Generally speaking, someone at the level of Guru Blueway no longer needed external aid to help in making appraisals. For him to take out such an appraisal treasure proved just how valuable he considered this pair of jade bracelets to be.
1067“What a beautiful jade pattern, it truly is a treasure from 10,000 years ago!” Guru Blueway praised out loud. Zhou Kun’s smiling face became even wider as he heard Guru Blueway say this. This had more or less confirmed that this pair of blood spirit jade bracelets was the real thing!
1068Although the others present were smiling along, they were actually extremely jealous. This was an item that could be sold for 30,000 spirit essence stones. Spirit essence stones were only one benefit. The other benefit was that because Zhou Kun bought this pair of blood spirit jade bracelets, his reputation in the jade carving circles would become much more glorious. If this was a treasure that even Guru Blueway would be excited over, the value could be imagined.
1069Zhou Kun couldn’t help but shoot a glance over at Li Yifeng, revealing a smile that said he had already won. Li Yifeng seemed fairly calm and carefree, but his innermost feelings were beginning to roil with regret. This was a treasure that he had been just a single step away from attaining. After all, in terms of net worth, there was no way for Zhou Kun to compare with him. As long as he wanted to buy it he could have absolutely won the bidding struggle against Zhou Kun.
1070Unfortunately, he had hesitated at that time.
1071Li Yifeng didn’t blame Lin Ming, nor had he ever thought of blaming Lin Ming. After all, Lin Ming was only a novice that was thoughtlessly giving his opinions. In the end, Li Yifeng only blamed himself for his lack of sight and hesitancy in judgment, thus letting Zhou Kun win the advantage. If his eyes had been as bright and illuminative as a torch and he had been able to immediately determine the authenticity of the item himself, then Lin Ming’s words naturally wouldn’t have had any impact on him.
1072Time passed slowly. Then, Guru Blueway’s unbelievably anxious face began to slowly calm down even as his eyebrows wrinkled together.
1073As all these changes fell in Zhou Kun’s eyes, his heart skipped a beat. What was the matter? Was there a problem?
1074Li Yifeng’s heard stirred. Was there a problem with the jade bracelets? An imperfection? A crack? Perhaps they were. a fake?
1075Even Li Yifeng couldn’t believe it if it were a fake. It was impossible to fake such a beautiful jade pattern. Moreover, Guru Blueway had already affirmed from the start that this object was from 10,000 years ago.
1076After half an hour passed, Guru Blueway deeply sighed and lifted his head. At that moment, Zhou Kun felt his heart wither into nothing. With his current wealth, it could be said that he had staked everything he had on these expensive blood spirit jade bracelets. Now he could be considered as dead broke. If there were any problems with these jade bracelets then all his work in the past would be wasted; he would never recover from the initial capital he plunked down for them.
1077“Grandmaster Blueway, how about it?” Zhou Kun nervously asked, his heart caught in his throat.
1078Guru Blueway slowly swept over everyone. He actually didn’t immediately answer, which made Zhou Kun nervous to the point of wanting to vomit blood. As for everyone else, they were also unbelievably tense. On one hand they hoped to see the ancient blood spirit jade that was nearly impossible to find, but on the other hand they didn’t want to see Zhou Kun make such a great deal; their feelings could be called contradictory.
1079“This thing. truly is from 10,000 years ago.” Guru Blueway finally said after a long silence. However, these words by themselves weren’t enough to calm the panic in Zhou Kun’s heart. If Guru Blueway said this early then that obviously meant there was some problem.
1080Of course, there was undoubtedly a problem with these jade bracelets, otherwise Guru Blueway would have never made such an expression. Now Zhou Kun only hoped that Guru Blueway would only say that there were minor defects that wouldn’t greatly affect the value so he wouldn’t lose too much money.
1081“Unfortunately.” Guru Blueway shook his head, making Zhou Kun’s heart chill to icy temperatures.
1082“These bracelets are not fake, and they are extremely valuable and ancient jade bracelets. However, they are not blood spirit jade, thus the value is greatly reduced.”
1083Guru Blueway’s words were like a bath of cold water poured on everyone. Zhou Kun felt his surroundings go dark and he nearly fainted.
1084“It isn’t blood spirit jade? How could that be possible!?”
1085Zhou Kun had already repeatedly confirmed his appraisal again and again. He had worried that this was new blood spirit jade instead of ancient blood spirit jade. However, learning that this was another type of jade masquerading as blood spirit jade was like being struck by a bolt of lightning on a clear summer day!
1086Zhou Kun could not be compared with Li Yifeng. Li Yifeng was a Prince and he had an excellent future awaiting him. But, Zhou Kun was a failed High Prince successor and the resources he was assigned were extremely limited. The spirit essence stones he had used to buy the blood spirit jade just now were the entirety of his savings. Once his lost it, it would be immensely difficult to recover from such damage. It would even cause him to lack training resources in the future.
1087Guru Blueway said, “Sir Zhou, these jade bracelets are made from corpse jade. Corpse jade is wood spirit jade that is buried in the mouth of a tomb owner, or perhaps sealed in their stomach. After tens of thousands of years, the blood of the martial artist permeates into the jade. This sort of jade is very similar to blood spirit jade and is also exceedingly rare. Corpse jade originally had only minor differences with blood spirit jade, and once a martial artist skilled in corpse techniques and a wood-attribute martial artist join forces, they can skillfully transform this corpse jade into something that is nearly impossible to distinguish from real blood spirit jade. Let alone you, it’s even hard for old me to clearly identify it unless I’m paying attention. This is also the first time that I’ve seen corpse jade disguised as blood spirit jade.”
1088Guru Blueway’s words could be regarded as sentencing this pair of ‘blood spirit jade bracelets’ to death.
1089Li Yifeng felt a chill crawl up his spine. Good heavens! He had almost been the one to fall into this deathtrap!
1090Such a marvelous and clever method of fraud! Even if his sight was ten times better, he feared that he still wouldn’t be able to see through it!
109115,000 spirit essence stones were an amount that would strain even Li Yifeng’s resources. Moreover, those old men in his family had originally been opposed to him playing around in the ancient jade carving trade to begin with. Although these sorts of items were capable of nourishing the soul, being addicted to such games would also ruin his will and mind. If they knew that Li Yifeng had lost 15,000 spirit essence stones because of this, the consequences could be imagined!
1092“That was a close call, how dangerous! If I really got screwed here and that insane Murong girl actually reported me to the higher ups, I fear even my legs would be taken away!”
1093As Li Yifeng was gasping in fear, his mind suddenly stirred and he looked to Lin Ming at his side. Lin Ming had a calm expression as if he wasn’t affected at all by these blood spirit jade bracelets being fakes. It was reasonable to say that this matter was greatly related to Lin Ming. If Guru Blueway had determined that these jade bracelets were fakes, then Lin Ming should have breathed out a sigh of relief. Since he was so calm, that could only be because he had known these jade bracelets were fakes all along!
1094Things began to make more sense. If a normal person didn’t know anything about jade carvings, they certainly wouldn’t stick their nose into such an important trade. After all, that was a transaction involving 15,000 spirit essence stones. Luckily, his suggestion had been right, otherwise it would be difficult for him to absolve himself of guilt.
1095Since Lin Ming dared to speak out then he must have had a certain assurance in himself. As Li Yifeng remembered the warning Lin Ming had given him about the ancient jade dragon carving, he realized that these two matters together absolutely couldn’t be a coincidence!
1096That Knifescar fellow who gave Lin Ming the White Dragon Jade Card must have done so not because he thought Lin Ming was some brain-addled money machine, but because he admired Lin Ming’s keen eyesight.
1097As Li Yifeng thought of this, he asked, “Brother Lin, you already knew those jade bracelets were fakes?”
1098“I just had a strange feeling. Those bracelets didn’t feel too good to me.” Lin Ming faintly smiled, giving a short explanation. His words were vague to begin with but in fact he didn’t need to explain anyway; Li Yifeng would think as he wished to.
1099Li Yifeng didn’t press the matter further. Whether it was some mystical sixth sense or whether it was something else that Lin Ming didn’t wish to speak about, everyone had their own secrets. The power of the stars sealed in Li Yifeng’s right hand was also a secret of his.
1100“Brother Lin, your brother me has received your gratitude this time. You mentioned earlier that you wanted to buy wood spirit jade. If you have any need for help, I will assist you as best as I can.”
1101“Mm, okay.” Lin Ming didn’t turn down the offer. In the future if he wanted to practice alchemy he would need a massive amount of materials and wood spirit jade. Collecting all of that would be slow by himself. Li Yifeng’s help would save a great deal of trouble.
1102At this time, Zhou Kun had been shocked into a daze. Playing in the wood spirit jade carving trade was an enormous risk to begin with, he couldn’t go looking for trouble with the White Dragon Jade Row. The White Dragon Jade Row relied on selling fakes to make a living, otherwise they would never have sold real goods at such lower prices. If one wished to buy goods at such low prices, they naturally needed to mentally prepare themselves to be tricked. These were the rules of the Jade Row and also the unspoken rules of the jade carving trade. If he went to look for trouble then not only would he not be compensated, but others would laugh at him instead as someone playing games beyond their means.
1103Chapter 770 – Opening the Universe Melting Furnace
1104As Li Yifeng saw Zhou Kun’s depressed appearance, he didn’t relish it at all. Instead, all he felt was pity.
1105But near Li Yifeng, Qing’er muttered in soft voice, “If you can’t afford the game then don’t play, this idiot has really left me speechless.”
1106Guru Blueway shook his head and said, “Sir Zhou, you shouldn’t play in the ancient jade carving trade. Although wood spirit jade has the effect of nourishing the soul, the high price far outstrips its use. Generally speaking, it simply isn’t the proper way to go about things. Although this pair of bracelets is simply an imitation, corpse jade is still quite valuable. It should be able to sell for 4000 to 5000 spirit essence stones at an auction house. It would be wiser if Sir Zhou were to sell them off and use the money to practice in serenity.”
11074000 to 5000 spirit essence stones. that was a full 10,000 less essence stones than what Zhou Kun had bid for these jade bracelets. Zhou Kun was truly unwilling to sell these corpse jade bracelets and withdraw from the ancient jade carving trade.
1108The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. The loss of the blood spirit jade bracelets had been a tremendous attack on Zhou Kun’s psyche.
1109Li Yifeng shrugged and said to Lin Ming, “Brother Lin, those three items you bought should be real. Do you plan on selling them to buy more wood spirit jade?”
1110Lin Ming nodded, “Yes, I need a great deal of wood spirit jade.”
1111“Then we should have Grandmaster Blueway apprise them! With a grandmaster’s appraisal they will be far easier to sell at a higher price.” Li Yifeng rubbed his hands in excitement. He certainly didn’t want to miss a chance to open his eyes like this.
1112However, Lin Ming actually shook his head and said, “No, I want to directly place them in the auction house and have the appraisal masters look at them. I don’t wish to arouse any unnecessary interest.”
1113Lin Ming had already been banned from White Dragon Jade Row; from now on, he could forget about stepping into any other White Dragon Jade Row branch store. He didn’t want to make a name for himself and ruin his method of acquiring money. In the ancient jade carving business, news travelled far too fast.
1114Li Yifeng felt a bit regretful in his heart. But, since this was what Lin Ming decided, he naturally had no complaints, “Brother Lin, if you trust me then I can help you handle those three items and completely change them into spirit essence stones for you.”
1115“Thank you, Brother Li.,” Lin Ming couldn’t ask for a better solution. He was pressed for time and didn’t have much energy left over to deal with these trivial matters.
1116Li Yifeng was extremely efficient. In a mere 10 days, all three items had been completely changed into spirit essence stones. After removing the cut that the auction house took, there was a total of 22,000 spirit essence stones. And at this time, Lin Ming had already arrived at the largest city in the Thatch Region – Jade City.
1117The buildings in Jade City were all built from large chunks of rocks, and these rocks hadn’t been carved or polished much either. There was a very distinctive barbaric and wild taste to the city.
1118Behind Jade City was a 10,000-foot-high perilous mountain peak named the Jade Mountain. Lin Ming’s current dwelling was located here. Cut out of this perilous mountain were several hundred cave mansions. Every cave mansion could be used to close up in training and the origin energy here was also very rich. One could rent a vacancy as long as they had enough spirit essence stones.
1119Lin Ming rented a medium-sized cave mansion for three years.
1120Lin Ming didn’t care about the origin energy in the cave mansion. What he cared about was the security here. According to Li Yifeng, there was a Divine Sea Supreme Elder personally guarding Jade City; no one dared to come here to cause trouble. If he closed up here he could do so in peace.
1121At this time, Lin Ming was sitting down on a stone bed in his cave mansion and had a small, three-foot-high furnace in front of him. Carved on the surface of the pill furnace was a circle of heaven that contained all the myriad creatures of the universe. At the very center of this design was a red Golden Crow image.
1122This furnace was the Cosmic Melting Furnace. The Cosmic Melting Furnace used to be the top divine furnace of the Sky Spill Continent several tens of thousands of years ago. Even an Emperor powerhouse could be refined within it.
1123Currently, Lin Ming had laid down eight blazing flame columns. Every flaming column had a statue of a carved horned dragon within it, and these eight horned dragons were all aimed at the Cosmic Melting Furnace.
1124Lin Ming, with the help of Demonshine, had reformed the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array that the Demon Emperor had once arranged around the Cosmic Melting Furnace. On this day, he planned on completely opening the Cosmic Melting Furnace.
1125In the past, Lin Ming had only been able to open the first level of space of the Cosmic Melting Furnace. But according to Demonshine, the Cosmic Melting Furnace had a total of three different levels. Since Lin Ming now planned on officially using the Cosmic Melting Furnace, it was necessary for him to open all three spaces.
1126Lin Ming lifted his hand and formed a seal. Waves of burnished dawn light began to spout out from the mouths of the horned dragons, covering the pill furnace and causing a burning hot flame to instantly burn.
1127“Open!”
1128Lin Ming shouted loudly. On the surface of the Cosmic Melting Furnace, brilliant rays of golden light suddenly began emitting from the Golden Crow image. For a time, it was like a sun had risen within the room, blinding all eyes.
1129The Cosmic Melting Furnace fiercely shook, and a high-pitched dragon roar seemed to issue out from the furnace. The sound waves flushed into the sound-insulating enchantment of the room, causing the entire place to shake as if it could collapse at any moment.
1130Then, a fist-sized fruit and a golden red root flew out from the Cosmic Melting Furnace and were immediately grabbed by Lin Ming.
1131He had finally opened the second level of the Cosmic Melting Furnace!
1132With Lin Ming’s current strength, opening the second level of the Cosmic Melting Furnace wasn’t difficult at all. What would be difficult was opening the third level. The Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array had been prepared especially for that purpose.
1133“A Five Color Fruit and Void Temper Root! Hehe, boy, you’ve made it rich again!” Demonshine’s voice sounded out in Lin Ming’s mind. There were treasures in every level of the Cosmic Melting Furnace. When he had opened the first level of space, Giant Demon blood and a Nameless Divine Pill refined with a Nirvana Dragon Root had popped out.
1134The blood of the Giant Demon had been absorbed by the Magic Cube. As for that Nameless Divine Pill, Lin Ming had swallowed it when he had been trapped in the King’s Cage and was struggling to find a way out. The Nameless Divine Pill had fused together with the Asura force field, and together with the collision from a Demon God Bone, it had allowed him to completely break through the first gate of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates.
1135Now, the Five Color Fruit and Void Temper Root that Demonshine spoke of were the treasures from the Cosmic Melting Furnace’s second level of space.
1136As for what the treasures in the Cosmic Melting Furnace had been, even Demonshine hadn’t been sure. Lin Ming could only search through the soul fragment of the Demon Emperor to find incomplete clues.
1137“I remember from the Realm of the Gods alchemist’s memories that Five Color Fruit and Void Temper Root are both high level heavenly materials used for alchemy. With these two things as the main source of medicine, in addition to some supporting herbs and wood spirit jade, I should be able to create a miracle medicine capable of opening the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates.”
1138Lin Ming couldn’t bother thinking about these matters at this time. He revolved his true essence to the limit and then pointed at the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array. The flames suddenly fanned into a blazing conflagration.
1139The Cosmic Melting Furnace violently trembled within the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array. It was as if there was some ancient vicious beast trapped with the furnace that was ready to rush out at any given moment.
1140Lin Ming released the Heretical God Force as he simultaneously activated the strength of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates. Between Lin Ming’s eyebrows, the phoenix flame mark there began to blaze out with a golden light as sharp as a sword.
1141Bang!
1142With an explosion, the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array’s eight flame columns all collapsed at once. The Cosmic Melting Furnace’s lid shot up like a meteor, straight into the air.
1143Kacha!
1144The lid heavily smashed into the Jade Mountain cave mansion, causing a large portion of the array formation-reinforced rock to shear off!
1145Lin Ming’s face flushed red with blood. He looked at the two items suspended in the air. Neither of these items looked like miracle medicines. One was a completely jet-black demon armor, and the other was a mass of thick, viscous blood.
1146Chapter 771 – Heaven craft Trading Company
1147When Demonshine saw the mass of blood, his shifty little eyes immediately brightened. “I want that blood!”
1148Lin Ming swept his mind over the blood. The blood was similar to the blood from the first level of the Cosmic Melting Furnace; both of them exuded an ancient energy. Thus, the should be blood of the Ancient Giant Demons. In terms of quality, it was far from being comparable to Ancient Phoenix Blood, but it was still extremely precious.
1149“Alright.”
1150Lin Ming wasn’t stingy. To Demonshine, who only had his soul form left, the power of this blood essence was the only way for him to recover. During the past years, Demonshine had helped him a great deal, and had even saved his life several times.
1151Demonshine hurriedly leapt out from Lin Ming’s spiritual sea, turned into a small red curly-haired dog, and plunged towards the mass of Ancient Giant Demon blood. He immediately swallowed it whole.
1152With a contented sigh, Demonshine’s dog-like face revealed an extremely satisfied expression.
1153After swallowing the blood, Demonshine’s entire body flushed red. Afterwards, his originally vague and distorted body became much more solid.
1154This continued for half an incense sticks worth of time. After it stopped, Demonshine used his paws to pat his belly, and burped loudly. “Awesome, so awesome! 10 more jin of this stuff would be great!”
1155Lin Ming faintly smiled, shaking his head. It was already quite good to have two taels of this blood, but this damned dog actually wanted 10 jin.
1156He pointed at the black demon armor floating in the air and asked, “Demonshine, can you tell me what this demon armor is?”
1157Lin Ming’s inherited memories from the Demon Emperor were mostly incomplete; he had no memories about this demon armor.
1158Demonshine licked his lips and replied, “That’s the demon armor that Master personally forged when he was still on the Sky Spill Continent. Tens of thousands of years ago, there was an epoch were countless rivals and heroes rose up in unison, with new legends being created daily. Master’s strength was unparalleled in that world, however, there were still opponents that could threaten him. For instance, the deep-sea races!”
1159Lin Ming nodded in understanding. On this world, the boundless sea’s size was far greater than the land mass. There were an immeasurable number of things that lived inside of the deep-sea, including many diverse and interesting races. There were even races from the ancient desolate era, who had bloodline legacies far surpassing that of humanity.
1160In this situation, the number of deep-sea race powerhouses that existed far surpassed that of humanity. If it weren’t for the fact that the deep-sea races were more suited for living deep underwater, and couldn’t survive long on land, then they probably would’ve probably engaged in a never-ending war with humanity.
1161Demonshine continued, “Master fought with his deep-sea race opponents for a long time, before eventually even this demon armor was pierced through, with Master barely managing to defeat his enemy in the face of countless dangers. Because the demon armor had been pierced, Master decided to keep the demon armor inside of the Cosmic Melting Furnace and repair it. However, the time required to repair the demon armor was extremely long. By the time that Master left this world, the demon armor still hadn’t been fully repaired. However, tens of thousands of years have passed now, and this demon armor has finally repaired itself inside of the Cosmic Melting Furnace. Not only has it been fixed, its grade is now even higher than it was in the past. That Giant Demon blood I just absorbed should’ve been left behind by master in order to help repair the demon armor; it’s simply that the demon armor didn’t use all of it up.”
1162“So that’s how it is.”
1163Lin Ming reached out his hand and grasped hold of the demon armor. Then, he discovered that there was a circular gap missing in the left chest region of the demon armor.
1164Such a uniform gap was clearly not caused by a weapon piercing through it. This area should’ve been where the heart guard mirror was placed.
1165“The heart guard mirror is missing?”
1166“Looks like it.” Demonshine shook his head, a bit regretful. “If it were the complete demon armor, then it’s value would be no less than the Cosmic Melting Furnace. After all, there aren’t many defensive treasures on its level out there.”
1167Lin Ming bluntly put on the armor. For a time, he felt a demonic energy wrap around his body, fusing with his bodily protective true essence, causing it to be even firmer and more tenacious than it was before.
1168“Oh? It had this sort of effect?”
1169“Of course. Good armor isn’t just tough, it also has a top-class ability to reduce injuries. If one’s armor isn’t able to weaken an enemy’s attacks, then it’s useless no matter how solid it is!”
1170Many martial artists’ attacks had penetrative properties. Simply defending against the physical strike of their weapons wasn’t enough; one also needed to defend against the hidden energy behind it.
1171“What do you plan on doing with the Five Color Fruit and the Void Tempered Root?” Demonshine asked.
1172“The Five Color Fruit and Void Tempered Root are both high level heavenly materials. I plan to use them for the base of a pill I’ll make soon. I’ll also add a 200,000-year wood spirit jade, dragon spine grass, and finally sky flower stones to act as the catalyst, to concoct a Five fade Void Pill. That should be enough for me to open the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates.”
1173“Hehe, if you reach the large success realm of your alchemy technique, then not only will it enhance your soul, but your body’s transformation progress rise will at an astronomical rate. Who wouldn’t be jealous of this? However, the Five fade Void Pill is a pretty high-ranking recipe; do you have the confidence to successfully refine it?”
1174“Not at the moment, but I can slowly practice until I can. I’m not in too much of a hurry. Practicing alchemy is also a way to temper the soul.”
1175Lin Ming’s inherited memories from the Realm of the Gods alchemist were relatively complete, including even the precious experiences and skills that he’d studied. However, just this alone wasn’t enough. While Lin Ming’s knowledge was sufficient, he still lacked coordination between his body, soul, energy, and mind.
1176This was akin to a zither master that had never played a zither song before. Even if they knew the music by heart, and knew perfectly well how to play the music, they still wouldn’t be able to perfectly interpret the song on their first try. This was simply because their fingers wouldn’t be able to keep up with their mind.
1177What Lin Ming had to do right now was constantly practice, so that his body could memorize the use of alchemical skills. Every time he touched the energy, his control of the flame. all of it had to become a conditioned reflex. He had to be able to put on a perfect performance without thinking. This was the only way for him to achieve the highest chance of successfully refining a pill.
1178“Where do you plan on finding dragon spine grass or sky flower stones?” Demonshine asked.
1179“I’ll look for Li Yifeng.” Lin Ming had already thought of this.
1180Li Yifeng was a Prince of the Seven Star Divine Kingdom who usually loved to make new friends; he should know all sorts of people. In addition, he had connections to many of the four Divine Kingdom’s domestic intelligence networks, so asking him for information would be both the fastest and most efficient way.
1181And Li Yifeng did not disappoint him. Just ten days later, he returned with news.
1182Ho-!
1183The flames of a sound transmitting talisman flashed in front of Lin Ming, causing him to immediately stop working on the pill he was currently refining. The only thing inside of the pill furnace was a pile of black ash.
1184He ruefully smiled. The Cosmic Melting Furnace’s heat was just too intense. Trying to practice with low-level medicinal herbs that couldn’t stand up to these sorts of burning hot temperatures was truly a great challenge.
1185During the past few days, he’d spent a third of the spirit essence stones he’d gained from the White Dragon Jade Row, all to buy wood spirit jade.
1186The medicinal herbs he’d been using for practice came from the medicine gardens of the South Sea Demon Region, and the Yin Yang Profound Palace. At this point, he’d used up 20% of the medicinal herbs, but the amount of successfully refined products was a pitifully low number. Usually, all he did was create pile after pile of black ash.
1187“If the Xing couple from the Yin Yang Profound Palace learned that their carefully grown medicinal herbs were all being used by me, just for practicing alchemy, I wonder just what sort of faces they’d make.” Lin Ming shook his head, laughing at himself. He’d been rapidly burning through his money these past days. Although he called these medicinal herbs low-leveled, the truth was, they were enough to make a martial artist go crazy with greed if they were placed in a third-grade sect.
1188“Lin Ming, what does the sound transmitting talisman say?” Demonshine asked.
1189“It’s from Li Yifeng. He told me the whereabouts of sky flower stones. Apparently, they can be bought at the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s Heaven Craft Trading Company. As for dragon spine grass, he still hasn’t found any information.”
1190“Alright. Then, what do you plan on doing now?”
1191“We’re going to the Heaven craft Trading Company first!”
1192The Heaven craft Trading Company was located in Witch Creek City, which was within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. It had a 6,000-year-old history, an inheritance that surpassed most fourth and fifth-grade sects, and was able to stand on the same level as some Holy Lands.
1193The Heaven craft Trading Company was one of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s three great trading companies, and had a very deep background.
1194For the Heaven craft Trading Company to have developed to this level, and in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom at that, inevitably meant that they were inextricably linked with the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom’s royal family.
1195When Lin Ming entered Witch Creek City, where the Heaven craft Trading Company Headquarters were located, he didn’t even need to ask around to see the location of the Headquarters building. This was simply because it the building stood out so much.
1196High in the sky there was a garret that rose hundreds of feet into in the air, and was over a thousand feet wide. It was actually floating there, suspended in midair. Around the garret were traces of faint purple smoke that shone underneath the bright sunlight; it was obvious that all of this was due to an array formation.
1197Keeping such a massive garret suspended in the air likely took a massive amount of spirit essence stones every year. From this alone, one could see just how deep the Heaven craft Trading Company’s wealth was.
1198Lin Ming quietly waved his sleeves and flew upwards. But when he did, he discovered that there were invisible fluctuations that covered the sky. These fluctuations formed a kind of resistance, hindering Lin Ming’s movements as he approached the Heaven craft Trading Company. Lin Ming was slightly miffed. If he could feel this resistance, then others certainly could as well. How did this place even do business? Did they meet with their customers outside?
1199The higher Lin Ming flew, the more obvious the resistance became. By the time that Lin Ming had finally reached the entrance to the Heaven craft Trading Company, he’d come to an understanding that there were stipulations to enter this trading company. A martial artist with an extreme Xiantian cultivation, or perhaps someone that had just entered the early Revolving Core, or possibly even an early Revolving Core martial artist with an unstable foundation; none of these people would be able to enter the Heaven craft Trading Company.
1200And, even if they could, they’d have to exhaust all of their strength to do so, thus shaming themselves. There was no way that they’d have any face to enter the trading company afterwards. What kind of store was this, where one had to fight just to enter? If just entering once was like this, it was doubtful that many people would return.
1201This meant that the Heaven craft Trading Company slammed their doors in front of all martial artists below the Revolving Core realm. This should also be the reason why their trading company’s headquarters was suspended in midair.
1202To stay suspended in the sky already gave off a lofty and grandiose feeling. Coupled with the fact that they denied to serve all martial artists below the Revolving Core realm. this was enough to establish just how high quality a business the Heaven craft Trading Company was.
1203As Lin Ming walked up the steps of the Heaven craft Trading Company, he saw a large black sign hung proudly above the 50 feet tall gates. There had been two highly-stylized words written on it with a large, thick brush—’Heaven craft Pavilion’.
1204These two words held faint traces of Concepts and Laws imbued within them. And on both sides of the high gates, there were also more accompanying words.
1205These words were simple:
1206‘Only treasures sold, no common things.’
1207‘Only powerhouses accepted, no entry for the mediocre. ‘
1208“How audacious!” Lin Ming was speechless. This Heaven craft Trading Company was really crazy. Did this mean that every single person who couldn’t enter the Heaven craft Pavilion was a mediocre person?
1209As he walked towards the Heaven craft Pavilion, the gatekeepers had already opened the doors, gesturing invitingly towards Lin Ming.
1210In the spacious lobby, there weren’t many visitors; it seemed somewhat deserted and lonely. This was also within his expectations. After all, the Heaven craft Trading Company didn’t rely on the volume of its transactions to succeed.
1211“This Young Hero, may I ask what requests you have?” Every visitor to the Heaven craft Trading Company would be approached by a beautiful young maid, who would then give them one-on-one service. The young girl responsible for assisting Lin Ming seemed to be around 18 or 19 years old. Her slender figure was very tall; she was only a bit shorter than Lin Ming.
1212“I would like to purchase sky flower stones.” Lin Ming directly stated.
1213Chapter 772 – Sky flower Stones
1214“Sky flower stones?” The young maid asked, stunned. These were extremely rare objects. Heaven craft Pavilion had just managed to obtain several sky flower stones recently. Because they were high level alchemy materials, they were very popular in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, and their price was also correspondingly sky high.
1215She never thought that Lin Ming, who seemed so young, who immediately ask for sky flower stones.
1216The young maid hesitated for a moment, suspecting that Lin Ming was simply messing around and just wanted to see the beautiful sky flower stones. Then, he would just make an excuse and decide not to buy them.
1217Although she had her doubts she still reported this information over. A moment later, a black-clothed old woman walked down from upstairs.
1218The black-clothed old woman narrowed her eyes as she sized up Lin Ming. With her experience she could naturally see that Lin Ming’s foundation was exceedingly stable. In addition to his age and cultivation, he should definitely be some extraordinary junior of his generation.
1219This sort of person truly might be able to afford sky flower stones.
1220“This little brother, please come along with me.”
1221The old woman turned around and walked upstairs with Lin Ming following close behind her. As Lin Ming stepped onto the staircase, he discovered that between the floors of Heaven craft Pavilion, there were actually invisible layers of resistance similar to when he was flying up. Except, the resistance from this level to the next was twice as much. Perhaps even a normal early Revolving Core martial artist wouldn’t be able to walk up.
1222When he turned around to look at the young maid behind him, he saw that she had a shining token on her waist. It was clear that this token let this Houtian level maid freely traverse the Heaven craft Pavilion.
1223There were even less people on the Heaven craft Pavilion’s second floor. After Lin Ming sat down, two maids set a plate of snacks down in front of him. Not too far away from Lin Ming, there was a red-clothed old man sitting down at another table. This red-clothed old man had a second stage Life Destruction cultivation.
1224The old man was holding a teacup in one hand while slowly fiddling with a cover in the other. He glanced up at Lin Ming, all smiles.
1225Lin Ming nodded politely in return. This red-clothed old man should also be a guest of the Heaven craft Pavilion.
1226At this time, from a side hall of the second floor, a purple-veiled slender woman walked out. “Two guests, you’ve waited for a long time.”
1227Her melodious voice that was like tinkling bells immediately attracted both Lin Ming and the old man’s attention.
1228The woman looked to be just over 20 years old, and although she had veil over her face, one could clearly make out that the woman underneath was a simple yet exquisite beauty. Her stature was elegant, and her skin glittered like a translucent crystal. She was a stunning specimen of femininity that was easy for others to be lost in.
1229The woman opened her mouth and said, “I’ve heard that both honored guests are here to purchase sky flower stones. The truth is, these sky flower stones only arrived at the Heaven craft Pavilion’s Headquarters five days ago, yet 20-30 people have already come to see them. However, no one has been able to purchase them. This is mainly because.”
1230As the purple-clothed woman spoke up to here, she smiled and continued, “This is mainly because these sky flower stones don’t belong to our Heaven craft Pavilion, but instead have been placed here on commission by another esteemed guest. This guest wishes to use the sky flower stones to trade for some equally rare materials. If you two honored guests are unable to bring out an item that can satisfy that guest, then no amount of spirit essence stones will be enough.”
1231“Oh, so it’s like that. I was wondering why such valuable alchemical materials had remained within the Heaven craft Pavilion for so long. May I inquire as to which martial cultivator it was? Perhaps this old man might know him!” The red-clothed old man asked as he stroked his beard, smiling. He obviously had the intention of trading for the sky flower stones by directly establishing his relationship with the owner.
1232The purple-clothed spoke with no intentions of hiding the truth, “It’s Grandmaster Zhuan Bixian.”
1233“Zhuan Bixian!” The red-clothed old man revealed a look of shock, “So it’s Grandmaster Zhuan Bixian, who’s ranked in the Destiny Decree’s top 150! Then, this is truly out of this old man’s league.”
1234The red-clothed old man shook his head over and over again.
1235From the Houtian realm to the Life Destruction realm, the difference was only equal to a single boundary within the Life Destruction realm. This was also the reason that there was such a huge disparity in strength between martial artists of different stages in the Life Destruction realm. The red-clothed old man was at the second stage of Life Destruction; that was an entire four boundaries away from the sixth stage Life Destruction Zhuan Bixian. Not just that, but every boundary within the Life Destruction stage carried with it an enormous risk of death.
1236This caused the red-clothed old man’s status difference with Zhuan Bixian to be even greater than a Xiantian realm martial artist and Revolving Core martial artist in the South Horizon Region. Especially since this Zhuan Bixian was a master listed on the Destiny Decree.
1237As the red-clothed old man spoke, a handsome 17 to 18-year-old youth stepped down from the stairs. He faintly looked over Lin Ming and the red-clothed old man, then said, “I am Grandmaster Zhuan’s disciple. Grandmaster’s time is precious, so if you have any precious treasures that you’d like to trade with, please bring them out for me too look at.”
1238This handsome youth was young, but his tone of voice was quite arrogant. His words carried a hint of superiority and impatience. In truth, this was also understandable. During the past days, dozens of guests had come to the Heaven craft Pavilion to personally request the sky flower stones. Every time this happened, this youth would have to come downstairs to meet them. He’d run down here over and over again, yet no one had been able to bring out anything that could attract his attention. How could anyone else not be impatient at this point?
1239The red-clothed man laughed, thinking little of it. He sent a true essence sound transmission towards the handsome youth. If he dared to come here to buy sky flower stones, then he naturally had to have some valuable possessions to trade with, and was currently listing them out to the youth.
1240After the handsome youth finished listening to the red-clothed old man, his face changed and he icily said, “I apologize, but my Master already has many of these things, and has no interest in obtaining any more of them. In fact, his are even more precious.”
1241The red-clothed old man’s smile froze on his face. The handsome youths haughty and indifferent tone obviously brooked no room for negotiation.
1242Lin Ming watched all of this happen while thinking about it. He’d expected this. After all, a Revolving Core martial artist wouldn’t have any interest in the possessions of a Xiantian martial artist.
1243“And you?”
1244The handsome youth glanced over at Lin Ming. When he saw that Lin Ming only had a Revolving Core level of cultivation, he didn’t hold out much hope that Lin Ming would have anything interesting.
1245Lin Ming was silent for a moment. He’d been thinking about what items he could bring out that would interest Zhuan Bixian. In fact, he did have a great number of incomparably valuable treasures that could interest him. For instance, the heaven-step Demon God’s Bone, the Concept of Fire jade slips from Timeworn Phoenix City, the remaining six drops of Ancient Phoenix Blood, the Void Tempered Root, the Five Color Fruit, and so on.
1246However, it was naturally impossible for Lin Ming to take these items out. And even if he did, it wasn’t something that just some sky flower stones could possibly trade for.
1247After deducting these items, Lin Ming’s leftover possessions weren’t very valuable.
1248Seeing that Lin Ming hadn’t spoken, the handsome youth appeared a bit annoyed. “Do you have anything or not? If you don’t, then please don’t waste my time; I’m very busy.”
1249As Zhuan Bixian’s direct disciple, the handsome youth had a bit of a sense of superiority. Lin Ming didn’t seem much older than him, and no matter what angle he looked at it from, it was impossible that someone so young could be a true customer of the sky flower stones. This sort of top alchemical material could normally only be purchased by an older, more powerful alchemist.
1250Lin Ming faintly smiled, finally remembering something. He replied, “I do have something, but I fear that you won’t be able to recognize it, and thus won’t be able to complete the transaction.”
1251The handsome youth deeply frowned. He glumly said, “I might be young, but I’ve followed Master ever since I was a child. I’ve had to remember a massive number of materials every day. I’ve read countless ancient books detailing heavenly materials from the four Divine Kingdoms. Underneath the heavens and earth, I dare to say that there’s nothing I won’t be able to recognize. If I can’t recognize something, then that item would be something that even a Divine Sea Supreme Elder wouldn’t want to have, and you naturally wouldn’t either. If you have anything then take it out. I fear that whatever you think might be precious and rare, as you’re saying, will just be an ordinary good in my eyes!”
1252The handsome youth had a good deal of experience and insight, otherwise Zhuan Bixian would never have sent him here to supervise the transaction.
1253“Alright.” Lin Ming nodded, and calmly took out a jade box from his spatial ring. When he opened the jade box, one could see a red plant with a meat-like consistency. On top of its roots was a distorted face; it looked like a ghost that was being tortured.
1254Underneath the face was a fist-sized crown of meat that was pulsating like a rapidly beating heart. The entire plant looked like a mouse that had just been born; its flesh was a light yellowish-pink, and there were also some light hairs decorating it. It was an atrocious thing that was quite difficult to look at.
1255Zi zi zi!
1256When the handsome youth saw this plant he paused, completely stunned. Was this a plant or an animal? How could something grow into such a disgusting, nauseating appearance? And what was this even called? It was simply to bizarre to the extreme.
1257“This item, would Grandmaster Zhuan need it? I’d like to ask you to appraise it for me.”
1258Lin Ming pushed the jade box forwards the handsome youth. This plant was the 10,000-Year-Old Corpse Grass that Lin Ming had found in the Eternal Demon Abyss.
125910,000-Year-Old Corpse Grass was similar to caterpillar fungus from the mortal world. It was a parasitic plant that would attach itself to the corpse of an Emperor level powerhouse, and would then use the skeleton as nourishment. As it grew, it would have to constantly devour the vitality of martial artists in order to mature.
1260When Lin Ming had adventured into the Eternal Demon Abyss, he’d seen Highlord Sandlight and Higbnhlord Sky Eye trick and kill their companions, turning them into flesh and blood sacrifices for the 10,000 Year Corpse Grass. They did so in order to feed the plant until it was satiated, and to let it then enter a deep hibernated state where it would be easier to capture.
1261Finally, Highlord Sandlight and Highlord Sky Eye had tried to kill Lin Ming, and were in turn turned into nourishment for the 10,000 Year Corpse Grass. Thus, the 10,000 Year Corpse Grass had fallen into Lin Ming’s hands.
1262This was something that could only grow in the strange environment of the Eternal Demon Abyss. It was the same as extinct within the entire Sky Spill Continent.
1263Mainly looking at its wonderfully ugly appearance, coupled with the screeching and harsh sounds it emitted, this created an absolutely shocking effect that left the handsome youth speechless.
1264In fact, not only was the handsome youth dumbfounded, even the purple-veiled woman and the black-clothed old woman were bewildered. They were both high level figures within the Heavencraft Pavilion. They were both well read, and had experienced with a great number of treasures before.
1265Still, they’d never seen something like this.
1266Lin Ming asked, “What does Young Hero think of this?”
1267The handsome youth didn’t reply for the longest time. He didn’t even know what this thing was called, much less how valuable it was, so how could he possibly reply to Lin Ming. However, what he could determine from this thing, was that he sure was an animal or plant, it had an extraordinary powerful blood vitality! If it were used to refine a medicinal supplement towards one’s life force, it would certainly have miraculous effects.
1268In the face of Lin Ming’s question, the handsome youth was left embarrassed. He had just spoken so proudly of his skills and with such gusto too, and yet in the blink of an eye he encountered something he couldn’t identify. The loss of his face here had been immense.
1269The handsome youth grit his teeth and said, “I’ll look for my Master.”
1270Chapter 773 – Malice
1271After the handsome youth spoke these words he swiveled on the balls of his feet and left the Heavencraft Pavilion Headquarters. In truth, if he’d been looking for Zhuan Bixian, then all he would’ve needed to do was send a sound transmitting talisman. However, the reason that the handsome youth had left was simply because he didn’t have the face to stay any longer.
1272After the handsome youth had left, the face of red-clothed old man, who’d also wanted to buy skyflower stones, flashed with a strange expression. He looked at the 10,000 Year Corpse Grass and then at Lin Ming, unknown thoughts going through his mind.
1273As for the old woman of from the Heavencraft Pavilion, she couldn’t help but send Lin Ming a true essence sound transmission, “The item that this young hero has taken out is truly quite strange. This old woman has never heard nor seen something like it before. I wonder. if Young Hero has any other strange or peculiar treasures that you don’t need, my Heavencraft Pavilion would be more than willing to sell them on commission for you.”
1274Lin Ming replied, “If there’s a chance, then I’d like to cooperate. Recently, I’ve been needing to purchase a great number of things.”
1275The different materials that an alchemist needed were extremely scattered and varied in a cumbersome manner to gather. There were some valuable and precious treasures that simply couldn’t be bought. At this time, it was necessary to form good relations with a trading company.
1276After just a quarter hour, a white-clothed middle-aged man was welcomed in by the purple-clothed young girl. As he stepped into the Heavencraft Pavilion’s second floor, his great build and piercingly bright eyes swept through the hall before locking onto Lin Ming.
1277“Is this the young hero who wishes to trade for my skyflower stones?”
1278This middle-aged martial artist was undoubtedly Zhuan Bixian. When a martial artist reached the Life Destruction realm it became difficult to judge just how old they were from their appearance. For instance, Xuan Yuqie had been over a thousand years old but she appeared to be a graceful and beautiful young woman in her thirties, at the very height of her sexuality.
1279Lin Ming couldn’t decide just how old Zhuan Bixian was, but he could feel a raging fire of life coming from his body. It was obvious that this Zhuan Bixian still had a long life left in front of him and even a faint hope of stepping into the Divine Sea and becoming a Peerless Emperor.
1280“Senior Zhuan.” Lin Ming stood up and bowed in respect.
1281“Mm.” Zhuan Bixian nodded and then glanced at the 10,000 Year Corpse Grass that Lin Ming had set down. After a quarter hour of time staring at it, he finally revealed a thoughtful expression and said, “Little Brother, what is your name?”
1282“I am surnamed Lin, named Lanjian, Lin Lanjian.” Lin Ming thoughtlessly borrowed a name. He had already decided to step onto the road of an alchemist. In the future he would have to make a number of transactions that involved large amounts of spirit essence stones; it would be better if he kept his true name hidden. Moreover, in the four Divine Kingdoms, it was likely he would come into conflict with certain people or parties. His family and friends were still at Divine Phoenix Island and he didn’t want others to go seeking them for nefarious means.
1283This was the first time that Zhuan Bixian had seen 10,000 Year Corpse Grass. After a period of time, he speculated that it was Yin Corpse Grass. Although it had a different name from Lin Ming’s 10,000 Year Corpse Grass, the Sky Spill Continent and Holy Demon Continent were so far apart that it was normal for materials to have different names.
1284From a list of descriptions that Zhuan Bixian checked through, this Yin Corpse Grass was truly the exact same plant as 10,000 Year Corpse Grass.
1285Lin Ming didn’t think that Zhuan Bixian’s experiences would be so broad that he was able to recognize even this 10,000 Year Corpse Grass. He sincerely said, “Grandmaster Zhuan’s knowledge is endless, it leaves me in true admiration.”
1286“Haha, When I was still at the Asura Divine Kingdom I accidently came across a record of this plant in the ancient texts of that kingdom. This is something that no longer exists in the Sky Spill Continent. Perhaps it could be found in certain desolate deep-sea islands.”
1287Zhuan Bixian’s words surprised Lin Ming. If this didn’t exist on the Sky Spill Continent, then how would the ancient texts of the Asura Divine Kingdom have records of Yin Corpse Grass?
1288It was said that the Asura Divine Kingdom was a land of demonic path martial cultivators. Was it possible that the Asura Divine Kingdom had some sort of relationship with the Demon Emperor or Netherworld Great Emperor who had come from the Holy Demon Continent?
1289All of these thoughts raced through Lin Ming’s mind. But he didn’t think too much of it. He asked Zhuan Bixian, “Grandmaster Zhuan, do you have any interest in this Yin Corpse Grass?”
1290Zhuan Bixian said, “Although Young Hero Lin’s Yin Corpse Grass still isn’t fully matured, it is still a top ingredient for refining blood type miracle medicines. It is indeed truly useful to me. Though I must say that in all fairness, this Yin Corpse Grass is more precious than all three of my skyflower stones combined. I won’t take advantage of a little junior. If you have anything else you might need, then speak it.”
1291Lin Ming was overjoyed as he heard this. He feared that Zhuan Bixian might not show any interest in the 10,000 Year Corpse Grass. “Senior Zhuan, I also happen to need several dragon spine grasses. I wonder if Senior Zhuan has any news about that?”
1292As Lin Ming finished speaking, Zhuan Bixian laughed out loud, “Dragon spine grass is even more valuable than skyflower stones; perhaps even more valuable than the Yin Corpse Grass you brought out. If I had any news of dragon spine grass I would certainly rush over myself. Dragonspine grass isn’t something that is public ally sold; I too want to buy it.”
1293Lin Ming was dazed, and then a bit disappointed. The materials he needed were just too rare. To begin with, they were already difficult to look for, and even if someone were to find it, they would likely use it themselves.
1294“How about this. I’ll give you another 5000 spirit essence stones. How about it?” Zhuan Bixian asked.
1295“Mm, thank you very much Senior Zhuan.” Lin Ming readily agreed. Although 10,000 Year Corpse Grass was indeed rare and precious, it simply didn’t have any use to him. Zhuan Bixian’s offer was very fair.
1296The two finished the transaction on the spot. Lin Ming obtained the three crystalline skyflower stones. This sort of stone appeared like absolute white jade, except that there were some small flowery textures on the surface, thus it had gained this name.
1297Zhuan Bixian paid Heavencraft Pavilion their part of the commission and bid his farewells in a satisfied mood.
1298Lin Ming also bid Heavencraft Pavilion goodbye. After obtaining a jade card with Heavencraft Pavilion’s sound transmission mark he left without speaking to anyone.
1299Lin Ming flew out at full speed, opening his divine sense to the limit. After he left Witch Creek City he changed direction several times before finally arriving in a jungle.
1300At this time, a voice suddenly sounded out from behind Lin Ming. “Young Hero Lin, I didn’t think I would run into you here. Do you plan on heading to the Hail Province? What a coincidence, this old man just happens to be going that way too. Maybe we can travel together?”
1301Lin Ming turned around to see that the person speaking was that red-clothed old man he had bumped into at Heavencraft Pavilion who also wanted to purchase skyflower tones. At this time, the old man had a friendly smile on his face as if he were surprised to meet Lin Ming here by chance.
1302“Coincidence? I think not.” Lin Ming faintly smiled at the red-clothed old man. “After I left Witch Creek City I changed directions several times but you still chased after me all this time. What? Is there something you want from me?”
1303The red-clothed old man’s smile stiffened and he barked out a laugh, “Young Hero Lin is too funny. How could this old man possibly follow you? This truly is a meeting of chance. However, I must say that Young Hero Lin bought up three skyflower stones at once; perhaps you could consider selling one to me? I can offer you 3000 spirit essence stones to buy one of your skyflower stones. How about it?”
1304“3000 spirit essence stones?” Lin Ming smiled, “If you offered me 30,000 spirit essence stones then I might have considered giving you one.”
1305“Really.” The red-clothed old man grimaced, “This old man is sincerely trying to make a deal with you and yet you ask for such a ridiculous price. Being too greedy in life may get you in trouble!”
1306The red-clothed old man said, an obvious threat in his words.
1307Lin Ming slowly traced his spatial ring. He sneered, “Why do you still waver over these scruples? Are you not attacking me because you’re scared someone is protecting me from behind?”
1308“Hehe, brat, there’s no need to lie to me. I don’t know which great power you originate from, but what I do know is that if there truly was someone protecting you in secret then you wouldn’t have run out of the city and changed your direction several times in fear that someone might be following you. Those three skyflower stones are far too useful for this old man. If you’re smart then be a good little boy and.”
1309The red-clothed man suddenly attacked midway in his speech. Although he was a second stage Life Destruction martial artist, he still attacked a late Revolving Core junior with a sneak attack. The red-clothed old man didn’t have a sect or great family backing him. The reason that he could reach this point had all been because of his discretion, cunning, and ruthless decisiveness.
1310He took out a slender soft sword from his spatial ring. The red sword was like the strike of a viper as it stabbed towards Lin Ming’s throat.
1311The red-clothed old man’s sword was extremely fast. With his own incomparably thick true essence fused into it, it was like a beam of light!
1312Lin Ming’s lips curved up in a murderous grin. He traced his spatial ring and in the next moment a spear light flashed out like a bolt of lightning. In the next moment, there was an explosive sound as if space itself was being torn apart. The red-clothed old man’s sword light was crushed to nothing by the spear light, and the spear light continued unabated as it cut towards the red-clothed old man’s waist like a deathly guillotine.
1313“What!?”
1314The red-clothed old man was beyond shocked. He shouted out in panic and was about to take something about from his spatial ring, but at that moment, he felt his movements suddenly become extremely slow. All he could do was look on helplessly as Lin Ming’s spear swept towards his waist.
1315Peng!
1316His protective true essence was ripped apart like paper. The red-clothed old man gave a miserable scream as his spine was directly snapped in half and all his organs came flying out. His body was torn in half by Lin Ming’s spear.
1317The red-clothed old man’s eyes were wide as he watched all the blood leave his body. He died with nothing but unsatisfied regret to keep him company.
1318Lin Ming grabbed the red-clothed old man’s spatial ring and inventoried the contents. There were 8000-9000 spirit essence stones as well as some wood spirit jade and various pills and medicines and even a furnace.
1319It was obvious that this old man had been an alchemist.
1320The four Divine Kingdoms were rich in resources and the martial artists here normally came from well off families. This red-clothed old man was only at the second stage of Life Destruction but he was actually able to catch up to 60-70% of Xuan Wuji’s wealth. Of course, this was because he was an alchemist.
1321Lin Ming put away all these things and then turned towards the empty space in the jungle. He raised his spear and indifferently said, “You’ve been watching for so long, how about you come out so I can meet you?”
1322When Lin Ming left Witch Creek City he had felt some people following him. It wasn’t one person but two people.
1323Lin Ming had thought that the two people had been together, but now it seems that wasn’t the case.
1324There was no response from the jungle. Lin Ming sneered and then pointed his spear somewhere in the void. “You think I’m lying to you? I’ll say it once more, come out! Otherwise I’ll stab you!”
1325“Wait! Young Hero Lin, stay your hand!” An old voice sounded out. Then, space distorted and a black-clothed old woman rushed out in a panic. She was the old woman Lin Ming had seen at Heavencraft Pavilion.
1326“Oh? Is this how your Heavencraft Pavilion does business?” A thick killing intent flashed in Lin Ming’s eyes.
1327“Young Hero Lin, please don’t misunderstand me, the situation isn’t what you think it is. My Heavencraft Trading Company is one of the three great trading companies of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. How could I think of destroying our reputation for a mere three skyflower stones?” The old woman rapidly explained. Her words were also fairly reasonable. The Heavencraft Trading Company had existed for 6000 years. If they really did send out assassins to kill and rob their wealthy guests then it would have been impossible for them to last until now.
1328“Then what do you want from me?” Lin Ming indifferently asked.
1329Chapter 774 – Xiaoxiao
1330The old woman from Heavencraft Pavilion had a cultivation at the second stage of Life Destruction. Moreover, her foundation was ordinary and she wasn’t that much stronger than that red-clothed old man who had died just now. With Lin Ming’s strength he could instantly kill her.
1331This made the old woman not even dare to take a deep breath as she faced Lin Ming. Her palms became wet with sweat. She never thought that this mere late Revolving Core cultivation youth was actually such an evil star. Just where had he come from?
1332“What are you here for? Don’t tell me that you came to save me?” Lin Ming sneered as he asked again.
1333The black-clothed old woman bitterly smiled as she heard this, “Although Young Hero Lin might think it a bit absurd, the truth is that. I really did come to rescue Young Hero Lin. That red-clothed old man that Young Hero Lin killed just now, I happen to know a bit about him. He does not come from a sect and has an exceedingly poor reputation. When he was young he joined forces with someone and killed a good number of people to steal their possessions and were considered evil and fierce. Young Hero Lin’s cultivation is only at the Revolving Core realm and you revealed a great deal of wealth at my Heavencraft Trading Company and took away the skyflower stones that he wanted. At that time, I saw that old man’s devilish expression and guessed he might chase Young Hero Lin down, so I quietly followed him here.”
1334“And?” Lin Ming expressionlessly said. The black-clothed old woman said her behavior was absurd so she should have an absurd reason to go along with it. Lin Ming didn’t believe that the Heavencraft Trading Company had such kind intentions that they would send escorts to follow every guest that came shopping at their trading company.
1335“I do not dare to lie to Sir Lin. I only thought that since Young Hero Lin isn’t poor and was able to put out such a wonderful treasure that you must be a genius from some powerful force coming out to adventure. Perhaps you might not even come from the four Divine Kingdoms, so I suddenly had the thought of becoming friends. I wished to help Young Hero Lin at a critical moment so that Young Hero Lin would owe the Heavencraft Trading Company a favor and might even help my Heavencraft Trading Company with some minor business. But, I never thought that Young Hero Lin would be so skilled that you would be able to instantly kill that second stage Life Destruction master as well as see through my hiding skill with such ease. This old woman’s actions must truly be laughable to you.”
1336The black-clothed old woman ruefully smiled as she spoke to here. She had no choice but to completely reveal her motives. In fact, this reasoning seemed very credible.
1337“Help the Heavencraft Trading Company with some business? So, the Heavencraft Trading Company has fallen into some trouble and you wish to ask the power behind me for help? You think that since there’s such an illness you can go to any doctor to cure it?”
1338“Yes.” The black-clothed old woman deeply sighed. “Young Hero Lin, although my Heavencraft Trading Company doesn’t have much fighting strength, we have a very deep inheritance and very rich channels. If Young Hero Lin could help us out then I have complete confidence I can find the dragonspine grass that Young Hero Lin needs.”
1339As soon as the black-clothed old woman spoke such tempting words, Lin Ming’s heart stirred, “How do you plan on looking for it?”
1340“My Heavencraft Trading Company might not have dragonspine grass but we do have materials that are even more rare and precious than dragonspine grass. We can easily exchange them with some alchemist.”
1341Lin Ming nodded, “Since that’s the case. that’s fine. If you encounter any troubles then tell me in advance. But, if there is any life-threatening danger involved, I will give up halfway if needed.”
1342The black-clothed old woman was surprised. She originally wanted to borrow the powerful force behind Lin Ming, but now it seems that Lin Ming himself would take action.
1343The black-clothed old woman couldn’t accurately estimate Lin Ming’s combat strength. If he could instantly kill a second stage Life Destruction martial artist then he should have strength at least equal to the third stage of Life Destruction. He might even be stronger than that. As for how much stronger, she had no idea.
1344If she had his help, then perhaps they could ride out this chaotic storm.
1345“Young Hero Lin, can you follow me back? It isn’t convenient to speak here.”
1346Lin Ming nodded and followed the black-clothed old woman back to Witch Creek City.
1347As they re-entered Heavencraft Pavilion, Lin Ming directly ascended to the highest floor.
1348This was an elegantly decorated loft. In the room, there was only the black-clothed woman and the purple-veiled woman that Lin Ming had seen before. This purple-veiled woman personally rose up and poured a cup of tea for Lin Ming. “This is the famous snowflower tea from the Nine Peaked Snowy Mountains of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. It has the effect of refreshing the mind and nourishing the soul. Sir Lin, please have a taste.”
1349The purple-veiled woman respectfully said. She had already heard the black-clothed old woman describe Lin Ming’s strength. She didn’t think that with Lin Ming’s young age and his late Revolving Core cultivation, he would actually have such extraordinary combat strength that he was able to instantly kill a second stage Life Destruction master. Thus, she had become increasingly respectful towards Lin Ming.
1350Lin Ming lifted the teacup and swept his perception through it. The tea contained a very rich and pure wood origin energy; it was clearly a treasure amongst teas.
1351“Teatime can wait for later. If you two have any matters then please speak frankly.”
1352The purple-clothed woman bit her lips and said with a trace of bitterness and pain, “Sir Lin, I am the daughter of the Heavencraft Trading Company’s Company Head. My name is Heavencraft Xiaoxiao, but you may refer to me as simply Xiaoxiao. Two months ago, my father was in an accident and he perished because of that. Since then, I have had to personally take temporary charge of the trading company. Luckily, I have had Grandma White’s assistance and thus I’ve been able to deal with all the issues occurring. However, one month ago, two of my uncles decided to cause trouble because of the issue of succession to be Company Head. Currently, a portion of my family’s Council of Elders have been bribed by my two uncles. They intend to deprive me of my position of Company Head.”
1353As the purple-clothed woman spoke to here, she seemed to remember the pitiful death of her father. Her beautiful face turned mournful, a deep sadness emanating from her that made one feel pity for her.
1354Lin Ming was silent for a moment. “Miss Xiaoxiao, are you saying that you wish for me to support you to become the Family Head? Your Heavencraft Trading Company is one of the three great trading companies of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, right? With a 6000-year inheritance, shouldn’t you have some masters on the Destiny Decree? I think you look down on me too much!”
1355Heavencraft Xiaoxiao shook her head. “There is a total of 360 individuals on the Destiny Decree. A bit more than half of them are part of the four Divine Kingdoms. Divided down, there are a few dozen in each Divine Kingdom. All of these characters are existences that can move the sun and the skies in their Divine Kingdoms. How could they possibly listen to such a minor struggle in our small trading company?
1356“In the four Divine Kingdoms, all of the great trading companies merely seem glamorous and powerful on the outside. In the end, us trading companies are merely businesses – we are not sects. Although we have countless resources and wealth, if a powerful force really wants to move on us then we’re nothing more than fat pigs.”
1357Heavencraft Xiaoxiao sighed as she spoke to here. In the face of absolute strength, a trading company was simply too weak and fragile. In order for the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdoms to have absolute control within their lands, they kept strict control over the martial forces of the three great trading companies. Especially in the last several hundred years there had been all sorts of limits and rules placed on them. Now, the Heavencraft Trading Company could only rely on martial artists raised in the family. But in terms of inheritance, how could a trading company possible compare with a true sect? Although they could cultivate some forces, it was simply far too limited.
1358Lin Ming didn’t immediately agree. Instead he asked, “Although there is a very small number of Destiny Decree masters, can’t you still pay a price high enough to tempt them to action?”
1359“Yes, but in accordance to family rules, the majority of resources can only be used by direction of the Company Head as well as the Council of Elders. There are currently people in the Council of Elders that support me, and also those who support my two uncles, and they are unable to come to a unanimous decision. Thus, no one can move the family’s treasures. It isn’t just me, but my two uncles are in the same situation. The dragonspine grass that Young Hero Lin wishes for can be prepared by me in seven days. If Young Hero Lin is willing to help me out in this matter, then I can also find other resources besides dragonspine grass as thanks.”
1360“I understand. But, I will say this in advance. If there is anything that threatens my life then I won’t rush into death for you. At that time, our agreement will also come to an end.”
1361“That’s naturally expected. If my two uncles can find a match that even Sir Lin cannot compete with then I can only blame myself for having an unlucky life.” Xiaoxiao hurried responded with a happy heart as she saw Lin Ming agree.
1362After Lin Ming came to an agreement with Xiaoxiao, he entered into a chamber of Heavencraft Pavilion to train. As for the spirit essence stones that Lin Ming used for training, Xiaoxiao was not cheap at all. The training chamber was filled with top grade true essence stones and spirit essence stones, filling the chamber with an incomparably rich heaven and earth origin energy.
1363From the time that Lin Ming had broken through to the late Revolving Core realm and cut down Xuan Wuji until now, several months had already passed. Although Lin Ming had spent a great deal of energy studying alchemy techniques, he didn’t lag behind in his cultivation either. His cultivation had gone from the very beginning of the late Revolving Core to having steadily stabilized himself in the late Revolving Core realm. With the help of the jade slips that Fairy Feng had left for him, his understanding of the Concept of Fire was also steadily increasing. Now, if he could re-enter the God Transforming Mirror then he believed he could easily last in the second world for at least 120 breaths. 
1364Ca!
1365With a thrust of his spear, the condensed power of fire pierced through a specially crafted metal plate target. The target split up into pieces before being churned to fragments underneath raging fire true essence.
1366“My Concept of Fire Annihilation has risen yet another step. My self-created Bury the Heavens and Chain of Stars have also increased in power by 20-30%. If I could fight Xuan Wuji now, then I should be able to kill him in frontal combat instead of having to wear him down with superior endurance, recovery ability, and defensive power. However, it’s a pity that my Concept of Fire can progress astronomically with the inheritance of the Ancient Phoenix Clan, but my Concept of Thunder is actually advancing so slowly and with such difficulty too.”
1367Lin Ming lightly sighed. Inheritances and resources were simply too important for the growth of a genius. Even a clever woman couldn’t cook a meal without rice; it was impossible to get anywhere without proper supplies. Even with the Heretical God Force giving him an immense advantage in comprehending the Concept of Thunder, there still wasn’t anything he could do.
1368Fortunately, comprehending a Concept was different from comprehending a battle spirit. This was because the earlier one formed their own battle spirit, the more potential it would have in the future. If one formed their battle spirit too late then the losses would be immeasurable, because the grade of a battle spirit would slowly rise with the growth of a martial artist’s cultivation and will.
1369But Concepts and laws were different. Even if one comprehended them at a very late period, they could still catch up later once they reached large success in their future cultivation.
1370And just as Lin Ming was planning to meditate on the Concept of Fire Annihilation again, a flame suddenly lit in front of him. This was the light of a sound transmitting talisman.
1371As Lin Ming heard the message within, he slightly frowned. It seemed as if trouble had finally come to his door. It wasn’t pleasant to be disturbed during training, but since he had accepted benefits from others he naturally had to help them in their matters. If Lin Ming didn’t have the Heavencraft Trading Company look for dragonspine grass for him, then he wouldn’t necessarily be able to find it – at least not in a reasonable period of time.
1372Lin Ming opened the chamber doors and put on a white training outfit. He began moving towards the front hall of Heavencraft Pavilion. By the time he arrived, the hall was already filled with people.
1373Four old men were imperiously sitting in front. Behind them were seven or eight youths. At this moment, Xiaoxiao was arguing with the four old men.
1374
1375Chapter 775 – Saber Light
1376“Uncle Yan, Uncle Luoyan, you two have followed my father for over 50 years! Just how did my father treat you in the past? Uncle Yan, you’re not even a clansman of my Heavencraft Family to begin with! When you were faced with misfortune in Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, my father was the one to take you in and shelter you. He placed his trusted in you, and you managed to successfully pass into the Life Destruction realm through my family, and become a secondary Elder. I’ve always treated you as an uncle, and yet you still treat me this way?”
1377“And you too Uncle Luoyan. Your eldest son was just an ordinary talent, and had both his soul and meridians grievously damaged in a fight. If it weren’t for the medicines that my father provided, which managed to drag him back from death’s door, then how could he even have survived, much less reach the Revolving Core realm? My father’s corpse hasn’t even grown cold, and the mourning period hasn’t even ended. Yet you have still allied with my other uncle and are trying to force me to resign my position as the sole successor. Can you still even face my father in the afterlife?”
1378Xiaoxiao’s eyes were full of anger. Her beautiful body fiercely heaved, obviously because her mood was so tremulous with rage.
1379In front of her, that middle-aged man called Uncle Luoyan only shook his head, a mixture of guilt and helplessness intertwined on his face. Beside him, Uncle Yan was looking on at Xiaoxiao as usual.
1380He chuckled and said, “Humph, little Heavencraft girl, do you really think that your father did all those things for me out of kindness and generosity? He sheltered me only because I possessed a rare treasure. After the treasure was taken by him, it was obvious that he would have to treat me well! Moreover, he felt that I had value and tried to work me to death for the trading company. If I wasn’t useful to him, do you think he would be so nice? Don’t make me laugh!”
1381“We are just taking what we have earned with our hard work. In fact, we should have more! You said that Brother Yun’s eldest son was forcefully brought to the Revolving Core realm after he was saved, and indeed this is true. However, what about you? It’s not liked your talent is surprising or startling. You’re still at the Xiantian realm at 21 years of age, and yet you have used the most resources!”
1382As Xiaoxiao heard these words she mirthlessly smiled, “Betrayal is the only truth. Human nature is that of greed to begin with; no one can ever be content. My father’s vision was incorrect, and he allowed a wolf into his house. No one else can be blamed for this!”
1383As Xiaoxiao spoke, another middle-aged man dryly coughed and stood up from his chair. “Xiaoxiao, I have watched you grow up and you truly do have talent in business. However, you are just far too young. The Heavencraft Trading Company needs a powerful and experienced leader at the helm. You are far from being capable enough at this time and age.”
1384“In the past two months after your father’s accident, the family’s income has already fallen by 30%. You should remember that our Heavencraft Trading Company takes in a great deal of money, but our annual tax to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom is even greater. With so many other great expenses involved, our foundation will be shaken if we can’t raise the family income. I am also being forced by the Council of Elders to quickly resolve this issue.”
1385As a middle-aged man, he had an appearance that made it seem as if he were sacrificing everything for the family. Xiaoxiao’s entire body trembled with anger, “Being forced? Great Uncle, only you would have the nerve to say that!”
1386“Hahaha!” At this moment, a bright eyed and handsome man laughed out loud, “Young cousin, you have misunderstood our intentions. We just want to help lighten the burden on your shoulders, and this is all in the best interest for the future of the trading company. Young cousin, how about you move out of Heavencraft Pavilion first and return to the main family residence?”
1387Heavencraft Pavilion was just a place where the business of Heavencraft Trading Company was conducted. As for the family’s residence, it wasn’t here but at a sprawling mansion located at the outskirts of Witch Creek City.
1388Because Xiaoxiao was being suppressed by her two uncles, she worried that she would be placed under house arrest if she returned home. It had been a long time since she had left Heavencraft Pavilion. Now, her room and board were all here.
1389“Heavencraft Yan, you hypocritically fake gentleman!”
1390Heavencraft Xiaoxiao looked at this so-called older cousin with hatred and loathing. If there was this playboy around, then once she returned home not only would she lose her position as Company Head but even her chastity might be taken!
1391“Aiyaya, Xiaoxiao, you are too willful. Since this is the case, I’ll have no choice but to ask others to escort you back.” As the handsome man’s voice fell, three old Life Destruction masters stepped forward, encircling Xiaoxiao.
1392Beside Xiaoxiao, the black-clothed old woman suddenly tensed up, “Are you trying to rebel!?”
1393“Grandma White, I advise you to understand your limits and to not make this hard for everyone involved. Everyone here is a part of Heavencraft Pavilion, and with three to one odd, you simply have no chance of winning. If you’re accidently injured.”
1394One of the old men coldly smiled. His hand already had already touched his spatial ring, and was about to attack. However, at this moment, his heart felt as if it had fallen into an icy lake. He could feel that a thick killing intent had suddenly locked in on him!
1395As he looked up, he was surprised to see that 100 feet away, there was a youth in white training robes casually standing there with his arms behind his back. From just standing there, it seemed as if he held everyone present in the palm of his hands.
1396“Who are you? How did you come in?” The old man stared at Lin Ming like a cornered wolf. It was obvious that he hadn’t come here with good intentions in mind.
1397Lin Ming completely disregarded these people. To these ungrateful maggots who had no compassion or virtue, those who would take advantage of the death of the Company Head to bully his children and covet his property, he simply didn’t have the least bit of favorable impression towards them.
1398He faintly glanced at Xiaoxiao and asked with a true essence sound transmission, “It’s just these people?”
1399“There is still another Great Uncle of mine who hasn’t come today.” As Xiaoxiao saw Lin Ming appear, a sudden hope ignited in her heart.
1400“Two peak second stage Life Destruction and one first stage Life Destruction.” Lin Ming thought that these cultivations were quite ordinary. He seemed the entire Heavencraft Family’s strength was equal to the South Sea Demon Region, which was also an ordinary fifth-grade sect.
1401The four Divine Kingdoms were a quasi-sixth-grade sect, so it was reasonable that their subordinate forces would also be ordinary fifth-grade sects.
1402“Young boy, this old man is speaking to you. Are you deaf!?”
1403As the old man saw Lin Ming ignore his question, his face suddenly became gloomy and twisted into an ugly grimace.
1404Xiaoxiao’s older cousin, Heavencraft Yan, sneered as he said, “There isn’t anything to ask. This idiot is just a helper that Xiaoxiao has drawn in. I must say little cousin; your judgment is far too horrible. To look for a boy who hasn’t even reached Life Destruction, haha he isn’t even enough for a single bite!”
1405Heavencraft Yan turned to Lin Ming, a mocking grin on his face, “I really feel bad for you. You think you’re a hero coming to save a damsel in distress? Hahaha, you’ll just have to regret the choices you made today, you toad trying to eat swan meat. Today, I will cut off your hands, your feet, and your manhood. I want you to beg for – “
1406Heavencraft Yan didn’t even finish his sentence when his vision suddenly blurred. He felt as if an ice-cold bucket of water had been poured all over him, causing his entire body to tingle with numbness, and was no longer able to move even a single inch.
1407Heavencraft Yan was shocked. Before he could respond, all he saw was Lin Ming’s chilling face appearing before him.
1408A palm came slamming down.
1409Pulse Cutting Palm!
1410Peng!
1411Heavencraft Yan only felt his dantian shake as a brutal and tyrannical energy broke into his meridians, recklessly destroying everything it came into contact with. He vomited a great mouthful of blood as he flew backwards, smashing into a wall.
1412All the martial artists present were stunned. They never thought that Lin Ming would suddenly attack, and with horrifying movements as fast and fading as ghosts and demons!
1413“Brat, you actually did something so cruel! I will kill you!” Heavencraft Yan’s father saw that Lin Ming’s palm attack had obviously wounded Heavencraft Yan’s meridians and dantian. His heart surging with anger, he took a furious step forward and drew out a treasure saber from his spatial ring before cutting down at Lin Ming’s head. This saber contained the full force of his might, and if a normal Revolving Core martial artist were to face it, their head would burst apart!
1414“Brother Feng, be careful!” The old man surnamed Yan hurriedly warned as he saw Heavencraft Yan’s father become blind with rage. Even though Heavencraft Yan’s talent wasn’t too outstanding, and although he had only reached the late Revolving Core realm at 40 years of age with the help of a staggering amount of resources, his cultivation was still on par with Lin Ming’s. Even so, Lin Ming had managed to grievously wound him with a single palm strike. Even if part of this outcome was due to it being a sneak attack, this still proved that Lin Ming’s strength far exceeded martial artists at the same level.
1415Before old man Yan’s voice even fell upon the ears of the others, there was a loud metallic ringing sound. Lin Ming had actually grabbed Heavencraft Feng’s saber with a single bare hand, his other hand forming a solid fist that pounded towards Heavencraft Feng’s chest.
1416Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist!
1417Kacha!
1418With a muffled thumping sound, all of Heavencraft Feng’s ribs were cleanly broken apart. His entire chest sunk down and he flew backwards, crashing into the wall and deeply embedding himself there.
1419As for Lin Ming, he still held onto the treasure saber in his hand. He poured a wisp of his battle spirit into it and casually threw it back out with the saber point whistling straight towards Heavencraft Feng’s heart.
1420Xiaoxiao was frightened as she saw Lin Ming’s actions. Although she hated these people to her bone, she didn’t want to kill them since they were her family, after all.
1421In fact, despite living for so long and breaking through to the Xiantian realm, but she had never engaged in a true life or death struggle, let alone killed someone.
1422“No!”
1423In the moment that Xiaoxiao shouted out, the saber point was less than three feet from Heavencraft Feng’s heart!
1424Heavencraft Feng was alarmed to the point where he felt as if his soul had fled his body. It was already too late to dodge, and he could only crazily galvanize his protective true essence in the vain hopes of blocking this saber.
1425At that moment, he could even feel the cold light of the saber point touch the point between his eyebrows.
1426Lin Ming frowned as he heard Xiaoxiao’s shout. With a slight shift in his thoughts, he moved his battle spirit, changing the trajectory of the saber.
1427Puff!
1428The saber point strayed three inches to the side of its original target. From the original target of Heavencraft Feng’s heart, it instead stabbed into his right lung. Heavencraft Feng’s protective true essence had been torn apart as if it were nothing more than wet paper.
1429Blood spurted out. Heavencraft Feng had been nailed to the wall with his own saber, the hilt still trembling.
1430Lin Ming turned towards Xiaoxiao.
1431Xiaoxiao was spooked. She had never seen Lin Ming fight before; she had only heard Grandma White’s description of him. Even so, she never thought that Lin Ming would be so powerful, and that his actions would be so decisive. As soon as he acted, he had nearly killed Heavencraft Feng.
1432“Sir Lin, please do not kill them. If the Council of Elders find out that I hired an outsider to help kill people of my Heavencraft Family, then that will cause dangerous rumors to appear. My other Great Uncle will use this as an excuse to have the Council of Elders punish me with an expulsion or sanctions.
1433Although Xiaoxiao may be naturally kind-hearted, she wasn’t just a wishy-washy vase that simply stood there. She was well aware that if people started dying, then all conflicts would rapidly escalate. Even if she became the Company Head by killing her way to the top, it would become difficult to govern the family in the future. After all, Lin Ming couldn’t stay with her forever. Once Lin Ming left, various conflicts would erupt, and she would die if she couldn’t keep a tight grip on her position.