Chapter 254: Giving In (Congratulations to the Alliance Leader who reads to pay off debts! )
Chapter 254: Giving In (Congratulations to the Alliance Leader who reads to pay off debts! )
“Traces of late-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators outside Maple Leaf Island and Golden Turtle Island? ”
“Spirit Sky Island reinforcements ambushed? ”
On Dragon Fish Island, Fang Xi shook his head as he gazed at the latest reports: “Indeed, just as I predicted. . . not all demonic cultivators are mindless; they know how to scheme now. ”
However, possessing intelligence means one will weigh the pros and cons.
Now that they’ve seen my side has a third-tier talisman as a trump card, they should quiet down for a while.
Moreover, this is also a message being sent to the outside world.
Fang Xi stood atop the Evergreen Pavilion, gazing at the considerably lively and bustling Dragon Fish Island, a cold smirk gracing his lips.
He didn’t believe for a moment that his island was devoid of spies from factions like the Black Heaven Sect.
This could also display his value, allowing others to try and win him over, instead of just treating him with hostility.
‘A third-tier Talisman Master’s status in the cultivation world is roughly on par with a False Core Perfected cultivator, but a third-tier Alchemist or Artifact Refiner is probably comparable to a Core Formation Perfected cultivator. . . If one were a third-tier Formation Master, their status should even surpass ordinary early-stage Core Formation cultivators. ’
‘If I were to reveal my identity as a third-tier Formation Master, that would truly shake the heavens and earth. . . ’
‘But merely third-tier talisman-making skills, that’s not too big of an issue. . . ’
In reality, Fang Xi believed his talisman-making mastery was only at a quasi-third-tier level; it was the mystical patterns that were powerful enough, allowing the talismans he created to possess third-tier might.
However, outsiders didn’t know that. . .
Therefore, there was no harm in letting them perceive him as a third-tier Talisman Master.
...
A few months later, a streak of light discreetly arrived outside Dragon Fish Island, its occupant gazing at the mist emanating from the Nine-Nethers Profound Wood Grand Array, a hint of solemnity appearing on his face.
“To think. . . even shallow waters can produce a flood dragon. This person has actually risen to prominence. ”
The streak of light retracted, revealing a gaunt, withered old Daoist in black robes.
This old Daoist sported a goatee, small eyes, and hair that was half black, half white, casually tied into a Daoist bun. His features held a shrewd expression.
He first observed for a moment before taking a sound transmission talisman from his sleeve and sending it flying into the array.
Not long after, a shimmering spiritual light channel formed within the mist, and a green-robed cultivator rode a dragon forth, letting out a hearty laugh: “What virtue and ability does Fang Xi possess, to actually merit a personal visit from the Black Heaven Sect Master? ! ”
“Island Master Fang, this humble Daoist ‘Xuan Xuan Zi’ extends his greetings! ”
Old Daoist Xuan Xuan Zi bowed in salute.
“How I recall, the Black Heaven Sect Master, seems to. . . ”
A hint of hesitation appeared on Fang Xi’s face.
“Senior Brother Qiao unfortunately perished after being ambushed by the Green Wood Sect and demonic cultivators. . . this humble Daoist is temporarily acting as Sect Master. ”
Xuan Xuan Zi solemnly produced a seal: “Fellow Daoist, if you have doubts, please behold this item! ”
Fang Xi extended his divine consciousness and saw that the seal resembled a small mountain, carved with the two ancient seal characters ‘Xuan Tian’, its surface shimmering with spiritual light, clearly an extraordinary treasure.
“Indeed. . . Since the ‘Black Heaven Seal’ is in Fellow Daoist Xuan Xuan Zi’s hands, your identity is beyond doubt. ”
Fang Xi smiled, appearing to be very familiar with the seal.
And so it was in reality. The Black Heaven Sect Master’s token was naturally no small matter; with this seal, one could entirely mobilize any Foundation Establishment force within the State of Yue!
He made a welcoming gesture and flew into the array first.
Xuan Xuan Zi put away the extraordinary seal and followed him into the mist, marveling: “This old Daoist is blind-eyed. . . This must be the superior-grade second-tier ‘Nine-Nethers Profound Wood Grand Array’, with some modifications. Could it be that Fellow Daoist is also a superior-grade second-tier Formation Master? ”
“Just a friend helped me modify it. . . ”
Fang Xi vaguely replied, then led Xuan Xuan Zi to the Evergreen Pavilion, dismissed all the maidservants, and only then did they take their seats as host and guest.
“May I ask, Sect Master, what brings you here? ” Fang Xi sipped his spiritual tea, asking knowingly.
“Alas. . . I heard from Junior Brother Kuang that there was some misunderstanding with the Island Master last time, so I specially came to resolve it. I’ve long heard of Dragon Fish Island’s great renown, and not having visited earlier, this old Daoist has been remiss. . . ”
Although Xuan Xuan Zi was the Sect Master of a Core Formation sect, he did not possess an overbearing personality; his manner of dealing with people was as refreshing as a spring breeze.
“Not at all, not at all, it was just a small misunderstanding last time. . . ”
Fang Xi echoed a few words, and the two implicitly agreed not to mention Yuan Fei Hong’s matter.
“Alas. . . my Senior Brother Qiao died a terrible death. . . ”
Xuan Xuan Zi sampled a spiritual fruit, then indignantly declared: “The Green Wood Sect actually colluded with demonic cultivators to kill my Black Heaven Sect Master! This enmity is irreconcilable! ”
‘They even ambushed and killed your Sect Master. . . It seems the war is indeed at a disadvantage. ’
Fang Xi mused inwardly, not saying more, quietly awaiting Xuan Xuan Zi’s next words.
“Island Master, I wonder, are you willing to join my Black Heaven Sect? ”
Xuan Xuan Zi valued tangible benefits over empty reputation, and still wished to win Fang Xi over. After all, gaining several late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators would certainly have some effect in turning the tide of the war, perhaps even determining the outcome of a particular battle zone!
Without waiting for Fang Xi’s reply, Xuan Xuan Zi continued: “Within my Black Heaven Sect, there are countless cultivation techniques and secret arts, as well as various rare resources. . . You can even receive personal guidance from Grand Elder Zhang! This would undoubtedly be beneficial for Core Formation. ”
“Oh? ”
Fang Xi’s eyes lit up, seemingly somewhat moved.But in reality, he was self-sufficient in all things, sought nothing from outside, and had no intention of leaving Dragon Fish Island; he simply wanted to cultivate in seclusion on the island until he achieved Core Formation.
However, he knew that ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators might not be able to resist Xuan Xuan Zi’s enticement.
After all, there were only a handful of Core Formation cultivators in the entire Three Kingdoms Cultivation World. If one could receive guidance on Core Formation insights from Grand Elder Zhang, even a perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator would be tempted.
A glint appeared in Fang Xi’s eyes as he suddenly asked: “If I were to lead the cultivators of Dragon Fish Island to join the Black Heaven Sect, I wonder if any Core Formation Spiritual Items would be bestowed? ”
“This. . . ”
Even with Xuan Xuan Zi’s excellent temperament, he almost cursed out loud.
How precious were Core Formation Spiritual Items?
If the Black Heaven Sect truly possessed such an item, they would certainly prioritize their own people; how could they possibly give it to an outsider?
“Fellow Daoist, surely you know the rarity of Core Formation Spiritual Items? Even our sect doesn’t possess any. . . but a set of Core Formation insights, that might be possible. . . ”
Xuan Xuan Zi took several deep breaths to calm himself, finally managing to suppress his anger, and replied calmly.
“Only Core Formation insights? Alas. . . it seems this one’s life will indeed find it difficult to achieve Core Formation. . . ”
Fang Xi sighed, appearing quite regretful: “I am already over one hundred and sixty years old. I merely wish to live out my remaining years peacefully, not to engage in further battles. I ask Fellow Daoist Xuan Xuan Zi to understand. . . ”
“This. . . fine, then. Fellow Daoist’s ability to resist demonic cultivators in the Myriad Islands Lake is also a defense of my Black Heaven Sect’s northern border. ”
Seeing that his primary objective for today was truly unattainable, Xuan Xuan Zi could only settle for the next best thing: “This old Daoist heard. . . previously, a Foundation Establishment cultivator on your island even unleashed a third-tier talisman? As this old Daoist knows, there doesn’t seem to be a single third-tier Talisman Master in the State of Yue right now. . . nor are there any third-tier spiritual talismans circulating. Could it be Fellow Daoist? ”
“That’s right, it was personally refined by this one. ”
Fang Xi admitted frankly: “What? Does Fellow Daoist Xuan Xuan Zi wish to purchase a few? That’s certainly no problem. . . ”
He had released the information precisely for this matter.
Unfortunately, third-tier spiritual talismans were too precious; within the entire State of Yue, only the Black Heaven Sect could afford them.
“This. . . our sect is currently at war with the Green Wood Sect, so high-tier talismans are naturally the more the merrier. What about the price? ”
Xuan Xuan Zi took a deep breath, asking about the most crucial part.
“Any treasure, once it reaches a high tier, will see its price surge by several or even dozens of times. . . ”
Fang Xi pursed his lips: “How about this. . . Fellow Daoist can offset the price with third-tier spiritual wood, or superior-grade spirit stones. . . ”
“This. . . ”
Xuan Xuan Zi fell into contemplation. The other party’s request for third-tier spiritual wood was easy to understand, as it was the main material for producing third-tier talisman paper.
But superior-grade spirit stones?
“Superior-grade spirit stones are extremely rare in spirit stone veins; one might not even dig up a few in ten years. They have always been held by our sect’s Grand Elder Zhang. . . It would indeed be troublesome to use them for trade. ”
Xuan Xuan Zi’s face showed difficulty: “For Foundation Establishment cultivators like us, mid-grade spirit stones should be sufficient for daily needs, right? ”
“I naturally have my uses for superior-grade spirit stones. . . If this point cannot be agreed upon, then I can only regrettably decline this transaction. ”
Fang Xi shook his head.
He wanted superior-grade spirit stones, naturally, for himself.
Whether it was for future research into third-tier formations, or to draw upon their abundant pure spiritual energy to aid breakthroughs during Core Formation, they were all excellent choices.
“This. . . this humble Daoist can only say I will consider it, and superior-grade spirit stones are exceedingly precious, often costing more than ten thousand low-grade spirit stones. . . ”
Xuan Xuan Zi voiced many concerns, but his true objective was to probe how many third-tier talismans Fang Xi had stored and how many he could produce in the future.
“Third-tier talismans are extremely rare; even with abundant talisman paper, I can hardly refine one per month. . . They can only be sold as rare talismans, paired with some superior-grade second-tier talismans. . . As for the price of superior-grade spirit stones, if it comes down to it, I’ll just make up the difference with low-grade spirit stones. ”
Fang Xi waved his hand, displaying his wealth.
During the time of the Emerald Island ruins, he had indeed earned a considerable amount of spirit stones through the Spirit Sky Island market, most of which were low-grade, and he happened to need to exchange them.
In addition, Yuan Fei Hong had offered a large quantity of spiritual materials to settle on Dragon Fish Island; among them should have been some of White Peace Immortal City’s centuries of accumulation, and the spirit stones alone were no small sum.
‘Alas. . . it seems this person absolutely insists on superior-grade spirit stones. ’
‘If our sect weren’t so stretched for resources, why would we need to bow our heads to this person? ’
‘For now, I’ll endure. Once the Green Wood Sect retreats, there will surely be a day. . . ’
A thousand thoughts swirled in Xuan Xuan Zi’s mind, before he finally revealed a smile and settled on a rough purchase agreement with Fang Xi.
They also agreed that, in the future, the Black Heaven Sect would send someone to Dragon Fish Island for transactions.
“I heard. . . ” Finally, a thought stirred in Xuan Xuan Zi’s mind, and he spoke: “Fellow Daoist hasn’t left Dragon Fish Island for nearly a century, have you? ”
“Indeed. . . presiding over the island’s formations is quite troublesome. ”
Fang Xi replied without the slightest change in expression.
‘This person. . . he must also be a hidden Formation Master! Residing within this formation, no one other than Grand Elder Zhang could possibly subdue him. Truly, his momentum has become unstoppable! ’
Upon hearing this, Xuan Xuan Zi’s heart was greatly shaken with awe. . .
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