Chapter 44: Longevity for Five Hundred Thousand Spiritual Stones

When the flying boat sailed over the Inner Gate, Qi Tai squinted slightly; earlier he had received a message from the three and roughly understood the founding master's meaning. He hoped Qin Yu could temper himself well, just as he had at the Outer Gate. At that moment a rotund figure appeared on the boat, showing a friendly smile and shouting, "Cough… Elder Wu? Elder Qi?" Both Qi Tai and Qin Yu stepped out of the cabin, and upon seeing the newcomer they couldn't help but smile. This Outer Gate Grand Elder looked rather festive.

But Qi Tai had been very displeased earlier, because that damn fat man had directly messaged the sect leader. Otherwise his whole family could be ruined, and he might actually produce a notorious disciple. Immediately, with a grim expression he looked at him: "Damn fat man, what do you intend?" "Your previous actions, should you not give this old man an explanation?" The Outer Gate Grand Elder instantly forced a smile uglier than crying: "Elder Qi, you're joking. As a direct descendant of the sect leader, if I don't report certain matters, I'll lose this position tomorrow." "You should understand." "Therefore, I have been waiting outside for the three of you, especially to offer my apologies."

But after the words fell, the Outer Gate Grand Elder's gaze landed on Qin Yu, and his expression froze instantly. He… why was he behind Qi Tai? Where were Elder Wu and the Deputy Hall Master? Damn, could it be that the sect leader himself intervened and still didn't outshine Elder Qi? Then my efforts were in vain, and I'd offended these three core figures for nothing. At that moment the Grand Elder felt some regret, thinking he shouldn't have spoken up. Could it be that this youngster's talent was not favored by the sect leader after all? It shouldn't be—he had already broken the ultimate limits of the flesh at the Ninth Body‑Tempering Stage, and even overpowered the Third Foundation stage Chu Jiang. Moreover, on the Outer Gate plaza he used subtle means to chastise the true‑line disciple Chu Yu. In their view, Qin Yu must have secretly employed some trick, which caused Chu Yu to sprain her ankle. Yet she is a Spirit Realm cultivator—how could she sprain an ankle? Even if she did, it could not have resulted in an immediate bone fracture.

To cultivate to the Spirit Realm, one's body becomes impervious to swords and spears; even ordinary iron cannot leave a single scar. Yet one can move mountains, split rocks, draw upon heaven and earth's spiritual energy, and wield Dao intent. That already reaches the miracle of calling wind and rain. Claiming he sprained his ankle would not convince a three‑year‑old. "No need to look further; I have not taken him as a disciple, humph." Qi Tai flicked his sleeve in great displeasure. Nevertheless, he was determined to extort something from that damn fat man. The Outer Gate Grand Elder instantly understood, and a faint beam of light shot from his hand onto Qi Tai's palm—a Qiankun Ring. Its pale luster made Qin Yu feel slightly dazzled. The Qiankun Ring is a Mystic Tier spiritual treasure; it contains within it a miniature space of heaven and earth, capable of storing many items, much like the Qiankun Bag. However, the Qiankun Bag's capacity is limited and it is cumbersome to carry, being standard for low‑level cultivators. Qi Tai gave it a quick glance, was extremely satisfied, and nodded lightly.

At that moment the Outer Gate Grand Elder snapped his right hand; hundreds of streaks of light flickered and hovered beside Qin Yu. Squinting, he said, "I personally retrieved a hundred varieties of Mystic Tier elixirs from the treasury." "According to the reward, you, as the top‑ranked, may choose any one you like." "These contain various elemental spiritual energies, some boost combat power, etc.; I have brought you a price list for a quick look." Qin Yu felt warm currents flow through his body; the glow emitted by the hundred elixirs was pleasant, giving him a sense of vigorous life. Instantly a price list materialized in the void: "Mystic Tier intermediate grade, Millennial Fire Vine—after absorption it raises the intensity of fire‑type spiritual energy; because it grows kilometers underground it may grant insight into core fire—60,000 spiritual stones." "Mystic Tier superior grade, Myriad Path Tree—naturally nurtured by heaven and earth over ten thousand years, it contains the rules of heaven and earth, can accompany one long‑term, even grant enlightenment, and increase cultivation speed—200,000 spiritual stones…" "Mystic Tier intermediate grade…" Qin Yu skimmed; each item started at the Mystic Tier intermediate level and possessed extraordinary effects beneficial to cultivation, and each price was exceedingly high. This Outer Gate Grand Elder was rather impressive, achieving such a level for just one Outer Gate disciple.

But… there is no longevity elixir among these? In a month I'll return to Blue Star, I must first find a way to extend my life, otherwise I'll die on the spot. That would be a direct death. Immediately I asked, "Um… Grand Elder, may I inquire whether there are any Mystic Tier longevity elixirs?" "I would like one." Qi Tai, standing nearby, was momentarily dazed. Turbulent thoughts surged—had Qin Yu already seen through this? The founding master's body is nearing its end? If so, why is he now openly asking for a longevity treasure? I have only been a disciple for half a day and already miss my master. Why… why is this disciple not mine!!! Qi Tai felt his heart crumble, and once again the thought of killing the fat man in front of him rose. In an instant the Outer Gate Grand Elder was stunned: you, a newly entered Foundation Establishment realm inner‑gate disciple, why seek a longevity elixir? These are all for cultivation! Moreover, why does Elder Qi seem again intent on killing me after he finished speaking? The murderous look is genuine. Suddenly, behind the Grand Elder…

"…Qin Yu, you don't know this: longevity elixirs are basically starting at Mystic Tier superior grade; they are not only scarce but also extremely precious, costing three to five times more than ordinary elixirs, and often have no market price!" "Many cultivators approaching their critical limit rely on these elixirs to cling to life." "Although Mystic Tier elixirs are not very potent, for Spirit Realm cultivators they only extend life by a dozen or twenty years, yet they are swarmed for, supply cannot meet demand." "Because in my Mystic Sun Sect there are few aging Spirit Realm cultivators, we naturally have no stock of Mystic Tier longevity elixirs." "If you need one, I can gather it for you at five hundred thousand spiritual stones per piece." "And the quality will at least grant fifteen years of extended life." Knowing Qin Yu's importance, the Grand Elder was eager to deepen the exchange and even offered to procure the elixir. Qin Yu glanced at Qi Tai, and Qi Tai transmitted, "That price is very fair; he isn't even making a single spiritual stone profit." "I don't know what you'll use it for, but… you can indeed buy it from him." Qin Yu blinked. Whether the Grand Elder makes a profit I don't know. I mean, altogether I've earned over ten thousand spiritual stones more than the big competition.